New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-30
VICTORY IN PORTO RICO.
PONCE SURRENDERS WITHOUT KESioI-
ANCE-PROCLAMATI BY GEN
ERAL MILES.

Port OF Ponce, Island Of Porto Rico July 20
via st. Thomas, Danish West Indies. July 29-
Ponce surrendered to Commander C. H. DAVIS
OF the auxiliary gunboat Dixie, formerly the
Morgan Line steamer Ell Rio, to-day. There
was no resistance and the Americans were well
coined with enthusiasm.
Mator-General Miles arrived here this morn
ing at daylight with General Ernsts brigade
and General Wilson's division. on board trans
ports. General Ernsts brigade Immediately
started for the town OF Ponce. three miles In
land. which capitulated this afternoon.
The American troops pushing toward the
mountains. and will join General Henry with
his brigade. at Yauco, which has been captured
by our troops.
A fight before the latter place on Tuesday last
was won by the American volunteers The
Standards ambushed eight companies Of the
Massachusetts, and Illinois regiments. but the
enemy was repulsed and driven back a mile to
a ridge. where the Spanish cavalry charged and
were routed by our infantry.
'N>S>>
from Illinois and Massachusetts,. and the enemy
retreated to Yauco. leaving four dead on the
field and several wounded. None Of our men
were killed. and only four were slightly
wounded.
The Porto Ricans are glad the American
troops have landed. and say they are all Ameri-
cans and will join our Army.
The roads are good for military purposes. the
troops are healthy. and General Miles says the
campaign will be short and vigorous.
PURPOSE OF THE INVASION.
General Miles has issued the following procia-
nation:
I'm the prosecution OF the war against the
kingdom Of Spain by the people OF the United
States. in the cause Of liberty. Justice and hu-
manity. its military forces>have come to occupy
the island Of Porto Rico. They come bearing
the banners Of freedom. inspired by noble pur-
nose 10 seek the enemies Of Government
and Of yours. and to destroy or capture all In
armed resistance.
.Thev bring you the fostering arms Of a free
people whose greatest power Is justice ana hu-
manty to all living within their fold. Hence they
release YOU from your former political relations.
and It is hoped this will be followed by your
cheerful acceptance OF the Government OF the
United States.
.The chief object Of the American military
forces will be to overthrow the armed authority
., snain and give the people OF your beautiful
,s,ard the largest measure OF liberty consistent
with this military occupation. They have not
come TO make war on the people OF the country.
who for centuries have been oppressed. But. on
the contrary. they bring protection not only to
Yourselves. but to your property. They come TO
promote your prosperity and bestow the immu-
mites and blessings Of our enlightenment and
liberal institutions and Government.
1T is not their purpose to interfere with the
existing laws and customs which are wholesome
and beneficial to the people. so long as they con-
form TO the rules OF the military administration.
order and justice. This is not a war OF devasta-
ton and dissolution but one to give all within
control Of the military and naval forces the ad-
vantages and blessings OF enlightened civilisa-
ton"