Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-12-29

CABINET MEETING.
There was no material development In the
Chilean affairs today that any amount OF in
vestigation could uncover. When il ia said
that the most serious outcome Of the trouble is
expected and that this country is merely await
ing an official announcement by the Chilean
government as to the result Of the investiga-
ton OF the Baltimore outrage, which unof-
hcially is understood to be unsatisfactory, the
whole situation is set forth.
lime, OF course, must be given the Chileans
to make up their minds what to do in the mat
ter, but it is entirely probable that they know
now whether or not they will offer any repara-
ton for the outrage and the whole matter de-
penos upon that No one appears to be in a
position to declare with knowledge that an
apology will not be offered but all the indica-
tions by which this country can Judge of the
attitude OF the Chilean government tend TO
the unavoidable conclusion that the arrogance
and defiance which has been displayed up TO
this time will not be absted
There is no disposition on the part OF this
government to bully Chile. but the question is
one involving the national honor and the senti-
ment OF magnanimity which the big boy enter
tains Tor the little ono cannot, it is said, be
permitted to 80 to the extreme of weakness.
The military and naval preparations for hos
tiiiies are IN active progress. and the fact that
every effort Is being made in the interest of
peace and to allay public apprehension does
not lessen the seriousness of the situation.
The question at issue is not one, il is asserted,
that can be submitted 10 arbitration.
1t resolves itself merely to three
possibilities, an apology from Chile. a back
down by the United States or a fight. There
does not appear to be the spirit of apology in
the Chilean disposition at this time. 1t is
hardly to be supposed that the United States
VIII be content to maintain peace a: q loss OF
dignity.
QUIET DAY.
The changes in the Chilean situation of the
affair are kaleidoscope and instantaneous in
their nature and go from one extreme to the
other. Today the departments are comparatively
deserted and one would imagine from ap-
pearances that the possibilities Of war are
very remote. Yesterday the corridors and
ante rooms were filled with statesmen and dip
lomats; today there were not enough around
to prevent the place from bearing an almost
deserted look. OF news there was absolutely
none, although something was promised
from the State Department later in the
day. while rumors were almost as
scarce. Senator Allison of the appro-
prlation committee, Representative Lodge of
the House naval committee and Representative
Brewer of North Carolina were Secretary
Iracy's only visitors before the cabinet
met, while Secretary Blaine had none
at all aside from the departmental Off
ciais. 1t is generally understood about the
State Department that on cabinet DAYS the Sec
rotary will see no one. except by previous en-
gagement go that callers on those days are in
frequent.
THE NAVY DEPARTMENT.
Around the Navy Department it was limited
that the cause Of the sudden subsistence Of the
war talk was due to the fact that Congress
could not be depended on for sup
plying the necessary funds to carry on a cam
palgn against Chile. that in fact it probably
would not give its consent TO the declaration of
hostiiities against that country. What author
iiy existed for this opinion was not stated.
ENGLISH INFLUENCE AT WORK.
Sentiment in the State Department credited
the peaceful condition Of things to the in
fuence Of English interests in Chile.
which, in a business sense are para
mount 1t was said that the Chilean authori-
ties would be told plainly that England would
not suffer them to jeopardize the prospects of
her subjects in Chile and the late conquered
territory Of PERI, as a conflict with the United
States certainly would do, and that,
therefore, an amicable understanding must be
reached with this government In this connec-
tion the visit of Sir Julian Pauncefote, the
British minister to Mr.. Blaine. which imme-
diately preceded the lengthy conference be-
tween the secretary and Minister Montt yes
terday is regarded as significant.
DISCUSSED BY THE CABINET.
The cabinet meeting today, at which all the
members were present except Secretary
Elkins, was unusually long, and it is under
stood Chilean affairs formed the principal
topic Of discussion. If any change of policy
or view occurred in the light of latest informa-
ton received from Valparaiso, 1t has not trans