THE BOMBARDMENT AT CHILI. CRUEL SLAUGHTER. CHILDREN ANDBABIES TRAMPLED TO DEATH. FLIGHT TO THE MOUNTAINS.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 7125, 30 April 1891, Page 1

THE BOMBARDMENT AT CHILI. CRUEL SLAUGHTER. CHILDREN ANDBABIES TRAMPLED TO DEATH. FLIGHT TO THE MOUNTAINS.

Letten from Pisagua, Chili, tells of the bombardment of that city by the revolutionary fleet, which haa alio bombarded the porta of Caleta, Bnena, and Junil. The bombardment of Piaagua wai begun at 10 a.m. by the Eameralda and Blanoo. The two oraiaers kept up an almoit oeaaelesa firo for six hours. The Blanoo'i firo was mostly grape, and did terrible harm. An offioer wai aent on shore, and he oalled upon the commander of the port for ita aurrender, stating that, if in half«a~honr he did not reoeive au answer he would bombard the town, The commander of the port refused to surrender, and dared the commander of the revolting fleet to do his worst When the half-hour waa up, the Eameralda and Blanco came close to the town, In ten minutes the first shell w^a fired. On every aide could be Been man and woman running around aa though wild, the men trsmpling over the women and children in their endeavor to gain the upper part of the town, where they would be safe. No one who saw the terrible spectacle will ever forget it. In three hours the lower part of the town was also in ruins. The land batteries, towards which the fire of the Blanoo bad been mainly directed, were completely dismantled, aad not a gun could be fired. The batteries on the hills kept up a constant fire, bub it was not very effective. About two p.m. the two cruisers moved in more towards the town and began shelling the heights. Then there was a rush for tho mountains. The women struggled with the men and fought like tigers. Children and babes were smothered to death In the mad rush, and all the time the pitiless guns were sending in their shower of grape. Fire added to the destruction of the bombardment, and when the cannonading from the cruisers ceased, at about 4 p,m , two- thirds of the town was burning. Seventy-two bodies were taken out, and the number of the dead is believed to be about 2000. The surgeons and medicine from the two cruisers landed as soon as the bombardment waa over. About 2000 people who took refuge on the English steamer Ramies escaped unhurt, but cearly every other person in the town has a soar to show, or has lost a relative.