Diefenthal v. Hamburg-Amerikanische Packetfahrt Actien-Gesellschaft

This is a suit in admiralty, brought by process in per-sonam. The question submitted is presented by a plea to the jurisdiction. The suit is brought to recover damages lor a breach of a contract. The question, therefore, is whether the contract which has been violated is maritime. The contract is fully described in the libel. The respondents were owners of a number of steamers running between New Orleans and various European ports. They made a contract, whereby it was agreed that the libelants would, for the period of one year, furnish and deliver to the respondents on board of their several…