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The Expense in the case of the "Bella Maria" was incurred and sanctioned by the Government, the claims of the Consignee and of Mess.rs Creighton and Grassie on the former in his official capacity clashed under such circumstances the Commissioners might have been justified in retaining the specie which was deemed undeniable and a legal Opinion became requisite to guide the Commissioners as to whom the payment was to be made and on what security accordingly the money was paid to Mr Cunard representing the consignee on a Bond of indemnity and a commission of 2 per cent being less than customary charged with his agent. I do not clearly perceive the right to put on the object of the questions of Mess.rs Creighton and Grassie the Government closed the