New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1851-06-25

| chartered Bongay (natlye boat at
Granada OF Mr. Frederick Derbyshlre. to bring our
party and baggage 70 san Juan. He required prev-
Gus payment and m ms receipt agreed TO deliver the
property in good order. In consequence however
Of unwanantabie delay on the voyage and the care
lesncss ofthe Padrone and crew the safety of the
goods. they arrived more or less damaged by water
The owner OF the Bougay English merchant Of
reputed wealth long resident of Granada he ar
rved al san Juan the same morning as ourselves
Upon inquiry. the merchants at san Juan informed
me that similar injuries had been sustained without
redress and that il would De useless for an Amer-
can 80 prosecute a SUIT against an Engshman IN this
semi English Court. considered. however. the JUS
tee of nv claim so obvious. that | determined to
make the attempt If MIR. d refused redress. called
upon him. stating the damage sustained, reminding
HIM OF ms agreement to deliver IN good order, and
endeayored 10 settle the affair amicabIy. HIS man
ner was however. rude. and he peremptouly refused
any compensation
Immediately called upon the gentlemanly Chef
Justice. Nr Henry Grant Foote explained my grew
ance and intention TO prosecute. He ordered Court
70 &c held next day Witnesses were subpGned, and
NV orVouent employed counsel. Tie next morning
Iappoared at the bar for the hrs time IN my own be-
half The Court consisted of the Chief Justice and
ms associate Judge VI 4 gaud highly respected
cl,lzen and merchant OF san Juan. The novelty OF
the suit had collected COCdly number OF American
English french. Spanish and natives stated To
the Court the circumstances exhibited the receipt 20
deliver m good order. quoted the liability OF COM
mon carriers by the English law, even without such
agreement. proved damages and asked compensation.
The courteous Inspector of the Police, Mr. Camp
bell, brought the witnesses to the bar. VIZ. +. /.
Narcoros politely acted As interpreter for the native
crew. whose evidence OF the condition of the boat
and exposure of the goods confused and contra
dlctorv IN the extreme. Mr. IS counsel cOntendcd
that the custom OF the country. which did not guar
autCe the arrival Of merchandise IN good order M
these boats. should rule the decision but the facts
IN Wv case appeared so PLAIN that IN ten minutes Al
ter nv closing remarks, the Court decided IN my Ia
yof. appointing one referee on each SIDE with pow
er to select third to examine the goods and est
mate The damage. which was finally gwen for the
fun amount claimed AND the same day the defend
ants counsel brought me. ln gold $500 he paying
lhe costs of sut, amounting 10 the very modes sum
OF 81.
The result of tins suit VIII probably break the
Commission of the padronc of the B0ngay, and Sc
cures the punishment Of the crew on their return 10
Granada. precedent for similar claims
la future. 70 Is perhaps one of the most credltdOlc
examines of It cheap Judiciary and summary justice
to be- found OF record I'M any country a extended
10 q foreigner. particularly an American ctzen) n
VIII give confidence IN the administration OF law and
equity and must rebound 10 the credit and nteres
OF The growing Importance of the place, and tend 10
lessen the false opinions that nave been entertained
ln the United States of the reported usurpttOn and
injustice of the British authorities, all OF which
found upon inquiry, were false or grossly exagge-
rated.
/ can bear witness that the English rule az san
Juan. is as much TO the interest of my cOuntrymeu
there as II certainly Is to the good order AMI adyan
tage ofthe mixed population. \ courteous and KIND
domeanor everywhere prevails with the authorities,
and the peace and good order established induces
American 20 feel al ease n tins Nmul recently OBJ
scure part OF The world Gambling Is not permitted,
and drunkenness is punished by fine. An English
War steamer rs generally lying IN that port prepared
20 enforce wholesome discipline, and IN the absence
of American armed vessels, tins Is "a regulation that
should please all Weil-dsQO>ed Americans. There
are no duties of any kind al tins port and no eX-
actions except such as are necessary for the good or
Der of the place. All the Bongays with their semi
civilized crews, are obliged 20 have their men on
board ~ nlghifall. and anchor Oh the shore until
morning and are also required to deposit their long
knives machetesl in the gudrd-house until they are
about To cave San Juan. CHAs h. TOWNSEND.