Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1864-04-22

IL O'Clock, the affair of the blockade at the
again before Justice Thompson. On yesterday
when Justice Thompson adjourned the case
until this morning, he stated that he did not be-
lieve he had anything to do with any contract
between any parties as to the possession of the
wharf but that all that should claim his atten.
ton was relative to the obstructing the public
travel. Last night Mr.: Thompson had an in
terview with Mr.. Joseph II. Bradley, ST., Cor
poraticn Attorney, and obtained from him the
following written opinion, which he read in
presence of all parties this morning. Mr.. Ma
gee, the Harbor Master, had, under what he
taken ont three warrants against Mr.. Gedney,
the captain Of the Phoenix, which was the first
boat moored at the wharf, and the first part of
Mr.. BIZ letter is an explanation Of that matter
The letter is as follows:
VIM Thompson, Esq.-Sir II Mr. Magee un.
Serstood me as instructing him to take ont daily
warrants against the parties who are alleged
to be obstructing the approach to Seventh street
wharf, he is mistaken. 1 meant to say to him
that he should take such warrant as shall
bring the question of the power Of the Corpo-
before the court, and think this can be fairly
done by the cases he has already brought I
would therefore advise that one case shall be
decided and the others held under advisement
until that case shall be decided by the court
As to the power Of the Corporation, have no
doubt Whether they have provided by law
cided by the court. But IN my judgment, as
the executive OF the Corporation claims that it
does cover the present complaint, the safe plan
would be to decide it in favor Of the Corpora
ton and let the party appeal.
In this case we have nothing to do with the
contracts or disputes between the parties. They
must be settled by suits between the parties
ton Is the public interest; the right of every
vessel to approach and discharge her freight
cargo or passengers at wharf which is subject
to the regulations Of the Corporation. In my
judgment, under the provision of the section Of
the charter Of 1920 this wharf is subject to such
regulations, and no part Of that power is more
important to the public, as connected with the
police power, than that to regulate the approach
OF vessels and the time and manner OF landing
or taking in their cargo or passengers.
1t is thought this is covered by the act creating
Harbor Master, and 1t is very important to
have that question judicially settled.
I am, sir, &c, JOS. H. BRADLEY, Atty, &c
Justice Thompson then gave Judgment
against the defendant, Mr.. Samuel Gedney,
upon the first warrant issued in the sum Of $50.
An appeal was taken, and Mr. G. gave bond
Defendant and others of the Potomac Com.
pany purchased some time ago the steamer
Co1lyer, and they claim that with it they pur-
chased sole right to use the wharf in question.
The sum paid is understood to have been
S31 000S2e, coo for the boat and 49, 600 for wharf
improvements The old line claim that they
have right to the wharf by virtue OF lease.
Mr.. Gedney still has the Phoenix tied up to the
wharf, and the opposition line cannot use it;
and thus the matter will probably rest by mu.
tual consent until the court gives decision in
the matter, which 1t will probably do next
week
The Fulton and Thomas Collyer Of the new
line, are still running between here and Alex
andria, and are carrying passengers without
charge. The new company propose to have
tickets which will carry passengers to and
from the boat, through any part of the city
effect having been made with the railroad COM
pany.