The record-union., 1894-02-02

Copyrighted 1894 by the Associated Press
RIO DE JANEIRo, Feb. 1.-The follow
ing is letter from Admiral Da Cana,
sent yesterday to a conference OF naval
commanders to discuss the action of Adj
miral Benham in protecting American
vessels:
''At the beginning of the revolution
the city of Rio de Janeiro was defended
by six field pieces and was at the mercy
of the squadron in the harbor. The
chiefs of the foreign naval fleets in col
lective and unanimous note declared
that they would oppose with force bonn
bardment unless provoked from land,
On learning of this President Peixoto
withdrew his field pieces and by strategy
began the work of refortifying the city
with numerous and heavy guns. The
work was begun secretly and was COM
pleted openly. All the hills in the city
were marked by Notifications and mon
aSteries and factories were converted into
fortresses. Trenches were dug in the
streets and other methods taken to make
the city secure. Along with these meas
ures was reported the intention OF the
Government soon to open ire on the
squadron"
After making this statement Da CANA
asks: ''Are the conditions the same
Are not you to blame for the change
Should you not force Peixoto to keep his
compact? The task of the squadron is
more arduous, bloody and dangerous.
but we do not falter. Our compact Will
be kept, but we reserve the right to reply
to the city batteries when they deserve 1t
without notice. The blame for the result
will be upon you"
Admiral Benham sent word to Da
CANA that he would not interfere with
the military operation, and told him he
would only object when he (Gama) fired
on American ships for the purpose OF
frightening them from going to the
wharves. Benham says no compact eX-
lists between the commanders OF the for
eign fleets. They withdrew from the
agreement for the protection of the city
against bombardment by the inSurgent
vessels some time ago. The Admiral
says he asked the Government at
Washington whether he shall insist
upon notice being given by the Insurgents
previous to any attempt to lombard the
city. He thinks as Rio is fortified he
will be justified in interfering with any
more Of this sort on the part OF Da CANA.
1t is evident the commanders of the other
fleets are also doubtful on this point, as
they have also asked instructions from
their Governments. Benham has warned
the commanders of the American ships
in the harbor that bombardment is pos
sible. He has told them what they
should do, and indicated to what extent
he could protect them.
THE BoMBARDMENT CONTINUES.
BUENos AYREs, Feb. IA dispatch
from Rio de Janeiro says: The BON bard
ment continues. Brokers at Rio have
cabled to La Plata urging that no cargoes
be received for Bahia. The revolution is
said to be gaining ground.
REPORT OF ADMIRAL BENHAM.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 1.-Secretary Her
bert has given out the following from Rio
de Janeiro, dated January 18th:
$50 the Secretary Of the Macy, Wash
inqton: Two American merchant vessels
Saturday were prevent from going along
side the wharf. To-day at A. NJ. | sent
the Detroit to take position that would
protect vessels going alongside the wharf.
and if fired upon, to return the fire. My
vessels were under way and cleared for
action.
after the Detroit took her position a
boat from one of the vessels running a
upon with muskets from an insurgent
ship. The Detroit returned the fire with
a one-pounder shot. striking under her
bow. The insurgents then fired broad
side gun TO leeward.
Later the insurgents fired broadside
gun over the American merchant ves-
sci. The Detroit returned the fire with
muskets, striking the insurgents stern
post and passing by the insurgent be
was hailed and told: If you fire again
l will return your fire, and if necessary
will sink you.' The Detroit anchored to
command both vessels, one of the mer-
chant vessels having been carried to a
new position near the wharf and tugs
having offered their services gratuitously
to discharge the cargo. The insurgent
leader was notified these vessels would
discharge from their present position, but
that my determination was not change tC
give American merchant vessels full pro-
lection to the wharf if they desired to go.
''BENHAM.'
THoMPSON'S REPORT.
Gresham received dispatch from Min
at finn 1iI,or h.