Spreckels v. United States

On August 4, 1917, the Government took possession of the yacht Venetia, owned by plaintiffs’ decedent, John D. Spreckels. It was delivered to the proper Navy authorities on that date at the Mare Island Navy Yard.

The vessel was acquired under the provisions of the act of June 15, 1917, which authorized the President, by the terms of subdivision (e) of said act, “ to purchase, requisition, or take over the title to, or the possession of, for use, or operation by the United States, any ship now constructed, or in the process of construction, or hereafter constructed, or any part thereof, or…