THE PETITION OF THE MERCHANTS VALPARAISO TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS.

Southland Times, Volume III, Issue 200, 10 January 1866, Page 3

THE PETITION OF THE MERCHANTS VALPARAISO TO THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS.

s Valparaiso, September 27, 1865. ■ To the Honorable Members of the Foreign Diplo- ; matic Body, Santiago. ' Gentlemen, — We, the undersigned members o\ ' the foreign commercial body of Valparaiso, tak« I the liberty of addressing you collectively regarding the serious position in which we have been 1 placed through the proceedings of Admiral Parejaj commanding the Spanish squadron on this coast. ' We need not occupy your attention with a recital of the serious losses we have already incurred from these proceedings. We would simply say that the consequences of Admiral Pareja's measures, if persisted in, will bring utter ruin upon many of our number, and those whom we represent. We beg in the strongest manner to express our conviction that measures of so high-handed injustice, undertaken without adequate warning, are contrary to the rights aud duties of civilised nations ; a conviction which we understand is shared in by yourselves, and one which we trust will be made the effectual ground for the exaction of substantial reparation. We are not aware what Admiral Pareja's intentions are with respect to foreign property in this port, or afloat in this bay, after the expiry of the ten days' notice, and we entertain serious fears that, under the plea of inflicting injury on Chili, our interests are those which are to be sacrificed. Impressed by these and other considerations, the foreign commercial body, at a meeting held this day, unanimously resolved to address you collectively, to suggest that all the foreign force under your influence or command in these seas be brought to this port without delay for the protection of our interests. They, moreover, resolved to be at the cost of placing one of the steamers of the English line at your disposal, should it be deemed necessary by you, for the more speedy and effectual carrying out of your views for our protection whatever these may be. — We have the honour to remain, gentlemen, your most obedient humble servants.