The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-12-29
SHIELDS CASE.
Chile Does Not Want to
Pay Indemnity.
After Agreeing to Consider the Case
on Its Merits Captious OBJ
lection is Made.

Among the 5000 claims arising out OF the
Balmaceda troubles in Chile In 1891, and pre-
sented 10 the commission now sitting In Wash
ington for adjudication. two of them possess
local interest. One, at least, promises TO be-
come OF International importance. according to
Information received yesterday by +. Allyne
Orr, attorney for Patrick Shields.
Shields is an Irishman who served for many
years IN the merchant marine OF the United
States, but never took out naturalization
papers. On October "a, 1891, Shields was In
Tie harbor OF Valparaiso, on board the steamer
keweenaw. regularly documenred and leg
ally registered steamer of the United States
He obtained shore leave, aud shortly after
landing was set upon and severely beaten by
the valparaiso police and Chilean soldiers. He
was arrested without cause and abused and
maltreated in the most horrible manner. Since
that time he is confirmed ana chronic eplep-
tic and pafalytic, unable TO make living
Alter Shields succeeded 10 regaining his ship
and returning 10 this country he filed a claim
for damages against Chile. His claim for the
Intervention of the American Government was
based upon section 172 of the Consular regula-
tlons, which provides that 1.-THE shipment OF a
seaman in port OF the United States as an
American citizen Is prlma-facie evidence that
the seaman is by birth or naturalization a citi-
GEN. and when the nationality OF the crew
does not appear from the crew list il will be
presumed that they are citizens OF the United
States.
When the matter came up for presentation to
Minister to Chile. made special reference to the
Shields case in an interview with the Chilean
Minister of Foreign Relations. According 10
Minister Egan the Chilean Minister. and also the
sub-secretary OF the Minister, agreed that the
rights OF Shields TO recognition as a citizen of
the United States would be admitted by Chile.
The commission which is handling these
claims met In Washington in Octob-r, and has
reached the preliminary stage In its investlga-
ton. 1t is composed OF Alfred dc Claparede,
SWISS Minister. as umpire; Domingo Cana.
formerly Chilean Minister 10 France, represent
ing Chile; and General John Goode OF Virginia
representing the United States.
Although Chile tacitly admitted all the
claims OF the United States as to Shields pro-
lection by this Government" said Mr.. Orr last
Dight, "she now objects TO the payment OF his
claim. The Chilean agent has filed demurrer
TO Shields demand. mainly on the ground that
he was not an American citizen. although Chile
admits that he served In the American navy
for eighteen years.
president Harrison and Secretary Blaine
both maintained that Shields was entitled TO
the protection of the American flag, and was as
much entitled TO protection as any one OF those
beaten at the time, about whom no question
could be possibly raised, Chile herself ad-
United that shields was entitled TO relief IN the
Egan interview referred TO. Now she makes
complete backdown and tries TO crawl out of
the smallest end OF very small hole. What
nations by violating herlfalth in this way? IL
is, consider, most dastardy outrage on the
rights OF merican citizens"
Mr.. Orr is hopeful the commission will over
rule the demurrer. Shields claim is for $780,
600. McKinsrry's claim is for $4,000. If the
merits il will be about three months before it
comes up. Then Mr. Orr will go East ana argue
II. Shields Is at present living in this vicinity
belng supported by friends.