The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-01-31
Admiral Benham Answers with Spirit,
and the Brief Engagement Comes
to Speedy End.
RUMORS ABOUT DA CANA
Report that the Leader of the
Rebels Has Surrendered,
And that He Is in Charge of Admiral
Benham-Talks with Senator'S and
Others-LondOn Press Comment.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 30.-At a late hour
tonight the following details from the Of
fetal advices of the Navy Department are
learned concerning the incidents on the
29th at Rio de Janeiro: Previous to the
10Th Admiral Benham had communicated
with Admiral Da Cana, warning him
against firing upon American ships and re-
fusing to accept the insurgent commanders
excuse that he gave warning concerning
where the danger line was. The command
ers of three American ships having sig
nified their desire to go to the wharves. on
the morning of the 18th, the American ad-
miral sent word that he would convey them.
He also sent word to Admiral Da Cana to
that effect Two ships were conveyed to the
wharves by the Detroit, the insurgents
war ships following them.
When nearly at the wharf, and when a
tug was taking cable ashore, the insur-
gent warships opened fire. sending a volley
Of musket shot under the bow Of the tug
The Detroit answered with a warning shot,
and the insurgent ship then sent a shot
over the Detroit. The Detroit, in reply,
sent a shot which reached a portion of the
stern OF the insurgent ship. doing little
damage. The insurgent commander then
fired, in warning. broadside to 1eeward,
In the opposite direction from which the
Detroit lay. This being answered by an
other shot from the Detroit, the insurgents
signaIed that unless the Detroit ceased
firing they (he insurgents) would sink the
American ship.
The language that was used by the
American admiral in answer to this signal
was of such a nature that the incident
closed for that day and the ships were al
lowed to land. The names of the ships
fetal dispatch from Rio
1t was reported this afternoon that Da
Cana had surrendered to Admiral Ben
ham. This gave rise to the question. what
the United States government would do
with the rebel admiral, and the matter is
still exciting considerable interest in ot-
fetal circles here The statement that he
supposed that if he surrendered he did
so with some assurances or promise from
the American admiral. Officials are Won
dering what promises may have been made,
and whether or not Admiral Benham may
have promised too much. Admiral Da
Cana, it is stated, has violated none OF
the laws of the United States and he
could not be turned over to the Brazilian
government by this government.
Though officials of the State and Navy
Departments are not especially communica-
tive tonight, the discussions in government
circles to-day over the latest situation at
Rio have allowed sufficient TO leak out to
warrant the statement that the Associated
Press dispatches are confirmed in every
particular by the advices received. The in
formation which the departments have, If
usually reliable sources Of information can
be trusted, Is that the United States cruiser
Detroit acted escort to the Amy, which
was being towed TO the wharf by tugboat.
AS the latter approached the dock a shot
was fired from one of the rebel vessels at
the tug and not at the Detroit 1t was then
that the Detroit fired a warning shot across
the bow Of the insurgent vessel. Hostili-
ties thereupon ceased. The kind of shot
fired Is not stated in the dispatches, except
that they were designed as warning
shots. The other statement made tonight
agrees with the one just related, except
that it goes further and announces that
after the Detroit fired the warning the in
surgent vessel fired blank broadside, and
that then the firing ceased. The object or
reason for the last action is not given and
is not understood by naval officers here,
unless it was intended as a salute. Secre-
tary Herbert. of the navy. was asked to-
night if he would say anything on the news
from Brazil. He admitted frankly that he
had been in correspondence with Admiral
Benham. but said he was not willing TO dis
cuss the substance of that correspondence.
Senator Sherman, the senior Republican
member OF the Senate committee on foreign
relations. expressed great interest in the
Brazilian news. Being requested to express
an opinion as 10 what course was probable
in view of the circumstances on the part of
the American government, he said: "As
Admiral Da Gami- is at the head of band
OF insurgents and repre- sents no organized
government. 1t will not be necessary 10 de-