The Irish standard., 1898-08-06
UNDER AMERICAN FLAG:
Spaniards Surrender the Port and
4 City of Ponce, Puerto Rico,
n to Our Forces.
DEMAND MEETS WITH NO RESISTANCE,

Entrance of the Americans Is Warm
ly Welcomed-Old Glory Hoisted-
Gen. Miles Issues a Proclamation
Promising to Protect the People,
. Gen. Merritt at Manila.
Washington, July so.--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 q feeling Of
intense satisfaction among officials of
the administration. Information re-
ceived Friday directly from Gen. Miles
was very gratifying to the president
md 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 1t is the second city of
the island.
Miles Tells of the Victory.
Washington, July 3o-The war de-
partment has received the following
dispatch from Gen. Miles:
port Ponce. Puerto Rico. via ST Thorn
as. July 29.-Secretary OF War, Washing
ton: On the 26th Garretson had spirited
engagement on the sklrmish line. Our cas-
ualties, four wounded all doing we'll Span
ish loss. three killed, 10 wounded. Yauca
occupied yesterday. Henry's division there
to-day.
Spanish troops are retreating from
southern part Of Puerto Rico. Ponce and
port have population OF $4,000 now UNI
der American flag.
1.-THE populace received troops apd
saluted the flag with wild enthusiasm.
Navy has several prizes. also 70 lighters.
Railway stock partly DESTROYED now re-
being restored Gable instruments de-
stroyed. Have sent to Jamaica for others.
"This IS prosperous and beautiful coun-
try. The army will soon be in noun
tall! region; weather delightful; troops IN
best Of health and spirits: anticipate no
lnsurmountable 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,
i I'm the prosecution Of the war agat:sst
the kingdom OF Spain by tho people OF
abe United States. in the cause of liberty,
Justice and humanity. Its military forces
Rico. They come bearng the banners
Of freedom, inspired by q noble purpose.
to seek the enemies OF our government and
OF yours and TO destroy or capture all in
armed resistance. They bring you the fos-
tering arms of free people. whose great
est power is justice and humanity to al!
living within their fold. Hence they re-
lease you from your former political rels-
tlons and. 1t is hoped. this will be followed
by your cheerful acceptance OF the gov
Arnmenf 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 institu-
tons and government
"It Is not their purpose to interfere with
the existing laws and customs. which are
wholesome and beneficial to the people.
80 long as they conform to the rules Of
the military administra ton. order and JUS
tice. This Ia not war of devastation and
desolation. but one to give all within the
control Of the military and naval forces
the advantages and blessings OF enlisht-
ened civilization"
Gen. Merritt at Manila.
Manila Bay, July &c, via Hong-Kong,
July 3o.-Gen. Wesley Merritt and
troops under his command arrived at
Manila on the morning of July 25,
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 for the United States.
Glad to SEQ Them.
Washington. Aug. 1.-Gen. Miles, in
command of the Puerto Rican expedi-
zion. 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 s1.-secretary
of War. Washington. D. c.: Volunteers
arc surrendering themselves with arms and
ammunition. Four-ffths OF the people are
bverjoyed at the arrival Of the army. Two
thousand from one place have volunteered
to servo with 1t. They are bringing In
transportation. beef cattle and other need
ID supplies. The custom house has al
ready yielded $4,000. As soon as all the
troops are disembarked they will be in
tional colors that can DO spared to be
t1ven 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 tho
president for his action. the previously ex-
listing tariff remaining meanwhile in foroe
As to the government and military ooou-
baton. I have already given instructions
based upon the instructions issued by tho
president in the case of tho Philippine
fslands and similar to those issued at SAN
Gago dc Cuba. MILES.
Major General Commanding"
American Troops Advancing.
Ponce, Puerto Rico. July 81, via St.
Thomas, D. w. l., Aug. 2.-Col. Hulings.
with ten companies of the Sixteenth
Pennsylvania, has occupied Juan Diaz,
about ten miles from Ponce, on the
way to San Juan. The American flag
was raised and greeted with great en-
thusiasm by the populace.
The Public Debt.
Washington, Aug. 2.-The monthly
statement of the public debt shows
that at the close of business July 80,
1898, the debt less cash in the treasury
amounted to $97s,osl, OO8, decrease
tor the month of $40, O04, 4s6. Independ-
emit of the cash the statement shows
an increase in the debt Of $1S2,159.
A; Will Not De Called.