Document: 414 U.S. 661 94 S.Ct. 772 39 L.Ed.2d 73 The ONEIDA INDIAN NATION OF NEW YORK STATE et al., Petitioners,v.The COUNTY ONEIDA, YORK, al. No. 72-851. Argued Nov. 6 and 7, 1973. Decided Jan. 21, 1974. Syllabus Petitioners brought this action for the fair rental value a specified period of certain land in New York that Oneidas had ceded to State 1795, alleging, inter alia, owned occupied from time immemorial American Revolution; 1780's 1790's various treaties with United States confirmed their right possession until purchased by States; 1790 been implemented Nonintercourse Act forbidding conveyance Indian lands without States' consent; 1795 cession was such consent hence ineffective terminate Oneidas' under applicable federal statutes. District Court, ruling arose state law, dismissed complaint failure raise question arising laws within meaning either 28 U.S.C. § 1331 or 1362. Court Appeals, relying on 'wellpleaded rule' Taylor v. Anderson, 234 74, 34 724, 58 L.Ed. 1218, affirmed held although decision would ultimately depend whether complied Act, what consequences be if it did not, alone not establish 'arising under' jurisdiction because issue one necessary elements complaint, which essentially sought relief based real property. Held: states controversy Constitution, laws, sufficient invoke §§ Pp. 666—682. (a) asserted current conferred wholly independent threshold allegation required well-pleaded complaint—the possession—being plainly enough alleged law so arise solely anticipation defense. 666, 677. (b) Petitioners' claim governed is insubstantial devoid merit as preclude Court's jurisdiction, regardless how resolved. 666—667. (c) title matter can extinguished only consent. 670—674. (d) This case where underlying obligation arises merely barrier its effectuation. Gully First National Bank, 299 109, 57 96, 81 70, distinguished. 675—676. (e) In sustaining rule supra, disturbed, since here itself claimed first instance, allegedly aboriginal an tribe guaranteed treaty protected statute has never extinguished. P. 676. (f) satisfies requirement reveal dispute respecting validity, construction, effect upon determination result depends. 677—678. (g) conclusion comports language legislative history 25 233 granting civil over disputes between Indians others. 678—682. 2 Cir., 464 F.2d 916, reversed remanded. George C. Shattuck, Syracuse, N.Y., petitioners. William L. Burke respondent. Jeremiah Jochnowitz, Albany, N.Y. York, amicus curiae, special leave Court. Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion 1 Both 1362 Title Code confer district courts hear cases 'aris(ing) States.'1 Section requires amount exceed $10,000. Under 1362, tribes may bring suits regard controversy. now before us these sections. * filed Northern Oneida Nation Wisconsin against Counties Madison York.2 down Revolution some six million acres York. also entered into confirming Indians' States3 Stat. 137, States. It then 1788 five 300,000 being withheld reservation, portion reserved State. Assertedly, Also alleging unconscionable inadequate price portions premises were used defendant counties, prayed damages representing January 1, 1968, through December 31, 1969. 3 ruled cause action, label given it, created allegations plaintiffs' possessory rights defendants' interference therewith. possible necessity interpreting resolve potential defense deemed insufficient sustain federal-question jurisdiction. accordingly want subject 4 Appeals affirmed, judge dissenting, jurisdictional 'shatters rock 'well-pleaded complaint' determining jurisdiction.' 918 (CA2 1972). Although '(d)ecision turn deed 177 not,' id., at 919, read seeking thought 1218 (1914), directly point. There, ejectment even though defendants claiming void acts Congress restraining alienation allotted Choctaw Chickasaw Indians. applied principle purposes 'must determined necessarily appears plaintiff's statement his own bill declaration, unaided anything avoidance defenses interpose.' Id., 75—76, 724. Because essential possession, wrongful holding damage claim, properly assert issue, however likely might relevant determinative present case, noting Judge correct suffice ejectment, considered dispositive. 5 error, we reverse judgment Appeals. II Accepting premise are view law. possession—was therefore, Moreover, think basis petitioners' assertion they cannot said insubstantial, implausible, foreclosed prior decisions otherwise completely involve whatever ultimate resolution issues merits. See, e.g., Fair Kohler Die & Specialty Co., 228 22, 25, 33 410, 411, 27 716 (1913); Montana Catholic Missions Missoula County, 200 118, 130, 26 197, 201, 50 398 (1906); Levering Garrigues Co. Morrin, 289 103, 105 106, 53 549, 550, 77 1062 (1933); Montana-Dakota Utilities Northwestern Public Service 341 246, 249, 71 692, 694, 95 912 (1951). Given nature source lands, particularly when treaty, plain both 7 very early became accepted doctrine fee colonists arrived vested sovereign—first discovering European nation later original States—a occupancy nevertheless recognized. That right, sometimes called good all but sovereign, could terminated sovereign act. Once organized Constitution adopted, tribal exclusive province title, recognized occupancy, extinguishable Federal Government took steps deal principal purpose often recognize guarantee areas land. respect tribes, including Oneidas. primacy passed 1790, 138, provided 'no sale made any . States, shall valid person unless same duly executed public authority States.'4 remained policy day. See 177. 8 Santa Fe Pacific R. 314 339, 345, 62 248, 251, 86 1116 (1941), unanimous succinctly summarized essence past respects: 9 "Unquestionably government beginning interfered States.' Cramer 261 219, 227, 43 342, (344,) 67 622. Johnson M'Intosh, Wheat. 543, 681, repeatedly reaffirmed. Worcester Georgia, Pet. 515, 483; Mitchel 711, 283; Chouteau Molony, 16 How. 203, 14 905; Holden Joy, 17 Wall. 211, 21 523; Buttz Railroad (119 55, 100, 30 330); Shoshone Tribe, 304 111, 794, 82 1213. As stated 746, 283, 'right sacred simple whites." 10 reaffirmed protected, need 'based statute, other formal action.' 347, S.Ct., 252. Tribal entitled protection 'power supreme.' Ibid. 11 indicated Fe, fundamental propositions restated firmly rooted earlier cases. 681 (1823), refused titles originating grants private parties 1773 1775; those contrary general government. question, Virginia, 'occupied numerous warlike Indians; extinguish grant soil, never, believe, doubted.' 586, 681. 591—597, 603, have recurring theme many cases.5 12 rudimentary apply 13. true almost rest continental pre-emptive purchase Indians, State, Fletcher Peck, Cranch 87, 162 (1810).6 But reality alter treaties, statutes termination exclusively 13 For example, 483 (1832), Georgia prosecute white man residing country prosecution nullity, Chief referring Cherokees 'universal conviction nations possessed full occupied, should consent: territory separated whose chartered limits reside, boundary line, established treaties: that, boundary, no interfere: whole power regulating intercourse them, 560, 483. 15 Cherokee occupying 'in force ..' declared unconstitutional relations 'between nation, regulation which, according settled principles our constitution, committed union.' 561, There similar import These lend substance case. Fellows Blacksmith, 19 366, 372, 684 (1857), concerned Seneca 'forcible removal (of Indians) must made, all, direction (and) interpretation accordance usages practice providing ancient possessions.' 761, 18 708 (1867), tax reservation Senecas. void. referred creating 'an indefeasible reservations extend generation generation, will cease dissolution tribe, sell party pre-emption,' 771, 708, noted 'possessed title,' 769, 708. Of major importance, however, 1794 acknowledged property promised 'it remain theirs choose people 766-767, occupy 'do supreme land; look ascertain rights, extent them.' 768, 708.7 State's attempt invalidated Government. Much later, Forness, 125 928 (CA2), cert. denied, sub. nom. City Salamanca 316 1293, 1764 (1942),8 sued set aside leases granted lands. argued opposition suit defeated tender; Second Circuit 'state invoked limit because, court below recognized, does except far consent.' 932. making statutory decisional reservations, controlling law; and, absent guidance, governing fashioned mode common law.9 III Enough said, think, indicate asserts fail stage variety reasons; purposes, effectuation, 70 (1936). contract having genesis pay imposed statute. possibility bar collection make Nor do disturb like cases.10 Here, instance. Allegedly, Taylor, plaintiffs individual tribe; allocated 32 641. Individual patents issued restricted time. Cf. Minnesota 305 382, 386 n. 59 292, 294, 83 235 (1939); McKay Kalyton, 204 458, 346, 51 566 (1907). Insofar concerned, more indicating 'a regarded presenting derived act Congress.' Shulthis McDougal, 225 570, 704, 707, 56 1205 (1912).11 patent issues, incidents ownership are, most part, matters local vindicated courts, situations normally allege patent. Joy St. Louis, 201 332, 342—343, 478, 481, 776 (1906). Packer Bird, 137 661, 669, 210, 212, 819 (1891): 20 'The construe reference rules construction adopted grants; attach conveyed states, condition impair efficacy use enjoyment grantee.' scope Rather, rests protects, continuously formation apart application separately protect possession. 22 reasons, additional formulated 'dispute depends.' mcDougal, 569, 706; Gold-Washing Water Keyes, 96 199, 24 656 (1878).12 part terminable Their guaranteeing (that) (Indian) Wall., Finally, Acts put form came rule—that extinguishment To us, sufficiently clear decided IV 23 ignore obvious fact legitimate farreaching connections antedating continued play substantial role State.13 tension authorities easily notion considerations dealing Tuscarora litigation evidence reach exclusivity go unchallenged; challenged here. underlines legal well impact prove We aware eventually reached partial agreement 1948 criminal 1224, 232. addition, 1950 others placed 'to actions proceedings, hereafter defined State.' 64 845, 233.14 latter preservation customs saved taxation exceptions, execution satisfy judgments. Furthermore, nothing 'shall construed authorizing band York' 'conferring involving claims thereto relate transactions events transpiring September 13, 1952.' Senate report disclaimed intention 'impairing existing S.Rep.No.1836, 81st Cong., 2d Sess., (1950). penultimate proviso alienating appear left precisely Act.15 final negativing adoption added amendment floor Senate, explained gentleman who offered follows: 'Mr. Chairman, I there objection particular amendment. just assures absolutely impartial growing out relationship great 'I that; certainly ought adjudicated. 'In addition thereto, course, adjudicate differences themselves relative am sure doubt have, provision.' Cong.Rec. 12460 (1950) (remarks Congressman Morris). Our is, consistent furtherance intent expressed exceptions.16 29 remanded further proceedings opinion. ordered. 31 Reversed REHNQUIST, whom POWELL joins, concurring. majority persuasively demonstrates Thus, agree depends character expected responses defenses. However, worthwhile add brief concurrence emphasize long line narrowly applying court. seems willing accept, basically ejectment. Plaintiffs possession; wrongfully; meet pleading requirements (1914). Thus judged 35 traditionally inhospitable forums asserting claims. narrow taken probably reflects recognition seldom apt dispositive lawsuit. Commonly, carries continuing interest indefinitely redeemable passport On contrary, points out, thus generally thereafter. 36 strict mere convert ordinary Mining Rutter, 505, 507, 726, 44 864 (1900), enforce takes origin clauses, every estate (at least newer States) one, come virtue laws.' limited restrictions alienation, involved. supra. 37 today finds inapplicable reason. contrast typical instance conveys entity, Government, transferring beyond supervision. Rather shown solicitude manifests concern form. Government's subsequent guarantee. clearly distinguishable grantees responsibility. 38 give comfort persons garden-variety who, reason another, covetously eyeing door courthouse. standards evaluating compliance rule, retain traditional vigor tomorrow today. 1331(a) provides: wherein exceeds sum $10,000, costs, 1362: actions, body Secretary Interior, Initially, diversity 1332 complaint. averred. Federal-question Jurisdiction rejected Three Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy alleged: Treaty Fort Stanwix 1784, provides '(t)he secured settled'; Harmar 1789 'again respective lands'; Canandaigua 1794, Art. acknowledge Oneida, Onondaga Cayuga Nations, New-York, property; same, nor them free thereof: theirs, purchase.' found 15, 33, 44, respectively. persons, state, pre-emption second 1793 misdemeanor negotiate authority, lawful agents presence approbation Commissioner, propose to, adjust compensation treaty.' 329, 330—331 8. policy, change, carried forward 1796 469, 472; 1799 743, 746; 1802 139, 143; 1834, 729, 730—731; Rev.Stat. 2116, Representative countless (1831); Rogers, 567, 1105 (1846); Kansas 737, 667 (1866); (1867); 523 (1872); Beecher Wetherby, 517, 440 (1877); Kagama, 118 375, 1109, (1886); Spalding Chandler, 160 394, 360, 40 469 (1896); Sandoval, 231 28, 107 Nadeau Union 253 442, 1002 (1920); Alcea Band Tillamooks, 329 40, 167, 91 (1946); Tee-Hit-Ton 348 272, 75 313, 99 (1955). Dept. Law 32—43, 583—645, 675—687 (1958) (hereinafter Law), sets fundamentals stemming Pet., 38, 25; Clark Smith, 195, 123 (1839); Lattimer's Lessee Poteet, 4, 328 (1840); Christy, 828, 970 (1896). 'Outside colonies, located individuals occupancy.' 599; Missouri Iowa, 660, 861 (1849). ex rel. Cutler Dibble, 149 (1859), upheld intrusion '(n)otwithstanding peculiar relation hold property, preserve peace Commonwealth, feeble helpless bands imposition intrusion.' 370, 149. apparent consider implications dictum Dibble exercised than event, litigated intervening years well. 1870, unreported Supreme ratified Legislature, invalid absence approval 930—931; H.R.Rep.Misc.Doc.No.75, 43d Sess. (1875); Brief Warden 26—27, Ray Martin, 158, O.T.1945, 326 496, 66 307, 90 (1946). mid-1890's, Buffalo, P.R. Lavery, Hun. 396, N.Y.S. 443 (5th Dept., App.Div.1894), below, 576, N.E. 986 (1896), non-Indian lessee lease Senecas 1866, concededly legally effective 1875 validated leases, nonetheless priority railroad 1872 purportedly validating court, superior incapable authority. 'not enable make, take reservations. government, so, assumed control (referring Act). respects treated wards pursuant demised acquired leased Hun., 399—400, N.Y.S., 445. Still People Cusick Daly, 212 183, 1048 crimes Relying classic cases, pre-eminent territorial confines. 192, 1048. Within power, exercised, exercise 'It difference direct gift sources. find distinction none logically differentiates other. Even assume legislation, ample legislate borders, escape yield paramount government.' 196—197, N.E., 1052. again challenged. Power Authority, 257 885 (1958), York's surrendered condemn Sept. 1950, 233, whereby expressly effectively excepted coverage Nonetheless, Niagara River Project 401 (1957), 836, 836a, directed Commission license Authority operation project utilize water available Canada, constituted authorization eminent domain, 41 1074, 814, permits acquisition sites developing waterways domain courts. proceeded appropriate Tuscaroras' filing map documents procedures Highway Authorities Law, vacated annulled. Subsequently, abandoned efforts obtain appropriation instead condemnation Western Tuscaroras petitioned review decision, denied certiorari. 358 841, 79 66, 76 (1958). Superintendent Works simultaneously appealed 1254(2), suggestion mootness, supported oppose, Authority's abandonment favor suit, Appeals' directions dismiss moot. 362 608, 80 960, 1009 (1960). Records Briefs 384, O.T.1958; O.T.1959. (1878); Florida Bell, 176 321, 399, 486 (1900); Filhiol Maurice, 185 108, 46 827 (1902); Torney, 194 356, 698, 48 1014 (1904); White Sparkill Realty Corp., 280 500, 186, 74 578 (1930). U.S., 402; 341—342, 480. Tennessee Planters' 152 454, 460, 654, 656, 511 (1894); 340, accounts experience see 965—979; Gunther, Governmental Lands—A Reassessment Persistent Problem Federal-State Relations, Buffalo L.Rev. (1958); 'Jurisdiction actions. Stat: Provided, declare, enactment 1952, desire preserve, certification Interior published Register thereafter govern involved herein contained prevent recognizing giving custom proven satisfaction courts: Provided further, section require members thereof fish game licenses hunting fishing agreement, custom: subjecting annuity rendered enforcement member another land: And York: conferring text new legislation replete indications congressional validate significantly, unilaterally deprive authorize deprivations. assurance doubly sure, contains explicitly exempts negatives 'the York.' Committee's emphasizes 'State consent' alienated.' During hearings, leaders oppose bills, partly fear attempts despite Joint repeated assurances. Accordingly, representatives once disavowed break up officials controversy, so. agreed bills guardianship, continue.' L.Rev., 16. (Footnotes omitted.) occasion address contention pressed petitioners Congress, enacting 1966, 880, intended expand Courts, judicial interpretations allowed 1331, category eliminating sue.

Category: 1