Evening journal., 1893-12-23
RUMORS OF RIOS FALL.
The Report Not Sustained In Of
fetal Quarters.
CONFIRMED BY PRIVATE GABLE.


A baltimore Coffee Firm Said to Have Re-
ceived a Message From Rio - MelIo's
Alleged Victory Discroditsd In All other
Ports.
WASHINGTON, Dec. GA sensation was
occasioned at the state aud navy depart
ments by the press dispatches reporting
that Admiral Mello had captured the city
Of Rio and had succeeded President Peix-
oto in the control of the government. The
rumor quickly spread throughout the
building, and there was at once an ex-
change of visits between the state and
navy department officials TO ascertain II
either had any official confirmation of the
report
Up to the close of Office hours nothing
had been received by either department
from their respective representatives in
Rio, and the absence of information caused
the suspicion that if the rumor were not
true the crisis was being reached and that
the cable had been interfered with as a re-
suit
That the end had been reached, however,
and that Mello was victorious, was not
generally credited. While not unprepared
for such a result, the authorities are not
expecting it yet. The advices received did
not indicate an immediate crisis, and iudg-
ing from the situation as last reported the
officials do not see how il would be possi-
bic for Mello to make a successful coup at
this time.
Nothing Confrmatory.
Secretaries Gresham and Herbert, when
seen, said they had nothing confrmatory
of the report of Mello's success and had no
news whatever to communicate about the
Brazilian situation. As far as can be as
certained in the absence Of Minister Men
donca and his secretary, nothing has been
received at the Brazilian legation here
about events in Brazil.
At the cabinet meeting Secretary Gresh-
am read late advices from Minister Thomp-
son showing the gravity of the situation
in Brazil, but during the discussion that
followed there was nothing, to indicate
that the authorities are looking for a
climax for some days to come. The ques-
tion of the course to be pursued by the
large naval force to be concentrated in
Brazilian waters was the principal topic of
discussion. Secretary Herbert explained
what had been done toward augmenting
the forces there
That the authorities discredit the rumor
of PeixotO's downfall Is evident from the
fact that no cessation Of the preparations
Of the New York and Miantonomoh have
been ordered. On the contrary, the naval
authorities are doing all in their power to
facilitate the early departure of both of
these ships for Rio.
Hurry with the Coal.
In order that there may be no DELAY in
| coalinR the New York, Captain Philip
was ordered 70 anchor down the bay and
take in coal from barges already engaged
for the purpose. She already has 500 tons
of coal in her bunkers, and the 200 tons ad.
ditional which are necessary to fill them
will be ON board tonight. To further IA
cilitate matters, her ammunition will
probably be sent up from Fort Wads-
worth by tug and will be stored on her
deck to be transferred to the magazine
room after she has put to sea.
With her 1900 tons of coal she will be
able to steam 1900 miles at her most
economical speed of IL knots Her trip tc
Rio. however, will doubtless be at a II
knot speed, and it is estimated that she
will make the voyage in 10 days OF less.
The cruiser San Francisco, with Rear
Admiral Benham on board, sailed from
Trinidad yesterday for Rio, where she will
become the flagship of the South Atlanti,
station, succeeding the Newark, the flag
ship of Acting Rear Admiral Stanton Al
the time of his detachment.
A telegram received at the navy depart
ment from Admiral Benham repoiesd tn,
San Francisco's departure. It ItisestlmateC
that the vessel will reach Rio in 10 days.