Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-11-06
TROUBLE FOR CHILE.
A Plot Is Discovered to Overthrow
the Junta's Government,
THE CoNspIRATORS BETRAYED.
Sensational Spy Stories Intended Only for
English Ears.
ADMIRAL M0NTT A PRESIDENT ELECT

ADMIRAL M0NTT A PRESIDENT ELECT
nounced few days ago the Liberal party
in Chile won sweeping victory In the re-
cent elections, and this fact makes the
election of Liberal President toregone
conclusion. The Constitution of Chile
provides that the electors chosen by the
people shall meet and elect a President OF
the Republic. The Liberal electors met in
caucus yesterday and nominated for Presl-
dent of Chile for the ensuing five years,
Admiral Jorge Montt. The nomination is
equivalent to an election. The ceremonies
in connection with the Inauguration OF the
new President will be held in the capital,
Santiago, December 26.
It is stated that the selection of Admiral
Montt is not only approved by the entire
Liberal party, but that the leading MEM
bers of the other parties acquiesce IN It,
believing that it will tend to consolidate
the best interests of the country.
Chile Will Be More Reasonable.
It is further believed that within the con-
stitution of constitutional Government the
questions now at issue between Chile and
United States will be more calmly discussed,
and that the outcome will be satisfactory to
both nations.
Admiral Montt was most pronounced
opponent of the late President Balmaceda,
and upon the breaking out Of the revolution
he took command of the Congressional fleet.
1t was owing in q great measure to MS
action that many other naval officers de-
serted Balmaceda and Joined the Revolu-
tionists. Admiral Montt is extremely popu-
lar with all classes, and his selection Is
hailed with much satisfaction on all sides.
There is much excitement here and IN
Santiago over the discovery last night OF a
conspiracy against the new Government.
Santiago is the center of the conspiracy, and
it is stated that the plotters have accom-
plices and branch headquarters in Buenos
Ayres.
It is alleged that s., OOO. 600 have been sub
scribed to carry out the plans of the conspir-
ators. Senior Juan McKenna, one OF the
political refugees in the United States Le-
gution, is accused of being the chief party
in the movement.
Aiming at Colonel Canto's Life.
line main OD1ecb Ol Iue Conspiracy 10 soiu
to have been the assassination OF Colonel
Canto. the commander of the Congressional
land forces. 1t is said that lots were cast to
decide who should kill him, and that it fell
to Lieutenant Colonel Gandarillas, OF Bal
maceda's army. Spies in the pay OF the Bal
macedists are said to have watched Colonel
Canto in the streets where he was In the
habit Of walking.
The exposure of the plot is said to have
happened in the following way: One OF
the conspirators repented of his completely
in it, and informed Barros Arana, the we'll
known Chilean historian. Senior Arana
made known the facs so far as he had
learned to the Government. As result
Lieutenant Colonel Gandarillas WAS placed
under arrest and taken to prison. His in
generation was followed by great activity
on the part of the authorities to get at evil
dence which would reveal all the other per-
sons engaged in the plot, and the police are
now devoting all their energies to the task
Great indignation prevails both at San
tiago and in this city. 1t is said that prom
inent people are implicated, and that the
conspirators, to the number of 45, met at a
house in the Gale Vergara owned by Senor
Garcia Cullero.
Nightly Meetings of the Conspirators.
These meetings were held nightly, and
the conspiracy had progressed SO far that
committees had been formed to carry out
the different parts of it. 1t had been ar
ranged to have general rising against the
Junta
1t is reported that ex-General Velasquez
was also one of the prime figures in the
plot. Preparations had been made for a
conjunction with Balmaceda's friends at
Buenos Ayres Minister Guarrero has
received threats from them. Coupling
this demonstration wieh the feeling dis
played at Serena during the late elections,
it proves that the dead Dictator's friends
are still active and mean mischief to their
conquerors. The Junta has been asked,
through the press, to prosecute to the ut
most these disturbers of the peace in Chile.
1t is very probable that it will move as
rapidly and energetically in the matter as
justice will permit
Minister Egan says there is not the slight
est truth In the report that Senior McKenna
was engaged in the conspiracy, or that any
other Of the political refugees at the United
States Legation were concerned in it.
Chilean Lies Intended for England.
The sensational stories which have been
cabled to England and thence back. to the
United States, rejecting upon the conduct
of the United States Minister and naval Off
GERS, are probably intended more for con-
sumption in Great Britain than in Chile.
Investigation of the latest alarmist account
sent to certain English newspaper fails to
reveal any corroboration of it.
In regard to the allegations that our naval
officers acted as spies in the interest of Bal
maceda, the correspondent is informed, on
what appears to be good and impartial au-
thority, that the charge is without founda-
tion. '1t is nothing less, "said promi-
nent American resident here, s'than Wifi
sation throughout of honorable men like
Admirals McCann and Brown and Captains
Sampson and Schley. All of these officers
I know personally, and I am certain they
would not act as they are said to have done"
He further said that the American resi-
dents here were secretly in sympathy with
the Junta during the war, and that even
among American officers, if there was any
private leaning toward either side, it was
toward the Congressionalists.