The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-07-09
Balmaceda an Omnipotent
Justice of the Peace.
cHiLE'S FARcicAL GOVERNMENT
Confirmation of the Reports of a
Brilliant lnsurgent Victory.
The Itata Agrees TO Pay Fine of $500
for Running Away She Tries TO
Abscond Again, but Is Seized In
Time for Violation of Neutrality Law.

ma state that the new Chilean congress
has authorized Balmaceda 10 fine anybody
he sees lit, at any moment he may think
proper. up 10 $50. 10000, the money 10 be
applied 10 the expense Of suppressing the
congressionaiists. The fine is TO be paid
within time and at place and in form
designated by the president or his agents.
The president is also authorized 10 compel
backward payers of the fine TO pay up by
| lndlction of such punishment as he may
deem advisable.
Los ANGELES, July s-This afternoon
the United States district attorney filed q
libel against the steamer Itata before Judge
Ross. of the United States court, who or
dered a monition and warrant of arrest
issued, returnahle Monday next The libel
is for violation of the neutrality laws in
fitting out the ltata as war vessel at San
Clemente island May 6. TO cruise against
the republic of Chile
WASHINGTON CRY, July S.-Representa-
tives of the Chilean congressional party IN
Washington City late tonight received q
catlegram from Iquique signed By Ezra
suriz. minister OF foreign affairs, saying in
effect that the army of Balmaceda, which
was advancing from Coauimbo TO the val
ley of Huasco, was met by the constitu-
tional army at point four leagues south
of Eailenar, when an engagement took
place today. The constitutional army, the
dispatch says, obtained a brilliant
triumph.
The secretary of the treasury has author
lied the acceptance OF the offer of the mas
ter of the Chilean steamer Itata to pay $500
for violation of the navigation laws in
having cleared from San Diego. Cal, with
out the necessary papers. This settlement
has no bearing on the other charges against
the officers of this vessel, to-wit: kidnap-
! ing federal officers and violating the neu-
! trality law. The attorney general believes
that action may still be brought against
| individual officers of the Itata and the
| Robert and Minnie for . violation of this
| law. Although the officers OF the Itata
| have compromised their offense against
| the navigation law. they may be still
amenable TO legal prosecution on the
charge of KIDNAPPING, and also a violation
| of the navigation laws.
SAN DIEGO, Cal, July s.-The penalty OF
$500 which the treasury department has
| demanded of the steamer Itata for leaving
| the port without clearance papers has not
1 been paid yet but will probably be tomor-
| row. Today Marshal Gard reseized the
| Itata and placed an officer in charge. This
act is necessary to start the libel proceed
ings commenced by the United States dis
trict attorney.
/ tits understood that attorneys had ad-
vised Captains Manzen and Tejada to pay
| at once and get the vessel released from
| the custody of the customs officers and be
| fore Marshal Gard reseizes the Ifata to get
| out of San Diego harbor as quick as steam
would carry her. Upon receiving this ad-
vice Manzen returned from Los Angeles
and telegraphed TO Tejada, who returned
at noon today. Meantime Manzen and
| the other officers of the Itata had returned
| TO the vessel, saying they had been on
| shore several days and desired rest.
! None of the crew had been allowed ashore,
| so all was in readiness for the escape OF
| the vessel upon the arrival of Commander
| TejaGa.
At 1880 this morning a marshal's guard
| and a deputy stepped aboard the Itata
| and seized the vessel for violation of the
| neutrality laws and kidnapping United
States officers. Manzen was crestfallen
upon the appearance OF the marshal, and
anxiousIy awaited the arrival of Tejada,
who bastened 10 the ship Immediately
/
| secret consultation with ManZen. The
plan to sail out last night was therefore
| frustrated. Had she got away before re-
! seizure much delay would probably have
| resulted before the Charleston could get
under way TO chase her again, ana oy thar
| time the Itata could possibly have es-
| capped.
! PAgts. July THE Chilean congres-
| sional party has re-established the emlgra'
| tion bureau here, which was suppressed by
| Balmaceda.
CALLAo. July s.-Passengers arriving
from Valparaiso and Iquique state that
| the situation Of the Chilean insurgents Is
desperate. They are without money, and
| their vessels are in bad condition and
without ammunition. They have been able
IN obtain only 500 rides in bad order,
bought in Panama. Most OF the lnhsoi'
tants of Iouique, Pissgus and Antofogasta
have emigrated 10 Southern Chile or to
I Perm