memorandum.
Newport, R. I., August 13, 1900.
With reference to the memorandum of the State Department of July 19, relative to the question of the citizenship of Filipinos who, serving as seamen on board British vessels, claim to be discharged at United States ports before the termination of the voyage for which they have signed articles, the following more definite information obtained from Her Majesty’s consul-general at Boston is submitted as requested, showing in greater detail how this question of citizenship has been raised.
The question first arose in May and June, 1899, when three British sailing vessels arrived at Boston, having, respectively, six, ten, and nine Filipinos on board, properly and legally shipped as seamen. The ship’s articles in each case were not ended, nor had the men shipped to be discharged at a United States port; but on arrival at Boston they all desired to be paid off there.
Her Majesty’s consul-general at first refused his sanction, as in case of their becoming destitute it was not clear what Government would be responsible for their relief and protection.
The seamen themselves claimed to be United States citizens and the masters of the ships were of the same opinion. The difficulty in this case was got over by some of the men shipping again at once, while the masters agreed to become liable for the others in case of their decoming destitute.
The question arose again at Boston last May, when the British ship Treasurer arrived in port with ten Filipino seamen on board. They also requested to be paid off, and on consular sanction being refused, they all deserted.
It is hoped that the above information will suffice for the purpose mentioned in the memorandum of the State Department above referred to.