110 The Frederick G erring, Jr. 



Extract from the Halifax Echo. 



[Enclosure with Edward Morris' letter of March 2g, iS()7\ 



ROTTING AT HER WHARF. 



Sen. Frederick Gerring, Jr., Still Tied Up Awaiting the 



Decision. 



A writer in the Halifax Chronicle thus speaks concerning the 

 case of sch. Frederick Gerring, Jr.: 



"The tardiness of justice or at least how slow our courts of 

 law handle matters is exemplified in the case of the Frederick 

 Gerring, Jr. I had almost forgotten the seizure, until taking a 

 stroll on the Marine and Fishing wharf a few days ago, I saw 

 the schooner tied up in one of the docks. 



"On or about the 25th of last May, she was seized and brought 

 to Halifax, and in compliance with the law, she was stripped and 

 handed over to the Admiralty court. Nearly a year has come and 

 gone and the case rests undecided in the Supreme Court of 

 Canada, while tlie ship, totally valueless to the owner, gradually 

 decays. Her cargo has no doubt long before this become worthless. 



"The Gerring was condemned by the Chief Justice of the 

 Supreme Court of Nova Scotia and then the case was appealed, 

 but it seems like a hardship on the owner, having to wait such a 

 length of time since that appeal, which was about six months ago, 

 for a decision. 



"Apart from the question, whether she was guilty of violating 

 the law or not, it is hard on the owner to have to be in suspense, 

 and also out of pocket as a consequence of the seizure, and the 

 delay in giving judgment. It would be quite different if, when 

 the vessel was seized, her owner was allowed to give bonds equal 

 to her value and then use her pending the decision of the courts, 

 which if unfavorable would mean a forfeiture of the bonds." 



