The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-09-30
American Interests in Chile to
Be Guarded.
Release Of United States Citizens, Arrested
on Suspicion, Demanded.
Instructions 10 Minister ESan-COnferen
Between Acting Secretary Wharton
and the President.
epecisl to THE MoRNINe CALr-

CHICAGO. Sept PA Washington special
says instructions have been cabled to Egan,
Minister to Chile, to demand the release of
American citizens who have been arrested
on suspicion of being spies or sympathizers
with the enemies of the Junta.
According to the special Minister Egan is
also instructed to take every precautiOn to
preserve the lives and liberties of American
citizens and those seeking protection within
tile American Consulate.
Acting Secretary Wharton this morning
conferred with the President until the Cabi-
net met. when he returned to the State De-
partment. A cablegram was received there
from Minister Egan in response to the one
sent him yesterday asking for further in-
formation rs to the situation in Santiago
Its contents, however. were not made pub
lie. Ii is known the acute phase of the stu
alton is passed, and no serious trouble is an
ticipated. Minister Esan maintained the
dignity Of his legation and refused to re-
main under protection.
WASHINGTON, Sept. $50 far as the
protection Of refugees is concerned, the
practice Of nations includes cases widely
variant: in principle. Our own history. how
ever, shows where refugees seeking asylum
in the legation were not Americans the
United States Government has uniformly
discouraged their aid, mission and protec-
ton. But the real issue in the present
case appears to be the interference with
communication between the legation in
Santiago and the outside world, and in such
cases the provisions of International law
are most explicit Broadly stated, the coun-
try to which a Minister is accredited guaran-
tees that in time of peace this c0mmunlca-
ton shall not be Interrupted, aud that The
servants and attaches OF the legation are
not TO be m0leSted or any act done that may
tend TO impede the transaction OF business
of the legation. The United States, In par
ticular has shown itself intolerant of any
such interference. and even in the Franco
PIuSsian war protested most effectively
against the assumption by Germany when
investing Paris Of the right to interrupt or
detain Minister WaShburn9'S mail-meSseu-
gers.
Wild rumOrs were in circulation this after
noon to the effect that the White Squadron
and other vessels will be seat to Chile, but
these stories were inconsistent with Secre-
tary Tracy'S statement that no more vessels
are to be ordered thlther.
In the Cabinet meeting to-day the SUBJ
jet of Egan'S troubles with the Junta was
not touched upon, and IL may De positively
stated that the whole American interests in
Chile will be fully protected. The acute
phase and crisis of the situation have been
passed and the existing difficulty is now
likely to become simply one of ordinary di-
plomatic cuTTespondence. Although dis
patches from Chile were received at the
headquarters Of the Chilean Congressional
ENJOYS IN Washington up to o'clock last
night. they had contained no reference to
the reported arrest Uf American citizens in
Santiago and the stationiDg of police around
the United States legation building there.
NEW YORK, Sept. %. - Herald's
Valparaiso cable says it is not gen
orally believed that the evidence of
il-feeling toward Americans will be kept
UP except on the part of valiant blowers.
the British element, who are absolutely
inimical to the people of the United States.
The firm attitude Of the United States will
Stop any nonsense, especially If the firmness
is backed by the presence of the white
squadron.