Court Opinion

ID: 9418570
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-02 22:32:24.011961+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T17:22:06.096851
License: Public Domain

Mr. Justice Butler,
dissenting.
1. No tax, as distinguished from penalty, is imposed on the. manufacture, sale- or transportation of intoxicating liquor for beverage purposes.
The Eighteenth Amendment by its own force invalidated all laws which in any manner sanctioned the manufacture, sale or transportation of such liquor. National Prohibition Cases, 253 U. S. 350, 386. And it empowered Congress to pass appropriate legislation to enforce the prohibition. The manufacturer of intoxicating liquor *336for medicinal or other non-beverage purposes may be authorized or encouraged; but an attempt so to deal with liquor for beverage purposes would be a plain violation of the Amendment. \
If Congress has. any power to impose ,a tax, as distinguished from a penalty, on the production of beverage liquor forbidden by the Constitution, it's purpose so to do must be disclosed unmistakably by language that is not susceptible of any other meaning. All exactions now imposed on such manufacture should be held to be penalties to enforce prohibition. The question whether the exactions called taxes were in fact penalties was not involved in United States v. Yuginovich, 256 U. S. 450 462, or in United States v. Stafoff, 260 U. S. 477. When reading and applying the legislation here in question, it should be borne in mind that it is the duty of Congress to impose penalties to enforce the prohibition of beverage liquor, and that Congress has undertaken vigorously to discharge that duty.
The libel for condemnation of the automobile does not refer to the statute under which the so-called tax is claimed, and does not state the amount demanded. But the Government relies on § 600(a) of the Revenue Act of 1918, approved February 24, 1919, c. 18, 40 Stat. 1057, 1105. This provision was enacted before the War Prohibition Act, the Eighteenth Amendment and the National Prohibition Act took effect. The language is:
“That there shall be levied and collected on all distilled spirits now in bond or that have been or that may be hereafter produced in or imported into the United States, ... in lieu of the internal-revenue taxes now imposed thereon by law, a tax of $2.20 (or, if withdrawn for beverage purposes or for use in the manufacture or production of any article used' or intended for use as a beverage, a tax of $6.40) on each proof gallon, ... to be paid by the distiller ,or importer when withdrawn, and collected under the provisions of existing law.”
*337And, after National Prohibition 'became effective, that provision was amended by-§ 600 of the Revenue Act of 1921, c. 121, 42 Stat. 227, 285, which added:
“Provided, That on all distilled spirits on which tax is paid at the nonbeverage rate of $2.20 per proof gallon and which are diverted to beverage purposes . . . there shall be levied and collected an additional tax of $4-20 on each proof gallon, ... to be paid- by the person responsible for such diversion.”
The Government contends that, within the meaning of § 3450, $2.20 per gallon is a true tax on all liquor whether legally or illegally distilled. And, as to the imposition made by § 600 of the Act of 1921, it rightly says that the so-called additional tax of $4.20 on each proof gallon diverted to beverage purposes is a penalty. Clearly, if is an imposition by way of punishment to enforce- prohibition.
The $6.40 exaction, per gallon specified in § 600(a) of the Act . of 1918 cannot be claimed as the liquor was not “withdrawn” for beverage, or at all. That exaction was imposed before National Prohibition. It applied to all distilled spirits then in bond, or that had been or thereafter might be, produced or imported into the United States — with exceptions not here material. But when the Eighteenth Amendment and the National Prohibition Act became effective, the production of beverage liquor was prohibited. Intoxicating liquors cannot be “withdrawn • for beverage purposes.” The whole charge of $6.40 per gallon was held to be a penalty and not a tax in Regal Drug Co. v. Wardell, 260 U. S. 386, 389, 392.
But it is said that the continued existence of taxes, as distinguished from penalties, on liquor for beverage purposes is indicated by § 35 of the National Prohibition Act. The meaning of the sentence on which the majority relies will be more clear when other provisions there found are called to attention.- The section pro*338vides: “All provisions o£ law that are inconsistent with this Act are repealed only to the extent of such inconsistency and the regulations. herein provided for the manujacture or traffic in intoxicating liquor shall be construed as in addition to existing laws.”- Manifestly, these “ regulations -” apply only to nonbeverage liquor because the manufacture, sale or transportation of beverage liquor is forbidden by the Constitution. The section proceeds: “ This Act shall not relieve anyone from paying any taxes or other charges imposed upon the manufacture or traffic in such liquor.” This is the sentence relied on. That the “ taxes ” there mentioned relate to nonbeverage liquor is apparent from the sentence immediately following. “ No liquor revenue stamps or tax receipts for any illegal manufacture or sale shall be issued in advance, but upon evidence of such illegal manufacture or sale a tax shall be assessed against, and collected from, the person responsible for such illegal manufacture or sale in double the amount now provided by law [meaning that imposed on liquor lawfully made] with an additional penalty of $500 on retail dealers and $1,000 on manufacturers. The payment of such tax or penalty shall give no right to engage in the manufacture .or sale of such liquor, or relieve anyone from criminal liability, nor shall this Act relieve any person from any liability, civil or criminal,' heretofore or hereafter incurred under existing laws.” As to nonbeverage liquor legally made, .the tax is upon production. That is the only “ tax.” The further exaction is a special imposition to enforce prohibition. As to beverage liquor, the so-called double tax together with the additional penalty of $500 or $1,000, as the case may be, is upon the person responsible. It is a punishment by penalty in a sum equal to double the tax plus the specified “ additional penalties.” The amount cannot be paid as a tax. The liability attaches only on commission of crime — “ illegal manufacture or sale.”
*339In Lipke v. Lederer, 259 U. S. 557, it was held that these exactions are penalties. The Court said (561-562): “The mere use of the word ‘tax’ in an act primarily designed to define and suppress, crime is not enough to show that within the true intendment of the term a tax was laid. Child Labor Tax Case, ante, 20. When by its very nature the imposition is a penalty, it must be so regarded. Helwig v. United States, 188 U. S. 605, 613. Evidence of crime (§ 29) ..is essential to assessment under § 35. It lacks all the ordinary characteristics of a tax, whose primary function ‘ is to provide for the support of the government,’ and clearly involves the idea of punishment for infraction of the law — the definite function of a penalty. O'Sullivan v. Felix, 233 U. S. 318, 324.”
Again, after the effective date of the Eighteenth Amendment, a collector of internal revenue levied under § 600(a) of the Revenue Act of 1918 a “ so-called assessment or tax at the rate of $6.40 per gallon ” on distilled liquors withdrawn from bonded warehouses between October, 1918 and June, 1920. This court reiterated what it had said in Lipke v. Lederer, and héld that the sums so imposed were penalties, not taxes. Regal Drug Co. v. Wardell, supra, 389, 392. The exaction of $6.40 per gallon there claimed included the $2.20 per gallon for which the automobile in this case is held subject to confiscation.
Section 5 of the Willis-Campbell Act of November 23, 1921, c. 134, 42 Stat. 222, 223, is also relied on. The purpose of that section is clear when regard is had to the ■ scope of the Act of which it is a part. That is “ An Act Supplemental' to the National Prohibition Act.” It was passed to aid enforcement of prohibition and not to raise revenue. It authorizes and purports to regulate the prescribing of liquors for medicinal purposes'; prohibits importation and manufacture until the supply then in dis*340tilleries, and other bonded warehouses shall be reduced to an amount not sufficient for nonbeverage purposes; permits spirits produced in this country and exported to be returned for redeposit in bonded warehouses from which originally taken; extends the National Prohibition Act to all the territory of the United States,- and makes all violators liable to the penalties provided for in the original Act.
The words upon which the majority relies are these: “.That all laws in regard to the manufacture and taxation of and traffic in intoxicating liquor, and all penalties for violations of such laws that were in force when the National Prohibition Act was enacted, shall be and continue in force, as to both beverage and nonbeverage liquor, except such provisions of such laws as are directly in conflict with • any provision of the National Prohibition Act or of this Act; but if any act is a violation of any of such laws and also of the National Prohibition Act or of this Act, a conviction for such act or offense' under one shall be a bar to prosecution therefor under the other. All taxes and tax penalties provided for in § 35 of Title II of the National Prohibition Act shall be assessed and collected in the same manner and by the same procedure as other taxes on the manufacture of or traffic in liquor.” Then follows ,a provision exempting from taxation spirits lost by theft from distilleries Or other bonded warehouses without negligence or collusion, and the Act provides- punishment for certain misconduct of government enforcement officers and othere.
That Act does not make a “ tax ” out of what was, before its passage, a “penalty.” It does not change the classification of exactions declared in Lipke v. Lederer and Regal Drug Co. v. Wardell. The Constitution forbids, and the National Prohibition Act denounces as crime, the manufacture, sale and transportation of intoxicating liquor for beverage purposes. The exactions in respect *341of such liquor were-properly to be considered to enforce prohibition and to punish violations of law. The WillisCanipbell Act expressly saved all measures for enforcement. The exaction still depends on the commission of crime. The Government’s .argument that the total charge of $6.40 per gallon is to be divided, so that $4.20 of that amount may be regarded as penalty aimed at beverage liquor and $2.20 as a tax imposed on all liquor, is without support in the language used, and is contrary .to the decisions of this court. It was beverage liquor that Killian had in the automobile. The nonbeverage rate does not apply.
2. There is direct conflict between § 26 and § 3450 in respect of the disposition of vehicles seized: The facts disclosed by.the record bring the case under § 26.
Section 3450 relates' to all goods and commodities on which taxes are imposed. And it provides that whenever any such things “are removed, or are deposited or concealed in any place, with intent to defraud the United States of such tax ... all such goods and commodities . . . shall be forfeited; and in every such case . . . every . . . carriage or other conveyance whatsoever . . . and all things used in the removal or for the deposit or concealment thereof, respectively, shall be forfeited.”
Section 26 of the National Prohibition Act lays down the course to be followed by the enforcing officers. They are given no discretion. It provides: “When the commissioner, his assistants, inspectors, or any officer of the law, shall discover any person in the'.act of transporting in violation • of the law, intoxicating' liquors in any . . . automobile ... or other vehicle, it shall be his duty to seize any and all intoxicating liquors found therein being transported contrary to law. Whenever intoxicating liquors transported or possessed illegally shall be seized by an officer he shall take possession of the vehicle . . . and shall arrest any person in charge *342thereof. Such officer shall at once proceed against the person arrested under the provisions of this title . . . but the said vehicle . . . shall be returned to the owner ” upon giving a bond conditioned to return the vehicle to the officer on the day of the trial to abide the judgment of the court. Upon conviction of the person arrested the court is required to order the liquor destroyed, “and unless good cause to the contrary is shown by. the owner, shall order a sale by public auction” of the vehicle, and the officer making the sale, after deducting expenses, the fee for seizure and costs of sale shall pay all liens according to their priorities which are established at the hearing “as being bona fide and as having been created without the lienor having any notice that the carrying vehicle was being used or was to be used for illegal transportation of liquor, and shall pay the balance of the proceeds into the Treasury. . . .” All liens are transferred from the property to the proceeds. If no one shall be found claiming the vehicle notice by publication is required. “And if no claimant shall appear within ten days . . . the property shall be sold and the proceeds after deducting the expenses and costs shall be paid into the Treasury. . . .”
Section 3450 forfeits the vehicle of an innocent owner or lienor. Section 26 expressly protects his property. The conflict as to the disposition of the automobile is direct, and that is the matter in controversy.
The great weight of judicial opinion is that illicit whiskey is not subject to a tax as distinguished from a penalty. This is held in the Second, Sixth and Eighth Circuits, and in the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. No Circuit Court of Appeals has held directly that such ,a tax is imposed. And the decisions of the lower courts are overwhelmingly to the effect that § 26, National Prohibition Act and R. S. § 3450 are in direct conflict. It is so held by the Circuit Courts of *343Appeals of the Second, Fifth, Sixth and Eighth Circuits, and the Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia. The Ninth Circuit has certified the question here in Port Gardner Inv. Co. v. United States, post, p. 584.
There is shown in the margin substantially in chronological order the reported decisions, since National Prohibition, in . the Circuit Courts of Appeals and District Courts, bearing on the application Of § 3450 in respect of intoxicating liquors.1
*3443. The opinion proceeds on the theory that transportation of whiskey in the automobile is not shown outside the claim of the Garth Motor Company. And it is held *345that, the dismissal being set aside, hearing on the question whether Killian was transporting the whiskey may be had in the lower court. It seems to me the litigation need not be so delayed, and that the important question *346pressing for decision should be decided now. It is true that the allegations of the company’s claim are not to be considered on the motion to quash the libel; but, quite *347independently of the . company’s allegations, the court would be-fully, warranted in holding that Killian was found offending against § 26. The Government does not *348here contend that he was not taken while violating that section; it does not attempt to avoid decision on the merits. On the other hand it urges that, where one is taken in the act of transporting whiskey in the automobile of another, the vehicle may be forfeited, hotwithstanding the owner appears and shows that he was innocent. It insists that, in case of conviction of the driver for transportation, the interest of the guilty may be forfeited; and, if the tax is not paid on the illicit beverage,' the interest of the innocent owner may be confiscated. The claimant challenges that position squarely.
The information filed by the United States, September 18, 1923, states that this is a “ case of seizure on land under the internal revenue laws of the United States”; there is attached and made a part of the information an affidavit and sworn complaint by R. A. Smith, a federal prohibition agent, which charges that Killian on or about August 11, 1923, unlawfully had in his possession 27 quarts of whiskey for beverage purposes, otherwise than as authorized by the National Prohibition Act. And the information alleges that Edgar N. Read, acting prohibition director, seized the automobile described “ which said aútomobile was then and there in the possession of one Ed L. Killian and being used by him for the purpose of.depositing and concealing” the 27 quarts of whiskey; that the automobile was said to belong to the Garth Motor Company, and that Read “now has the same in his custody.” It states that the automobile was being used by Killian with intent to defraud the United States of taxes on the whiskey, and the automobile “then and there contained” the whiskey.
The information — with apparent purpose — avoids the use of the word “ removal ” found in § 3450; it does not allege that the whiskey had been “withdrawn,” and so was subject to-the $2.20 tax specified in § 600 (a); and it also avoids the word “ transporting ” used in § 26. It *349does not show whether the automobile was moving or standing still when discovered and seized by the prohibition officers. If transportation in the automobile had been alleged, the owner would have opportunity to show his innocence under § 26. The purpose of the pleader in avoiding, the use of the word “ transporting ” was to forfeit the automobile of an innocent owner on the theory that § 3450 would then apply, and that § 26 need not be followed.
When the information was filed, the court issued a writ of- attachment, commanding the marshal to attach the automobile “ which is now being held by Edgar N. Read, acting prohibition director,” to detain it until the further order of the court and to give notice to the claimant. The marshal made his return that he had executed the writ by handing a copy to Acting Director Read and by seizing the automobile. December 6, 1923, the claimant filed a motion to quash the libel. April 14, 1924, it filed its claim, alleging that the title to the automobile which was seized while being used by Killian “ in and about the unlawful transportation of intoxicating liquors ” was in the company, subject to a conditional sales contract, and gave the bond provided for in § 26, which was approved by the district judge. The motion to quash was sustained and the libel was dismissed. The district judge filed no opinion. The Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the judgment. 4 F. (2d) 528. In its opinion that court said: “ The position now taken by the government in this case is that the interest of an innocent owner or lienholder may be forfeited if the automobile-is standing still, but that such interest, is protected if the automobile is in motion. That view could easily result in manifest injustice; for under it, as an illustration, the interest of an innocent holder of a lien on an automobile could be forfeited upon proof that while it was parked on a public street liquor was concealed in it *350by some one who had the intent to defraud the government of its internal revenue tax.” And the court held that § 3450 is superseded by § 26 in só far as there is conflict between them. It dealt with the case as one involving a violation of § 26.
I think that court’s interpretation of the record was right. The prohibition agent discovered Killian in possession of an automobile containing 27 quarts of illicit whiskey in violation of the National Prohibition Act. The agent seized the vehicle; and, as it was his duty so to do, it must be found that he also seized the whiskey. The prosecution of Killian was commenced by filing complaint charging him with the crime of illegal possession in violation of that Act. The facts stated make out “ transportation.” The use of automobiles for transportation of, and in the furtherance of traffic in, intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes is so notorious that, when Killian was found unlawfully possessing illicit whiskey in the automobile, he reasonably may be held to have been transporting,- even though the vehicle happened to be standing still at the moment the prohibition agent discovered the crime and made the seizure. The facts alleged in the libel and complaint attached to it justify a finding that he was using the automobile for transportation of the whiskey. On proof of such facts, a denial of transportation by Killian would not be entitled to respectful attention. Moreover, when these facts are considered in the light of what everyone knows, they utterly fail to support the allegation that Killian had the illicit whiskey concealed in the automobile with intent to defraud the United States of a tax on that whiskey. Indeed, the facts alleged negative that purpose. The attempt to make out a case against the revenues has no foundation in fact. It was impossible to pay the so-called tax. Crime had to be committed before liability for the imposition arose. Taxes are. not so conditioned.
*351I am of opinion that the decree should be affirmed:
1. Section 3450 does not apply. There was no tax, as distinguished from penalty, imposed upon the whiskey that Killian had in the automobile when discovered by the prohibition agent.
2. Section 26 directs the proceedings to be taken in respect of the vehicle “whenever intoxicating liquors transported or possessed illegally shall be seized by an officer.” The libel brings the case within the words and meaning of the clause just quoted.
' I am authorized to say that Mr. Justice McReynolds and Mr. Justice Sutherland concur in this opinion.

 United States v. Essex (N. D. Ga., 1920), 266 Fed. 138. Libel under § -3450. It did not appear that the liquor was for beverage purposes. Held, lawful to make non-beverage liquor; United States may elect to proceed under § 3450 or § 26.
United States v. Haynes (S. D. Fla., 1920), 268 Fed. 1003. Held, § 26 covers every case of illegal transportation of liquor, and § 3450 inconsistent with it. Affirmed, 1921, by C. C. A., 5th Cir., 274 Fed. 926.
Reed v. Thurmond (C. C. A., 4th Cir., 1920); 269 Fed. 252, reversing conviction in W. D. S. Car., under R. S. § 3296, removing distilled liquor from warehouse without paying tax. Held, National Prohibition Act inconsistent' with scheme of revenue protection embodied in Revised Statutes.
Ketchum v. United States (C. C. A., 8th Cir., 1921), 270 Fed. 416, reversing E. D. Ark. Indictment and conviction under R. S. §§ 3242, 3257, 3260, and 3279, all relating to- distilling.. Held, provisions directed to secure revenue from manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors inconsistent with and repealed by law absolutely prohibiting such manufacture and sale.
United States v. Cole (Mont., 1921), 273 Fed. 934. Demurrer to libel under § 3450 overruled. Held, § 26, National Prohibition Act, not inconsistent with it. Assümed taxability and dealt only with the remedy.
The Tuscan (S. D. Ala., 1921), 276 Fed. 55. Libel of vessel under § 3450 sustained on .ground taxes were still imposed.
Payne v. United States (C. C. A., 5th Cir., 1922), 279 Fed. 112, affirming N. D. Ga. Libel under § 3450 sustained. Transportation occurred in January, 1920, a few days after National Prohibition Act took effect; nothing to indicate spirits were not in existence then and subject to tax. Held, § 3450 is not repealed, but is superseded only where facts of particular case show matters charged to violate it arise solely under National Prohibition Act as in Haynes case, supra.
*344Reo Company v. Stern (N. D. Ga., 1922), 279 Fed. 422. Suit by vendor under conditional sale contract to recover car forfeited under § 3450 and sold to defendant. Subsequently, drivers convicted under National Prohibition Act for transporting. Court directed verdict for defendant. Held, § 3450 repealed so far as transporting was concerned, but still effective for deposit and concealment; presumption of validity of judgment not overcome.
Lewis v. United States (C. C. A., 6th Cir., 1922), 280 Fed. 5, reversing judgment of forfeiture Under § 3450, in E. D. Tenn. Held, § 3450 repealed to extent of inconsistency with.National Prohibition Act. Taxes on liquor no longer payable and hence there can be no intent to defraud in not paying them.
United States v. Buick (Mont., 1922), 280 Fed. 517. Libel under § 3450 sustained. Earlier opinion in United States v. Cole, 273 Fed. 934, held strengthened by Willis-Campbell Act.
United States v. Packard (E. D. Mich., 1922), 284 Fed. 394. Forfeiture under customs laws. Petition for return granted. Held, that forfeiture provisions were without application because 'National-Prohibition Act made importation unlawful. It appeared that driver escaped and no forfeiture could be had under § 26.
Ford v. United States (C. C. A., 8th Cir., 1922), 284 Fed. 823, reversing E. D. Ark. Judgment of forfeiture under § 3450 reversed. Held, § 3450 not applicable (no question of repeal); there is no tax shown to be due United States; § 26 applies.
McDowell v. United States (C. C. A., 9th Cir., 1923), 286 Fed. 521, reversing D. Mont. Held, § 3450 repealed by National Prohibition Act in case of transportation of liquor on which taxes have not been paid.
Studebaker v. United States (C. C. A., 9th Cir., 1923), 289 Fed. 256, reversing D. Mont. Per curiam on authority of McDowell case.
United States v. Torres (Md., 1923), 291 Fed. 138. Held, § 3450 not, repealed, but after conviction forfeiture proceedings must be under § 26.
United States v. Essex (Mont., 1923), 291 Fed. 479. Libels under § 3450 sustained. Held, if" any doubt as to matter, it had- been settled by Willis-Campbell Act.
The Cherokee (S. D. Tex., 1923), 292 Fed. 212. Libel of,vessel under § 3450 for carrying liquor on which tax had not been paid. *345Held, § 3450 has not been repealed by National Prohibition Act in view of Willis-Campbell Act.
United States v. Cadillac (E. D. Ill., 1923), 292 Fed. 773. Libel under § 3450 of auto carrying distilled liquor bearing export stamps but not bound for any port. Had no other stamps. Held, presumption of intent to defraud United States. § 3450, if repealed, had been restored by Willis-Campbell Act.
United States v. Buick (S. D. Calif., 1924), 300 Fed. 584. Three libels under § 3450. In two cases, moonshine-was being transported within State. In other, whiskey came from Mexico. First two dismissed. Held, § 3450 has no application to mere transportation of illicit liquor in violation of National Prohibition Act. Must be fair presumption of intent to defraud United States of tax. But libel as to Mexican whiskey sustained because of intent to defraud of customs duties.
United States v. Ford (E. D. Tenn., 1924), 1 F. (2d) 654. Held, § 3450 not in direct conflict with § 26 and re-enacted by Willis-Campbell Act.
United States v. Bay State Roadster (Conn., 1924), 2 F. (2d) 616. Libel under § 3450. Motion to dismiss denied. Held, that if repealed § 3450 re-enacted by Willis-Campbell Act. It applies only where offense charged is defrauding United States of tax, and not in case of mere transportation. Burden of showing intent to defraud on United States. This burden sustained because allegations of libeL were admitted by motion.
United States v. Ford (W. D. Tenn., 1924), 2 F. (2d) 882. Libel under § 3450 sustained. Auto found abandoned containing nontaxpaid liquor. Held, § 3450 re-enacted by Willis-Campbell Act.
United States v. Ford Coupe (W. D. La., 1924), 3 F. (2d) 64. Libel under § 3450 sustained. Man arrested on road for transporting. Held, whatever basis for holding § 3450 repealed removed by Willis-Campbell Act.
United States v. White Truck (W. D. Wash., 1925), 4 F. (2d) 413. Decree of forfeiture under § 3450 of car containing imported liquors. Held, § 3450 re-enacted by Willis-Campbell Act.
United States v. Garth Motor Co. (C. C. A., 5th Cir., 1925), 4 F. (2d) 528, affirming N. D. Ala. No. 115—this case.
*346United States v. Chevrolet (W. D. Wash., 1925), 4 F. (2d) 612. Libel under § 3450 of truck containing whiskey run over border. Driver and others indicted for conspiracy to violate National Prohibition Act. Decree of forfeiture. Held, § 3450 applies when taxes are due and unpaid as on illegally imported liquors.. Case not affected by indictment; car is held for different offense. ...
United States v. Mack (C. C. A., 2d Cir., 1925) 4 F. (2d) 923, affirming S. D. N. Y. Dismissed libel under § 3062- (condemning vessel containing illegally imported merchandise.).’ -.Offense was in April, 1921. Held, that section not then’ in force. - Carriage of illegally imported liquors is within the terms of § 3062 and § 26, so later and milder provision prevails.
Commercial Credit Co. v. United States (C. C. A., 6th Cir., 1925), 5 F. (2d) 1, reversing N. D. Ohio. Libel under § 3450. Car used for removal of liquor. Seizure under § 26 and those in charge con- ■ victed thereunder. Forfeiture reversed. Held, there is direct conflict. Liquor not subject to tax, for § 600 does not apply,-and § 35 forbids issuance of stamps.. § 3450, repealed by inconsistency with National Prohibition Act; not within terms of Willis-Campbell Act. § 26 protects property of innocent owners; .§ 3450 forfeits it, and this is a conflict.
United States v. Marmon (N. D. Ga., 1925), 5 F. (2d) 113. Judgment of forfeiture under § 3450. Held, United States must show specific intent to defraud; that is done by showing anyone has possession qf liquor on which no tax has been paid, and has no intention of paying it.
United States v. Milstone (Ct. App. D. C., 1925), 6 F. (2d) 481, affirming Municipal Court, D. C. Dismissal of libel under § 3450 affirmed. Car containing moonshine abandoned by driver who was not apprehended. Seized “on behalf of” collector1 of internal revenue. Held, § 3450 has no application. No tax can be paid on such liquor, for issuance of stamps forbidden. Failure to pay tax mere incident of illegal possession and transportation, unlawful in any event. Unless twó statutes distinguished, § 26 dead letter.
United States v. Deutsch (N. J.), 8 F. (2d) 54. Deutsch convicted of violation of National Prohibition Act. Owner of car in which he was transporting, and which he had rented, gave bond for its release and moves to discharge bond. Granted. Held, § 26 and *347not § 3450 applies; owner of auto being innocent, there can be no forfeiture.
United States v. Ford. (Tenn., 1925). Not reported. Libel under § 3450 dismissed.
National Bond & Investment Co. v. United States (C. C. A., 7th Cir., 1925), 8 F. (2d) 942, reversing E. D. Ill. Libel under § 3450 of car seized in 1924 for transporting. Driver pleaded guilty to violation of National Prohibition Act. Libel set forth that liquor came from Canada and was brought in without payment of customs duties. No averment 'this -car brought it in. Decree of forfeiture reversed. Held, since passage of Willis-Campbell Act, it cannot be held that § 3450 was repealed by National Prohibition Act. Must show intent to defraud by establishing that car was used in smuggling; no such averment here.
United States v. Reo (C. C. A., 2d Cir., 1925), 9 F. (2d) 529, affirming E. D. N. Y. Two libels of auto truck. One under § 26, for transportation of whiskey without permit; other under § 3450 charging removal and concealment to avoid tax. Truck stopped on Long Island carrying whiskey. No conviction of driver; bona fide claimant. District Court dismissed both libels. Held, when vehicle is used in transporting, conviction of offender is essential to its forfeiture, at least when there is bona fide lienor. Under such circumstances, direct conflict between § 26 and § 3450, and latter does not apply at all. No decision as to whether same is true, if there be no such lien.
United States v. Chevrolet (E. D. Mo., 1925), 9 F. (2d) 85. Libel under § 3450 dismissed. Driver arrested while transporting illicit liquor; not yet tried. Held, no tax, as distinguished from penalty, on manufacture of illicit liquor; on these facts irreconcilable conflict between § 3450 and § 26, and latter applies.
United States v. Three Quarts Whiskey (S. D. N. Y., 1925), 9 F. (2d) 208. Libel of automobile under § 3450 dismissed, on ground that § 26 had .superseded § 3450.
Compare The Ella (S. D. Fla., 1925), 9 F. (2d) 411; United States v. Lincoln (N. D. N. Y., 1925), 11 F. (2d) 551; The Squanto (C. C. A., 2d Cir., 1926), 13 F. (2d) 548; United States v. Chevrolet (W. D. Wash, 1926), 13 F. (2d) 948; Weeke v. United States (C. C. A., 8th Cir., 1926), 14 F. (2d) 398.