The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1873-01-23
CITY OF HAVANA.

Sailing OF the Cuban Steamer Yester-
day-The Force OF the Amendme nt to
the Shipping Comm ission Inv Vindi-
cHtcd-Vesscls Touching MT Foreign
Ports Exempted from Duncan s. Co.'s
Supervision.
The steamer City OF Havana left this port yester-
day afternoon for Havana in the midst of driving
snow storm, with full cargo apd fair compile
ment of passengers. The scene at the time of de-
partrre was more lively than usual at this time of
the year, owing partly to the fact that number of
friends had gathered to give the Hon. Mr.. Butcher.
of Lowell, Mass, grand farewell and also to the
idea that q collision was probable between
the steamship company and the United States
Commissioners in regard to the workings of the
new shipping law in relation to the shipping and
paying OF the crew. The law referred to was
passed with the Ostensble and, no doubt audabe
purpose Of protecting seamen who sail in coastng
vessels, and prohibited masters of ships engaged
in the coast trade from shipping crews except as
allowed by the regularly appointed United States
Commissioners. An amendment was made to this
law, exemptng from its provisions masters OF yes.
sells sailing to ports in the West Indies, British
America and the Republic OF Mexico Under this
exemption clause the vessels OF the Alexandra line,
the Atlantic Mail line and one or two others
claimed to be freed,from the supervision OF the new
United States Commissioners; but, as the amend
ment was not fully understood, and as the City of
Havana was about to sail under the Old law, 1t was
asserted that the Commissioner or his representa-
tives would appear and prevent or delay the sail
ing of the steamer. 1t appears that on the
previous voyage this steamer sailed aud shipped
the crew in accordance with the new law, but as
great deal OF Inconvenience was experienced it
was determined by the directors of the Alexandra
line to make test case, and they determined to
apply at the Custom House for clearance papers,
regardless OF the claims OF Mr.. Commissioner Dun
can and his cOnf'ereS An attempt was made, 1t liz
stated, by the new Commissioners to prevent the
company from obtaining the clearance papers;
but Tor the purpose or avoiding
nOyance, the Commissioners were permitted to
carry OUT their functions as regards paying or the
crew. the requisite papers therefor given, the
clearance was duly procured from the Collector Of
the Port and all the anticipated trouble was
averted AS this fact became known the passen-
gers and others present on the dock and ship be-
came correspondngy jubilant. Captain DaKin
and his first officer, Robbins, few around, SUPER
vsing the slowing Of the cargo and the com ort Of
the passengers. The friends of the latter parti-
cuarly those of the Hon. Mr.. Butcher, were
most hearty and hilarious In their farewells and,
as the Hon. J. A. McSoriey was among the "weep-
ers, it may be presumed that the leavetaking was
most tender. Captain T. 5. Curtis, OF the Column
bia, was also among the spectators, and the gen.
tlemen mentioned, together with a number of
others, made the departure as lively ~ could be
wished for. Shortly after four O'Clock the good
ship steamed out, after receiving goodly number
or horses on board, and any sensation other than
the excitement usually attendant on the departure
OF steamer was only conspicuous by its absence.