Littlejohn Company v. United States

In absence of convention, every government may pursue the policy it thinks best concerning seizure and confiscation of enemy ships in its harbor when war occurs.

Congress could authorize President to take possession and title of enemy vessels, as done by Joint Resolution May 12, 1917 (Comp. St. 1918, Comp. St. Ann. Supp. 1919, §§ 8146rr, 8146s), irrespective of any general views theretofore advanced in behalf of this government.

Legality of President's seizure of enemy authority of Joint Resolution May 12, 1917 (Comp. St. 1918, Comp. St. Ann. Supp. 1919, vessel within jurisdiction of United States by authority of Joint Resolution May 12, 1917 nComp. St. 1918, Comp. St. Ann. Supp. 1919, §§ 8146rr, 8146s), must be recognized by court in determining jurisdiction of suits under Act March 9, 1920 (Comp. St. Ann. Supp. 1923, §§ 1251 1/4-1251 1/4 l), for damages to vessel colliding with it.

Messrs. J. W. Ryan, John M. Woolsey, D. Roger Englar, and T. Catesby Jones, are of New York City, for appellants.

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Mr. W. D. Mitchell, Sol. Gen., of Washington, D. C., for the United states.

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Mr. Justice McREYNOLDS delivered the opinion of the Court.