United States v. New River Collieries Co.

On various dates between September 17,1919, and February 1, 1921, at Hampton Roads, Virginia, the United States requisitioned from defendant in error upwards of 60,000 tons of bituminous coal for use of the Navy. The taking was under § 10 of the Lever Act. 40 Stat. 276. The President, acting through the Navy Department, fixed certain prices as just compensation. These were not satisfactory to the owner. The United States paid 75% of the amount fixed, or, under stipulation of the parties is to be considered as having paid it in accordance with the act. The owner sued in the United States…