Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1894-01-30
SilENCED DA CANVAS GUNS
Admiral Benham's Fleet Escorts an
age-Excitement at Rio Janefro.

According to a cable dispatch from Rio
Janeiro. Admiral Benham caused consid-
cradle excitement there yesterday by es-
corting with his fleet an American schoon-
er to her wharf in the harbor. Complaints
had been made that the insur gents had
fired at American vessels proceeding to
their wharves. Admiral Benham had rem
cnstrated, but Admiral da Cana had re-
piled that the vessels should keep out of
the way. Admiral Benham thereupon de-
termined to take summary action.
Early yesterday morning the greatest ac-
tivity prevailed on board the feet. shortly
after daybreak the decks of the flagship
New York. of the Newark, San Francisco.
Detroit and other United States war YES
sells were cleared for action and their an
chors were raised.
Admiral Benham then sent word to the
captains of the vessels that had been an
noyed that he was prepared to keep his
promises to them. and that as soon as they
were ready to proceed he would escort them
TO the wharves. At this moment Captains
Kiehne and Myrick weakened and said
that they did not care to embitter the in
surgent admiral by putting themselves
under the escort Of the United States naval
feet. Captain blackboard Of the Amy, how
ever, showed himself made of sterner stun,
and announced that he would get ready at
once and accept the protection which Ad-
miral Benham had offered him. According
ly. the Amy took her position in the ranks
Of the United States war vessels and the
formidable procession started on its way
UP Rio harbor.
Excitement mt Rio.
The news that something important wes
taxing place aboard the American war
chips rapidly spread both on shore and
aboard the ships Of all the foreign fleets
represented at Rio. The streets fronting
the bay were crowded with people and
every vessel in the harbor presented an
animated scene as its crew rushed up on
deck and the men settled themselves to
witness what followed.
The Detroit took the leading part in the
procession. The fleet as IL approached near
er to Rio. came quite close to the shore
causing intense excitement among both the
soldiers and civilians on land and the
sailors on board the various vessels. The
Amy proceeded on her way to the wharf
and was safely moored there. Not until
the captain had reported that he was fully
satisfied did his powerful escort leave him
Throughout the whole affair not a single
shot was hred but the scene was quite as
impressive as if this had been done. After
passing along Rios water front the feet
returned out into the bay and anchored in
nearly the same position as IL had occupied
previous to the demonstration. The policy
of non-interference so steadfastly pursued
by Commander Picking has been absolutely
reversed by this action of Admiral Ben
ham.
Full protection Will be given from this
time on to all American vessels as Min
lister Thompson has all along requested
Ii is believed at Rio that Minister Thomp-
son s repeated messages to Washington on
behalf of American ship owners have had
the desired effect with the present admin
istration, and that Admiral Benham's ac-
ton Is the result of orders which he has
recently received.
There can be no doubling the good that
has been lone TO American shipping In
Brazilian ports by the demonstration in
Rio. 1t has taught both sides in the pres
ent struggle in Brazil. and they needed the
lesson badly, that however Unfortunately
they may lombard each others property
the United States intends resolutely to de-
fend the rights of every vessel which sails
beneath the protection of the stars and
stripes
Complaints in great number have been
made to the United States government by
foreign merchants and ship captains and
the commendable performance of duty by
Admiral Benham in afording safety 10
the owners of American craft will doubt
less result in similar orders being ISSUED
for like action on the part Of the command
ers of other foreign fleets at this port.
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