The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-12-07

OF tnlH government must not DO miahHneT-
stood. The preparations for possible
trouble then begun have not been relaxed.
The question ut issue between the two
countries hna not been changed, as the
naval movemsnts still going on plainly
show. The United States government made
very temperate statement to the Santiago
authorities OF what II considered a very
great outrage committed without ptovoca-
tion and without excuse. The reply was
noticsabIy lacking in expressions OF regret
and in pledges of indemnity, and about the
only expression that could be construed as
concillatory were those that refused to
admit that there was anything in the affray
at Valparaiso TO impair the friendly relations
OF the two governments. Meanwhile ari
investigation of the occurrence by the
Chilian authorities Was promised. The
character OF this response precluded further
alteration. II only remained for this gov
ernment to push ON preparations to protect
ing assaulted with impunity iii foreign
land while obeying its orders and wearing
its uniform. Chill is free to take her own
method of satisfying herself about the
Valparaiso sffair. II, at its conclusion, she
finds that degree of reparation which this
country considers ample is due for this out
rage, we'll and good; if not. the last few
week of busy preparation will leave the
naval forces in much better shape than
they were when the controversy began.
The ordering of the San Francisco from
Callao to Mare Island, whore she now is,
and the subsequent orders to the Baltimore
to proceed to the same point on the arrival
Of the Yorktown at Valparaiso. may seem to
indicate that the trouble has blown over.
The simple fact iH that the speed of these
vessels has been impaired by service in trop-
ical waters and lack of docking, and they
were ordered north 80 that their hulls
oirv11A al EnI
they return to the west coast Of
South America, the United States will
have there the San Francisco, with
twelve six-inch guns; the Baltimore, with
four eight-inch and six six-inch guns; the
Yorktown with six six-inch guns. Within
joined by the Boston. carrying two eight
inch and six six-inch guns. The Charles
ton Is on her way home from Yokohama,
and may remain Mt Honolulu until after
tho Hawaiian elections; but whether thcre
or at San Francisco she is available for
Chill. She carries battery of two eight
inch and six six-inch guns.
Turning to the South Atlantic, there is
already at Montevideo the wooden craft
Essex, and on the way thither the Yantic.
But to the same waters is likely to be sent
Admiral Walkers squadron of evolution,
comprising the flagship Chicago, carving
fourteen guns, of which four are eight
inch; the Newark, twelve si1-inch guns; the
Atlanta, two eight-inch and six six-inch.
and the Bennington, six Eix-inch. The
Atlanta and Bennington are at Hampton
Roads, and the Chicago and Newark fitting
out at New York. While one reason for
their presence in South Atlantic waters
might Be- the condition Of affairs in Brazil.
Paraguay, Uruguay, and the Argentine Re-
public it will be handy to have these four
modern war ships we'll on the way to VAL
paraiso in case of trouble there.
Admiral Gherardi's squadron is now in
the West Indies, and also ready for NOV
ing further south if required. 1t COM
prises the flagship Philadelphia, of twelve
and the Concord of six six-inch guns,
besides the famous old kearsarge, which is
still good for service.
There are various vessels in the Pacific,
including the Iroquis at Apia the Pensa-
francisco, besides Admiral Belknap's
squadron on the Asiatic station. But
without reckoning these, or the Miaptono-
nah at New York, it will be seen that
nearly all the best vessels of the navy have
within few weeks either been sent nearer
Chilli or prepared for service there if re-
quired.
1t is not to be supposed that with so plain
a case of wrong Zone to American sailors
in the streets of Valparaiso, and with the
police, as the evidence thus far indicates,
aiding the mob and firing on the Balti-
nores MeH, Inlll, Will hosltate duly
to make proper reparation. She has
already made some concessions in the mode
of investigation. Yet this government is
not likely to let presumption sup
plant preparation. Were Chile disposed to
quarrel with the United States her present
policy would be delay. She would
have to tit out for service her new
war vessels, the Erazurz and Pinto,
the former of which has just been received;
above all, she would need the Captain Prat,
now nearly completed in France. and more
powerful ship than any single cruiser that
we have yet in service. Still the advantages
of time are not on her side alone. This
country has under const tuction a much
larger number of war vessels than she has,
among them being the Monterey at San
Francisco, which will carry still bigger guns
than the Captain Prat. The recent gain of
the navy in readiness and effectiveness is
very great.