The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-03-14
LONG WAR IS ENDED.
Government Vessel Fire Part
ing Shots at insurgents.
eMeMrs GUNS REMAINED SILENT.
The Surrender Of the Rebels Was I'm
concttional-Many Insurgcnt Onicers
Seek Refuge ON Foreign Men-of-
war--The War Virtually at an End.
Bv the Associated Press.


RIO DE JANEIHo. March H. - At 10
o'clock yesterday the bar fortress opened
fire upon Fort villegaignon. In q short
time the government forces at Fort Arma-
Gao and Fort Grsgoats joined in the
bonn mbardment. The fire was not returned
by the insurgents. The bombardment
was continued until 3 o'clock, when it
ceased.
CASTILLO, San Bento. Saude, Curvello
and all the city batteries then opened q
furious fight upon Fort Villegaignon and
the in surgent warship Tamandare. The
fire was also directed upon the insurgent
works at Cobras island and at other
places. The forces at Enchadas lowered
the hospital flag and hoisted the insurgent
ensign.
The garrison at Governors island also
took part In the attack on Fort Vile
gaignon, which was badly hammered by
the government guns. Tho works on
Cobras island took fire. but the flames
were soon extinguished.
The firing Of the batteries lasted for an
hour. No great damage was done. The
insurgents did not fire shot, outstanding
their ammunition.
Entering the Harbor.
At 4 o'clock the government feet ap-
peared OF the harbor. the torpedo boat
Aurora leading The other vessels in the
feet were the Nictheroy, America, Itaipu.
Bahia, Tiradentes aud .Parayhabs and
two steamers and five torpedo boats. I'M
mediately upon the appearance OF the
squadron the rebels hauled down the white
ensign from one of the ships which was
lying near Enchadas and hoisted signal
which was answered from ashore.
A launch containing an officer then
went from one insurgent ship to another
and each vessel lowered the white flag.
Two torpedo boats from the government
feet outside then entered the bay. One
of them went to Fort Villegaignon and it
was shortly followed by the launch from
the rebel ship.
A few minutes later the white ensign
came down from the fort, and at 5:45
o'clock the government vessels came up
the bay, being q welcome sight to the
anxious people on shore.
The war is practically over and the
cause of the insurgents is lost one.
There il much rejoicing in this city at the
elimination of the struggle which has
continued 40 many months, with no OBJ
ject seemingly but to hamper business
and destroy property.
Unconditional Surrender.
The rebel forces have surrendered un.
conditionally, almost without firing q
shot. The officers Of the insurgcnt fee,
have taken refuge on board French and
Portuguese warships. One French vesse
has put to sea with many of the rebe
officers on board. 1t is said that Admiral
da CANA Is on board the British warshir
Sirius.
When the fact became known tha,
Da CANA had offered to capitulate, the
government feet entered the harboI
quietly. As the vessels made their way
up the bay. they were saluted by tn,
various government batteries. The great
est excitement prevails In the city. The
streets are crowded and everywhere car
b heard the cry of "viva Peixoto."
Rio II Happy.
For the last two days the streets have
been packed with people, and all the
available trucks and handcarts have beer
busy carrying household goods and
personal effects out of the city. The tram
cars have been jammed until yesterday
afternoon. when it was learned that the
struggle was over. This was most Joyful
news to the people, who fully expected
that battle was at hand.
There has been much suffering in the
city. All business houses have beer
closed, and it has been very difficult tt
get good food. The whole available po
lice force has been on duty constantly,
but there has been little disturbance
Almost the whole population IL gathered
In the center OF th3 city. Probably l0o, ,00t
persons have ls9g the city.
Railroad transp6rtation to the suburb,
IL free The eo{ernment Is feeding tn,
poor. Great Eryxdg collected on the hill,
with the expectation Of witnessing bat
tie between theStw@<erces.
The insufgenb wophip Aquidaban IL
not In thiss harho admiral de Mellc
was false tetheerhpsIpr and to President
Fonseca aA Pfesidept. Peixoto, he now
proves falsb 70 Admital ~ Cana. wher,
he and h'ssysel are + n0S known
In<>,.lis Talk n SH,olifics