The National tribune., 1892-01-07
THE CHILEAN SITUATION.
A Waiting Policy Being PurSued By Both This
Country and Chile,

Country and Chile.
On the last day OF the old year Senior Montt,
the Chilean Minister, held another conference
with Secretary Blaine which lasted over an
hour. Senior Montt is earnestly DESTROYS of
satisfying the demh Ids of this country upon
Chile, but according to all reports he is unable
TO impress upon the Chilean authorities the
desirability OF complying with them. The
Minister has been advised by a number Of
foreign diplomats here i'm Washington that
Chile cannot afford 10 enter upon a conflict
with the United States aud that she would be
wholly unwarranted in refusing TO apologize
for the assault upon the Baltimore's sailors.
Ii is said that Senior MOntt is duly impressed
with the gravity of the situation and the
earnestness with which the demands for roper
alton have been pressed, but is unable to make
such representations as will satisfy the United
States Government, and which he thinks ought
10 be made. His only hope is in temporiziug
until the Chilean authorities can be brought TO
view the situation as he does, when he thinks
an amicable adjustment can easily be reached.
The diplomatic correspondence on the sub
ject is vouminous, and is being prepared for
transmission TO Congress. The contents OF the
communication are such that il il were TO go to
Congress without an accompanying apologize
message from the Chilean authorities it is
thought it would create such a sentiment that
q resolution authorizing n declaration OF war
would. in the opinion of n gentleman who has
perused portion Of it, and who is prominent
member of the Legislative branch of the
Government go through both Houses with a
whirl, even without a request from the Presi-
dent
Senior Montt has been advised Of this fact,
aud il doubtless has much to do with in
fluencing his opinion and course of action. lie
does not want that correspondence to go TO
Congress without some explanation at least
from his Government to mitigate its present
unpleasant features.
Ia recent interview Secretary OF the Navy
Tracy is quoted as saying that Il did not
know that was a war man; | rather thought
] was peacefully incined but am for main
tanning the dignity Of the United States and
its power TO protect its citizens, soldiers, and
sailors when abroad. If that leads to war; then
I'm for war. If it leads, rs believe it will, to
peace, then Pm for peace"
Judge Advocate General Remey, Of the Navy,
was ordered 10 San Francisco and left Wash
ington on Wednesday, Dec. 80. Navy Depart.
meut officials are reticent as 10 the nature OF
his mission, but il Is generally understood that
he has been ordered to investigate the assault
on the BaltimOre'5 sailors by the Chileans.
The Baltimore will be in San Francisco when
| Gen. Rcmey arrives, and ne will, in all prob
ability, take the dispositions Of the sailors, as
well as the statement OF Capt Schley, and IN this
accurate form than has hitherto been possible.
If Capt. Schley's report on the trouble at VAL
paTaisO is not as complete and full as desired,
he will be in position 10 get all the facts from
the Baltimores sailors in person.
The monitor Miantonomoh is fast getting
ready for sea, and she will be given trial fol
| speed in GARDENERS Bay. Her officers are con-
| fdent that she can make u knots an hour
under favorable conditions.
| ReDreseufatiVe McC' rparv Of Kentucky
! whose familiarity with diplomatic affairs give:
/ importance to what he has 10 say on this sub
I ject, thinks "that the Chieans will not want
4 10 20 TO war with us. believe they will make
/ the proper reparatiOn for the afiront that ha'
4 been given US. They have nothing TO gaiI
/ from such an unequal contest. Peru would b.
/ only too willing 10 give the United States per
! mission to land troops on her soil and to estab
| lish store-hOuses there. We could land 10000
/ troops. aud, such step being once taken there
/ would be 10 halt until our forces had marched
! through the whole country. Nothing would
/ keep our forces from taking possession Of tn
entire country. The Intelligent Chileans mus
I appreciate this danger II they compel hOstili
| ties, and upon the assumption that they do,
believe that they will not permit war. SOOi
| after Congress TecOnvenes the President vii
send the correspondence 20 the two Houses, ant
! then we can consider thesituatiOn with n bette
| understanding. believe that the PTcsiden
has acted in a vigorous and manly way in thi
matter / am sure that the course Of tn
| United States will be dignifed firm an
Courageous Whatever the result is / do no
think we can be charged with having rushe
into war or that We shall suffer any loss {
dignity"