The state herald. (Holyoke, Logan County, Colo.) 1887-1921, 1891-05-15
a LITTLE WAR CLOUD.
The Rebel Chllian Vessel Etata 0ehss
the United States.

The Rebel Chilian Vessel Etata Oeflei
the United States.
The Gillian insurgent vessel, Etata,
arrived in San Diego Bay, California,
several days ago, and 1t was soon learned
that tho Robert and Minnie, an American
boat, was about TO supply tho Etata with
q consignment of war material. AS this
was contrary to international law the
authorities tried to capture tho Robert
and Minnie, but sho crossed into Mexican
waters where she could not be touched,
and waited for n better chance. Tho
officials at Washington ordered the United
States marshal TO place deputy on board
tho Etata until it could bo decided what
should be done with her On the evening
Of the Tth the captain Of the Etata told the
deputy marshal that he was prisoner,
and steamed out Of the harbor The
deputy In his report Of the affair, said
"Tho captain then called two of the
| Gillian crew, who stood guard by the
door, each armed He then told me not ~
| be alarmed but that II vent out Of tho
cabin during his absence no would not be
responsible for what would happen, tell
ing me that II attempted to give sign
| or jump overheard he would not BIO re-
sponsible for tho result. About this time
noticed them lifting out of u hold four
steel cannon, which they placed in position
on tho upper deck, after which they were
loaded in my presence,
"Returning few minutes later, the
captain said: Il have spoken to the pilot,
and instead Of putting you of at Point
Lomax in one OF our boats, we will get u
boat from pilot ut the last point. He
then led me out Of the cabin, followed by
his companions, each taking his revolver
! Around on the deck were 100 .Chilians, all
armed to the teeth, each having repeat
ing rifle, and most of them dressed in
uniform. The captain gave sickly laugh
| and said; we have changed into man
of-war' "
The deputy was sent back TO land in a
small boat.
1t is thought that tho Etata will try to
meet the Robert and Minnie somewhere
else u obtain her munitions.
The escape Of the Etata raises important
questions OF international law. The Ala
bama claims, which cost the British gov
ernment s.0,O0O,OO0 arose III similar
manner through the equipment of u Con-
fcderatc vessel in an English port and the
supplying of men, guns and ammunition
TO her by British vessels. As the Etata
has been seized by tho United States at
San Diego she was technically United
States property until discharged and is
therefore liable to recapture on the high
seas by United States man OF war, or to
coniiscation IL sho ever enters United
States port
So far as is known there Is no charge Of
piracy against either the Etata or the
Robert and Minnie. They arc charged
with violation OF the neutrality laws
which forbid the fitting out in the United
States Of vessels making war upon u
country with whom the United States is
at peace. incidentally the legal de,ormi.
nation of the case in charge Involves the
ques ton as to whether the CHILEAN insur-
gents are to be recognised by the govern
ment of the United States las they have
boon by Great Brittany as belligerents,
and To tho settlement OF this question the
state department officials are already ap-
plying themselves.
The Etata will be captured II possible.
Probably tho new cruiser Charleston is
the only naval vessel In those waters that
would be ablo to cope with the audacous
and well armed Etata. But the Charles
ton Is in San Francisco. A day would be
required TO coal her and then she would
start from point several hundred miles
north OF tho place that the Etata left, so
that practically the Gillian vessel has at
least three days start OF her pursuor.
The navy department officials will not
say whether or not the Charleston is TO 10
In chase. but advieos from San Francisco
state that the Charleston will give chase
at once.
The San Francisco Chronicle states that
1t has information that gives ground for
the statement that the steamer seen hoy
cring around the entrance 10 San Diego Is
the armed transport Imporiale, now In
possession OF Balmaceda's party. She
left Valparaiso TO intercept the Eta,a on
her return voyage to Iquiquc- The I'm
perialc is vessel OF $500 tons, and is said
TO be capable OF steaming sixteen miles
per hour.
Senior Casenoca, former Chilian consul
said yesterday; ait will DO found tina,
British money Ia the nuinstay of thu