The Indianapolis journal., 1893-12-12
DANGER LINE AT RIO
PeixOtO's Government Warns Mer-
chant Vessels to Move.
Situation i'm Brazil Discussed by Min
lister MendOnca-Admira Gama's
Great Influence.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 1.-THE Navy De-
partment on Sunday received the following
dispatch from Commander Picking at Rio
''The Brazilian government has requested
cOnSuls to warn vessels to move from their
present anchorage. and has drawn line in
side of which 1t is dangerous to venture.
This prevents the discharge of cargoes at
wharves-" This is interpreted to mean that
the anchorage and the wharves have come
within the line of fire of the forts and Mel
los ships, and it Is not safe to come within
that line.
1t is not known how far this may inter-
fere with the commerce of Rio. There is
some question as to the proper translation
of the words given as wharves. AS given,
it seems TO include. by implication, all
the landing facilities of the city. The
Navy Department is left in the dark as
TO the purpose of the order. 1t may be, it
is suggested. that the erection of a new
battery is contemplated, which would make
the present anchorage dangerous.
The Brazilian revolution has assumed a
new and much more serious aspect by the
declaration Of Admiral De CANA in favor
Of the revolution and a restoration of the
empire Minister Mendonca, of Brazil. who
has been most active in assisting the Peix-
oto government, does not seek to belittle
the seriousness of De Gama's detection.
''I know De CANA personally and most in
timately," said the Minister. "and l realize
that he gives the rebels a power and
prestige they have never before had. AL
though he is a rear admiral. of the same
rank as MeIlo, yet De Cana is recognized
as the most popular and the most able
man in the navy The entire navy is like
IL TO follow De Cana, for he has con-
trolling influence over most of the officers
of the navy, and those who would not fol-
low him through respect would do in
fear OF him.
The Minister was asked what elements of
strength were now commanded by the rev.
olutionists.
Admiral De CANA has two protected
cruisers and two lesser war ships inside
the harbor of Rio" said he. Admiral
Mello has the ironclads Aquidaban and
Republica outside the harbor. There are a
number of small ships which are likely to
follow De Gama's orders. In fact. the en-
tire navy is likely to be concentrated
against the mtefnal resources ana the
army of Brazil
Senor Mendonca says that De Cana $
declaration in favor OF restoring the EN-,
relics OF the old empire TO contribute large
sums toward the restoration. THE pre-.
IGTNCT
wealthiest noble houses in Europe" said
he They will probably come forward with
money to supply food and ammunition for
the naval forces of De Cana and Mello.
There is a colony of old Brazilian imperial
lists at Paris and another in Portugal. The
Bourbons OF Spain are also related TO the
protendar | have little doubt that Ad-
miral De Cana had assurances in advance
from these wealthy and royal sources be,
fore he declared for the empire. i know
him TO be an exceedingly careful man. SO
much so that he would be likely TO take the
precaution to secure in advance the CO.
operation OF the imperialists abroad. One
thing is certain, however, and that is tn
a monarchy will never be restored I'm Brs.
zi The effort for IL by De Cana may
bring civil and disrupt Brazil, but IL
can never succeed. as republican institu-
tions are too firmly planted to be shaken.
Senor Mendonca keeps informed by cable
as TO the whereabouts of the ships America
and Nictheroy. which recently left New
York for Brazil. He says the America Il
undergoing repairs. but he Will not dis
close the whereabouts. as IL would bring
down on her a swarm Of ships which have
now gone over To the rebels. His advices
trdicHte that the Nictheroy is now of the
coast OF Brazil. A t. rpedo boat from Eng
land Is also due on the coast, but with
the Brazilian navy practically unit in re-
bellion. the minister thinks the Nictheruy
and torpedo craft will keep out OF the way
OF the biz ironclads.