Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-12-24
Civilians rHREATEN EGAs.


Refugees Given shelter Under Our Flag.
WASHINGTON, Dec 20.-It is impossible
tonight to get either confirmation or con-
tradictiOn OF the published statement that
the state department has received cable
gram from Minister Egan to the effect that
the American legation at Santiago is sur
rounded by CHILEAN mob, who threaten
to blow it up in order to capture the
Chilian refugees who are under the protec-
ton of the legation.
Assistant Secretary of State Wharton was
entertaining guests tonight and could not
be seen about the matter.
Secretary Tracy is in New York, but AS
sistant Secretary Solely, when shown the
dispatch, was extremely reticent and
merely said 1t was state department. mat
ter and that the navy department officials
had no right to discuss state department
affairs. He added that he had not heard
anything about the affair
Senior Montt. the CHILEAN minister, was
not at home and the secretary of the lega-
ton received all callers. He stated that
the minister had not received any late dis
patches from his government, but felt sure
II there had been an uprising against the
American legation at Santiago the minister
at Washington would have been advised
of it. He also said that the Chilian people
have the greatest respect for the American
legation and he was positive that they had
it up. when | was in Chill some time
ago" said the secretary, ''slch false re-
ports were frequently sent to the Ameri-
can newspapers and put no faith what
ever III the latest story"
Secretary Blaine was not at home carly
in the evening, and was inaccessible to re-
porters and correspondents who called late
tonight to see him about the matter. To
all inquiries about the truth or falsty Of
the published statement the secretary sim
ply sent this reply: II have nothing to say
about it,
The following is given as translation
of the message from Minister Egan.
'The American legation is surrounded
by the police and a mob on account of the
refugees here. Threats are being made of
burning or blowing mp the legation to get
them. A United States ship is in port,
but many miles from the legation. The
refugees cannot fly, but must stay in the
legation. which is besieged."
A cablegram to Minister Egan has been
prepared instructing him to report ut once
upon the attitude OF the local authorities
playing in the affair. 1t is important to
know whether the police are spying
upon the legation as heretofore or
whether they have been detailed to pre-
vent the mob from carrying out the
threats described in Minister Egan's
caDlepram. IL IS believed at the navy de-
partment that the demonstrations referred
to could not be made if the proper proteo-
ton was given to the American legation by
the CHILEAN government. IL the situation
is as grave ms Minister Egan appears to
think, the navy department officials are
convinced that only force can rescue the
refugees now under the protection Of the
American minister.
AT no stage of the proceedings has there
been so great probability as now that
| forcible action will be taken by this gov
ernment. The immediate effect of Minister
Egan's cahlegram will probably be to
cause Secretary Blaine TO demand prompt
verdict from the Valparaiso court charged
with the investigation of the assault
upon the sailors of the Baltimore,
in the event that the reply of the
CHILEAN government is insatisfac-
tory the whole matter will undoubtedly
be laid before Congress for such action as
may be deemed advisable. In the mean
time the navy department will take the
necessary steps to mass the largest possible
naval force in the harbor of Valparaiso.
Should Minister Egan report any further
hostile demonstration on the part of the
inhabitants of Santiago, the President will
| promptly serve an ultimatum upon the
CHILEAN government, and the navy depart
ment will prepare with all speed to back
| il tlD