Evening journal., 1891-12-22
HE TROUBLE IN CHILL.
Mo Definite Information to Be
Had Regarding 1t.
THE RBT1GEEoB OF THE OFFICIALS

Neither Denial Nor Confirmation Of the
Alarming Reports from santiago-The
Massing Of the warships Commented
upon-A Communication Looked For.
WASHINGTON, Dec 22-Every available
source Of information IN regard 70 Chilian
Affairs was tapped with unsatisfactory re-
suits. The situation is exasporating, and in
the absence Of official denial or confirmation
Of alarming reports, no definite statement
as to the true condition Of affairs can be
made. Acting Secretary soley said he know
nothing about the alleged cablegram stating
that the American legation in Chill was
menaced. Commodore Ramsey, chief Of
the bureau Of navigation, was likewise ic-
norant IN the matter Both officials thoueht
the state department might throw some
light on the subject.
Mr.. Biaine's Business.
Assistant sSecretary Wharton said the
Chilian affair was entirely in the hands Of
Secretary Blaine, and IL he knew anything
about It, which he automatically would not
admit, he was not at liberty to say so
General J. w. Foster who is helping Sec
retary Blaine in the matter Of reciprocity
treaties said tho matter would not come to
his attentions that MIR Blaine was handling
that end Of the diplomatic situation Mr..
Blaine could not be seen, nor could a mes
sage reach him, as he was IN the private
portion OF his residence. His private -ecre-
tary, however, professed not TO be alarmed,
but showed some curiosity to know who
sent out the translation Of the alleged cable
gram.
Halford Does Not Believe IL.
Private Secretary Halford did not believe
the situation was critical, but had not heard
The president express himself on the sub
leet, and was quite certain the president
would say nothing about it even il there
wns any truth IN the report, which he was
not willing 70 admit
And 30 it went. Despite all this the
massing Of United States war vessels in
Gillian waters lends to conjectures. Why
is II donel Il is not customary There are
no exceptional ports on the South Pacific in
which TO coal on take on provisions
The ships In chiIian waters.
Usually one United States naval vessel in
Chilian waters il considered sufficient to
protect American interests. Now there are
the Yorktown at Valparaiso. the Boston
within four days sail Of Valparaiso. the
Chicago, Atlanta and Bennington nearing
Montevideo and within two weeks sail Of
Chill, the Charlestown detained at Homo
lulu ready to sail FOR Chilli, the San Fran
cis,o under orders to sail down the Pacific
coast, the Thetis of the Mexican coast and
stin heading south aud the Ranger and
Adams, the repairs on which have been
rushed, nearly ready to put to sea from the
Mare Island California; navy yard.
Diplomats and naval officers here are ask
ing what all this meansl
Looking for a Communication.
The possibility Of some important com
munication on the Gillian question being
addressed TO congress either today or
Wednesday, when both houses, according
70 programme, intended simply TO meet for
the purpose Of adjourning for the Christ
mas recess, is a subject Of earnest specnla-
tion. II is known that Secretary Blaine,
both before and subsequent to the Plumb
obsequiee, was closely engaged with his own
stenographer at his residence, and even to
visitors calling for official consideration sent
word that be was too much engaged to see
any one and must therefore be excused.
Not the slightest intimation as TO whether
or not an important message il contela-
plated can be obtained It is in the nature
Of things that such movement, If under
consideration, would be kept the closest Of
state secrets.
Congress May BE Informed.
As the house win not be in session today
il rs likely that the first inkling of any such
contingency may be given 10 the same in the
shape Of an intimation to be laid before that
body by President pro TEN Manderson or Sec
retary sherman, chairman of the committee
on foreign relations, in executive session.
II is scarcely likely that congress win be
permitted to adjourn for two weeks with
out receiving some preliminary hints that
correspondence involving the issues Of peace
or war may soon be rendy for its considera-
tion. That is 10 say, if there are any exist
ing Chilian complications OF a serious char
acter as rumors indicate.
HORSEFLESH AS BEEF.