The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1879-10-06
SOUTH AMERICA.

| PANAMA, Oct. 5.--The last mail of thu
South, Pacific brought the Peruvian of1ica
report, and the reports Of the Antafugasta
newspapers as to tho bombardment of that
city. Rear Admiral Grau stated that he
had no Intention Of opening fire upon the
| town, but entered harbor in order to see II
anything could be done to cut out the Abtao
and Ma9allanes which were anchored there
Wlthoutin inluring the neutral vessels, of which
there were n dozen 10 port, and also to cut
| the cable communicating with Santiago, II
that we're possible. He was surprised when
about 1000 metres from the landing by 300
pound shell which passed through the funnel
OF his vessel, breaking the hoisting chain and
port covering Of his boiler hatch, and strik-
Ing the deck where 1t exploded. The crew OF
the Moaitor were ut once boat to quarters,
and action commenced
Inc batteries on shore were three In num-
berthe north and south redoubts with
twelve-pound krupp guns and the centre
containing 1,, only one three hundred-pounder.
badly placed, 1t was dismounted by recoil and
took no further part In the fight.
Inc other batteries OF the two ships fired
about one hundred and twenty shots, none OF
which did any especial damage other than
cutting away the rigging and upper works of
the Huascar, which were only temporary af-
fairs. -
The Huascar fired twenty-six shots from
her 300 FOUNDERS and two from her 40 pound
ers on deck. The two Chilian ships were
Abtao, whose machinery was being repaired,
backing on line from her safe position be-
hind couple OF English vessels firing her
broadside and then hauling ahead again out
ment which was several times repeated, was
not always 50 rapidly executed as to avoid
danger. One OF the Huascar's shells struck her
amldship. killing i've OF her crew and wound
ing several others, Including Capt. st.
Sanches and the executive officers OF the vel
sci.
The Magallanese, Ii is understood, adopted
the same tact, and as her movements were
more lively than those Of the Abtao she es.
capped with but trifling Injury. Grau clailns
that he silenced the batteries on shore and the
fire Of the ships, but this the Antafogasta pa
pers deny alleging that towards the conclusion
Of the fight the Huascar had retired to such
distance, over 1000 metres from shore, that
firing although the Peruvian ship |
still continued firing at this range.
There are no Losses OF life or special damage |
reported on shore. Admiral Grau reports a |
lieutenant Killed and one man wounded by |
The shell which first struck his vessel.
The Peruvian corvette Union has been re-
ported at Montevideo, whittier she had gone
III search Of an English vessel, the Genoese,
which sailed from Antwerp for Valparaiso
" Dnly ~ WIZ si large cargo OF arms for Chill.
corvette Phiggins, which has lately been sup
olied with new boilers and received other re-
oains, and the Amazonas, heavily-armed
transport, were ordered to the straits and
Montevideo to look for the Genoese and en-
ieavor to capture the Union. The Phiggins
carried heavier metal than the Peruvian cor
yette, while the Amazonas Is also well armed,
The contest will be unequal should the ChIlian
hips remain together, orders to which effect
lave been issued them. People In Valparaiso
re confident OF the capture OF the Union,
although she Is fast enough to run away ii
he is not caught in tight place in the
traits.
Admiral Rebelldo has been restored to the
ommand Of the Chtlian fleet, with unlimited
'o"eTs he Is man OF dash and action, and
las hitherto been restrained by the ministry
t Santiago from movements which would
ave wrought serious damage to Peru. We
re promised lively campaign, in which the
eetruction OF floating dock at Callao, the
the Peruvian fleet, whose vessels, one after