The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-12-20
EGAN'S DANGER.
The United States Legation Threatened by
a Chilean Mob.

respondent secured late tonight transla-
ton Of an important cipher dispatch re-
ceived at the State Department from
Minister Egan last night. 1t indicates
the existence OF a most serious state
Of affairs in Santiago and warrants grave
apprehension as to the outcome of the
Chilean episode. The translation of the
dispatch is as follows: "The American
Legation is surrounded by the police and
mob on account Of the refugees here.
Threats are being made of burning or blow
ing up the legation to get them. A United
States ship is in port, but many miles from
the legation. The refugees cannot fly, but
must stay in the legation, which is be-
sieged."
This cablegram has created consternation
IN the Navy Department, which was fur
nishel with a copy by the Secretary of
State early this morning.
Another copy was taken to the White
House and submitted TO the President
cablesram to Minister Egan has been pre-
pared, instructing him to report at once
upon tho attitude of the local authorities
and as to the part which the police are play
ing in the affairs.
1t is Important to know whether the no.
lice are spying upon the legation as hereto
lore, or whether they have been detailed to
prevent the mob from Carrying out the
threats described in Egan's eablegram.
1t is believed at the Navy Department
that the demonstrations referred to
could not be made If proper
protection was given TO the American Lega-
ton by the Chilean Government If the
situation Is as grave as Egan appears to
think the Navy Department officials are
convinced that only force can rescue the
refugees now under the protection of the
American Minister.
WHAT OFFICIALS SAY.
In spite of the extreme measures
taken by the Army and Navy depart
ments the belief that there will be war
with Chile grows less aud less here. No
news has been received to-day from the
threatened country. the finding of Judge
Foster not heIng expected until next week
The general belief is that Chile will yield to
the demands OF the United States event
ually When she will yield is question of
considerable argument, the bulk of opinion
being that she will go to the very brink be-
fore admitting that she. has been in the
wrong.
Naval officers who have served in Chilean
waters say that it is very doubtful whether
Chile Will apologize until she sees the war
SHIPS OF the United States and hears that
war has been declared. The opinions of
these officers are highly regarded in the de-
partment, ana 1t Is on the strength OF their
opinions and their experience in South Amer
lea that the higher officials OF the Navy De-
partment deem it wise TO make the extraor-
dinarY preparations that are now being
made.
TO USE MERCHANT VESSELS.
The activity of the department with re-
spect to tOrpedoes ana general war material
has been known for some time but the fact
is Just made public that the Navy Depart
ment has taken steps to utilize the vessels
or the merchant marine. 1t is true that no
formal contracts have been entered into,
but II IS q fact that the department has Sc
lected the private vessels best adapted for
the TRANSPORTATION OF troops and the carry
ing of supplies and coal to points in the
South Pacific, and has proceeded so far as
TO be able to lay It's hands on vessels the
moment they may be needed. There is
much speculation over the possibilities of
waT, but there is no more foundation for
most of the talk than would naturally lead
from the common discussion of such a con-
tingency.
THE CABINET CONFERENCE.
After the Cabinet meeting President Har-
rison and Secretaries Blaine and Tracy held
conference on the naval situation with
reference to Chilean affairs. What occurred
there is kept strictly secret. The impress
sion is growing among naval men that
there is going to be n scrimmage. 1t may
be confined to diplomatic correspondence.
with perhaps show of force and readiness
to fight and may not reach the blood spill
ing stag, but In any event naval men feel
that they ought to be prepared t. "calP'
any bluff that Chile may put up.
MATTA MAKES AN INQUIRY.
New DIRK, Dec. 19-The Herald's Val
paraiso special cabegram says: The Chill
can Government to-day, notwithstanding
Minister Matta'5 recent statement that no
claims were being paid to foreign powers,
turned over Gl000 TO the German Minister,
Gutschnidt, for the detention of the
steamer RomuluS in March last by Balma-
ceda's order. Malta sent a letter
to Minister Egan yesterday stating that re-
ports had reached him unofficaly that Egan
asserted that he had Information that the
American Legation was to he fired. Malta
asks for the name of the Informant and full
data. and ADDS that the Chilean Government
Will take the utmost measures to pro-
tect the American Legation. 1t appears
throughout all the trouble between Chile
and America that Egan's dispatches have
been based entirely ON csbled orders of the
United States Administration. Malta yes
terday instructed The Intendente at Valpa-
raiso to request Judge Foster TO bring his
inquiry into the Baltimore affair to a speedy
end.
CHILE's COURSE SATISFACTORY.
LONDON, Dec. ia dispatch to the
Times from Santiago de Chile states that
the preparation Of the correspondence be-
tween the Governments of Chile and the
United States in relation TO the assault upon
the sailors from the American man-of-war
Baltimore is completed. The dispatch adds
the public apparently Is satisfied with the
course pursued by Chile. Everything is
quiet throughout the country.