New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-12-30
RICH SPANISH REVENUES.
AMERICAN SHIPPING MULCTED BY THE
COLONIES.
How THEIR EMPTY CoFYERs ARE REPLEN
IsHED.

unique one. II people express surprise at the ex-
orbitant fine Of 81, 900 imposed upon the agents
or managers of American vessels in Spanish port
for few missing packages Of starch valued at most
at few dollars it is because such occurrences are
SO common that the sufferers Of such high-handed
actions have long since ceased to offer resistance
to the authorities in the Spanish colonies. In
deed 1t seems that OF the richest sources Of
revenue to these colonies is their system of mulct
ing American shipping interests An act like the
famous Embargo act would Knock away the last
support to a bankrupt and totterng fabric which
seems the more remarkable in that such rookery
has stood up so long.
The case of the American schooner Jennie Hall
is even more surprising than that Of the Josefa.
She cleared from this port February 20 by
Miller, Bull IL Co.. of No. as South-st., with a
miscellaneous cargo Of provisions, etc,
for San Juan and Ponce, Porto Rico. AT
the time OF her sailing there was
dispute between her mate, who received her car
60, and the shipper, A. ii. SeiXas, of this city, in
regard TO some barrels Of pork The shipper
thought that he had put aboard fifty barrels,
while the mate only acknowledged having re-
ceived forty barrels. Pork, being both bulky and
heavy, is always stored in the bottom of the hold
The vessel was loaded and about to sail and
it was impossible TO prove just what number
adjusted apparently in simple manner. The
consignment was entered in the schooners mani
fest as fifty barrels while thereto affixed
certificate from the Spanish consul here TO
the effect that there a dispute about the
matter and that many barrels as were on
board should be delivered. The consul assured
Miller, Bull 4 Co, that his certi.ication would
obviate the possibility Of imposition of a fine
for the shortage
When the schooner arrived at San Juan and
her cargo was discharged 1t found that there
were only forty barrels aboard. thus proving the
correctness of the mates account. The COnSuIs
certificate was presented to the customs officials
in explanation, but fine of 5000 package,
81, 600 in all, IMPLY imposed. The cap
tain and agents refused to pay the fine and went
20 the chief of the revenue department of Porto
Rico He, however. refused to decide the ques
ton and submitted the matter to the Colonial
Minister at Madrid, forcing the vessel to give
bond to answer The vessel was detained at that
port week, until the $4,000 was
deposited Since that time Miller, Bull Co
have heard nothing from Madrid, have their
agents at San Juan.
The matter was laid before the State Depart
ment, the above facts being sent TO the Secretary
in full. The Government was urged 10 take some
action in regard to this system Of plunderine
American shipping The firm called attention 10
the fact that all American vessels were sub
jected 10 the same treatment, and offered to give
all information and facts required. The follow
ing letters have been received from the State
Department:
Dept If state, Washington, Sept. 10, 1855
Messrs. Miller. BuI. a CO., No. a. SOuth-st, y y.
Gentlemen / have 10 acknowledge The receipt o.
your letter Of the 9th inst, IN reference 10 the case OF
the American schooner Jennie Han, which was hncd
al Tie Custom House AT san Juan T. IL, the sum OF
g. 600 account Of an alleged shortage OF zen barrels
Of pork ron procs being ma aSiansa th ~,
fine, the lntcndcnfe you STATE submitted the case 10
the Colonial Minister at Madrid, forcing the vessel TO
give a bond to the final result, and to secure
Tins the captain deposited with your agents in PORTO
ri.o the sli OF 81 900 You also state that you have
heard nothing from Madrid and you request TINS De
paftment to look into the case without delay WIN
In reply have 20 inform you that tms case was
reported 10 the Department by the Consul OF the
United states at san Juan z r.. I'm his dispatch OF
Aryil IL ls-8 A copy OF this dispatch was sent 10
:. (r,wr Minister Of the United states in Madrid. on
MAY II. with instructions to urge upon The spanish
i'o5 eminent The importance OF speedy determination
authority might not be entrusted the colonial OH
GERS 10 the end that these constant questions arising
manifest should be decided in summary manner, ana
some recard to justice as we'll r. 10 torm.H
The Department has no. yet been informed VIVA
action II anv has been taken by the Spanish auihor
sent 10 the Legation OF the United states In MADRID 10
continue their efforts in this case. am, gentIemeh
'O"' G. L. RIvEs. Assistant Secretary.
Department Of state.
Washington. Dec p. 1888
Messrs. Miller. Bull & Co, az Southsi. New-fork
Gentlemen have to acknowledge the receipt OF
your letter of the 18th inst and to in reply that
az instruction 10 press the claim for rpaialoh IN ne
OF the fire Of $1,000 imposed or Ie S NJ