Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-12-21
WARSHIPS ORDERED TO RIO
United States Interests Will
be Protected.
ADMIRAL BENHAM To COMMAND
Melio May be Recognized by
Foreign Powers.


WASHINGTON, Dec. ia vigorous en-
forcement of the non-interference to
American commerce in Brazil by either
insurgent vessels or those of the existing
government has been definitely deter
mined upon by the administration, and
will be upheld by strong naval force in
southern waters. This President and Secre-
tary OF State have concluded, after numer-
Gus conferences and from recent infurma.
ton received from Minister Thompson,
that crisis is pending in the republic,
and that Steps must be taken to assert the
rights of the United States and prevent
serious damage to the vast amount of
trade which annually comes from Rio.
Orders were issued to-day to Rear
Admiral Benham, commanding the North
Atlantic station, to proceed at once with
his flagship San Francisco to Rio. Admiral
Benham will thus relieve Capt ii. +.
Picking as commander-in-chief of the
American forces there and will be one of
the senior fleet commanders in Rio harbor.
The mission of the San Francisco and
other steps which are to be taken by the
Navy Department. to add to the naval
strength OF the United States is very sig
nificant, and shows that there will be no
lack of decision or promptness by Secre-
fary Herbert when the naval force of the
government is called upon in the diplo-
matte questions.
At the same time that the San Francisco
was directed to sail from Trinidad. orders
were sent Admiral Gherardi at New York
to prepare the armored cruiser New York
for sea without delay. Tomorrow the big
ship will be dockeu for the first time in
eight months, and much uneasiness is felt
by naval officials over the attempt as
there Is Just enough water to float safely
the cruiser, and beside she will be the
largest ship ever handled at the New York
yard. The cruiser is drawing 26 feet aft
and there is only 26A over the sills. There
is little apprehension, however, felt by the
Secretary that any damage will result 20
the vessel. She will be fioated out prob
ably Friday, and will then take coal and
provisions aboard and other necessary
equipment for long voyage. The New
York will proceed to Rio at 17-knot rate
Secretary Herbert is also considering the
advisability of sending the monitor
Miantonomah to Rio, and if she can be
put in condition promptly she will leave
soon after the New York. The strong dis
play of naval strength will leave the home
station depleted of vessels for further
service, and will be the first time since the
Chilian trouble that any move has been
made toward the mobilization of such
fleet in foreign waters for the protection
Of American interests. With the New
York, San Francisco, Newark, Charleston,
DStAOib AiA Poo9lbA1 bhC
Admiral Benham will have the finest array
of tighCiAg machines that have ever been
on any of the United States foreign
stations under command of an American
naval officer. This fleet will surpass any
two fleets of foreign governments at Rio,
and will be fully capable OF asserting any
demand the United States may make.
Admiral Benham arrived at Trinidad
yesterday from Porto Cabello, Venezuela,
for coal, and this afternoon. in compliance
with orders, sailed direct for Rio. He will
make no stops on the way, and should ar
rive in 10 days.
1t is not improbable that the foreign
commanders in Rio harbor will soon
recognize Mello as billigerent, but under
no circumstances will the United States
naval commander be authorized to do
likewise. The. recognition of Mello, il is
believed, would result in serious interfer-
enee with our merchant vessels, and this
will not be tolerated by the government.
Should Mello declare all the seaport cities
of Brazil in a state of blockade as he may
do,the President proposes to have sufficient
vessels there to station at all such ports TO
see that no harm comes to United States
commercial interests.