Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-08

the Spanish forces in Cuba would havo
surrendered on the same terms ~ not
now, and. perhaps. may never he. known.
PORTO RICO EXPEDITION
THE place OF landing the Porto Rico
expedition had been so thoroughly adver-
Used in communications sent over the
French cables and in the newspapers OF
our own country, and telegraphed TO Ma
drid, and from there 10 San Juan. that
not having received the necessary appii-
anceS With which TO disembark, General
Miles decided, after leaving the Wind
ward Passage, TO change his course and
land on the south side OF Porto Rico,
where the Spaniards were the least pre-
pared aud the least expecting to receivs
him, and where the disembarking Of tho
troops and supplies could be the more
easily effected. During the time ot tina,
Decentralization and the following nine
teen days Of the campaign he kept he
Spaniards guessing what the next move
would be. When they withdrew along the
lne Of the great military road between
Ponce and San Juan they destroyed the
bridges, obstructed the roads and forti-
fed strong positions In the mountain pass
es, and then were surprised that one col
umn OF his army was sweeping around
the west end of the island, capturing the
principal cities and towns. while another
had passed over the mountains on a trail
which the Spaniards had supposed Inn
passable, and therefore had not fortified
or guarded, and the first they knew OF
the march OF the American army WAS tho
appearance OF strong brigade within
twenty miles Of the northern coast. at the
terminus Of the railroad connecting San
Juan with Areclbo.
ISLAND WON BY CONQUEST.
The Island OF Porto Rico was fairly
won by right OF conquest. and has become
a part of the United States. The senti-
ment OF the people was In no sense out
ragged by the invaders. but. on the con-
rary. was successfully propltiated. A
people who have endured the severity OF
spanish rule for four centuries hailed
with Joy the protection OF the great re-
public. one of the richest sections OF
the country over which our flag now
ioats has been added, and will be OF last
Ing value 10 our nation. politically, COM
meroially, and from military or stra-
tegic point Of view. Possession OF that
island has also rendered any further re-
slstance OF the Spanish forces In Cuba
hopeless, and General Miles firmly be-
lieVes that by fair and just treatment
the people OF Cuba can be as easily con-
trolled, either as friendly allies and
nelghbOrs or TO become part or our own
country, Is the people OF Porto Rico.
General Miles remained In porto Rico
as long as ne Geemed his presence neces-
sary for carrying out the wishes OF the
President, and now returns TO the United
States, bringing with him nearly 5000
men. who are no longer required. there
being some i2000 still remainlnga nun
Der amply sufficient for all purposes. I've
returns at once 10 Washington, where he
believes he can be most useful. as he con-
siders the most important need OF the
hour now 10 be the immediate reduction
Of war expenses, and the return Of as
large n portion Of those In military SER
vice as possible TO their former oecupa-
tons, where they are most needed