Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1892-01-22
The Chilian Affair.
New York Press.

New York Press.
In face of the crisis which confronts the
American people, and their representa-
tives in Congress and in executive autnor-
ity, there is no time, and there can be no
inclination, to deal with the twaddie ana
rubbish contained in . few un Amen can
newspapers. The cause Of the United
Stats against Chill has arrived at the crit-
ical period. Chilli, after three months OF
patience and forbearance on the part Of the
United States, has left to the American
people no choice between exacting the rep
aration which she refuaes to grant or being
held up before the world as fit for the out
rage which she has inflicted and the con-
tempt which she has cast upon the Amer
ican name. Further delay on our part
would mean dishonor, and when the honor
of the nation is at stake there can be but
one thought in every loyal mind.
Europe is looking on in the hope that
pusillanimity and partisanship will tn
umph over patriotism in the councils OF the
great Republic; but Europe will hope in
vain. Partisanship will prove its honesty
by proving its fidelity, in the highest and
the purest sense, to the interests of our
common country. The nation'sreprescnta-
tives will respond with virtually unsni-
NOUS voice to the message of the nations
President.
Let us recall briefly the facts which have
brought about the existing CRISIS. On the
afternoon Of the 10Th Of October, three
months ago last Saturday, number Of
seamen belonging to the United States
cruiser Baltimore went on shore ..in uni
form for liberty, in accordance with the
universal practice Of ships Of war In foreign
ports. Several weeks had passed siffce the
capture Of Valparaiso by the Congressional
forces, and the city was quiet. The men
of the Baltimore were orderly, sober and
well-behaved. Suddenly, ss If by a pre-
concerted understanding, the Baltimore
sailors, scattered about the city in places
far separated, were attacked by hundreds
Of fChilians. Being unarmed, the Ameri-
cans sought to retire, pursued by the mob
with knives and blows. A large body of
soldier police hurried to the scene, and the
Americans, assailed by ten times their
number, supposed that rescue was at hand.
But the police drew up in line, deliberate
ly aimed their carabines, not at the mob,
but at the hunted Americans, and fred
with deadly effect They followed up the
bullets with bayonet thrusts, and some Of
the Americans they lassoed with ropes and
dragged to prison.
Not man bnt those who wore the
American uniform was attacked, either by
the mob or the police. and, 30 far as tie
public know, not . British or German or
sailor Of any other foreign man-of-war in
Valparaiso hsrbor has been abused or inter.
fered with by the Chilisns. When the news
Of the tragedy came to the United States
tho deepest indignation was aroused
throughout the country. The President,
after being officially informed Of the facts,
addressed to the government of Chill m od-
crate and respectful request for reparation.
To that request the Chilian Cabinet return
ed defiant and insulting reply. Weeks
passed and Chilps attitude remained the
same. A secret and farcical investigation
was held by the Chilian Judge of Crimes,
with the object and the result Of exculpat
ing the police who had slain our seamen.
In communication between the Santiago
Government and the Chilisn authorities
the affair was spoken Of merely as "dis-
agreeable incident"
There was no expression Of regret; no
offer Of apology or indemnity; not even q
promise that Americans would be respected
and protected In the future. Indeed, the
Chilians have shown by their conduct in
more recent instances that their hatred
and contempt Of the American flag and
uniform has not abated. The note of Mat
to to Chili's representatives aboard was the
grossest insult that the United States has
In its history, ever received at the hands
of foreign power. 1t was not :enough to
kill our sailors, to DEFY the American peo-
pie and treat them with scorn. but Malta
proclaimed the defiance aud the scorn in
message to every European capital. The
message has never been recalled or disa-
vowed.
Under these circumstances to bear with
Chill longer would be sacrifice far greater
than war, however costly in blood and
In treasure. Chilli must and will receive an
ultimatum. She mast mako the apology
that is due and give the reparation that
she owes, or become an open enemy in
stead of q secret foe. It is for her to
choose. The choice of the United States
Is already taken; and the choice Is not
peace.
THE congressional ticket to be voted by
the Republicans Of this district at the Pri-
mary will be something like this:
.----s .--.- --.--..'s.s-s. $1,000 .---..-...