James Clark McReynolds

“ The damaged piles constituted no part or extension of the shore, as wharves, bridges, and piers do. Although driven into the bottom of the river, and attached in that way only to the land, they were completely surrounded by navigable water, and were used exclusively as aids to navigation. We think injuries to them by a ship come fairly within the principle approved by The Blackheath, 195 U.S. 361, 25 S.C.t. ”

“ That libelant had and has authority from the proper governmental authorities to erect, maintain, and use said pile cluster for such marine purposes as said cluster may be adapted and used. * * * That at times of the swift current of the Mississippi river and during bad weather said pile cluster is used by vessels to tie up to, so as to avoid anchor dragging and likewise to lessen the dangers of collision with other vessels whilst navigating in said river. ”