The island was a tropical picture of peace, only the glitter of armies breaking the spell.  The defenders had the help of good roads, by which they could, on the inner lines, shift their columns with rapidity and ease.  But the Porto Rico people were largely favorable to United States sovereignty—­just as the Cubans would be if it were not for the selfishness and jealousies, hatreds and scheming, regardless of the favor or prosperity of the people, that the most deplorable warfare known in the later years of the earth has engendered.  It was on October 18, 1898, that the American flag was raised over San Juan de Porto Rico.  The telegram of the Associated Press contained this announcement of the ceremony and symbol by which was announced the glorious initial chapter of a new dispensation that adds to America’s territory one of the loveliest islands of the sea: 

San Juan de Porto Rico, Oct. 18.—­Promptly at noon to-day the American flag was raised over San Juan.  The ceremony was quiet and dignified, unmarred by disorder of any kind.

The Eleventh Regular Infantry, with two batteries of the Fifth Artillery, landed this morning.  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 Eleventh infantry Regiment and band, with Troop H of the Sixth 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 the hour of 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.

Congratulations and handshaking among the American officers followed, Ensign King hoisted the Stars and Stripes over the intendencia, but all other flags on the various public buildings were hoisted by military officers.  Simultaneously with the raising of the flag over the Captain General’s palace many others were hoisted in different parts of the city.