Charles Evans Hughes

“ The Solicitor General, while not formally confessing error, and while reserving the question whether the government was liable to contribute in general average, is in accord with petitioner's contention that the proper officer of the government was authorized to employ petitioner for the purpose stated. We are of the opinion that this view is correct. In the circumstances, petitioner's right did not depend upon the determination of the liability of the government to contribute in general average. ”

“ The question of that liability could not be regarded as free from doubt. The cargo underwriters had made claim for contribution, and the Judge Advocate General of the Army had advised that the claim was valid. ”