The General Geo. G. Meade

BENEDICT, District Judge.

The evidence shows that after the libellants’ boat had been taken in tow by the Meade, during the operation of shifting the hawser, she was allowed to get adrift, and to strike against the pier at 42nd street. There is little doubt that the occurrence could have been prevented by the exercise of diligence on the part of the tug. But it does not follow that the subsequent sinking of the boat is to be held to be the result of the negligence which 'permitted the canal boat to get against the pier. For the evidence shows that the contact with the pier was not violent, and…