Page:Federal Reporter, 1st Series, Volume 9.djvu/942

 THE B. C. TERBY. 921 �with Dr. Lusbington {The Florence, 20 E. L. & C. E. 622) that the reward in derelict cases should be governed by the same principles as other salvage cases, namely, danger to property, value, risk o£ life, skill, labor, and the dura- tion of the service;" and that " no valid reasoa can be assigned for flxing a reward for salving derelict property at a moiety, or any given proportion, and the true principle is adeq[uat/e reward, according to the circumstances of the case." �3. As to compensation or rate of reward: "Danger to property:" The court bas already ruled that neither the Bramell nor White was in danger. The For est City was in some danger ; not incurred, how- ever, by reason of ber salvage service to the Terry, but by being previ- onsly set on fire by oae or both of the burning vessels. "Value:" The Bchooner and cargo were valued at $9,794. No ,evidejttce was given or agreement made as to the value of the Bramell, Forest City, or Wbitc. "Risk of life:" Although risk or danger to life is not a necessary element in salvage service, yet "what enhances the pre- tendions of salvors most," said Sir William Scott in tha case of The Blackford, 3 Eob. 355, "is the aotual danger which they have in- curred. The value of human life is that which is, ".nd ought to be, principally considered in the preservation of other men's property; and, if it be shown to have been bazarded, it is most bighly esti- mated." The reason bas been already assigned why the salvage enterprise of the Bramell and White was not aecompanied with diffi- culty, Personal exposure, or danger to life or limb. : "Skill:" The alacrity, address, and knowledge of the employment displayed by the Bramell and White deserve approbation. "Lahor:" It was done in the day-time, the weather mild, the wind light, and, from the facts and surrounding, circumstances, it may be fairly inferred that the physical exertion was neither irksome nor fatiguing. "Dura- tton of the service:" This is not a prominent ingredient in salvage ventures, and much stress ought not to be laid upon it, for the actual time consumed in the service — here it did not extend beyond an bour — is not, exeept in peculiar and extraordinary instances, a leading ele- ment in decreeing salvage compensation ; indeed, the rate of salvage is not governed by the mere estent of labor. Further observations on or allusions to the rqain questions in this cause are unnecessary. Suffice it to remark that the services rendered by the Bramell and White were of superior merit, and equal in the resuit achieved; equ9l be their reward. ��� �