Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-12-21
STRICT NEUTRALITY.
That is the Policy Of the Admin
istration in Brazil.
ENFORCING THE MONROE DOCTRINE.
The insurgents May Be Recognized
as BeIligerents at Any Time.
TALK OF A RCHY

1t is learned today that the administra-
tion's Brazilian policy is one Of strict neu-
trality and absolute non-interference for or
against either party. The increase Of our
naval feet at Rio is principally for the pro-
lection Of Americans and for the enforce
ment of the Monroe doctrine against Euro
pean encroachments on the American con-
tinent. Recent instructions to our diplo-
matte and naval representatives at Rio are
predicated on the lines above indicated
The only cases wherein the combatants are
to be interfered with are when the interests
Of the United States are injured or inter-
vention on the part of foreign power oc-
ours In other words, the United States
will keep 'hands off," and will use its best
efforts to secure the same non-interference
on the part Of all other neutral powers, with
a view of the people Of Brazil to determine
for themselves the question Of their future
government, without aid or encouragement
from the outside.
Recognition and the Monarchy.
The administration has not decided that II
will not recognize the insurgents as bel
ligerents. 1t has merely refused such recog-
milton under existing conditions. Should
the revolution make such progress as to
justify the establishment Of de facto po-
throw Of the existing government, the Uni
ted States will recognize its belligerent
rights probably as promptly any other
foreign government. 1t is also an error to
suppose that the United States will en-
deavor to prevent the establishment of a
monarchy in Brazil. Its doctrine is that the
people of Brazil have a right to whatever
| form Of government they prefer. Although
naturally preferring a republican form of
government for Brazil. it can be stated
positively that the United States will take
no steps to prevent the restoration Of the
monarchy by the people of Brazil 1t nay
be accepted as true however, that this gov
ernment will not remain supinely idle and
allow any foreign power to dictate or domi-
nate the future government of our South
American neighbor.
Complaints Received.
The policy of non-intereference in the
Brazilian revolution so far as the United
States is concerned has already been en-
phasized by the State and Navy Depart
ments in declining for the present to take
action on a petition from American sea cap
tains in the harbor Of Rio Janeiro for pro-
lection in landing their cargoes. A cable
message from eight commanders of Amer
lean merchantmen at present anchored in
the harbor protesting against alleged inter-
ference with their rights by the insurgents
was received by Secretary Gresham yester-
L,
as 1t concerned the authority Of the war
| vessels of the United States. The mer-
| chantmen contended that they are prevent
ed by the constant firing between the in
surgent and government forces from land
ing their cargoes at the custom house. al
| though the regular government has given
| them permission to do so. and they ask tnaf
the commanders of the American cruisers
be instructed to see that they are not de-
barred from this privilege
Secretary Herbert has decided not to in
terfere in the premises at present. He says
attempts to land cargoes from American
ships by means of lighters or otherwise
must be done at the risk Of the command
ers. Such privileges are now secured for
British and German vessels, and IL is likely
that the United States will take similar
action.
telegram received at the Navy Depart
ment this morning says that the New York
was successfully docked at the Brooklyn
navy yard 1t is stated in the dispatch that
as wind and tide were unfavorable there
was some doubt in the minds of officers
whether the docking could be accomplished
but all went we'll The work of prepa rims
the New York for sea, in anticipation OF
sending her to Rio Janeiro, will be rapidly
pushed, and II is expected that she will be
ready to sail in a week.