The Thomas L. James

PURNELL, District Judge.

On December 25, 1899, D. H. Ward, J. M. Howland, Herman Kirkman, C. Kirkman, Lawrence Kirkman, A. W. Pittman, Ab. Bell, E. H. Heady, L. A. Seawell, R. L. Smith, Geo. W. Smith, and W. A. Prince filed a libel for salvage services against the schooner Thomas L. James, of Key Port, N. J., her tackle, apparel, furniture, and cargo, on board and ashore. On January 15, 1900, an answer was filed. By consent, on the 26th day of April, 1900, the case was referred to a commissioner to take the depositions of such witnesses as the parties might produce, and their examination in…