New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1894-01-31
HOW THE TROUBLE ORIGINATED.


! AMERICAN COMMERCE AT RIO CONSTANTLY
! HARAssED BY THE INsrRGENT FlhE-hiS
PROTESTS DIsHEGARDED. ADMIRAL
BENIIAM TAKES SUMMARY ACTION.
Washington. Jan. 80 (speciao.-The story OF inc
causes which led to an engagement oet"e'" .ne
American fleet and Da Gamas vessels IN Rio
barbo- IL \ brler but an interesting For nearly
two months nine American ships have been lying
IN the harbor Of Rio intent upon landing thelr
stores receiving cargoes and returning nome 10
proceed to the Custom House wharVes during 'he
desilltOry fire from Da Gama's SHIPS wouid DE
dangerous anG their captains held Off hoping that
In short time hostilities between the Government
forces and the insurgents would cease, ana 'hat
they might proceed 10 the docks with security
Upon his arrival at Rio Admiral Benham saw that
some decided action was necessary to relieve Ameri-
can shipping from the restraints which eHpar-
raised its freedom Of action. This conclusion was
communicated to Da CANA, who protested We
hemently that action Of the kind would Interfere
with hostilltles between his ships and Peixoto's
batteries on shore. Admiral Benham replied 10 TINS
protest that temporary cessation or ,hosuiitieS
would not operate to the injury Of the rights or
privileges Of either the Government or the lhsur-
gent forces but on the contrary as the American
vessels in the harbor had on board no contraband
articles the landing Of their cargoes would be con-
ducive to Of Americans and. indirectly.
to the best interests Of Brazil, whoever might be
successful in the present difficulties
1t was in relation this important subject. not
the matter OF mediation the part OF Admiral
Benham that Da Cana paid his recent long visit
to the San Francisco. He called upon Admiral Ben
ham on that occasion to protest In vigorous IAN
guage against the active part being taken by the
United states men-o'-war in the harbor Of Rio to
change the conditions which his fleet had made. Da
Cana was neither generous nor public spirited in
his position He wished 10 have American vessels
remain in the background and not deliver their car
goes TO the Brazilian cOnSlgnees Admiral Benham
important American vessels
should no longer be harassed by either Of the con-
tending factions at Rio. and be prevented from
carrying out their missions and departing for home.
Further detention Of the vessels was the more I'M
necessary. in the opinion Of the Admiral when he
came 10 appreciate the fact that their going along
side the custom House wharves at Rio would not
long prevent a continuance OF hostillties between
the warning factions Of Brazil.
sun Da Cana protested and at every movement
of the American merchant vessels he harassed them
with the fire of his machine guns Finally Admiral
l5enham declared that stop should be put to
was reached by the Admiral on Sunday. Accordingly
states men-of-war Early Monday morning the
Detroit weighed anchor and proceeded toward the
merchant vessels In obedience TO Admiral Benhams
directions. \ further protest received from
Ia Cana. but II dsregarled During his visit
to The San francisco the insurgent leader had been
finally warned that the American sailing vessels
would 20 10 thef regular wharves on Mohday. ia
CANA declared AZ this time that he would resist
Benham did not regard this threat seriously. He
made preparations, however, to meet force by force
way h. sisnalled thar each ship should clear for
action and be- ready to resist whatever opposition
American feet put In order for battle. Their
guns shotte'l the men went 70 their stations
and the engines OF the several vessels turned
over. each presented more warllke attitude than
been assumed by ships OF this country since the
close Of the Rebellion. Finally the merchantmen
their tenders