The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1891-05-26
RECENT EVENTS IN CHILL
President Balmaceda's Message to Con-
gress Reviewing Condition ofAffairs.
Russis's Ruler Will Extend Clemency to Many
Siberian Convicts, but Will Continue Per-
secution of His Jewish Subjects.
oHILrs

The Government Side Presented to Congress
In q Message by President Balmaceda.
Special to the Indianapolis Journal
W~AsHINGToN. May 25.-The CHILEAN min
lister received yesterday q sopy of Presi-
dent Balmaceda's address to the Gillian
Congress which assembled in Santiago on
April 20. 1891. in which he says:
Extraordinary events well known TO you have
were bound to maintain the public or
der of the republic at home and see
10 its safety abroad have taken up arms
against the government on the 9TH OF January.
on board the national feet at Valparaiso, DISC
beylng their general commander, Rear Admiral
Williams, and taking on board the Vice president
Representatives. A few hours after the con-
summation OF these acts, without a precedent In
the naval history of Chilli. they came back to
Valparaiso in open rebellion against their con-
stltutional chiefs and the civil authorities.
During the period of three months. since the
STANCE Utte q? = al sip ane , nonniar oat lusse in nJ Isan - Of
the movement initiated by the mariners. whose
power is actually confined to the ocean. The
any port of the territory containing any dense
population, and, in order to do so at all, they had
to besiege and lombard the ports OF the north,
and set on ire the towns unfor-
titled, operating against the cosmopolitan
population of Tarapaca, and using hostilities of
a character worse than any OF those employed
QdAiu ~ NVnqUGStO u SHtils 4hO II vi
the north are separated from the entire country
by the ocean upon which the rebel fleet dolni-
nate and by vast deserts. The revolutionists
have succeeded in seizing them after seven
bloody combats. Their fleet has not had sufii-
cient strength to upset the lawful government,
but it has shown enough TO disturb the public
order and to sacrifice the lives or children and
spread misfortune throughout our country.
Their. officers have declared themselves in
tablish a military dictatorship, but Congress has
not met even ON their own authority. A consid-
cradle portion of the members of both houses
constitution and laws; this resolution has not
been supported by the people. The
by the constant splits in the ranks of the Liberal
party. Being elected President of Chill. L tried
to give the National party apartisipation in such
proportion as could not enclte the jealousy aud
The Nationals refused to render me their
assistance, although their cooperation
sense. Alter that date ali my Efforts to un1fy the
Liberal party have proven Intellectual. From
iority of Consress and the eSecntiWe bower Y ~ T
then thought 1t TO be my duty TO close Congress,
IN the hope that a short time of reflection and
face the more reasonable terms. Unfortunately
the evil has been done and we now have to stand
its deplorable consequences.
On the 9Th of January last / found myself in
the same predicament In which many OF my
predecessors have been, and in which | was In
1887; tnat - 10 say, without an appropriation
law and without any rule fixing the strength of
the regular army and naval forces. These facts
could not be made the basis, or even the pretext,
for a revolution, inasmuch as they have often
taken place before at different times. As / have.
by the constitution, the duty of administer
ing the affairs OF state, and of extending
my authority wherever required for the safety
of the Nation, within and abroad. I was bound 70
assume all the necessary powers TO suppress the
revolt headed by the armed majority OF Con-
gress, bent upon subverting public order and the
institutions OF the country. il have endeayOred
TO gather all necessary element TO defend and
secure the triumph in Chill Of the principles of
solid could exist.
The action Of the courts of Justice, under the
military dictatorship of the revolutonists. wher-
ever they rule, might bring conflicts and 1t has
been decided to suspend the high tribunals, dur.
ing the present condition of things. as prejudieial
to the country. The license of the CHILEAN
press has been carried, in our days. to ex-
tremes never before reached in any
other part of the world. l think the law
nf svsr Keep p J, sa orSd;.h .h hs. n,gn!s ana nr, merry es.y
must not be other offenses OF the press than
those so qualified by the penal code. In this
settled. and, at the same time. will secure the
responsibility for the abuse of the same and the
punishment OF the offenses against persons OF
The constitutional laws Authorizing the col
lection of public revenues and taxes. the appro-
priation for expenses. the place of residence OF
meets, and the strength of the standing army
and navy are laws of public order necessary for
the existence of the executive power.
The only annual law of great i'm.
portance is the one for the appropria.
ton OF the national service, and ought to
consist Of fixed expenses assigned by special
laws and for variable expenses. The first
would be in the total amount of the appropria-
ton and could not be discussed. The variable
expenses would be discussed and approved by
Congress during the ordinary period and on
every OCCASION. increase of extraordinary cir
cumstances preventing the approval OF the SANE
Appropriation, the existing law ought
to be considered in force during the
next year. This manner OF presenting and
discussing the appropriations is adopted IN the
countries of the highest state of civilization,
even by those ruled under a more strict parlia,
mentary system. IL Is not acceptable in any case
TO leave to the Congress or q majority Of their
members the power to refuse tn approve the
fixed expenses of a permanent character deriv-
ing their character from previous laws by Con
gress.
When the reform thus conceived becomes q
fact peace among the state powers will be for
ever established and consolidated. Few gov
ernments have had to meet more unmerited az
gressions or moro gratuitous inculpations than
those with which / have been, assailed; but
have not, on that ground lost the serenity of my
spirit nor the perfect tranquility of my con
science. 1 have every confidence in God, WHIT
presides over the destinies OF nations.
JOSE MANUEL BALMACEDA.
III CARS CLEMENCY.
Ut WIFI Fa Exeeudod IN Nvanv CoDvfcts Nov