The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-02-02
WHY OA CANA PROTESTS.
Peixoto Allowed 10 Fortify Rio
While He Was Stopped From
Bonn harding.
Benham Did Not Interfere with
Military Action In Any Way
Whatevor.
thorities ~ Washing
FROM Herbert.

! Copyrighted, 1891. b. the Associated PresAI
RIO DR. JAEEIEo. Feb. l.-following 10 the
lettor Admiral da Cana sent yesterday 10
the conference OF naval commanders 10
discuss the action OF Admiral Benham in
protecting the American vessels "At the
beginning Of the revolution she city Of Rio
dc Janeiro was defended by six field piecoa
and was a. she mercy oi the squadron IN
the harbor. The chiefs Of naval fleets. In
a collective and unanimous vote. declared
that they would oppose with force bonn
bnTdmenL unless provoked from land. On
learning this, President PeiIoto withdrew
his field pieces. and by stratsgem began
the work Of refortifying the city with
numerous and heavy guns. Work was be-
gun recently and was completed openly
All the bills IN the city are marked by fofti-
hoations, aud monastsrles and factories
are converted into fortresses; trenches dog
In the streets, and other methods taken 10
make the city secure. Along with these
measures it was reported that 10 was the In
tontion OF the government soon 10 open
hTe upon the squadron"
After making this statement "a Cana
asks: Are the conditions the same7 Are
not you 10 blame for the changer Should
Jou not force PeiIoto to keep his compact?
The task Of the squadron is more arduous,
bloody and dangerous, bat We do NOS falter
"Our compact will be kept. but we reserve
the right TO reply 20 city batteries when
they deserve IL without notice. Blame for
the result will be upon YOU"
Admiral Bsnham sent word 10 da CANA
that he would not interfere with military
operations, and told him he would only OBJ
jeot when he fred on American ships for
thS purpose of Tightening them from
going 10 the whsTves. Benham says no
compact exists between the commanders of
foreign fleets. They withdrew from the
agreement for the protection OF the city
against bombArdment by insurQent vessels
months Ego. he admiral says he has
asked the government at Washington
whether be shall insist upon notioe being
given by the insurgents previous 20 any at
tempt 20 lombard the city. He thinks that
as Rio 10 fortified he will not be Justified in
Interfering with anY move of this sort on
the part OF da Cana.
IL is evident the commanders Of other
feets are doubtful on thia point, a. they
have also asked instructions from their
governments. Benhsm has warned the
commanders OF American ships Ia harbor
that bombardment is possible. Hs has
told them what they should do. and indi-
Gated TO what extent he could protect them
WASHINGTON. Feb. 1.-Giesham received
a telegram from Minister Thompson at
Rio. confirming the details OF Admiral
BenhAm's encounter with ths insurgents.
After relating the story as told in Ben
hams dispatch, Thompson says: "3snham
has not inteTyened In the lenst with the
military OF naval operations Of either side,
nor is 10 his intention TO do so. lie has
notihed the insurgents that 10 Is his duty 20
protset American CONNIE ce. and this he
intends TO do.
Since the effective action Of Monday every
thing Is quiet. The attempted blockade 30
commerce and trade 10 broken and events
have moved slowly. All foreign command
ers concur as far as l am advised.
(Signed.) THOMPSON"
Secretary Herbert sent the following to
Admiral Benham at Rio;
Further information received from
United States minister. We are antisfeG
entirely with the prudence ant judgmsnt
with which yOu have carried out instruc-
tions and protected American comnsree.
Rely upon you for continued exercise of
wise discretion"
RIO DE JANEIRo. Feb. The insurgents
have obtained afTesh supply of provisions.
There has been a smart exchange OF shots
between lhs insurgsnt squadron and gov
eminent forces. Both insurgsnt ships,
Tamandate and Aquidabar. were struck
and slightly damaged. The insurgents are
making preparations TO effect landing.
Government telegraph wires have been cut.