Mr. Egan to Mr. Blaine.
Santiago, September 24, 1891. (Received September 25.)
Mr. Egan states that all officials of the late Government (inclnding the ministers, senators, members of Congress, and judges) would be prosecuted criminally. This had been resolved by the Government. Seven ministers and twelve other refugees are in the legation. Intimation has been given Mr. Egan that he was expected to terminate the asylum and send the refugees out to be prosecuted. To do so would be to sacrifice their lives, and Mr. Egan has taken stand that he will permit them to go out of legation only under proper safe-conduct to neutral territory. On account of Itata and other questions bitter feeling is being fomented by Government supporters against Americans. Secret police surround the legation with orders to arrest strangers visiting it. Two of Mr. Egan’s servants had been arrested and were now in prison. Against this disrespect to the legation Mr. Egan addressed a firm protest to the minister for foreign affairs.