Watertown Republican

BACK TO SAN DIEGO.

The Itata Returned to American Waters Again.

SAN DIEGO, Cal., July 4.—The Chilian transport Itata and the United States cruiser Charleston arrived in port at 9:30 this morning direct from Iquique. The Itata entered the harbor and anchored in the channel, while the Charleston remained outside the head. The Itata was at once boarded by revenue officers. The Itata and Charleston came direct from Iquique, being out twenty-three days. When off the Coronado Hotel about a mile the Charleston let go her anchors and the Itata steamed into the bay. At 10 o'clock she reached the identical anchorage from which she eloped so sensationally some weeks ago with the United States marshal on board. The wharves were soon crowded with people, all anxious to get a look at the vessel, and the bay was dotted in every direction with sailing craft of all descriptions. As soon as possible Officer Churchill, in charge of the vessel, came ashore and telegraphed his report to the department at Washington. The Itata came in flying the Chilian flag, covered with bunting in honor of the day, and carrying as officers and crew the same men who manned her when she left suddenly. There is no prize-crew, the Charleston having simply put an officer on board and conveyed her up, leaving navigation to the original crew under Military Commander Tejeda and Capt. Mauzean. The vessel came direct from Chili, and made an average of between eight and nine knots. The Itata's machinery, which was said to have been purposely damaged by the insurgents, is declared to have worked admirably until the last two or three days of the journey. Arrangements were immediately made to turn the vessel over to the proper United States authorities. The Charleston, it is understood, will remain outside until Monday to engage in target practice, but will then come into the harbor. While lying at her anchorage about a mile west of the Coronado, the Charleston was visited by hundreds of people in steam tugs and sailing vessels, and train loads of people came in to-night from Los Angeles, San Bernardino and intermediate points to see the two vessels.