The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-02
Serious Charge Against American seamen In
England.

England
from the Liverpool Times, June 1871
Yesterday, at the police court after the discharge
OF the morning business before Mr.. Anderson, case
Of much importance came before that gentleman,
public interest In the present state Of the case the
following brief facts will suffice until the entire
have been investigated in detail.
1t appears that the American ship Washington
and is at present in the Wellington dock; and yes
terday Henry TiIbee, the third mate Chas. Henry
Mckenzie, the boatswain, and Andrew Adduls, the
carpenter, were brought before MFR. Anderson, on
charge Of having robbed several passengers, who
came by the ship from New York, both Of clothes
and money.
Mr.. Wybergh addressed the magistrate, and said
the case was one Of the utmost Importance. The
prisoners were charged with having stolen quant-
ty Of clothes and money from several passengers
who came home by the ship, and also from some of
the sailors on board. The evil complained Of had,
most unfortunately, grown to great extent, parti
cularly in American vessels 1t had attracted much
attention, and the time was come that such transac-
lions must be put stop to, and have poor emigrant
and other passengers protected. The robbery in the
present case, it appeared, had taken place in an
American ship Oh the high SEAS not exactly in the
jurisdiction Of the court but some Of the property
was found with the prisoners in Liverpool, and that
would bring them within the jurisdiction.
Several witnesses, both sailors and passengers
were then produced and all swore, in the course Of
the voyage home, that the prisoners, but particular
ly Tflbee, the third mate, robbed them of clothes
and money to considerable extent The witnesses
ana 10 say the used g
they would be thrown overheard into the sea. One
man had his clothes and forty dollars another fifty
eight dollars, and 80 on, stolen. The greater por-
tion of the clothes was found in Tilbee's chest,
come on his person, and some slowed away in the
sail room. The other prisoners had clothes which
they stole, on them, and more in their chests. There
were several watches and variety OF other proper
ty stolen from the passengers and some of the crew.
a NJ o1c0f dxuith
ers The whole Of the property recovered with the
ex ception OF the money! was produced and identi-
fed by the owners. None Of the money was found.
T TSe s fse ysp s4 to ss Rsss g b Ds
pie to keep for them. This was most positively de-
MED by all the witnesses, and two three Of them
swore that the money was taken under threat Of
One Of the passengers had written statement
signed by all the passengers In that portion Of the
ship where he was, in which lists Of great hardship
and injustice Gf truel were given, but as that por
gsrates, we forbear to do more than aude to it, par
tcularly as the party said he would lay the whole
case before the American Consul, and have the
matter brought before the authorities in which case
the details will transpre without exparte Statements
as all will lave Oh opportunity of being heard.
Mr.. Anderson said the case was most important
one and therefore time should be taken to consider
it maturely He was very sorry to not only sailors
but officers of the ship, in such disgracefnl posi-
tion. Sailors and officers were bound to protect
passengers both in person and property, and not
take anything from them. It was quite impossible,
after what he had heard to credit the story told by
the prisoner Tilbee; he would therefore remand all
the PRISONERS for seven days. and in the meantime
the necessary steps would be taken and inquiry made
nto this important affair.
Immediately after the prisoners were removed
female Of respectable appearance, who gave her
name as Ann Hodson, came forward and charged
young man named Hugh Barry, chief mate of the
American ship Henry Clay, just arrived from New
York, with having stolen diamond ring, which
cost ten dollars, from her.
The complainant said the prisoner took the ring
forcby from her on the voyage and put 1t into his
pocket. She complained to the captain about it,
and he said he could do nothing for her, the mate
denied having taken the ring.
Mr.. Wybergh-Did you allow him to take the
ring?
No, sir. He took it forcibly from my finger he
said that is nice ring you have, and forced it off
my finger. had no friends on board, as my hus-
band died in New Orleans.
Constable l66 said he went on board the ship and
asked the mate about the ring, when he said he
would 60 to the third mate and get it, which he did,
and gave it to witness.
Mr.. Bluck, for the prisoner, crosseyamned the
complainant at some length, but did not shake her
testimony but
Mr.. Anderson said the case did not come within
mis- jurisdiction but he heard it 80 far in consequence
of the important case which had been just before him.
Such things, however, should be put stop to, for
the benefit of the public who should be protected.
The prisoner was discharged, and the ring given
up to the owner.