Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-22

service on the part of an army engaged
against Chile, for if the latter country comes
off victorious there are never any wounded
to be nursed.
No Mercy for the Wounded.
Disregarding all rules of civilized war
fare, as we'll as the common instincts of hu-
manity, the bloodthirsty wretches, assisted
by the rabonas degraded women who fol-
low the army), make it a point of duty to
go over the field, rob the dead and murder
their wounded enemies. The term ''cut-
throat" applies well TO the Chilean soldier,
for every one of them carries short, curved
kniie-sharpened on the inner side OF the
curve-that just fits human neck, and is
terribly expert in its use. Not long ago we
were entertained in the house of wealthy
citizen of Santiago, when he showed me,
with great pride and satisfaction, glass
case containing upward of 200 gold and sill
yer medals, such as these Southern Govern
ments delight to bestow upon their soldiers
for distinguished bravery, aud related how
thev were all torn from the breasts of dead
or wounded officers on the battle fields of
Peru.
To-day there is hardly family in Iquiqui
that is not mourning for some of its mem
bers. This hospitals are crowded to their
utmost capacity, and so are all the churches
and houses that remain standing, for every
body in this trying hour of sorrow is doing
all he can to assist his fellow sufferers.
Sheltered on the Ships.
A great many women and children, having
lost their homes as we'll as their natural
protectors are temporarily shelted on board
ships in the harbor, being still too frightened
to go ashore. Comparatively few of the
foreign residents were killed, though the
loss OF property among them (they being
the wealthiest people in the place), was
much greater than among the native citi-
zens.
For more than a year past the nitrate peo-
pie have been doing little profitable busi-
ness, principally on account of the Govern
ment troubles and consequent strikes among
the laborers, and also because the English
market is overstocked with the commodity,
and therefore its price is correspondingly
low. From this nitrate industry alone the
Chilean Government has been collecting
revenue OF about $40, 900, 900 per annum, in
export duties. Some eight months ago,
when workmen were striking all over the
country, on account of hard times, occasion
ed by the persistent refusal of Congress
to pass the appropriation bills, these Iququi
laborers made great deal of trouble. They
udu no PARTICULAR Interest ID the QueSIloub
at issue, and were affected by them only in
the consequent lowness of exchange; but the
latter phase of the muddle was serious
matter, especially to those foreigners whose
families remained in the mother country
and could receive no support from the bread
winners OF Chile.
Nitrate Companies Labor Troubles
The workmen had been receiving from 81
to $40 day in Chilean paper currency
(worth about one-third the amount in
United States or English gold), and when
exchange dropped lower and lower they de-
manded to be paid in silver, instead of in
paper, as formerly. which would in reality
about double their wages. This the nitrate
companies refused to do. because they were
making no money themselves and the estab-
lished rate of payment was exceptionally
good-for Chile. Then the la borers Struck"
en- masse, and threatened to burn down the
works and warehouses unless their demands
were acceded to.
There was not Q sufficient military or
police force at hand to afford the companies