The morning call., 1891-08-25
READY TO FIGHT.
Another Battle Imminent in
Chile.
BalmaGeda'S Forces Resist a Flank MOYe-
ment Of The Enemy.
Valparaiso Threatened by the Insurgents.
The City Deserted by It's Inhabitants.
Accident on a GunbOat.
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

VALPARAISO, Aug. 24-Darkness stopped
the battle at Vina del Mar Beach, opposite
this city, which ragged hotly all day yester-
day, before any decisive result was reached,
and like tired gladiators the contesting
armies rested to-day and worked hard to get
themselves in the best possible condition
for the final bout, which must decide the
mastery of Chile. Balmaceda's defense
yesterday was strongly fortified and was
under the range of the guns from Fort
Callao.
While many of his troops were raw
recruits, there was good leaven of
veterans among them. Time after
time the rebels dashed against the
lines Of the Government troops, only
to be repulsed with great bloodshed.
They were not the only sufferers, however.
The ir artillery played with telling effect on
the enemy and their rifles were not useless
In their hands
The attack and repulse were repeated
time after time with no decided advantage
to either side. Most desperate valor
was displayed by veteran and re-
cruit - Balmacedist and Revolutionist.
There was little regret on either side
when darkness came down and stopped
the bloody work. Under cover of a
flag OF truce the ambulance and hospital
corps OF the opposing armies were busy
during the night searching the field for the
wounded and caring for them. When morn
ing broke it was expected the fight would be
resumed. Both armies had suffered severely,
however, and neither appeared to be in
position to assume the offensive, and there
was practically truce to-day with nU
fighting.
New YORK, Aug. PA dispatch from
Valparaiso says: Neither party has been
IDLE during the day. Scouting parties from
the insurgent army have been securing the
country for supplies, and one of them cut
the railroad to Santiago at Saito.
Ihe Government forces have strength
ened their lines and maneuver to get
into position which will preclude any sue
cesStul attempt on the part of the enemy to
get into the rear of the city of Valparaiso.
1t is generally believed that General
Canto. the commander of the rebels, will
attempt flank movement when he resumes
operations, and this the Balmacedists are
attempting to Illustrate. In the face
well armed and equipped, and at
least equal, if not superior in
numbers, to force the line of forts with their
heavy guns, manned by expert and veteran
BuuHtIS, utltHuluR valparaiso from the
northeast, consisting of foSts Callao, PO-
detto, Audes and Valparaiso, is a task to
dauntt the most confident General. If by any
means Balm acedats army can be flanked
and the insurgents can make good position
IN the rear Of the city they Will in the opin-
ion OF foreign naval officers here do it. Gen.
Canto is veteran of the Peruvian war. He
knows the country and realizes that if he can
get his heavy guns on the hills back of the
city he Will not only have position which
Is practically lmpregnable from the attacks
OF any force which can be brought against
him, but which will enable him to batter
down the city at his will.
Valparaiso was quiet to-day. All busi-
ness houses, offices and stores are closed.
Everybody who can do so has left the city
and few people are seen ou the streets.
While the Government torpedo cruiser
Almirante Lynch was assisting the artillery
men in the forts in keeping the rebel crus-
ers at long range and thus preventing them
from giving effective aid to land forces, the
breech plug of one of her IA FOUNDER Hotch-
kiss guns blew out, instantly killing the
gunner in charge.
LIMA, Aug. PA Valparaiso telegram
reports that Balmaceda's army at Vina del
Mar has repulSed the insurgents, but the
Bamaceda has ordered 1000 troops stationed
at COquimbo to proceed against Iquique.
HAMBURG. Aug PA dispatch to the
Hamburger from Santiago de Chile says
that on the 10th inst. sixty unarmed youths,
belonging to good families, while holding
political meeting were massacred by de-
tachment of cavalry by order of President
Balmaceda. The massacre has caused in
dlgnatlon among all classes.