The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-08-21
ANARCHY IN PORTO RICO
NATIVES ENGAGE IN A WAR OF RI TAI
IATl0N.
Burning Of Gotta. Dispes sing Mob of Howl
ing Spaniards. ASmall Riot at
Ponce. Heavens Ablaze.

Ponce, Porto Rico, Aug. 19.-(Delayed
i'll transmission)-A war of retaliation
against the Spanish residents of the Is
land within the American lines is
threatened, retaliation for the horrible
outrages committed by the Spanish troops
at GALES, where over eighty persons are
said to have been macheted by the sol
diers. The revolving details of the
butchery of men and women, the ravish-
ing of young girls and nameless multllIl-
tons have stirred Il cry for vengeance.
Early this morning the natives burned
the town of Gotta, seven miles from here.
The Spanish residents fled. Through
out the surrounding country the Span
iards are terror stricken and are appeal
ing to the Americans for protection.
The shops kept by Spanlards here
which were opened after the signing of
the peace protocol have been closed again
through fear of the rioters.
Today's editions of two papers which
Historically demanded vengeance and
the expulsion of I'LL Spanish born resi-
dents were suppressed by the military
authorities, who are doing all III Their
power to allay the fears of the Spanish
inhabitants.
Captain Evans, the provost marshal,
with two companies of the Nineteenth
infantry Mt his command, has doubled the
provost guard, but the military have
difficulty in preventing individual cases
of persecution.
The natives who are fOmenting the
trouble are of the lowest class and many
of them are criminals. Over twenty five
of the ring leaders in the disturbances
have been arrested.
The report that the Concho arrived
here yesterday was an error.
BURNING SPANISH PROPERTY.
Ponce, Porto Rico. Aug. 0.-(Morn-
ing)-The heavens in the direction OF
Yauco and Juana Diaz appeared to be
ablaze last night, and half Il dozen big
fires have been reported. but no details
have been received. The fires were
probably the work of natives engaged il
destroying Spanish property.
\ small riot occurred here this morn
ing adjoining General Miles headquar-
ters. but the disturbance was quickly
quellcd. Colonel Clouse. of General Miles
staff, dispensing Il bowling mob of Span
iards by fourishng his revolver.
GEMS. MILES AND MACIAS.
Ponce Aug. Fortnight -General
Miles returned to his headquarters here
this afternoon. He was greatly pleased
by the appearance of the troops ut the
front. He witnessed the target practice
by the soldiers and was present at flag
raising at General Wilson's camp this
morning. which was accompanied by
music and cheers. While at the front
General Miles communicated with Gen.
eral Macias regarding the deprcdations
committed between the lines. General
Macias replied courteously, and they
jointly agreed 70 apprchend the offenders
near their respective lines. General
Macias said the Spanish troops would be-
gin retiring shortly.
he commission for Porto Rico will
meet as soon as General Gordon can
reach here. 1t is believed that the exist
ing turmoil will cease upon the evacua-
ton of the island by the Spanish sol
diprS.
Alarming reports of threatened out
RACES continue to pour in but none of
them was confirmed today.