Bush & Co. v. United States

Ten thousand bags of rice of the net weight of substantially 97 pounds per bag were shipped by one Da Rocha from Hongkong, China, on or about April 8, 1919, by the steamer Manila Maru, consigned to Suzuki & Co., of San Francisco, who are referred to in the record as the importers.

The rice was stowed in what is referred to as “ ’tween decks.” While the steamer was at sea on May 4 following, smoke was discovered coming out of No. 5 hold, where some matting was stored and below where some of the rice was placed. Water was immediately pumped into the hold and steam turned into it for several…