Griggs courier., 1898-08-05
UNDER AMERICAN flag.
Spaniards Surrender the Port and
City of Ponce, Puerto Rico,
to Our Forces.
DEMAND MEETS WITH NO RESISTANCE.
Entrance of the Americans In Warm
ly Welcomed-Old Glory Hoisted-
Gen. Miles Issues a Proclamation
Promising to Protect the People
Gen. Merritt at Manila.

Washington, July 3O.-The results
thus far achieved by Gen. Miles and
Capt. Higginson, in. command of the
naval squadron, in the occupation of
Puerto Rico, have created feeling of
intense satisfaction among officials of
the administration. Information re-
ceived Friday directly from Gen. Miles
was very gratifying to the president
and his advisers. 1t indicates, as one
official expressed it, that "Miles is
cleaning up everything as he goes.
The surrender of Ponce, practically
without struggle, is regarded by the
war officials with especial satisfaction.
In Importance it is the second city of
the island.
The Surrender Of Ponce.
Washington, July 5O.-The navy de-
partment has posted the following bull
letin: q.
"st. Thomas. July 2s.-U. 8. s. Mas
sachusetts. - Ponce, Puerto Rico. July
q. - Commander Davis. with Dixie. An
napolis, Wasp and Gloucester, left Guanica
July q to blockade Ponce and capture light
crs for United States army. Cities Of
Ponce and Playa surrendered to Com
mander Davis upon demand at 1880 a. M.
July 28. American flag hoisted at six q.
M. 2sth. Spanish garrison evacuated.
''Arrived at Ponce from Guanica with
Massachusetts and Cincinnati. Gen. Miles
and Gen. Wilson, and transport at GAO a.
M. 28th. Commenced landing army N cap
tured sugar lighters. No resistance. Troops
welcomed by inhabitants; great enthusi-
asm Captured 6O lighters. " sailing ves-
rs aslgned) "H1GGlNsoN."
Washington, July 3o.-The Dixie was
largely manned by the Maryland naval
reserves.
Miles Tell. of the Victory.
Washington, July 3o.-The war de-
partment has received the following
dispatch from Gen. Miles:
"Port Ponce. Puerto Rico via St. Thom-
as, July 29.-Secretary Of War, Washing
ton: On the 26th Garretson had spirited
engagement on the skirmish line. Our cas-
ualties. four wounded. all doing we'll Span
ish loss. three killed. Is wounded. Yauca
occupied yesterday. Henry's division there
to-day.
Spanish troops are retreating from
southern part of Puerto Rico. Ponce and
port have a population OF $1,000. now un-
der American flag.
.'The populace received troops and
saluted the flag with wild enthusiasm
Navy has several prizes. also 20 lighters
Railway stock partly destroyed now re-
stored. Telegraph communication also
being restored Gable instruments de-
stroyed. Have sent to Jamaica for others
'This Is a prosperous and beautiful coun-
try. The army will soon be in noun
tain region: weather delightful: troops in
hest Of health and spirits; anticipate no
insurmountable obstacle in future. Re-
suits thus far have been accomplished
without the loss Of a single life.
"NELSON A. MILES. Major General
Gen. Miles, Proclamation.
Gen. Miles has issued the following
proclamation:
"1n the prosecution of the war against
the kingdom of Spain by the people of
the United States. in the cause Of liberty.
Justice and humanity. it's military forces
have come to occupy the island of Puerto
Rico. They come bearing the banners
Of freedom, inspired by noble purpose,
to seek the enemies of our government and
of yours and 10 destroy or capture all in
armed resistance. They bring you the fos-
est power is justice and humanity to all
living within their fold. Hence they re-
lease you from your former political rela-
tions and. 1t is hoped. this will be followed
by your cheerful acceptance of the gov
ernment Of the United States.
1.-THE chief object Of the American mill
tary forces will be to overthrow the armed
authority of Spain and give the people of
your beautiful island the largest meas
ure. of liberty consistent with this mill
tary occupation. They have not come
to make war on the people of the coun-
try, who for centuries have been op-
pressed. but. on the contrary. to bring
protection not only to yourselves but to
your property, promote your prosperity
and bestow the immunities and blessings
OF our enlightened and liberal tnstitu-
items and government.
lit is not their purpose to interfere with
the existing laws and customs. which are
wholesome and beneficial to the people,
SO long as they conform to the rules Of
the military administration. order and JUS
desolatton. but one to give all within the
control Of the military and naval forces
the advantages and blessings of enlight-
ened civilization"
Gen. Merritt at Manila.
Manila Bay, July 26, via Hong-Kong,
July 30.-ien. Wesley Merritt and
troops under his command arrived at
Manila on the morning of July IS,
after trip devoid of startling event.
He reports all we'll aboard the New
port. Gen. Merritt will at once as
sumo command as provisional gov
ernOr lot the united states.
Glad to See Them.
Washington, Aug. 1.-Gen. Miles, in
command of the Puerto Rican expedi-
tion, sent the following dispatch to
Secretary Alger. which was MADE pub
lie at the war department at ten
o'clock Sunday night:
"Ponce. Puerto Rico. July sl.-secrefary
Of War. Washington. D. c.: Volunteers
are surrendering themselves with arms and
ammunition. Four-fifths Of the people are
overjoyed at the arrival OF the army. Two
thousand from one place have volunteered
to serve with 1t. They are bringing in
transportation. beef cattle and other need
ed supplies. The custom house has al
ready yielded $4,000. AS soon as all the
troops are dtsembarked they will be in
readiness to move. Please send any ma.
tional colors that can be spared to be
given to the different municipalities. I
request that the question Of the tariff rate
to be charged in the parts Of Puerto Rico
occupied by our forces be submitted to the
president for his action. the previously ex-
listing tariff remaining meanwhile in force
AS to the government and military occu-
patton. have already given instructions
based upon the instructions issued by the
president in the case Of the Philippine
islands and similar to those issued at SAM
t!aEo de Cuba. MILES.
..Maior General Commandin0"