The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-10-08
90, nay MARCHED HIS MEN INTO
Tur CITY REGARDLESS OF
sPANIARDs PROTEST.
THEIR ORDERS coNFLICTE0
crv WADE DISPATCHES AN EN-
pLANATION OF THE TROUBLE.
Postponemen In Evacuation Had
ueeu Granted Spaniards Until
oct. 10 - Col. Rays Orders
Were to Occupy the City.
Bloodshed Narrowly
AYerted.

,7opz,uillo. oct. 7, Afternoon.-A fight
vas narrowly averted to-day between the
snanish garrison under Col Parron, and
tho United States troops under Col. Ray,
ubo have arrived here from Santiago 20
take possession of the city.
The arrival of the Americans had taken
the Spanish commander by surprise, and
he had represented to Col. Ray that he
had received word from Gen. Blanco In
forming him that the date for the Amer
i3n OCCUPATION had been postponed to
Oct TO- He requested Col Ray to cable
for additional instructions. The latter
consented to do so, and sent a dispatch
to Gen. Lawton at Santiago.
At o'clock this morning Col. Ray hav-
ine not heard from Gen. Lawton to the
contrary. sent word by Adjt. Collins to
Col. Parron that, in accordance with his
Instructions he should march his men
10 the city from the dock a mile away
where the United States transport, Reina
de los Angeles had moved at the request
of Col. Parron, and would take possession
of the public buildings in the name of
the United States.
At s o'clock the battalion was in mo-
ton with colors flying. Col. Ray march
ed toward the city, but before the troops
reached the city gate, Adjt Collins ar
rived with Col Parrons reply. The lat
ter said he had no objection to surrender
ing The custom house at once. provided
Ray retorted that the United States was
not accustomed to taking possession
without displaying the insignia of its
sovereignty.
The march was then continued toward
the city. When the troops passed the
guard at the eate-a body of twenty-five
the latter lined up and saluted. The re-
port spread through the city that the
Americans had arrived with colors flying
and The streets were soon thronged as the
regiment marched toward the principal
square where it halted.
AT this point a Spanish bugler sounded
the call to arms, and The Spanish garrison
turned out to the number of 500 men on
the other side of the square.
Col. Ray visited Col. Parron at the pal
ace and a somewhat stormy interview took
Place between them, with the aid of an in
terpreter. The Spanish commander said
he had understood from Col. Ray that
matters were to remain over until Oct. 10,
and that he considered himself tricked Col.
Ray explained that he had never said
anything of that sort, that his instructions
We're to take possession of the city on Oct.
T. that he had cabled for further instruc-
tons, and not having received any, that
he proceeded to act upon his original or
dors
Thereupon, Col. Parron said the Amerl-
can troops must be removed at once. Col.
Ray refused. Col. Parron declared he
would use force
Col. Ray answered: "If you wish to
preciptale further hostilities with the
United States, I am unable to prevent it.
But so far as I am concerned have GER
tam orders, which. as a solder, 1 am
bound to carry out. l appreciate The
position in which you find yourself, but
am unable to help you. If the United
states troops are fired upon I believe tie
HF+h VINO are with me are quite able to
lake care Of themselves, even though a
Alle outnumbered, and although I am
opposed 90 useless waste of life, l shall
lace the issue in any way il suits you"
Noi ParrOn said he would Immediately
order the arrest of the officer who allow
% the American troops to pass the city
gate
Col Ray retorted: IF he had refused
should have been under the unpleasant
necessity of shooting him and then fore
ing an entrance"
After considerable discussion and many
REQUESTS on the part of Col. Parron that
ooi Ray should take his men out of the
clY NhtIl Gen. Blanco could be commune
ed'ed With, it was decided not to take ac-
u9A until the cable office had closed at
clock this afternoon Col. Ray assert
n.s mat if az that time no further in
euu2ions had been received, he would
take action before nightfall.
Ih the meantime the United States troops
Nete TO be marched up to the barracks,
""'1 che Spanish left last night, on de-
ioiNA4 for Cienfuegos, Col. Ray consent
aug 'n encase the colors out of Difference
N'i. Parrons fear that the sight of
1'e american flag might excite the Span
Inent beyond restraint and so pro-
'oHe some overt act leading 10 bloodshed
on leaving the palace the two colonies
"'-Asl to the square, where they arrived
,es. 10 time to prevent a collision between
-i'" lorces. 1t appears that some Span
officer, who had misunderstood an
1'le, from Col. Parron. had just notified
t .s american troops that they must leave
Immediately
- pt Frost, in command during Col
nay absence, refused to comply, where
P0A ne was told that the blood of his
would be upon their own heads.
n az this moment Col. Ray came up and
b. .I frost reported the occurrence Col.
on promptly ordered his over-zealous
ordinate away.
Ieh oegan the march of a mile to the
~ aVks through the crowded streets
.. the on-lookers being evidently pro-
.-ish, judging from their scowling
----.- and .I.l-.