Ouachita Packet Co. v. Aiken, 121 U.S. 444 (1887)
U.S. Supreme Court
Ouachita Packet Co. v. Aiken, 121 U.S. 444 (1887)
Ouachita Packet Company v. Aiken
Argued January 5, 1887
Decided April 25, 1887
121 U.S. 444
Syllabus
Wharfage is, in the absence of federal legislation, governed by local state laws, and if the rates authorized by them and by municipal ordinances enacted under their authority are unreasonable, the remedy must be sought by invoking the laws of the state.
A municipal ordinance of New Orleans which authorizes the collection of a Wharfage rate, to be measured by the tonnage of the vessels which use the wharves and estimated to be sufficient to light the wharves, and to keep them in repair, and to construct new wharves as required, and which may realize a profit over these expenses, is held not to conflict with the Constitution or with any law of the United States.
In equity. Decree dismissing the bill. Complainants appealed. The case is stated in the opinion of the court.