The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1892-01-19

the impression on congress that an ultima
tum ought TO be sent at once. The President
thinks that il an ultimatum formally
voted by congress with a reasonable time
limit should be sent to Chile that she would
make the reparation deemed necessary. He
has no expectation Of war; neither, Ia spite
OF all reports, has any member of the cabi-
net. The preparations making are. as a cabi-
net officer said tonight, for peace and not
for war. But the Chilean government
is expected, for local political reasons, to
delay settlement 10 the latest possible mo-
ment
THE YORKTOWN REPORTED FIRED CN.
WASHINGTON, Jan is, II P. MA rumor
was in circulation here tonight that the
United States cruiser Yorktown had been
fired upon in the harbor of Valpa-
raiso by Chileans. The start
ling rumor caused great excite
ment for awhile, and frequent calls were
made on the Associated Press to ascertain il
there was any truth in it. When the story
was repeated to Secretary Tracy he treated
1t very lightly and was disposed to ridicule
it. He ADDED that he had no news whatever
to communicate TO the press to- night.
OTHER TALK AT THE CAPITAL.
By the associated Press.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 18.-Secretary Tracy
this afternoon sent cable message TO Com
mander Evans of the Yorktown at Valpa-
raiso instructing him to take the Balmaoeda
refugees now under his protection to Callao
aud land them there. but to use his discre-
tion as TO the time Of his departure. The
secretary said this afternoon that no orders
have been sent to the Boston at
Calloa contemplating any change
IN her station. The departure of
the Yorktown from Valparaiso would leave
the United States without a single naval
vessel in Chilean waters. The Yorktown
could hardly make the trip from Valparaiso
to Callao and return in less than a week
The distance between the two
Capt. Evans is vested with full
discretion, it is not regarded as at all likely
that he will leave Valparaiso Immediately,
and in fact not until he is relieved by
another vessel, or Is thoroughly satisfied
that the condition of affairs in Chile justi-
fed him in leaving tbe United States minis
ter without means Of leaving that country
in the event that circumstances render it
desirable or necessary to do so.
THE BOSTON APT TO BE SENT THERE
1t is, therefore, regarded as probable that
unless the negotiations take a decidedly
favorable turn within week or SO that the
Boston, which is nearest, will be sent to
Valparaiso in order that the Yorktown can
safely leave that port with the refugees. It
was stated most positively at the navy de-
partment this afternoon that no orders
bearing on this subject have been
sent to Admiral Walker at Montevideo
A prominent naval officer said this after.
noon that the Chilean minister had no case
whatever against Commander Evans on ac-
count Of the salute fred in honor OF the
Spanish minister who accompanied two of
the refugees. In fact, he said, Capt. Evans
would have been liable to court-martial if
he had not done so, as the omission would
have been violation of the naval regula-
tions which require such salute.
HARRISON WORKING ON HIS MESSAGE.
The President denied himself to all
visitors to-day and worked on the Chilean
correspondence. He is preparing bis mes
sage to congress in the privacy Of one of the
inner rooms of the upper floor Of the white
house. Monday. though designated as the
Presidents day Of comparative isolation,
usually finds quite a number of callers at
the white house, but to-day these were de-
MED admission. 1t is still believed that the
message and correspondence will be sent to
congress on Wednesday.
Secretary Blaine was somewhat indisposed
yesterday, and to-day he deemed it wise to
remain indoors. His attack was somewhat
similar to that of a fortnight ago, but was
not so severe, and he recovered quickly from
it.
MoNTT CALLS ON BLAINE.
Senior Montt, the Chilean minister, Wis
tied the state department this morning In
the hope of obtaining an audience with Sec
retary Blaine, but be was obliged to call on
him at his home. The secretary received
him and the interview lasted about half
an hour. A rumor was In circula-
ton in the navy department in the
morning to the effect that Senior Montt
had notified this government that an apol>
ogy from the Chilean government would be
forthcoming. This could not be confirmed,
and it was intimated at the state depart
ment that there YVES no basis for the report.
THE BALTIMORE ORDERED SOUTH.
SAN Francisco, Jan. 1S.-The CAL this
morning states that the cruiser Baltimore.
now at the Mare Island navy yard, has re-
ceived orders to leave on Wednesday for the
south. She will 60 direct to Acapulco or
Callao without stop. Nothing can be
learned to show that she will be Joined by
the Charleston or San Francisco, now at
San Diego. Capt Scnley and all the officers
of the Baltimore, whose cruise expired. have
asked to be reassigned to the ship on the
understanding that trouble will occur with
Chile. Nearly all the time-expired sailors
of the cruiser have also re-enlisted on a sim
liar understanding. 1t is also stated that
the Mohican, a wooden vessel, has been
ordered to leave in day or two for Pana-
ma. The Mohlcan is now at Mare Island
nearly ready for sea.
PUSHING THE WORK.
IL appearances count for anything, the
navy department is losing no time in fitting
out the vessels at the Mare Island navy
ysrd for immediate dispatch to Chile,
should occasion require IL. The
steam engine worked all day
Sunday. and began this morn
ing. Attention is being paid 10
the work on the Baltimore and not a single
hour is lost in preparing to get away. She
cannot possibly leave the navy yard under
a week, but is in the stream and is receiv-
ing coal supplies. A significant fact was
learned to-day. Shortly after the Baltimore
arrived at the navy yard each gun was pro-
yided with sixty rounds Of ammunition.
This has been increased 20 100. Work
men are on board and her machinery is
rapidly receiving thorough overhauling
Her main battery is being carefully looked