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MR. T. CORBETT, J.P., C.C., sends us the following, written by him in the harbour of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on December 18th, 1893: —
During the afternoon of Saturday last the s.s. “ Ruapehu” (one of the New Zealand Co.'s fleet) steamed towards the entrance of the harbour of Rio, now the centre of attraction in the civilized world. On the left of us are mountains towering above us in rocky grandeur, the variety in shape, height, and colour adding very much to their imposing appearance, and on the extreme point so far as we could then see is Fort San Joao. To the right is also a aeries of mountains, but of no special size or beauty, near to which are the small islands of Pay and May, about half-a-mile apart, and which are known as the isles, between which the s.s. “ Coptic “ (one of the Shaw Savill Go.'s fleet) went ashore, the ship being much damaged, and had to be repaired at Rio where she could resume her journey homewards. On the extreme left of the mountains on the right of us, and directly opposite the before-named fort, is the substantial Fort Santa Cruz, from which the Brazilian flag floated in the balmy breeze, the ramparts and masonry presented an extending front, and are mounted and lined by heavy cannon, the roar of two of which we were soon destined to hear, for as we approached the entrance to the harbour a blank charge was fired, indicating to us that caution was needed. Our engine bell is heard, and our speed is reduced, but still we move onward, when another reminder issues from the fort, and yet we press on, when a still louder report is heard, and a shot is fired across our bows, and is seen to drop into the water a short distance ahead of us. The bell rings again, and our leviathan machinery is stopped, and a signal to the fort (by flag) to this effect is hoisted, thereby obviating what would otherwise have meant a shot or more at the ship. After a lot of signalling we get instructions from the fort to “get back to sea again.” This peremptory order is complied with, and we soon find ourselves beating a retreat, still signalling for information, and are at last informed that we shall be communicated with by the authorities as to our admission into the harbour. After waiting for some time a steam launch belonging to the Government, and which has been lying in one of the bays near to us, is advancing toward us, but passed us with seeming indifference which leaves “the powers that be” on our steamer as they were. Having only about two hundred tons of coal left, perhaps scarcely sufficient to take us to another coaling station, it is a matter of grave importance to us to get into the harbour for fuel, and thereby enable us to continue our journey, which up to now had been completed to the satisfaction of all concerned. Another question arose as to our safety amid the fire of the conflicting forces in the harbour, which was soon set at rest by our gallant Commander, E. A. Findlay, B.N.R., who now conceives the happy idea of sending our much-respected chief officer in quest of information. A boat is lowered almost as quickly as thought and manned by four of our stalwart seamen, who, plying the oars with dexterity, were soon out of sight. We are all now on the alert for anything that may happen, and suddenly the roar of a cannon was heard, the smoke ascended from Santa Cruz, and the shell was hurled with great speed. Up went the telescopes and glasses to trace the destination of the terrible missile which fell short of the intended goal, and lighted with terrific force in the placid water of the harbour, sending up a volume thereof like the spouting of a gigantic whale. This seemed to be the signal for general firing, in which several forts held by both the Government and rebel forces engaged, and now and again we see the effects thereof, as the shot and shell batter the fort in the distance, plough up the mountain sides near to us or drop into the sea, in some cases a little too near to us to be pleasant to the timid ones on board, to which category our lady passengers certainly do not belong, as they seem to enjoy the novelty of the situation and look upon it as “ rare fun,” while one or two of our gentlemen passengers are already on the look out for the safest place they can find near the funnel. Now that all hope as to our getting into the harbour that evening is at an end we move a little farther away from the entrance, and are safely anchored for the night in company with two other ships which have shared the same fate as we have. The dinner gong has just gone, which is usually hailed with delight, but to which little regard is paid to night. “ The shades of night are falling fast,” in fact, they have fallen, and we are getting somewhat anxious about our chief and his little crew who are no where to be seen, but presently the splashing of water is heard, and a little black spot is visible and keeps increasing in size at every well plied stroke of the oars, and we soon welcome their return with the good tidings that at seven a.m.on the morrow we shall be visited by the Government authorities with a view to our passing into the harbour. The moon is now struggling to penetrate the somewhat beclouded sky, and at intervals casts its silvery rays over the tranquil ocean, as well as upon the waters of the harbour. The stupendous out-lines of the lofty mountains are now becoming more visible as the moon lights up the sky and dispels the darkness which so soon set in after the sun had sunk in the west. The “ Sugar Loaf “ rock, as it is called, from its peculiar cone shape and which is near to us, stands forth in the most defiant attitude, and seems to say that “ whatever takes place within my gaze I can look down on it in safety and in peace. In the distant rear the elevated revolving lighthouse (replete with the electric light) is flashing its varying reflections upon the placid sea with very pretty effect, while over the harbour clouds are gathering thick and fast, and soon the lightning's vivid flash is darting forth in a thousand modified forms, dying away as it were among the surrounding hills in the city, and upon the face of the waters of the harbour. The powerful search light on the Government fort on our left occasionally illuminates the whole harbour and the bay on our right, outside, by which the movement of any vessel, in fact of any boat, is easily discernable, and at the same time it gives to everything an exceedingly novel appearance. Notwithstanding the fact that the “ Ruapehu “ is a splendid sea-going and steady boat, still it was an agreeable change for us to have a quiet night free from movements of any kind, by which we were enabled to sleep peacefully, and to rise early the next morning as “ giants refreshed with wine,” and those who did so were well repaid for the effort, as everything seemed to wear a singularly quiet and happy appearance; the sun shone in all its glory, the sea was calm, bright, and sparkling, resembling a vast expanse of polished glass, in which the reflection of the stately mountains so near to us, and against which the sea beat so tenderly, was perfectly visible, while the so recently agitated waters in the harbour were tranquil and glittering ; in fact, everything seemed to vie in producing a peaceful aspect, and so welcome the dawn of the Sabbath day. Just before seven o'clock we sighted the little craft containing the Brazilian officials as arranged, who were met by our captain and doctor, who presented the ship's papers and received instructions to move into the harbour, and the majestic ” Ruapehu “ was soon gliding forth most gracefully in-to one of the largest and finest harbours in the world, being nearly twenty miles in length, and in places of great width. Passing the precincts of the harbour we have Fort Santa Cruz on the right and Fort St. Joao on the left, a distance of about half-a-mile intervening between them, and through which all vessels have to pass inwards and outwards. About half-a-mile in-wards we pass Fort Lage, being of small dimensions and surrounded by water—these three forts being in the hands of the Government. About two miles from the entrance of the harbour we passed Fort Villegaignon, which at one time must have been a formidable fort, but now bespeaks a lot of battering, and has been the target for the before-mentioned forts for some time, many of the guns therein being hors-de-combat. This fort is in the hands of the rebels, and will no doubt be the first point of attack by the Government, when their new warships arrive. From the moment we entered the Harbour of Rio on that ever-to-be-remembered, lovely Sunday morning, new beauties were continually presenting themselves; on all hands we see buildings of enormous sizes, varying in their architectural style and grandeur, stately mansions and private residences, nestling in the delightful little nooks with which the harbour abounds, and which add so much to its beauty. This gave our lady artists a splendid opportunity of displaying their ability, of which they availed themselves and produced some exceedingly creditable sketches, some of which they executed amid the din and smoke of battle, and the inconveniences of coaling, bespeaking a devotion to their work as well as an industry which some of us would do well to emulate. After steaming about three miles up the harbour, we see the steam launch of the “ Sirius “ coining towards us, and a lieutenant came on board the “ Ruapehu “ to direct our captain as to the position it would be advisable to cast our anchor, which being accomplished the N.Z. Shipping agent is soon on board, and enquiries are made as to our going ashore, letters, &c., and we are informed that there will not be the slightest chance of our leaving the ship, as danger abounds on every hand, and as to our letters we should have them at noon, and we ultimately receive them at 1-30 p.m. The spot in which we anchored was about 3 ½ miles from the entrance to the harbour, and about 1 3/4 mile from the city, and about the same distance from Fort Villegaignon, and formed a splendid vantage ground from which we could see everything of interest that was going on around us. It was a great disappointment to many of us that we could not go ashore, but the grand central position in which we were placed to a certain extent relieved our feelings, and was to us a source of satisfaction, which we otherwise could not have had if placed in a less advantageous, though safer position and here it may be of interest to your numerous readers to learn exactly how we were located.
Standing with our faces towards the north, and to the left of us are a chain of mountains which extend to the entrance of the harbour. One of the most prominent features therein is a lofty peak, called Coacovado, and towers up to the height of about 3,000ft. On the top of which is a commodious hotel, which is very much frequented, and from which a commanding view of the city, the harbour, and the surrounding delightful scenery is gained. This most elevated spot is reached partly by a zigzag railway, constructed for the convenience of visitors, but certainly not for ours, as we are doomed to look upon its exalted summit as the fox of old did upon the grapes, and declare it as sour, to which our feelings prompt us to say very, very sour. The city of Rio (proper) is situated at the foot of a portion of the mountains just mentioned, and stretches for a very considerable distance along then-base and down to the water's edge, as well as extending a long way up the graceful slopes of its sheltering companions. In the immediate front of a portion of the city is the island of Das Cobras, or, in English, Island of Snakes, divided from the mainland by a channel, varying in width from about 400 yards and upwards and upon the island a portion of the city is built the whole presenting a most lovely scene of great extent A pretty and extensive building, with a turret in the centre originally built for custom-houses (but, I believe, never used for this purpose) is quite an ornament to the harbour, and at a short distance from which is an old arsenal, also surrounded by water, and is now used as an hospital. From a somewhat interesting incident, which occurred in connection with this old arsenal, shows what a sharp lookout is kept in the time of war even upon the smallest craft. A little steam-launch started from the arsenal (now in the hands of the rebels) with the intention, no doubt, of going to the Island of Das Cobras, but had only proceeded a few yards before it was sighted by the Government troops, who poured such a continual fire of musketry at it that it was compelled to return to its starting point, after having gone only about a third of the distance, and, so far as we know, did not venture on its short, but hazardous journey again. In front of us we see the extensive island of Governardor, which is now in the hands of the rebels, on which a large powder magazine was blown up by the Government forces' some time ago, when several English officers and men of our war-ship “ Sirius” were killed, it being reported that they went to the island for sand wherewith to scrub the deck of their vessel. To the northeast of Governardor the harbour continues inland. To the South-east, and on the opposite side of the harbour to Rio, is the important town of Neicthroy the capital of the State of Rio Janeiro which we are about two miles distant, and which we can see has suffered exceedingly from bombardment by the rebel ships, and in which 300 houses, etc, are said to be absolutely ruined; hundreds, and perhaps thousands have been struck, as well as a church while in the suburbs many houses are in ruins; the residents, at the outset of the bombardment, were killed by the hundreds, and 30,000 are now said to be fugitives. So much for the ravages of war. In the immediate front of us are a very large number of merchant ships of different nations, many of which have been in the harbour for several months, and are unable to unload their cargoes (trade as a rule being at a standstill), as well as the uncertainty of losing them in the event of their doing so, to say nothing about the danger which would be associated with the work by the risk of bombardment from the Isle of Cobras. The most interesting section of the ships in the harbour are the warships, of which there are a great number, of different sizes and designs, of various nationalities, for the purpose of protecting the interests and property of the residents and traders of their respective nations in Rio, or of any that may come into the harbour. These ships have been in the harbour some months, and I have no doubt the officers and men will all be delighted when this miserable war is over, that they can leave for their different countries, or for work in wider fields, as it must be tiresome in the extreme to be isolated, so as to speak, from the world, and pent up within so small an area, with the prospect of additional exposure to the scorching sun of the coming summer season. British subjects and their property are protected by three of our warships, the “ Sinus,'“ Beagle,” and the “ Racer,” the former being by far the largest, and is anchored near to us. Among the many warships in the harbour we shall all have cause to remember the “ Tamandera,” a most dingy and unsightly looking hulk, in possession of the rebels, and which has taken a most active and deadly part in the bombardment of the past, and to which I shall make further reference in another part of my letter. One of the signalmen of the “ Sirius” has been constantly on board the “ Ruapehu “ since we arrived, and it has been a source of pleasure to me to watch the skilful manner in which he manipulated the small hand flags, when transmitting messages to our stately protector, the “ Sirius.” We were informed early this morning that it was probable there would be a cessation of hostilities till this afternoon, and such was the case. As the morning passed we see a little steam tug towing a large sailing ship to the outside of the harbour, and it is surprising to see with what ease such a miniature piece of mechanism can haul such a gigantic and apparently helpless mass to catch the fair wind of heaven upon which it entirely depends for its transmission to its desired haven. It has been said, and that very truthfully, that one of the finest sights in the world is a ship in full sail, in which I certainly concur, it having been my pleasure to see many in my two journeys round the world, the marvel to me being that the few yards of apparently fragile canvas, placed by adept hands, under the skilful direction of a practised eye, can so effectually gather in the wind as to impel forward such enormous masses with the greatest possible ease, and although it is next to marvellous what is being done by our sailing ships, still it is much more so what is now accomplished by our steamships of modern times, those of recent construction plying between England and America being the astonishment and admiration of the world, while our ironclads, turret ships and torpedo boats present such a marked contrast to the old floating wooden bulwarks of by-gone days that the question often suggests itself to my mind as to the next triumph the ingenuity of man is likely to accomplish. We have now lying within a short distance of us a most melancholy instance of the great uncertainties of travelling, as regards our sailing ships, which unfortunately are not fitted with the same efficient expeditious, and powerful appliances for steering and otherwise governing such ponderous floating masses as are applied in steamers. The sailing ship “ Wellington “ left New Zealand for England some time ago with a cargo of frozen mutton, and after a somewhat good passage unfortunately came in contact with an ice-berg, the one so to speak dashing into the other with irresistible force, smashing up and almost totally disabling the ship, by which catastrophe two men lost their lives and others of the crew were disabled. Of a bad job, however, it may be truly said that it may have been worse, and it is most extraordinary how some persons benefit by other people's calamities, for, just as many of the crews of the war and merchants ships in the harbour of Rio had exhausted their stores of meat, and were wondering where their next supplies, were coming from, the damaged “ Wellington “ appears on the scene, and the captain deals out a portion of his cargo of mutton to them, “ but not without money and price,” as he got sixpence per pound for it instead of 4 1/2d., for which it is sold ex-ship in London, and it would not be a bad job for some of our Shrewsbury families if they could get some New Zealand mutton on the same terms. The captain of the' Wellington” having paid a visit to the “Ruapehu,” in-formed us that overtures had been made to him by both the Government and the rebels for the purchase of the whole of the cargo, consisting of thousands of sheep, but each stipulated for “ all or none,” and here a great difficulty arose, with which conditions the skipper for various reasons was unable to comply or to accept either offers.
While upon the subject of icebergs it may be interesting to your numerous readers to know that we passed above one hundred of these gigantic terrors, to captains and crews of sailing ships in particular, on our journey from New Zealand to Cape Horn. The sudden change in the atmosphere denoted to our ever watchful commander and his attentive officers their existence on our course, and lead them to keep the necessary sharp look out, and about four a.m. on the 29th ult. the head of a monster was seen peeping, so to speak, above the distant horizon, and was borne on the swift running current with a majestic grandeur that was pleasant to behold. Our commander, ever anxious to please and instruct his passengers, immediately apprised us of the existences of the berg, and several of us braved the icy cold atmosphere which then prevailed, and watched with keen interest the approach of the rapidly moving and apparently ever changing mass, and some idea: may be gathered of its magnitude when I inform you that from measurement taken by our most able chief officer it was found to be 300 feet high at its highest point, and 600 feet long, and of proportionate width, the latter part representing a vast flat table of very extended area, and, as it is generally considered that there is eight times the depth of ice in the water to that above it, you will have some idea of its weight, and also of the effect it would have upon any object coming in its way, especially if moving at a high speed in an opposite direction. Nothing short of a providential intervention could save the object from being sent to the bottom of the sea, as no doubt many vessels have, and no one has been left to tell the sad sad story. It does not infrequently happen that these silent and stealthy enemies of the navigators of the deep are accompanied by dense fogs, as in the case of the unfortunate “Wellington”—of a kind of deceptiveness which renders calculation as to distance next to impossible, and which makes it extremely difficult, with a sailing ship in particular, to evade them, and so obviate a calamity similar to the one referred to. Forty- two of the ice bergs which we passed were of large dimensions and of entirely different height, size, shape and proportion, and in several various shades of blue, were most artistically blended with the snowy white, adding very much indeed to their beauty. Soon after we had anchored we saw another tug advancing, but this time with two unsightly lighters behind it containing coal, and with some Portuguese coal heavers, so black as to be scarcely distinguishable from the lighter itself, which accounted for what we were told about them, that they were not fond of water, and only had a bath once a year. The lighters were soon lodged by the side of our steamer, and two or three iron shoots with hoppers were placed in the holes in the steamer's side leading into the coal store, and the coaling was commenced by one gang of men attacking the top of the coal with shovels and baskets, by the latter of which the coal was carried on the head to the steamers and deposited in the shoot, while an-other gang started at the bottom in another part of the lighter. The baskets being filled were handed along by the men stationed in lines lifted to a temporary stage, from thence to the top of the side of the lighter, carried on the head and deposited in the shoot, the basket being thrown to the bottom of the lighter, and so this operation was repeated until the required coal was deposited in the monster receptacle of the steamer, a similar work being carried on the other side thereof. It usually takes twelve hours to deposit the required quantity of coal taken in these steamers here; but in the present case it took upwards of thirty hours (night and day) to do the work on account of the small number of hands employed, many of the men objecting to run the risk of being shot when moving about in the harbour. Some idea of the capacity of the coal store in the“ Ruapehu “ may be gained from the fact that we took in 700 tons, and there was still room for 1,200 tons more. To say that the coaling business is an exceedingly filthy one is a very moderate way of expressing it, for during the operation a dirty transformation scene is going on everywhere and with everybody, for, with the heat and perspiration and the invasion of the dust, even the fair sex are soon converted into pleasant looking duskies, and we ourselves into darkies of the deepest dye, equalling the Christies without the use of the veritable burnt cork, while there is scarcely a square yard in the ship but what is subject to the intrusion of the dust of the indispensable “ black diamond.” It is usual for the passengers who wish to evade the almost intolerable nuisance of coaling to take their departure during the operation and pay a visit to the shore, but in this case we were compelled by force of circumstances to brave the necessary work, which adding thereto the great heat in the stuffy harbour made matters still worse, and we were exceedingly glad when the last coal had passed into our steamer, and when 13 soap, water, bath, and towel became the order of the day, or rather of the evening. As was expected, a cannonade commenced in the afternoon (Sunday), and noise and excitement now takes the place of the quiet of the early part of the day, the fort's are belching forth their deadly missiles, rip, rap they go, some hit and some miss the objects aimed at; a few musket shots are heard, the firing ceases, and all is quiet again, till presently we are startled by a terrific roar, and the Suggestion asked is, “ Where does that come from.” conjecture takes the place of certainty; all eyes and ears are strained to find out from whence the unearthly sound proceeds. We had no difficulty in tracing the forts from which other shots had been fired, as we saw the smoke prior to hearing the reports, and then came the effect created by the bursting of the shell, which in most cases we could see and hear. Another terrific roar is heard, and an almost imperceptible flash indicates the quarter from which the shot is fired. It is from the “ Tamandera,” in which smokeless powder is used, and consequently cannot be easily traced, but from the exceedingly loud report, it is certain that it is equipped with the largest cannon in the harbour, said to be of the Armstrong pattern, firing a shell 5001bs. Weight. The position it has taken in the midst of neutral shipping of all nations leads one to infer that its commander thinks “ that discretion is the better part of valour,” knowing that return fire cannot be made upon it by the Government forts for fear of striking other ships. This, no doubt, may be considered cowardly, but it is acting on the safe side, and as “ all is fair in love and war,” no doubt the commander thinks this course justifiable. On the other hand, we are told that the machinery in this ship (which was built at Rio) is defective, which may account for it keeping a permanent position in the harbour. The evening is fast closing in upon us, and another and unexpected roar forcibly reminds us of our nearness to a weapon of tremendous capacity, for another shell has gone forth may be on a deadly errand, whistling as it passes in a parallel line and in close proximity to our steamer; in fact so near is it that one of our passengers felt the pressure caused by the flight thereof upon his hands. That additional powder had been used in this, the last shot of the day, seemed quite certain, as the report was much louder than the proceeding ones, echoing and re-echoing and reverberating again and again throughout the city and the surrounding hills, giving us some idea, though only a very faint one, of what the din and noise of a real battle must be, in which a number of such and much larger cannons are sending forth their destructive shot and shell. The distance is now lighted up by a dispatch boat, of large dimensions, on fire. Other ships and buildings in flames also add their quota to the weird-ness of the surroundings. The moon is beginning to cast its silver rays upon the now tranquil waters of the harbour. The lights in the city and surrounding suburbs thereof are bursting into new life, the lighted lamps on the warships and vessels are now hoisted, and through the port holes we perceive an almost countless addition to the varied illuminations which surround us, and nearer to are the lamps and fires on the lighters to aid the men in the coaling. The reflection of the whole in the waters gives to the harbour an appearance of light and beauty, and looking into the far west we find the sun has passed quietly below the horizon, but is still sending up its golden rays, and giving to the sea, sky, and mountains a most beautiful, indescribable, and indepictable appearance. Every-thing is deathly still around us, and we can scarcely conceive we are in the same spot as but a short time before was violently disturbed, but so it is, and we are once more glad to retire to our cabins and seek refreshing sleep, not knowing what the morrow may bring forth.
Most of your readers are no doubt conversant with the causes that have brought about the present unfortunate revolution in Republican Brazil and for the information of those who may not, I may just say that the existing government of which President Ploriano Peixoto is the head had become somewhat distasteful to a certain section of Brazilians. Amongst these and most notably, we find Admiral de Mello, who protested against Peixoto's style of Government as not being in accord with the constitution of the country, and which ultimately culminated in open revolt, with the object of deposing the President, and to rid Brazil of its military despotism and to give liberty to all people. Immediately Admiral de Mello broke away from Peixoto, he secured the whole of the Government war-ships in the harbour, together with the marines, while the Monarchists no doubt thinking this a splendid opportunity of trying to re-establish the Empire and of placing the youthful Prince of Gran Para, grandson of the late Emperor Dom Pedro, on the throne, cast in their lot with the insurrectionists, thus devolving itself into a struggle between the Government and its troops, with Peixoto at its head and the Revolutionists and Monarchists, including the navy, with Admiral de Mello at their head. The Government at the present time are in possession of the three forts which command the entrance to the harbour, as well as of the city proper also of Neicthroy on the opposite side of the harbour, together with a few forts on the same side the Revolutionists holding the Island of Das Cobras, as well as Fort Villegaignon, between which is a channel about one mile wide, and in addition the old arsenal (now used as an hospital), the island of Governador, and last of all but not least the whole of the warships, thereby having a decided advantage over the Government so far as the movements upon the waters is concerned, they, it is said, having only a few small steam launches wherewith to do their outside work. President Peixoto is now in the city, while Admiral de Mello, commanding the warship Aquidaban, under the cover of darkness steamed out of the harbour about a fortnight ago, taking with him one or two other ships, and was last heard of at Ila garande, the Brazilian quarantine station, about 60 miles south of here. This was undoubtedly a most daring enterprise, and the success is worthy the General who accomplished it. The forts are said to have fired upon them with all their might, but without the slightest effect. Various reasons are ascribed to Mello's leaving the harbour, but as there is a mystery about all his movements (as is to be expected) none are to be considered to be absolutely reliable; in fact, the greatest possible difficulty prevails even on the spot in getting authentic information respecting the events of this unfortunate war, but before writing to you I have done my best during the short time at my disposal, and with the somewhat scanty means of getting particulars to give you a correct account as I can, at the same time I may say that the events that have taken place, and of which I have been an eyewitness, are authentic and will no doubt prove of some interest to your numerous readers. A somewhat important event in the connection with the present struggle transpired two or three days prior to our visit. Admiral Saldanva da Gama, governor of the island das cobras, who up to then had held a neutral position, issued a manifesto declaring himself and the island in favour of the rebels, at the same time prohibiting any goods being landed at the custom houses (opposite the island), which he could bombard most effectively and thereby check the government from getting munitions of war or goods of any kind, also from increasing their revenue by custom charges. It is not at all improbable that the step taken by Admiral Saldanda de ganba (who is now supposed to be in charge if the rebels at Rio) will have the effect of forcing on the war, and probably bring it to an end earlier than it otherwise may have been. The Government, as will be readily understood, are putting forward every effort to oust the revolutionists from the island, and as a consequence we are informed this morning that a sharp encounter is imminent, we are, therefore, expecting every moment to hear its commencement, and we have not long to wait, for soon after breakfast the firing of muskets is heard, the sound of shot after shot, volley after volley comes floating to us on the morning breeze. Still it keeps increasing in rapidity and volume, and from the distant smoke and sound we discern the fact that the Government Troops in the city are having an engagement with the Rebels on the Island, and vice versa. That terrible engine of destruction, the Maxim gun (firing we are told 600 shots per minute), is now-brought into action, its almost deafening noise is heard conspicuously above the varying fire of the muskets, and we feel convinced that a merciless fight is going on; certainly the worst which has taken place since our arrival, and although we are within such a short distance, you, nearly five thousand miles away, will in all probability get the actual results thereof sooner than we shall. From buildings in the city dense volumes of smoke are now seen to exude, as well as from what seems to be a ship or ships on fire. That the work of destruction to life and property is being carried on with vehement ruthlessness is too painfully apparent to us, and we feel thankful that, “ although so near we are yet so far “ from the scene of action, and are riding in peaceful safety upon the bosom, of the now tranquil waters of the harbour. We are not, however, to enjoy the serenity of the situation for long, for we are again reminded by the firing from some of the forts that so long as we occupy the position we now do we must look out for surprises, we have, however, no special cause for alarm so long as our grim and terrible neighbour the “ Tamandera “ does not join in the fray. Firing on all hands has ceased, and we return to our lunch in perfect quiet. The little crafts bearing the flags of different nations are steaming and dodging in and out between the many ships so near to us, and almost every movement is watched with peculiar interest by us, and now and again we get a friendly visit from the neighbouring ships, some for one purpose and some for another. We are now on the look out for the agent of the New Zealand S. Co., who under the escort of one of the officers of H. M Warship “ Sinus,” and flying the British white ensign (which is respected in every water), the launch is seen advancing, and we are glad to find it laden with fruit and vegetables, the former being in great demand owing to the excessively hot weather we are now having and no doubt continue to have till we reach Tenerife, a distance of nearly 3,500 miles on our way homeward. We are now informed that at five o'clock this afternoon a general connonade from all the forts is likely to be resumed' and our captain's anxiety, as well as our own is to get the coaling completed, that we can move outwards ere it commences and this, too, is of still greater importance as we here that there is a probability of the harbour being closed at the setting of the sun, in the anticipation of the arrival of the Warship “Neicthroy,” recently called “EL CID “as purchased by Peixoto's Government, and which left New York on the 20th ult, This steamer is fitted with Captain Zalinski patent gun for firing projectiles or shells heavily charged with dynamite no doubt intended for bombarding purposes, it will therefore necessary to keep the harbour as clear of ships as possible, so that manoeuvring may not be impeded. The effect of this new combination of destruction will be watched by military authorities the world over with the deepest interest, as is every other new invention for destroying life and property in war. We are informed that a number of other warships are ordered by the Government, and are expected in Rio shortly. Our prospects of departure are now increasing, as the coal is quickly passing from the lighters to our steamer and our attention is directed to another quarter as the clouds are gathering over our heads and it is evident that a storm is brewing and, as in other hot climates, it is not long when it reaches its climax and we have to hurry away to a place of shelter the storm is over, and having in the meantime nothing to arrest our attention we quietly look on at the pouring rain and note the change which has come so suddenly over every place and thing around us, and, quietly drifting into a peaceful reverie, review the events of the past few hours we have spent in this delightful harbour, in which we have seen the Brazilian capital under very conceivable aspect, with the sun pouring in I its lustrous rays on its stately buildings, gardens, &c., I of extended area the moon and stars lending their powerful light to give us pleasure in beholding the gigantic works of man now quietly nestling under the shadow of the towering mountains, which form such a substantial background to the enchanting pictures before us; we have seen it under a semi or partially peaceful aspect as well as with the throes of war over-shadowing it, and raging within borders, slaying its inhabitants, and carrying desolation in its wake. We have viewed its outline when darkened by an overcast and cloudy sky, as well as when struggling, so to speak, to rid itself of the smoke of the cannon and the musket, and from the smoke of its fired buildings, and which is causing such terrible havoc therein. We have also beheld it with the refreshing storm falling in its heated and excited streets, and upon its battered and burning buildings; also when the lightning flash was playing so vividly, and with such splendid effect upon its lurid exterior. Coaling is now completed, and our dusky visitors are being towed away, and everything is in readiness for raising our anchor, which is quickly done. Our commander has received the pass-word for the governor of the fort, and takes his position on the bridge, and at five o'clock the engine bell rings for the start, and we are once more on our journey homewards and scarcely have we begun to move when the forts open fire, and are sending the destructive shot and shell in all directions, and with a rapidity they had not before attained since our advent, shot after shot is fired in quick succession across our course and over our heads, and as we pass, within almost touching distance of the fort Santa Cruz, a lot of farewell shot and shell, if I may so call I them, are fired, by the din of which we are fairly startled, and even almost stunned, and with Cannon to right of us, Cannon to left of us, Cannon in front of us, Volley'd and thunder'd .Past us went the shot and shell As onward we rode and well, Not into the jaws of death, Nor into the mouth of hell, But on to those we love so well, In dear old England. Such an experience as that we have so recently passed through, will, I am sure, be remembered by each of us for many years to come, so vividly have some of the horrors of war been brought before us, that our better natures must have been touched and appealed to, and have been drawn out in sympathy towards the empire, at the present time suffering under its throes, and while looking back upon what may shortly become another scene of bloodshed, carnage, merciless cruelty, and the wanton destruction of life and property, feel truly thankful that we have passed forth from the midst of the din and smoke of battle, in safety, and are now on our way to scenes more bright, peaceful, and enjoyable. Much has been said and written about the beautiful Rio, by some designated a paradise, and still all its charms have not been spoken of or written about. We, unfortunately, were only permitted to see it in the distance, from which it certainly presented a most enchanting appearance, and which created within us an exceedingly strong desire to tread its pavements, to pace its quaint and pretty streets, to view its lovely squares and gardens of luxuriant beauty, and behold its institutions and the massive and magnificent edifices with which it abounds. We were debarred this pleasure, and it will be to us a source of lasting regret. We were informed that many of its buildings are bearing traces of the ruthless hand of man, and of the devastations brought about by that most cursed of all visitations “ war,” which is horrible enough when between antagonistic nations, but when an Empire is divided against itself, and stirred to its centre by civil war, when father in his excited frenzy is slaying his son, brother is striking down brother, and man is sending his neighbour to his last long home; while in this bitter and cruel strife the wail and lamentation of the innocent mother, wife, and child is heard throughout the length and breadth of the land, the noble structures and their beautiful surroundings, the pride of man and the cost of the nation, are levelled to the dust. This say is terrible, terrible in the extreme, and as a nation England has cause to feel thankful that her peace is established, and that at the coming festive season our rejoicing will be great, and enhanced by the happy thought that we are living at peace with all men, and I hope the time is far distant when that “good-will and peace towards men” as at the present so richly enjoyed by us, will be disturbed.
THE RETURN HOME
MR. T. CORBETT, J.P., C.C.
Extract from the Shrewsbury Chronicle,
January 12th, 1894. The return home on Monday afternoon last of Mr. T. Corbett, J.P., c.c. Of the Perseverance Iron-works and Cotonhurst, Shrewsbury, after his twelve months' tour round the world, was made the occasion of much rejoicing. Mr. Corbett arrived at Shrewsbury from Plymouth about 3-30 on Monday afternoon, and at that time a large concourse of spectators, including a great number of workpeople, had assembled at the railway station to greet him. When the train drew up, and Mr. Corbett alighted on to the platform, he was greeted with loud cheering. He proceeded to an open landau, which was in waiting, The horses were taken from the carriage, to which ropes were attached, and Mr. Corbett and the other occupants conveyed to Cotonhurst. Before leaving the station yard, however, Mr. Corbett, in a brief speech, thanked the assemblage for the hearty welcome they had ex- tended to him. Near Cotonhurst arches spanned the roadway, and the words “ Welcome home “ in large letters were very prominent. Along the drive the decorations were very profuse, these being carried out under the direction of Mr. A. Goodby, of Castle Foregate. On alighting from the carriage Councillor J.Cross-, in words appropriate to the occasion, offered a warm welcome to Mr. Corbett, who returned thanks. During the day the bells of St. Julian's Church rang out merry peels, and cannons were fired in celebration of the pleasing event. Following the very hearty reception given to our esteemed fellow-townsman on Monday, Mr. Corbett was made the recipient of a three-fold testimonial on Wednesday evening from his employees as a mark of the respect and esteem in which he and his family are held by all who are employed at the Perseverance Iron-Works. The testimonial consisted of a most elaborately executed work of art in the form of an album containing a beautifully illuminated address, with miniature photos of Mr. Corbett, the world-famed Perseverance Iron Works, and Cotonhurst, his private residence; also sketches of his celebrated“ Eclipse “ Winnowers, and R.A.S.E., 1892 First Prize Digging Ploughs, suitably worded with expressions of welcome and congratulations on his safe return from his second tour round the world, the full text of which is appended: We, the employees at the Perseverance Ironworks, Shrewsbury, desire to heartily congratulate you upon your safe return from a second journey round the world, the full text of which is appended: - To Thomas Corbett, esq., J.P., c.c, We the employees at the perseverance ironworks, Shrewsbury, desire to heartily congratulated you upon your safe return from a second journey round the world. We also desire to express our deep sense of gratitude to you for undertaking a journey of such magnitude in the interests of trade generally, and more especially in the interests of your own manufactures, which cannot fail to be beneficial to us, your employees. We feel that, considering the strong family ties which bound you to home, the undertaking you have so successfully accomplished deserves a far greater recognition from us than we are able to show. We are also keenly alive to the fact that we, as a body of workmen, are directly benefited by your enterprise, and whilst feeling thankful to you as an employer who has always the true interests and welfare of his workmen at heart, we also feel proud of you for what you have accomplished, and for the success that has invariably crowned your efforts. In rather less than thirty years you have built up a great establishment and been the recipient of over seven hundred medals, cups, and challenge prizes at the foremost agricultural trials and exhibitions of agricultural machinery held in the world. These facts speak for themselves, and we do feel justly proud of you as the head of such a concern. We take this opportunity also of congratulating you upon your elevation to the Borough Bench of Magistrates and election to the County Council, and feel sure that you will prove yourself a useful member of such important bodies; but it is as a kind and considerate employer that we choose to look upon you and ask you to accept this address and accompanying present as a small token of regard and esteem from your employees, all of whom have voluntarily subscribed to this testimonial. In conclusion, we pray the Divine blessing may rest upon you and your family, and that you may be long spared a life of usefulness to the agricultural implement and machinery industry of which you are justly so conspicuous and honoured a member, and as a pattern of perseverance and integrity to your family and your employees. [Here follow names of the subscribers]. In addition to the album, Mr. Corbett was also made the recipient of a beautiful gold medal pendant, with the following inscription thereon: “ Presented to T.Corbett, Esq., J.P., c.c. Perseverance Iron Works, Shrewsbury, to commemorate his second journey round the world from his employees. January 1894.
He was also presented with a beautiful hand-painted china tea service of chaste design. This was given as a joint present to Mr. and Mrs. Corbett. The presentation took place in one of the large workshops of Mr. Corbett's works, and Mr. JOHN JONES (the general foreman) explained that the testimonial was the voluntary gift of the whole of the workmen, who fully appreciated the efforts their employer had put forth in their interests, and the kindness they had received at his hands at various times. (Applause.)
Ms. CORBETT, received with applause, said that there were times in a man's life when the tongue failed to give utterance to the feeling, which it was desired to express, and this was the position in which he found himself. He thanked them sincerely for the expressions of good feeling indicated in the beautiful gifts; He should always treasure them, and be proud to hand them down as heirlooms. (Applause.) He had left home and experienced a year of downright hard work in the Colonies, and although he had not been successful in inundating them with orders, he had the firm conviction that his business tour would be highly beneficial, and that orders would follow. He fully appreciated the way in which his employees had helped forward his success in the past; and if they would still go on in the same painstaking manner, and pull together, then without doubt the continued success of the Perseverance Works would be ensured. (Hear, hear.) Among the many letters of congratulations he had received was one from the Mayor as follows, which was loudly applauded:
Mayor's Room, Guildhall, Shrewsbury, January 7th, 1894. My Dear Corbett. It gave me extreme pleasure to receive your telegram yesterday, and to know that the most energetic of my old friends had safely returned to his native country after an eventful voyage round the world. You will be very gladly welcomed home, not only by your own personal friends, but by all and they are many who admire the pluck and energy you have displayed. If your own welfare and interests have been promoted by your prolonged absence from home, and you are thereby able to increase the commercial activity of our good old town, your safe return will be doubly gratifying to
Yours very sincerely,
W. LYON BROWNE.
T. CORBETT'S “World Famed” Manufacturers have gained above 700 ROYAL and other FIRST PRIZES against the World.
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