Evening journal., 1898-10-08
RAY AT MANZANILLO
Fight With Spaniards Mar
rowly Averted.
PARRON OPPOSED OUR OCCUPATION.
City Garrison Turned Ont ana Amer
icnns Ordered 10 Leave the city.
Rays Firm stand-Havnnn Dis
patch settled the Dispute.

MANZANlLLO, Cuba, oct S.-les-
terday was day long TO be remember
ed in the history of Manzanillo. A
fight was narrowly averted between the
Spanish garrison, under Colonel Par
ron, and the United States troops, un-
der Colonel Ray, who have arrived here
from Santiago to take possession Of the
city.
The arrival of the Americans had TAX
en- the Spanish commander by sur
prise. and he had represented TO Colo
mel Ray that he had received word from
General Blanco informing him that the
date for the American occupation had
been postponed to Oct. 10. He requested
Colonel Ray to cable for additional in
structions. The latter consented 70 do
SO and sent a dispatch to General Law
ton at Santiago.
AT Z o'clock yesterday morning Colo
mel Ray, not having heard from General
Lawton to the contrary. sent word by
Adjutant Collins TO Colonel Parron
that, in accordance with his instruc-
tions. he should march his men TO the
city from the dock "a mile away where
the United States transport Reina de
los Angeles had moved at the request
OF Colonel parron. and would take pos
name of the United states.
AT o'clock the battalion was in mo-
tion, with colors flying. Colonel Ray
marched toward the city but before the
troops reached the city gate Adjutnnt
Collins arrived with Colonel Parrons
reply. The latter said he had no OBJ
lection to surrendering the custom
house at once provided the American
flag was not raised. Colonel Ray re-
torted that the United States was not
accustomed TO taking possession with
out displaying the insignia Of its SOW
ereignty.
The march was then continued toward
the city. When the troops passed the
guard at the gate, a body Of 25, the lat
ter lined up and saluted. The report
soon spread through the city that the
Americans had arrived with colors fly
ING, and the streets were soon thronged
by apparently the whole population.
men. women and children turning out
by thousands, as the regiment march
ed toward the principal square, where
it halted.
AT this point a Spanish bugler sound
ed the call to arms and the Spanish
garrison turned out to the number of
900 men on the other side Of the square.
Colonel Ray visited Colonel Parron at
the palace and a somewhat stormy in
tervIew took place between them, with
the aid OF an interpreter. The Spanish.
commander said he had understood
from Colonel Ray that matters were 10
remain over until oct. 10 and that he
considered himself trlcked. Colonel Ray
explained that he had never said any
thing OF that sort; that his instructions
were 70 take possession OF the city on
Oct. z; that he had cabled for further
instructions, and. not having received
any. that he had proceeded to act upon
his original orders.
ThereupOn Colonel Parron said the
American troops must be removed at
once Colonel Ray refused. Colonel
Parron declared he would use force.
Colonel Ray answered:
III YOU wish TO precipitate further
hostilitles with the United States / am
unable to prevent II; but. so far as am
concerned, / have certain orders which
as a soldier / am bound to carry out. /
appreciate the position In which you
find yourself, but am unable to help
you. II the United states troops are
fired upon / believe the men who are
with me are quite able TO take care of
themselves, even though a little out
numbered; and, although I am opposed
to useless waste OF life. / shall face
the issue in any way It suits YOU"
Colonel Parron said he would imme-
diately order the arrest Of the officer
who allowed the American troops TO
pass the city gate.
Colonel Ray retorted, III he had re-
fused. / should have been under the un-
pleasant necessity Of shooting him and
of then forcing an entrance"
After considerable discussion and
many requests on the part of Colonel
Parron that Colonel Ray should take his
men out of the city until General Blan-
co could be communicated with, it was
decided not TO take action until the ca
ble Office had closed at 8 o'clock yester-
day afternoon. Colonel Ray asserting
that II at that time no further instruc-
tions had been received he would take
action Immediately before nightfal.
In the meantime the United States
troops were TO be marched up to the
barracks which the Spaniards left on
departing for Cienfuegos. Colonel Ray
consentlng TO incase the colors out of
Difference TO Colonel Parron's fear that
the sight of the American flag might eX-
cite the Spanish element beyond re-
straint and so provoke some overt act
leading TO bloodshed.
on leaving the palace the two colo
nels walked to the square, where they
arrived Just in time TO prevent col
lision between their forces. IL appears
that some Spanish officer who had mis-
understood an order from Colonel Par
ron, had just notified the American
troops that they must leave immediate-
~. Captain Frost, in command during
Colonel Rays absence, refused 10 COM
ply, whereupon he was told that the
blood Of his men would be upon theli
own heads.
At this moment Colonel Ray came up
and Captain Frost reported the occur
renee. Colonel Parron promptly order
ed his overzealous subordinate away
Then began the march of a mile e
the barracks through the crowded
streets, most Of the onloolxers being evi
IDENTIFY pro-Spanish, judging from thei
scowling looks and uncomplimentar,
remarks. The march led around thl
square. AS the Americans passed tia
Spanish garrison the latter presente,
arms. The barracks We're found in
healthful locality and in good condi
tion