Waterbury evening Democrat., 1894-01-30
Benham as Mediator.

LONDON, Jan. 3O.-The following advance
cable message sent to The Times from Rio
de Janeiro, dated Thursday last, via Mon
tevideo, Jan. &c. confirms the dispatches in
regard to the peace negotiations which
have been going on under the auspices of
Rear Admiral Benham on board the United
States flagship:
1.-The American admiral on Monday in
vited Admiral da Cana to an interview on
board the flagship New York. Admiral da
Cana states that the American admiral
assumed somewhat peremptory manner,
stating that the lnsurgent cause was hope
less and that he proposed to arrange a rec
onciliation. Admiral da Cana replied that
the only terms possible were the resigna-
ton of President PeiXoto aud free cleo
ton.
The American admiral then lost his
temper and said that he would protect
commerce and also the landing of govern
ment war material, using force if neces-
sary. Admiral da Cana replied that the
insurgents control the states of Rio Grande
do Sui, Santa Catharina and Parana and
that they will make every effort to hold
out at Rio de Janeiro until the arrival of
the southern troops, as they consiG er they
have a chance of victory.
Yesterday the American admiral at
tended the palace in order to pay an official
visit. He had previously notified President
PeiXoto, but was kept waiting for two
hours, and then an orderly informed him
that the president was busy and unable to
receive him. The Americans say that this
is direct insult to the American navy. A
conference of the foreign commanders was
held today, and it was decided to telegraph
to their respective governments saying
that the insurgents have complete control
of the harbor and asking for instructions
as to whether they are to use force in order
to protect shipping or give the insurgents
a free hand. "
Expected In Washington.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 80. THERE'S no doubt
that the correspondence which is being
carried on between the state and navy de-
partments and the American representa-
tive at Rio de Janeiro is of nature which
indicates that the relations in Rio de
Janeiro bay are becoming more and more
strained and that a crisis is fast approach
ing, if not already at hand.
Officials of the state and navy depart
ments, although they are very reticent in
regard to the matter, admit enough to
make this information certain. There is
undoubtedly an expectation that some
thing may happen at any moment which
will compel the American admiral, all
though carrying out his original instruc-
tions to protect our interests, to interfere
in the progress of affairs in the bay.
admiral da Gama," said prominent
official, lis hot headed man, and if he
should interfere with American interests
in any way the American admiral would
undoubtedly interfere, acting under gener-
al instructions"
Secretary Gresham was seen and gave
out the following statement:
1.-The American admiral, he said, ''has
no instructions to act in the capacity of
mediator between the government of Bra
zil and the insurgents. 1t is not believed
here that he is acting in any such capacity
If a collision has occurred in the bay be-
tween our warships and the insurgent
warships, we have not been informed of
it." The secretary added that it was quite
likely that a crisis was imminent and that
news might be expected at any time.
Secretary Herbert admitted that the
government was in correspondence with
our representatives in Brazil over the stua-
ton there, but would say nothing as to
the nature of the advices received. 1t is
thought, however, that Admiral Benham
has applied for instructions on some points
connected with mediation of affairs.