Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-11-12
TN SEEMS TO DE THE TERESA.
Vessel mt Cat Island So Identified
british Authorities Nay Seize Her.

NASSAU. n. p, November u.-Wreck-
srs who have arrived here have brought
with them stores from the stranded ves-
sci off Cat Island, which establish beyond
doubt that she is the Infanta Maria ye-
resa.
As the vessel Is looked upon as being a
derelict. the wreckers claim the right to
seize the stores which can be saved. They
say that the water is up to between
decks, and that the vessel has list to
starboard, which side. Is damaged. but
that she is not dismasted.
The vessel lies between two reefs, on
smooth bottom, and has her anchor out.
BRITISH MAY TAKE POSSESSION.
The British Admiralty authorities here
are going TO take possession of the Maria
Teresa as a derelict. The American Con-
sui has protested against this course,
claiming everything. less the salvage.
The steamer Antillia is leaving here for
Cat Island, with customs officers and po-
lice on board Opinions differ as TO the
chance of saving the cruiser. Although
she has been aground since Thursday, the
Maria Teresa rests in an easy position,
and the weather is moderate.
OUR TITLE TO SHIP UNIMPAIRED.
WASHINGTON, ID. c., November H.
Officials of the Navy Department were
interested in the news from Nassau iden-
tifying the steamer lying off Cat Island
as the Maria Teresa. The legal status
of the vessel has been considered cur
sorily, and i'm the opinion of the depart
ment the title Of the United States to
her is unimpaired, Notwithstanding the
fact that it was necessary TO abandon her
for a time. There may be some question
involved as to the payment of salvage to
the Bahama fishermen, but that depends
I'm large measure on what they have done.
If they have simply been looting the yes
sci, not only are they not entitled TO
salvage, but the goods stolen may be re-
covered. On the other hand, II II was
the fishermen who anchored the snip in
smooth water, and if they made any en-
deavor to bring her in, probably .hey
would have a good claim for salvage.
The vessel. however, is not subject TO
detention on this account, international
law exempting national vessels from
seizure on any score ip time of peace.
MAY NOW BE VALUELESS.
From the account received It is feared
that the damage TO the vessel sustained
through the storm, and the probable
pounding upon the coral reefs outlying
Cat Island added TO the wounds received
by the ship in action when she sank
originally, are sufficient to render her
entirely valueless. Nothing but an eX-
perrs examination can determine this
point, but as the Merritt experts are al
ready on their way to Cat Island. that
| question will soon be decided.
COURT OF INQUIRY.
| The Navy Department has decided that
a court of inquiry shall be held to de-
! termine whether the abandonment of the
| Teresa at sea was justinabie, and if
| not, who was responsible. The detail fol
| the court has not yea been announced
! nor, indeed, has the court been formally
| appointed, for II cannot take the testi
mony necessary to elicit the facts unit
! the wreckers who have gone to Ca
Island return with an account of tn,
condition in which they found the Teresa