United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Market Company v. Hoffman, 101 U.S. 112 (1879)

Market Company v. Hoffman

101 U.S. 112

Syllabus

1. Pursuant to the authority conferred by its charter, granted by an Act of Congress approved May 20, 1870, 16 Stat. 124, the Washington Market Company offered to the highest bidder at public auction the stalls in the market for a specific term, subject to the payment of a stipulated annual rent. At the expiration of that term, A., one of such bidders, filed his bill to enjoin the company from selling the stall leased to him, claiming that he had the right to occupy it as long as he chose in carrying on his business as a butcher, provided that he thereafter paid the rent as it from time to time should become due. Held that A.'s right of occupancy ceased with the term, and that the company had the right to offer the stall for sale to the highest bidder.

2. Where a number of bidders filed such a bill, the value of the right to sell, which the company claimed and the court below denied, determines the jurisdiction here. Where, therefore, a sale which would have produced more than $2,500 was enjoined by the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia, the company is entitled to an appeal under the Act of Feb. 26, 1879. 20 Stat. 320.

Page 101 U. S. 113