Mr. Egan to Mr. Blaine.
Valparaiso, January 17, 1892. (Received 6:18 p.m.)
The following is from La Union, of Valparaiso, of to-day:
[Translation.]
the refugees on board of the yorktown.
Some of the gentlemen who are stuck fast on hoard of that vessel intended to sail for Europe yesterday by the John Elder. Others intended to go north by the steamer Punto. It was said that the refugees had come with a safe-conduct from the Supreme Government, and that they consequently had nothing to fear if they sailed without the protection of the North American flag; but we understand that no such safe-conduct has been given, and that at the last moment they felt in the seat of remorse and fear sundry blows which admonished them not to risk the game, and, perhaps, even with their passage paid, they remained. Thus the reader has them, like oysters on a rock, stuck fast on board the Yorktown, which is probably not very satisfactory to the officers of the cruiser, who have doubtless been compelled, as courteous seamen, to give up some of their comforts, which are not many, for the benefit of their numerous guests. It is said, moreover, that great trouble is caused to the servants. The situation of the refugees is one of uncertainty, for they do not know whether to remain here or go to Europe or return to Santiago.
On Friday the Heraldo, which belongs to a member of the present cabinet, printed virulent and utterly untruthtul personal attack on me, instigated by correspondent of London Times.