79 F. 973 | 2d Cir. | 1897
The bill of lading exempted the carrier from liability for loss or damage arising from "unseaworthiness of the ship, provided all reasonable means have been taken to make her seaworthy.” The Harter act of February 13, 1893, which is also relied upon, provides that:
“If tlio owner * * * shall exercise duo diligence to make the said vessel in all respects seaworthy and properly manned,” etc., “* * .* neither the vessel, her owner,” etc., “shall become or bo held responsible for damage or loss resulting from fault or errors in navigation or in the management of said vessel.”
Manifestly, neither the clause in 1he hill of lading, nor that in the Harter act can be availed of by the ship unless it is shown that “all reasonable means have been taken,” or “due diligence exorcised,” to make her seaworthy; and the two phrases here quotéd have the same meaning. When the cement was so cracked as to allow the corrosive sugar acid to come in contact with the iron, she was not in all respects seaworthy to carry such a cargo. And it is also quite clear that “reasonable means” or “due diligence” would call for some sort of an examination of tlie cement before sailing with such a cargo, to see if it was free from cracks. Much testimony was taken, and both briefs devote much space to argument touching claimant’s theory that the crack was caused after sailing, by collision with the bottom or with some floating substance. We are unable to reach any definite conclusion on this branch of the case. It would be mere guesswork to express an opinion either way. All that can be said is that it does not appear what caused the crack. Of course, if it were shown salisfactorily that it was caused as defendant contends, the ship would not be held liable, although it might appear that there had never been any examination or inspection at all before sailing; for such examination, however minute, would not have revealed the particular form of unseaworthiness not then existing,, but from which alone damage resulted. Inasmuch, however, as there is not sufficient evidence to show that the crack was caused by some accident after sailing, it becomes necessary for the ship to show such an inspection before sailing as would comply with the requirement that "reasonable means” or “due diligence” be taken or exercised. Upon this branch of the case we are inclined to concur with the district judge that the proof.of inspection of the cement bottom was not sufficient to meet this requirement. We do not mean to- hold that all the ceiling