New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-06-06
REBELS SURRENDER ALL. p
NOTHING TO SHOW FOR THE ITATAS LONG
VOYAGE
FIVE THOUSAND RIFLES AND TWO MILLION
ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION HANDED OVER
TO UNCLE SAM, ALONG WITH THE
INsURGENT TRANSPORT.

INSURGENT TRANSPORT.
Iquique. June 3, via Galveston-The insurgent
vessel Jtata has been delivered to the American
Admiral, with 5000 rifles and 1000, 900 rounds
OF ammunition.
The machinery of the Itata is in bad state,
and it will require some days to put 1t In order
again. When the necessary repairs are COM
pleted the Itata will leave for San Diego, con-
voycd by the United States steamer Charleston.
The Junta alleged that the arms and ammuni-
ton were transferred from the sailing vessel
Robert and Minnie TO the Itata near the island
of San Clemente, and therefore claims that the
American law was not violated, and is making
strong representations TO the United States Gov
ernment, with a view of getting possession OF the
munitions Public opinion here is strongly in
favor of the Junta.
Washington, June 5.-The only dispatch re-
celved at the Navy Department to-day from Ad-
neral McCann at Iquioue was one correcting the
statement as 10 the location of the ltata when
the arms were transferred TO it from the schooner
Robert and Minnie. This transfer, the dispatch
says took place off San Clemente Island, few
miles from the coast, instead of of San Diego
harbor The location of transfer may be of i'm
portance in determining the question Of jurisdic-
ton of the United States courts.
There is no expectation that the officers
and crew of the ltata will Jeopardlze
their liberty by returning with the YES
sci TO San Diego, and, in fact. as 1t was re-
ported from Mexico that the commander OF the
lnsurgent warship Esmeralda acted as captain OF
the Itata as far as Acapulco there good reasons
why he, at least, should not return TO the United
States. So it may be necessary for Admiral Nc
Cam TO detail some of his own men TO act as the
crew.
In official circles it is believed that the 1tata
is not likely to suffer heavily as the result of
her escapade. Credence is given TO the statement
teegraphed from Chilli that the vessel took the
contrahand arms and ammunition from the
Robert and Minnie on the high seas outside of
United States jurisdiction. If this should be true
her offence against the neutrality laws is min
imized, and it is doubtful if case could be made
out against her in the present state of uncertain
construction of law There is little doubt that
she can be held on other charges, such as con-
tempt of court in sailing away while under in
junction, kidnapping the marshall and sailing with
out clearance papers, but these are minor offences
whose punishment is likely TO take the shape of
fines and go TO the length of forfeiture of the
vessel.
Attomey-General Miller said to-day that the
Department of Justice would take action in
the case of the Itata until tha vessel had been
turned over 20 the law officers OF the Government
at San Diego when the course usual in such cases
would be followed-that is to say, she would be
libelled and held subject to the findings of the
proper legal tribunal.
The account which came from San Francisco
yesterday of the naval engagement in Valparaiso
Harbor, stating that the insurgent cruiser Magel-
lanes sailed under the guns of the Government
forts end almost annihilated the Government tor
pedo boats is received with increduity at the
Navy Department. Such facts officially
known seem to discredit the story. The engage
ment is reported TO have taken place April % in
the presence of the foreign men-oi-war. Admiral
McCann was there on that date on board the
baltimore yet, in a report TO the Department on
the next day. he failed 10 mention any such battle
In addition TO this the Department officers say
they have no doubt that if an engagement with
news would have been promptly telegrophed to
the United States instead of taking the slower
course of the mail steamers
Fortunately information has been received here
that the Chilian Minister TO Bolivia has been
instructed 10 demand his passports in case the Bo-
lvian Government was entertaining any propo-
sitiOns from the Chilian insurgents respecting the
Tacna.
letter Just received from Government sources
in Valparaiso, dated April 20, describes the prep
aratiOns Of the Government fleet for q northern
cruise but NAL kes no mention whatever of any at
tack on the fleet on the preceding day, nor Of the
insurgent vessel, the Mageanes.