ļ
:
400
"All assistance was offered by the ALEXANDER, but the
crew of the junk failed in all respects to avail themselves
of it, and made no effort to save their vessel. Had they done
this, the junk and the cargo could have been saved, either
by slinging to the ALEXANDER or by beaching.
"It was impossible for the Board to obtain an itemized
list of the cargo or the exact value of the junk, the $20,000
sued for being an approximate figure."
The Secretary of the Navy states, in connection with
this case, that if it be the fact that the owner of the TUNG
ON TAI suffered damage through fault of the Collier ALEXANDER
it is the cordial desire of the Navy Department to take the
his proper steps to secure reimbursement. Under decisions of the
Comptroller of the Treasury, however, reimbursement to private
owners for damages due to collisions in which naval vessels
aro involved, can be made by special appropriation only. If,
Secretary Metcalf adds, his Department were to present this
matter to Congress and ask for an appropriation, to justify
such appropriation it must be shown that the naval vessel
was in fault.
It seems certain, I regret to say in reply to your note
submitting the case, that on the evidence thus far adduced
this request would not be granted.
I have the honor to be,
with the highest consideration,
Your Excellency's most obedient servant,
ELIHU ROOT.