The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-02-01

ment, it was the duty OF our vessels TO
comply. and they were properly directed by
our Navy Department to do so. It turned
out. however. that. by this proceeding. the
city front had been uncovered and exposed
to the rebel guns and, accordingly, Presl-
dent PEIxoTo rescnded his original order.
and directed merchant vessels to resume
their former quarters. The Brazilian Gov
eminent had as much right to put forth
this second order as 1t had TO Issue that
which it superseded; nevertheless. our
Navy Department ordered our merchant
vessels to dsobey the second order, to dis
charge their cargoes by lighters. and thus
to leave the city front at the mercy OF the
rebel cannon. Through an ill-judged and
ill-timed eagerness to avoid even the sem
blnnce OF departure from neutrality. our
Navy Department practically favored the
cause OF the insurgents by declining TO
defer to the lawful and reasonable wishes
OF the only recognized Brazilian authorities.
The natural effect OF the attitude taken
by our Navy Department at this juncture
was to give DA CANA and his CONDUCTORS an
Inflated idea OF their own Importance. and
eontemptuous opinion OF the American
fleet. These feelings were presently dis
closed in series OF ungracious acts.
strongly contrasted with the studied
courtesy shown TO the naval representa-
tives OF other foreign powers. 1t ultimate
ly became manifest to our Navy Depart
ment that mistake had been made. and
accordingly. Admiral BENHAM was invested
with discretionary authority In the matter
OF protecting American commercial in
terests. To him exclusively belongs the
credit for the use he has made OF his deere
ton. He entirely reversed the policy which
had been enjoined upon his predecessors.
and forthwith notified tho rebel Admiral
that he would no longer recognize the
semblunce Of blockade which the Insurgents
had attempted to enforce. AMI that hence
forth American merchant vessels would ex-
erciec their lawful right Of proceeding at will
to any part OF tho harbor of Rio do Janeiro.
clustering attempt on the part OF one OF
the rebel war ships 60 stop one OF our mer-
chantmcn was met by an admonitory shot
from our cruiser. the Detroit. and DA CANA
promptly concluded that the better part OF
valor was submission He might have made
the firing OF tho shot u pretext for sur
rendering his ships to the American naval
force and thus escaping the fate which
threatens him at the hands Of President
PEIxOro. But this step. though lie seems
to have had 1t for time In contemplation,
had not, at the last adviccs. been taken.
We 90 not believe that there is any founda-
tion for tho report that the British Foreign
Office has determined to recognize the
Brazilian rebels as belligerents. Such an
act. performed at this time. would be u
gross affront to this country: and although
England seldom misses an opportunity Of
doing us an Ill turn. 1t Is evident that In
this instance sef-ntcrest would point an
other way. IL is more probable that
Great Britain and all the other foreign
powers which have naval representatives in |
Brazilian waters will follow the example |
set by the United States. in notifying the |
insurgents that their merchantmen must |
hereafter have absolute freedom of access |
to the city Of Rio de Janero Such measures |
will, OF course. be tantamount to an ahoi- |
tion of the unlawful blockade, by which the |
insurgents under MELLo and DA CANA |
planned to cut on the customs receipts. which |
constitute the chief financial resources OF |
the regular Brazilian Government.
Wo repeat. that to Admiral BENHAM the |
hearty thanks OF his countrymen arc due
for an act which will signally enhance the
prestige OF tho American navy and ma
terialy promote the interests OF American
commerce in Brazil. After the disgraceful
flasco in Hawaii we needed some impressive
proof OF this kind. that our naval officers,
At oil events, can he trusted to uphold the
honor OF the American flag.
An Anti-DemOcratic Tax.