The age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1897-1902, 1898-10-08
But He Dsiied Colonel P0nOn to Do
His Worst.
THROWN IN TURMOIL
For Time it Looked as if Battalion OF
Immunes Would be Compelled
to Fight Twice Their Num-
Der of Spaniards.

long remembered in the history Oh Mali
zanillo A fight was narrowly aVerted pc
tween the Spanish garrison under Colohel
Parron and the United States troops unoer
Colonel Ray, who have arrived here from
Santiago to take possession OF the city.
The arrival of the Americans had taken
lie Spanish commander by surprise and
he had represented to Colonel Ray that ne
had received word from General blanco
informing him that the date for the Amerl-
can occupation had been postponed to &c
tober TO- He requested Colonel Ray to
cable for additional instructions. The lat
ter consented to do SO and sent a dispatch
to General LaWton at Santiago.
At o'clock this morning, Colonel Ray
not hearing from General Lawton to the
contrary, sent word by Adjjutant Collins
to Colonel ParroA that in accordance with
his instructions he would march his men
to the city from the dock, mile away,
where the United Statets transport Reina
Del Los Angeles had moved at the request
of Colonel Parron, and would take possess
sion Of the public buildings in the name
of the United States.
At o'clock the battalion was in motion
with colors flying.
Colonel Ray marched toward the city,
but before the troops reached the city Ad-
jutant Collins arrived with Colonel ParronS
reply. The latter said he had no objec-
ton to surrenderng the custom house at
once provided the American flag was not
raised. Colonel Ray retorted that the United
States was not accustomed to taking pos
session without displaying the insignia of
its sovereignty.
The March Continued
The march was then continued toward the
city When the troops passed the guard
at the gate a body of twenty-five, the lat
ter lined up and saluted. The report soon
spread that the Americans had arrived
with colors flying and the streets were soon
thronged by apparently the whole popula-
ton, men, women and children turning out
by thousands 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 800
men on the other side of the square.
Colonel Ray visited Colonel Parron at the
palace and a somewhat stormy interview
took place between them with the aid of
an interpreter. The Spanish commander
said he had understood from Colonel Ray
that matters were to remain over until Oc-
tober 10, and that he considered himself
trcked Colonel Ray explained that he
had never said anything of that sort and
that his instructions were to take possess
sion of the city October 7, and that he had
cabled for further instructions and not
receiving any reply he had proceeded to
carry out his original instructions.
Thereupon Colonel Parron said the Amer
lean troops must be removed at once.
Colonel kay refused. COloHei Idlfou uS-
clared he would use force. Colonel Ray
answered.:
eff you wish to precipitate further hostil-
tiles with the United States 1 am unable
to prevent it. But so far as l am con-
cerned, have certain orders which, as
soldier 1 am bound to carry out. l APP
,preciaate the position in which you find
Yourself, but am unable to help you. If
the United States troops are fired upon
I believe the men who are with me are
quite able to take care of themselves, even
though a little outnumbered and although
I am opposed to a useless waste OF life,
shall face the issue in any way it suits
YOU"
: FINALLY 1t was decided not to take any
action until the cable office had closed at
6 o'clock today.
The Colors Encased
Tn the meantime the United States troops
were to be marched up to the barracks
which the Spaniards left last night on de-
parting for Cienfuegos, Colonel Ray con-
senting to encase the colors out OF deter-
ence to Colonel Parrons fear that the sight
of the American flag might excite the
Spanish element beyond restraint and SO
prove necessary to prevent bloodshed.
On leaving the palace the two colonels
walked to the square, where they arrived
inst in time to prevent a collision be-
tween their forces. 1t appears that Span
ish officer who had misunderstood an order
from Colonel Parron had just notllled lhe
American troops that they must leave i'm
mediately Captain Frost, in command
during Colonel Rays absence, refused to
comply, whereupon he was toiu that the
blood of his men would lie upon their own
heads. -.
Colonel Parron promptly ordered MS
over-zealous subordinate away. Then be-
gan the march of mile to the barracks
through the crowded street, most OF the
onlookers being evidently pro-Spanish,
Judging from their scowling looks and I'M
complimentary remarks. The march led
around the square. The barracks were
found in healthful locality and in good
condition.
1t was Colonel Rays firT intention TO
take action as soon as the cable once
closed and it was evident that the soldiers
on both sides were quite ready to try con-
c.usions the Spanish officers especially not
taking kindly to evacuation.
But some time before the cable ofhce
closed Colonel Ray received a dispatch from
General Wade explaining that the COM
mander of the Spanish troops at Manzaniilo
had requested a delay until October 10 and
that the formal occupation was tht tsfore
postponed.
The United States troops remain in the
barracks by permission of Colonel Parron.
Considerable alarm was experienced by
the civilians who understood the call to
arms and it's full significance.