New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-01-15
LOOKING FOR PEIXOTO's SUCCESS.
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS BASE THEIR EXPECTA-
TIONS on REPORTS FROM ADMIRAL BEN
HAM AND CAPTAIN PICKING.

HAM AND captain il'NIN'f
Washington. Jan. Il (SpeciaD.-It Is definitely
learned that Administration officials have become
convinced that the impending crisis in the Brazilian
situation means the complete success Of the Govern
/ ment forces Only short time ago IL WAS said Mt
the State Department that the victory of Moiio's
arms was only question Of time. The change in
official opinion the subject is due ~ recent al
vices from Captain Picking and later ones from
Admiral Benham. who has now assumed command
OF the naval forces at Rio Earlier and misleading
advces were probably sent by Minister Thompson
The State and Navy departments now informed
that end to the revolution is expected within the
next few days. and that there is practically no
doubt of the defeat Of the insurgents.
The Government forces and the rebels are both
making great preparations for the final struggle.
Admiral Melo has returned with the Aquilaban t.
the harbor and has taken command Of the feet.
The Repubca being armOred vessel dl
attempt pass the forts at the entrance 20
the harbor. and remains outside. The re-en;rance
Of Mello TO the harbor with his battcShip - re-
garded conclusive evidence Of the growing weak
ness OF the forts and ships which have recently
been commanded by Admiral da Cana. and of
Mellos determination TO make n final desperate
stroke FOR victory.
While re,!cent as 10 the details Of Admiral Bon
hams and Captain Pickng's latest advices. naval
officials admit that the situation At Rio is serious
The return of the Aqudaban to the harbor of Rio
is regarded with grave concern. officials fear taat
the presence Of the vessel in the harhor at this time
a determination on the part Of McIo and
Da CANA TO storm the city. Such course is %
be deprecated for every reason. Naval officials say
should the fleet begin a bombardment Peixoto IS
sure open fire the Insurgents forts ana ships
his powerful batteries in the forts Of Castle
Hill and Sambento and the loss Of lie and prop
erty which would follow general engagement
would. with the bad Workmanship Of brazilian
gunners be terrific.
The Navy Department has been Informed that |
tho hot of fbo f..-
ing made stronger and that Pelxoto has practically
decided to give heed longer 10 the agreement /
that he would not strengthen his works Ions !
Mello did not fire on the city proper PelN0to is /
said TO have declared lately that failure on his |
part to complete the construction OF his forts would
leave Rio at the mercy Of Mcilo's guns at any /
time that the rebel forces fit 10 open fire.
Peixoto has grown impatient Of delay IN bring |
ing about end Of the rebellion. and within The |
past few days he has indicated an intention Of pre-
cpitating matters by turning the guns in Castle
Hill and Sambento his enemy. Naval officials
have doubt that II these forts should attack
Mello. his ships and forts would soon be rendered
helpless. If they not destroyed. Castle Iiill
and Sambento armed with modern Krupp rifles
Of biz calibre Foreign diplomatic and naval repre-
70 restrain both PeiXOto and Mc!lO. but they
said to realize the fact that the Government has
good reason for taking steps suitably TO strengthen
the ctys defences In whatever their representa-
tives do In the matter foreign governments act
uated by both selfish and humane IDEAS. All have
property interests at RIO. while those which
most active In the premises have number Of sub
jects engaged In business and living IN or the
city.
Friends Of Pexoto now in this city hold tha: the
interference Of foreigners in the rebellion IN fore
Ing upon the Government the decree that Rio WAS |
not fortified city, and otherwise preventing the
Government taking vigorous measures to put an end
10 the rebellion. will. in international law exempt
the Republic from liability for losses incurred or
damages sustained by foreigners. This contention
Is based five distinctions Of law. and II viii doubt
less be the subject Of controversy when the rebel
lion is ended the lives OF several foreigners have
been lost and the property of others damaged by
Melo'S guns. In the mean time foreign countries
represented at Rio refuse belligcrcnt rights to MclO
and look to the Government responsible for III
1uries 10 their subjects
Minister MendOnca has received Information Of
the arrival at Pernambuco Of the torpedo boat
purchased by PeixOtOs agents in Germany. He has
also been Informed that the Tirdentes and Bahia
which have been anchored off MOntevideO since the
rebellion began. have been ordered north to join the
loyal feet under command OF Admiral Duarte
Senior MendOnca expects soon to hear that the
loyal fleet has started for Rio Nothing further has
been heard from the Riachuello and the benjamin
Constant. recently at TOulOn fitting for active
service and the presumption Is that the vessels
on the way to the northern rendezvous of Admiral
Duarte's fleet