VEXATIOUS SUITS.

New Zealander, Volume 5, Issue 422, 1 May 1850, Page 3

VEXATIOUS SUITS.

We have heard within the lust few days manj complaints against the administration of law, in regard to vessels. We are not prepared from personal knowledge, or full information of the facts, to speak knowingly o many cases, and therefore are compelled merely to al-f lade passingly to the subject ; but tills we do know, that shipmasters are unanimously of the opinion that our port is the most troublesome one they enter on either the Atlantic or Pacific. Vexatious suits ars instituted against them, in some cases, no doubt, with sufficient grounds, but in many others totally unjust. Yesterday, we listened for some time to the trial of the suit brought against the steamer "Unicorn ," wherein are a number of charges, and among them the *• mental suffering" of the passengers, caused no doubt by the delay in reaching- "El Dorado." If the court sustains the charge* we think of bringing one against the captain for physical debility, brought about by seasickness on the same vessel. it is proper in our magistrates to protect in the fullest seme the rights of emigrants who embark on ships for this pott, but at the same time, it is but simple justice to the commercial interests of San Francisco, that shippers ihall be protected from expensive litigation, instigated by the spleen of men who fancy them, selves injured. The shipping interest of San Francisco is too important to be lightly sacrificed. It is therefore, a question upon which either the Judges of our courts, or the civil magistrates of the city, should exercise most impartial and careful judgment. Vexa» tioui suits and unnecessary costs may make commerce seek a more congenial and kindly port of entry.— San Francisco Daily Journal of Commerce, Ftb. 21.