Connecticut western news., 1898-08-04


 of Ponce on Thursday last and was warmly welcomed by the people. Gen eral Wilson was appointed military gov ernor. Ponce Is the chief city of the island, both in population and com merce, and is connected with San Juan. the capital, 70 miles distant, by broad macadamized military highway. Ponce has a population of 22000, with juris- diction numbering 47,000. General Miles occupation of Ponce and vicinity is best told in his official repoEts to the war de- partment. In a dispatch dated July 2S he says:
 'On the 18th Garretson had a spirited engagement on the skirmish line. Our casualties were four wounded. all do- ing we'll. The Spanish loss was three killed and IS wounded. Yauco was oc- cupied yesterday. Henry's division is there today. Last evening Command CT Davis of the Dixie moved into this port, followed by Captain Higginson with his fleet early this morning.
 "The Spanish troops are retreating from the southern part of Porto Rico. Pence and the port have a population of 50, 900. now under the American flag. The populace received the troops and saluted the flag with wild enthusiasm. The navy has several prizes, also 70 lighters. Railway stock. partly destroy ed, Is now restored. Telegraph com munication is also being restored. Ca- ble instruments are destroyed. Have sent to Jamaica for others. This is a prosperous and beautiful country. The army will soon be in the mountain re- zion; weather delightful; troops in best of health and spirits; anticipate no in- surmountable obstacles in future. Re- suits thus far have been accomplished without the loss of single life.
 "In the affair of the 26th Captain Ed ward J. Gibson. Company A. was wounded in the hip. Captain J. H. Prior. Company l.. slightly wounded in hand. Private James Drummond, Company K, two wounds In neck, and Benjamin F. Bosbick. Company l.. slightly wound ed in right arm. All of Sixth Massachu- setts. All doing well. The Spanish re- treat from this place was precipitous. they leaving rifles and ammunition in barracks and 40 or 30 sick in hospital. The people are enjoying a holiday in honor of our arrival
 'The Sixth Massachusetts and Sixth Illinois went to Porto Rico on the Dixie"
 In second dispatch to the war de- partment, under date of July 30. Gen. eral Miles says: ..
 Your telegrams received and answer ed by letter. Volunteers are surrender Ing themselves with arms and ammuni- tion. Four-fifths of the people are over joyed at the arrival of the army. Two thousand from one place have volun- teered to serve with us. They are bring ing in transportation, beef, cattle and other needed supplies. The custom house has already yielded s1.40o. AS soon as all the troops are disembarked they will be In readiness to move. Please send any national celors that can be spared to be given to the differ ent municipalities.
 "I request that the question of the tafiff rate to be charged In the ports of Porto Rico occupied by our forces be submitted to the president for his ac- tion. the previously existing tariff re- maining meanwhile in force.
 "As to the government and military occupation have already given instruc- tions issued to me by the president in the case of the Philippines islands and similar to those issued at Santiago dc Cuba"