Case ID: us-ct-cl_29/html/0558-02.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Mr. Justice Brewer", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

ALFRED B. MULLETT, ADMINISTRATOR, v. THE UNITED STATES.
    [25 C. Cls. R., 409; 150 U. S. R., 506.]
    
      On the claimant's Appeal.
    
    The Supervising Architect of the Treasury, at the request of the Secretary of State and other officers constituting a commission to erect the State, War, and Navy Department building, prepares plans and superintends the construction. In 1875 he resigns his office of Supervising Architect, and declines to act further as superintendent.
    The court below decides:
    1. If an implied contract existed between the Supervising Architect of the Treasury and the Government for his services, as architect of the new State, War, and Navy Department building, his right of action accrued not later than when he severed his connection with the work, and the statute of limitations then began to run.
    
      2.The rales of the Instituto of Architects regulating the charge of architects are made for those in private life who have running expenses, and are subject to competition, and liable to have their plans declined. They do not extend to an officer of the Government, running no financial risk and subjected to no expense.
    The decision of tlie court below is affirmed on the same grounds.
   Mr. Justice Brewer

delivered the opinion of the Supreme