James Clark McReynolds

“ Depredation is 'the act of plundering; a robbing; a pillaging.' Century Dictionary. Apparently the Regulations contained no definition of these terms. Generally, at least, the word 'robbery' conveys the idea of violence and it is hardly appropriate to stealthy abstraction. One may well doubt the application of section 291 in the circumstances here disclosed. ”

“ It is admitted that petitioner Deal failed to observe certain regulations intended to secure safety of registered matter; but it is stoutly denied that the evidence showed any causal connection between such negligence or disregard of duty and the loss sustained. ”

“ He must be careful to state whether the loss consists of stamps, stamped envelopes, postal cards, letters (stolen or rifled) , postal or money-order funds, or government property. * * * He must give all the information in his possession relating to each lost or rifled registered letter. * * * For the value of registered or ordinary mail lost by robbery of post offices postmasters will be held responsible if, upon investigation, it appears that due care was not taken to secure the mail matter from depredation.'
'Sec. 700. ”

“ If so, it was unnecessary to show such causal connection, as the United States maintain. But, if section 940 defined the responsibility, as he insists, that relation was essential.
Section 492, Edition 1879, Postal Laws and Regulations; section 700, Ed. 1887; section 669, Ed. 1893; section 278, Ed. 1902; section 328, Ed. 1924-correspond to section 291, Ed. 1913.
'Sec. 492. Postmasters to Immediately Report port Robbery of Post Office. Whenever a post office has been robbed the postmaster will immediately report all the facts. ”