b.
h
providing against Fire or other Accidents, and Preserving Peace and Good order on Board of such vessel and for the effectual Prevention or Detection of any Felonies or Misdemeanor!
5
The steamers of the Messageries Maritimes fly the French Ensign common to both men of war, and merchant vessels. They do not fly a pendant. They are subsidized by the French Government to carry mails between Marseilles and Shanghai, China, calling at intermediate Ports of which Hongkong is one.
There is also a branch line between Hongkong and Yokohama, Japan.
It is claimed under Article V of the English and French Postal Convention of 1856 that these vessels are entitled to be considered, and treated as vessels of war, and to be entitled to the same honors and privileges.
V
It appears however that "vessels of war" refers to special classes of vessels enumerated under Article I & II of the same convention. Article I refers solely to vessels running between Dover and Calais. Article II refers to vessels carrying correspondence by the several routes herein after enumerated.
8. I am unable to find any route enumerated in the Convention which applies to Hongkong; neither is there...