The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-12-10

MY SUN 4r1AaA. Il no IEtatIQc1L OF our ullQ-
lister for time was such Is 70 call for de-
cided protest. aud 1t was very gratifying 20
observe that very unfriendly measures,
which were undoubtedly tie result OF the
prevailing excitement, were at once re-
scinded or suitably relaxed
ATTACK ON OUR SAILORS.
On Oct l6 an event occurred in Valpa-
raise so serious and tragic In its circnm-
stances and results as to very justly excite
the Indignation OF our people aud TO call for
prompt and decided action on
tie part OF this government A
considerable number OF the sailors
OF the United States steamship Baltimore,
then in the harbor Of Valparaiso, being
upon shore leave and unarmed, were
assaulted bY armed men nearly simultane-
ously In different localities in the city. One
petty officer was kille1 outright and seven
or eight seamen were seriously wounded,
one of whom has since died
So savage and brutal Yves the assault
that several Of our sailors received more
than two, and one as many as eighteen,
stab wounds. An investigation Of the affair
was promptly made by board of officers
of the Baltimore, and their repors shows
that these assaults were unprovoked,
that our men were conducting them
selves In a peaceable and orderly
manner and that some of the police Of the
Otsy 0OOh paib III Iuo dbbdCk anu uSoQ LOelF
weapons with fatal effect, while a few
others. with some well-disposed citizens en-
deavored to protect our men. Thirty-six
OF our sailors were arrested, and some Of
them, while being taken to prison, were
cruelty beaten and maltreated. The fact
that they were all discharged, no criminal
charge being lodged against any one of
them, shows very clearly that they were in-
nocent OF any breach Of the peace So far
as I hau AZ haay, al 70 orb
PLANTATION OF this bloody work has been sug-
gested than that it had its origin
in hostility to these men as sail
ors OF the United States, wearing
uniform OF their government and not in
any individual act or personal animosity.
The attention Of the Chilean government
was at once called TO this affair, and states
ment of thu facts obtained by the investiga-
ton we had conducted was submitted, &C
oompauied by request to be advised of any
other or qualifying facts in possession OF
that government that might tend to relieve
this affair of the appearance Of an insult to
this government. The Chilean government
was also advised that IL such qualifying
facts did not exist this government would
confidently expect full and prompt repara-
tion.
1t to be regretted that the reply OF the
secretary for foreign affairs of the pro-
visional government was couched in an
offensive tone. To this no response has
been made. This government is now await
Ing the result Of an investigation which has
been conducted by the criminal court at
Valparaiso. IL Is reported unotficialy that
the investigation is about completed and it
is expected that the result will soon be COM
municated 10 this government. together
with some adequate and satisfactory re-
Spouse to the note by which the attention of
Chile was called to this incident II these
just expectations should be disappointed or
further needless delay intervene | will by a
special message bring this matter again to
the attention Of congress for such action as
may be necessary. The entire correspon-
dence with the government of Chile will at
an early day be submitted to congress.
TONNAGE DUES.
l renew the recommendation of my
specirl message dated Jan. 10, $780, for the
adoption of the necessary legislation to en-
able this government to apply In the case of
Sweden and Norway the same rule in re-
spect to the levying of tonnage dues as was
claimed and secured to the shipping Of the
United States in 1928 under article Of the
treaty of 1897.
THE SLAVE TRAFFIC.
The adjournment of the Senate without
action on the pending acts for the suppress
sion Of the slave traffic in Africa, and for
the reform Of the revenue tariff in the indie
pendent state of the Congo, left this govern
ment unable to exchange tho'e acts on the
date fixed, July 2, 1891. A modus vivendi
has been concluded by which the power of
the Congo state to levy duties on imports is
left unimpaired, and by the agreement of
all the dignitaries to the general slave trade
act the time for the exchange Of notifications
on the part of the United States has been
extended to Feb. 2, 1892.
CHINA's OUTBREAK.
The late outbreak against foreigners in
various parts of the Chinese empire has
been q cause Of deep concern, in view Of
the numerous establishments Of our citizens
in the interior Of that country. This gov
eminent can do no less than insist upon a
continuance Of the protective and punitory
measures which the Chinese government
has heretofore applied. No effort will be
omitted to protect our citizens peaceAbly
sojourning In China, but recent unofficial
information indicates that what was at first
regarded as an outbreak Of such violence
against foreigners has assumed the larger
form OF an instruction against public or
der. r
The Chinese government has de-
clined to receive Mr.. Blair as the
minister Of the United States on
the ground that, as participant
while a senator in the enactment of the ex-
listing legislation against the introduction of
Chinese laborers, he has become unfriendly
and Objectionable to China. have felt
constrained to point out to the Chinese gov
ernment the untenableness Of this position,
which seems TO rest as much on the unao-
ceptability Of our legislation as on that of
the person chosen and which, IL admitted,
would practically debar the selection Of any
representative so long as the existing laws
remain In force.
You will be called upon to consider the
expediency Of making special provision by
law for the temporary admission Of some
Chinese artisans and laborers in connection
with the exhibit of Chinese industries at the
approaching Columbian exposition. l re-
gard it as desirable that the Chinese exhibit
be facilitated in every proper way.
AMERICANS IN THE CARoLINEs.
A question has arisen with the govern
lnent of Spain touching the rights Of
American citiz ms in the Caroline Islands
Our citizens there, long prior to the oon-
frmation of SPANS claim to the islands,
had secured by settlement and purchase
certain rights, to the recognition and MAIN
tenance OF which the faith Of Spain was
pledged. Ihave had reason within the past
year very strongly to protest against the
failure to carry out this pledge on the part
of his majesty's minister which has resulted
in great injustice and injury to the Ameri>
can residents.
SPAIN's EXPOSITION.
The government and people of Spain
propose 10 celebrate the 400Lh anniversary of
the discovery of America by holding an ex-