THE CHILIAN EMEUTE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVI, Issue 5085, 22 September 1891, Page 3

THE CHILIAN EMEUTE.

(By Electric Telegraph—CornuGirr.)

(per united tress association.) Received September 22, at 10.25 a.m.] Loni>on. September 21.

Intelligence has been received here that General Balmaceda, distrusting the Junta's promise of a fair trial, shot himself at the Argentine Republic Legation in Santiago, where he has been in hiding since his overthrow, and that troops are protecting the body. The News of the ex-President's death was received at Valparaiso with great enthusiasm and was celebrated by illuminations.

Balmaccda is reported to have left- a document in which he declares that his Generals were false and that he was surrounded by traitors. He asserts that he aimed at Chili's welfare, and denies the charges of cruelty except in certain cases which were rendered necessary. Balmaccda says that Mr Egan, the United States Minister, often urged him to compromise with the insurgents. He adds that after his downfall he intended to escape in the cruiser Admirante Condell, but, finding she had sailed for San Antonia, he returned to Santiago, on the 2nd inst. The document states that Dr Wriburn, the Argentine republic Minister, and another devoted adherent, alone were aware of his being concealed until Friday last, when he was discovered by the Junta.

Balmaceda was shot through the temple.

■ On Saturday morning the Junta sent a commissi"!) to view the body. The excitement in Santiago is said to have been indescribable, and a large frenzied crowd demanded the body. In a letter to Dr Wriburn Balmaceda stated that suicide was the only escape from persecution. The news lias not yet been confirmed by the Legation.