THE WAR IN SOUTH AMERICA

Kumara Times, Issue 1103, 13 April 1880, Page 3

THE WAR IN SOUTH AMERICA

Private letteis from Tarapaca describe the battles around that city. The invading force of Chilians entered the town hhd raised their flag in the centre. Immediately a heavy tire was ponied on them by concealed Peruvians in surrounding houses. The Chilians retreated, but made a desperate stand outside the town, forcing the defenders back. For nine hours a desperate hand-to-hand fight ensued. Guns were taken and retaken, one Chilian regi ment, giving itself np for lust, burnt its flag to prevent its being taken. Sometimes in the confusion one party fired on their own friends. At last the Peruvians drove the invaders to some distance, and for the time the fighting ceased. When the main body of Chilians came on the scene the next day they found the place abandoned, and they retook their guns, and are now altogether in possession of the province of Tarapaca, which is a most important point gained. The allies were compelled to retire to Arica through want of provisions. Dr Percy has given a complete denial to the assertion that atrocities were committed at the taking of Pisagua, and as he was in charge of the Arequipa ambulance, he may be considered an unprejudiced observer. The Chilians assert that in the battle of the 19th, the cavalry of the allies was partly composed of 1500 Argentines. This the Northern papers deny ; but it is not likely to improve matters between Chili and the Argentine Republic.