CO129-281 - Governor Sir Robinson & Acting Governor Major Gen Black - 1898 [1-3] — Page 424

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belonged, as the laws of that nation or the interest of its

commerce should require.

In other words my instructions are that all

matters growing out of contracts with the crew or affect-

ing the police of the ship, are subject to the laws of the

State to which the vessel belongs.

And insomuch.as the United States usually de-

clines to insist upon the right of jurisaiction over Bri-

tish Merchant vessels when in ports of the United States,

except in so far as affected by treaty, I am further instruc-

ed to respectfully call the attention of the Government of

a friendly power to the insistence of any one of its offi-

cials on the right of jurisdiction over vessels of the

United States, and in case the official is uphela in his posi-

tion

which though it may not be contrary to law, is aimed

to destroy the perfect understanding and confidence that

should exist between the two great branches of the same race.

I am to respectfully enter a protest against

any and all proceedings and report the matter back to the

proper officers.

I therefore have the honor to call your at-

tention to the position taken by the Police Magistrate (Mr.

H. E. Wodehouse) in spite of my verbal protest, in regard to

the case citea.

I have the honor to request to be informed

whether in the face of the long established and kindly at-

tituce