The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-12-30
special to the EEooRD-Usrox.

terey Ready for Shipment.
Special to the EEcoRD-UNIoN.
WASHINGTON, Dec. 29.-There was no
material development in Chilean affairs
to-day that any amount of investigation
could uncover. When it is said that the
most serious outcome of trouble is ex-
pected and that this country is merely
awaiting an official announcement by the
Chilean Government as to the result of
the investigation of the Baltimore out
rage, which unofficially is understood to
be unsatisfactory, the whole situation is
set forth. Time, of course, must be given
the Chileans to make up their minds
what to do in the matter, but it is entirely
probable that they know now whether
or not they will offer any reparation for
the outrage, and the whole matter de-
ponds upon that.
No one appears to be in position to
declare with knowledge that an apology
will not be offered, but all indications by
which this country can judge of the atti-
tude Of the Chilean Government tend to
the conclusion that the arrogance and de-
hance which have been DISPLAYED ND to
this time will not be abated.
The military and naval preparations
Tor hOStllltleS are in active progress, and
the fact that every effort is being made in
the interest of peace and to alIay public
apprehension does not lessen the serious
ness OF the situation.
The question at issue is not one it is as
serted, that can be submitted 10 arbitra-
ton. 1t resolves itself merely into three
possibiiities-an apology from Chile, a
back-down by the United States or a
fight.
There does not appear to be a spirit of
apology in the Chilean disposition at this
time, and 1t Is hardly to be supposed that
the United States viii be content to main
tain peace at a loss of dignity.
There is no news obtainable at the State
or Navy Departments to-day respecting
the Chilean matter. No movements of
ships are reported, and the officials say
there Is no change in the situation
Secretary Blaine was at the Cabinet
meeting to-day, which lasted until nearly
O'Clock. He had no news to give out
respecting the Chilean situation, and said
there was none.
This afternoon was absolutely without
an incident that could be distorted into re-
iation to warlike preparation. Such un-
official adVlceS as have been received are
TO the effect that the legal authorities at
valparaiso have not completed the re-
vision OF the formal proceedings of JUS
tice Foster. Just how long those legal
1ormalities may be protracted before they
may be regarded as further needless de-
lay" is, of course, determinable only by
President Harrison, but there is reason to
believe that there has been brought to his
attention the difficulties that surrounded
President Montt in the formation of his
new Cabinet, and he is also DESTROYS of
avoiding the appearance of endeavoring
10 interfere with the due process of law in
Chile, if there is any reasonable ground
for the assumption that due process is
being followed.
These considerations doubtless led him
30 the due course of patient waiting to
the utmost extreme consistent with due
regard to the dignity of the United States,
and, as far as can be learned, it is proba-
bic no departure will be made from this
attitude before the reassembling of Con-
grees, unless further communication
from the Chilean Government should
give different aspect to the situation.
If the heads of the bureaus in the Navy
Department are to be believed, no extra
ordinary efforts are making to put YES
sells in condition for active hoStiliteS. In
the construction bureau the officers in
charge say positively that no orders have
gone forward to San Francisco to hurry
up work on the Monterey. AS a matter
of fact, fewer orders are passing through
The bureau at present than during the
past three months.
In the ordnance bureau it was learned
that the turret armor for the Monterey is
ready for shipment to San Francisco at
any time. Her great guns are also ready,
and the Pennsylvania Railway has un-
dertallen to transport them across the
continent. The task is one of magnitude.
us twelve-inch rifle, without the carri-
age, weighs hfty-SiX tons, and the carri-
age weighs twenty-five tons. Specially
constructed cars are necessary for the
transportation of these great masses of
nj u, raS,a ,lnT.
ing the curves, tunnels and strength of
the many bridges between the Washing
ton and California Navy-yards have been
made to insure the safe delivery of the
guns. These guns are not only intrinsi-
caliy valuable, but their loss at the pres
ent time would be serious calamity, as
many months would be consumed in
making guns to replace them.
Satisfactory progress is being made in
the production of armor and torpedoes.
but it is insisted by ordnance officers
that neither armor plates nor torpedoes
have been nor will be accepted until they
have been thoroughly tested. A lot of
Howell torpedoes, about forty, are practi-
cally ready for use, and the first INSTALL
1nent of the Whitehead, English pattern
forpedoes, made in the United States.
will soon be delivered. improvements
have been made in the Howell torpedo,
which is essentially an American inven-
ton. that will place it in the front rank
of automobile weapons, and it is prom
ised that the torpedoes delivered to the
Government will exceed the contract re-
quirements in speed and accuracy, but
according to a statement of the naval
ordnance officers, all these things are
being done without reference to immedi-
ate war. and it is said they are simply
satisfactory results of the energetic policy
of naval rehabilitation adopted by Secre-
fary Tracy long ago.
In the War Department matters are
very quiet, and even the Mexican from
Tier disturbance failed to furnish an item
of news to-day.
WHY EGAN DID NOT ATTEND.
New York, Dec. 29.-According to
washington correspondent. Minister
7span was not invited to the festivities at
tending the Inauguration of President
Montt in Santiago Saturday.
That is the inference drawn by the State
Department officials from telegram re-
ceived from Minister Egan late this after
noon. in which he states that the inaugu-
ration passed off successfully, and was
followed by banquet Saturday night.
The banquet was attended by the Chill
can officials and congressman, and all
the foreign Ministers in Santiago with
which the administration is maintaining
,,loaSaat and arnlcahle relations.