Document: 332 U.S. 490 68 S.Ct. 188 92 L.Ed. 95 WILLIAMS et al.v.FANNING. No. 47. Argued Oct. 22, 1947. Decided Dec. 8, Mr. Richard L. North, of Los Angeles, Cal., for petitioners. Frederick Bernays Wiener, Providence, R.I., respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion Court. 1 This case, here on certiorari to resolve a conflict between circuits,1 presents question whether those against whom Postmaster General has issued postal fraud order may sue local postmaster enjoin him from carrying out or is an indispensable party. 2 The General, after hearing in Washington, D.C., found that petitioners' weight-reducing enterprise was fraudulent. He accordingly order, R.S. §§ 3929, 4041, 39 U.S.C. 259, 732, U.S.C.A. directing respondent, at California (where petitioners do business) refuse payment any money drawn petitioners, advise remitter such had been forbidden, and stamp 'fraudulent' all mail matter directed return it senders. 3 Petitioners thereupon brought this suit District Court Southern respondent order,2 claiming they deprived which were entitled without support substantial evidence. On motion dismissed complaint, holding accord with view Ninth Circuit Appeals3 Appeals affirmed. 158 F.2d 95. 4 It long assumed not party cases. Beginning least American School Magnetic Healing v. McAnnulty, 187 94, 23 33, 47 90, decided 1902, maintenance alone challenged.4 5 Meanwhile, another line cases emerging. Warner Valley Stock Co. Smith, 165 28, 17 225, 41 621, held Secretary Interior compel issue patents public lands abated his resignation. As purpose bill 'to control action secretary interior' (165 page 34, 228), he be Next came Gnerich Rutter, 265 388, 44 532, 1068, representative Commissioner Internal Revenue enforcing restriction embodied permit under National Prohibition Act, 27 § seq. subordinate official, acting Commissioner, refused give plaintiffs more liberal desired; no power grant desired revision delegated authority. Webster Fall, 266 507, 45 148, 69 411, followed. That by Osage Indian require funds act Congress. responsibility making payments being Interior, 6 These evolved principle superior officer if decree granting relief sought will take action, either exercising directly lodged having exercise him. 7 into clearer State Colorado Toll, 268 228, 505, 927. There director national parks regulations forbidding operation Rocky Mountain Park automobiles hire. Toll superintendent park who regulation. A allowed maintained joining superior, director, promulgated result followed, 230, 506, analogy official invades private right exceeding authority mandate superior. United States Lee, 106 196, 240, 171; Philadelphia Stimson, 223 605, 619, 620, 32 340, 344, 56 570. In situations offending could granted risk judgment awarded would 'expend itself treasury domain, interfere administration.' Land Dollar, 330 731, 738, 67 1009, 1012. 8 But distinction we have noted these two lines apparently as clear others seems us. For among circuits developed cases.5 Conference Legalizing Lotteries Goldman, Cir., 85 66, must made party, suggested not, left command what court forbidden. us immaterial entered effectively expending before court. plain present case even though sued. refuses pay orders, places mail, returns If desists acts, end. relie seek. effective need single thing—he required new Smith Fall indirectly through Rutter case. No concurrence part necessary make lawful orders release unstamped. Yet asked command. 9 Reversed. 10 CHIEF JUSTICE BURTON dissent. instant followed its earlier decisions Neher Harwood, 128 846, A.L.R. 1116; Dolphin Starr, 130 868. Accord: 66. Contra: Jarvis Shackelton Inhaler Co., 136 116. collection review see 1126. Jurisdiction invoked 24(6) Judicial Code, 28 41(6), 41(6). See note 1, supra. And Public Clearing House Coyne, 194 497, 24 789, 48 1092; Leach Carlile, 258 138, 42 227, 66 511.

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