New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-12-16
hlO AND SANTOS BLOCKADED.
ADMIRAL MELLOS SHIPS IN THEIR HAIR
BORS
\ MoNARcHIsT GOVERNOR DENoI,NCEs THE IN
eOhGENTs-OPINION IN WASHINGTON IN
FAVORABLE TO PEIXoTo-MlSIsTEE
MENDONCA CUCEprr-r

| hhNDONCA CHEERFUL.
London, Dec. ia dispatch from Buenos
Ayres says: "Rio Janeiro and Santos have
been bockaded completely by the insurgents.
Trade in Sac Paulo has been affected unfavor-
ABLY by the insurrection, and many failures are
reported"
Owing to the incessant firing at Rio Janeiro
vessels are unable to land their passengers and
cargoes. Every attempt to land anything on
lighters provokes a hot fire from the forts
Rio Janeiro. Dec. 15.-Dr. Alfonso Penna.
Governor Of the State OF Minas Geracs. who was
formerly Monarchist. has published mani
iesto condemning the insurgents and disavow-
ing all sympathy with their plans. The city
is as quiet and orderly as usual
Washington Dec. 15.-Minister Mendonca was
feeling quite cheerful to-day over the latest
news from Brazil. Regarding the report that
Mello's ships are bockading the harbors Of
Rio and Santos. he frankly admitted. how
ever, that with the Aquidaban and the Re-
puplica Mello might for n time maintain a COM
paratively efficient blockade and that, If long
continued, a serious condition OF things would
ensue.
"Seventy-four per cent Of the export busl
ness of Brazil is done from these two ports. and
long enforced cessation Of traffic would cause
general Distress" he said.
An opposite view Of the situation prevails in
Administration circles here. based on official in
formation received from Brazil. 1t is asserted
that the Brazilian Governments chances for
final victory growing less every day. and
that Admiral Mel!O Will overthrow PeXoto.
Official advices have been received here Of the
movement of large land force. under in
slrSent general bent on capturing Rio Janeiro.
These statements confirm the information from
Lisbon that General Gomercin de Saraiva,
insurgent leader had started northward from
Rio Grande do Sui with 5000 men,
II Is not surprising that Governor Penna one
of the latest partisans '1n petto" of Imperialism
should have openly declared against the Brazilian
rebels and disavowed all sympathy with their plans.
Besides the patriotic sentiments which the Gov,
ernor must have entertained in the bottom of his
heart his own ambition and personal interest would
Brazilian statesmen and civil officials to abandon
his former monarchical ideas. 1t must not be for
gotten. as remarked by famous Brazilian po-
leInist and writer. Baron de Santa Anna Merry that
last four years. since the overthrow OF the En-
pre. in November. 1889. Since IL has become Re.
public It's ancient provinces have been raised to the
dignity OF autonomous States. each having an
elected Governor. its own Assembly. its budget.
its police and It's special laws Thanks TO This
change. these new States are no longer the humble
purveyors Of the Imperial Treasury. acting upon
the orders OF the Imperial Government.
AS another result Of that newly acquired au-
tonomy, most of the Brazilian States have had a
rapid development. and have found themselves in
an enviabe financial situation. If this be true In
regard TO the States of Amazonas. Para, Pernam-
buco; Bahia. Espirito Santo. Sac Paulo. etc. It
Is still more true as to Minas Geraes. OF the
most advanageousy situated and highly civilized
States In Brazil. The Governor has understood
that the interests Of the ancient province COM
manded him to side openly with the Republican
Government. which granted autonomy, with all
the benefits accruing from II. TO the new Brazilian
States. which governed according to the
principles ruling in the North American Republic