192 
IN FORBIDDEN SEAS 
and all the property of the owner on board, were 
confiscated to the Russian authorities, but that the 
property and effects of the captain, hunters, and 
crew, were to be returned to them, and all were to be 
set at liberty. Reasons : That the vessel had been 
captured whilst hunting in prohibited waters, with 
a large number of seals and otters on board, and 
that the notice forbidding hunting in those waters 
ought to have been known to the owner, as it had 
been published in Japan. 55 
I protested against this decision as being contrary 
to facts, the vessel not having been captured hunting 
in Russian waters, nor had she any seals or otters on 
board. I was told it was useless protesting there ; 
if I wished to protest, it must be done elsewhere ; 
these were their orders, and all they had to do was 
to carry them out. I then asked what they intended 
doing with the crew and others. Were they to be 
thrown on the streets destitute ? To this they replied 
that it was not their business. Word was then given 
to the guard to 44 right about face, quick march 55 
back to barracks, and we were told we could leave. 
I sent up the Japanese crew to the Japanese Com¬ 
mercial Agent, who cared for them, the skipper 
applying to the authorities for assistance to enable 
them to return to Japan. The same day I wrote out 
a strong protest against the decision, giving reasons, 
and sent it on to the proper quarter. 
The day after our release I sent the following 
wire to St. Petersburg : 
44 Otome confiscated without trial; all hands 
thrown on streets destitute. Authorities refuse food 
and shelter, or passage to Japan, but have arranged 
for same privately. 55 
