L. Littlejohn & Co., Inc. v. United States, 270 U.S. 215 (1926)

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L. Littlejohn & Co., Inc. v. United States


No. 94


Argued January 7, 1926
Decided March 1, 1926
270 U.S. 215

APPEAL FROM THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE UNITED STATES
FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK

Syllabus

1. Damages are not recoverable from the United States under the Suits in Admiralty Act (March 9, 1920) for a collision due to the fault of a vessel owned and in possession of the United States and being operated in transporting supplies and troops. P. 223.

2. In the absence of convention, every government may pursue what policy it thinks best concerning seizure and confiscation of enemy ships in its harbors when war occurs. P. 226.

3. The Joint Resolution of May 12, 1917, authorized the President to take over to the United States the immediate possession and title of any vessel within the jurisdiction which, at the time of coming therein, was owned by any subject of, or was under register of, an enemy nation, and this was within the power of Congress. P. 227.

Affirmed.

Appeal from a decree of the district court in Admiralty dismissing libels for damages due to collision.