New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-11-10
A TALK WITH REAR-ADMIRAL UPsHUR.
WHAT HE THINKS ABOUT THE CHILEAN con
Pic AT1nN LNn LIS REsIrIr

IALh With REAR-ADMlRAL UPSHUR.
WHAT HE THINKS ABOUT THE GILLIAN CON-
PLICATION AND ITS RESULTS
Rear Admiral John II. Upshur, U. s. N. was at the
Clarendon Hotel yesterday when Tribune reporter
met him and asked him to talk about the present
strained relations between this country and Chill
well really replied the Admiral. i am sorry but
don't believe j say anything interesting on
the subject have not been in active service for
several years and know nothing officially about the
present trouble. have not been in Chill for five
years, so not familiar with the situation there
What knowledge do have Of the general situation
is derived entirely from the newspapers and those
have not read thoroughly. have Just returned from
Europe. where about the only paper read at alland
that not reguarly-was the Paris edition of The
Herald so you see / am not posted
q Do you anticipate any serious trouble between
the two countries -
"No The educated and ruling classes Of Chill know
that that country is in position TO pick quarrel
allow to be picked with the United states OF
the Of the people there hot-headed
and mp.tuous and feeling Of hostility to the United
states exists among the middle and lower classes They
densey ignorant OF the power and Of this
country. They really know nothing about and
probably think they strong enough TO fight us.
This feeling has naturally been foStered by their uni
form in battle heretofore The upper, educated
class and the authorities do not share this feeling
They haven't this ignorant hostility and they know
the relative strength energy and resources of the two
countries. l do not think there is any danger Of
hostile demonstration from them.'
How abOut the attack on the Baltmorc's meni"
"Thdt not an entirely unnatural occurrence
You must remember that the country has Just passed
through revolution and l. in an excited and I'M
settled condition The people are wrought up to
high state OF feeling. As Just said, they ignorant
of the United states, asd probably fascied that the
presence of the cruiser interference with their
affairs The mob therefore bent on revenge with
knowledge thought of the consequences of their
action. The chances are that not person in the
mob had been outside Of Chill possessed any
knowledge Of the world. Captain Schley is a com
petent officer and gallant lie placed In a
very awkward position and think he has acted with
good judgment. lie should do what he can to pro-
tcct his officers and and at the time allay
suspicion the part the popuIace. Every one
should be kept aboard the ship far as possible and
nothing done to excite the people. OF Of
the officers and the stewards have to 60 ashore good
deal and more less exposed to mob violence but
the danger in their is not great 1t would be
with the men,
well Admiral, do you think that the mass Of the
people who entertain this bitter feeling against the
United States could force the authorities into hostile
attitude. against their own feelings and convictions -
Scarcely The whole country is in a transition
state and government is absolutely secure, but 1t
would probably require very powerful pressure to
drive the Government the Junta, which is now the
ruling power into position Of active hostility. Those
men are too familiar with the strength energy and
sources of the country 10 treat such matter lightly.
| think a most saIutary effect wonM be produced on
public opinion in Chill if the United states would mass
a feet of its strongest vessels at Valparaiso.
That would show the people they had some
thing TO cope with. IL mighH not do 10
send a feet to Valparaiso itself That
might possibly look too much like hostile demon
straon against friendly power. II we should gather
four or five cruisers within CALL say in the Plate River
IL would known In Valparaiso within two hours ana
l believe the result would be most satisfactory. IL
would be bringing the matter right home 10 the lower
classes, and when it comes TO question OF shelhhg
a city, the common people have just as much regard
for their lives any one else
How do the two naves compared"
We have and better vessels than chill has,
but they have two or three armored battesbips with
which we have nothing 10 compare. our cruisers
have just as powerful guns but they lack the re-
sistance offered by heavy armOr. The Mianonomoh
il the only armored vessel could press into service
al once. However, IL worse should come 70 worse l
have no fear for the result ,., III, a..
In tine event OF war what attltuhe Would INC
European powers be apt 10 take = .
Oh, l couldn't express any opinion on that point
I travelled abroad merely as private citizen ana
lad no opportunity learn the views or the various
Governments on any subject. You can get n much
better idea Of public sentiment abroad from the papers
than | conld give you" ...
No i knew Balmaceda very well, ana Domneo
Toro his Intendcnte at Valparaiso. but don't renem
Der ever having met Admiral Montt have mo
doubt however of his frieDdlncss toward the th,ru
states. his good Judgment III Keeping Oh pc'ee'oic
terms with u.s.