New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-02-02

REPORTS OF TIE ADMIRAL AND MIN
ISTER THOMPSON.

THE DETRO1Ts BIG GUNS NOT Used ~ COM
PErIING TIE INsrRGENr CRUISER TO
CEASE MoLEsTING AMERICAN YES
sELs-ApMIRAL BENIIAMs THREAT.
Washington. Feb. Light was thrown on the
new phase Of the Brazilian situation to-day by
the action of Secretary Herbert in making public
dispatch received from Rear Admiral Benham
and detailed report from Minister Thompson
of the occurrences in Rio Harbor Monday.
The dispatch from Admiral Renham is a report Of
his action in breaking the blockade and the
subsequent engagement between the cruiser
Detroit and an insurgent vessel \ message sent
this afternoon by Secretary Herbert to Admiral
Benham indorSng his prompt ana vigorous
action against Interference with American inter-
ests was also given out. as follows:
Hcnham. RIO Jancro Further information re-
ccivci from United States Minister. We are sails
fed entirc.y with the prudence and Judgment with
which y9n have carricI on nStrmctiona ,, ana pro pro-
tinu"I exercise 81 wise discretion. HERHERf
Secretary Herbert this morning had an inter
view with the President and persuaded him 70
withdraw his objections To- making public the
official news from Admiral Benham and Min
lister Thompson. The President authorized the
Secretary to give to the press the messages
from both these officials and also the telegram
of Endorsement sent to-day.
ADMIRAL nENIIAMs DISPATCH
The dispatch from Admiral Eenham. which
was received on January 90. is follows:
Secretary Of tho Navy Washington D. G.:
Two American merchant vessels Saturday were
a. sent the Detroit to take position that would
protect vessels going alongside the wharf. and If
ana cleared for action After the Detroit took posi-
uon. boat from on" vessel running line preparatory
Cd u tTa NON ct r l.
Surgtnt ship. Detroit returned fire with l-pounder;
broadsic gins, cewarI. Later. insnreents fired
Detroit returned fire with rnuske' ~ striking In
surgent slcrnpost Passing 10y insurgen' he was
hailed saying "lf yOu fire again | Will return
your fire AMI. II necessary sink you" Detroit an
chorol 10 command both vessels ono merchant
wharf ana tug ha.ng offered services gratuitously
to discharge cargo Insurgent leader was notified
these vessels would discharge from their present
chaneei-,o give american merchant vessels iuli
protection 70 the wharf. II they desire io 60
MINISTER THOMPSON DESCRIBES THE FIGHT
Following Is the cable dispatch. dated yes
terday which has been received from Minister
Thompson by Secretary Gresham:
Rio Janeiro. Jan. 3I-Had an interview with Ben
ham. lie reported the action fully 70 Navy De-
prrtmrnt Yesterday morning. The United states
aH9dr'n En- under ni AVA Way ggsrgi for 6 as'n
10 protect hy force. II necessary. and place along
SlIe ui DOCKS any American vessel WlSilliE - Eb
there. Detroit took position best afforded - protect
with order. II the vessels hrcd upon. to return
fire. boat from one of IN" American vessels run
ming lin" preparatory {" hauling In. was nrci upon
from insurgents but was not struck Detroit re-
bows Of insurgcnt cruiser Insurgrnt then fired
broadsile guns % lc"wari. and later Detroit re-
Passing hy Detroit. Commander hailed insurgent
vessel. telling him that II b" hr"i again Detroit
would return FIRE nul n necessary sink him. Onc
Of the American vessels HAVING now been carried
into position near dock ana tug having offered
ffl all
insurrcnt cruisers header was notified that O. .
vessels would discharge from tho positions they
Commanier-in-Chiof n United States squadron
remained UNCHANGED - give Amcricln vessels iGll
lf they So desired. Later. Detroit was wthlraWn
and squadron anchored Ronharn has not inter
fcred in the least with military or naval opera
lions of either side. nor s - his intention 10 do so.
he has notified INSURGENTS mat II H. his duty - pro-
ieo Amorlcnns ana commerce ~ the United states.
and this b" intends o. dp. ana says American vessels
must moi De- lntorfcrcI with I'm their movements.
in the line Of ire where Legitimate hostilitics are
Uniii belg,rent rights are accorded. insurgents
have 10 right To- exercise authority over American
vessels property. Right Of Insurgents to search
neutral vessels or to SEIZE any portion of their
carrocs is denied. even though they be- within the
during hostilit"s between two independent COY
crnmrrts Forcibie seizure of such articles IN the
prcsen. status Of insurgents would constitute an
act ~ piracy.
since the effective, action q M9nday eyerythngi
trade Is broken and the events move smoothly.
All foreign commuters concur as Tar a. al" 'd-
VIs-d
PROBABLY \ ONE FOUNDER WAS FIRED
The discrepancy between the statements Of
Minister Thompson and Admiral B"nham con-
cerning the callbro Of the gun fired from In"
Detroit ut the insurgcnt vessel on Monday l.
straightrnel ont al IN" Navy Department In
favor Of Admiral Bcnham. who said that "A ono
FOUNDER was used Mr.. ThOmpson's ignorance
Of ordnance affairs probably led him into error.
The only victim Of the hostiltics between la
CANA and Benham in Rio liarhor. 50 far as yet
reported Is Passed Assistant PaymaSt"r Gcorg"
Washington simpson. 81 the cruiser Detroit.
According 10 "A dispatch from Admiral Bcnham.
received before his message concerning Mon
DAYS incident. Mr.. simpson accidentally shot
himself in the leg while handling "A revolver
The injury Is slight
RTMORS or SURRENDER.