PREFACE.

My object in compiling this work has been to place in the hands of my Colleagues a book of ready reference, and in those of the British Shipmaster such information as he could only acquire by experience and a careful study of the Acts of Parliament relating to Merchant Shipping and Seamen.

LONDON, 1879.

L. J.

Powers, rights, and privileges-Rank and precedence-Classifica-
tion-Precedence amongst colleagues-Exequatur—Arrival at
his post-Arms and flag-Boat flag.

CHAPTER III.

THE CONSUL'S DUTIES: POLITICAL, COMMERCIAL, AND NOTARIAL.

Certificates-Affidavits for law courts-Other notarial acts.

CHAPTER IV.

PAGE

3

12

19

27

27

28

29

Marriages not necessarily valid out of her Majesty's dominions-

Mixed marriages-General principles of law in foreign

countries-Annual return of marriages.

PAGE

REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS ABROAD

Annual return to be made-Illegitimate children.

PROPERTY OF BRITISH SUBJECTS DYING ABROAD

Assistance to be rendered-Persons dying intestate-Commis-

sioners of Inland Revenue to be informed-Where next of kin

are unknown, proceeds to be sent to Treasury-Commis-

sion.

PASSPORTS

Visas-Passport fees.

DUTIES CONNECTED WITH THE ROYAL NAVY.

Advice to be given-To certify to paymasters' bills -Pilotage,

harbour dues, etc., to be settled-Changes in pilotage rates

to be notified-Repayment of disbursements-Seamen or

marines left behind-Lights, beacons, buoys, etc.-Applicable

to all consular officers-Official visits.

QUARANTINE, AND CONTAGIOUS DISEASES

Bills of health.

SLAVE-TRADE

Acts in force.

LLOYD'S AND OTHER AGENCIES

Not to be accepted without sanction of the Secretary of State.

PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CORRESPONDENCE.

36

36

39

40

43

44

45

Consuls prohibited from corresponding with private persons on

public affairs-Correspondence with local authorities.

EMPLOYMENT OR FAVOURS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS

FEES

When received on account of her Majesty's Government-Annual

return.

DIPLOMATIC OFFICERS

Consuls to execute instructions from-In cases of doubt to refer to

diplomatic officers.

48

VICE-CONSULS, CONSULAR AGENTS, AND PRO-CONSULS

Appointment of vice-consuls—Authority to act, and recognition—

Vice-consuls to correspond with superintending consul-Vice-

consular reports-Remuneration-Report of fees received-

Disbursements-General duties-Foreigners not to be ap-

pointed who do not understand English-Vice-consuls not to

be superseded without authority.