The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-01-17

talk 70 the galleries down there just as we
do here, said the senator. Diligent in
quiry AT the war department fails to dis
close any warlike preparations except
the work on the fortifications around
San Francisco. but this work was begun
last spring, before any suggestions of war
with Chile. For the comfort of Califor-
mans who have been represented as de-
ienseless, 1t may be stated on the author
ity of the ordnance officers that the Col
den Gate is defended by some fifteen-inch
guns, which, though smoothbores, 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 a
safe charge during war. Improvements
In slow-burning powders have made this
possible, and now ffteen-inch smooth
bore with charge of 13o pounds of pow
DER will throw a projectile weighing 40
pounds distance of nearly four miles.
At 100 yards, the usual naval fighting dis
tance, this heavy shot will penetrate ten
inches of armor, and the Chileans have as
yet no vessel that could withstand such
projectiIes
A curious outcome of the present agita-
tion was the ub cation by the war de-
partment today Va a convention framed as
long ago as 1854. and to which the United
States and Chile have since signifed adj
hesion. In view of the allegations made
to the effect that the Chiieans practice in
human barbarities in war, such as massa-
cring prisoners and wounded men
and the mutilating dead bodies,
In may be reassuring TO our
soldiers to know that this convention is
for the amelioration of the wounded in
arms in the field" By some oversight the
convention was never before officially pub
lished. 1t guarantees neutrality and pro-
lection to the ambulance and hospital
corps, and provides that wounded or sick
soldiers will be taken care of without re-
gard TO nationality. 1t also contains
ample provisions for the succoring of
wounded or wrecked sailors. and in brief
throws around the combatants every pos
sible guarantee of humane treatment in
the event of their being wounded or cap
tured
1t cannot be learned that any commu-
nications have passed today between the
state department and Minister Egan, nor
was the Chilean minister at the depart
ment. Several senator's and representa-
tiyes called upon Secretary Blaine in the
forenoon. One of the former said he had
heard nothing directly from the secretary
relating to Chile, but he knew that this
country should now assert its dignity and
spank the bumptious little South Ameri-
can republic.
Reported preparations of the Chilean
government for war, though lacking Of
hclal confirmation in all details, are vet
viewed with deep concern at the navy de-
partment. The reported dispatching of a
fleet of three cruisers and torpedo boats
from Valparaiso under sealed orders was
reported from Chile through private
sources yesterday. This is thought to be
for the purpose of guarding the straits of
Magellan, which are regarded to a certain
extent as the gateway to Chile. A COM
paratively small number of wel-armed
vessels advantageously placed in the
straits could, in the opinion of naval ex-
perts, 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
bound for Chile, as two days steaming,
at most, would carry the ships into
the Pacific by outside route. The theory
is, however, that il is the desire of the
Chilean government to afford ample pro-
lection to its important Goa, supply sta
tion at Port Cabello. in the straits. The
capture of this station would be serious
blow to Chile, and might ultimately be
made the object OF campaign in southern
waters in case of hostilities.
Secretary Tracy was in his Office all
morning seeing 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.
There are now completed at the Wash
ington City gun foundry twenty 6-inch
rifles and sixteen s and l0-inch calibers,
making present stock of thirty-six guns
of modern patterns, which are practically
available for immediate use. 1t usually
takes about fifty days of eight hours each
to make one 6-inch gun. but when the
twenty-four hour system is put
into operation the period can
be cut down to about seventeen
days. The twelve-inch gun recently
complete for the navy yard for the Mon
terey cost SAC, 900. According to the final
reports received by the navy department,
the labor on it cost hut $4,000. The gun
weighed 10000 pounds, and thus cost
about 40 cents pound, or nearly half the
average cost of guns of the same size
abroad. This Is regarded as an excellent
showing for the foundry. 1t is denied at
the navy department that any order has
been issued to exclude visitors from the
Washington City navy yard.
NEWPORT, r. l., Jan. i6-The United
States tug Fortune will tomorrow sail for
Perth Amboy, \. j., with gun cotton and
torpedoes, which will there be loaded on
cars for Mare Island navy yard. The
shipment weighs 10000 pounds. but it is
perfectly SAFE as the gun cotton is dry
and the torpedoes are not primed.
The Howell torpedo was given another
successful trial today at Mackerel cove
from the torpedo boat Stilletto. The tor
pedo boat Cushing left for Brooklyn navy
yard this morning
PHILADELPHIA, Jan. i6.-Orders have
been received at League Island navy
yard TO put in proper condition
and get ready for sea the moni-
tor Montauk. which has been 'laid
up in ordinary" on the Delaware river
front since 1883. The Montauk was built
during the civil war, and served during
the latter part Of that struggle in the naval
campaign on the Mississippi river. She
has a single revolving turret in which
are mounted two 15-inch rihed guns, which
are formidable weapons for use in coast
and harbor defense 1t is understood that
as soon as the Montauk's machinery has
been connected and made ready for opera
tion, similar work will be done on the
Nahant and Jason.
san DfEGo, Cal, Jan. l6-Admirai