The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-09-17
President PiexOto at Santa Anna with
His Loyal Troops, Awaiting an
Attack by the Enemy.
ALL BUT ONE FORT SILENCED
Arsenal and Custom House Seized
by Forces from the Ships.
Unconditional Surrender of the Govern
ment Officials Demanded by
Admiral DemellOs.

BUENos AYREs. Sept. 16.-Official ad.
vices received here announce the repeated
bombardment during the past few days of
Rio de Janeiro. and private advices just
received say that the city has practically
been captured by the insurgents. who are
also in possession of the town of Nichteroy.
opposite Rio. The official advIoes say that
Nichteroy has been shelIed time and again
by the insurgent war vessels. and that the
garrison Of Nichteroy was finally compelled
to surrender. after making a gallant resist.
anoe. After the surrender of Nichteroy
the civil guards are reported to have sided
with the insurgents, who have received
large additions TO their fleet. The forts for
several days remained loy al to the Presi-
dent. and replied warmly to the fire OF the
war ships. but the latter are not known to
have sustained any serious injury, and
we're certainly able to drive the President
and his government out of Rio. The Presi-
dent. with body of troops still adhering
to his cause. is encamped at the village of
Santa Anna. twelve miles from Rio. where
he is awaiting the onslaught of the rebels.
In spite of the seemingly desperate posi-
tIon In which he is placed, the President is
not disheartened. nor is he without friends.
The official reports received here say that
Congress has passed a vote declaring itself
10y al to Peixoto and sustaining him in his
struggle with the insurgents.
The rebel feet now numbers nine vessels.
large and small, all under the command of
Admiral Demellos. In addition, the rebels
have been reinforced by the naval forces of
Cabras island situated in the bay of Rio
de Janeiro. about one mile from the city.
Fort Csbras is one of the principal defenses
of Rio and is also the state prison from
which all the better class of prisoners.
especially those confined for official Of
fenses, have been liberated and Joined the
rebel forces. Fort Villegannon is now said
to be holding q neutral position in the
rebellion. with the probability that it's
garrison will side with the insurgents in
the near future. Other advices say that
the garrison Of this fort has already joined
issue with the insurgents. and the latter
are having things all their own way. Fort
Santa Cruz, at the entrance to the harbor.
is still loyal. the official advices sey, and it
seems likely that this fortress will hold
out lon ger than tho others. The insurgents
are said to be highly incensed at the resist
auce it has made and to be prepared to
wreak vengeance upon the garrison when
Ii tsurrenders. 1t is not believed, however.
that the insurgents will act too harshly
with the soldiers at Santa Cruz, as the
policy of the insurgent leaders since they
have landed has been one of conciliation.
This moderation on their part is due. in q
great measure. to the fact that the foreign
war ships have had a healthy restraining
influence upon the movements and ac ton
of the insurgents. Fort Santa Cruz must
surrender before many more days pass. for
the garrison is short of provisions and the
rebels have control of the waterways
leading to tho fort. and they have taken
care that no foot shall reach the plucky
garrison from the land side. Several at
tempts made by the troops of the garrison
to obtain provisions have been defeated by
the rebels.
The above facts are admitted in the off,
cial dispatches received here but the pri-
vate advices 60 great deal further.
have so silenced opposition with the guns
of their ships that they have been able to
land strong forces of sailors and marines,
and that they have seized and retained
possession OF the arsenal aud the custom
house. Admiral Demellos. the insurgent
chief, is receiving reinfOrcements on all
sides. Troops, money and provisions are
being placed at his disposal. and he feels
confident of ultimate success A confer.
epce has taken place between the friends
of President Peixoto and Admiral Demol-
los, at which the former sought TO make
terms with the insurgents. The AdmlTalis
reported 10 have replied that uncOndi-
tional surrender was tho only thing which
he would accept.
The insurgents in the south are said to
be supply ing Admiral Demellcs with arms
and ammunition. besides sending him
money and provisions. Seven vessels 40
laden axe said TO have slipped past the
forts, and two other vessels chased by the
government war ship Tiradentes are said
to have been on the way to Rio. The dam
age done by the bombardment of Rio de
JaneirO and Nichteroy is much greater
than at first believed.
Preparations. as the private dispatches
referred TO were sent. were being made by
Admiral Demellos to gather sufficient
force OF troops and sailors. and to march
upon Santa Anna. with the intention to
capture the President If possible. The mo-
ment Fort Santa Cruz is captured the bay
will be again opened to the entrance aud
departure of commerce. Telegraphic and
cable communication is expected to be re-
sumed shortly.