United States v. Camou

Solicitor General Richards and Messrs. Matthew G. Reynolds and William H. Pope for appellant.

Messrs. William Herring and Rochester Ford for appellee.

Statement by Mr. Justice Shiras:

In December, 1891, Juan Pedro Camou filed a petition in the court of private land claims, praying to have confirmed to him a certain tract of land situated in the county of Cochise, territory of Arizona, known and designated as the San Rafael del Valle grant. Subsequent proceedings resulted in a trial and a decree in favor of the government, adjudging petitioner's claim and title invalid, and dismissing the petition. The case was then brought by appeal to this court, where the decree of the court of private land claims was reversed and the case remanded for further proceedings. 171 U.S. 277, 43 L. ed. 163, 18 Sup. Ct. Rep. 855.

Subsequently further proceedings were had in the court of private land claims in pursuance of the mandate of this court, resulting, on June 2, 1899, in a decree confirming the petitioner's title to 17,474.93 acres. From this decree of confirmation an appeal was allowed to this court.

Mr. Justice Shiras delivered the opinion of the court: