THE OCCUPATION.

395 companies presented arms to the generals, and the officers exchanged friendly salutes. In front of the palace the officers dismounted and enteredthe building,where they werereceived bv the governor of the city.

In the palace a kind of reception was held, General Toral introducing the notables of the place to the American commander. Among them was the archbishop,who expresseda hope that peace would be soon concluded between the two countries, on terms as honourable as those which had secured the surrender of the city. General Shaffer announced that the local Spanish officials would for the present retain their functions, and that the regiment of the guardia civile wouldkeep its arms, and assist inmaintaining order inSantiago. The Cubans, who had expected a day of personal triumph over the Spaniards,were intensely disappointed, and still more exasperated at finding that their flag was not to be hoisted on the palace, but that the Stars andStripes were to fly alone.

A few minutesbefore twelve the officers went out into the Plaza, where the Americancavalry and infantry stood to "attention," a crowd of civilians and Spanish soldiers looking on, and every windowbeingfull of interested spectators. On the palace roof Captain McKittrick,of the staff, stood with thehalyards in his hand ready to hoist the flag. As the clock struck, the Americans uncovered, the troops presented arms, the band struck up the " Star-Spangled Banner," and the national flag ran up the flagstaff and flew out brightly in the sun. From the trenches came the boom of saluting cannon,and the regiments that watched for the flag from the oldbattle front cheered again and again, almost drowning the music of their hands. " Xot so in Santiago," writes Mr. Archibald, the correspondent whohas been already quoted.

"We did not cheer. We did not feel like it ; for victory has almost the sadness thatImight imagine defeat would have. And when the band followed « ith 'Stars and Stripes for Ever,' there was a feeling of sadness, for all about us werepinched, wan faces of the hungry citizens,and the sorrowful faces of the defeated officers, who covered heavy hearts with gracious manner to their foe. There could not be too much saidin praise of the manner in which the enemy's officers treated us on the very day on which our flag replaced theirs. And no one would knowingly criticise the action of continuing the Spanish officials in power, or keeping the guardia civile on duty in the city.

They were ready to do all in their power to make our day perfect; and yetIsaw many a strong, brave Spaniard brush away a tear as theirbanner gave way to ours. The scene was intense in the extreme. Yet no one felt like exulting."

So ended the siege of Santiago. To what extremity the garrison had been reduced was proved by General Toral having to ask General Shafter if it was possible to send in some food for his men, who were almost starving. Of course, the request was at once granted, and something was also done to help the starving citizens, although even in the American lines supplies were running short. It was a strange ending to the fierce struggle, Spaniard and American clasping hands under the shadow of the conqueror's flag, while the Cuban rebels looked on in angry disappointment that the long-wished -for day of vengeance had been taken from them.

With the city the Spanish authoritieshanded over twoor three merchantsteamers and a small gunboat. This last hoisted the American flag, and was at once attached to the fleet as a despatch boat. Working parties under Lieutenant Hobson were engaged in clearing away the obstructionsof the harbour mouth, but,contrary to general expectation, AdmiralSampson did not take his fleet in. Only some of the smaller vessels actually entered the harbour. The bigger ships went away to coal at Guantanamo. The Spanish garrison then laid down their arms withoutthe least demur onlearning that theyhadbeenincluded by GeneralToral in the capitulation of Santiago, and a couple of gunboats, or large armed launches that had taken refugein the inner bay, were also handed over to the Americans.

Anexamination of the batteries at Santiago revealed the fact that very littleharm of any importance had been done by the long series of bombardments on the part of the fleet. The resultsof the fire of the Vesuvius wereespecially disappointing. In the city it was found that about a hundred houses were damaged by the long-rangingfire of the fleet.

The inhabitants had suffered terribly. Few had been injured by the earlier bombardments, and during the last attack most of the civilian population had fled to the adjoining villages. It was this exodus that led to the greatest los of life. Enfeebled by want of food, and already attacked by sickness, the unfortunate townsfolk