, 1892-01-20
BIG CHIEFS COUNCIL.
President and Cabinet Hold
Another Meeting.
Congress Willing to Declare
War With Emphasis.
Mr.. Blaine's lingo Policy is
Again at Work.
All is Expectancy

WASHINGTON, Jan. l9.-Commander
Evans of the Yorktown today informed
the navy department that the Chilean
steamer Esmeralda had left Valparaiso
this morning to go to the assistance Of the
British mail steamship John Alder, which
was reported ashore 160 miles south of
Valparaiso.
1t is learned today the Balmaceda ref
ugees are still on the Yorktown and con-
seauently in no danger OF falling into the
hands of the Chileans by reason of the
wreck of the steamship John Alder. The
statement that they were placed on board
that vessel in disguise at Valparaiso is
therefore incorrect. The fact that the
Esmeralda has gone to the wreck of the
John Alder might indicate, however, that
the local authorities are inclined to opins
that the refugees were passengers on that
vessel.
Word has been received 10 Washington
that the Philadelphia, the flagship of
admiral GherardI's squadron, has sailed
south from Barbados. presumably for
Montevideo. This indicates a general
naval movement of Importance, as the
station lines of the naval system are re-
garded as absolute except in cases of
emergency. There is considerable specu
lation as to whom would be placed in
command OF the naval force IN the Pacific
In case of war. but the general opinion
centers upon Rear Admiral Kimberly,
who is at the head of the active list.
An Associated Press reporter had an
interesting talk today with a Chilean gen
tlemau with regard to the recent act OF
the minister OF foreign affairs in inform
ing Minister Egan that the refugees now
on the Yorktown would be liable to seiz-
ure if the vessel on which they were to
leave Chile for Europe touched at any of
the local ports of that country.
According to this gentleman the only
inference to be drawn from the action of
the minister of foreign affairs is that the
Chilean government really meant 1t for
the benefit of the officers. Instead of a
notice that an attempt to secure their
persons would be made. the Chilean gov
erument, he said, never asked their deliv-
cry from the legation and never offered to
give them a safe exit from that country.
They travelled in concealment' from
Santiago to Valparaiso and although the
government was fully aware of this it was
Officially ignorant" of the circumstances
but after it was informed officially they
were aboard the gunboat Yorktown and
intended to sail for Europe on a steamer
touching at Chilean ports, the government
was compelled to take coenlzance OF the
fact, and then notified Egan that the ref
ugees would be liable to seizure il found
on such merchant vessel in a Chilean
port.
1t was to avert this seizure that the
minister of foreign affairs with friendly,
intentions, reported to the American
minister what might be expected to
happen. The government could not
interfere in the process of courts which
would have caused the arrest OF the
refugees. There was a lull in the talk
today with reference to the Chilean
matter on the house side Of the capitol.
The disposition was to await tie receipt
of the presidents message before
endeavoring to form any decided opinions
on the subject. The feeling expressed
was nearly all on the side OF disbelief in a
war as the probable outcome of the
trouble. Members could not say just in
what way they expected the trouble to
pass away, but there was a general con-
currence of option it would do so in some
manner or other.
A number of Democratic representa-
tives who were talked with deprecated a
war with 80 small a nation as Chile and
said the United States is large and strong
enough to afford to overlook a great many
things rather han proceed 20 extremities.
During the afternoon a report was in
circulation that the situation had assumed
a more pacific aspect. 1t was rumored
that Great Britain had interviewed and
offered her good offices to bring. about a
peaceful adjustment OF relations between
the two countries.
No official confirmation of this rumor
npul1 ha ohfaina1 hv Tho pnan,bar, I,s -
found credence with many from the fact
it had been anticipated. An amicable
Arrangement might be reached through
the friendly interposition of some third
nation. and Great Britain, with her vast
interests in Chile. was looked upon as
most likely to be the Intervening power.
The difference of opinion was manifested
as to whether or not the United States
ought to accept the mediation of any third
party without An expression from Chile
OF regret at the lawless acts of her citi-
zens and the d~isavowal of official connec-
tion or sympathy with them.
Many members thought in view of
Chile's comparatively mall size this gov
eminent need not be at all rigorous in its
requirements. One member said the
United States ought not to accept the me-
diation without first receiving an apology
from Chile. knowledge of the fact that
the Captain Pratt" Chile's formidable
war vessel. now building In France, can
be turned over to Chile IN a short time.
makes the members from the seaboard
cities anxious that the presidents mes
sage to congress should soon be forthcom-
ing it trouble Is to be feared. While talk
today is favorable to peace. MANY Demo
cratic members said plainly If fighting
did CONT thew we're in favor of pushing
the war vigorously and relentlessly. omit
ting no Measure to give Chile a severe
lesson.
Should the president recommend con
gress to declare war against Chile, the
vote of congress would be one of the most
emphatic Alternatives ever recorded IN the
capitol. But there would be a minority.
and there the maker of history will find
tho two alliance senators, Kyle and
PETER. What Irby would say were he