Chilian Revolt.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue III, 21 May 1891, Page 2

Chilian Revolt.

The latest intelligence from Acapulco is to the effect that the Esmeralda and the United States cruiser Charleston are lying within short range of each other, and that both vessels are cleared for action. The reason the Chilian rebel gunboat Esmeralda put into Acapulco, in Mexico, was that she was short of coal. There is no coal available at Acapulco, and consequently the Esmeralda is unable to replenish her stock. In the course of an interview with the reporter of a local newspaper the captain of the Esmeralda declared that the United States cruisers would have to sink his ship before he would allow the Itata to be captured. Nothing is known of the whereabouts of the Itata. The men on board the Esmeralda are said to be anxious for a fight with the United States cruisers. Another engagement has taken place between the Government troops and the rebels, the former being routed. The battle raged fiercely for five hours, the fighting being of the most desperate character. President Balmaceda has made a proposal to the rebel leader that each side should exchange prisoners captured since the outbreak of the revolution. The recent defeat has had the effect of totally demoralising the Government troops, and they are likely to join the insurgents.