The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1898-08-03
CAPTURE OF THREE CITIES.
Ponce capitulated on the Arrival of Our
Troops.

To the Associated Press
PORT OF Ponce. Island of Porto Rico
July ., via the Island of st. Thomas,
Danish West Indies.-Both the Port Of
Ponce and the city of Ponce, the latter
being three miles inland. together with
Yauoo are in the hands of the Americans
Captain Davis of the Dixie, received the
capitnlatiOn of the Port at 1880 o'clock on
Thursday morning, in his cabin. before
the army arrived. The Wasp and GlOu-
cester were with the Dixie.
The official commercial representatives
of the place begged Captain Davis not TO
lombard. and he received the Spanish
colors from them.
General Miles arrived this morning at
daylight with General Ernest's brigade
and General Wilson's division on board
transports. General ErnesFs brigade i'm
mediately started for the town of Ponce,
three miles inland, which capitulste this
afternoon.
The Porto Rieans are glad the Ameri-
can troops have landed, aud say they are
all Americans and will join our army.
A fight before Yauco on Thursday last
was won by the American volunteers.
The Spaniards ambushed eight eompa-
nies Of Massachusetts and Illinois regi-
ments, but the enemy was repulsed and
driven back mile to a ridge, where the
Spanish cavaly charged and were routed
by our infantry.
General Garretson led the fight with
the men from Illinois and Massachusetts,
and the enemy retreated to YaueO, leav-
ing four dead on the field. and several
wounded. None of our men were killed,
and only three were slightly wounded.
The roads are good for military pur-
poses. Our troops are healthy, and Gen
eral Miles says the campaign viii be
short and vigorous.
MILES ISSUES A PROCLAMATION.
General Miles has issued the following
proclamation:
ain the prosecution of the war against
the Kingdom of Spain by the people Of
the United States, in the cause Of liberty,
justice and humanity, its military forces
have come TO occupy the island of Porto
Rico. They come bearing the banners of
liberty, justice and humanity, its mill
tary forces have come to occupy the isl
and Of Porto Rico. They come bearing
the banners of freedom. inspired by no
bic purpose, 10 seek the enemies Of our
Government and of yours, and to destroy
or capture all in armed resistance.
They bring you the fostering arms Of
free people, whose greatest power is jus
tiee and humanity TO all living within
their fold. Hence they release you from
your former political relations, and, it is
hoped. insure your cheerful acceptance of
the Government of the United States.
''The chief object of1he American mil
itary forces will be to overthrow the arm
ed authority of Spain, and give the people
Of your beautiful island the largest meas
ure Of liberty consistent with this mill
tary occupation.
They have come not to make war ON
the people Of the country, who tor centn-
ries have been oppressed, but, on the con-
trary, they bring protection not only to
yourselves, but to your property, promote
your prosperity and bestow the immuni-
and liberal institutions and government
1t is not their purpose to interfere with
the existing laws and customs which are
wholesome and beneficial 10 the people.
so long as they conform to the rules of the
military administration, order and justice
This is not war of devastation and des-
olatiOn, but one to giveall within the con-
troll Of the military aud naval forces the
advantages and blessings of enlightened
civilization