The morning call., 1893-12-28
EXCITEMENT IN PERNAMBUCO.
That Harbor May Be the Scene
of Naval Encounter.
PRECAUTIONS BEING TAKEN.
The Rebel Vessels and Government
Forts Exchanged Compliments
Christmas Eve.

PERNAMBUCo, Dee. 27.-The greatest
mystery surrounds the movements of the
rebel Admiral Mello. Nothing has been
seen of him since he sailed north on the
20tb, presumably to show fight to the new
Government cruisers. Nlctheroy and
America.
Word is received of trouble between Bra
I'll and Portugal because by order of Pres
ident Piexoto the Portuguese Minister is
detained against his will. 1t is stated the
Minister tries to leave despite the Presi-
dents order and that force was employe d
to detain him. The Spanish warship Girls
tobal Colon has arrived from Rio and re-
ports that on Christmas eve there was a
heavy engagement between the rebel war
ships and the forts Both sides are said
TO have suffered severely.
Later in the day great excitement was
caused by the news that Admiral Mello
had arrived at Bahia. and the men on
board the Nictheroy began with alacrity
to put things in readiness to meet the
enemy. The rebel warships are reported
coaling at Behai, preparatory to starting
for Pernamb buco to capture or destroy the
Nictheroy; after which. il successful,
they will give the America a drubbing.
Mello is expected here tomorrow. 1t is
not expected he will attack in broad day
light. 1t is now said that the Nictheroy
will steam out to meet him.
Rumor has it that Captain Nunez may
torpedo the harbor and take other precau-
tions TO prevent il being taken by surprise
at night or any other time. The electric
searchlight is kept constantly in thorough
working order, and the people of Pernam-
buco are again worked up TO the highest
pitch of excitement in anticipation of wit
Messing a battle between the dynamite
cruiser and rebel warships. sharp
lookout is kept all along the neighboring
coast and signal men stationed upon every
elevation Of ground from which good
view of the coast waters may be obtained.
The Government torpedo school-shi6 i
Parahyba, recently ordered north, desti-
nation unknown, arrived here and almost
as suddenly disappeared, fearing to be
engaged ia the coming struggle between
the Nictherov and the rebel ships. An
other version of the sudden departure of
the Parahyba is that she was ordered by
Peixoto to steam for parts unkno own upon
an important mission. The Nictheroy's
crew have not been idle and are now thor
OuRUly tIaHtU III WOIklHR buc DIX Oyna-
mite gun and in handling the rapid firing
guns likely to play most active part In a
ght attack should Melo decide upon at
tempting to cut out the NctherOy.
LONDON. Dec. 27.-.Advices from Rio
Janeiro report the insurgents in critical
condition. Admiral de Cana is disturbed
by the non-arrival OF re-enfOrcemen q ts
Several concerted uprisings have been
checkmated.
LISBON. Dec. PA great sensation
has been caused in Government circles by
the news OF the forcible detention in Rio
Janeiro of the Portuguese Minister, Count
Paco d'Arcos. he was recalled recently
and was to have arrived here Monday.
Passengers by the steamer from Rio con-
firm the report. The Minister'S brother
in Rio forwarded a message to the same
effect and the Minister himself has tele-
grsDhed his relatives telling them to give
the information that he is una BILE to EN-
bark, being forcibly detained. 1t is said
Portugal has asked representative of one
of the Powers represented at Rio to act for
II In the matter.