Los Angeles herald., 1892-01-17

ever, that it is the desire of the Chilean
government to afford ample protection
to its important coal and supply station
at Porto Cabello, in the straits. The
capture of this station would be SER
ious blow to Chile, and might ultimately
be made the object of campaign in
the southern waters, in case of hostili-
ties.
Secretary Tracy was in his Office all
morning, seeing members of congress
and other callers. The navy depart
ment was in constant telegraphic COM
munication with the navy yards and
naval stations in all parts of the coun-
try for several hours last night.
A PEACEFUL SOLUTION.
The members of congress are awaiting
with interest the publication of the
Chilean correspondence. There is be-
lief entertained that a peaceful solution
will be found, and that while the situa-
ton is grave, war will not result. 1t is
understood that the position assumed
by the United States is that an apology
must be made by the Chilean govern
ment, and then there will follow the
question of indemnity. Some fear that
Chile in asserting her independence and
freedom from outside pressure, may, by
procrastination bring about a state of
things which will terminate in rupture
of relations between the two countries,
and hostilities may then ensue. 1t is
thought that this latter is regarded as
unlikely. The members who express
themselves in a pacific manner, also
say. however, that they will not be
backward in upholding the administra-
ton in steps necessary to the main
tenance of national dignity and self
respect.
PRESIDENT MONTHS DILEMMA.
One senator called attention to the
intense national pride of the Chilean
people, as accounting for the delay of
the government in making reparation.
He said President Montt was in posi-
ton beset with difficulties. No doubt
his disposition was to make amends for
the Baltimore outrage, but to do so with
out cautiously leading his people to be-
lieve he was not sacrificing national dig
nifty, would bring down on his admins
tration the wrath of the sensitive and
excited people, and might cause another
revolution. "They have to talk to the
galleries down there. just as we do
here" said the senator.
COMFORT FOR CALIFoRNIANs.
Diligent inquiry at the war depart
ment fails to disclose any varlike prepa-
rations of the army. Men are at work
on the Notifications around San Fran
cisco, but this work was begun last
spring before there were any suggestions
OF war with Chile. For the comfort OF
the Californians who have been repre-
sented as defenseless, it may be stated
on the authority OF the ordnance Off
GERS, that the Golden Gate is defended
by 15-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 increased,
com pared with what is regarded as safe
charles, during war. The improve
ments in slow burning powders
make this possible, and now
15.inch smooth bore, with
charge of 130 pounds OF powder will
throw a proiectile weighing 450 pounds
a distance of four miles. At 10, 0,000yards,
the usual naval fighting distance, this
heavy shot will penetrate ten inches OF
armor, and the Chileans have no vessel
that could withstand such projectiles.
CURIOUS OUTCOME
OF the present agitation was. the publ
cation by the war department today OF