Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-05-09

that In not less than thirty eeconOs, anu not
more than thi,ty minutes, the MonadnocS her
self entirely unassisted, would leave only the
mastheads of the Nunanca above water, and
that our wooden vessels, English and American,
could look out for the wooden vessels OF the
Spanairds.
In thus offering to go beyond The letter of
nv instructions to observe strict neutrality.
acted upon the supposition that neutrality among
nations did not preclude all we'll directed efforts
to keep peace among them that as peacea-
BILE citizen is not obliged to stand by inert while
another is suffering from unlawful violence from
a third person, but may justly interfere with
force to prevent any infraction of the laws-a
murderer for example-so a nation witnessing
the like disturbance among her sister nations
need not rest absolutely lmpasslve, but With
sincere neutrality might interpose with force, 1T
necessary. to keep the operations OF bell gerents.
at least within the law for the protection of
neutral property. | considered that Spain had
left her colonies under stringent colonial policy
and religious intolerance In the course OF
time, encouraged by the more liberal laws of a
state of freedom, foreigners had been induced
to settle in the country and to embark their
capital in commerce and other industrial pur-
suits. Towns had sprung up along the coast,
railroads had been built, and other material in
terests developed. Ideas, as well as manufic-
lures, had been introduced, the wealth and in
eigners
At last Chill had reached the goal in human
progress marked by the establishment of relig-
lous toleraton, and now Spain, on point of
etiquette rather than from any great political
end, as | believe, proposes to burn property and
destroy towns along the seacoast as far as she
sees fit. Is it right that she should thus exer.
else her power of destruction unrestrainsd along
the shores of this continent?
=.
terrible, but it seems to me such as will provoke
private animosity rather than coercive national
will, and therefore that it is not directed to its
legitimate end, and consequently that such war
fare might be resisted.
am aware that action in the premises on our
part Involves great responsibilities, but had
reached he conclusion that with England
ally 1t was my duty now to share them.
l told the English Admiral what have writ
ten, and frankly added that his commerce was
more extensive than ours and more convenient
to the coast of Spain; but as he had more to
suffer in consequence of rupture with Spain,
he had also more to preserve by interference
that his interests in Chill rise to Thousands.
while ours were only hundreds.
The English Admiral said at the first he
would go with me. for / plainly declared l
would not take step without him. | said
had no intention of becoming cats psw to dras
have the power l served laughin. at my singed
paws while they enjoyed the fruits of my temer-
ity. The English Admiral finally determined
10 throw the responsibility upon the English
Minister, Who did not choose TO act in the pre-
misses. English cooperation having failed, no
separate action on my part was taken, as none
had been proposed.
have used such measures as could to bring
about an accommodation, but without success.
This morning at o'clock he Spanish Ad-
mral opened upon the town with shot and shell,
directing his fire principally against the poblic
buildings and storehouses. After a continuous
bombardment of Two hours and fifty minutes
the hiring ceased, and the Spanish Admiral
withdrG " his vessels. Four of the stone build
lngs connected with the custom house were en-
tirely destroyed. with their contents. Other
adjoinings buildings used for the purpose
were very much injured. The value of
chandise destroyed in them was vaguely esti-
mated at some S22 100000. The Intendencia,
or Government House, the Bolsa, or Exchange,
and railroad buildings, were damaged to a con-
siderable extent. Naturally and inevitably
those parts of the city which The Spanish Ad
mira declared he did lot intend TO iniure re-
ceived many Of his missiles. Several blocks of
private buildings destroyed by fire, and
churches, and converts and hospitals not
exempt from injury. A few lives we're lost
not more than eight or ten.
| enclose herewith cop;es of letters addressed
TO me by foreign residents of Valparaiso, repre-
senting the interests of nearly all natonalities
OF Christendon, bearing an official character,
with copy of my answer; also copies o. the
manifesto and letter of the Spanish Admiral
When | was assured that the English Admi-
raj was determined not TO resist bombardment,
| called uron him ard said that, as | did not
choose to drift into collision where / had no
purpose to collide, should move my vessels to
get out of the way of the Spanish vessels; and
mis- Intention | communicated verbally 10 the
Spanish Admiral.
Thrust by circumstances into position in
which 1t became necessary to take some part,
feel natural anxiety to know whether the one
took meets with the appreciation OF the Gov
ernment.
In my whole course have conferred freely
with our Minister, Gen. Fitzpatrick, AID have
desired the benefit of his advice and assistance
l. all have done or offered to do he has been
consulted, and he has fully concurred. If his
name has not been mentioned before il was
bee use | did rot Wish TO break the continuity
Of my narrative, and not because | am without
strong sense Of obligation for his Cooperation
L have the honor to be, sir,
Your obedient servant
JOHN RODGERS, Commodore.
To Hon. GIDEON WELLEs, Secretary of the
Navy.