Evening capital journal. (Salem, Or.) 1888-1893, 1891-05-09
ABOUT THE ETATA.
GreatDangerFrOm Forest Fires
in Michigan.
A TEA COMPANY ASSIGNS.
Attorney Arrested, The Duty on
Sugar, Steamship Launched,
Foreign News, State News, Etc,
WHAT RIGHTS HAVE WE.

WHAT RIGHTS HAVE WE.
WAsHINGToN, May 9.-The ques-
tion of the right of the United
States to take the Chilian steamer
Etata on the high seas is uot alto
gether settled The state depart
ment people are inclined TO doubt
the right. The whole question
arises from dispute as to the char
acter of the vessel. If she were
pirate or vessel of American regis
Ter engaged in acts OF violation of
the treaty stipulatiOns, the case
would he a simple one; but she is
merely Chilian vessel engaged in
the transportation of suspected car
20 and there is a great risk involved.
The dispatches from Chill throw
peculiar light on the war, being to
the effect that President Bslmacsda
has directed that the payments Of
the revenue and other duties to the
government must be made in silver.
A naval officer today pointed out
the fact that this means O good deal,
and might indicate that certain
amount of specie was taken as pre-
caution on the part of Balmaceda,
who is as likely as not preparing for
an abdication. Such an act will of
course end the war in favor of the
insurgents.
DO NOT SEEM TO CARE.
WASHINGTON, May 9.-It was not
apparent this morning that the
navy department was exerting
itself greatly to recapture the Chill
ian steamer Etata. There lie reason
to believe there is some hope enter
tained by the government officials
that the Etata did not start at full
speed for Chill. There is a strong
suspicion she is lurking somewhere
In the neighborhood of San Diego
waiting an opportunity to get arms
from the schooner Robert and
Minnie.
THE FOREST FIRES.
HARRISON, Mich. May 0.-The
| forest fires in this section are becom-
ing worse with a strong southwest
W ind blowing. Meridith is in great
danger of being burned and great
alarm Is felt there.
THE CHARLESTON.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 9.-The
cruiser Charleston remains anchored
at her usual position in the harbor.
The object of her visit here is not de-
finitely known, but it has been
stated ii is a mark of honor to the
late Minister Swift, whose remains
arrived on the Belgic from Japan,
and whose funeral occurs on Sun
day next.
One of the officers of the cruiser,
who was ashore, was seen regarding
the story that the Charleston had
been ordered in pursuit of the Etata.
He stated the Charleston had left
Mare Island for gun practice, but In
the meantime had been placed by
orders of the navy department at
the disposal of the committee
having in charge of the obsequles of
Minister Swift. In the event of
orders being issued from Washing
ton to pursue the Etata, they would
be received In cipher and nothing
would be known as to the vessels
destination until she was we'll under
way.
THE CHARLESTON GONE.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 9.-United
states Steamer Charleston left here
at o'clock this morning. Destina-
ton unknown, but it is understood
that she had gone outside the heads
TO test her new elght-inoh rifles.
TEA COMPANY ASSIGNS.
NEW YORK, May o. Mcbride
Bros. Il Co., doing business as the
Union Pacific Tea company, and
having branch houses In fourteen
states, made an assignment today