Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1894-02-01
THE BLOCKADE BROKEN
The Insurgents No Longer Keep
Ships From Rios Wharves.
BENHAMs COURSE IS APPROVED.
vessels of All Nations May Now Move
Freely About In the Harbor-Foreign
Commanders Commend the Prompt 40
tion OF the American.

vessels OF All NATIONS May Now Move
Freely About In the Harbor-Foreign
Commanders Comnend the Prompt Ac-
tion OF the American.
Rio DE JANEIRo, Feb. The action of
Admiral Benham in protecting American
ships in their effortto land at the wharves
in this harbor has had salutary effect.
English and merchant ships of other ma
tionalities are now coming UP to their
warves without any sign of molestation
on the part Of the insurgent vessels. Ad-
miral Benham's bold stand against inter-
ference with vessels of his country is gen
orally applauded,
The exchange of shots between the in
surgent and government forces has prae-
tically ceased during the past "a hours.
This is the first tfule for four months that
a day has passed when there was not more
or less firing. The unofficial warning
which Admiral Benham gave to Admiral
da CANA that firing, upon the wharves for
the mere purpose of creating a blockade by
terror must cease has been h." Id. All
the foreigners are delighted b the re-
suit of the American admiral, Conduct
The commanders of the foreign fleets held
a conference to discuss the action of Ad-
miral Benham, and resolutions were adopt
ed fully indorsing the course that he pur-
sued
Da CANA Watts to lombard.
Much regret is expressed at the absence
from Rio Janeiro of the American consul
general, Townes. Vice Consul Lewis is
little more than boy, and Americans here
hardly think him fitted to act as the rep
resentative Of the United States at such
critical juncture. they say that his lack
OF familiarity with diplomatic affairs is
liable to lead him constantly into blunders.
The report that Senior Moura, minister
of war, had resigned is not true. 1t was
his assistant, Senior Galvao, who resigned.
The report that the Brazilian govern
ment's cruiser America had arrived out
side this harbor on Monday proves to be
without foundations.
Admiral da Gamalfeels aagrieved at Ad-
mlral Benham. He sent a letter to the
American admiral protesting against the
ostentatious manner in which the Ameri-
can commander had Inundated him. He
says that he will yield for time to superior
force, but that as me was compelled to
allow American ships TO come to their
wharves he has officially notified the rep
resentatives of all other nations that they
may do the same
He declared that the insurgents had held
the harbor for five months, and says that
now if the shore batteries fire on him he
will be unable to reply for fear of hurting
neutral ships aud will also be unable to
protect his men.
Admiral da Cana also sent letter to
the officers who had gathered in conference
to discuss Admiral Benham's action, ask
ing that he might lie permitted to bombar
the city without notice. No answer was
sent to him. but Admiral Benham said
later that he would grant the insurgent
admiral permission to lombard the city,
but he would require that 48 hours notice
be given, so that noncombatants would be
able to seek shelter.