Mr. Egan to Mr. Blaine .
Santiago , February 13, 1891. (Received April 4.)
Sir: Since writing my No. 123, of January 19 ultimo, there has been no regular mail from here. There is yet but slight change in the situation. The position which the revolutionists had seized at Coquimbo, and which gave them a good source from which to draw provisions, etc., for the fleet, was recaptured by the Government on January 25, and, so far as I can learn from reliable sources, all attempts made from the fleet since to effect a landing have been repulsed.
When the revolution commenced on January 7 the entire number of troops which the Government had under arms in the entire country was 3,500 men. It has now a well-equipped army of 26,000 men, while the fleet can not have increased its numbers to any appreciable extent. With the exception of eight or ten slight encounters, on the occasion of attempted landings, in all of which the casualties do not exceed 200 killed and 300 to 400 men wounded, the country up to the latest authentic accounts has continued entirely tranquil, and the most complete order prevails everywhere throughout the interior.
There was a threat on the part of the fleet to bombard Iquique on the 5th instant, which was not carried into effect, owing, I believe, to an energetic protest made by all of the foreign consuls; but there are rumors of the bombardment and burning of the small town of Pisagua, near Iquique, which rumors yet lack confirmation.
I am glad to be able to say that in every case during the present troubles, where the interests of a United States citizen were endangered, the Government has taken the most prompt and energetic steps to see that their persons and properties were protected. The United States consul at Valparaiso has just written me:
Whatever the outcome of the present troubles may be I shall always remember that the authorities here have treated me with uniform kindness and courtesy, and that so far they have refused no favors I have asked.
From reference to the archives I perceive that the present good feeling on the part of the Government toward United States citizens and United States interests presents a very agreeable contrast to that shown during the revolutionary movements of the years 1851 and 1859.
I have, etc.,