The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-10-30
CHILE's ANSWER.

The dispatches from Santiago must be
read with caution. 1t is incredible that the
Chilean Government should say that it Is
not responsible for the attack of the 10th
on the sailors of the Baltimore. Every
Government is responsible for the conduct
of its citizens toward foreigners; and it is
doubly responsible when those foreigners
constitute part of the armed force Of their
country. The Provisional Government
which now holds the reins of power at San
tago uust be perfectly aware of this rule
of international law; and little risk is run
in concluding that the dispatch is either a
mistake or q fake.
There are occasions on which a Govern
memt is unable, for a time, TO control the
action of mobs, and when foreigners are ex-
posed to outrage before the regular au-
thorities can be mustered to protect them
Such cases will readily occur to the reader
But when this happens the rule of law is
that the Government of the country to
which the mobs belong shall make such
suitable PREPARATION as the injured nation
demands and circumstances permit II is
bound to pay an indemnity to any indi-
yidualS who have suffered. aud to tender an
apology verbally through its Minister, and
openly by o salute 10 the flag of the conf
planning nation. A Government which re-
fuses to comply with this law is derelict to
the rules of international comfy, and yolun-
tarily assumes position of disgrace. 1t
does not necessarily invite declaration of
war. for wars are too serious matters to be
undertaken for the punishment Of mObS;
but it places itself in a false position before
the world, and creates antipathies which
may return to plague it.
1t is perhaps fair to assume that the Junta,
which is represented at Washington by
Senior Mont. has been misrepresented in
the dispatches, and that it has merely asked
for time to investigate the transaction of
the 16th. But it is to be feared that the
temper OF the people of Valparaiso is really
very hostile to Americans. So much may
be inferred from the announcement of the
Intendente that he cannot guarantee the
safety of members of the BaltimOre's crew
at night or in the early morning. This is
an unpleasant state of things and one which
reflects no credit on the Chilean character.
No act has been done and no word spoken
by the Government or by any responsible
citizen of this couBtry-unleSs it be Minis
ter Egan-Yhich has been unfriendly to
Gale. The Congressional party had the
sympathy of all well-informed Americans
from the first outbreak last January to the
fall of Valparaiso. Its troops were sup
piled with food and clothing and stores
from this country. as far as the neutrality
laws allowed. Its final triumph was a
matter of general rejoicing here as being a
victory Of constitutional liberty over mill
tary despotism. 1t appears poor return
for this good feeling that American sailors
should not be able to land in the chief sea-
port of Chile without fear of assault.
1t VIII probably turn out that an unusu-
ally large proportion of the inhabitants Of
that seaport are vagaboEds who drifted
thither during civil war to take service
under the banner of Balmaceda, in the
hope of plumber, Valparaiso has always
been proverbially a hard place. 1t has
been a refuge for runaway sailors, and fugi-
tvesa from justice from all parts of the
world. Criminals from Australia, the
United States and Panama have found a
safe sanctuary there. The laws have been
loose, the police service lax, and the float
Ing population large. In such a seaport, it
is the easiest thing in the world to get up a
prejudice against a particular nationality,
aud to form the passions of brutal mob to
the pitch of numbering the objects of popular
ali there is to the present trouble.
There is an armed force in Chile large
enough to hold the mob in check. and to
punish its ringleaders when they break out.
Ii the new Government does not choose to
employ il. it will not inspire much conf
deuce in lis ability to carry on a stable ad-
ministration of affairs, and it win acquire a
reputation which viii not help it in case it
should get into trouble. As for the Govern
ment in Washington, its first course will
probably be to concentrate at Valparaiso a
naval force large enough to oYerawe the
mob. Should it be necessary to land to
procure supplies or water, or TO cOmmuni-
cate with the United States Consul, the
Admiral will probably supply the landing
party with an armed escort strong enough
to secure its safety. A few companies of
marines, with a Calling gun, would con-
stitute a guarantee against a repetition Of
the outrage OF the 10th This done. our
Government may safely await further de-
VeIopments.