The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1891-09-26

repnblic, and was afterwards inaugu-
rated with great ceremony. The coun-
try at that time was in financial diff
cultics. ljalmaceda drew about him the
great financiers Of the republic and in
augurated n policy calculated TO relieve
the wants OF the people. A policy IN
augurated bybankers did not prove pop
ular with the masses. who looked upon
IL as scheme 10 still further impov-
erish them. The question at Issue was
much the same as complained OF In the
United States prior TO lsi3. AZ that
time any proposition on the part OF
our own bankers would have been
cried down as a scheme to bleed the
producers of wealth TO a still greater
extent Figuring in such an unpopu-
lar light the people soon disposed OF
Balmaceda. But the president refused
10 abdicate and war followed. The peo-
ple were assisted by outsiders, notably
English CAPITALISTS who had been prof
iting by Chile's bad financial straits
for years. Notable among these was
Col. North. The English minister, as
well as those OF other European coun-
tries were partisan. Patrick Egan. Min
lister from the United States. remained
neutral. though almost to the last he
was Of the opinion that Balmaceda
would win.
The battle that changed the entire
outlook in Chile and put the congress
sionalists ahead was fought just out
side the city of Valparaiso, and lasted
for five hours, both the generals of
lialmaceda's army. most OF his staff,
and a majority of the line officers be-
ing killed.
As soon as the result OF the battle
was known in the city, Prcsident-elect
Vicuna went aboard the German flag
ship in the harbor and asked for pro-
lection, which was given him. Imme-
diately after this the blue jackets Of
the American, English, German, and
French ships OF war were sent into the
city 10 protect the foreign residents
from any outbreak or outrage. But Of
this there seems TO have been little
danger, as the citizens received the VIC
torious army with enthusiasm and APP
parent satisfaction. shortly after the
entrance OF the army, Captain Alberto
Fuentes, who was lately promoted for
his naval victory while I'm command OF
the torpedo boat Almirante Lynch SUR
rendered 10 General Canto after
sharp engagement, lasting fifteen min
ultS. lhiN NHAhutil NVhilithrh Aht
overthrow OF Balmaceda, and estab.
lished the popular government in its
place. On the day following General
Baquedano formally surrendered the
capital. Santiago, and the triumph OF
the Congressionallsts was complete.
Balmaceda escaped, but his house was
destroyed by the mob.
Col. Canto, the victorious .eader of the
rebels. Is 40 years old. He commanded
battalion In the Chilean war with
Peru and greatly distinguished him
self To his military tact. bravery and
ability as leader in that war he owed
his promotion TO the rank OF colonel.
lie + one of the most able officers OF
the army. lie is short of stature and
of swarthy complexion. When trouble
was brewing between Balmaceda and
his congress Col. Canto proposed n
toast to the constitution and the three
powers IL established-th legislative.
the executive and the judicial. Bal
maceda ordered his arrest and Canto
suffered several months Imprisonment
and was finally sent TO the north of
Chile in exile.
When the revolution broke out Canto
escaped and Immediately joined the
congressional party and was put at the
head Of the fast forming army. The
wisdom OF the choice had been appar-
emit lie felt that he was leading one
of the most righteous revolutions that
ever took place in South America. He
fought as he felt. iIe VIII no undoubt-