The record-union., 1891-08-24
BLOODY BATTLE.
The Insurgents Attack Bal
Inaceda'S Forces.
FIGHTING NEAR VALPARAISO.
Thousands Killed and Wounded in
the First Engagement.
EVERY AVAILABLE MAN IN ARMS.
Constant Stream of Wounded Be-
ing Brought Into the City.
NOTHING KNOWN AS TO WHICH
HAS THE ADVANTAGE
All the Strength of the Rebels Cen
tered Around VaIparaiso-ShouId
the Insurgents Succeed in Capturing
Special to the RrcoRD-uN1oS.

VALPARAISO, Aug. %. = Within the
past few hours it has been apparent
that battle which may decide the fate
OF Chile would soon be fought, and
the question as to who shall govern
the republic decided. At first it was
thought that the insurgents would march
rapidly southwark to this city, which is
only twenty miles from Quintero Bay,
while the fleet would proceed also to
Valparaiso, and a combined sea and
land attack would be made, but early
yesterday morning, and from the charac-
ter Of the work, it was soon evident that
Balmaceda intended to take the initiative
and give battle to the enemy outside the
city. Regiment after regiment started
for the north until every available man
OF the Presidents force had left the city
except soldiers enough to man the forts
and prevent any successful attempt to
carry the city by the hostile fleet and
enough police to prevent the possibility
of riot.
The land telegraph lines between San
tiago and Valparaiso were cut on August
Goth, it is supposed on the line of the
railroad running northward from Valpa-
raiso to Santiago. The Government is
taking every possible precaution to pre-
vent any news from leaving here.
FINAL DESPERATE STRUGGLE.
NEW YORK, Aug. 23.-The Herald
this morning prints Valparaiso (Chile)
dispatch, as follows: Balmaceda and the
Junta de Gobierno are clinched in final
desperate struggle for the mastery of th e
Republic of Chile. The battle-ground is
in full view of Valparaiso. 1t has been
raging three days.
The first engagement was at the mouth
Of the Aconcagua on Friday, and resulted
in reverse to the Government 4 final
test of strength is now being made at
Nina del Mar Besch, five miles from Val
paraiso.
Thursday news came that an army of
500 rebels landed at Quainlero Bay. Bal
maceda was taken by surprise, but soon
got his troops to the front to prevent, if
possible, the rebels crossing the Aconco-
qua River. Six insurgent warships
anchored in Cosnon Bay, at the mouth of
the river, and the rebels attempted cross
ing under cover of ships guns. The bat
tie lasted nearly all day.
The insurgent artillery, aided by guns
from the ships, was too much for the
Government troops, and they We're forced
TO retire, which they did in good order.
Less than 10000 troops We're engaged, and
nearly 5000 were killed and wounded.
The commanding General of the Gov
ernment troops chose a strong position
on the beach at Del Mar as his second
line Of defense, and leaving force enough
in front of the enemy to check his pro-
gress somewhat, took his place there yes
terday and went to work to strengthen it
as much as possible.
The insurgents steadily pushed their
way forward, driving the comparatively
small Government forces before them
1t was constant skirmish for fifteen
miles over n broken country. At every
point of vantage the Balmacedans made
n stand, and while constantly forced to
give way before superior numbers, they
retarded the advance and gave the main
army chance TO better prepare Itself for
a decisive fight.
Late in the evening the attacking party
arrived in front of Balmaceda's main line
of defense. 1t was then too late to give
battle.
In the meantime Balmacada, himself III
command, went to the front with over
$4,000 available men, while the insurgents
had only about 1000. At the back OF the
Government line is Fort Callas, whose
heavy guns done good work in to-day
battle, raking the army by land and pre-
venting the insurgent fleet from doing
anything but longrange firing. The war
ships sent all available men with rapid
fire guns to aid the land forces in the at
tack on Balmaceda's position.
Great excitement prevails in the city.
Every one left here is anXiously watch
ing the progress of the battle. heavy
pail of smoke hangs like cloud over the
city. The most powerful glass cannot
peneirate it, and only occasionally can
the troops movements be even guessed
There is a constant stream Of wounded
being brought into the city from the
front. and a temporary hospital is being
fitted up wherever possible. The medi-
eel force of the city has its hands full,