Connecticut western news., 1898-07-21


 da rails crowding to windows and doors the town, principally women and non- oombatanss. As the chimes of the old cathedral rang out the hour of 12 the infantry and cavalry presented arms, every American uncovered and Captain McKittrick hoisted the stars and stripes. As the brilliant folds unfurled in gen. tie breeze against fleekless sky the cavalry band broke into the strains of "The Star Spangled Banner" making the American pulse leap and the Ameri- can heart thrill with joy.
 Cheers For General Shafter.
 At the same instant the sound of the distant booming of Captain Capron's battery, firing a salute of 21 guns, drift ed in. When the music ceased, from all directions around our line came floating across the plaza the strains of the regi- mental bands and the muffled, hoarse cheers of our troops. The infantry came to "order arms'' a moment later after the flag was up, and the band played Rally Round the Flag, Boys" h. stantly General McKibbin called for three cheers for General Shafter, which were given with great enthusiasm, the band playing Sousa's "The Stars and Stripes Forever"
 The ceremony over, General Shafter and his staff returned to the American lines, leaving the city in the possession of the municipal authorities, subject to the control of General McKibbin.
 Amid impressive ceremonies the Spanish troops laid down their arms be- tween the lines of the Spanish and American forces at o'clock this morn- ing.
 General Shafter and the American di- vision and brigade commanders and their staffs were escorted by a troop of cavalry, and General Toral and his staff by 100 picked men.
 Trumpeters on both sides saluted with fiourishes.
 General Shafter returned to General Toral the latter's sword after 1t had been handed to the American com- mander.
 Our troops lined up at the trenches were eyewitnesses of the ceremony.
 General Toral apolog1zed for the non- appearance of General Linares, who was prevented from being present by serious wound. He will call and pay his respects to General Shafter as soon as he Is able to leave his cot.
 An elaborate dinner was prepared at
 
 erals. and at this banquet many of the details of the surrender which have not been settled were discussed.
 For the present the Spanish munich pal authorities will remain in charge of the city.
 Tora1 Makes O Statement.
 General Toral, the commander of the Spanish forces, was present throughout hn af vrh oh of an- pitulation were drawn and appeared to be utterly heartbroken. He spoke bitter ly of the fate which compelled him to sue for peace, but had no word to say against the gallant men who had con- quered his army. He declared that he had little chance to win.
 'I would not desire to see my worst enemy play with the cards I held" he said to one of the commissioners. "Ev- cry one of my generals was killed or wounded. I have not a single colonel left and am surrounded by powerful enemy. We have counted CT ships off this port.
 And. besides" he concluded, wearily waving his hands toward the city, "I have secret troubles there."
 Speaking of the battle of June 24 in which the Rough Riders and part of General Youngs command participated, General Toral said that less than 2.000 Spanish troops were engaged, his loss being 265. He would not say how many Spaniards were killed at Fl Caney and before Santiago.
 Heavy, heavy!" he said dejectedly.
 In response to an inquiry he said that transportation would be required for between 22O00 and 23.000 men, there being that much of force in the ca pitulated district. He informed the offi- cers that Santiago harbor had been again mined since Admiral Cervera left.
 Red Cross Relief Work.
 The Red Cross steamer State of Texas arrived Monday at 6 o'clock in the after