The Escanaba

KOHLSAAT, District Judge.

The only question to be decided herein is as to the priority of the claims of shippers for loss of goods by reason of the tort of the master, and of liens for supplies furnished prior to the happening of the tort. In this case the master converted the goods of intervening petitioners. I think there is no question but that this constituted a tort. I do not appreciate the contention that the action constituted a “quasi” tort, and not such a tort as is covered by the decision in The John G. Stevens, 170 U. S. 124, 18 Sup. Ct. 544. I am of the opinion that the distinction…