New-York tribune., 1872-09-11
CRUELTY TO EMIGRANTS.

THE OUTRAGEs on THE CHARLES II. MARSHALL
REPORT OF THE CASTLE GARDEN COMMITTEE.
The Commissioners of Emigration met yester
day, President OGOrman in the chair The President
was authorized 10 extend invitation to the German
and Irish Emigration Societies to visit Wards Island,
and such places under the direction OF the
Commissioners, at early day. The Castle Garden
Committee then submitted the following report:
complaint Of cruelty having been made against the
ship Charles H. Marshall and her officers and crew, by
ElfenDein, Of the passengers final eXamina
uOu under patf was mduc OI sucA passengers
as should pre- themselves. the Commis on
and examined eleven witnesses under oath.
The OF the ship were represented by Charles H.
Marshall and counsel From the evidence before them
the Commissioners find that the ship Charles H. Marshall
sailed from Liverpool on July ana arrived at YORK
of emgrant passengers 49, including children and
infants Three deaths occurred among the passengers
during the voyage. Capt Chas. S. Marshall died on the
l4h day after sailing His death appears 10 have pro-
duced most demOrdlzing effect upon the whole crew,
evidenced by the statement made by the first officer,
who the death OF the captain, assumed command and
safely naygated the vessel into port Not succeeding in
attempt at mutny the began the persecution
portion Of the passengers subectng them TO bruali
ties that 70 require some action on the part OF the
Federal Government by amendment OF the present L. s.
with foreign governments Some 50 OF the passengers
Of the Jewish faith, and chiefly from Russian
Poland Il few being from England. These passengers
attacked by the crew, who, from the testimony
and brutal assaults, and instances ~ have
eurtailed their lawful supply Of food and The
informed OF these scandalous and unlawful proceedings
on part OF the which omission the result OF
the timty OF the abused passengers and their inability
10 make fully known their grievances on account OF not
speaking OF understanding the English language.
During the investigation one important fact
elected which the attention OF the Board Is parcu
lary directed Meyer Field testified that
brually assaulted by John II. Morton, sailor. The
superntenden instructed 10 send Morton IN charge
of police officer before the L. s. Commissioner that
the emluant might prefer charge against him.
reply was received from Z. s. Commissioner Osborn
thai the Oense which the United States statutes
did not cmnay and that he could not entertain
jurisdiction unless the assault with felonious intent
BY decision OF the Commissioner, which s upresned
10 passengers are practically without
dress whatever against the officers or crew OF vessel
who may maltreat assault them during the voyage
10 seems that amendments required 10 the L.
81 statutes or some provision should made whereby
passengers at sea- who much the mercy OF the
officers aud VI the vessel, may have protection
against brutality.
Upon the conclusion OF the investigation, MI Marshall
stated his belief that the testimony showed that the
complaining passengers had been subjected 20 ndign
ties and cruelty ana that although he Informed by
that the snip and lis owners and agents could
not be legally held fOr tie unJustnable act on Tie part
OF The sailors nevertheless he would voluntarily place
IN the hands OF any Of the Commissioners sum OF
10 compensate the passengers for their sucrngs
Commissioner Walach ana the Superintendent under
took the Distribution 81 tns money, and awarded u ~
tie needy Passengers IN proportion 10 their wants Tho
Committee believe that any misconduct OF the per
united by FOrTesief the II mate 10 Be attributed 10
LIE trying circumstances 40 winch 10 was placed isihss