ALLEGED RUM-RUNNER.

Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15866, 12 December 1923, Page 5

ALLEGED RUM-RUNNER.

PROTEST BY HOLLAND.

AMERICAN ALLEGATIONS

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) Received December 12, 9.5 a.m. NEW YORK, December 10

The Customs officials have admitted that Holland has already lodged a protest against Hie Zcehond's seizure, and especially against the taking of certain important papers aboard the vessel. The officials are very reluctant to discuss the case. Captain Kraus and the members of the crew were arraigned to-day and formally held on a charge of conspiracy to violate the Volstead Act. Bail was fixed at from 25,000 dollars to 0000 dollars, and the men went to gaol, staling that they were unable to provide the bond. The Federal officials declare that the Zeehond belongs to an important group of smugglers, the heads of which to-day were sent to the Federal prison to serve a two year sentence. They furl her aver that the vessel was within Hie three-mile limit when approh.en(led. The Dutch Consul stated the vessel was without the territorial water. According lo despatches from Washington Ihe rftutc Department has formally admitted thai negotiations willi Holland in regard to a. smuggling treaty similar to that with Britain are being conducted.

The Zeehond is a Dutch steamer of 500 lons, and was seized by a United States revenue cutter for alleged liquor smuggling. H was slated that the vessel was outside lerrilori.d waters when seized. Her cargo is valued at £OO,OOO.