Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-08-04
The Porto Ricans Hail the
ArmyWith Joy Saying They
are Americans.
PONCE HAS SURRENDERED.
The Americans Are Pushing For the
Mountalns--Hn Had Battle with the
Spaniards at Yauco, But no Ameri-
cans Were Lost Gen. Miles
Issues a Proclamation.

Copyright, 1895 by tho Associated Press.)
Port of Ponce, July %, VIA st. Thomas
July 29.-The pert of Ponce surrendered
to Commander c. II. Davis of the auxil-
larry Eunbodt Dixie, formerly of the Nor
gan line steamer El Rio, yesterday. There
was no resistance and the Americans were
welcomed with enthusiasm. Maj. Cen
Miles arrived here this morning at day
light with Gen. Ernst's brigade and Gen
Wilson's division on board transports
Gen. Ernsts brigade Immediately started
for the town of Ponce, three miles inland
which capitulatcd this afternoon. The
American troops are pushing toward the
mountains and will join Gen. Henry with
his brigade at Yauco, which has been
captured by our troops.
4 fight before tine latter place on Tues
day last was won by the American VOlun-
tccrs. The Spaniards amhushcd eight
companies of the Massachusetts and iii.
nois regiments but the enemy was re-
pulsed and driven back IA mile to a ridge
where the Spanish cavalry charged and
were routed by our infantry, Gen. Car
rctsou led the fight with the men from
Illinois and Massachusetts and the enemy
rctrcatod to Yauco, leaving four dead OF
the field and several wounded. None OF
our men were killed and only three were
slightly wound. d The wounded arc cap.
tan John Barrett, Prlvates II. G.. Gary
and james Drummond.
Tho Porto RiCans are glad the American
tiuUps have landed and say they are al
Americans and will join our army.
Th' roads are good for military purpose
our troops are healthy and Gen. Mile.
says the campaign Will be short and visor
Gus.
Gen. Miles has issued the following
proclamation: "1n the prosecution Of tn,
war against the Kingdom of Spain, hl
the people Of the United States in thu
cause of liberty, justice and humanity
the military torccs hace come 10 occupy
tho island of Porto Rico. They come
bearing the banners of freedom, inspired
by noble purpose to sock the enemies o
our government and of yours and to dc
stroy or capture all in armed resistance
They bring you the fostering arms OF
free people whose greatest power is jus
tice and humanity to all living within
their fold. Hence they release you from
you former political relations and it Il
hoped there will he a cheerful acceptanc,
OF the government of the United States.
The chief object OF the American mill
tary forces will be to overthrow the arm
ed authority of Spain and give the PEG
| pie of your beautiful island the larges
measure of liberty consistent with thi
military occupation. They have nor com
to make war on the people of the Coun
| try, who for centuries have been Cypress
cd. But, on the contrary, they bring pro
lection not only to yourselves but to you
property, promote your prosperity and be
Ctow the immunities and blessings of OH
enlightenment and liberal institutions AM
government. This is not n war of devaS
tation and dissolution but one to give al
within the control of the military and ma
val forces the advantages and blessing
Of cnl'Sht cued civilization"
The Spanish troops are rctrcating from
the southern part Of Porto Rico.
Ionce and port have a population of 30,
coo now under the American flag. Tn
populace received the troops and salute
the flag with wild enthusiasm The nav
has several prizes; also 20 lighters Tn
railway stock, partly destroyed, Is now re
stored. telegraph communication also ne
ing restored, Gable Instruments destroy
Cd nave sent to Jamaica for others.
4 This is a prosperous and beautiful Coun
try The army will soon be in the noun
ain region. Weather is delightful and tn
troops in the best of health and spirits
anticipate no insurmountahlc obstacles I
the future, Results thus far have bee
accomplished without the loss of "A singl
life,
/ (Signed) NELSON A. MILES.
Major General"