Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-19

| paraiso, have CLEANED the following facts
| from resident foreigners. Nobody can yet
clearly foretell the result of the revolution,
except in the destruction of the credit and
prosperity of the proud little country that
has so long stood at the head of South
American Republics. As to the details of
the causeless conflict, the present scene of
action being several hundred miles to the
| northward, the newspapers suppressed and
all cable and telegraph communication cut
off-the citizens of Valparaiso are not SO
we'll posted as people in Europe or the
United States.
Americans Trusted in Uncle Sam.
You can readily imagine what consterna-
tion prevailed thst bright afternoon in Jauu-
ary, when the rebellious Chilean feet, with
decks cleared for action, came sailing into
port. Many fed from the city, fearing bonn
bsrdment and the landing Of insurgents
which would mean another general massa-
ere, greater than that which recently took
place at Iquiqui; but the few Americans
resident here, remained. 10 a man (and 1
may also add to a woman), feeling that tue
arm of the home Government is long aud
powerful, and bound to be respected. VAL
paraiso is so situated, along a narrow stri p
OF coast backed by steep hills, as TO be ex-
posed to bombardment in every part, and
being almost entirely wooden city, with
extremely narrow and crooked streets, it
would burn like tinder.
But instead of plucking the plum of COM
plete victory, as the rebels might easily have
done that day, they simply pillaged the
Government store-ships, issued a bombastic
proclamation and maueuvred the fleet
around the bay, with flying colors and
brave show of what they might do if $50
disposed" 1t is asserted, however, that the
forbearance of the rebellious navy was not
due to any consideration for Valparaiso and
the people thereof, but to the circumstance
that the army officers, who had pledged
themselves to join the uprising and pocketed
the cash therelor-failed 10 rise" when it
came TO the scratch.
Volunteers Furnished in Chains.
During the few days Immediately follow
ing this bootless demonstration Balmaceda
armed the forts that command the entrance
to this most important of Chilean harbors
and reorgan zed his army. The regular
army numbered only about 5000 be ore
these troubles began, but it has since been
augmented TO more than %, 900. The Gov
ernment now ctf.rs its soldiers $50 bounty
and regular pay of $40 per month-ex-
traordinary wages in Chile; so that the
old saw is being reversed and the plow-
great many of the new troops are con-
scripted. 1t is related that a recruiting
officer recently sent 80 men to headquarters,
chained together like wild beasts, accom-
panied by the characteristic message: II
herewith send you 80 volunteers Please
return me the chains"
On January II a shell was fired into the
Gale Blanco, killing six men and wound
ing score. Then Admiral Morett declared
a blockade in Valparaiso Bay; but at the
expiration OF the usual 4S hours notice, the
valiant squadron was nowhere to be seen,
they having folded their tents, or rather
their sails, like the Arabs, and silently
stolen away between two DAYS, in pursuit of
mischief elsewhere. The northern blockade
deprives the Government of its customary
81, 000, 900 per month-in nitrate export du-
tes-and there has never been a time when
the revenue was more needed than at pres
ent.
The People Kept in the Dark.
All manner Of rumors-some no doubt
greatly exaggerated-are afoat hereabouts
concerning the recent battles at 1quique,
Antofogasta and other places in northern
Chile; but owing to the cutting OF the wires
and the suppression of the newspapers,
little reliable information can be gained.
There have been several minor engage
ments in this neighborhood, chiefly on the
bay, and for several weeks past. in lieu oi
the usual theaters, festss and horse races,
the populace has been entertained by grand
military funerals and impressive guard
mounts.
President Balmaceda has proved himself
to be by no means the weak and vacillating /!
creature that his early course toward Con- |
gress led some people to suspect, and there |
ic M 1nuhf that ha will hold fast tn his i
point so long as cent remains in the pub |
lie Treasury, or can be raised by levying on |
the private means of 'Ios rieos." He is !