Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-01-25

The diplomatic correspondence between
Chile and the United States leading up to the
present controversy between those two coun-
tries was sent to Congress today by President
Harrison. in order that the country at large
might see for itself the nature of the dispute
he promised that this should be done in his
annual message to Congress in December last
which was submitted about SIX weeks after the
riot in the streets of Valparaiso, during which
two OF the sailors OF the L. s. S. Baltimore
were slain The correspondence covers about
two hundred and fifty printed pages. and in
clGdes all dispatches that have passed between
the State Department and the United States
diplomatic agents in Chile. AS well az that be-
tween the department and the representatives
OF Chile in this country. Appended to the
budget is transcript of the testimony Of the
officers and men of the cruiser baltimore taken
in san Francisco by the Judge Advocate Gen
eral Of the Navy, Col Remey, as well rs the
dispatches that passed between the Navy De-
partment and its officers relating to the troubles
in Chilean waters.
FIRST SIGNS OF WAR
The interest, of course, centers in the diplo-
matte correspondence, which is, perhaps less
belligerent in tone and purport than has been
generally expected. 1t begins with the causes
leading up to the recent revolution in Chile,
the INST dispatch dating from Santiago, August
%. 1880. IN which Minister Egan informed the
Secretary of State of the FIRST signs OF war,
which, however, he did not regard then as Sc
rious. He said.
Under the constitution Of Chile, adopted in
1888. the President has the power to appoint
and remove. at his own WILL the ministers Of
state and most OF the public officials but, as a
eEeck upon this power, Congress may, should
the ministers not have its confidence, censure
them and such action on the part of Congress
has heretofore been followed by the resignation
OF the minister's In more extreme cases Con-
sress can refuse to vote supplies.
During all of last month political party feel
ing ran very high and for some time it looked
aS II the more extreme adherents of one party
or the other might resort to violence. but the
good sense and patriotism which have always
so strongly marked the chilean character pre-
vailed. an honorable compromise between the
contending parties has been arrived at and
with the appointment OF the present ministry
by the President and the voting Of supplies by
Congress-whieh latter has Just taken place
entire harmony has been restored"
sIaSs OF OPEN REVOLT.
The first signs of open revol. are noted in a
telegram of the 18th of January. 1891, as fol-
lows:
''On night of 9Th instant six ships Of Chilean
navy. at Instance of congressional majority. re-
volted and still lie inactive on shore; are now
declared outlawed- Large number of opposi-
ton leaders on board Army seems solid for
president The government so far maintains
perfect order throughout country"
Then comes a description of the leading acts
% rebellion IN a mailed despatch of the same
date, which Cid not reach Washington until the
9TH OF March The course of the war of which
detailed account follows. contains nothing
especially new tina: was not noted in the Dress
dispatches at the time. several of the ,iocu-
ments that were issued in Chile by both side,
during the conflict being published in full. in
eiudinS the proclamation OF President Balma-
eeua OF january 1, 1881. ID which he fully set
forth his position
FEELING TOWARD THE UNITED STATES
The hrst mention of the feeling prevalent in
Chile toward the United States is to be found
In dispatch No. l29. from Mr.. Egan to Mr..
Blaine, dated Santiago, February Is. 1891. in
which. after giving particulars of the course of
the strife, the minister saws:
From reference TO the archives perceive
that the present good feeling Oh the part of
the government toward United States citizens
and United states interests presents a yery
agreeable contrast to that shown during the
revolutionary movements of the years 1851 and
1859" ~NN
WANTS Us TO TAKE OUT MONEY.
Mr. Egan telesraphed on the sth Of March
. rs follows:
LOCATION OF The UNITED STATES,
Santiago, March 8, 1891.
Ny Egan states that the minister for foreign
affairs urgently requests that the Government
OF the nited States will permit one of its ships
to carry from Valparaiso to Monteyiteo a sum
Of about si.OOOU10 bar silver which is re-
CURED FOR the payment of the interest on the
national debt abroad; that the Chilean govern
ment fears its capture by revolted feet il the
sum Is sent IN tine regular course of business !;
and thai outside Of Iqaique which has been
captured By feet, the country is perfectly tran
quill
ESGLisEMES sYnPATHIZED WITH THE RENDITION
After noting the election of vicuna as presi-
dent OF the government in possession of San
tiago. IN "a despatch dated March g. the minister
continues bis account of the war, and in a let
Ter TO the Department under date Of March II
he thus aliudes To the position OF the English
element in regard to the strife:
Il may mentiou a feature of much interest
the Tact that the revolution has the undivided
sympathy and IN many cases the active support
OF The English residents III Chile. Col. Robes
the Inflated commander Of the Government
forces at Iquique. officially reported to the Gov
ernment that the managers and superintend-
ents of the English ofcinas in Tarapaca urged
their workmen 70 join the revolutlonists, prom
asing Them - per day during their term Of
service and at the same time holding out the
threat thai unless they did Join they would
never sgaiu get employment in Taranaea IL
Is known that many English houses have sub
s~AAOt0 70 revolutionary fund
Among others, ii is openly stated by the leaders
Of the revolution. Mr.. John Thomas North con-
triOuted the sum Of one hundred thousand
pounds sterling.
THE CLOSED PORTS.
The closing ofports by the Balnaceda govern
nent caused considerable correspondence. and
q result Mr.. Egan finally secured an assurance
from the party IN power that American vessels
would not be mOlested in those ports The
nrst despatch from Mr.. Blaine TO the minister
appears In this connection. The Secretarv
under date of April IA, says:
Sir: append q copy Of your teleer.m of
the 9th instant announcing that the Chilean
Government has declared closed the ports OF
Chanaral, Taltal, Antofagasta, Tocopilla
1quique, Caleta-Baena. Junin, and Pisagua.
due publicity Of this action Of the Govern
ment of chile has been made, but the Govern
Inent OF the United States reserves the right 10
consider upon the facts and the law any ease
that may arise involving the declaration which
your telegram communicated"
Friendly Assurances
AL