1. Admira my Pleading—Joinder of Claims—Multiplicity of Suits.

Joinder of a number of claims for damages growing ont: of contracts of affreightment for distinct lots of merchandise is permissible in admiralty for the purpose of avoiding multiplicity of suits.

2. Admiralty—Jurisdiction in Rem-Time of Seizure.

The requirement of admiralty rule 23 that a libel In rem must state that the property is in the district does not prevent the court from acquiring jurisdiction in the case of a vessel which, being within the district at the time the libel is verified, departs before it is filed, but, returning after tbe filing, is then seized on alias monition.

3. Shipping—Affreightment—Maritime Contract—Suit in Kkm.

The fact that contracts of affreightment are personal contracts between the shipper and shipowner does not prevent them from being maritime contracts on which a libel in rem against the ship may be main tamed.

4. Admiralty—State Statutes of Limitation.

State statutes of limitation do not apply to a libel in rem to enforce a maritime lien for breach of a contract of affreightment.

5. Shipping—Affreightment—Suits tn Hem and Personam.

Loss or damage accruing from negligent handling of goods by the ship gives the shipper a right, if he so elect, to sue on the contract of affreightment, and he is not restricted to an action of tort.

6. Same — Bill of Lading — Stipulations for Presenting Claims — Con-

struction.

A provision in the shipping receipts that all claims against the steamship company or any of its stockholders for damage to the goods must be presented within 30 days from the date thereof, as a condition precedent to maintaining a suit against such company or its stockholders, does not cover the right to maintain a suit in rem against the ship.

7. Same—Validity—Public Policy.

It seems that a provision in a bill of lading requiring all claims for damages to be presented within 30 days from the date thereof makes the period of limitation unreasonably short, and is therefore void, as against public policy.