davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

nit to the superior force of the United
States navy, to surrender their swords to
the Anne rican admiral and seek an asylum
from Peixoto on the American men-of-
war, which he stated had been offered
them by Admiral Benham.
The younger officers. however, were in
no mood to surrender and outvoted the
proposition. Thus they lost. according to
Da Gama's views, an easier and COMPARE
lively more honorable way out of their re-
volt than through defeat by Peixoto.
however this may be. one thing is now
certain. United States vessels in Rio har-
Dor need not fear any further molestation
from the rebels.
The Herald's correspondent in Ncthe-
roy sends word that when Moeaugue ISL
and was captured on January 16 there
were on the island 100 national guards
men and twenty-eight regulars. The rel bel
sailors carried the island by storm with
the aid OF several launches. The loyal
troopboat Santa and their launch were
captured. so that few escaped.
When the capture Of the island became
known on the main land loyal troops were
called out to the shore, but many men
were moved down by the rapid-fre gunsIon
the launches manned byrebels. Ini Nictheroy
Hospital there are now more than 300
wounded men, and those who are partially
cured must be turned out to make room
for new arrivals.
At least sixty men were killed on Janu-
ary Is. in addition TO the 200 prisoners
made, who were taken aboard the Taman-
dare.
A part of battalion of National Guards
is manning Fort Armacao. Rebel launche es
have landed force on Santa Ana beach.
Despite their losses the soldiers in
Nictheroy act bravely and do not COM
plain. In the hospital the beds are filthy
and the food wretched. but the doctors do
everything they are able to do.
The residences in the town are badly
damaged, and since the Aquida ban moved
up the bay few. streetcars run in the
streets, and the cutting off Of the gas sup
ply by the rebel shells is constantly feared.
The fighting there has been much hotter
than at Rio. The regular soldiers and
National Guardsmen occupy houses now.
and If the rebels land they will meet a hot
reception.
The Herald's correspondent in Rio ia
metro sends word that the rebels have
captured Porto Madame after bloody
fight and cut off communication with Rio
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

vessels out of the line of FIRE between the
ships of the insurgents and the fortif-
cations of Peixoto. Apparently Admiral
Benham has abrogated this rule and has
insisted that American merchant vessels
shall be permitted to land their cargoes at
the piers of the city, even if doing so
would involve their crossing the line OF fire.
This new policy and the results to which
1t must lead have evidently been antici-
Dated by this administration. because Of
the great naval force which has been con-
centrated at Rio under Admiral Benham.
Whether designed or not, The administra-
tion will gladly welcome stirring events at
Rio de JaneirO as tending to divert unwel-
come public attention from the Hawaiian
question. Interest in Brazil, especially if
Admiral Benham has found it necessary
to protect the American flag by the practi-
cal use of the new white cruisers, and of
what the eloquent Senator Mills calls
gums full-shotted to the lips" will also
tend to modify that indignation which
prevails In Congress whenever the action
of Mr. Blount is recalled in hauling down
the American flag and will give "cuck 90"
orators new theme and welcome excuse
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31
Insur0ent ship Tra3ana.

ing statement has been made to the Asso-
ciated Press correspondent by Admiral
BenhaGl, comm ander of the United States
fleet in this harbor:
'The insurgent forces on Cobras Island
last Friday fired upon a ship flying the
United States flag. / protested to Admiral
da Cana against their action and his re-
sponse was that he had warned the COM
mander of the ship when at the bar at Rio
as to the whereabouts of the danger line.
l then ordered Da Cana to cease firing
The guns on both the island of CObras
and the guns on. the insurgent warship
Trajano opened FIRE on Saturday upon the
bark Agate. vessel hailing from New
York. / warned Da Cana at once that if
the fire was repeated l would fire back. l
also warned him that If he touched an
American ship or American goods / would
con slider him a pirate. j told him / would
protect American property from the fire of
his guns and that should retaliate upon
him for any damage done unless it was en-
tirely apparent that such damage was due
to chance shots.
Admiral Benham says he notified Da
Cana 'unofficially that firing by the insur-
gents upon the wharves for the purpose of
merely creating terror and prolonging the
blockade would not be permitted so far as
Americans and American vessels were
concerned, and to this communication the
insurgent admiral made no answer. Tho
captains of the American vessels intima ated
that they wanted to 60 to their wharves and
the American admiral notified Da Cana
that it was his Intention to Convoy them
at sunrise on Monday. Fearing trouble,
Benham ordered the vessels OF the fleet
cleared for action.
There is no doubt that Da Canals In a
bad way. The proposed compromise has
been refused by Peixoto's Government,
and it seems to be Oniv matter of time
when he will have to give up the struggle
The complications of the insurgent situa-
tion are increased by the absence Of De
Mello, and the failure Of the latter
admiral to arrive here 10 the assistance of
| the insurgent fleet has given rise to q
report that he is dead.
The commanders Of sixteen warships
here, including five American and four
English and French, have sent a message
to Admiral Benham cOngratulating him
upon his prompt action.
The Austrian commander cleared his
ship for action and made ready to help the
American admiral in case help was neces.
| sary.
A Alarming reports have been received OF
| Government disasters at Curutiba, Para.
nagua and Antonina. 1t is stated tha,
those places have been captured by the
insurgents and that Government sroops
have fled, abandoning the arms and
| munitions of war.
| CnnYright
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31
to lavish their praise upon the source Of
all Federal patronage.

to lavish their praise upon the source Of
all Federal patronage.
1t is conjectured that IL Da CANA has
actually surrendered TO Benham he has
done so gladly in order to escape from
capital punishment, which is usually
meted out in South American countries
to leaders of unsucc essful revolutions. In
surrendering to Benham Da Cana and his
officers and men would become prisoners
of war of the United States, provided they
surrendered after active hOstilties. In
that case their status would be even safer
than il they had merely abandoned their
warfare against the BaZiian Government
and had as political refugees voluntarily
placed themselves under the protection of
the American flag.
Some of the doubling Thomases in Con-
gress are inclined to regard the whole
affair in Rio harbor as put up job. They
believed it was prearranged that one of
Da Gama's vessels was to fire blank
cartridge at a United States vessel and the
latter was to return shot which would do
little damage. Da Cana was then to sur
render his sword to Admiral Benham,
greatly preferring to be captured by a
Government that does not cut off heads.
Referring to the Brazilian situation
Senator Sherman said: "As Admiral da
Cana 10 the head of band Of insurgents
and represents no organized Government
it will not be necessary to declare war al
all, but he and his followers can be treated
as pirates. l don't court war. but when
we get into it. am for fighting it out"
Quay exclaimed: "a war on and nc
money in the treasuryi We shall have to
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

he meant what he said, and that the yes
sells of this country engaged in legitimate
trade with friendly port were not to be
subjected to the restrictions OF caprice or
petty selfishness. To main tain his posi-
tion in the matter, Admiral Benham was
compelled to employ shot and shell. but
he succeeded in what he determined to do.
promptly and effectualIy.
From trustworthy sources IL Is learned
that the Detroit Commander Brownsen,
led the column of American ships. She
headed directly for the Custom-house
wharf. AS she approached certain point
flagship, the Aquidaban, to proceed no
farther under penalty of being sunk.
AS Da Cana had received the ultimatum
of Admiral Benham, which was in effect
that the American merchantmen would be
taken to their docks to unload their
cargoes, the signal from the Aquidaban
was disregarded entirely.
Da Cana next designated another point
beyond which the American vessel should
not 60. Again was his signal disregarded.
and as the Detroit passed the point named
by the chief of the insurgents shot from
| one Of Da Gama's vessels whizzed over the
Detroit, coming dangerously near to her.
Commander Brownson instantly replied
to the fire. presumably in obedience to
signal orders from Benham on the San
| Francisco
Following in rapid succession were other
shots from Da Gama's vessel and from
| the American men-of.war. From what
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

Of the vessels under his command to PRO-
tect the interests of Americans, in defiance
of the protests of Da Cana, the real leader
of the Brazilian insurgents.
He has used his guns opportunely and
with accuracy, and to-day and hereafter
steamers and sailing craft trading and
sailing under the American flag in Bra
lillian waters can safely pursue their busi-
ness without fear of mOlestation.
To establish the precedent that Ameri-
can commerce has rights in Rio harbor
which neither the Government nor the
insurgents can interfere with Admiral
BeDham had to resort to force. but the
promptness displayed by him in the exc
cution of his firm intention to put an end
to the continued and embarrassing inter-
ruptioDs to American trade will commend
his course to the American people, who
believe in the sacredness of the flag of this
country in foreign waters.
Firmness aud fairness were displayed
by Benham in his controversy with Da
CANA, and when forced to act by the
foolish conduct of the insurgent CON-
mander. the American admiral showed that
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

would Admiral Benham do with him
He could not very we'll surrender him to
Peixoto to be shot. and could not very
we'll feed Da Gama's followers indef-
nitely.
En- AMBASSADOR Bayard said to-day, regard
ing the Brazilian affair: "Rear-Admiral
Benham's action, as reported. does not in
dicate political interference. 1t seems 10
have been simply a defensive measure
The latest news received here indicated
what was likely to happen. l my opinion.
it is the duty of warships of any power
to protect the merchantmen. In cannot,
therefore, think it likely that there will be
any objection made by any other power to
Benham's action"
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31
MIGHT BE AWKWARD.
What Would Benham Do With Da
CANA il lie Had Him 2

LONDON. Jan. 30.-Dispatches from Rio
say that at 10 o'clock this morning Ad-
miral ia CANA, having opened fire on one
of the American warships, a sharp en-
gagement followed, with the result that
Da Cana surrendered. The Rothschild
banking-house has received a dispatch
from Rio Janeiro saying Admiral da CANA
has surrendered. Baron Rothschild said
to the Associated Press that his cable an
nounciDg the surrender of Admiral da
CANA came from the most reliable source.
He had no reason TO doubt its accuracy.
The Brazilian Minister said he had no
doubt that the news was true and that the
final collapse of the revolt is only the
question of few days.
The highest official in the British For
eigD Office expressed the opinion that Da
Gama's surrender to the United States
admiral is the easiest way out ot the diff
Guilty. The chief question was. What
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

Detroit, and that if further protection
were needed the entire American squadron
would see that the merchantmen got their
rights.
The Detroit accordingly cleared her
decks Tor action early on Monday morning
and started to lead the American vessels
toward the wharves. She had not gone
far when the advancing rebel fleet sig
nailed Come no farther!
Admiral Benham promptly signaled to
the Detroit Go ahead" and no sooner did
Da Cana see this than bang went one of
his guns at the Detroit. This shot hit
nothing. so Captain Brownson of the De-
trolt was content to answer it only with a
shot across the bows of the rebel man-of-
war as warning that he was in earnest.
Da Cana could not take the hint, how
ever. and he fired again upon the Detroit.
This showed Captain Brownson that
further forbearance would be mistake,
so be let fly small shell from one Of his
6-iDch guns. This shell was intended to
strike, and IL did not miss the mark. 1t
struck the sternpost of the rebel ship with
crash that must have unpleasantly sur
prsed the Brazilians, who were all unused
to gunners vino hit their target at the first
! discharge.
Without any more ado. and with all
speed possible, Da Cana signaled that he
would cease firing, and doubtless he
| coupled it with feTvent prayer that the
| Yankee tars would see fit to do the same.
| 1t was we'll he did so, for Captain Browns on
was just preparing to give the rebel the
| benefit Of a full broadside from his big
puns hut noting the signal he mercifulIv
| forbOre.
Da CANA called council of his officers
later in the day and advised them to sub
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

sons course in the engagement Benham
spoke in words of praise.
The engagement between the contend
ing forces was short and decisive. The
advantage was all on the side of the
American ships, and the ending of the
combat showed the superiority of the
training and practice of the Yankee gum
ners.
The injury done to the crews of the rebel
Brazilian vessels is not known. Presum-
ably there were some casualties among the
officers and men. 1t is certain that Da
Gama's flagship. the Aquidaban. was
struck several times, and that it was on
account of injuries received by her that
Da Cana finally asked for quarter.
The details of Admiral Benham's tele-
graphic advices cannot be obtained at
either the State or Navy departments.
At the Cabinet meeting to-day the news
from Brazil was the chief topic of dis
cussion. Admiral Benham's message was
carefully considered, and after some de-
liberation bis course was approved.
Immediately after the Cabinet session a
telegram was sent from the President to
Benham, approving the position he had
taken in protecting American commerce
in Brazil and expressing the hope that no
further hostilities between the American
forces and the Brazilian insurgents would
be necessary.
Admiral Benham is the hero of the hour.
He has had the courage TO say that Ameri-
can commerce in the harbor of Rio shall
no longer be molested, and. what is more
10 the point. he has shown that his words
were spoken in earnest.
Benham has not only asserted the right
of American shipping masters TO land their
cargoes at Rio. but he has used the guns
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31
GERMANS FOLLOW SUIT.
Their Fla e Must Also Be Respected
by the Insurgents.

NEW YORK, Jan. 30.-The Worlds Rio
special says: The Germans showed to-day
that they are In full accord with the
American policy here and will initiate it.
A lighter carrying the German flag was
passing the iusurgent ship Guanabara to-
day when the latter fired upon 1t. Captain
Hoffmeyerl commander of the German
warship Arcons, Immediately sent second
and last warning to the commander of the
Juanabara, notifying him that If German
vessel was fired upon again he would sink
his ship.
Minister Thompson said to the World
correspondent to-day that he thought 1t
possible that a certain foreign power was
about to recognize the insurgents as
belligerents. He would not be more
specific, but the power meant is probably
England.
Thompson said he thoroughly approved
of what he characterized as Admiral Ben
hams splendid American policy. Every
body here expresses admiration for the
manner in which the American squadron
was handled.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31

them over to the White House in person
and submitted them to the President.
A naval officer who was seen at the de-
'partment and who was asked whether the
official dispatches from Admiral Benham
confirmed the news received via London
from the Rothschilds and by the press as
sociatiops, said: 1.-THE press dispatches
don't go far enough"
From this and other circumstances ap-
prehension is felt here that the reported
refusal of some of the younger officers Of
Da Cana to surrender to the American ad-
miral had led TO further hostilities beyond
those first reported. and that the c0ndi-
tions are sucn that it may be impossible to
send prompt news of the stirring events
which may be happening at any moment
in the harbor of Rio de Janeiro.
At the State Department it is given out
that nothing whatever has been received
within the past twenty-four hours from
Mr.. Thompson, United States Minister to
Brazil
THE CALL correspondent called at the
Brazilian legation this evening. only to
learn that Senior Mendonca, Brazilian
Minis ter. had gone to New York, and that
all cablegrams addressed to the legation
would be delivered to him directly there by
the cable company and not sent on 10
Washington.
The difficulty in the harbor of Riv. what
ever 1t may be, has 6oubtedly resulted
from the instructions which, it is said,
although they were never made public,
were given to Admiral Benham to protect
American commerce in that harbor.
Under Captain Picking who praceded
Admiral Benbam in command at Rio after
the recall of Admiral Stanton, it had been
the custom to keep all neutral merchant
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31
BENHAM THE HERO.
His Course Has Been Approved by
the President.

NEW YORK, Jan. 3U-The Tribune g
Washington special says: The news that
an engagement between the vessels of
Admiral Benham and those of Da Cana
han taken place was confirmed by advices
from Benham by Secretary Herbert.
The dispatch from Benham was received
last night about 10 o'clock. 1t was a long
message and the officials of the bureau of
navigation were occupied until about d
o'clock this morning in translatipg il
from the cipher code. Benham in
formed Herbert that he had been
compelled in the interest OF Americans
commence TO fire upon the flagship of Da
Cana, and III at after a short engagement
the Brazilian rebel had asked for quarter
that for the present quiet prevailed, and
that American shipping wss unmolested
in is efforts to land cargoes.
Benham also reported that all the YES.
sells under his command were engaged in
the contest. although only two of them
actively took part. To the Detroit fel
the duty of beginning the fire of the Amer
lean squadron and of Commander Brow
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31
THE OLD FLAG.
Must Be Respected
Everywhere.
BRAVE BENHAM'S ACT.
Fired on the Brazilian
Insurgents.
DA dAMA'S PRIDE HUMBLED.
American Gunners Shoot to Some
Purpose.
HOT SHOT FROM THE DETROIT.
Defied Two Rebel Cruisers and Placed
Her Convoy Safely at the
Wharves.

WASHINGTON, Jan. S0.-At late hour
tonight the following details from official
advices received by the Navy Department
are learned concerning the incidents Of the
29th at Rio.
Previous to the 29th Admiral Benham
had communicated with Da Gama, warn
ing him against firing on American ships
and refusing to allow the nsurgent COM
mander's excuse that he had given warn
ing concerning where the danger line was.
The commanders Of three American ships
having signifed a desire to go to the
wharves on the morning OF the 29th the
American admiral sent word that he
would convoy them. he also sent word
TO Da CANA TO that effect.
Two ships were conveyed to the wharves
by the Detroit, the insurgent warships
following them. When nearly at the
wharf and while the tug was taking a
cable ashore, one of the insurgent war
ships opened fire, sending volley of
musket-shot under the bow of the tug.
The Detroit answered with a warning
shot, and the insurgent ship then sent q
shot over the Detroit. The Detroit in re-
ply then sent shell which reached por-
ton Of the stern of the insurgent ship,
doing little damage.
The insurgent commander then fired in
warning a broadside to leeward in the
opposite direction from which the Detroit
lay. This was answered by another shot
fto nafr md he &c irv
nsled that unless the Detroit ceased firing
they 0be insurgents) would sink the
American ship.
The language used by the American ad-
miral in answer to this signal was of such
nature that the incident closed for that day
and the ships were allowed to land.
The question received in the dispatches
this afternoon as to what the United States
Government would do with Da Cana and
his forces if he had surrendered to Ben
ham is exciting considerable interest in
official circles here. The statement that he
may have so surrendered is credited,
and it is supposed that il he sur
rendered, he did so with some
assurances or promise from the American
admiral. Officials are wondering what
promises may have been made and
whether or not Benham may have prom
ised too much. Da Cana, it is said. has
violated more of the laws of the United
States and could not be turned over to the
Brazilian Government by this Government
Secretary Herbert admitted tonight
that he had been in correspondence with
Admiral Benham, but was not willing to
discuss the substance of the correspond
ence. he said he had received no in
formation of Da Gama's surrender.
The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-01-31
NOT TOY GUNNERS.
Details of the Engagement i'm the
BaY of BIO.


NEW YORK, Jan. 30-The Herald's cor
respondent at Montevideo cables that Rear
Admiral Benham has been obliged to fire
upon one Of the rebel warships to impress
the insurgents with the fact that when he
said American interests there would be
protected he meant it.
Only one shot was fred that was in
tended to hit the target. but that was
enough. 1t was shell from the Detroit
and it sank into the rebels stern post in a
busin ess-l like way that convinced the in
surgents that Uncle Sans gunners were
not toy gunners. and caused them to
quickly hang out the signal for cessa-
tion of hostilities.
The affair came about in this wav: Sew
eral American merchantmen have been
living in Rio harbor for sopie time now
anxious to discharge their cargoes at the
wharves. but fearing to 90 SO because the
rebel admiral declared that he would fire
upon them if they attempted it.
During a night attack upon the shore
guard last week by rebels in launches, two
OF these vessels, the Julia Rollins from
Baltimore, commanded by CAPTAIN Kiehne.
and the schooner Milie II, from New
7 FORK, commanded by Captain Suits, were
fired on by the insurgents
Complaint was made to the United
States admiral by these captains, and
Admiral Benbam at once informed Ad-
mirsl da Cana that United States vessels
must be free to go and come anywhere
within the harbor of Rio without fear of
moes tation of any kind.
Da Cana demurred to this proposition,
but did not formally repudiate 1t. Ac-
cordingly Captain Blackford. command
ing the American bark Amy. from Balti-
more, and Captain Myrick, commanding
the American bark Good News. also from
Baltimore, and Captain Kiehne of the
Julia Rollins gave notice last Saturday
that they were going to make their vessels
fast to the Saudre piers
Admiral da CANA at once sent word to
Benham that if this attempt were made
he would surely open fire upon the bold
merchantmen, and BeDham Immediately
replied with spirit that the vessels would
be protected in going to the piers by the