Page:History of merchant shipping and ancient commerce (Volume 3).djvu/39

 interferes with the responsibility, of others he renders himself responsible. Thus, if he undertakes, while in harbour, the removal of any merchandise, resulting in loss, the amount may be deducted from his wages, it being the rule, that the wharfinger is responsible for the safe delivery of all goods on board the vessel.

The American law has, also, provided for the proper sustenance of seamen, by requiring that a certain amount of the provisions shipped be set apart for this purpose, and, further, that they shall be provided for during bonâ fide sicknesses occurring during the service of the ship, and not from the seamen's own fault, when absent occasionally or without express permission. All vessels bound for any ports beyond the limits of the United States are to be provided with a medicine chest. Provision, moreover, is made for sick and disabled seamen on shore, the law enjoining on the master or owner of every vessel the payment towards the maintenance of hospitals on shore, into the hands of the Collector of Customs of 20 cents per month for every seaman in their employ. This sum is deducted from the wages of the seamen, and is required from all seamen alike, whether in the coasting or oversea trades.

Barratry committed by the master or mariner is treated as in England. Running away with or destroying the ship, mutiny, piracy, piratical confederacy, endeavouring to create a revolt, desertion, embezzlement, negligence, drunkenness, and disobedience, are all regarded as grave offences, and punished in a greater or less degree.