The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1846-10-26

BosroS, Oct. %, 1876.
Novel Case in The Circuit Court Marksts-Lmporta
The New Custom House-Poh,ics, &C., re.
The Circuit Court for the district of Mas sachusets
Judge Woodbury. presiding. has been engaged for
week past in the discussion OF novel question of great
importance, and one exciting much interest and inquiry
The Now Bedford Bridge Company 10 indicted as pro-
pristor of bridge running from New Bedford to Fair
haven which is alleged to DO q nuisance inasmuch as it
pecludes the passage out Of vessels of the larger
classes. The bridge has been standing for 6y years
and its rights for the first time questioned The
property Of the Is valued at nearly million of
dollars The proprietors were defended by Hon Rufus
Choae and B. Curtis, Esq; and the Hon. Robert Ran
tout. Jr, and C. L. Woodbury., Esq, appeared for the
government The rights of the State in this were
counsel for the corporation commended that though the
constitution to the federal government exclusive
maritime and admiralty jurisdiction yet Congress had
assumed that power by the enactment of
laws which could by any construction give the federal
courts jurisdiction against the State questions of
distractions to navigation like the presen-and in the
absence of statute lsw admiralty law existed which
gave the governments this jurisdiction.
king New Bedford port Of entry and deliverythe acts
giving admiralty jurisdiction to the district and circuit
and several others; and claiming Jurisdiction also rom
the admiralty law as it existed at the adoption Of the
constitution
This part of the question argued on both sides
with unexampled research and ability. Mr.. Rantoul
csnvassed the whole extent of admiralty practice since
the 10th century, throughout all Europe with the most
critical skill Upwards Of hundred and fy authorities
were cited by the respective counsel Seldom, in
courts has any cause drawn out thorough disqus
ton OF the principles Of any part Of practice Mr.
Choate improved upon his high reputation; and the
cause Of the sustained with
ability and learning by Mr.. Rantou throughout the
whole discussion Judges Woodbury. and sprague re.
marked at the close of the argument on Friday
ing that the case presented grave difficulties
and decision would be reserved until term OF
the court should the bridge corporation be sustained
under the State law there would be insuperable OBJ
lection to the placing OF bridge chain the
mouth Of the Mississippi by the State of Louisiana.
This matter will ultimately be decided by the supreme
court
sThe general business of this city has received i'm
petus from the late from England and the markets
and prices rapidly improving Importations have
been very light for two months past but not when
compared with the same months in any previous year.
The new custom house is nearly completed. and
will probably be occupied in the of the next
spring II has been long in the processiof building
unfortunately. is generally deemed to be in
adequate to its original purpose.
Politics are out and out the heaviest drug in this
ket The natives but SO The wings and aboli-
tonsts contrving perfect union for ls4s and the
democrats DOING