The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1891-05-17
THE CHARLESTON AND ITATA.


WASHINGTON, May 16.-After a weeks
waiting some tangible news was received
today at the navy department from the
Charleston. First came dispatch from
Acapulco, stating that the Chilian insur-
gent cruiser Esmeralda had put out of
Acapulco harbor yesterday and had re-
turned to the port today. Later, through
the state department, dispatch came,
stating that the Charleston had arrived at
Acapulco, and that the Esmeralda was
still in port but giving no news of the
Itata. What the next step is TO be no one
at the department knows or feels free to
tell. The Charleston is to take on coal, as
her supply has probably nearly run out
during the weeks chase. 1t is not be-
Heved the Esmeralda will be allowed the
privilege of taking COAL as the neutrality
laws would in that event be strained by
the Mexican government.
The theory at the navy department is
that the Charleston, whose commander.
Capt. Remy, has orders admitting large
discretionary movements will now lie at
or near Acapulco for a short time, trusting
that the Itata, which is slow seven-knot
ship. has not yet passed down the coast,
and will try to coal in that neighborhood.
If she is sighted the Charleston will doubt
less try to seize her. She cannot do this
in Mexican waters, so that it would be
necessary to head her off outside the three
Ulile llEe. OF, IL UNSUCCESSFUL III Jnat, TO
follow her to sea when she goes out
What the Esmeralda will do in the mean
time is problematical.
The general impression is that the
officers of that vessel will RELY more on
strategy than on force to obtain the sup
plies carried by the Itata, and some officers
believe that she IS trying TO turn the
Charleston away from the Itatas real
course Recourse to force to prevent the
Charleston from capturing the Itata.
however, would, it is said. be the death
blow of the insurgent cause in Chill as
the entire naval force of the United States
in the Pacific would, if necessary, be
promptly called into play to destroy the
lnsurgent navy.
4 cablegram received at the deparrment
from Admiral McCann this afternoon an
nounced that the Baltimore and San Fran
cisco were both at IQuique, Chill, TODAY.
So it appears that the Baltimore has come
north aud the San Francisco has been
stayed IN her southern course, Just at the
point where the Chlilan lusurgent navy is
now nearly altogether assem- bled This
point is almost in the extreme north of
Chill and Is where the Itata would natur-
ally find her destination if she eluded the
Charleston.
CITY OF MEXICO, May 16.-The Es
meralda has been unable TO purchase fuel
at Acapulco. and is now lying off the
1o'iNb nc1i tido pOtl, III neutral waters, !
probably waiting for the ltata The Es-
meralda's steam launch was patroling all
night. 1t is the general opinion at
Acapulco that the Itata has passed that
port and has gone south. and that the Es |
meralda is waiting for the Charleston
lQUIQUE, Chill, May 16-The United |
States warship Baltimore, from Val |
paraiso, arrived here this morning. The |
Baltimore and the San Francisco will |
remain on this coast under command of |
Admiral Brown. Admiral McCann, who |
Is on board the Baltimore, will be transfer |
red TO the Pensacola. which is expected |
here In a few days, and will then leave for |
the Atlantic