New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-12-27
SHIPPERS MUCH INTERESTED.
SAY CARGoEs WERE NOT coNTRABAND OF WAR
AND so NOT LIABLE TO SEIZURE.

AND so NOT LIABLE TO SEIZURE.
The result OF the United States Governments in
vestgation into the seizure by the British Of the
cnrgoes of the steamers Beatrice. Maria and
MashOna is awaited with considerable interest by
shippers in this city. These ships all of which
sailed from this port for Delagoa Bay, Portuguese
port were detained by the British at East London.
Port Natal and Cape Town, respectively. and
ordered to discharge their cargoes into lighters at
those ports. The ships were 10 be released but
the cargoes. consisting Of American flour and gen.
eral merchandise for merchants in Delagoa Bay,
were ordered to be seized This is what arouses
the Ire of those who shipped the cargoes. and the
report which reached here yesterday to the effect
that another ship. whose identity could not be
learned had been detained in the way has
not soothed the general Indignation.
The shippers say that -four and general mer-
chandise contraband Of war, and they
argue further against the detention OF the goods
that the vessels bound for a neutral port
Some OF the shippers admit frankly that the goods
were intended ultimately for merchants in the
Transvaal. and thus for the OF the Beers.
They say. however. that that point does not enter
Into their at ALL II s a question solely be-
tween Great Britain and Portugal to whether
goods for peaceful shall be allowed to enter
the Transvaal by way Of Delagoa Bay They have
as much right to send goods to Deagoa Bay, they
say. they have to send them to Havre Rot
terdam any other neutral port. The principal
contention OF the shippers, however. is that the
goods are not contraband OF war. and that con-
sequently the British Government has no right 10
seize them matter whittier they are bound. and
Notwithstanding the fact that they carried by
British ships. The Beatrice, the Maria and the
Mashona are all owned by Bucknell Brothers. Of
London. whose agents in this city Norton e
Son
Attorneys Of Interested shippers who have looked
up the matter say that the only case directly in
point is decided long 20 l7eL In that
case however, the question as TO the right TO
seize the cargoes is not definitely decided. 1t Is
generally agreed that the British Government will
cargoes or damage TO them, but the disputed ques-
ton is, Has it a right 10 seize the cargoes and
The shippers declare Indignantly that by all that Is
equitable IL has not the right, and that the car
son Brown. who presdes over the United States
Admiralty Court for the Southern District OF New.
the nationality OF the Power selling them as they
are In this case the only point TO he considered IS
signed to neutral can be held TO he contraband
of war
any loss It will fall on the consignees, as the
goods were sent &C. l. F. and, the Insurers are
not liable VIII o. In any case be
Ambassador Choate. who is investigating the mat
will be completely spoiled by exposure en- the light
r. W Geldart. commission merchant. OF No %
South William.st. had merchandise on both the
Beatrice and the Mashona. He characterized the
proceeding, and without precedent, believe" Mr..
Geldart said yesterday that he shipped quantity
tober to his agents in Lourenco Marques and that
II repeat order Of the same kind he had been
shPs the T W. sa on a he M 5aS Sa ThS
-four consigned 10 the seme firm at Lourenco Mar
ques She was TO sail direct TO that port without
gunboat Partridge and taken to Cape Town. II
intended TO ship more goods on December 10" con,
should he worse off than am"