Elliott v. The Leah H. Miller

PER CURIAM. On the 28th of March last the court decreed on the pleadings and proofs that the libellant should recover $120 for his services on board the vessel, but no costs were allowed him. The counsel for the li-bellant at the first opportunity thereafter, and during the term, moved a reargument of the case on the point of costs. The counsel for the claimants contended that the court had no power to grant a review of the former decisions, unless for error manifest upon the face of the decree, or because of 543 newly discovered evidence. Both counsel also discussed the subject of costs on the merits of the case. The application now before the court does not involve in any way the question whether a case can be opened and heard de novo after a final decision rendered, and at a term subsequent to the term in which the decision is given. The whole matter was still within the control of the eourt when this motion was made, and it is in consonance with the practice of all courts to hear re-arguments upon new or difficult questions at the instance of parties, or for the court itself to direct them ad libitum until the matter passes into final judgment It is less usual to allow the privilege of a further argument after the opinion of the ■court has been pronounced, and for obvious ■reasons, for if the court had felt serious •doubts it would have called for further discussion and the disadvantage of contending against the nature and declared opinion of the court on a point examined, is so palpable as that counsel will rarely be induced to solicit the undertaking. Still there is nothing in principle preventing a reconsideration ■of the subject by the court, and a modification or change of its opinion, during the term in which the proceedings are had. The rehearing allowed in this case is not •granted because of errors manifest on the face of the decree, nor on account of newly discovered evidence, but to examine under further lights a particular feature in the controversy, and accordingly the whole case Is re-opened in so far as any particular in it can be made to bear upon the question of. costs. Though costs do not appertain to decree in admiralty courts as necessary incidents ([Canter v. American & Ocean Ins. Co.] 3 Pet [28 U. S.] 319), yet the usage of those courts unquestionably is, to award costs to the successful party pretty much as a matter of course (Betts, Pr. 123), particularly when the recovery is of a debt or pecuniary demand (1 Hopk. 344). The decision in his favor is accepted as satisfactory evidence that inequitable impediments were placed in the way of his recovering his rights, or demands of an inequitable character were pursued against him, and that accordingly he is entitled to be in part remunerated therefor by the recovery of costs. This is more especially .so in respect to decisions on the merits where full contestation ■of suit has been had between the parties. But common law courts equally with chancery and civil law tribunals, exercise a broad discretion in allowing or denying costs, when the shape of the proceedings brings the court necessarily to weigh all the equities affecting the subject, and the party who substantially prevails will thus often be refused costs. 2 Wend. 631; 5 Wend. 78. And equity or admiralty tribunals, ■ proceeding ex aequo et bono, regard costs as a substantial •part of the equity of the case, and grant and •withhold them without any necessary dependence upon the decision of the main subject of contestation. [Canter v. American & Ocean Ins. Co.] 3 Pet. [28 U. S.] 319; The Ulpiano [Case No. 14,326]; 1 Johns. Ch. 77; Id. 166; 12 Johns. 500; [Riddle v. Mandeville] 6 Cranch [10 U. S.] 86; 3 Johns. Ch. 69; Id. 147.