Baird v. Shore Line Ry. Co.

2 F. Cas. 427 | U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Connecticut | 1868

SHIPMAN, District Judge.

We do not propose, at this stage of the controversy, to enter into a lengthy discussion of the important questions involved. As we intimated to the counsel on the hearing, we have no doubt on the question of jurisdiction raised by the defendants. The Connecticut river, at least at the point where this bridge is being erected, is a public river, free to all for the purposes of navigation. We regard the right of this plaintiff, as well as that of every other citizen, to its free navigation-, as secured by the constitution and the laws of the United States. Any material obstruction to the exercise of this right is a wrong which this court has power to redress. As the injury complained of is of that peculiar character for which the remedy at law is not adequate, resort must be had to-equity, and the plaintiff has, therefore, filed his bill on the equity side of the court. Over the questions thus presented, as we have stated, we think this court has ample jurisdiction. This jurisdiction is not impaired by the law of the state authorizing the erection of the bridge, for the constitution and laws of the United States, by which the free navigation of the river is secured, are paramount to the authority assumed to be exercised by the state.

After elaborate arguments, and upon due consideration of the proofs as they now stand, we think that the defendants should be enjoined until the case can be brought to a final bearing. The Connecticut river is an important river, emptying into a great arm of the sea, and over its waters a considerable commerce is carried on by citizens of other states as well as by those of Connecticut. It is navigable for large vessels for some fifty miles from its mouth, and it is very near its mouth that the defendants are engaged in erecting the bridge. In this particular, the case is without parallel in the history of this country, so far as we are informed. We are not aware that the attempt has ever before been made to throw a permanent bridge across a large navigable river, at or very near its entrance into the sea. Of course, to whatever extent the navigation may be endangered or obstructed, the danger and inconvenience will be felt by the whole commerce of the river. We are satisfied, upon the proofs, as they now stand, that the free navigation of this river will be materially abridged, and the commerce over it be seriously incommoded and burdened, by the erection of the structure on which the defendants are now engaged. We are now treating the case in its present aspect, leaving, of course, a final judgment upon this and other questions involved, to a later stage in the suit, when the proofs shall be fully presented. We, therefore, purposely abstain from dwelling at length on the points in issue between the parties, and content ourselves with the announcement that, on the facts now before us, we deem it our duty to temporarily arrest the construction of this bridge.

It is proper to add, that we regard this as the best course for all concerned, for, while it leaves all the important questions open for examination on final hearing, it will effectually prevent the introduction into the case of that element of embarrassment, arising out of large expenditures, which has been felt in the later stages of cases of a similar character. Though the defendants are thus subjected to delay, they are at the same time relieved from any hazards. The enjoyment of their railway franchise, as they have used it for many years, is not interfered with. On the contrary, their rights, as they have existed and-been enjoyed down to the present time, and the immemorial rights of all to the free and unobstructed navigation of the river, are preserved until the final determination of the grave questions involved in the case.

Let an injunction issue.