CRUISE OF THE STEAMER CORWIN. 35 



The United States marshal refused to receive the vessel, stating that he could not do so 

 before a libel had been filed against the vessel and a writ issued by the court authorizing him to 

 take possession. I then placed the case in the hands of the United States district attorney for 

 prosecution. Owing to a press of other business, however, the libel has not been filed as yet ; 

 therefore I retain charge of the vessel. Upon information given by me the United States commis- 

 sioner to-day issued a warrant for the arrest of the six white men formerly belonging to the Adele, 

 and the United States marshal took them into custody. The district attorney authorized the 

 release of the nine Japanese whom you brought from St. Paul, but will retaiu as witnesses those 

 now on board of the schooner. 



It is to be hoped that this case will be vigorously prosecuted. The case is a remarkably clear 

 one, and th^ most impartial observer can detect no extenuating circumstances. An opportunity 

 is now given to make such an example as would tend to check future depredations of this nature, 

 while, on the other hand, if these parties were allowed to go free, the act would be equivalent to 

 declaring null and void that law which now protects the Government's valuable interests in the 

 seal fisheries. 



I remain, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



John E. Lutz, 

 Third Lieutenant, U. 8. Revenue Marine. 



Capt. M. A. Healy, 



Commanding Revenue Steamer Vorwin, 



