Alexander v. Mare

ANDERSON, Circuit Judge.

These two eases, heard together, are petitions for *965mandamus to compel disbursing officers to pay lieutenants in tbe navy sums admittedly due them for salary and allowances. The Comptroller General claims the right to collect, by way of set-off, alleged overpayments previously made these naval lieutenants for support of their dependents. To sustain this claim would manifestly make the Comptroller General judge, jury, and deputy marshal, armed with an execution in behalf of the United States. To withhold salaries would or might cripple the naval and army services. No…