Wilson v. Shaw

In a general way it way be said that this is a suit brought in the supreme court of the District of Columbia by the appellant, alleging himself to be a citizen of Illinois and the owner or property subject to taxation by the United States, to restrain the Secretary of the Treasury from paying out money in the purchase of property for the construction of a canal at Panama, from borrowing money on the credit of the United States, from issuing bonds or making any payments under the act of Congress, June 28, 1902 (32 Stat. at L. 481, chap. 1302, U.S.C.omp. Stat. Supp. 1905, p. 707), providing for the acquisition of property and rights from Colombia and the canal company, and the construction and operation of the canal and the Panama railroad. The Republic of Panama and the New Panama Canal Company of France were named parties defendant, but they were not served with process and made no appearance. A demurrer to the bill was sustained, and the bill dismissed. This decree was affirmed by the court of appeals, from whose decision this appeal was taken.

Mr. Warren B. Wilson, in propria persona, for appellant.

[Argument of Counsel from pages 25-28 intentionally omitted]

Solicitor General Hoyt, Assistant Attorney General Russell, and Mr. Glenn E. Husted for appellee.

Statement by Mr. Justice Brewer:

[Argument of Counsel from pages 28-30 intentionally omitted]

Mr. Justice Brewer delivered the opinion of the court: