The morning call., 1891-08-26
THE SITUATION Ar VALPARAISO.

The first engagement between the Chilean
CongresSi onals and the forces of Balmaceda
took place, as THE CALL had reckoned that
it would, on Sunday. The site was the
bank of the AcOncagua River, some twelve
miles north of the northern suburbs OF Y al
paraiso Balmaceda's troops were en-
trenched on the south bank of the river,
and proposed to make stand there. 1t
seems odd that he should not have availed
himself OF his numerical superiority TO en-
counter his enemy in the open, and his
neglect to do so implies a want of conf
dtnce in his troops. The event confirms
this suspicion, for Notwithstanding the ad-
vantage they possessed in the shape of en-
trenchmenIs and river flowing across
their front, the Government forces were
driven back, the COngressionals crossed
the river and moved on toward Rio del
Mar. driving the Balmacedsts before them.
This engagement was like the battle of the
Alma, in which the Russians tried to stop
the advance of the allies toward Sebasto-
pol, and were flanked out of their entrench-
mentS by the French, who moved under
cover of the fleet The victory at Aconca-
qua, like the victory at the Alma, has had
the double effect of enabling the attacking
party 10 push its lines several miles nearer
TO its objective and of demoralizing its en-
emy.
II is said that the Congressional General
now proposes to occupy certain heights
back of Valparaiso with view to bom-
harding the forts in and about the city. As
a temporary expedient, such tactics might
possess merit but if the. insurgents send
the bulk of their troops into the mountains
they will run some risk of getting bottled
up there between the army which can be
detached from Santiago and the forces in
Valparaiso Their natural course is to fight
their way into the city, now they are at its
door, and to rely on the Generalization of
the Government forces which would result
from the capture of the outworks. If, as
the captain of the ltata says, most of Bal
maceda'S men are half-hearted, and ready
to join the insurgents when they get
chance, the appearance Of the Congressional
flag in the streets Of Valparaiso should lead
to a general stampede among the Govern
| ment troops. The non-combatants will give
at least moral support to the party which
seems likely to win. Their first idea will be
to prevent plunder All that the attacking
| party needs to do to ensure their aid is to
fight as valiantly as they seem to have done
at Aconcagua.
We ought to receive definite news in day
| gressionalS have or have not correctly de-
| scribed the situation when they told US that
the mass of the Chilean people were on
| their side. If the people of Valparaiso,
who must all be under arms, do battle for
the usurper with a steadfast purpose, we
shall have 10 conclude that Senior Montt
ana his friends have taken a roster view
Of their prospects than the facts warranted.
1t is due to truth to say that while American
Sympathies are still with the friends of law
| aud the constitution, al untavorable effect
| has been produced by the repeated publica-
| ton Of roorbaeks about Bamacedas
cruelty and his indifference to human life.
| These stories are not believed. and The cause
| which sets them atloat is injured by their
circulation.
One fact which tells against the Congress
sional5 is the movement of the Government
| troops at CoqGimbo on Iquique. 1t is hardly
| possible that Balmaceda could have detached
| so large portion of MS army TO operate
at a distant point in the republic, if he had
| any fears Of the capture of Valparaiso and
| Santiago. 1t would be vast gain for Bal
maceda TO get possession of the nitrate beds,
| which would supply him with all the money
| he needs; but he cannot afford to acquire
| them at the cost of his capital and seaport.
lAlS ne must see as well as an outsider can
| and he must therefore have felt sure of his
| ability to hold the provinces of Valparaiso
and Santiago before he started his CoQuimbo
army north. If he has made no miscaIcula-
tiOn the insurgent troops will not succeed
in their enterprise against Valparaiso, and
while they are dashing themselves against
its outworks the Government forces will
| capture the sinews Of war. STILL men in
Balmaeeda's position do often miscalculate
In our civil war JEFF Davis reckoned that he
could afford to let Sherman roam through
Georgia if Hood were free to capture Nash
Vile; the trouble with that calculation was
that Hood got smashed to pieces in trying
to reach Nashville, while Sherman was
enjoying his pleasant promenade" to
Savannah So if the Congressionals should
| gain possession of Valparaiso it will not help
| Balmaceda much to take Iquique. The in
| surgent squadron will very quickly stop the
shipments of nitrates from the north, and
| the civilized world will recognize the Gov
ernment which holds the capital and the
| chief seaport.
The most cheerful feature Of the prospect
is the quasi-certainty that the war will soon
| draw TO close