Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-09-23

the Transaction aud oheered master truckman
who being forbidden by the owner TO trespass on
his property. declared that ne would have moth
ing to do with the matter, II there was any IN
Justice about it, and left TIE cable on the wharf:
but we believe no violence was committed or at
tempted on the part Of the spectators.
The facts in the case we understand arc these:
that the brig Moscow. Capt. John Norris. in the
course Ot her last voyage, was unfortunate as
TO get on TIE Bahama Bank, where she remained
some time, and IN heaying her oil, the stream ca
bic was cut. aud with the anchor, lost. Oh his
arrival IN Russia. Capt. Norris procured another
Of inches, 90 fathoms long. and also new ha w.
ser of 81 inches, to replace an old one entirely
worn out, and parted in several places, having
been in service FIVE years. On her arrival, an In
speotor, reported to the Collector that she had
more cables than she required, and the Collector
sent to Messrs. Rich & Sou to enter the new ones
These gentlemen called on the Collector twice.
stated the above facts. and asked him to send some
competent person to ascertain If there was any
more on board the brig than was actually neces-
sary for her safety or to replace what had been
lost and worn out: and if be found it otherwise.
they would promptly enter the same. Mr.. Hen
shaw did not heed their request, but expressed
his determination Of ceiZing the articles, thus
owners to defend her lawful s. accustomed tackle,
and 20 incur expense therefore.
Notwithstanding these representations the Col
Iector obstnatel persisted IN his course. large
number of merchants have visited the vessel. and
we understand agree. without dissenting voice.
that the cable and hawser were absolutely neces-
sary for the use and security OF The vessel. and a
distinguished merchant being asked by one of the
owners ifhe saw any thing on board TO warp the
vessel to Hancuck's wharf. as they were deS,r-
Gus of doing. replied that there was nothing SUIT
able on board.
Previous 20 the seizure. which was on Nednes
day, 18th inst. the owners wrote to The Collect
or that as misrepresentation had been made re-
specting the cable and hawser, aud that II was
his intention To seize them if not entered. they
they requested Of him tosppont either one. two
or three competent men. who were judges o' what
is requisite for vessels use. to examine the YES
sci, &c and if they discovered any thing more
than vas absolutely necessary for her safety.
they the owners would cheerfuiy enter and
pay duties on them. Stating further, that tie
bri. was five wears old and that there was no.
thing on board except to replace what had been
lost OF worn out.
b. the 45th section nf the Collection law, a
disc retionary power is vested in the Collectors
and Naval Officers of Districts, 20 ascertain whe-
Their OF not. ~ their Judgment vessel has an ex-
cess If sea stores on board and to charge duties
upon such excess as they find. But no power Is
given to seize an excess of stores, unless II is at
te,npted to smuggle them from the vessel. Mel
Their is anv power given to such officers TO take
from vessel, except IN cases Of absolute seizure.
particle OF her tackle apparel, Cables, Anchors,
Hawsers or furniture. By the usage and laws
of all marat,me nations. these articles are held
sacrediy secure from nulestation.
Much credit is due to the owners OF the Mos
coWior their moderation IN a case Of such al agra
waited nature, as it is very probable that if they
had forcIbly resisted the seizure. such was the
feeling among the spectators that the Collector
aud Revenue officers would have been thrown
into the dock.