The enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1804-1815, 1809-08-25
RUSSIA.
uK4SE TO TIE SEMhTE.

UK.ASE TO TIE SEMATE.
+, It is known to the whole world, with what
hrmness The trade of neutrals has been pro-
tected by Russia. when the powers of Eu-
rope were at war; it is known with what
valor she has guarded the interest of trading
nations, in the time of peace. against the e
vents of war. Following up this invariable
principle. also during the present rupture
with Britain, we entertained the fullest
hopes, that the trade with friendly powers
would not be carried on by forbidden means
but as experience, during last season, has
proved to us. that the enemy has found it
practicable, by means OF neutral vessels, to
supply himself with such produce as he stood
in need of, and 20 gain strength by exchang
Ing his own produce, we have been compel
led to order two vessels seized. For these
reasons, and to prevent various subterfuges
and articles, we have deemed it necessary
80 establish some rules; and hereby order:
' /. That all masters of neutral vessels, ar
irving at our ports, are to prove the proper
ty being neutral, by the following documents
of the ship, viz: pass, ships register,
muster-roll, log book. cocket. manifest of the
cargo, the charter party, bills of lading, GER
tifcates of origin, whether the cargo, or part
of the same, belongs to the captain, and by
the invoices Of such vessels as come from
America or the Indies, or are bound there.
In case, however, the master is not provided
with any one Of the documents, the ship is
10 be sent out of our ports, and not to be per-
mitted to discharge.
IL In case of neutral ships being partly
loaded with merchandise, which can be pro-
we'd to be of the manufacture or produce of
The enemy, the same tob be stopped, the goods
TO be seized and sold by public auction for
the benefit of government; but if more than
half of the cargo consists of such goods, then,
not only the cargo, but also the ship is to be
seized.
Ill. A.pass granted the ship, by a neutral,
Friendly, or allied power, is not to be consi-
dered legal, as soon as it appears that the
master has acted contrary TO the same, or
If the ship is named in the pass differently to
what she is in the rest of her documents,
unless the alteration made is proved by do
Cuments attested by legal authority, at the
place from which the vessel departed, and
produced Before the Magistracy of said
place; in this instance the master is not to
be considered guilty.
Nv. A pass is not be considered valid, if it
should appear that the vessel to which it
is granted was not, at the very time it is da-
ted, at ore of the ports of the power by
which it has been given.
V. If the supercargo or master, or more
sci, should be subjects of powers at war with
us; or if such a vessel is not provided with
muster roll OF the Crew, duly attested by
the Magistracy of such neutral ports from
which the same departed then both ship
and cargo are to be seized, but the crew to
be set at liberty.
vi. If it should appear, that the pass pro-
duced by the master has been counterfeited
or altered, ship and cargo are to be seized
Tor the benefit OF government, and the mas
ter to be brought to trial. and to be dealt
with as prescribed by the laws for those
who make false documents; the crew to be
Set at liberty.
VII. 1t it should appear that vessel is
provided with double documents. with diff
ferent destinations, such vessel and her
cargo to be seized for the benefit of Govern
ment. In case the master wishes to Justify
himself, by having lost his documents, and
cannot produce any. proofs, his vessel to De
detained, granting him time for procuring
the same, proportionate to the distance, if he
wishes it; else, if the master cannot wait so
long. ship and cargo are Immediately to be
Sent off; but it, at the expiration of the pc
Rod fixed, the master does not produce the
needful proofs, ship and cargo are to be Sci
zed for the benefit of Government
VIII. No ship built by the enemy is to be
considered neutral, unless, amongst other
documents, duly attested document is
found, proving the sale or transfer to have
taken place, before the declaration of the
war; else ship and cargo to be seized for
fhe benefit of Government.
TX. 1.-THE owner or commander Of a neu-
trail vessel happen to be native of nation
at war with us, and is provided with passes
of neutral power, i'll such case the pass
is not TO serve as clearance, as long As he
cannot prove having become a subject and
resident of such a power, previous to- the |
declaration of war; else he is to BIZ sent OF, |
with his ship, not allowing him to take in
return cargo.
St.Peters6urg, May 7, 1909. !
NEW COMMERCIAL DECREE.