Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-08-29
Don't Believe 1t,

Special to the Gazette.
WASHINGTON, Aug 2S.-Neither the state
department nor members of the Diplomatic
corps place any reliance whatever in the
cabegram said to have been received by the
Gillian minister to the effect that the Bal
maceda forces had been victorious in the
recent engagement. There is thought to be
good evidence that the cablegram is either
sfake'' or matter of no importance. 1t
is official etiquette for all such dispatches
sent by foreign governments for publica-
ton in case of war to be sent at once to the
state department by the minister receiving
them, for the information of the govern
ment, especially when the news is of de-
cisive nature.
The fact that this has not been done so
far is additional testimony against the relia-
bility of the news received yesterday by
the minister. The state departments lack
of definite information is also considered to
DE 4 sign that the reports of a decisive bat
tie are false, as it is quite certain that in
case victory should be Won by either side
the United States minister in Chill would
find some means of letting this government
know it, however difficult the task might
be. Acting Secretary Wharton said to a
GAZETTE correspondent this morning that
he has received unofficial advices to the
effect that commercial wires were working
again and that Valparaiso was tranquil.
He doubted the reports of fighting, but his
information, ne admitted, was not of a GER
tain character.
This is the first information received by
the state department from its representa-
tive IN Chill relative to the state of affairs
there fOr some time, excepting meager
cipher dispatches received this morning
from Minister Egan, dated yesterday at
Santiago, stating that small fight had taken
place near that place yesterday, and that a
decisive battle would probably be fought
this morning.
Wharton said tonight that Santiago had
been cut off from telegraphic communication
with the outside world, the wires probably
beng in the hands of the insurgents, or
Minister Egan would have communicated
with the department, giving more of the
particulars of the situation. As Valparaiso
is only thirty miles from Santiago, it is
held that the consul will soon
be able TO communicate with Minister
Egan. Mr. Wharton declined to say what
measure would be taken by this govern
ment, or what instructions would be
sent Minister Egan, but he
said that nothing would be done
until further news had been received by
the department.
Nothing has been received at the navy
department from Admiral Brown, COM
handing the United States naval forces in
Gillian waters, but dis
patch from Valparaiso stated that
the American admiral, with the
naval commanders of foreign nations, were
preserving order. 1t is presumed the Amer
lean ships must have reached the scene of
action, rs the admiral, in his last communi-
cation to the department, dated Coquimbo,
recei we'd yesterday, said he would soon sail
for Valparaiso if he deemed his presence
there necessary. The Baltimore and San
Francisco are ships under his command.
The Gillian minister could not be found
tonight, but it is generally supposed he
must have received the news of the defeat
of his government, and for this reason de-
clines to receive anyone.