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Show TIIK IT ATA CHASK. The most interesting feature of the late news is undoubtedly that relating to the chase of the Chilean steamer Itnta. The Charleston is known to be in hot and determined pursuit, and a naval duel seems to be in prospect. The war ship Esmeralda is supposed to be waiting to protect the Itata, and it is believed she will light if the Charleston insists on capturing the offending vessel. It has been a long time since a United States ship was engaged, and the public will watch with something of feverish anxiety for news of tho light that now seems probable. Chile is an insignificant country, but her sailors are fighters, while the Esmeralda is a match for the ocean warrior that flies the Stars ami Stripes. If the guns of the two vessels should open out upon each other the battle would be a severe one. No one can doubt that the American ship - would be victorious, but her opponent Is a worthy antagonist and victory could not be won except through an exhibition of the old-time fighting characteristics that made our seamen famous in the earlier years. The United States has no quarrel with Chile, but it is bound to discbarge its full duty as a neutral power. The arms that the Itata carries were taken out of San Diego harbor in defiance of the authority of the United States marshal, mar-shal, and it is the bound.n, duty of this government to recover them though it may have to light all the ships of the Chilean insurgents. The authorities appear to be acting on this principle, and we may hear any day of a deadly struggle on the water. |