Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-03-15
Minister Thomson Reports.

WASHINGTON. March l5.-The following cahlegram from Minister Thompson at Rio was received at the department of state:
 The operations were directed by the presi- dent from the marine arsenal on the water front. At 3:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon flags of truce were hosted on EnchadaS island The president sent immediately and ascertained that the whole force of the insurgents were there with the exception of the officers, who had taken refuge on the French, POrtugesc and English men-of-war A surgeon alone re- maned with the forces. Da Gama had left on the French cruiser Junon. About o'clock the government fleet entered the bay, led by the Nctheroy, and anchored in front of the city.
 The rebel war vessels and Fort Nillcgaignon and Cobras island had been abandoned by the rebels. Business has been resumed, and every thing s tranquil. THOMPSON.
 The news of the surrender from Rio de Janeiro contained in Minister ThOmpson's cabltgram was very welcome to Secretary Gresham, and to Secretary Herbert partic- ularly. To the first it serves as relief from the ever present apprehension lest something should occur that might involve the nited States government in some ugly dispute with one of the combatants or per, hapS with some of the foreign powers that have so jealously watched the course so firmly and consistently pursued by this government
 To Secretary Herbert the surrender means the ability to relieve most of the American sailors, who have endured much hardship and exposure to yellow fever, from further service at Rio. and to utilize the ships now there for duty ill other places where they are much needed. It also means q considerable saving to the navy depart ment, for the maintenance of the large fleet al Rio has been very expensive.
 Our Naval Officers Acted Wisely.
 Minister Thompson and Admiral Ben ham have both acquitted themselves of their delicate and responsible duties to the perfect satisfaction of the president and their superior officers. Secretary Gresham said that there was nothing for the United States to do now at Rio. We had acted with perfect fairness throughout and there was no occasion now for interference so long as American interests were safe.
 Whether or not the French British and Portuguese naval commanders have laid themselves liable to a charge of violation of neutrality ill receiving the fugitive rebel officers aboard their ships is q matter in which the United States feel no concern, particularly as we are blamelcss on that score. The naval officers here are well pleased that Da Gama should have escaped believing that he is q man of sterling qual- ities and brave to a fault. It is SUrmised that he will be landed at MOntevideO or some other neutral port. and it is believed that he will have nothing more to do with rebellion in Brazil.
 It is suspected by naYal officers that Da Gama has been made a scapegoat by Mello. for il is now believed that when the latter sailed away from Rio with the Aquidab ban and Republica he realized that the rebel cause at that place was absolutely hope less.
 Secretary Herbert is still confined to his home bya slight touch of the grip, and his representative. Assistant Secretary Me Adoo, said he presumed steps would be taken immediately leading to the dispersal of the American fleet at Rio.