National Republican., 1883-03-13
TIE SUPREME COURT.

THE SUPREME COURT.
Decisions In Several Cases-Damnges Crow
Ing Out OF the Seizure OF Vessel During
the War. tau@
A decision was rendered by the supreme
court of the United States yesterday in the
case of the New York Guaranty and Indcm-
nifty company ct al, appellants, against the
Memphis Water company, the city of Mem
phis ct al, brought here by appeal from the cir
cult court of the United States for the western
district of Tennessee. This suit was begun
by bill in equity filed by the New York
Guaranty and Indemnity company and others,
holders of bonds of the Memphis Water COM
pany against said water company, the city of
Memphis, the trustees of mortgage
given to secure said bonds, and certain
other Of the bondholders and persons inter-
ested. The principal object of the bill was
to have declared valid certain contract
made between the city and the water COM
pany, and to compel the city to comply with
its terms, in order that the moneys alleged to
be due thereon from the city might be ap-
piled to the payment of the bonds held by
the complainants. This court holds that the
bill was properly dismissed by the court be-
low, for the reason that suit cannot be
maintained in equity when there is plain,
adequate, and complete remedy at law. The
decree of the circuit court is affirmed with
costs. Opinion by Justice Bradley.
A decision was also rendered in the ease Of
the United States, appellant, against the
steamer Nuestra Sonora de Regla, an appeal
from the district court of the United States
for the southern district of New York. This
was suit for damages brought by Spanish
corporation of Havana against the United
States on account of the seizure of their
steamer, the Nuestra Sonora dc Regla, Mt Port
Royal during the late civil war, and the ap-
preparation of her by order of Gen. Sherman,
as prize. This court is of opinion that dam
ages should be awarded as follows: For un-
necessary and unusual delay in proceeding to
adjudicatOn-175 days, at 5000 per day,
$4,000; for the value Of the vessel, $4,000;
total 5000, with interest at per cent. from
Juno 90, 1868. The decree of the district
court is reversed, and the cause remanded with
directions to enter another decree in conform
ity with the opinion of this court. Opinion
by Chief Justice Waite.
decision was also rendered in the three
allied cases of the Union Trust company of
New York, appellant, against Il. Il. Louther
& Bro, Edward Fitzgerald, and John Walker,
all brought here by appeal from the circuit
court of the United States for the southern
district of Illinois. Tho appellees in all the
cases are intervening claimants in foreclosure
proceedings of the Trust company against the
Cairo and st. Louis Railway company. The
court below decrecd that the claimants were
entitled to the payment of their claims, This
court ailirms the decree in every case with
costs and interest Opinion by Chief Justice
Waite.
The other cases decided were rs follows:
No. 113. The county of Morgan, plaintiff in
error, vs. Charles +. Drake. In error to cir
cult court United States for the western dis
trict of Missouri. Judgment affirmed, with
costs and interest. Announced by Mr.. Chief
Justice Waite.
No. 1Ol7. John Crossley & Sons Cimited),
plaintiffs in error, VS.. The City of New Or
leans ct al. In error to supreme court of the
state of Louisiana. Dismissed for want of
jurisdiction. Opinion by Mr.. Chief Justice
Waite.
No. 500 to 6I2 inclusive, and Nos. 7s1, 7s2,
and 7S3. G. A. Stevens ct al, appellants vs.
Tho Memphis and Charleston Railway COM
pany ct al. Motion to advance denied. An
nounced by Mr.. Chief Justice Waite.
No (originaI eX parte. In the matter of
the Canada Southern Railway company, petit
toner. On motion of Mr.. ID. II. Mcmillan,
leave granted to file petition for writ of
mandamus.
No. (original) ex parte. In the matter of
William q Warden ct al, petitioners. On
motion of Mr.. NJ. p. Henry, leave granted to
file petition for writ of mandamus.
The other business transacted to-day was
as follows:
No. ga. Asahel Gage, appellant, vs. Maria
B. Pumpelly ct al. Motion to dismiss sub
mitted.
No. 1926. John Lill, ct al, executors, &C.,
appellants, VS.. Maria b. Pumpelly, ct al, ex-
ecutOrs, &c. Appeal from the United States
circuit court for the northern district of Illi-
nois. On motion of Mr.. Il. G.. Mason dis
missed, clerks costs to be paid by appellants,
per stipulation.
No. 135, Neal Ruggles, plaintiff in error,
VS.. the people of the state Of Illinois. Argu-
ment concluded.
No. 40. The Memphis and Charleston Rail-
way company, plaintiff in error, VS.. the
United States. Argued.
Adjourned until to-day at 12 o'clock.