Mr. Egan to Mr. Blaine.
Santiago, August 19, 1891. (Received November 13.)
Sir: During all of this month active preparations appear to be in progress in the north for an expedition southward, probably in the direction of Coquimbo or Valparaiso, and with the liberal supply of improved arms which the revolutionary forces received from Germany in the early part of last month they will be able to make a formidable movement.
In anticipation of the arrival of their friends from the north, the revolutionary element throughout the south are much excited, and various attempts have been made during the past week to blow up bridges and tunnels and to cut the railroad lines to prevent the concentration of troops by the Government.
Yesterday a number of young men of the best families in Chile went out to a chacra, or farm, some 9 miles from the city to form a band of monteneros, or guerrillas. During the night they were surprised by [Page 153] Government forces and thirteen or fifteen of them were shot and eight taken prisoners. These latter, many of them boys of 15 to 20 years of age, were this morning shot in cold blood and under circumstances of great barbarity. Several other summary executions are reported from other parts of the country, and appearances indicate the near approach of a desperate struggle.
I have, etc.,