Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1894-02-07
WARNING TO FOREIGN NATIONS.

Official Report to the Government on
the Incident in Rio HarBor.
WASHINGTON, d. c., Feb. Ian off
claI report on the manner III which the
Brazilian insurgents were notified that
the United States would submit to no
interference with the merchant service
was received at the Navy Department
to-day from Admiral Benham. The
Admiral gives a brief but comprehen-
siye account of the stirring incidents
connected with the exchange Of shots
by the rebel vessel and the Detroit
Admiral Benham'S dispatch is as fol-
lows:
RIO JANEIRo, Jan. 29.-To Secretary Of the
Nary. Washington, D. G.: Two American
merchant vessels Saturday were prevented
from going alongside the wharf To-day at
GA. NJ, sent the Detroit to take position
that would protect vessels going alongside
the wharf, and ordered the commander OF
the Detroit If fired upon to return the fire.
My vessels were gotten under way and
cleared for action. After the Detroit took
her position, boat from one Of the vessels
while running line preparatory to hauling
IN, was fired upon with muSlletS from the
insurgent ship. The Detroit returned the
fire with one FOUNDER, the shot striking
under the insurgent vessels bow
The insurgents then fired broadside
gun to leeward. Later the insurgents
fired a brOadside gun over American mer-
chant vessel. The Detroit returned the fire
with muSkets, striking the inSurgent yes
sells stern post. Passing by the insurgent
he was hailed, saying, eff you fire again l
Will return your ire and if necessary will
sink you" The Detroit anchored to com
mand both vessels, one merchant vessel
having been carried to a new position near
the wharf and a tug having offered its
services gratuitou sly to discharge the cargo
The lnsrrgent leader was notified that the
vessels would discharge from the present
position but that my determination was
not changed-to give American merchant
vessels full protection to the wharf if they
desire to go. BENHAM.
Secretary Gresham has also received
a dispatch from Minister Thompson at
Rio de Janeiro, confirming the details Of
Admiral Benham's encounter with the
insurgents. After relating the story of
the occurrence exactly as told by Adj
miTal Benham's dispatch to Secretary
Herbert, Minister Thompson says;
Benham has not INTERVIEWED in the least
with military or naval operations of either
side, nor is it his intention 20 do So He
has notified insurgents that it is his duty to
protect Americans and commerce OF the
United States, and this he intends
to do, and says American vessels
must not be interfered with in their
movements; but they must take the
consequences when getting in the line OF
fire where legitimate hOstilities are actually
in progress. Until belligerent rights are &C
corded, insurgents have no right to exercise
authority over Am erican vessels or property
The right Of insurgents to search neutral
vessels or to seize any portion of their car
goes is denied, even though they be
within the class which may be de-
fired as conuaband Of war; during
hostilities between two independent govern
menrs. Forcible seizure of such articles in
the present status of insurgents would con-
stitute an act of piracy. Since the effective
action OF Monday evening, everything is
quiet, The attempted blockade to com
merce and trade is broken and events move
smoothly. All foreign commanders concur,
as far as ! am advised. THOMPSON.
Secretary Herbert to-day sent the
following dispatch to Admiral Benham:
WAsHINGToN, d. G. Feb. 1.-Benhana,
from the United States minister. We are
satisfied entirely with the prudence and
Judgment with which you have carried out
instructions and protected American com
merce. We rely upon you for continued
exercise of this wise discretion
HERBERT