Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 June 1887 — INSANE PAUPER IMPORTATION. [ARTICLE]

INSANE PAUPER IMPORTATION.

j— — The Cunard Company Heavily Fined. An important and interesting case was heard on the Bth inst. in Boston, Mass., at the custom-house before Collector Saltonstall. The respondent was the Canard Steamship Company, and the charge entered was that of violating the statues in

regard to the landing at Atlaerican porta of passengers who are in no condition to care for themselves. The steamship Cephalonfa, arrived at Boston Jane 3, brought among .its passengers a woman, whp bore every trace of insanity, although not of a violent type. In making an in- : veatigation of the condition of the passengers this wpman came tinder the observation of S. C. Wrightington, Superintendent of the State Board of Lunacy and Charity, and having supervision of the local affairs of emigration of Massachusetts, and Mr. Colcord, of the Alien Commissioners. They considered her wholly unable to care for herself, and if allowed to land that she would become a burden upon the State. The proper officers of the ship were told that the woman must not be landed, and Mr. Colcord then went in search of the ship’s Doctor to bring the case before him, When they returned to the ship the woman eould not be found, and the company was notified that unless she was returned clearence papers would not be granted. Subsequently, a formal protest wa3 entered with Deputy Collector Flatley, and he referred the matter to Collector Saltonstall. At the hearing Ms. Wrightington appeared for the State. Board of Lunacy and Charity, Mr. Colcord for the Alien Commissioners, and i Mr.'Edwards for the Canard Company. The hearing was private an-4 did not occupy much time, as it was evident to the collector, without going into detail, that Jhe company had violated the statutes. In making His decision he said: “I shall impose a fine of SI,OOO on the Cunard Steamship Company for landing at this port an insane person named Johannah Casey. Whenever I receive a check for that amount I will furnish the necessary papers for the clearance of the steamer Cephalonia, and. not until then. Before that check is used the company Will be given an opportunity of presenting the j; ease to United States Secretary of the Treasury Fairchild, and I shall, of course, be governed by his decision.’’ During the ! afternoon the Cunard Company’s check for SI,OOO was deposited with collector of the port. The check is subject to the decision of the United States Secretary of the Treasury, to whom it is understood an appeal wili be taken.