The Indianapolis journal., 1894-02-23
AN AMERICANS VIEWS.
Situation in Brazil Discussed by Con.

suI-General TOwnes.
NEW YORK, FEB. 22.-William T.
Townes United States consul-general at
Rio Janeiro, arrived home this morning
per German steamer Capua. He returns to
visit his family, whom he intends to take
back with him to Rio within few weeks.
Mr.. Townes did not care to express any
opinion the condition of affairs at Rio.
but said that the people are weary of the
conflict between the government and the
rebels. They hope for a speedy settlement
of the trouble. At the time of sailing bus-
ness was fair, and the health of the city
and the shipping was very good
Continuing, Mr.. Townes said that Ameri-
can prestige in Brazil was damaged consid-
erably by reports in newspapers of the
United States criticisng and condemning
the conduct of the Brazilian government.
These reports are evidently based on infor-
nation furnished by enemies OF the gov
ernment. AS all the American newspapers
are received at Rio the articles about Bra
zil are eagerly read. Those unfriendy to the
government are caught up by those op-
posed TO the growing interests of the United
States in Brazil, and made use of to preju-
dice the government and the Brazilian peo-
pie against us.
Speaking of the candidates for the presi-
dency of Brazil at the coming election, Mr..
TowneS said Prudente MOrOeS, of sac
Paulo, is thought highly of by the people.
He is able statesman, prudent, wise, and
would make a good President. The other
candidate, Alfonso Penna, is Governor of
the State of Minas Gerias, one of the ablest
turists and statesmen in the country. When
Saldanhada Cana deserted the government
and Joined Admiral Mello, the rebel leader.
|, Penna wrote paper, scoring the conduct
of Da CANA. The paper excited great in
terest all over the country for the manner
in which it handled the subject. 1t is point
a. n a r no of
craftsmanship in the history of the coun-
try. Mr.. Townes said the result of the cleo
ton would not probably be known for two
months after il took place.
The consul-general did not think the rev.
olution would last so long, as the resources
to carry it on would be exhausted. The
usual fighting. he said, occurred in the har-
Dor of Rio daily Shots fell in the city, and
sometimes killed people These shots were
mostly from Gatling and Nordenfeldt guns
They sometimes We're sent up into the heart
Of the city. and. striking the tops of build
ihgs, fell in the streets.
Mr.. ToWneS said there was no cause for
alarm about yellow fever in Rio 1t is al
ways there to a certain extent. This sum-
mer 1t is not much worse than usual. The
water in the bay is somewhat contaminated,
and 1t would be better for the war ships
to anchor outside. The reason the water is
bad is that Rio is shut off from the sea. by
a high mountain, which prevents the sea
breeZeS usually enjoyed at sea ports. There
are no currents in the water of the harbor.
and the only changes are those of the tides.
Refuse, offal and decaying matter and
sewage brols under the tropical sun and
breeds fever germs.
In regard to the reports that United States
Minister Thompson remains outside the city
at PetropoliS to the neglect of American
interests Mr.. TowneS said 1t was false
and was the work of enemies of the United
States minister. Mr. Thompson kept his
family at Petropolis, but he himself came
to Rio every day and attended to all the
business connected with the American lega-
tfon. 1t was just the same as a New York
business man living in one of the suburbs
and coming in on the train every morn
ing Mr. TowneS said American interests
were not suffering at Rio. Shipping, of
course, experienced some delay in dis
charging and loading.