The E. C. Scranton

BLATCHEORD, District Judge.

The 44th rule of the instance rules in admiralty prescribed by the supreme court, provides, that, “in cases where the court shall deem it expedient or necessary for the purposes of justice, the court may refer any matters arising in the progress of the suit, to one or more commissioners to be appointed by the court, to hear the parties, and make report thereon; and such commissioner or commissioners shall have and possess all the powers in the premises which are usually given to or exercised by masters in chancery in references to them, including the power to…