25 F. 575 | S.D.N.Y. | 1885
Tbe libelant sues for $42.50 wages for services rendered to tbe' steamer Crystal Stream from May 2 to May 19, 1885. The steamer had been chartered a few days before by Capt. Hinman to run as a passenger and freight boat between New York and Derby, Connecticut, the captain to pay all tbe expenses of navigation. Tbe libelant was employed by Capt. Hinman to solicit freight for the boat, on an agreement to pay him at the rate of $15 per week and board. Tbe libelant’s duties were chiefly to canvass among the merchants of New York and induce them to send freight by this steamer. Once or twice, under the captain’s direction, he went to Connecticut by the steamer to obtain similar orders from merchants there. He also sold some tickets for a special excursion. On these trips he slept on the steamer, but not at other times. When the steamer was in New York ho took bis meals on board of her. He took no part in tbe navigation of the steamer, and bad no duties on board. On tlio twentieth of May, the business not being successful and the liabilities of tbe boat not being paid, she was surrendered by Capt. Hinman to tbe owners, and tbe charter was canceled. The owners paid the liens of the seamen; but they defend against the claim of the libelant, on the ground that bis services were not maritime, and constitute no lien upon the ship. As the claimants did not employ the libelant, and were under no personal responsiblity for tbe expenses of tbe navigation of the steamer while under the charter to Capt. Hinman, this action cannot be sustained unless the libelant’s services were maritime, so as to be a lien upon the ship.