Document: 330 U.S. 552 67 S.Ct. 910 91 L.Ed. 1093 KOTCH et al.v.BOARD OF RIVER PORT PILOT COM'RS FOR NEW ORLEANS al. No. 291. Argued Feb. 5, 6, 1947. Decided March 31, Rehearing Denied April 28, 1947 See 331 864, 1196. Messrs. Charles A. O'Niell, Jr., and M. Grace, both of New Orleans, La., for appellants. Mr. Arthur Moreno, appellees. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion Court. 1 Louisiana statutes provide in general that all seagoing vessels moving between Orleans foreign ports must be navigated through Mississippi River approaches to port within it, exclusively by pilots who are State Officers.1 appointed governor only upon certification a Board Pilot Commissioners, themselves pilots.2 Only those have served six month apprenticeship under incumbent possess other § ecific qualifications may certified board.3 Appellants here had at least fifteen years experience river, port, else where, as whose pilotage was not governed law question.4 Although they statutory except requisite months officer pilots,5 been denied appointment pilots. Seeking relief state court, alleged pilots, having unfettered discretion selection apprentices, selected with occasional exception, relatives friends incumbents; selections were made electing prosepective apprentices into pilots' association, which formed authority law;6 since 'membership * is closed favor result their can become pilots.7 The Supreme Court has held so administered does violate equal protection clause Fourteenth Amendment, 209 La. 737, 25 So.2d 527. case on appeal from decision 28 U.S.C. 344(a), U.S.C.A. 344(a). 2 constitutional command afford 'equal laws' sets goal attainable invention application precise formula. This never attempted impossible task. A affects activities some groups differently way it necessarily banned Amendment. e.g., Tigner v. Texas, 310 141, 147, 60 879, 882, 84 1124, 130 A.L.R. 1321. Otherwise, effective regulation public interest could provided, however essential might be. For axiomatic consequence regulating setting apart classified group will subject restrictions or receive certain advantages do apply public. Atchison, T. & S.F.R. Co. Matthews, 174 96, 106, 19 609, 613, 43 909. selective discrimination broad sense, but deny laws. Clearly, offend safeguard if rested grounds wholly irrelevant achievement regulation's objectives. An example would applied person right earn living hold any job because hostility his particular race, religion, beliefs, reason no rational relation regulated activities. American Sugar Refining Louisiana, 179 89, 92, 21 43, 45, 45 102. 3 Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 6 1064, 30 220, relied appellants, an illustration type incompatible fair conception engage occupation supposedly open conduct business accordance law's requirements. He meet these requirements, solely he Chinese. And difference written enjoyed same others. Its unequal enough condemn it. But Wo's case, cases demonstrated, tested language there considered administration shown. Cf. Crowley Christensen, 137 86, 93, 94, 11 13, 16, 17, 34 620; Gundling City Chicago, 177 183, 20 633, 44 725; People York ex rel. Lieberman Van De Carr, 199 552, 26 144, 50 305; Engel O'Malley, 219 128, 137, 31 190, 192, 55 128. So here, we consider relationship method appointing objectives entire law. Grainger Douglas Park Jockey Club, Cir., 148 F. 513, cited. In doing view system context historical evolution laws institution elsewhere. Otis Ludlow Mfg. 201 140, 154, 353, 355, 696; Jackman Rosenbaum, 260 22, 9, 10, 107; Bayside Fish Flour Gentry, 297 422, 428 430, 56 515—517, 80 388. important factor our consideration this tests power select its own agents officers. Taylor Beckham, 178 548, 1009, 1187; Snowden Hughes, 321 1, 11—13, 64 397, 402—404, 88 497. 4 Studies long history reveal unique judged such.8 order avoid invisible hazards, approaching leaving conducted waters persons intimately familiar local waters. pilot's generally requires go outside harbor's entrance small boat incoming ships, board them direct course port. service performed Pilots thus indispensable cogs transportation every maritime economy. Their work prevents traffic congestion accidents impair navigation ports. It safety lives cargo, cost time expended calls, measure, competitive attractiveness Thus, reasons governments most communities subsidized, regulated, operated docks harbor facilities sought improve ports, closely often ports' system.9 5 practice demonstrate that, although inextricably geared complex commercial economy, also highly personalized calling.10 pilot require formalized technical education much detailed extremely intimate, almost intuitive, knowledge weather, waterways conformation river serves. seems particularly true treacherous shifting channel River.11 Moreover, entrances where conveniently make homes still close places leave outgoing ships usually distance cities serve.12 These 'pilot towns' begun, exist today, perhaps near, distinct cities.13 young men opportunity acquire special weather water hazards locality seem grow up ambitions traditions fathers, relatives, neighbors.14 We asked, effect, say without conclude specially interested future best fit him duty State. States full regulate kinds 1789 when first Congress decided then existing satisfactory federal unnecessary. Stat. 53, 54 (1789), 46 211, 211; Olsen Smith, 195 332, 341, 52, 49 224; Anderson Pacific Coast S.S. Co., 225 187, 32 626, 1047. legislation controlled 1805—even before Territory admitted State.15 system, evolved 1805, typical grew seaboard states countries.16 Since 1805 officers State.17 That Act forbade limited number serve capacity. authorized deputies.18 them, deputies, literally master wardens governor. rules governing practices specifically empowered stations, fine disobedience orders rules. required official bond faithful performance duty. Pilots' fees fixed;19 coming pay whether took not.20 organize association membership 'to enforce legal regulations, add efficiency thereby.'21 efficient adequate insured requiring Commissioners report authorizing simmarily remove guilty 'neglect duty, habitual intemperance, carelessness, incompetency, act showing' 'ought removed.' La.Act. 113, (1857). provisions carried over revision present comprehensive La.Gen.Stat., cc. 8 (1939). Thus elsewhere, accepted early date pilotage, unlike occupations, competition appointment, fees, adversely pilotage.22 7 framework longstanding apparently existed permitting choose, ones ultimately eligible Many established systems basis possible.23 noted thirty ago Department Commerce study associations 'is agreeable already members, Probably more than United male members family follow generation generation.'24 nepotism servants controversy country throughout history. Some adopted amendments25 statutes,26 prohibit reflected policies wipe out practice. such policy. assume legislature weighed obvious possibility evil against whatever useful function knit serve. friendly supervision training, benefits morale esprit de corps neighborly tradition contribute, live water, discipline imposed assure competent after prompted permit whom 9 people, practical matter, very limited. No matter what adopted, few occasionally necessity excluded. supra, pages 344, 345, 54, 55, 224.27 aware holding Constitution governor, subordinates responsible removable cause, selection. object law, pointed out, secure others safest efficiently practicable. cannot unrelated objective. supra; cf. Carmichael Southern Coal 301 495, 509, 510, 57 868, 872, 873, 81 1245, 109 1327. need hypothetical questions concerning similar conceivably practiced professions businesses governments. considering entirely light appellants attack kind violates 10 Affirmed. RUTLEDGE, dissenting. 12 conditions surrounding shortly recounted Court's opinion, justify high degree regulation. I think sustain entailment occupation. If statute haec verba John Smith's calling pilot, doubt face infringe true, even though Smith generations. expanded include designated families. 13 final analysis is, think, situation presented record. While applicable purport restrict licensed families charge administered. borne record sustained.1 14 therefore approve makes admission ranks turn finally consanguinity. Blood crux That, my forbidden Amendment's guaranty denial door thereby blood presently Whether status 'public officer' private employment, beyond legislative criterion. Amendment exception prohibitions action account fact rather employment affected discriminations. simply violation clear discriminations shown exist. 15 force familial tendency or, puts end securing system. Classification based purpose accomplished said abstractly sound. test race consanguinity, used constitutionally bar chosen employment. test; arbitrary exercise power. 16 Conceivably possible scheme training many artisans servans, sheerly viewpoint highest skill competence. Indeed, something worth while largely disappeared national life once prevalent conducting manufacturing mercantile enterprises went replaced impersonal corporate business. 17 loss one repaired framed perpetuate monopolies either occupations branches service. precisely forbids enclosing areas lines drawn color, creed, like, like this, possibly development skills Absent bar, presence sustaining legislation. overcome itself. consciously racial character. am unable differentiate effects founded relationship. 18 falls squarely ruling 220,2 line employed, unconstitutional otherwise valid incurs condemnation incorporated terms. entitled, judgment, afforded case. REED, DOUGLAS MURPHY join dissent. ship entering Gulf Mexico piloted twenty mile mouth town' 'entrance' so-called 'passes.' La.Acts 1880, 99, 2, 1908, 1; 1910, 26, La.Gen. §§ 9141, 9163 Between town approximately ninety miles, La.Gen.Stat. c. By amendment 1942 exclusive jurisdiction extended piloting Orleans. 1942, 134, 9155, 9156 (Supp.1946). Sections 1908 provided commissioning twenty-eight prescribed thereafter should less twenty. statement court rule. Williams Payson, 1859, La.Ann. 7, 8; Follet, 1881, 33 228, 230; Levine Michel, 1883, 35 1121, 1124. From among appoint three Port Commissioners. 9154 'Whenever exists shall examinations, requirements Governor's approval, applicant Board, unless submits proper evidence moral character voter State, months' proposed calling, certificate Governor complied act, may, discretion, vacancies.' 4. 9157 coastwise excludes controlling coastal shipping. Rev.Stat. 4401, 4444, 364, 215, 215. Also prior passage classes deprived conferred allege obtain apprenticeships uner construed La.Rev.Stat. 2707 (1869), reenacted 1928, 198, La.Gen.Stats. 9149 Appellants' complaint dismissed failure cause action. Therefore allegations facts decision. prayer injunction interference serving and, alternative, mandamus compel examine certify Governor. affirmed trial court's refusal did take examinations specifically, apprenticeships. generally, Report Departmental Committee Pilotage (London, 1911); Special Agents Series, (1917). Cooley Wardens, How. 299, 308, 312, 316, 326, 996; Ex parte McNiel, Wall. 236, 238, 239, 624. excellent description see Kane, Deep Delta Country, (1944). op. cit. note 10. Hearings Merchant Marine Fisheries H.R. 9678, 64th Cong., 1st Sess., 214, 229, 279 (1916) (compulsory barge pilotage). Gieseke, Commercial Legislation 1789, (1910); provides 'no license granted keep tavern Balize, South West Pass station nor miles station, applying recommended writing majority branch pilots.' 2704 9166 Kane 128; States, pp. 8, 8. (Territory Orleans) 24; Surrey, 1699—1763, III (1916). Almost states, colonies Revolution, included unrestricted provisions. Mass.Laws, (1783), Mass.Rev.Stat. 32, 5—42 (1836); Laws, XVIII, I, VII, X, XII (1819); Pa.Stats. Large, 536, VI (1766); N.J.Rev.Laws, Tit. 37, (1847); Laws Md. (Dorsey) 63, 20, 23 (1803); Code Virginia, 27, 4, (1849); N.C.Rev.Stat. 88, (1837). Pilotage, Part I. supra. deputies condition precedent appointment. 1806, gave blanket app int deputies. were, however, neglect misconduct 24, 20; 1837, 9. 17. Levin page 1125; 22 n. 126—126; colonial set limitation fixed charge. today. infra. Report, supra observed that: 'The formation intense formerly prevailed *. Little efforts maintain definite stations. Instead, desire speak frequently led cruise great distances 'One unfortunate results wanted, far sea quest Another drawback unnecessarily exposed danger. third disadvantage earnings precarious; deal little next. disadvantages free steps toward organization associations. soon developed strong working combinations eliminated placed amicable matters produced sharp rivalry. 'From hand appear shipping interests well insurance encouraged well-organized apparent themselves, commerce facilitated expedited safer better came elimination competition. 'Since along established. known mariners, safely count finding practically times sufficient aboard accommodate reasonable come. There chance nowadays vessel fail find needed. 'Still another advantage permits maintenance central office constant touch arranges rotation employs agent look routine office.' N.J.Laws. 1898, N.J.Stat.Ann. Title 12, (1938); Pa.P.L. 542 1803, Pa.Stats.Ann. (Purdon) (1930); Md.Ann.Code (Flack), Art. 74 (1939); Del.Rev.Code, (1935); Va.Code, 142 (1942); Ala. 1931, p. Ala.Code, 38, (1940); Ore, Comp.Laws nn., 105, (1940). 24 Mo.Const., 14, (1924), Mo.R.S.A. Idaho Sess.Laws, 1915, Ann., 57-701 1932); Fla.Laws, 1933, 16088, Fla.Stats.Ann. 116.10, 116.11 (1943); Neb.Laws 1919, Neb.Rev.Stat. 81-108 Tex.Acts 1909, 85, Tex.Penal (Vernon) arts. 432 438 (1938). 27 constitutionality Texas statute, Vernon's Ann.Civ.St. 8264 seq., forbidding challenged enjoined pilot. contention rights protected including Id., 334, 224. discuss question raised. depend here. shows instances several nonrelatives received qualified. appointments relatives. To effect Alston School Norfolk, 112 F.2d 992, 1506; Burt York, 156 791; Remedies Discrimination Local Administrative Bodies (1946) Harv.L.Rev. 271.

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