The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1898-08-04
THREE AMERICANS WOUNDED
Ponce, the Largest City In Porto Ricos
surrenders to Gen. Miles
Command.

WASHINGTON, July So.--The war de.
partment has received the following
dispatch from Gen. Miles:
PoRr PONCE, Porto Rico, via St.
Thomas, July Secretary of War.
Washington: On the Goth Garretson
had spirited engagement on skirmish
line. Our casualties four wounded,
all doing we'll. Spanish loss, killed,
ls wounded. Yauco occupied yes
terday. Henry's division there
today. Last evening Commader Davis
of the Dixie, moved into this port, fol-
lowed by Capt Higginson with his
feet early this morning. Gen. Wilson
with Ernst brigade now rapidly dis
EN- barking.
Spanish troops are retreating from
southern part Porto Rico. Ponce and
Port have population $4,000, now un.
der American flag. The populace re-
ceived troops and saluted the flag with
wild enthusiasm. Navy has several
prizes. also 10 lighters. Railway
stock partly destroyed now restored.
Telegraph communication also be.
ing restored. Gable instruments de.
stroyed. Have sent to Jamaica for
others This is pros porous and
beautiful country. The army will
soon be in mountain region; weather
delightful, troops in best of health
and spirits; anticipate no insurmount-
able obstacles in future. Results thus
far have been accomplished without
the loss of single life.
NELSON A. MILES
Major General.
ePoRr PONCE, Porto Rico, July 80.
Secretary of War, Washington:
In the affair of the Goth. Capt. Ed
ward j. Gibson. Co. A, was wounded
in left hip, Capt. J. Il. Prior, Co. L,
slightly wounded in hand, Private
James Drummond, Co. X, two wounds
in neck, and Private BENZ +.
Bosbick, Co. L, slight wound in
right arm. ALI. of 9th Massachu-
setts. All doing we'll The Spanish
retreat from this place was precipit-
Gus, they leaving rifles and ammuni-
tion in barracks, and 40 or so sick in
hospitals. The people are enjoying a
holiday in honor of our arrival.
MILES.
ST. THOMAS, D. w. l., July 80. Capt.
Davis, of the Vixen, received the
capitulation of Ponce at 1880 o'clock
on Thursday morning, in his cabin,
before the army arrived. The Wasp
and Gloucester were with the Vixen.
The official and commercial repre-
sentatives of the place begged him
not to lombard, and he received the
Spanish colors from them. Lieut..
LANES took the alcaldes mace and sat
in the chair of justice and liberated
the political prisoners.
In the fight at Guanica Tuesday the
Americans were ambushed by the
Spaniards. The Massachusetts and
Illinois regiments. under Gen. Gar
retson, charged them fearlessly and
routed them after a spirited engage.
ment
After taking Ponce. Gen. Miles is.
sued the following proclamation:
In the prosecution Of the war against the
kingdom Of Spain by the people Of the United
States In their cause of liberty justice and
humanity. the military forces have come to oc-
cupy the island Of Porto Rico. They come
bearing their banners Of freedom inspired by .
noble purpose to seek the enemies Of our gov
ernment and of yours. and to destroy or cap
ture all In armed resistance.
They bring you the fostering arms OF Q free
people. whose greatest power Is justice and
humanity to all living within their folds.
Hence. they release you from your former po-
litical relations and II ts hoped you will cheer.
fully accept the government of the United
States.
The chief object Of the American military
forces will be to overthrow the armed author
ity of Spain and give the people of your beau.
tiful island the largest measure Of liberty con.
sistent with this military occupation.
''rhey have not oome to make war on the
people of the country, VINO. for centuries, have
been oppressed. but on the ooatrsry. they
bring protection not only to yourselves. but to
your property. promote your prosperity and
bestcw the immunittes and blessinss6d our on.
lightenment and loyal institutions and govern
ment
This Is not q war Of devasta and di $50
lution but one to give all within the contr Il of
the military and naval forces the advantages
and blessings Of enlightened civilization.
"NELsoN A. MILEs."
WASHINGTON, July 8o.-Gsn. Greeley
has received information from Col
Allen of his corps, that arrangements
have been made to reopen the tele-
graph Office at Ponce. which was closed
Monday by the Spaniards Col
Allen left St Thomas Friday night
with operators and instruments and it
is expected that by Saturday night
Gen. Miles will be in telegraphic COM
munication with the war department.
Won't Give Up Porto Rico.
LONDON. July S0-The Madrid cor.
respondent of the Daily Mail says the