United States v. Steinmetz

OPINION

DEBEVOISE, District Judge.

I. THE PROCEEDINGS

In this action plaintiff, the United States of America, seeks to recover from defendant, Richard Steinmetz, a ship’s bell taken from the celebrated Confederate warship, the CSS ALABAMA. In response to an order to show cause, Mr. Steinmetz delivered the bell to the Court. A hearing was held on January 4, 1991. The hearing not only developed evidence required to dispose of this case; it was also a celebrative event. The final encounter of the CSS ALABAMA was recalled. Each student in the sixth grade of Maplewood’s Middle School struck the bell…