Los Angeles herald., 1891-05-06
TAKEN In CUSTODY.
The Chilean Steamer Itata
Seized.
Marshal Gard Takes Possession
of the Ship.
An Insurgent Man-of-War Also I'm
der Surveillance.
The Seizure OF Vessels Carrying Contra
band OF War Authorized by the
State Department.
Associated Press Dispatches.

Associated PreSS Dispatches.
SAN DIEGO, CAL, May 5.-This even
ing United States Marshal Gard seized
the Chilean steamer Itata, now receiv-
ing supplies in the harbor, and placed
Captain MauZeum under arrest. Tele-
grams have been passing between this
city and the state department at Wash
ington, which brought about the above
results. Tugboats have left to seize two
vessels seen outside, one of which is
supposed to be the Robert and Minnie
and the other ship belonging to the
insurgents, which have been lowering
around the entrance to the harbor to
receive the supplies taken on board by
the Itata.
A MYSTERIOUS WAR SHIP.
The warship was first sighted about
noon, today, going north. Ten hours
later she repassed the harbor, going
south, laying to just north of the Coro-
nado islands. Customs Officer Berry
sent party out to investigate, who re-
ported seeing large vessel under steam,
which they could not approach nearer
than two miles on account of steaming
away from them. Orders were received
from Secretary Blaine to seize both ves-
sells if found within the twelve-mile
limit, and both Marshal Gard and Col
lector Berry have gone out tonight in
different tugs for that purpose.
THE ITATA's SUPPLIES.
Tonight the Itata received forty head
of cattle, twenty-five head of sheep, and
5000 pounds of dressed meat from the
ferryboat Coronado. The vessel has also
been receiving other stores, including
800 tons of coal from the Spreckels bunk
ers. AS soon as all the provisions and
fuel were on board she expected to leave
the harbor and cruise between here and
Catalina to meet the schooner Robert
and Minnie, from which she was to take
Remington rifles and ammunition. She
was to sail this evening.
GRACE 4 CO. DIsowN THE ITATA.
NEW York, May 5.-Regarding the
statement that the transport Itata, now
at San. Diego, Cal, and said to be receiv-
ing arms for the revolutionists, was
their vessel, Grace & Co. cay it is not
so. They are agents for South Ameri-
can company, which owned the Itata
before she was seized by the insurgents.
Since her seizure, Grace said his COM
pany had not had control of the vessel.
HOW THE WAR is KEPT UP.
From stories now current in this city
it appears that two prominent CONNER
cial houses, both having very large in
terests in Chile, are furnishing arms,
ammunition and money to the two fac
tions, Balmaceda's forces and the revo-
lutionists. The houses mentioned are
opposed to each other CONNER
cially, and each is doing it's
utmost to have the faction it
supports win. News was received
by one firm yesterday from Buenos
Ayres that its competitor had sent lot
of rifles and ammunition to aid Bal
maceda's forces. Commercial house No.
2 has been charged by the other with
sending arms and ammunition to the
insurgents. The price for which both
houses are struggling are valuable con-
cessions promised by the factions in the
event OF victory. 1t is stated here that
the war is being kept going by the eff
forts of these two New York houses.
UNCLE SAM OFFERS TO MEDIATE.
WASHINGTON, May 5.-The govern
ment OF the United States has instructed
Eagan, our minister to Chile, to offer to
mediate between the combatants in that
country in the interest of peace and good
order, and the perpetuity of republican
principles of government.
MEDIATION SOLICITED.
PARIS, May 5.--An official dispatch
received from Chile says: 1t is pro-
posed that three members of the con-
gressional or insurgent party. and three
members of the Balmaceda or presiden-
tial party, should be appointed in order
to confer upon and discuss some ar
rangement which would bring peace to
Chile. President Balmaceda has So
licited the good offices of Brazil, the
United States and of France, in an ef-
fort to restore peace in Chile. He asked
these three countries to unite in en-
deavoring to make peace.