Document: 337 U.S. 75 69 S.Ct. 953 93 L.Ed. 1223 KILPATRICKv.TEXAS & P. RY. CO. No. 233 Misc. Argued on Motion for Leave to File Feb. 8, 1949. Decided May 31, Mr. Wm. H. DeParcq, Minneapolis, Minn., petitioner. Porter R. Chandler, New York City, respondent. Chief Justice VINSON, delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This litigation has a rather involved history. In 1946, while in employ respondent rai road, petitioner was seriously injured an accident at Big Spring, Texas. Petitioner promptly brought suit under Federal Employers' Liability Act1 United States District Court Southern York. That court dismissed action ground that railroad could not properly be served district. 1947, 72 F.Supp. 635. appealed from this dismissal; and, some days after taking appeal, instituted Northern An answer filed latter and number depositions were taken. 2 March, 1948, Appeals Second Circuit held subject service 166 F.2d 788. Thereupon moved dismiss his Texas action. When district refused dismiss, also applied writ prohibition Fifth Circuit. declined issue writ. 167 471. 275 requests certiorari review And 119 Misc., we are asked directing proceed with trial. We advised counsel have arranged further progress trial shall abeyance pending our decision. day denying those petitions; see 912, 1148, 1151. 3 cause returned court, had denied railroad's petition appeals' determination it might sued there, 335 814, 32, preference order The below, York, motion. Respondent cross-motion transferring motion granted. transfer relies authority 28 U.S.C. § 1404(a), U.S.C.A. 1404(a),2 cites Hayes v. Chicago, R.I. P.R. Co., D.C.1948, 79 821, Nunn M., St. 80 745. To nullify order, leave file or mandamus any appropriate relief. assigned case hearing file. Ex parte Collett, 897, 295. 4 support motion, petitioner, urges general purposes 1948 revision Title by Congress indicate no intention 'emasculate' right choose venue afforded Act; 'any civil action', as used 1404(a) Code, refers only actions specified Venue Chapter 28, §§ 1391—1406, inclusive; below 'ignored known temper legislative opinion' revealed chiefly Congressional Jennings Bill. 5 fail anything these contentions which can distinguish 55, 944. demonstrated provisions 6 Act one thing present Judicial Code another; action' means what says; fully informed significance 1404(a). For reasons, e conclude acted within its statutory authority. must Denied. 7 BLACK DOUGLAS dissent reasons stated dissenting National City Lines, 78, 955. 35 Stat. 65, amended 36 291, 53 1404, 45 51—59, 51—59. 'For convenience parties witnesses, interest justice, may other division where been brought.' provision became effective Sept. 1, 1948. Pub.L.No.773, 80th Cong., 2d Sess., 38, June 25, note.

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