The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1898-09-18

the whole of South America as we'll
At the time President Mckinley de-
clared war with Spain popular meet
ings were held in Valparaiso and San
tiago, and one million pesos, or over
$35O,OOO or our money, was contributed
to the Spanish cause. Professions of
SpanlardS and Spanish SympathiZers
marched through the streets yelling
Death to the Yankees" and the pa
perS denounced the action of our pres
1dent and congress in unmeasured
terms.
PLOT TO BLOW UP SHIPS.
1t was at this time that plot was
formed by number of Spaniards and
pro- observation-disclosures to blow up the
oregon and Marietta in the harbor of
Valparaiso. 1t was known that these
ships were on their way here. and if
mad been stated that they would stop at
valparaiso. Explosives were purchased.
ana an Italian of Valparaiso who is
skilled in making submarine Weapons
OF destruction was employed to prepare
them for use. 1t was intended to place
these under the two vessels if possible
ana blow them to pieces while lying in
what their officers considered a friendly
port. The plot was, however revealed
to our consul, Mr.. Caples, Of Valparai-
so, by pro-American-Chilean and he
at once communicated it to Mr.. Henry
L. Wilson, the United States minister
here. Mr.. Wilson at once took the train
for Valparaiso. He called upon the in
tendente, or governor, and laid the de-
tails OF the matter, as far as he knew
them, before him. These details were
not complete, but they showed the ex-
1stence of compact organization and
studied plan.
The intendente was at first inclined
to doubt the accuracy of the informa-
ton, but at the same time said that
he would investigate the matter fully
and would take every precautiOn to
have the vessels protected He put
his detectives at work and later on
told our minister that his information
was correct, and that the organization
| and plot existed. He at once, however
| made his arrangements to prevent this
plot and eny other that might be
formed from being carried out. He
organized complete police boat patrol
OF the harOor, and when the Marietta
arrived, the Oregon having remained
outside, no boats were allowed to come
near her except after the inspection
and with the approval of the Chilean
| officers. This patrol was kept about
her during the three days she Law here
Upon his return to Santiago Minister
! Wilson expressed to the minister Of
foreign affairs his appreciation Of the
prompt action of the intendente and
| his officials. Had the plot succeeded
| 1t would have been difficult for the
| government to have satisfactorily ex-
| planned it's nOn-connection with If and
a great deal of credit should be given
TO Minister Wilson and Consul Canlas
| TOT their prompt action.
OUR MINISTER TO CHILE
find that Henry L. Wilson +ba
United States minister here. Is doino
: much to better the relations hetwaan
Chlie and the United States. IT ,s
largely through his influence and b,s
| quiet diplomatic way of treating thinos
that the tone Of the Chilean press hoS
| changed, and several of the SANTIAGO
papers have become almost Yankee
! supporters in their editorials He ha.
produced an excellent impression In the
ohlclal circles of the Chilean capital
| ana, though he is an ardent American
ne seems to be abundantly able to hold
ms own and not offend the sensitiv.
pro-Spanish Chileans. At the same
time, he has organized the consular
service or the country so that full re-
ports of all vessels likely to be used
against the United States are sent m
MIN as soon as they enter the various
| harpors of Chile, which reports are at
once forwarded to Washington. Mr..
wilson is one Of the young men in the
diplomatic service. He Is just forty
ana his present office is the first he
mas ever held. He is brother of Unit
ed states Senator John L. Wilson, an