The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1892-01-17
CHAT ABOUT Chilli.
No News Of an Alarming ChAracter--An
Old Convention.

Old Convention
WASHINGTON. Jan. 16.-In pursuance OF
an old established custom five members OF
the house committee on foreign affairs
called on the department of state and paid
their respects to Secretary Blaine to-day.
1t was expected the secretary would touch
upon the strained relations between this
country and Chill, but no direct allusiona
to the matter were made. He did call the
attention of the committee to the necessity
for speedy action by congress upon the
Nicaragua canal project. Very fluently be
described the political Importance of the
retention of It's management and control in
American hands, Incidentally it was made
clear to the committee that the possession
Of such q waterway between the Atlantic
and Pacific oceans would be al enormous
strategic advantage if it should be necessary
to transfer our naval vessels from one side
of tho country to the other.
Several senators and representatives
called upon Secretary Blnine in the fore
noon. One Of the former said he had
heard nothing directly from the secretary
relating to Chilli, but he knows that this
country should now assert it's dignity and
spank the bunptious little South American
republic. 1t is reported that the prepara-
tions of the Chilian government for war,
though lacking official confirmation in ali
details are viewed with deep concern at the
navy department.
Tho reported dispatching of fleet of
three cruisers and torpedo boat from VAL
paraiso under sealed orders which was re-
ported from Chill through private sources
yesterday, ls thought to be for the purpose
of guarding the straits of Magellan, which
is regarded to a certain extent. as the gate
way to Chilli; 4 comparatively small mum
ber of well-armed vessels, advantage
ously placed in the straits, could in
the opinion of naval experts, hold
that important passage against a
large fleet. To be sure this would not
necessarily prevent the ultimate rounding
Of Cape Horn by an American squadron for
Chilli as two days steaminR would almost
carry the ships into the Pacific by the out
side route. The theory is however, that it
is the desire of the Chilian government to
afford ample protection to its import and
coal station at Port Kabello, in the striass.
The capture, Of this station would be a
serious blow to Chilli and might ultimately
be made the objective point of the CAM
paign i'll southern waters III case of HOSTILE
ties.
Secretary Tracy was in his office all
morning receiving members of congress-
and other Callers
The navy department was in constant
telegraphic communication with the navy
yards and naval stations in all parts of the
country for several hours last night.
For the comfort of Californians, who
have been represented as defenseless, it
may be stated on the authority of ordnance
officers that the golden state ID defended by
some fifteen inch guns which, though
smooth bores, are yet most formidable
weapons. Experiments made at Sandy
Hook with guns of this size have shown
that the powder charge may be largely in
creased, compared with what was regarded
MS safe charges during the war. Improve
ments in slow burning powders have made
this possible, and now the fifteen inob
smooth bore, with Il charge of 13O pounds
of powder, will throw a proiectile Weighing
$50 pounds q distance of nearly four miles.
At 100 Yards, the usual naval fighting dis
arinor and the Chilians. have as yet no ves-
sci that could withstand such projectiles
A curious outcome OF the present npitn-
tion was the publication by the war depart
ment to-day of a conventioufraned as long
age as 1864, to which the United States and
Chill hnye since signified adhesion. In
view of the allegations made to the effect
that Chillans practice inhuman barbarities
IL war. such rs the massAcreing of prisoners
and wounded men, and the mutilation of
dead bodies, it may be reassuring to our
'for the amelioration of wounded in armies
in the field" By some oversight the con-
vention was never before officially pub
llshed- 1t guarantees neutrality and pro-
lection to ambulance and hospital corps,
and provides that wounded or sick soldiers
be taken care of without regard to nation
atty. 1t also contains ample provisions
for the sucocring of wounded or wrecked
Hailors, and in brief throws around COM
treatment in the event Of being wounded or
Gaptured.