The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-09-05
Defines His Position as Chilean
Peacemaker.
MALiGNED BY ENeLIsHMEN.
United States Issues Orders to Recog-
nize the Junta as Reigning Power.
Balmzcedist Refugees Escaping on
American and German War Ships
The Dictator's Onaciais Feathered
Their Nests.

NEW YORK, sept. 4--The HerdLd's San
tiago correspondent cables that he had a
long talk with Minister Egan. He feels
keeniy the fact that his official acts have
been censured and motives impugned. He
emphatically denies that he has shown
any partiSanship for Balmaceda.
81 was accredited to Baimacedas 60 vern-
ment," said Egan. 'sand by retaining his esteem
have been enabled to effect the escape of the
lives of many prominent leaders OF the opposi.
tion who were hourly in danger of their lives
''How about the alleged nitrate schemes?"
II have never been asked, nor have in any
way profited by connection with any nitrate
scheme, nor do expect, nor have / expected to
80 profit by any such scheme. Ny son advanced
money 10 a railroad contractor. The contractor
failed and my son lost his money.
Ibid you take any action which led to the
seizure of the Itata?'
Il knew nothing of the Itata until ! was in
formed by Chilean officials that she had been
seized. I kept the state department fully in
formed OF all important events here up to July,
relying upon the information gained in Santiago
and reports from Admiral MeCann
as to the position of the opposition.
Ever since my arrival" continued ne, ''the
English, who are naturally antagonistic TO me,
have looked with jealous eye on my success
in obtaining recognition for American citizens
and the payment of their claims. SO far as my
sympathies go, they extend to all. Together
with Consul McCreary, have saved from death
and imprisonment many men"
Minister Egan showed me a copy of
letter which he sent to Admiral McCann
at Iquique, and which is quoted by
the admiral to the junta as giving
the minister's opinion that Balmaceda's
government could not be overthrown. 1t
was this letter which led the junta to re-
fuse Egan's good offices in bringing about
peace. The copy of the letter shown me
reads:
learn that the government has $1,000 soldiers
and 10000 police, well armed and equipped.
From your information and other sources,
l am led to believe the opposition have
only a few thousand men, wanting in
arms, etc. My opinion is that the government
cannot be overthrown. l am therefore ready
and anxious to do all can to bring about peace
between the contending parties and to save
bloodshed in this country.
Egan says one of Admiral McCann's
officials sent a letter to the junta with an
alleged copy of his letter. He contended
the letter was private and its publication
officially was never thought of.
Minister Egan says ne began to make
proposals to Balmaceda August 20, that
in the event of his defeat and in order to
avoid further bloodshed he should de-
liver the government into the hands of
General Baquedano. 1t was on the night
of August 2S, forced by stern necessity,
that Balmaceda had to affix his signature
to the decree completing the surrender.
The mob visited the United States lega-
ton on the night of August % and de-
manded that Minister Godoy be given up
to them. Egan went out and told them
that Senior Godoy was under the protec-
ton of the United States, ,and that the first
man who attempted to enter the door of
the building would be shot. His calm
bearing and determined tone awed the
mob, and they left cheering for
the flag. William McKenna and
Senior Yoanez, the ex-Chllean minister
to the United States, both of Balmaceda's
supporters, deny positively that Egan had
any connection whatever with any nitrate
scheme. They say he used all his infiu-
ence with Balmaceda to bring about peace
and establish reforms. They charge that
Colonel North, the English nitrate king,
was the cause of the revolution, and that
he used Senator Sebaro as his agent.
Senior Montt, one of the foremost of the
opposition leaders, said: when the time
comes stand ready to vouch for Minister
Egan's behavior in every way. He is a
gentleman-honorable and loyal to the
country of his adoption"
American residents in Santiago and
Valparaiso affirm the views ex-
pressed by Senor Montt, while re-
GREETING Egan's selection as minister
to Chile from the American standpoint.
The correspondent adds that he has inter-
viewed members of the junta and leaders of
the opposition as well as Balmacedean ex-
officials. All agree that Egan has done
much to save the credit to the United
States. The governments of Brazil and
Peru have officially congratulated the
junta on the victory of the congressional
party and the restoration of peace in Chile.
A decree has been issued by the junta
announcing that the notes issued during
the revolution by Balmaceda will be
recognized as legal by the new govern
ment. An investigation OF the banks
show that many of the Balmacedist
officials have taken care TO pretty well
feather their nests.
New York, Sept 1.-The HerdId's Wash
ington special says: A cable was sent
yesterday by the department of state TO
Minister Egan, instructing HIM to recog-
nize the congressional governments at once.
The correspondent says it is an absolute
fact that the cable of this import was sent
within very short time after Secretary
Tracy had arrived from his consultation
with the president and his subsequent
consultation with the acting head of the
state department.
The Rerald's Valparaiso cable says: The
report has reached here that the city of
Coduimbo has been sacked by mob. The
report is generally discredited. The ques-
ton of refugees on board the
American and German warshlps has
been settled dehnitelyJ The United
States cruiser Baltimore sailed today
presum ably for Callao, having on board
Senors Mollendo. Banadas, Espanosa,
Godoy, Montt and seventeen others less
prominent. The German cruiser Alexan-
drine, with Seniors Claudio Vicuna, Ad-
miral Oscar Viel, Captain Feuentes and
several others on board, is expected to
sail tor the same place tomorrow. The
congressional army was composed very
largely of volunteers. So secure DO the
members of the junta feel in their position
az present that they have given orders
tia; any OF the volunteers who wish 10 do
50 may return to their homes, and hence
the late victorious army is rapidly dis
banding.