The National tribune., 1891-12-31
THE CHILEAN SITUATION.
ImportaRt Dispatches Received, bat Nothing /.
GiVen Ouf.

An omiuous silence Is maintained in official
circles regarding the news from Chile. Every
body comedies that important dispatches have
been received from Minister Egan. but 80 far
it has been impossible to get The least infOrma-
tion OF their contents. The Provisional Cow
ernment OF Chile. which IS responsible for The
present situation. has ceased TO exist as on sat
uTday, Dee. 20, Capt MOutt, the recently elected
President was inauguTatsd. the Old Cabinet re-
signed, and new one will shortly be appointed.
lt IS probable that the new Minister Of Foreign
Affairs will pursue a different policy toward
this country than his predecessor
There is wonderful activity IN naval circles
in the United States, and war ships are being
fitted out for sea service at the various Navy
yards Besides this, orders have been issued TO
have the force now employed at the gun shop
at the Washington EaVy-yard work extra honrs
from this time until further orders. Most Of
this extra work will be done in the shop which
makes projectiles aud other ammunition for the
big guns.
There appears TO be less hope for the amic-
able settlement OF the troubles between the two
nations than there was a month ago Recent
demonstrations at Santiago against the Ameri-
can Legation have presumably increased the
uueasiness, and have mot tended TO molify Pres
ident Harrison and his advisors. When the
news Of the outrage on the sailors Of the Balti-
more first reached Gen. Harrison he was very
angry, and he felt that an insult had been given
the American Government, and he was at first
disposed 10 uphold the dignity Of the United
States by immediate and harsh methods, bn5
after discussing the situation with several Of
his Cabinet and Gen. John W. Foster more
temperate demand was made for an explana-
tion than he at first intended. Our Govern
ment has been disposed to think all along
through the negotiations that Chile was not
disposed to act fair in the investigation Of che
Outrage, and the whole examination of the
Chilean Judge Of Crimes seems 10 have been
an ex-parte affair.
There is no abatement of work in the Navy
Department, and the ships already in commits
sion and those under orders are most thor
oughly equipped for active warfare. Those
preparing to put 10 sea being fitted out wi th
more than an ordinary amount Of ammunition
and proiectles, and there seems TO be an inten-
ton TO mobilize formidable feet in Chilean
waters. The conviction seems % be general
that it now rests entirly with Chile to prevent
war. Unless this Government is greatly de-
ceiyed, the Chilean officials are trying 10 gain
time for III Captain Pratt (tbe new man-OE-
war for that country now building in FFance)
to be completed and equipped for active serv-
ice. This vessel properly manned and equip
ped, 10 is thought, would be more than a match
for any vessel in our Navy, and perhaps for any
two Of them.
The fact that Gen. Nelson A. Miles has been
ordered from Chicago to Washington at this
time has created considerable excitement in
Army circles at the Capital, as it is thought his
coming means that the Army will take a hand
in the settlement Of the difficulties. There Is
great activity in certain Bureaus Of the War
Department, and it is understood that the otIi-
cials are preparing to be in a position to meet
any contingency which may arise in the Chill
can situation. Officials, however will not talk,
and great deal Of tho news which appear ia
the daily papers Of the country is mere con-
lecture. Still the situation is considered very
grave By persons competent to Judge.