Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-20
A G R | S I S NE A R
Little Progress of the Revolution in
Brazil
Favorable Outlook for Insurgents
The United States Fleet at Rio
to Be strengthened.

There is no doubt that the administration
is more than disturbed by recent develop
ments in Brazil. the precise nature OF which
have not yet reached the public. 1t is known
that Secretary Gresham has received infor-
nation from Minister Thompson at Rio in
dicating the approach OF a climax in the
revolution, with the prospects strongly
favorable to the cause OF the insurgents
under Admirals Mello and CANA Since the
latter Joined the revolutionary movement II
has apparently received a strong impetus.
and 1t is a current remark In diplomatic
circles that Peixoto's government is near its
end.
To Protect American Citizens.
The action of the Navy Department in
reinforcing the United States fleet is said
to have been inspired by the fear that the
success Of the revolutionary party, with
Its alleged monarchical intentions, will put
the lives and property of citizens of the
United States in Rio In jeopardy The
United States has large commercial inter
ests at stake at Rio and the recent block
ade has proved a blow to our commerce.
Admiral Gama's ships and forts command
tne post at all points and keep up an al
most incessant bombardment rendering
IL unsafe for merchant vessels to go TO the
wharves The administration is determined,
|
OF commerce and has decided on a naval
demonstration in the vicinity with that Oh
9ect In view. 1t is also thought adyisa BILE
10 have competent force at hand In the
event of the capture of the capitaI in ordar
70 protect the rights OF American citizens
from possible damage by the successful
ponents. ~ w
Admiral Benham to Commnud.
The dispatch Of the cruiser San Francisco
10 Rio settles the important question of
who Will succeed Commodore Stanton in
command OF the naval feet. The San Fran
cisco was the flagship Of Admiral Benham
commanding the North Atlantic SQUADRON.
He has now been detached from that dutv
and ordered to take command of the South
Atlantic squadron, with Headquarters at
Rio. The San Francisco will continue To he
his flagship. His stay in Brazilian waters
VIII necessarily be brief. as he retires in
the spring. Regardless of the progress Of
the revolution in Brazil, IL is probable he
VIII remain on that station until he retires
There is no occasion for haste in the selec-
tion or commander for the home SQUAD
ron, Tor the reason that IL consists only of
the kearsarge and the Vesuyius and has
no work of special importance on hand.
Ine proba abilities are that Commodore Ram
say chief OF the bureau of navigation. will
get this assignment In the spring, when he
reaches the grade of admiral
The New York May Go.
That the cruiser New York will go to
Rio Janeiro in the event that It is aeces-
sary to strengthen the United States feet
in Brazil has been decided by Secretary
Herbert No orders have been sent to her
commander, Capt ]. w. Philip, to pro-
ceed to the Brazilian capital, but he has
been directed to prepare his vessel for sea
without further delay in order that she
can leave for Brazil imm sdfately upon the
receipt of orders to that effect. It is stated
at the Navy Department that the New
YORK viii not be ordered to Rio IL no change
takes place in the present situation there.
out II Is believed that affairs are nearing
crisis that will call for her presence at
Rio.
Also the Miantonomoh
orders have also been issued by the 6e-
partment directing that the double-turre:ed ed
monitor Miantonomoh. now at the Brook
lyn navy yard. be prepared for sea as speed
lily as possible. The Mfantonomoh will be
fitted out subject to the same conditions
governing the preparation of the New York,
and II the expected should occur tie two
vessels will soon proceed to Rio in cum-
pany.