Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-07-12
BULLETS FOR REBELS.
Execution of the Crew and officers
Of the Torpedo Ganeda.
BALMACEDA WAS FORCED TO 1T.
Fannie B. Ward Insists That America Has
False News From Chile.
HER DEFENSE OF THE PRESIDENT

CORRESPONDENCE OF THE pIsPATCH.1
SANTIAGO DE CHILE, June 2.-The S0tf
/ day of May-"Decoration Day" at home
when the graves of honored soldiers are be-
ing canopied with fowers-was q very sac
one in Santiago, for on that morning were
executed the deserting officers and sailors Of
the torpedo Ganeda. Everybody knew-in
these dark days when hydra-neaded rebellion
is Tightening his Shiny coils about the capi-
tai and the whole country is suffering SO
bitterly because of the strife fomented by a
few-that the men must die. That would
have been foregone conclusion in any other
country, even had our own proverbially soft
hearted Lincoln been at the helm; for when
aGovernment vessel deliberately turns traitor
in time of war and goes over to the enemy,
the deserter, If captured, expect nothing
less than the death penalty.
But it was sad nevertheless, as executions
always are, however much the condemned
may deserve their doom; and in this in
stance it was particularly narrowing be-
cause not one trembling wretch, but many,
were sent into eternity by their own coun-
trymen. Some of the prisoners had fami-
lies living in the city, most of them were
personally known to many people both in
Santiago and Valparaiso, and it was whis-
pered that among the sharp-shooters who
were detailed to fire the fatal volley were
more than one brother, cousin and intimate
friend of men to be killed.
Sensational Stories From the Prison.
The deserters had been kept some time in
the Santiago prison; but the stories that
rebel sympathisers have circulated in the
North, to the effect that they were fogged,
starved and tortured, are entirely false.
This I can vouch for, on the authority of
relatives of the condemned men, who Wis
tied them often during their incarceration.
The prisons of Chile at best are horrible
places, and the keepers of them, like others
of their class the world over, are not the
most refined and tender-hearted individuals.
Indeed, believe that in all countries,
jailers, as rule, are not selected with q
view to those virtues, since prisons are
especially designed as places of punish
ment, for persons presumably meriting the
same.
At daybreak on the morning of the Both,
the deserters were led out into the plaza,
where troops were already formed in q hol-
low square; those about to die. were ranged
in line with their faces toward the brighten
ing East, prayers were said, and each man
kissed the crucifix; then, while their hands
were being tied, company Of infantry
stepped quickly to the front-presently the
word of command rang out sharp and clear,
aquick rattle of musketry was heard and all
was over.
1t Was a Necessary Step.
Of course, the insurgents characterize this
awful but necessary proceeding as Gin
famous butchery" on the part of Balmaceda;
but it is precisely what would have hap
pened, under similar circumstances, in
countries far more civilized than this, and it
is nothing to what may be expected should
the rebel horde succeed in their mad design
of capturing the capital, overturning the
Federal Government and carrying out their
oft-repeated threats of hanging the Presi-
dent, his Cabinet and the most prominent
loyal citizens to the lampposts of
Santiago. Should that dies irae az
rive, may none Of my countrymen, or
country women be here to see! The regular
army Of Chile is bad enough, heaven knows;
but the irresponsible rif-raf, composed Of
adventurers of every class, runaway GRIM
inals and the of-scourings of the country
that would naturally cast in their lot with
such scheme for the overthrow of law and
order, are thousand times more to be
dreaded.
Within q week bombs have been thrown
at midday in the crowded streets of this once
gay capital, with the design of numbering
the Cabinet Ministers as they were leaving
the Hall of Congress. Another bomb was
hurled at the window of the Moneda, where
the President resides; and others have been
exploded in the public promenades regard
less of how many innocent people may be
killed, if only rebel hate may be gratifed by
the injury Of anybody belonging to the
Federal Government.
Internal Machines and Poison.
Internal machines without number have
been sent in various .guises to the President
and also to the gentleman who has been
nominated for his successor; and poison has
been introduced into both their houses, in
fruit, -four, and even in canned goods, SO
that every article of food to be consumed by
themselves and their families must be
carefully analysed before it goes to their
tables. Think of it-you who are peacefully
dwelling in Goods countryl' What do
you suppose the President Of the United
States would do, were such things happen
ing at Washington? Would he be likely
to allow deserting naval officers, bomb
.hrowers and other traitors go free and un-.
punished?
No means are too Inscriptions for the |
desperate insurgents to use in gaining their |
point, because they have now gone so far
hat defeat means destruction or perpetual |
,xile for the leaders; and should they win,
wen to the extent of holding possession of |
he capital for one day, the scenes in Paris |
Turing the Commune could not hold candle |
@ the atrocities that would be perpetrated-
IS then, in the sacred but often abused name
# liberty. With all these horrors environ
ng him and the friends who yet remain |
aithful, it is no wonder that Balmaceda is
ick at heart.
Not Red-Handed' Monster.
He is by no means the Monster of
Jruelty" which certain ignorant newspapers
# the United States have represented him
n big type and glowing head lines to be.
IN the contrary, he is an exceedingly mild
well-educated and peace-loving
Gentleman, who has lived all his life among
hese people Che is now in the neighborhood
# 40 years old), and has never before been
.ccused Of more arrogance or cruelty than
s the natural heritage of the native Chilean
whose dollars, even, bear the characteris-
ic motto "por razon de fuerza." The pres
mt struggle is not of his seeking, for GER
ainly nothing could be more detrimental
o his personal interests; and so far from
honest citizens, as has been al
eyed, it is eminently his policy to make no
lew enemies. But this gigantic rebellion
le must put down if possible though such |