The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-10-08
CLASH NARROWLY AVERTED.
AMERICANS AND SPANISH FACE
EACH OTHER At MANZAxILLO.
Spanish Colonel Refuses to Pernas
American Troops to Enter the
City, Bst TAey 60 Jsst the sane,
the Result 81 . Nisunderstandin4.

MANzANILIO. Oct Z. afsernoon.-This
will be q day long 10 Be remembered IN TIE
history OF MAnzan.iio. A light was narrow
Iy ayer;esi between the Spanish garrison
under Col. Parron ard tas United States
troops until Col Ray.
One battalion of the Third immunes who
have arrived here from Santiago TO take
possession Of the city.
The arrival OF the Americans had taken
the Spanish commander by surprise and De
had represented 20 Col Ray that he had
received word from Gen Bianco informing
him that the date Of the American occupa-
ton had been post poned 10 October L. He
requested Col. Fay to telegraph for addi-
ttonA3 Instructions The latter consented
to do 50 and sen, dispatch to Gen Law
ton Af Santiago.
AT O'Clock this morning Col Ray not
having heard from Gen Lawton 20 the con-
trary. sent word by AdjutAnt Collins to Col
Parron that, in accordance with his IN
structicns he should march his men 10 the
city from the docks. a mile away. where
the United States transport had moved at
the request OF Col. Parron. and would take
possession of the public buildings In the
name OF the United States.
At O'Clock the battalion was in motion
with eolors flying Col. Ray marched To-
ward the city. but before the troops reach
ed the city gate Adjutan, Collins asked for
Col Parron's reply. The latter said he had
no objection to surrender.ng the custom
house at once prov -ded the American flag
was not raised. Col 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 gate. body OF twenty-five lined and
ea!uted. The report sooE spread through
the city that the Americans had arrived
ND -h.s az xs..r
thronged by apparently the whole popula
ton men, women and children turning out
by thousands as the regiment marched to-
ward the principal square. where Ii halted.
AT this point Spanish bugler sounded the
call 70 arms. and the Spanish garrison
turned out to the number OF 800 men ON the
other side OF the square.
Col. Ray visited Col. Pargon at the palace
and a somewhat stormy interview took
place between them. with the aid or an In
sterpreter. Col Parron sad the American
troops must be removed at once. Col. Ray
refused Col Parron declared he. would
use force. Col. Ray answered.:
II ycu wish to precipi5ate sostilities
with the United States. am unable 10 pre-
vent IT, But 50 far as am concerned,
have certain orders. which as q soldier
am bound 10 carry out. / appreciate the
position in which you find yourself but
am unable 10 help You. If the United
States troops are fred upon. l believe the
men who are with me are quite able to
take care of themselves. even though lit
lie ouinlanbereO. ana aiinougG L am OPP
posed 10 a useless waste Of life. ! shah
race the issue In any way Ii suits you"
Col. Parron said he would Immediately
order the arrest of the officer who allowed
the American troops 10 pass the city gate.
Col Ray retorted: IF he had refused
should have been under the unpleasant me-
cessity Of shooting him and then forcing
an entrance
After considerable discussion and many
requests on the part of Col. Parron that
Col. Ray should take his men out of the
city until Gen. Blanco could be communi-
Gated with. 1t was decided not 10 take
action until the cable office should be
closed at O'Clock this evening, Col. Ray
asserting that II by that time no further
instructions had been received ne would
take action imr,ed lately before nightfall
On leaving the palace the two colonies
walked To the square. where they arrived
just in time to prevent a clash between
their forces.
Some time before the cable closed,
Col. Ray received dispatch from Gen.
Wade explaining that the commander OF
the Spanish troops al Manzanilio had re-
auested delay until October 10, and that
the formal evacuation was therefore post
poned.