CHILIAN REBELLION.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2248, 1 September 1891, Page 3

CHILIAN REBELLION.

Valparaiso, Aug. 28

At daylight to-day President Balmaceda’s troops, who occupied Pacilla, were ordered to make an attack on the insurgents. The Government troops were led by Generals Barbosa and Alzerreca. The insurgents, some of whom were armed with Malinger rifles and smokeless.powder, poured in a destructive fire into the ranks of the loyalists. The latter were unable to face the terrible onslaught by shell and shot, also from rifles. They broke and retired. They, however, reformed, and another attack was made, in which the Government troops advanced at the double. While advancing General Barbosa was killed, and his loss caused the troops to falter, which was increased as General Alzerreca fell. This second loss on the part of the loyalists gave heart to the insurgents, who made a gallant charge, before which the loyalists fled, with great loss of officers. The cavalry endeavored to stand the charge, but were cut down, and practically destroyed. At this stage several regiments, chiefly impressed, joined the insurgents. The fighting lasted for five hours. Five thousand w r ere killed or wounded. The defeat of the Government troops was absolute. The fire of the insurgents was awful, and almost all President Balmaceda’s officers perished in the battla. Valparaiso yielded a flag of truce to the German Admiral, who transferred it to the insurgents. The foreign squadron landed troops to preserve order, and prevented the loyalists and the mob from plundering the city. Later.

Don Claudio Vicuna, the Presidentelect, fled from the city, and sought refuge on board the German flagship. The officials have fled from the city, and it is believed that President Balmaceda has gone overland to Buenos Ayres. The populace sympathise with the revolution. The insurgent vessel Canton, atter the capture of Valparaiso, demanded the surrender of the Government cruiser Almirante Lynch, which yielded after 15 minutes’ fighting. The insurgents are preparing to attack Santiago, and steps will be taken to establish a new Government, It is believed that the war is over. Nearly all the staff of the Government troops are killed or wounded. August 30.

All is quiet here. It is believed that President Balmaceda’s forces are being concentrated at Santiago. It is reported that the President, before leaving for Buenos Ayres, shot sixty of the, insurgents who were held as hostages. The medical officers attached to the warships belonging to the nations are attending those who were wounded in the recent battle.

New York, August 29. A telegram to the New York World states that the Valparaiso insurgents surprised the Government troops to-day and captured Santiago, but the forts were not taken. A Lima telegram states that the insurgents captured Valparaiso yesterday, and later telegrams confirm the capture of Valparaiso, bqt the information of the seizure of Santiago is incorrect.