The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1893-11-08
VIOLATING NO LAW.
Minister Mendonca Speaks About the
Crews of Peixoto's New Vessels.

WASHINGTON. Nov. S.-The Brazilian
Minister Mendonca says: "1he orders of
my government positively forbid any ac-
tion in regard 10 the fitting out OF the
Brazilian naval expe iition In New York
which will In any way violate interna-
tional law or customs or in the slightest
degree embarrass the United States.
"My government" the minister con-
tiuued, has particularly directed me to
see that there is no violation OF the laws
of this country in what 1 am doing.
have accordingly acted with great caution,
consulting eminent legal authority when
ever here is the 81 CHEST indication OF an
infringement on your laws and customs.
None Enlisted for War.
"The enlistment OF men here for war
service in Brazil might be an infringe
ment. But there will be no such in
fringement, for our agents in New York
have positive instructions not to make
any contracts with men which will bind
them to continue with the vessels on
which they ship after they have reached
Brazilian ports or such point on the high
seas as may be designated.
mo men whstever are being enlisted
for war service Oar contract with Flint
g. Co. calls for the delivery OF ships and
munitions of war in New York harbor.
with the furt her consideration that Off
GERS and crews be provided to mau-
age the ships until they ara turned
over to officers OF the Brazilian govern
ment directed to receive them.
"Ihave satisfied myself that there can
be no objection to Americans being ON
ployed for this purpose. They are being
enlisted an sugar merchantmen.
Although the ssels will be flying the
Braz Ian flag when they leave New York
harbor. they will not be men-of- war until
after the services OF the men have been
dispense with. Under Brazilian laws
they must have a Brazilian commander
and crew two-thirds Brazilian before
they become war vessels.
May Enlist Later On.
"If any OF the men accompanying the
snip should ask to be enlisted for war SER
vice after their arrival, there can b, no
objection to their doing so. but they are
now being enlisted for the sole purpose of
conducting the ships to Brazil. In many
Il 4 autes the returi passage OF the nea
enlisting has been arranged for"
As to the point where the vessels will
fe tuTntu Oftt w tho DltLtlitu OlilCtrs
nuthoriz "a TO receive them Minister Men.
donca says that not even Captain Baker,
who will have charge Of the vessels, will
know 1t until he has sailed. Sealed in
structions will Ia given him TO be opened
after he is cut OF Now York harbor.
The miGister takes little s.ockv in
the reports of the purchase pf tugs by the
insurgeut for the purpose Of using them
as rams against FL Cid and the Britannia
He feels confident that the insurgents
have not procured any munitions OF war
from this country aud expresses himself
as conf lent that the naval expedition
will safely reach Brazil
Even IL an attempt Is made TO destroy
tie vessels he believes that with their
hlga speed aid flne fghting qualit es
they will he able TO more than hold their
own against anything the Insurgents ,n
provide.
III attacked while still Ia charge of the
American officers and sailors he men, ne
says, would of course be jussiied 10 de-
fending the property. which can only be
regarded as legitimate commercial ves-
sells until tLey formally become men-of.
var.