Document: 447 U.S. 125 100 S.Ct. 2064 65 L.Ed.2d 1 State of CALIFORNIA, Plaintiff,v.State NEVADA. No. 73, Orig. Argued April 14, 1980. Decided June 10, Syllabus Held: 1. The Special Master was fully justified in invoking the doctrine acquiescence concluding that true boundary between California and Nevada is located by two surveys, funded congressional appropriations 1872 1892, since both States have acquiesced those lines from time they were drawn. issue whether Congress had power to determine even though an 1863 joint survey been commissioned States, which adopted results thereof statute, need not be decided, it necessary there a particular relationship origins legal consequences boundary. Longstanding can give force law or federal authorities draw them. Pp. 130-132. 2. However, Master's reference will expanded authorize him United should made party case make recommendations as quieting title on various disputed borderlands. ownership questions remain typically involve only one other perhaps citizens disputes States. Thus, if some do fall within this Court's original jurisdiction, its exclusive litigation forums appropriate means resolving questions. 132-133. Exceptions report overruled, part. James H. Thompson, Reno, Nev., for defendant. Jan S. Stevens, Sacramento, Cal., plaintiff. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. tenders approval his determination Nevada. That subject numerous surveys latter half 19th century, central question presented action which, any, resulted properly marks rugged border States.1 combed voluminous record concluded combination most recent fixed better part century. Applying prescription acquiescence, he so proper one. takes exception several grounds. We overrule exceptions and, with qualifications hereinafter noted, approve adopt report. 2 * straight-line segments up initially defined California's Constitution 1849. first, "north-south" segment, commences Oregon at intersection 42d parallel 120th meridian runs south along 39th parallel. And second, "oblique" begins south-easterly direction point where Colorado River crosses 35th Cal.Const., Art. XII (1849). In 1850, when admitted Union, approved 1849 Constitution, eastern Act Sept. 9, 9 Stat. 452. 3 On same day California, established territorial government area immediately east. organic new Territory—which then called Utah—stated "bounded west California." 453. Eleven years later, Territory created out Utah. indicated might include portions what but proviso "so much present limits shall included until assent act irrevocable without consent . ." Mar. 2, 1861, 12 210. No ever given California. Accordingly, 1864 western remained congruent.2 4 Notwithstanding brief incomplete surveying efforts decade after admitted, actual location ground State's highly uncertain fighting broke over precise whereabouts small valley north-south line above Lake Tahoe, town oblique found itself claimed seat county.3 These difficulties led commission their border. Conducted 1863, known Houghton-Ives Tahoe southeast about 103 miles relevant River. remaining 300-plus surveyed.4 5 Both significance short-lived. 1867-1868 Daniel G. Major surveyed Oregon-California General Land Office. One step work locate meridian. This did, more than marked Houghton-Ives. discrepancy5 eventually Commissioner Office recommend money full His recommendation followed 1872. 6 conducted Allexey W. Von Schmidt. While originally instructed commence Major, Schmidt lay east "Major's corner," six-tenths mile well. starting location. also surprises. From segment set off thought Unfortunately, shifted aiming marked, rather end wrong place attempted correct marking. It later turned corrections complete entirely straight. But linear not, did generate And, although neither won gradual acceptance 7 1880's however, substantial doubts accuracy voiced Washington. As result, appropriated funds 1892 segment. undertaken personnel Coast Geodetic Survey period years. yielded determined chartered straight nor accurate. statute—California 1901 1903.6 8 accurate available. noting accurate, consistently routinely recognized accepted agencies departments first statute was, found, beside because practical matter superseded objected.7 boundary, used nearly 80 Since treated these drawn, invoked together fact constitute interstate II Nevada's primary contention special reliance upon error. Basically, argument once produced Federal Government no constitutional authority mark different effect removing territory granting other. lines, continues, are effect. may confer does vest it, cannot them lawful. concludes, either (1) constitutionally empowered redraw boundaries upheld regardless (2) powerless alter boundaries, mere century convert usurpation into law. 10 flaw assumes must fact, such exist. States' conduct has precisely effect, therefore, any sort imprimatur actions involved. See Ohio v. Kentucky, 410 641, 648-651, 93 1178, 1182-1184, 35 560 (1973); Indiana 136 479, 509-510, 1051, 1053-1054, 34 L.Ed. 329 (1890). we address adverts. enough claims always all specifically described boundary—the connects—and long marking boundary.8 If felt inaccurate operated deprive lawfully jurisdiction object conducted, later. supra, 649, 1183. consequence, hold circumstances acquiescence.9 III 11 Having resolution dispute proper, turn regarding quite separate here motion file second amended complaint bifurcate issues, seeks further proceedings before determined. Specifically, apparently confirmed "clear-listed" certain parcels "wrong" side view allowed authorized decline expand reference. Disputes offing.10 come our jurisdiction. 28 U.S.C. § 1251 (1976 ed., Supp.II). Under see reason refer Master. contrary, seems whatever remain. 13 sum, except insofar would allow permit relating lands California-Nevada 14 So ordered. instituted 22, 1977, filed leave complaint. 29, granted appointed sought declaration currently dividing lawful counsel characterized oral argument, suit nature quiet precipitated growing geographic existing well concerns validity titles depended Court October 1979, 444 922, 258, 62 178, related matters 1065, 1005, 747 (1980). stated proceed "in North Westerly [the section the] Eastern forty third degree Longitude West Washington [and then] said Longitude, Latitude. Nev.Const., XIV, (1864). Although turns 43d longitude exactly coincide Greenwich—which Constitution—the identical. Certainly language supports conclusion seeming equate event, explore require longitudinal line, find necessary. Indeed, town—Aurora—elected representatives Legislatures 1862, became speakers respective legislatures. Two Lawson extended portion another 73 miles. A survey, summer near border, contributed confusion locations pinpointed commenced, subsequently repealed. notes welcomed conducted. Surveyor remarked "within year inclosed monuments, troubles heretofore existing, county officials, dealing imaginary forever obviated." Report Register 1871 1872, p. 8. Nor position saved could profit claim under color right. Constitution. purported reflect colorable Several subsidiary issues considered recommendations. First, Schmidt's intersect parallel, theory should. suggests opportunity agreement meet. Failing accord, indicates solution; probably parties balance best course extend northwesterly line. solution problem permissible. Cf. New Hampshire Maine, 426 363, 96 48 701 (1976). Second, recommends arrange parties' expense, resolve today. That, too, appropriate. third, states reserve taxing costs report—a suggestion follow possibility partial assessment premature. At conceded knew instance parcel.

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