The William J. Riddle

CLANCY, District Judge.

In this proceeding the United States as owner of the vessel William J. Riddle petitioned for limitation of its liability, if any, arising from the vessel’s collision with another. It has been found liable for damages caused by this collision, D.C., 102 F.Supp. 884. The vessel was not surrendered nor was its value deposited. No stipulation or bond was 'filed because the vessel was the Government’s. At the petitioner’s instance the Court has agreed to rule, on certain aspects of the limitation fund before questions of fact are submitted to the Commissioner.

The first…