Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-01-15
CRISIS APPROACHING
Vigorous American Action Probable In
Brasili.a Waters.
Concentration Of Naval Forces Means
SOmething-Arbitra Talked
Of by the United States,

It is expected that the policy Of the ad-
ministration in the Brazilian affair will be
developed within the next few weeks. The
heet now in the harbor OF the Brazilian
capital consists OF four OF the finest ships
Of the new navy, to wit: San Francisco
(nagship). Charleston, Newark and Detroit.
1t will be increased before the week is out
by the big armored cruiser New York,
which as a fighting machine undoubtedly
outclasses any other vessel in the harbor
The big monitor Miantonomoh. which was
originally destined for service In Brazil, is
still at Norfolk. She may continue her
cruise as far south as the West Indies, but
there is no longer any prospect Of her going
to Rio. The Secretary Of the Navy has
evidently reached the conclusion that II
would be a waste Of money to send her on
such a long cruise. especially as there is no
special occasion for her presence in the
South Atlantic.
Vigorous Action.
Although there have been no official ad-
missions to that effect. 1t is generally un-
derstood in military and diplomatic circles
that the concentration Of a large American
fleet at Rio just at this time means nothing
more nor less than that the administration
has determined upon a vigorous course Of
prompt removal Of all existing obstacles to
free and unrestricted commerce between
Brazil and the United States. How this is
to be accomplished Is not stated but a dis
play Of force Is undoubtedly one Of the
elements for its execution
RumOred Arbitration.
1t is understood that the efforts Of Ad-
mirai Benham, who has relieved Capt. Pick
ing Of command Of the naval forces at Rio,
will be directed toward q speedy settle
ment Of the war. There is no intention
Of employing force in bringing about this
result, but II is believed the presence Of
warships will have a salutary influence.
Admiral Benham will. II il said, endeavor
to convince the contending parties Of the
folly Of continued strife and will probably
erable settlement Of their differences on q
peaceful basis. In case both parties de-
sire II. he will. SO II Is said. consent to
act as an arbitrator in the matter. All the
interested in ending the war and will un-
doubtedly cooperate In a plan to accom-
plish that end.
Approaching q Crfais.
There is an impression in some quarters
that the situation IL approaching a crisis
and that one party or the other will have
TO give up before very long. In that event
IT will not be necessary for the United
States to intercede for peace or to take
any active steps in that direction. Other
wise. however. the reason for the concen-
tration Of q large naval feet at the seat of
trouble win probably become manifest in
active naval demonstrations. On Saturday
dispatch was received at the Navy De-
partment from Capt Picking saying: "Aqui-
daban came In this morning in broad day
light without injury apparently by the
forts at the entrance to the harbor" Naval
officers are inclined to regard this as an
indication that battleships can easily pass
the forts at any time without serious dam
age.