Appendix to the Memorial. 171 



she was irremediably damag-ed by detention and demurred to take 

 her back ; and that under these circumstances the United States 

 Government suggested that a survey of the vessel be made by the 

 nearest United States Consul jointly with a representative of the 

 Dominion Government in order to ascertain the present condition 

 of the vessel. 



The Minister of Marine and Fisheries to whom the said 

 despatch was referred, observes that in his opinion no good could 

 have resulted from any such survey. The offer for the return of 

 the vessel was an offer made purely as a matter of grace and 

 favor on the part of the Crown, and whether the vessel had 

 deteriorated or not could not in any possible way affect the offer, 

 though it might affect the determination of the owners to receive 

 her. 



The Minister further observes that by a Minute of Council 

 approved on the 17th June, 1898, referring to the condemnation 

 and subsequent conditional release of the Frederick Gerring Jr. 

 it was advised that if the owners still refused to accept the ves- 

 sel, her tackle, apparel, appurtenances and proceeds of the cargo 

 sold, less the actual costs incurred in her condemnation, authority 

 be granted to the Minister of Marine and Fisheries to dispose of 

 the vessel to the best advantage without further delay. 



The Minister submits that the expenses of keeping this vessel 

 are large and becoming larger every season, and he, the Minister 

 recommends that authority be granted him to have the vessel 

 sold at public auction without any further delay. 



The Committee concurring, advise that Your Excellency be 

 moved to forward certified copies of this Minute to the Right 

 Honorable the Principal Secretary of States for the Colonies 

 and to His Excellency Her Majesty's Ambassador at Wash- 

 ington. 



All which is respectfully submitted for Your Excellency's 



approval. 



John J. McGee, 

 Clerk of the Privy Council. 



