The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-02-05
RIO JANE|RO BLOCKADE.
Da Gama's Object Was to
Destroy BraziI's Revenue.
COMMANDER PICKING WAS SLOW,
But Things Quickly Changed When
Benham Acted-Hc Would Tolerate
No blockade and Paid scant Atten-
ton to Da Gama's Talk Of England.

Rio DE JANErRo Fob. 5.--The Asso-
ciated Press correspondent In this city has
made as thorough an investigation as Is
possible, under the circumstances, of the
causes which led up to the recent demon
stration by Admiral Benham in this har-
bor In defense of American shipping,
which has been subjected for long time
to the reckless firing of the insurgent
feet. As a result Of the correspondents
inquiries, the following facts have been
So long as Admiral de Mello was in
charge of the insurgent vessels In the bay
and the head of the revolutionary move
ment, no blockade was permitted in this
harbor. Vessels of foreign nations were
permitted freely to enter-the bay dis
charge their cargoes at the wharves, re-
load and quietly depart When Admiral
da CANA, after issuing his pronuncia-
mento against Peixoto. deserted the gov
ernment, he Joined DE Mello AID issued
his famous imperial manifesto; he also
declared with - great deal Of emphasis
that he meant from that time forth to
stop all commerce with Rio de Janeiro.
and by this means practically destroy the
revenue which the Brazilian government
was receiving from TINS course.
England, he announced, as II on the
authority of British officials, was anxious
for the restoration of monarchy through
out Brazil aid the overthrow of recipro
city. With this powerful backing he APP
peared to think that he was fully war
ranted in his autocratic action.
Ds Gama's Warning.
Following close upon this declaration
he issued n warning to all vessels. no
matter to what nationality they belonged,
that they must nop attempt TO discharge
their cargoes or they would rue IL. Fol
lowing this example, set by their superior
officer, the other insurgent leaders made
use of the same threats-.
When information of what they had
done reached the ears of the United States
minister, Mr.. Thompson, he Immediately
made vigorous protest, In the course OF
which he insisted that Admiral da CANA
had no right to institute such blockade.
No matter what the ministers of other
countries thought Of the order, Mr..
Thompson said that he felt It his duty TO
demand ample protection for all vessels
flying the flag of his country.
Minister Thompson did not rest salts
fed with this protest, but promptly paid
a visit to Commander Henry II. Picking,
who was then in command of the Ameri-
can vessels here, and asked him In the
most decided manner to afford protection
70 all American vessels.
In reply to Minister Thompson, Com
mander Picking said that II an American
sailor was shot while his vessel was in
the act OF discharging her cargo, he would
promptly prosecute the captain of the
rebel warship which was responsible for
the sailors death. Beyond this Com
mander Picking seemed unwilling to GO
and Minister Thompson was thus rem
dered powerless to do anything more for
the protection of American shipping.
Benham Means Business.
Now everything Is changed owing to
the determined action OF Admiral Ben
ham, who has assured the captains Of
American vessels that he will protect
their ships and lighters so far as he il
able to do so. At the same time. how
ever, he has warned these captains that he
cannot prevent them from running the
risk of chance shots at the wharves.
II is impossible to discharge cargoes
elsewhere All the tugs used in towing
the vessels are owned by Brazilians, and
Admiral da CANA threatened to
promptly seize them II they tow lighters
which are discharging.
Admiral Benham thinks that the risk
at the wharves is slight, but he refuses at
present to advise American captains how
they should act. He Is determined, how
ever, to afford them all the protection he.
can. ~
The reported sinking of the torpedo
boat on Monday last was without foun-
dation.
warship Ont of Order.
PERSAMBuco. Feb 5--One of Peixoto's
American warships has arrived at this
port with her machinery deranged.