FLORENCE YESTERYEARS: 104 years ago
July 22, 1898
At 9 o'clock this morning, the Spanish troops at Santiago left their trenches and marched into the American lines, where, one by one, the regiments laid down their arms. At the same time, the Spanish flag was hauled down and the stars and stripes hoisted in its place. At the palace, elaborate ceremonies took place. Exactly at noon the American flag was raised over the palace and was saluted by 21 bands. At the same time all the regimental bands in our line played the Star Spangled Banner.
The government is not looking for peace overtures for some time to come. The belief exists in high official circles that the Spaniards will put off the inevitable until the last stronghold in Cuba is lost before making an effort looking to a cessation of hostilities.
