Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-02-01
BENHAM's DISPATCH.


Secretary Herbert had a conference with
the President this morning in regard to the
situation at Rio. the result of which is indi-
Gated In the following correspondents
which the Secretary made public on lis
return to the Navy Department.:
The first is Admiral Benham's cable mes
sage to Secretary Herbert, giving an ac-
count Of his action In breaking the block
ade. 30 far as American ships are concern
ed. 1t is dated Rio. and was received Janu-
airy 29 and is as follows: 1.-TWO American
merchant vessels Saturday were prevented
from going alongside the wharf. Today, 8
am. sent the Detroit to take position that
would protect vessels going alongside the
wharf. and II fired upon to return fire. My
vessel (s} under way and cleared for action.
After the Detroit took position, boat frcm
one vessel running line preparatory to haul
In was fired upon with muskets from in
surgent ship. Detroit returned fire with
six-pounder. shot striking under her bow.
Insurgents fired broadside gun (s) leeward.
Later. insurgents fred broadside gun over
American merchant vessels. Detroit re-
turned fire with musket Cd. striking insur-
gent stern-post Passing by insurgent. he
was hailed, saying, IF you fire again 1
will return your fire. and If necessary, will
sink YOU. Detroit anchored to command
both vessels, one merchant vessel having
and tug having offered services, gratuitols-
ly, to discharge cargo. Insurgent leader
was notified these vessels would discharge
from the present positions. but that my
determination was not changed-tO give
American merchant vessels full protecuion
to the wharf, If they desire to CO.
The Minister'S Account.
The following cable message was received
from Minister Thompson last evening,
dated Rio de Janeiro. January 81:
Had an interview with (Benham). He
has reported the action fully TO (Navy De-
partmenU yesterday morning. The squad
ron got under way, cleared for action, and
having notified city and insurgents of his in
tention to protect by force if necessary and
place alongside of docks any American ves-
sells wishing to go there. Detroit took po-
sition best afforded to protect. with orders
that II the vessels were fired upon to re-
turn fire. A boat from one of the Ameri-
can vessels running line preparatory to
hauling in was fired upon from insurgents,
put was not struck. Detroit returned fire
with six-pounder, which struck under bows
or insurgent cruiser. lnsurgent then fired
broadside guns to leeward. and later De-
troit returned fire, muSkets striking fnsur-
gents stern post.
Passing by, Detroit commander hailed in
surgent vessel, telling him that if he fired
again Detroit would return fire and II
vessels having now been carried into new
position near dock, and tug having offered
services gratuitously to discharge cargoes
or all, fnsurgent cruisers leader was roti-
fled that the vessels would discharge from
the positions they were then in but that
the determination of the commander-in-
chief of the United States squadron re-
mained unchanged to give American YES
sells full protection and place them in their
Derths at docks If they so desired I.a,er
Detroit was withdrawn and squadron an
chored. BenhaIn has not interfered in the
least with military or naval operations Of
either side, nor is 1t his intention to do So
A Firm Policy.
He has notified insurgents that 1t is his
duty to protect Americans and commerce
of the United States and this he intends to
do. and says American vessels must lot be
interfered with IN their movements, but
they mu1t take the consequences (when)
getting in the line Of fire where legitimate
hostiiities are actually in progress. Until
belligerent rights are accorded, insurgents
have no right to exercise authority over
American vessels or property. Right Of
insurgents to search neutral vessels or to
seize any portion of their cargoes is denied
even though they be within the class which
may be defined as contraband of war dur
ing hostilities between two Independent
governments. Forcible seizure of such ar
ticles in the present status of insurgents
would constitute an act of piracy.
Since the effective action of Monday
everything is quiet. Attempted blockade to
commerce and trade is broken and the
events move smoothly. All foreign COM
mandsrs concur as Tar as am advised"