Hammond v. Johnston

Mr. Chief Justice Fuller, after stating the case, delivered the opinion of the court. It is well settled that where the Supreme Court of a State decides a Federal question in rendering a judgment, and also decides against the plaintiff in error upon an independent grpund not involving a Federal question and broad enough to maintain the judgment, the writ of error will be dismissed without considering the Federal question. Hopkins v. McLure, 133 U. S. 380; Hale v. Akers, 132 U. S. 554; Henderson Bridge Co. v. Henderson City, 141 U. S 679. Tested by this rule, The writ of error must be dismissed, and it is so ordered.