Bell v. United States

The claim in this case, amounting to the sum of $1,376.25, is made for the alleged destruction of beehives and other property belonging to the claimant by the defendant Indians in the year 1880 in San Diego County, Cal.

It is contended by counsel for the United States, first, that the Indians who are alleged to have committed the depredation did not belong to “ any band, tribe, or nation,” and, second, that the defendant Indians were at the time of the alleged depredation citizens of the United States; and that upon either ground of the contention no liability attaches to the United States.

If…