tory of the alleged war in Cuba between
the Spaniards and the Cubans was on both sides falsified, and the
American people deceived. Porto Rico does not seem to have appealed so
strongly to the cupidity of the Spaniards as Cuba did, and to have been
governed with less brutality. The consequence is there has not been a
serious insurrection in the smaller island for seventy years, and it
falls into our possession without the impoverishment and demoralization
of the devastation of war--one of the fairest gems of the ocean.

It was October 18th that the American flag was raised over San
Juan. The following dispatch is the official record:

"San Juan, Porto Rico, Oct. 18.--Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.:
Flags have been raised on public buildings and forts in this city
and saluted with national salutes. The occupation of the island is
now complete.

"_Brooke_, Chairman."

On the morning of the 18th, the 11th regular infantry with two
batteries of the 5th artillery landed. The latter proceeded to the
forts, while the infantry lined up on the docks. It was a holiday
for San Juan and there were many people in the streets. Rear-Admiral
Schley and General Gordon, accompanied by their staffs, proceeded to
the palace in carriages. The 11th infantry regiment and band with
Troop H, of the 6th United States cavalry then marched through the
streets and formed in the square opposite the palace.

At 11:40 a. m., General Brooke, Admiral Schley and General Gordon, the
United States evacuation commissioners, came out of the palace with
many naval officers and formed on the right side of the square. The
streets behind the soldiers were thronged with townspeople, who stood
waiting in dead silence.

At last the city clock struck 12, and the crowds, almost breathless
and with eyes fixed upon the flagpole, watched for developments. At
the sound of the first gun from Fort Morro, Major Dean and Lieutenant
Castle, of General Brooke's staff, hoisted the stars and stripes,
while the band played "The Star Spangled Banner." All heads were bared
and the crowds cheered. Fort Morro, Fort San Cristobal and the United
States revenue cutter Manning, lying in the harbor, fired twenty-one
guns each.

Senor Munoz Rivera, who was president of the recent autonomist council
of secretaries, and other officials of the late insular government
were present at the proceedings. Many American flags were displayed.

Acknowledgment has been made of the better