port of Ponce, Porto Rico, surrendered to Commander C. H.
Davis of the auxiliary gunboat _Dixie_. There was no resistance, and the
Americans were welcomed with enthusiasm. General Miles issued the
following proclamation:

"In the prosecution of the war against the kingdom of Spain by the people
of the United States, in the cause of liberty, justice, and humanity, its
military forces have come to occupy the island of Porto Rico. They come
bearing the banners of freedom, inspired by a noble purpose, to seek the
enemies of our government and of yours, and to destroy or capture all in
armed resistance.

"They bring you the fostering arms of a free people, whose greatest power
is justice and humanity to all living within their fold. Hence they
release you from your former political relations, and it is hoped your
cheerful acceptance of the government of the United States will follow.

"The chief object of the military forces will be to overthrow the armed
authority of Spain, and give the people of your beautiful island the
largest measure of liberty consistent with this military occupation.

"They have not come to make war on the people of the country, who for
centuries have been oppressed, but, on the contrary, they bring protection
not only to yourselves, but to your property, will promote your prosperity
and bestow upon you the immunities and blessings of our enlightened and
liberal institutions and government.

"It is not their purpose to interfere with the existing laws and customs
which are wholesome and beneficial to the people, so long as they conform
to the rules of the military administration, order, and justice. This is
not a war of devastation and desolation, but one to give all within the
control of the military and naval forces the advantages and blessings of
enlightened civilisation."

_July 28._ The expedition destined for Porto Rico, under command of
Major-General Brooke, left Newport News. Four transports and the auxiliary
cruisers _St. Louis_ and _St. Paul_ comprises the fleet.

The Navy Department made public the following telegram:

"U. S. S. MASSACHUSETTS, PONCE, PORTO
RICO, July 28.

"Commander Davis with _Dixie_, _Annapolis_, _Wasp_, and _Gloucester_ left
Guanica July 27th to blockade Ponce and capture lighters for United States
army. City of Ponce and Playa surrendered to Commander Davis