The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-07-30
Copyright 1Sss by Associated Press.

Copyright 1s9s by Associated Press.
Port OF Ponce. Porto Rico. via the
Island of st. Thomas. d. w. l., July
2s.-The port of Ponce surrendered to
Commander C. ii. Davis of the aux
Hilary gunboat Dixie. There was no re-
sistance and the Americans were wild
with enthusiasm. Major General Miles
arrived here this morning at daylight
with General Ernest's brigade and
General Wilson's division on board the
transports. General Ernest's brigade
Immediately started for the town of
Ponce. three miles inland, which capit-
ulated this afternoon.
The American troops are pushing to-
ward the mountains and will join Cen
eral Henry and his brigade at Yanco,
which has been captured by our
troops.
A fight before the latter place on
Tuesday was won by the American VOL
ahN bpohASh tlknl
companies of the 9Th Massachusetts,
and 9Th Illinois regiments. but the
enemy was repulsed and driven back n
mile to the ridge. where the Spanish
cavalry charged and were retreated by
our infantry. General Garrettson led
the fight with the men from Illinois and
Massachusetts,. and the enemy retreat
ed to Yanco. leaving four dead on the
field and several wounded
None of our men were killed and only
three wounded. The wounded are:
Capt. Gipon Barrett. private James
Drummond and Private II. C. Garry.
The Porto Ricans are glad the Ameri-
can troops have landed and say they
are all Americans and will Join our
army. The roads are good for military
purposes.
Our troops are healthy and General
Miles says the campaign will be shore
and vigorous.
General Miles has issued the follow
ing proclamation:
''In the prosecution of the war against
the kingdom of Spain by the people OF
the United States in the cause of lib
erty. Justice and humanity. its military
forces have come to occupy the island
of Porto Rico. They come bearing the
banners of freedom. inspired by a no.
BILE purpose. to seek the enemies of our
government and of yours and to de-
stroy or capture all in armed resist
anee. They bring you the fostering
arm of a free people whose greatest
power IS Justice and humanity to all
living within their fold. Hence, they
release you from your former politI-
cal relations and, 1t is hoped. this Will
be followed by your cheerful accent
ance.
The chief object of the American
military forces will be TO overthrow
the authority OF Spain and give the
people of your beautiful island the |
largest measure of liberty consistent /
with this military occupation. They |
have come. not to make war on the /
people OF the country. who for centuries /
have been oppressed. but. on the con-
trary. they come to protect. not only /
yourselves. but your property. promote
your prosperity and bestow the i'm
munities and blessings Of our enlight-
ened and liberal institutions and gov
ernment. II is not their purpose to in-
terfere with the existing laws and GUS
toms which are wholesome and beneh-
cial to the people. so long as they con-
form to the rules of the military ad-
order and justice. This
is not a war of devastation and deso-
lation. but one to give all within the
OF the military and naval forces
the advantages and blessings of en-
lightened civilization"
-~