This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1909 edition. Excerpt: ...Postmaster-General (Division of Redemption of Stamped Paper) for instructions." The clerk who redeemed these stolen envelopes was, without doubt, negligent. His responsibility to the Government for the amount involved is in question. The envelopes redeemed being stolen property, the thief could pass no title thereto. (See Parsons on Contracts, 6th ed., vol. 1, p. 020, and numerous cases cited therein.) It is the duty of the United States to return this property if it can be identified by the owners, which seems to have been done. That a consideration passed for it, and that the Government came into possession through a bona fide exchange, makes no difference. (See Vent reus v. Smith, 10 Pet, 161.) The negligent act of the clerk having thus created an obligation on the part of the United States, and having caused it to sustain a loss, the clerk and the postmaster at Boston are responsible under their bonds therefor to the United States. (See Bryan v. United States, 90 Fed Rep. 473.) Very respectfully, C. H. ROBB. The First Assistant Postmaster-general. Opinion Xo. 12-19.--August 17,1003. Mail Matter--Detention--Delivery To United States Guarding Officer--Chinese-Exclusion Law--Detained ImmigrantsCriminal Statutes--Civil Liability. 1. The detention by post-office officials of mail matter addressed to Chinese Immigrants detained at ports of entry and the delivery of such matter to the United States guarding officer In charge of such Immigrants would be In violation of sections 8891 and 3892, Revised Statutes, the former of which makes it an offense for "any person employed In any department of the postal service to "unlawfully detain, delay, or open any letter, packet or mail of letters Intrusted to him. and which was intended...