Mr. Egan to Mr.
Blaine.
Legation of
the United States,
Santiago, October 19, 1891.
(Received December 3.)
No. 211.]
Sir: On yesterday I had the honor to forward a
telegram announcing the occurrence on the night of 16th instant, in
Valparaiso, of a fight between American and Chilean sailors, resulting in
the killing of one man and the wounding of five others of the crew of the
Baltimore.
To-day I received from Capt. Schley, commanding the Baltimore, a letter reporting the occurrence (inclosure No. 1),
together with copy of a letter which he addressed to the intendente of
Valparaiso.
So far Capt. Schley has not ascertained the causes which led to the
disturbance, but the general impression is that the attack was unprovoked
and premeditated.
Some weeks ago an attack was made upon a number of the sailors of one of the
German ships of war, resulting in the killing of one of the Germans, and it
was understood that the attack was made because the Chileans mistook the
Germans for United States sailors.
I have, etc.,
[Page 195]
[Inclosure 1 in No. 211.]
Capt. Schley to Mr.
Egan.
U. S.
S. Baltimore (First
Rate),
Valparaiso, October 17,
1891.
Sir: I regret to state that on yesterday about
sundown a large number of men on shore created a disturbance with the
liberty party of about 120 men from this ship. During the encounter one
of the petty officers of this vessel was killed and 6 of my men were
dangerously stabbed. The casualties among the shore party I have not
learned. The origin of the difficulty I do not yet know, but I have
addressed a note to the intendente requesting the fullest investigation
in order to establish the proper culpability. I inclose a copy of this
to the intendente, who replied that he had already given instructions to
fully investigate the affair with a view to ascertain the promoters of
the disturbance.
Very respectfully,
W. S. Schley,
Captain Commanding.
[Inclosure.]
Capt. Schley to the
intendente.
U. S.
S. Baltimore (First
Rate),
Valparaiso, October 17,
1891.
Sir: I regret extremely to inform your
excellency that, while my men were on liberty yesterday afternoon to
enjoy the hospitality of a port with which my nation is upon the most
friendly terms of amity, an unfortunate disturbance occurred, in which
one of my petty officers was killed and six of my men seriously stabbed.
I feel that it will only be necessary to request your excellency to
institute a most searching investigation into the circumstances leading
to this affair, in order to establish the culpability for this
unfortunate collision.
I can say in advance that if my men have been the instigators in this
affair they will be dealt with most severely under the laws of my
country, and I feel certain that if it should be otherwise your
excellency will bring to justice all offenders.
Regretting extremely the unfortunate occurrence and the duty it imposes
upon yourself and myself,
I have, etc.,
W. S. Schley,
Captain Commanding.
