The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-02-01
INSURGENTS COWED.
Merchant Ships Reach Rio Without
Molestati0n.
Benham's Policy Is Endorscd-Da
CANA May Get Permission to Bonn
bard the City.

Rio DE JANxIRo, Feb. THE action o
Admiral Benham in protecting American
ships in their efforts to land ~ the
wharv9s In this harbor has had salu-
tary effect. English and merchant ships
of other nationalities are now coming up
to their wharyes, without any sign Of
molestation ON the part Of the insurgent
vessels.
Admiral Benham's bold stand against
interference with vessels OF his country IL
generally applauded.' The exchange of
shots between the insurgent and govern
ment forces has practically ceased during
the past "a hours Yesterday was the first
time for four months that day has passed
when there was net more or Less firing.
The unofficial warning which Admiral
Benham gave to Admiral da Cana that
firing upon the whsrves for the mere pur-
pose of creating a blockade by terror must
cease has been needed.
Benham's Course Endorsed.
All the foreigners are delighted with
the result of the American admiraPs con-
duet The commanders of the foreign
fleets held conference yesterday to dis
cuss the action of Admiral Benham, and
resolutions were adopted fully endorsing
the course that he pursued.
Much regret is expressed at the absence
from Rio Janeiro of American Consul
General Townes. Vice Consul Lewis is
little more than a boy, and Americans
here hardly think him fitted to act as a
representative 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 il not true. II was
his assistant, Senior Galvao, who re-
signed.
The report that the Brazilian govern
ment's cruiser America had arrived out
side this harbor on Monday proves to be
without foundation.
Da CANA Is Aggrieved.
Admiral da CANA feels aggrieved at
Admiral Benham. He sent IA letter to the
American admiral, yesterday, protesting
against the ostcntatious manner in which
the American commander had humiliated
him.
he says that he will yield for a time to
superior force. but that as he was COM
PEELED to allow American ships TO come to
their wharves he has officially notified the
representatives of all other nations that
they may do the same. He declares that the
insurgents have held the harbor for five
months, and says that now, il the shore
batteries fire upon him, he will be unable
TO reply for fear of hurting neutral ships
and will also be unable to protect his men.
Admiral da Cana also sent letter TO
the ofiicers who had gathered in confer
ence to discuss Admiral Benham's 's action,
asking that he might be permitted to
lombard the city without notice No
answer was sent to him, but Admiral
Benham said later 10 The Associated
Press correspondent that he would grant
the insurgent admiral permission to bonn
bard the city, but he would require that
As hours notice be given. so that non
com batants would be able to seek shelter
Wei Deserved Praise.
WASHINGTON, Feb. l.-Representative
Money Dem, Miss of the house com
mittee on naval affairs will introduce a
Joint resolution in congress congratulate
ing Admiral Benham on his prompt ac-
tion in Rio harbor in quieting the guns Of
the insurgents. Mr. Money says:
"Benham is hero, and his course in
firing the shot will be sustained by the
country and congress. II would do the
country good il we had good many
Benhams, ready to act promptly i'm sns-
tanning American rights. Promptness IL
the essential qualification OF great COM
mander, and Benham showed his good
Judgment in striking while the iron was
hot, instead of cabling for instructions,
and thus delaying until the offense to
American interests could not be repaired
Benham is the first naval hero we have
had in years, and think the congratula-
tions OF congress are due him"
This feeling of Benham's course is gen.
eral In the house.
Benhnm Backed by Germans.
New YORK, Feb. IA Rio special TO
The Herald says a launch loaded with
coal and flying the German flag was fired
on in the harbor by the rebel ship Guiana.
bara on Tuesday. The captain OF the
German warship Arcoma at once boarded
the rebel ship and threatened 10 sink her
IL she fired on the German flag again
Admiral da CANA replied that he could
only be sunk once. The German com
mander has cabied TO Berlin that he
would cooperate with the American
feet in protecting their ships.