Daily Public Ledger

THE WAR.

Santos is Threatened by the Revolutionists.

Admiral Mello Planning to Land a Force to Attack Peixoto From the Rear—The Admiral Receives Assurance That He Has Many Friends In Santos—Provisions at Rio Becoming Very Scarce.

Buenos Ayres, Sept. 20.—The report that a portion of the rebel fleet had succeeded in forcing a passage past the forts at Rio, and had put to sea with the intention of making matters interesting for Santos or some other place in the south, is confirmed. Provisions at Rio are becoming very scarce and the highest prices are charged for all the necessaries of life.

The insurgents, it is claimed, have sent to the rebel squadron of the south instructions to demand the surrender of Santos, and in case of refusal of the garrison to submit, the city is to be shelled into subjection. Santos has a large harbor and an arsenal, the latter being the point of attack for the rebel ships.

By the possession of Santos, the rebels would be in a position to fit out additional small vessels and to obtain ammunition and other such material which the fleet stands in need of. The rebel squadron is expected to arrive off Santos Tuesday, as the distance by sea between Rio de Janeiro and Santos is only about 250 miles.

San Paulo is connected by railroad with Rio, and has a fair garrison believed to be loyal to Peixoto, but should the rebels capture Santos and San Paulo, this railroad would enable them to attack Rio de Janeiro in the rear and on the land side. This is believed to be the object of the revolutionary leader, Admiral de Mello, in sending a squadron south, and he is said to have received assurance that he has many friends in Santos and Paulo who may be counted upon to do everything possible to assist his course.

London, Sept. 20.—A dispatch said to have been received in this city Tuesday from Rio de Janeiro says that Santos is expected every hour to declare itself in favor of the insurgents. It is added that the position of President Peixoto is desperate, and no doubt is entertained in Rio of the success of the revolution, which, it is claimed, is almost certain to be followed by the restoration of the monarchy.