The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1894-02-05
BEyHANS STAND At RIO.
De Cana Intent on Running Things
With a High Hand.

The Impression Given Out by the In
sureent That England Was at His
Baok-Minister Thompson's Appeal
70 Commander Picking for Protec-
ton to American Shipping Failed
IN Give Him Much Satisfaction.
Copvright 1894, by the Associated Press.)
Rio de Janeiro, Feb. 4.-The Associated
Press correspondent in this city has made
the most thorough investigation possible
under the circumstances of the causes
which led up to the recent demonstration
nv Admiral Benham in this harbor, in
defense Of American shipping, which had
been subjected for long time to the reck-
less firing of the insurgent feet
DE CANA DIcTAToRIAL.
Asa result of the correspondence on
the inquiries the following facts have
been obtained: So long as Admiral de
Mello was in charge of the insurgents
vessels in Rio bay and at the head of the
revolutionary movement no blockade was
permitted in this harbor. Vessels of
foreign nations were permitted
freely to enter the bay, discharge
their cargoes at the wharves, reload and
quietly depart. When Admiral de Cana,
after issuing his pronunciamento against
President Pexioto, deserted the govern
ment, Joined Admiral de Mello and issued
his famous imperial manifesto, he de-
cared with great deal of emphasis that
he meant from that time forth TO stop all
commerce with Rio de Janeiro, and by
this means practically destroy the reve-
nue. which the Brazilian government was
receiving from this source.
WAS ENGLAND BACK OF HIM2
England, he announced as if on the
authority of British officials, was anxious
for the restoration of the monarchy
throughout Brazil and overthrow of reci-
procity With this powerful backing he
appeared to think that he was fully war
rauted in his autocratic action. Follow
ing close upon this declaration he issued
a warning to all vessels, no matter to
what nation they belonged, that they
must not attempt to discharge their car
goes or they would rueit Following this
example set by their superior officer, the
other insurgent leaders made use of the
same threats
MINISTER THOMPSON PROTESTS.
When information of what they had
done reached the ears of the United
States minister, Mr.. Thompson, he imme-
diately made vigorous protest. in the
course of which he insisted that Admiral
de Cana had no right to institute such a
blockade No matter what the ministers
OF other countries thought of the order,
MIR Thompson said that he felt it his
duty to demand ample protection for all
vessels flying the flag of his coun-
try: Minister Thompson did not
rest satisfied with this protest,
but promptly paid visit to Commander
Henry +, Picking. who was then in COM
mand Of the American warships here, and
asked him, in the most decided manner,
10 afford protection to all American yes
sells.
PICKING NOT AGGRESSIVE.
In reply to Minister Thompson, Com
mander Picking said that if an American
sailor was shot while his vessel was in
the act of discharging her cargo. he
would promptly prosecute the captain of
t1e rebel warship which was response
0le Tor the sailors death. Beyond this,
Commander Picking seemed unwilling
to go, and Minister Thompson was thus
rendered powerless to do anything more
Ior the protection of American shipping.
now everything is changed owing to the
determined action of Admiral Benham.
VINO has assured the captains of Ameri-
can vessels that he will protect their
sSulps' and lighters so far as he is able to
do 50.
RISK OF CHANCE SHOTS.
Al the same time, however. he has
warned these captains that he cannot
prevent them from running the risk of
chance shots at the wharves 1t is i'm
P9TSslole to discharge cargoes elsewhere.
al the tugs used in towing the vessels
are are owned by Brazilians, and Admiral de
!Ea Gaaa threatens to promptly seize them
ipg. =
ADMIRAL Benham thinks that the risk at
@ sue Wharyes is slight, but he refuses at
present TO advise American captains how
sney should act. He is determined, how
can. F-N'00''oH A0
or NE Me- reported sinking of torpedo boat
Oh Monday was without foundation.