The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-11-13
VENGEANCE OF THE JUNTA.

VENGEANCE OF THE JUNTA.
Furnishing Those Who Were Friendly to Bal
maceda-The Outcry Against Egan.
Correspondence Of the Associated Press
SANTIAGO, Chill, Oct. l3.-There has been
no act on tho part of the provisional gov
ernment since it came into power which
could in any way attract the support Of
those who had been supporters of Balma-
coda. The uew government and ali those
who sympathized with It have never made
any secret of their intentions to punish
their late opponents. Arrests and impris-
onments occurred daily during the few
weeks following the close of the war, and
the policy of punishment was 80 openly
demonstrated that hundreds of persons
who had been active supporters of the
late government sought refuge on neu-
trail vessels and escaped from the
country. Others were forced to conceal
themselves. and many Of them are in hid
ing etill. These persons include all officers
above tho grade of lieutenant who were IN
Balmaceda's army. and also all civil officers
who held their offices during the late war
by virtue of appoin tment from Balmaceda
or his representatives. There has been no
apparent effort 1t reconciliation. but the
attitude of the present government has
been from the first euch as to warn all per-
sons who supported Balmaceda that they
were regarded as criminals and would be
punished.
The entire press OF the country, or. at
least. of Santiago and Valparaiso. which
recently sprang into existence again after
undergoing q period of suppression by or
der of Baimacedn, has heartily supported
the new government and all the Congress
sionalist sympathizers in their attitude
towards their late opponents. These pa
pers have made every effort to continue che
agitation which has been IN force in Chill
for nearly year past There has hardly
been an issue of q Santiago or Valparaiso
paper since the war closed which has not
contained column accounts of what Ie
termed outrageous crimes" OF the late ad-
ministration.
The policy which those who supported
the recent revolution are now carrying out
seemed to commence at the close of the
very battle in which the victory was won.
There is no doubt that many OF the de-
tered on the field at Placillas after they
had been disabled by wounds. The gov
erament authorities and the officers of the
victorious army disclaim all responsibility
for these actions. as they do also for the
sackine of the houses in Santiago on tbe
day following the final defeat of Balma-
ceda. 1t is difficult to realize the extent of
the destruction which occurred In Santiago
AG tQat time. was 6OmeI0lDR WQlCn
could have been accomplished only by a
mob wild In its desire for vengeance and
plunder. The most magnificent residences
in Santiago, belonging to members of Bal
macedas party, were entered, and every
thing that they contained was literally
demolished. Furniture. paintings, stain
ary aud tapestries which represented thou
sands of dollars was destroyed or carried
away. Doors and windows were broken
and nothing was left to mark the work of
<y<w~ 1.xA a. H. = <I<.A A.xsl1
ings. and they remain now almost in the
same condition as they were left By the
mob.
coNFIsCATED THEIR PROPERTY.
Another hardship which the present gov
ernment has inflicted upon its enemies is
the confiscation of the property of persons
charged with having performed criminal
acts under the late administration. There
were few executions Immediately after
the close of the war. but it is not believed
that any have occurred recently; but there
are number OF persons who took prom
inent part IN Balmaceda's cause who are
still at liberty or have escaped 20 neutral
territory. and against these persons threats
are made openly. and they will doubtless
receive little mercy If they should be
captured. Among this number are several
who are now refugees In the United States
legation at Santiago. 1t is generally be-
Iieved here that several persons who are
now confined in prison at Santiago have
been fogged recently. 1t was this offense
which was committed during the admin
istration of Balmaceda that gave rise to
such great Indignation among the revolu-
tionists. The government has not shown
any intention of issuing safe conduct TO
the fourteen refugees who are still In the
legation.
The mails which arrived from the north
o few days ago brought American news
papers up to Sept. 10. The publications
contained in them in regard to affairs IN
Chilli and particularly the statements in
regard to the action of Nh. Patrick EEan,
the United States minister here. have
caused much comment among all classes of
people in Santiago The members of the
American colony here have expressed their
opinions on the subject very freely. They
are unable to judge as to what may be the
Egan. but there is no doubt of the fact that
they are expressing their indignation
ct many OF the statements which
have found their way into the Amer
ican press. Among the Americans in Chilli.
or at least among those who receive respect
in the community in which they live. there
10 not to be found one who expresses any
sympathy with the charges which have
been made against Mr.. Egan. the principal
ones of which seem to be that he openly
supported the late President Balmaceda.
that be made improper contracts with the
late government In Chilli and that he has
incurred the displeasure of the Congress
sional party to such an extent that he is
now in disfavor with the present pro-
visional government here, and that accord
ingly he 10 about to receive passports to
return home.
There has never been any intimation
from n official source that Mr.. Egau's re-
call was to be asked for. nor is there any
indication of any euch thing nc the present.
Mr.. Egan. as we'll all Americans here,
has received share OF the popular critI-
clsm, but this criticism has f. Cund its origin
mainly In sources which, owing to feelings
of prejudice, are, from an American stand
point. the least worthy of consideration.
Mr.. Egan's policy has been ore calculated
to advance American interests in Chill,
which always have been comparatively
small Several measures which he under
took in the early part of his administration
naturally excited enmity and even alarm
in the minds of persons who represent both
foreign interests, and who regarded with
jealousy any American encroachments upon
ground which they considered their own.
ENGLIsHMEN RAISED TIE oUTcRY.
The English interests in Chilli exceed
those of any foreign country. and not only
on account of the extent of their interests.
but for other interests which are equally
plain. the English residents in Chilli were
the most active in their opposition to the
American minister. Without any attempt
IConsinusd on Third PagaI