THE REVOLT IN BRAZIL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2085, 8 February 1894, Page 17

THE REVOLT IN BRAZIL.

London, January 30.

In endeavouring to mediate between tbe belligerents, the admiral of the American sqdadron declined to treat with Admiral de Gama unless the latter became reconciled with President Peixoto, but the rebel leader refused to listen to this. On the other hand, Peixoto declined to receive the American admiral, who looks upon the refusal as an insult to tbe American Navy. When the febel warships began their cannonade on two American ships the vessels of tbe American squadron were cleared for action, whereupon the firing ceased.- The traders were then escorted to berths by tbe warships, and the incident passed off without bloodshed. The commanders of the foreign warships at Rio report that the insurgents have complete control of the harbour, and are asking their respective Governments if they are to use fotce to protect the mercantile shipping. January 31. Lord Rosebery declines "to dictate that hostile operations at Rio de Janeiro be restricted to suit British interests. Rio de Janeiko, January 31. The rebels have oaptured Port Madamo, cutting ofl the Communication of the Government troops. When the rebei cYuisers opened fire on an American sbip which was being escorted by a United States cruiser, the admiral of the Austrian fleet cleared for action to assist the American admiral against the rebels. New York, January 30. A report bas reached here from Rio that Admiral de Gama's vessels fired on the American tquadron, and that a sharp engagement ensued, resulting in tbe surrender of tho rebel leader and bis fleet. January 31. Further particulars of the collision between the United States and the rebel Brazilian warships show that while Admiral Benham was essorting a trading vessel into the harbour, the Guanabara fired at a merchantman. The cruiser Detroit thereupon fired a shell at the Brazilian vessel, and was about to follow it up with a broadside when the Guanabara signalled to cease firing Admiral de Gama offered to resign his sword, and called a council of his officers, expecting that, all would seiza the opportunity of an asylum on board tbe American fleet, and so avoid the approaching conflict with President Peixoto's ships from Europe | and the United States. The younger men, I however, refused. Admiral Benham states that Admiral de Gama's failure to surrender has lost every way out of trouble. February 5. News has been received that Admiral di Mello, who has been under treatment for a severe wound sustained during the bombardment of Rio a few weeks ago, has again resumed command of the rebels. The loyalists attempted to recapture tbe town of Curitilea, which was taken a short time ago by the insurgents, but after a fierce engagement the rebels, under Admiral di Mello, were victorious and beat off the loyalists," the latter losing 200 men. February 5. News has been received that the Brazilian Government have seized an English vessel which was conveying dynamite to Rio de Janeiro for the use of the rebels. Washington, February 2. Admiral Benham has forwarded a report to the Government, stating that all the Powers interested in Brazil, with the exception of Germany, are in favour of the I restoration of a monarchy. Great Britain, he says, is especially anxious in the matter. The United States Govertment have approved the action of Admiral Benham in firing on the rebel warships, as It was necessary for the protection of commerce. The Government have replied relying on Admiral Benham's discretion. February 3. A majority of foreign diplomatists in Brazil advise that both sides should be recognised as belligerent?. The insurgents have captured the transport Itaipu, with conaalves for Marshal Peixoto's new squadron on board. Admiral de Gama, attached to the rebels, has notified that vessels of all nations will be allowed to proceed to the wharves. Newcastle, January 31. The British ships arriving here continue to biiog reports of narrow escapes from shooting by the belligerent forces in Rio Harbour.