New-York tribune., 1879-11-24
THE PROGRESS OF HOSTlLlTIES.

PANAMA, Nov. 15-Ihe long expected INVASION OF
Peru by the Chian forces Is at last an accomplished
fact, and is sufficiently serious In It's character TO
promise a speedy termination of the war. The
Chilians, not satisfied with their naval success,
which amounts to the humiliation of the Peruvian
Navy. have ventured their all IN operations on
land which, whether successful or not are exceed
ingly ill-advised. The point selected for the land
ing was Pisagua, where the smallest allied force
was stationed. and at point between the prin-
cipa forces of the allies, which are concentrated at
africa aud lququc.
On sunday November Q, the Gillian fleet. COM
posed of sixteen sail in all appeared off the pert of
Psagua, and at once made preparation to land. The
iron-clads and corvettes stationed themselves with
in pistol shot of the shore and it the work of
but few minutes to silence the weak batteries
which the allies held on the heights behind the
town. The guns of the fleet cilcctualy covered the
landing of the troops and although a strong re-
sistance is reported to have been made and many
lives lost the Bolivian troops who garrisoned the
town retired to San Bernardo, about two leagues
from Psagua, leaving the town in possession of the
Chhans.
The Bolivians then continued their march south
ward. following the line of the Pisagua and
Iququc Railroad to Aqua Santa, fifty miles from.
Pisagna. hoping to unite with the allied forces
from Iquque, which were sent to reinforce them.
The retreat was subsequently continued TO Pena
Grandc. distant about seventeen miles from
Iqnique Here the allied forces expect to make
stand if pressed, to retire TO lquique The lat
ter course will be suicidal to both tie army and
the town. as it will almost certainly secure the cap
ture Of both by the Chilans the feet being able to
take an important part in any attack on Tquioue
The Chilian forces are estimated at 1900 men.
we'll armed and thoroughly disciplined, the flower
OF the Chilan army. The allies number nearly
9,O00 of all arms, and If properly handled in the
difficult country back of Iquque. whittier the Chill
Ians are advancing, they should beat off the in
vadcrs. The Chlians. who at last accounts had fol-
lowed the retiring forces OF the enemy had reached
Santa Catalina, march of day and half from
the allies position. The allies under the com
mand of General Buendia who has seen some ser
vice. The ChIian COMMANDMENTS Chief, General
Escaa, is talented officer.
THE PERUVIAN VERSION.
The latest Lima dispatch November 81, speaking
of the situation says: The battle on land must
soon take pace. Tclcgrams just received announce
that General Buenda has fallen back to Pcna
Grande, on the 3i-mle stretch between the
inland tcruini of the plsagua aud Iquique Rail-
road. and had been Joined by his reinforcements,
making in all about 1000 men. The ChlIan adj
vance was at Santa Caulina, thirty miles or more
from Psagua, on the railroad, and still going for
ward toward Bucndia's positions Prado and Daza.
or their columns, must also be advancing toward
the Province of Tarapaca from AREA and Tacna,
directly in the rear Of the Chlans. The number of
tic latter IL variously estimated, bnt probably
10000 or / | 900 soldiers Fears entertained Of
the destruction OF Iququc by the united Cbilian
naval force. The town is guarded by the National
Guard only as all of the regulars have gone to
Bucndia's support.
Lima has been declared under martial law. All
citizens capable of bearing arms must enroll them
selves in the line of National Guard regiments. 1t
is not probable thai the enemy is strong enough to
attempt to divide these forces, and it is evident
that the main Object of Chilli is the nitrate of Tara
paca though il is possible that later on her atten-
tiOn may he turned toward the guano deposits IN
the same latitude.
4 ministerial crisis followed at Lima tho capture
of the luascar, and a new ministry was not formed
until Don Nicolas de perOla, the great rival Of
pradO for the Presidency, was called IN. The new
ministers are able men, but II Is safe 10 say
they will not approve the conduct OF the war, and
may provoke n revolution OveTthrOwlng lrado.. lie
has become unpopular, and no serious trouble
would be experienced IN dcposing HIM, unless the
soldiers at AREA determine To sustain him. AZ one
time a dictatorship was proposed Tor him, but the
idea was abandoned.
The lluascar was able 10 20 under steam To VAL
paTaso her engines being uuujured i'll the recent
fight. Five balls penetrated her armor.
TIE NEW PERUVIAN MINISTRY
PANAMA, Nov. 10. - General La Puerta
has new Peruvian Cabinet again, formed
this time of his personal friends and
fclOw-worKers III politics. General La
Cotera Minister of War; u. Buenavcntura Elguera,
of Interior; ID. l. VI. Qumpcr, of Finance II. Rafael
vclarde, Foreign Affairs ID. Adolfo Quiroga. Of
Justice.