When the ships arrived all the people who could get small boats rowed out to them and offered to pilot them in.  General Wilson at once started in to learn the condition of affairs.  He sent men into the town immediately and put a sentry at each foreign consulate.  He also detailed a detachment of soldiers to the work of guarding the roads.

General Wilson and General Miles agreed that the conditions of the surrender relating to the movement of troops were not binding.

Despite the arrival of the troops the celebration in the town went on.  All the Spanish stores were closed, but the Puerto Ricans and the foreigners kept open house.  Women and men alike were all dressed in their finest attire.

Miles issues his proclamation.

At 10 o’clock General Miles issued his proclamation to the inhabitants, which was as follows: 

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 Puerto 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 this will be followed by your cheerful acceptance of the government of the United States.

The chief object of the American military forces will be to overthrow the armed authorities 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, promote your prosperity and bestow the immunities and blessings of our enlightenment 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 civilization.

In the afternoon General Miles and his staff were invited to the city hall to see the city officials.  The city hall was surrounded by a vast crowd of people, and a band was stationed in the park.  When the carriages of General Miles and his staff appeared the band played “Lo, the Conquering Hero Comes.”  General Miles appeared upon the balcony of the city hall and took off his hat.  The crowd cheered him wildly, and the band played “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Marching Through Georgia,” and other patriotic airs.