The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1891-05-14

loaded with muskcts and ammunition for the
insurCeut Chileans. Tho Itata, with the Dep
uty Marshal on board, lifted her anchors the
same evening she was seized, and left the har-
Dor. Marshal Gard had no idea that the Cap
tain Of the vessel would disregard his authority.
These supplies arc for tho insurgent Chileans,
and are taken from this country contrary TO
tho neutrality laws and both the Itata and the
Robert aud Minnie can be taken anywhere
upon the high seas as pirates. 1t is probable
that efforts will be made 10 capture both YES
sells. The Deputy Marshal was put ashore by
the Captain OF the ltata at point some dis
lance from San Diego
Dispatches from san Francisco say that the
L. 5. cruiser Charleston sailed from that port
on Saturday morning, May 9, with sealed or
ders, bat the fact is no longer concealed in OIL
cial naval circles on the Pacific Coast that the
fast cruiser is in hot pursuit Of the insurgent
Chilean steamer ltata The latter vessel, after
leaving san Diego took on board a consignment
OF arms aud ammunition the transfer Of the
contraband goods being made from the schooner
Robert and Minnie, il is believed. at san Glenn
ent Island, aud the ltata steamed south on Fri
day night or Saturday morning. The Chilean
cruiser Esmeralda is believed to be lying off
Cape San Lucas. which j. the s0uihcrnmost point
OF land Of Lower California, awaiting the sup
plies carried by the ltata. The run by sea to
that point is about 700 miles The Itata being
u
fast craft, it is estimated she cannot exceed six
or eight knots an hour, and the Charleston,
which was sighted at San Diego at 1870 a. m.
on Monday, May II, IL is thought certain can
Oyertake her, or reach San Lucas in advance of
the transport. If not found there the Charles
ton will proceed direct TO Acapulco. which will
be the first point az which further intelligence
can be had.
Even though the cruiser Esmeralda is met as
convoy Of the ltata il is generally believed
that the orders Of the, Charleston are explicit
on the point of capture, and if the Itata is
sighted il is thought certain that there will be
a capture or a fight. The fact that the Chilean
cruiser accompanied the Itata north was first
asccriained by dcsarters from the transport,
who escaped from her at San Diego IL was
first thought doubtful that one Of the most
powerful Of the Chilean war ships would 20 so
far from Chilean waters az this juncture but it
is now definitely known that the Esmeralda
was at Acapulco on the Mexican Coast. Of
which fact the Navy Department at Washing
ton was fully advised when orders were issued
10 the Charleston. II is now deemed probable
that the Chilean cruiser will steam nOrthward
with hopes Of meeting the Itata before the ar
rival Of the Charleston 20 protect the cargo and
crew from seizure, If possible.
Apart from other considerations, IL is now
known that the commander aud a large portion
Of the crew Of the Esmerada were on board
the ltata, ana presumably large portion OF the
cruisers secondary battery, and there is there
fore strong incentive on the part Of the
Chilean war ship 10 meet the transport and pre-
vent her being conveyed TO American waters.
The fact that there appears nov very strong
likelihood Of a meeting Of the two evenly
matched warships under conditions that will
require fine management 10 prevent q fight is
thoroughly recognized by naval men. The
orders 10 Capt Remy, Of the Charleston, are
well authenticated 20 be binding in the matter
Of the recapture Of the ltata If sighted, and
on the part Of the Esmcrada it is believed as
fully that she will fight If she can reach the
scene in time. The Charleston and Esmeralda
are similar ships as 10 general plan, aud possess
nearly the same armament. The Esmeralda,
however, has two pivot guns Of lO-inch calibeT,
with weight OF p tons each, while the Charles
ton has two eight-iuch rifles. fore and aft,
weighing ID tons. This is regarded by some
critics rs outclassing the Charleston in case Of
a fight. but apart from these guns the arma-
menis Of the two ships are practically the same.
The Charleston Is the swftest ship, and while
never IN action, has splendid crew and fight
ing commander.