The evening world., 1893-11-04
FLINT MAY REGISTER FL CID.
The Warship Will Then Have
Unole Sans Protection.
Goulds Tired OF Flirting with
Peixoto's Representatives.

The indications are and the impress
sion Is universal among the Custom
House authorities, who are familiar with
maritime customs and law. that the
fleet of vessels being armed and fitted
out for a conflict with the rebel fleet
Of Admiral Mello in the harbor Of Rio
lie Janclro will sail from this port under
the American flag.
Their seems to be no doubt In the minds
Of the Custom-House people that the
ustensible owner, Mr.. Charles II. Flint,
who purchased the vessels for Presi-
dent PeiXoto, Of Brazil, will avail him
self Of the protection of tucle Sam by
registering the new acquisition to the
Brazilian Governments fleet as Amcri-
cnn vessels in his own name.
This would precipitate international
difficulties, in the event OF the rebel
admiral carrying out his reported inten-
ton OF sending n warship to intercept
and give battle to the fleet outside of
Sandy Hook. Any indication OF such an
Intention that Is brought to the atten-
ton OF the American Government must
certainly, the Custom-House authorities
declare, command serious attention and
result In measures by the Navy Depart
ment for the protection of the rights
and property of her citizen. Mr.. Flint.
Should Mr.. Flint be able to show to
the Government, and 1t Is i]nsinuated
that his active mind has already con
cclVed such an idea, that there are good
reasons to suspect that the Maritime
laws or international courtesy even are
to be d~isregardcd by Admiral Mello in
MS desperate efforts to prevent the
American-born fleet of the Government
re L. trying to overthrow reaching
brazilian waters, a more convincing
and practical protection in the way of
nm escort may be given on demand.
IS ri po Sid, the aagship Of the nsw fleet,
merely on enrolment at the Custom
house. being a vessel engaged in coast
wise trade, plying between this port
ready to depart for Brazil it will be
obligatory for the owners to register
her with the proper authorities. Then
her, owners and destination must be
made known. II she clears under Amer
lean ownership she must have documents
as an American vessel. Under this rule,
and II Is now believed that this plan will
be followed. the vessel may ship Amer
lean seamen and sail under the Ameri-
can flag until reaching some port in Bra
Then the register ran be turned over
to the American Consul and the transrer
of the ship to the Brazilian Govern
ment or any citizen of that Republic
may follow in the regular way.
will render very remote the probabilities
of any hindrance from Mello until the
Brazilian flag il tioated from the ship.
The rumor that MIR. Flint had fixed
his business eye upon the yacht Alta
lanta, belonging to the heirs OF the late
Jay Gould, with a view Of purchasing
her as a despatch boat for the Brazilian
Navy, is undoubtedly true, but he will
he lie IN a. a. Ia al rrAIat nc
Mr.. oward Gould declared thits morning
that the yacht had been taken out OF the
market and was not for sale; -.
I'VE have concluded to keep her"
Mr.. Gould said, emphaticaily. and seem
ingly with confidence that her owners
are financially able to do so.
President PeiXoto's representatives. are
taking additional precautions to protect
out of existence before she leaves the
pier at the foot of East Ninth street.
She Is guarded as carefully as II there
was war in America instead of Brazil,
and although the South American Pres
dents representatives are taking as
much liberty with the truth in making
tual wafare. there is no doubt in the
minds of mechanics on FL Cid that they
are as closely watched as workmen In a
Government mint.
Brighten Peixoto's men was made evil
dent this morning. when Capt. Baker
gave. orders that no one but mechanics
and holders OF passes should be allowed
beyond the ~gangplank leading to FL
cid. Yesterday reporters We're allowed
to observe the work aboard the make
shift man-of-war at liberty. but today
nothing but Il pass from Flint & Co. or
the Morgan Iron Works was recognized.
Capt. Baker, who. II Is stated posi-
lively, will be admiral Of the fleet that
goes to south America, took personal
charge OF the work on FL Cid this morn
ing. and was looking particularly after
some changes or the bridge. He will
combine the duties those of captain and
navigator. The ordnance and executive
officer, who will have charge OF the
battery. has not yet been engaged, or,
II he has been engaged, the fact has not
been made known.