Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-01-20

message was likely to be sent to Con-
greSS Tor some days yet.
Inquiry as TO the cause Of this delay
brought out apparently well-grounded
statements that the latest communica-
tioh OF the Chilean authorities offered
ireSh hope that they would in the end
make the desired apology.
IL was admitted that the Chileans
were still very slow about coming to
time, but there was some Improvement
Ia the tone Of Chlle's communication.
and in view Of this the President and
Cabinet have apparently come TO the
conclusion that ii is just as we'll to give
them little more time.
Secretary Tracy had a very busy morn
ing before he went TO the Cabinet meet
ing. Soon after reaching his office he
had a long conference with Senator
Cameron, the Chairman of the Senate
Naval Committee.
The Secretary to-day was also in con-
Sulation as usual Of late with his staff
officers on various matters concerning
the present operations of the depart
ment. Among them were COmmodores
Ramsay and Folger, OF the bureaus OF
navigation and ordnance, Captain Mahan
and Commander Chadwick.
II has been aScertained that Commo-
dOre FOlger, the Chief Of the Bureau of
Ordnance, has made request of Secre-
tary Tracy that in case Of war he may
be relieved OF his present important
duty and placed in command OF the
coast defense vessel Monterey, now
awaiting completion at San Francisco.
IL is understood that he regards this
vessel as the most formidable one in our
navy, and that he considers it superior
In fighting qualities to any ship ownnd
by the Chilesns, including the celebrated
Captain Prat, now building in France
for the Chilean government.
1t is reported at the capitol to-day
that the government of Great Britain
has taken steps TO bring about more
friendly feeling between the United
States and Chile, and will intervene to
effect settlement Of the trouble.
A member Of the Foreign Affairs
Committee OF the House said this after
noon that he had not received the in
formation officially, but that he had no
doubt Of the correctness Of il. Other
members who were seen had not learned
OF the report.
IL is said that Chile was not in posi-
tion 10 make the necessary advances,
and that Great Britain had offered her
good offices and would endeavor to ar
range basis on which an amicable
agreement might be reached.
One Of the duties of Commander
Evans, in addition to his general in
struction, is TO keep the American
Navy Department advised Of the Condi-
tion Of affairs in Chile, is TO report with
promptneSS the movements OF the YES
sells of the Chilean Navy, so far as
ne is able TO ascertain.
In accordance with these specific in
structions he to-day Informed the Navy
Department that the Chilean steamer
Esmeralda left the port Of Valparaiso
at one o'clock this morning, TO go to the
assistance of the British mail steamship,
which is reported ashore 100 miles south
OF Valparaiso.
This was the sum and substance Of
his dispatch. IL is learned, to-day,
from a source that cannot be question
ed that the Balmaceda refugees are still
or the yorktown aud consequently are
| In no danger of falling into the hands
of the Chileans by reason Of the wreck
of the steamship John Alder, which
was reported 10 have the refugees on
board.
The statement that they were placed
on that vessel in disguise at Valparaiso
/ il incorrect. The fact that the Esmer-
aida has gone to the wreck OF John AL
der might indicate, however, that the
| local authorities incline 10 the impress
sion that the refugees were passengers
on that vessel. Word has been received
in Washington, that the Philadelphia,
/ the flagship ofAdmiral Gherardps squad
ron. has sailed south from the Barba-
does. presumably for Montevideo. This
| indicates q general naval movement OF
| Importance, as the station lines OF the
naval system are regarded as absolute,
except in cases Of emergency.
There is considerable speculation as
IN who would be placed in command of
the naval force in the Pacific In case OF
war. but the general opinion centres
unon Rear Admiral Kimberly, who Is at
the head of the active list.
There was lull in the talk to-day
with reference to the Chilean matter on
the House side Of the Capitol, The dis
Dosition was to await the receipt OF the
Presidents message before endeavoring
10 form any decided opinions on the
subiect. The feeling expressed was
nearly all on the side Of disbelief in war
qs the probable outcome Of the trouble.
Members could not say just In what
way they expected the trouble TO pass
away, but there was general concur
renee of opinion that 1t would do so IN
some manner or other. a number OF
the Democratic representatives were
daDrecated a war with so small
Dstiop as Chile, and said the United
states is large and strong enough to az
ford 10 overlook a great many things
rather than proceed to extremities'
During the afternoon report was in
oi-c,Istion that the situation had as
Srr,ed a slightly more pacific aspect. 1t
ms rumored that Great Britain had In
torvaned and offered her good offices TO
Srir, about peaceful adjustment OF
the relations between the TWO countries
A difference Of opinion was manifest,
ed as 10 whether or not the Uniteo
Statss. ought to accept the mediation OF
spv third party without an expression
Sror Chile of regret at the lawless acts
Of her citizens and disavowal OF official
connection or sympathy with them.
Nany members thought that in view OF
CbiIe's comparatively small size this
SI,,ernment Cn,,o need not be at all rigorous
! in its requirements
While the talk to-day was favorable
N peace, many Democratic members
aid Mainly that il fighting did come
thew were in favor Of pushing the war
',j,oropsIv and relentleSSly, omitting no