Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-01-26
THE CORRESPONDENCE

THE CORRESPONDENCE
That Has Passed Between the Two Gov
ernments since the Trouble Began-The
Full Text Submitted to the House and
Senate.
The correspondence accom- panying
the Presidents message is of great vol
ume and would probably fill more than
one hundred columns OF any ordinary
newspaper.
The Egan correspondence begins
August IL, 1850, with the statement of
the changes in the Balmaceda Ministry,
which constituted a precursor to the
revolution. The one fact that is estab-
lished is that Minister Egan had an
abiding faith up to the last moment
in the ultimate triumph OF Balmaceda
over his enemies and the downfall of
the insurgent cause. March 9, 1891,
Mr.. Egan transmitted 10 Secretary
Blaine request by the Chilean govern
ment that the United States permit one
of It's ships to carry from Valparaiso TO
Monteveido a sum OF about S4,000,0 900,
bar silver, which is required for the
payment OF the interest on the national
debt abroad; that the Chilean govern
ment fears its capture by revolted fleet
if the sum is sent in the regular course
OF business. March II, in a dispatch
describing the sanguinary battles in the
neighborhood Of IQuiQue, the Minister
saws that the revolution had the undi-
vided sympathy and the active support
of the English residents in Chile; that
the English superintendents Of the
nitrate works urged their men TO join
the revolutionists, and Col. North con-
tributed the sum of 100000 sterling in
It's support.
Mr.. Egan began his efforts as peace
maker April "a, when he telegraphed
for permission to act with the Brazilian
Minister and French Charge, in an eff
fort to restore peace, the indications
being that mediation would be accepted
by both parties. The next day he re-
ceived Mr. Blaine's permission to act
as mediator. May "a Mr.. Egan informs
Mr.. Blaine that the good offices OF the
United States, Brazil and France have
been most cordially accepted by the
government Of Chile and the revolution
lists, those Of England and Germany
having been declined.
The Itata incident first appears in the
correspondence in connection with the
declaration sent by Mr.. McCreary, the
Consul at Valparaiso, to the State De-
partment here. In answer TO the Pres
ident's suggestion that he renew his
efforts Of mediation, Mr.. Egan tele-
graphs June that while the revolu-
tionists were not inclined to make any
reasonable peace propositions, the Chill
can government is we'll disposed to en-
terrain any that might be made. Rear
Admiral Mccain figured in the negotia-
tions at this stage, and he, then at
Iouique, then approached the revolu-
tionary leaders at Mr.. Egan's instance,
i'm the Interests of mediation. June l.
he writes Mr.. Egan as follows:
have to regret that In my note to
Senior Errazuriz | inCautiOusly quoted
too freely from your letter of the I'd
inst, especially that line in which you
express the opinion that "the Govern
ment at Santiago cannot be disturbed"
The consequence Of this inadvertence
on my part (being unaccustomed TO dip
lomatic fencing) will be seen in the dec
laration of Senior Errazuriz.
He also adds that the loss Of the
Itata and arms at that time excited
great luminosity against the United
States at IQuique. The declaration Of
Senior Errazuriz 20 which Admiral Nc
Cam refers was simply to the effect
that he must be pardOned II he ex-
cused himself from discussing at that
moment Mr.. Egan's statement that the
Government could not be overthrown.
Mr.. Egan writes note of regret to the
Admiral, dated June %, saying that the
circumstance has been used to his det-
riment.
July 3, Mr.. Wharton summarily dis
poses of the request of the Balmaceda
government that war vessel be sold to
them by replying, II have to inform
you that the Navy Department replies
that it has none for SALE"
September 90, Mr.. Wharton informs
Mr.. Egan that his efforts in behalf of
peace are highly appreciated and fully
approved. He also informs him Of the
arrival in Washington of Seniors Montt
ana Varas, representing the Congress
Sional party as confidential agents. OF
their mission, he says: THE object of
their visit is understood to be the preSen-
tation of the claims of their party to
recognition as a belligerent govern
ment. Conspiciously asserting their
capacity as authoritative representa-
tives of dc fdctO combatant, and claim
ing TO be ENJOYS OF an organized Sover-
eiRh government, they have by their
own pretensions made it quite impracti-
able for this depar tment to receive them
or communicate with them directly,
even in an unofficial way"
July rs, Mr.. Egan writes that the
English Government has placed the
warship Espiegle at the service Of the
BalmaCeda Government in conveying
the silver treasure to England. He
adds that he has maintained cordial re-
lations with the Government, land at
the anne time have the assurance that
l have retained the friendship and con-
idence Of the leaders OF the opposi-
tion."
August 20 he writes that he has shell
tered in the Legation two of the opposi-
tion leaders-Edwards and Malta; that
it was threatened that the Government
would search the Legation building, but
that upon his protest the President
(Balmaceda) had disavowed any such
intention.
September Mr.. Wharton directs Mr..