Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-01-23
THE FEELING IN Chile
Is Very Strong Against All Things
that Are American.
NO FEELINGS OF CONTRITION
In Chilean Breasts and if An Apology is Offered II
VIII be Through Fear and Not Sentiment
How the American Legation is Watched
By Spies-Egals Son Arrested.

Special Correspondence az the Associated Pres.
SANTIAGO DE CHILE, December 23.-
Nearly two weeks have passed since
the publication Of the telegraphic in
structions from the Chilean Minister OF
Foreign Relations TO the Chilean minis
ter at Washington, and there has been
no tagging Of public interest in affairs
relating TO the controversies between
the United States and Chile.
The Chilean newspapers have devoted
columns to the subject, publishing long
editorials severely criticising the attl-
tude of the United States Government
and attacking the United States officials
here and also reprinting various articles
from the American press. More inter
est is manifested in the present situa-
tion than in anything that has occurred
in Chile since the close OF the war.
Native and foreign residents OF all
class are discussing the subject and the
greatest variety Of opinion is expressed
in regard to various features OF the con-
troversy and the probable outcome OF
the matter.
In view of the fact that Minister
Malta has made official statements prac-
tically charging the American Minister
in Santiago with being guilty OF intrigucs
and giving false information to his gov
ernment, Minister Egan at the present
time is holding no official communica-
tion with the Government OF Chile, and
he has notified the State Department to
that effect.
Rumors have reached Mr.. Egan Of an
intention on the part Of evil disposed
persons to burn the American
legation or one Of the build
ings adjoining it in order to drive the
refugees 10 the street, where theycouId
be captured. These were not mere
street rumors, but the information was
given to Mr.. Egan in such way that
he was compelled to notify the Depart
meut Of what he had heard.
1t is also known that these rumors
have reached Modena, the seat OF the
executive branch of the government
and II is believed the government has
taken measures to prevent such an oc-
currence, as the guards around the leRa-
tion have been redoubled In the last
few days. In view Of the attitude which
these men have maintained, il cannot
be doubted that they have not been
stationed at the legation simply for
purposes Of protection.
There has hardly been a day during
the past week when some one who has
been leaving the American legation has
not been annoyed by the espionage OF
these men, and even Minister Egan him
self has been subjected to it. -Four
days ago Mr.. Frank w. Egan, the son
of the Minister and acting Secretary OF
the legation, was leaving the house in
broad daylight when he was stopped
only few PAGES from the door by one
of these spies who grasped him roughly
by the arm, and gave him into the
hands of two policemen who were stand
ing near by.
The policemen recognized him and In
formed the spy that he had made mis-
take. The spy accordingly allowed Mr..
Egan to depart, though he offered no
apology for his error. Minister Egan
notified the State Department Of the
arrest of his son and stated tie present
attitude Of the police, and the police
agents were most offensive. Two days
later two other persons we're arrested.
They had been visiting the refugees.
The only relief which Minister Egan
has been able to obtain was an intima-
ton from Minister Malta in an official
letter some weeks ago that the spies
and the police and the annoyances were
creatures of Mr.. Egan's imagination.
Mr.. Kennedy, the British minister, has
been among those who have expressed
views on the matter entirely favorable
to Mr.. Egan.
Mr.. Kennedy stated that he has In
formed his government that Minister
Egan's career in Santiago has been not
only entirely honorable, bl4 also marked
with great ability. The presence OF the
Baltimore in Valparaiso harbor Tor
three months following the war is
spoken of by the Chileans as a menace.
The attacks upon the Baltimore sailors
by the mob and the police is spoken OF
everywhere as drunken row, and
Capt. Schley is charged with having
made gross exaggerations in his report
to the Navy Department.
Minister Egan is accused Of harboring
"a band Of rogues and criminals" as ref
ugees I'm the American legation. No
American is desired on these shores, and
the American Government and the
whole American people are said TO be
possessed of wicked desire TO make
war on Chile and humiliate her before
all the other South America republics.
These are the views which are enter
tanned by the people OF Chile to-day,
and there Is every reason to believe that
they are the views which are entertain
ed by the government Of Chile. 1t Is
difficult for any one not in this country
to understand the state Of feeling which
exists here; which led nation into plac-
ing the worst construction possible upon
several incidents which occurred in a
time OF civil war, and in arriving at
conclusion which can be supported only
by blind prejudice, and which no
amount Of reason can altar.
What the Times Man Says