US SUPREME COURT DECISIONS

Negotiable certificates, issued by the Board of Public Works of the District of Columbia, redeemed according to law, and cancelled by the proper officers by stamping in ink across the face words stating such cancellation, are thereby extinguished, and if a clerk, who has no duty or authority connected with their redemption or care, afterwards steals them, fraudulently effaces the marks of cancellation, and puts them in circulation, the District of Columbia is not liable to a purchaser in good faith, for value and before maturity.

This was an appeal from a judgment of the Court of Claims against the District of Columbia for $7,750, and interest on certificates of indebtedness, commonly called "sewer certificates," issued by the board of public works of the district, in the following form, with coupons attached:

"Registered: GEO. E. BAKER, Comptroller"