Hutchinson gazette. [volume] (Hutchinson, Kan.) 1895-1902, 1898-08-04
MILES RAPIDLY ADVANCING.
The Army IL Greeted by the People
with Demonstrations Of Rejoicing.

AhNH""t We W. 49, shNbh'N - NN'N"N'
Hulings, with ten companies OF the
Sixteenth Pennsylvania, has occupied
Juan Dlaz, about ten miles from
Ponce, on the way 10 San Juan. The
American flag was raised and greeted
with great enthusiasm by the popu-
lace.
The protected cruiser Columbia
went ashore while attempting to en-
ter the harbor OF Ponce, but II is ex'
pected she will be floated tomorrow,
General Brooke arrived this even
ing. During the afternoon seven COM
panies OF the Nineteenth regular In
fantry arrived ON the Cherokee.
Cable communication was opened
tonight, but the line will not be In
full operation for several days.
Ponce, Porto Rico, August LIN
spite OF the brave words Of the pro-
nunciamento Of Captain General Ma
cias, Spanish power in Porto Rico Is
rapidly crumbllng, Mr.. i. G. Hanna,
United States consul at San Juan un-
til war was declared, gives the Assoc
ciated Press the following text OF a
dispatch received by him to-day from
a Spanish official in the northern
part of the island, Resistance Is Inn
possible. The volunteers have re-
fused to march, and we have no anu
munition."
Mr.. Hanna declined TO give the
name OF his informant, but it is
known that he has excellent secret
sources Of information. lie has all
along insisted that the native Porto
Ricans were eager for change from
Spanish to American rule, and that
the only danger In the island was
from the Spanish regulars, under the
direct command OF the captain gen.
eral.
General Miles has not yet directed
general forward movement In adj
vance OF the arrival of the main body
OF the troops. Colonel Hulings is still
at the front, and to-day occupied
Juan Diaz, the first important town
on the road to San Juan. The inhab-
itants, crazy with delight, met the
troops with home made American
flags,
Colonel Rulings assured them that
their lives and property would be pro-
tected.
Pickets have thrown out to-day to
feel for the enemy, Deserters from
volunteers who are coming in con-
stantly report that there is a small
force of Spanish regulars at Coamo,
midway between Juan Diaz and Al
bonito, on the road to San Juan They
also say that General 0tega is on the
way with reinforcements, and that
the main body of regulars Is concen-
trating in Aibonto. 4 small skirmIsh
recently occurred at Fortuna, be-
tween few regulars who were for
aging, and the residents Of the VIII
lage. To-day 1870 volunteers, includ-
ing fifteen officers, have signed the
parole.
There is no reason to change the
opinion that IL any stand is made be-
fore San Juan is reached 1t will be at
Aibonito, where the mountain pass
gives the enemy great opportunity
At Guayamo, twenty-seven miles
east Of Ponce, 200 Spanish regulars,
under instructions from the captain
general, seized the funds Of the town.
The residents resisted and General
Miles was appealed to for help. He
has advised naval demonstration in
front of the town; it is possible that
this will be made tomorrow. Troops
may be sent If the reported presence
Of the Spanish regulars is confirmed.
Tales Of looting and outraging con-
tinue, the reports covering numerous
small towns in the province of Ponce.
The arrival of General Brooke, with
the troops on board the auxiliary
cruiser st. Louis, is highly gratifying
to General Miles, who says that posi-
lively nothing is to be done prema-
turely.
Mr.. Hanna is busy in assisting to
adjust local conditions to the new
state Of affairs. He is endeayoring to
establish American postoffices in all
the important centers of the occupied
territory, and he has frequent inter-
views with merchants and bankers on
the question of money premium, an
awkward question that is giving the
American and local 6nanciers much
trouble.
The situation briefly in this respect
is that prior to the American occupa-
ton the premium on American and
English gold over Porto Rico silver
has been from $l.20 to $1.75. Span
iards, on leaving, took away all the
money they could find, and this re-
suited in an abnormal scarcity, crip-
pling the merchants, who must pay
import duties in Porto Rican coin.
The premium fell quickly to 100 and
is now down to fifty. The serious
question is as to the intrinsic value
OF native coin, which is adulterated
with nickel.
To-day the merchants proposed to
Mr.. Hanna to agree to pay a premium
of 100, provided import duties on
goods from the United States are re-
They also offered to buy
everything from the United States.
-----y------
Cool and comfortable dining care on Santa Re
Route are obtained by use OF electric fans.