The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1892-01-26
Action Taken BY the Administrations
Of the limited States and Chile

Action Taken BY the Administrations
Of the United States and Chile.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 25.-The correspond
ence would fill / 90 columns of any ordinary
newspaper. 1t dates back TO August 5th. 1t is
in three parts: Correspondence between Secre-
tary Blaine and Mr.. Egan G. Mr.. Wharton in
Mr.. Blaine's absence; between Senior I4azeano.
Minister under Balmaceda; between Blaine
and Minister Montt.
The early correspondence OF Mr.. Egan is
ancient history, and was precedent to the rev.
olution. 1t shows that Egan had an abiding
faith in the eventual triumph of Balmaceda;
that Bamaceda wished to use United States
ship to transport coin to Montevideo; that
English Surerintendents of the nitrate works
urged their men 10 join the reVolutionsts, and
Colonel North contributed one hundred
thousand pounds sterling in its support; that
the Chilean Government tried to collect duties
on exports from insurgent ports; that protests
were made by the German and British Min
listers; that he had assurances that American
vessels would not be subjected to inconveni-
ence; that the Chilean Government urged a
proposition to purchase a man-of-war from
the United States.
THE IrATA CASE ARISES.
The Itata incident first appears in the cor
reSpondence in connection with the declarsl-
ton sent by Mr.. McCreery, the Consul o. Val
paraiSO, to the State department that the
South American Steamship Company insists
that the Itata is their property, taken from
them by force by the insurgents. Mr. Egan
notified the State Department, by request of
Chile, of the presence of the Itata in Califor-
mia waters.
Mr. Wharton, alarmed by threats current in
Washington that Balmaceda threatened to
shoot the ENJOYS who appeared before the
mediators, insisted that under the circum-
stances they should have the treatment OF a
flag of truce. Two days later, in answering
Egan diSclaimed any such intention on Bal
maceda's part
Then follows history of the attempt of the
mcdiatOrS TO secure peace, and an account of
the breaking of of the negotiations on the
ass assination of Senior Godoy, one of Balmsl-
Ceda 5 Ministers. Mr.. Wharton asked Egan if
he had advised Balmaceda to grant letters Of
marque TO privatCers. June 1St Wharton in
structed Egan that the President desired him
To ascertain WI e her the good Offices of this
Government cau be used for the termination OF
the conflict.
on the same day Wharton informed Egan
that the expectation was entertained OF the
return TO the custody of the United States
Courts of the arm S on the Itata and the ship
herself Egaa telegraphed June 9th that
the rcvolutiOnists are not inclined to make
reasonable pence propositions, but the Cal
lean Government is disposed To entertain any
that might be made.
Rear Admiral Mccain figured in the neoo-
tiations at this stage, and he, then at Iqui qTe
approached the Revolutionary leaders at Mr.
kgans instance in the intores.s of mediation.
ADMIRAL M'CANN EXPLAINS.
June 18th he writes Egan as follows: 81
have TO regret that Ill my note to Senior Err
your letter Of the I'd instant, especially InaS
line in which you express the opinion that
the 90 Ternment at santiago cannot be ui~-
turb2d. and the consequence OF this mad
vertency on my part (belng unaccuStomed 10
diplomatic fencingJ VIII be seen IN the declar-
alton OF Senior Errazuriz- He also adds that
the loss of the TIA and arms at that time ex-
cited great luminosity against the United
States at Iquique."
The declaration of Senior Errazuriz. to
which Admiral MoCann refers, was simply to
the effect that he must be hardened if @ O
cused himself from discuss n = at that moment
Mr.. Egan's statement that the Government
could not b overthTown. MIR. Egan writes a
note of regret TO the Admiral that the circum-
stance has been ID 10 his detriment
There was corresI ondence in June concern
ing the Central and South American cable
Wharton informs Egan that the company
was being forcib!y prevented from working
the cable between lquique and Valparaiso,
and expressed the Willingness of the COM
pany. but that the direct cable between Peru
and Valparaiso would be cut by the officials
at Iquique.
graph company accept the offer made by
Chile 10 pay the expenses OF opening commu-
nication with Valparaiso and to give guaran-
tees against damages to cable.
NO wARSHIP FOR SALE
July Sd Mr. Wharton summarilv disposed
Ct the request of the Balmaceda Government
that a war vessel be sold to them by replying:
81 have to inform you that the Navy Depart
ment replies that it has none for sale.r
September 26th Wharton informed Eean
that his efforts for peace are highly appreci-
ated amt approved Also of the arrival in
Washington of Montt and Naras represent
ing the Congressional party, and presented
its claims to recognition as a belligerent or
organized sovereign Government But Whar-
ton said that by their own pretensions it was
quite inpracticable for the United States 10
receive or communicate with them directly
even unoficially; that the Executive is not
disposed to prejudice the question of recogni-
ton of revolutionary movement, and moth
ing has yet occurred which would constrain
this Government to a decision of the question
of the international status of the Congress-
sional party in Chile. The non-reception of
the Congressional agents is in nowise a de-
ciSiOn on the merits OF the main question
Positive results must be awaited showing the
true purpose of the people of Chile. and in
the meantime this Government feels bound to
maintain its attitude of impartial forbear-
ance.
July 25th Egan telegraphed that the
Chilean Government sought assurance before
clearing cargoes, that if ships are captured BY
revolutioniSts they will be forcibly liberated
by their respective Governments.
Mr.. Wharton declined to give any such as
surance, adding that the Government of the
United States will always take proper steps to
protect vessels flying its flag.
Then Egan writes that the English Govern
ment has placed the warship Espiegle at the
service of the Balmaceda Government to con-
yey silver treasure to England. The next day
he comes out with an unqualified contradic-
ton OF the story that he has advised the issue
of letters of marque TO privateers, or that he
has given Balmaceda any suggestions as to
the conduct of the war. He adds that he has
maintained cordial relations with the Gov
eminent, land at the same time 1 have the
assurance that have retained the friendship
and confidence Of the leaders of the oppo-
sition."