The record-union., 1894-01-31

Captains of the American vessels inti-
mated that they wanted TO go to the
wharves. and the American Admiral
notified Da CANA that it was his inten-
tion to convoy them at sunrise Monday.
Fearing trouble, Benham ordered the
vessels of the fleet cleared tor action. The
CAPTAINS of two of the ships weakened
and failed to come into the harbor. The
Amy was the only one that ventured in,
and she was escorted by the United States
cruiser Detroit
AS precautiOn against possible ag-
gressive action on the part OF the IN
surgents, the cruisers New York, Charles
ton and Newark We're assigned to watch
the actions of Da Gama's ship, the Aquid-
aban, while the Detroit and San Francisco
were signaled to take positions near the
Trajano and GIanabarra. These precau-
tons proved effective, and the insurgents,
in the face Of the formidable array OF
American vessels, made but feeble at
tempt to hinder the Amy's progress to
the wharf. No guns were opened upon
her by Da Gamas vessels. and, as
matter of course, the American vessels
did not fire upon the lnsurgent ships.
The insurgent protest consisted of this:
As the Amy got abreast of the Guna-
barra marine on the last-named vessel
aimed musket at her and fired. Two
musket shots were fired at the Gunabarra
and Trajana from the Amy's escort, the
Detroit, in return. This was all the
firing done during the Amy's trip, and it
was enough. All opposition ceased at
once, and the use of the heavy guns were
not considered necessary at any time.
At later hour Da CANA conferred with
his officers upon the adyisabllity OF sur
rendering to the Detroit in consequence
of the musket shots fired. de was dis
suaded from doing so, but it is thought
possible he may yet decide to surrender
to the American commander.
There is no doubt Da CANA is in bad
way. His proposed compromise has been
refused by PeiXoto's Government, and 1t
seems to be only a matter of time when
he will have to give up the struggle The
complications OF the insurgent situation
are increased by the absence of De Mello.
The failure of the latter Admiral to ar
rive here to assist the insurgent fleet has
given rise 30 report that he is dead.
The commanders of the sixteen war
ships here, including five American and
four English and French, have sent
message to Admiral Benham congratu-
lating him upon his prompt action. The
Austrian commander cleared his ship
and made ready to help the American
Admiral in case help was necessary.
BENHAM's ACTION COMMENDED.
LONDON, Jan. 30.-The leading news
papers R0u0Idl1y tu6 VI
Admiral Benham in Rio harbor.
The Standard says the blockade has
been broken up as far as American YES
sells are concerned, and concludes that
Benham's example will be generally fol-
lowed by other naval officers at Rio
The Telegraph says there will be very
general sympathy with the American
determination not to permit commerce to
be absolutely crippled by the wanton and
fratricidal Brazilian struggle.
SIMPLY A DEFENSIVE MEASURE.
LONDON, Jan. 30.-Em mbassador Bayard
said regarding the Brazilian affair: Rear
Admiral Benhams action, as reported,
does not indicate political interference
1t seems to have been simply defensive
measure. The latest news received here
indicated what was likely to happen. In
my opinion, it is the duty of ships of any
power to protect merchantmen. l cam
not, therefore, think it likely there will
be any objection made by any other
power to Benham's action"