The second proposition is this: That the Secretary of the Navy be. and he Is hereby. authorized and directed to appoint. subject to the approval of the President. a board of survey. whose duty it shall be to ascertain the actual value of the vessel. its equipment. appurtenances. and all property contained therein at the time of its taking. and to make a written report of their findings to the Secretary of the Navy. who shall preserve such report with the records of his department. These findings shall be considered as competent evidence in all proceedings on any claim for compensation. This resolution is intended to give the President authority to take over the immediate. possession and title of the German refugee ships. These ships sought refuge in the harbors of the United State-. and of out insular possessions following the outbreak of the war in urope. and are now within the jurisdiction of the United States.