THE REVOLT IN BRAZIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2069, 19 October 1893, Page 16

THE REVOLT IN BRAZIL.

(Per Press Association.')

Rio de Janeiro, October 10. A body ot 3000 insurgents are making preparations to capture magazines in the vicinity of the capital. The President threatens to blow them up rather than let them fall into the rebels' hands.

_„ . October IG. The American Government has instructed its Minister at Hio de Janeiro not to take part in the interference of other diplomatic bodies with tbe internal affairs of the country. It is expected the quarrel will be settled at an early date.

October 17. The rebel 3 shelled Armacao, and many of the inhabitants ware killed. The majority fled. The rebels are a^ain firiog upon Rio de Janeiro.

Tbe consuls have warned foreigners to depart.

Washington, October 14.

News from Brszil states that two of the President's battalions have joined the rebels and it is expected others will follow.

New York, October 11

Information has been received that Admiral Mello bas renewed the bombardment of Eio Juieiro. His action is attributed either to treachery or to the fact that President Peixoto refused to dismantle the fortifications.

Another forb has j rined Admiral Mello, who declares that he will adhere to the Rjpuulican cause.

On September 5 the New York Herald's correspondent in Monte Video telegraphs that the officers of the naval fleet now at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, intimated to President Peixota that he should resign. The fleet consists of the cruisers Aquidaban, Republica, and Trajano, and three torpedo boats. The demand of the officers was made by Admiral Jose Mello. It appears that Peixoto vetoed a bill which made it impossible for the Vice-president to becomo President. This enraged the naval officers, and to this is attributed the revolt.

A despatch from Bnenos Ayres, published in the New York Herald of September 14. gives the following additional particulars: — "The rebel fleet, under Custotio Jose Mello, fulfilled its threat and opened fire on the forts commanding the entrance to Rio de Janeiro yesterday. After bombarding the forts, the guns of the hostile fleet — the Aquidaban, Republica, and Trojano — were turned on the city. The arsenal was apparently the main point of attack, and many shells were thrown at it. An attempt to make a landing was repulsed. Both sides met with losses, but the details have not been learned. The captain of the gunboat Alagoas deserted from Admiral Mello's fquadron. He hurried to Rio and there gave information to President Peixoto of the movements of the rebel ships. All points which were favourable to the landiug of the invading force were strongly intrenched. It is reported that perfect order was maintained in the city during the bombardment. The bombardment of the city of Rio lasted from 11 o'clock in the morniDg until 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Nothing unfavourable to Peixoto is allowed to pass over the wires. Brazilians living in Buenos Ayres believe that the success of the revolution means a restoration of the monarchy. The British telegraph offices at Rio are situated near the arsenal, and the staff of operators, fearing the building would be shelled, abandoned their posts. It has been, for this reason, impossible to get the details of the bombardment."

The same correspondent, telegraphing on the following day, reports that private despatches state that the damage to the city by the guns of the fleet was much greater than the Government reports stated. It required prompt interference on the part of the foreign warships in the harbour to protect property in the city. Word has also been received that the revolution is spreading.

News has been received confirming the previous reports of the shooting of Deputy Seabra and a lieutenant in the navy by order of Admiral Mello. The lieutenant was steering aboarding boat, and had both his arms shot off. He was taken on board the Aquidaban, and shot through the head by order of the admiral. Provisions at Rio are becoming very scarce, the highest prices being charged for all the necessaries of life, causing much suffering among the poorer classes. The Government forces have lost 60 killed and 120 wounded in the fight. The rebel fleet now consists of six warships, three torpedo boats, many tugs, transports, and launches. All of them are well provisioned.