The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-07-16

the surrender of such an important posi-
ton as Santiago and the abandonment
of eastern Cuba would require the direct
sanction of the Madrid government, and
requesting more time to hear irom
Madrid. At the same time Captain
General Blanco authorized eneral TOral.
if it was agreeable to the American
general, to appoint commissioners to
meet like commissioners on the American
side to arrange the terms of the capitu-
lation of the forces under his command.
on the condition of their parole and
transportation to Spain, pending the
sanction of Madrid. He also communi-
Gated the names of the commissioners
he had selected, namely, Robert Mason.
! the British Vice Consul, General Torai's
chief of staff, Colonel Fountaine and
! General Escarajao
This communication was so ambiguous
that it might all be upset by the re
fusal of Madrid to sanction the terms
agreed to by the commissioners and
General Shafter resolved to have all
the ambiguity removed before proceed
ing further. AT II o'clock he mounted
his horse and together with General
Miles and their staffs. he rode to the
front. At General Wheeler's headguar-
| tprS trcUpTHt NUdttef, 1eIeIdi shHts
Colonel Maus and an Interpreter left
the retinue and passed on over our
trenches, with n flag of truce, to the
mango tree under which the interview
was held yesterday. They were soon
Joined by General Toral, his chief OF
staff and the two other commissioners
appointed by him.
General Miles took no part in the ne
In hoe hann nnrofut CIncp
his arrival here not to assume the Iii
rection of affairs or to detract in the
| least from the glory of General Shaf-
| ter's achievements.
! General Shafter insisted at the outset
| that the commissioners to be appointed
| should have paramount authority to
| make and conclude the terms of surren-
! der in accordance with our demands.
| After parleying General Toral acced-
| cd to this, explaining that since his last
communication he had received direct
authority from Captain General Blanco
| to do so. This being the main point.
| the interview was soon concluded.
! Before parting, General Shafter com
plimented General Toral highly upon
| the skill and gallantry of his resistance
| Upon the return to General Wheeler 5
, headquarters the news Of our complete
| victory was communicated to General
| Lawton and to Gen. Kent and to the
| brigade commanders. A scene of general
| rejoicing followed.
General Shafter held a regular levet
before he dsmounted and was congratu
| lated and complimented by all. He inn
mediately appointed General Wheeler,
General Lawton and Captain Miey to
be commissioners on his behalf to treat
with those appointed by General Toral
He then issued orders to permit out
troops to retire from the trenches, but
absolutely forbidding any one, soldier or
civilian, from going into the Spanish
lines.
return TO their homes, but neither our
troops nor the Cuban auXiiaries are to
enter the city at present.
The order as to the Cubans is very
specific. They have shown disposition
to loot every and any place, but they
are not to have the privilege of glutting
their appetites for plunder in Santiago.
n guard is to be maintained about
the city and the camps of our soldiers
are to be removed just to the front or
TO the rear of our lines. as in individu-
~ cases Is most practicable. The change
of the camp sites will undoubtedly i'm
prove the health of the troops.
The whole purpose of the American
commander now is to protect the health
of the army, especially from the dread
ed contagion.
1t is claimed there is no fever in San
tiago. but the city is full of filth and
stencil. and if our men are allowed to
90 in it will undoubtedly become n pcst
hole.
The boys in the trenches were iynor-
ant of the outcome of the negotiations
until Il heavy luncheon of coffee. hard
tack and corned beef WAS served.
Then General Shafter appointed Col
onel Astor and Captain McKittrick 10
convey the welcome tidings along tho
lines. Some of the officers favored ceIc-
brating the victory with bands and II
demonstration but General Shafter We
tOed the proposition.
He said there was no occasion to hu-
initiate the enemv who had fought brave
ly: but before Colonel Astor and Cap
tain Mckittrick could warn the soldiers
the latter broke out into wild hurrahs
Some danced about. threw their hats
into the air hugged each other and CON
graduated themselves upon the prospect