United States Commissioners

Each district (formerly circuit) court of the United States may appoint, in different districts of the circuit of which it is composed, as many discreet persons as it may deem necessary, who shall be called “commissioners of the circuit (now district) court,’’ and shall exercise the powers which are or may be conferred upon them; R. S. § 027. The Judicial Code makes no change. These officers are authorized to hold to security of the peace and for good behavior in cases arising under the constitution and laws of the United States; Jud. Code § 270. They have power to carry Into effect, according to the true intent and meaning thereof, the award or arbitration, or decree of any consul, vice-consul, or commercial agent, to sit as judges or arbitrators in such differences as may arise between the captains and crews of vessels, application for the exercise of such power being first made by petition of such consul, etc, Jud, Code § 271. They have also power to take bail and affidavits when required or allowed in any circuit or district court of the United States; R. S. § 915. They may imprison or bail offenders; R. S. § 1010; may discharge poor convicts imprisoned; R. S. § 1012; may administer oaths and take acknowledgments; R. S. § 1778; may institute proceedings under the civil rights laws; R. S. 1 Supp. 68; may issue warrants for the arrest of foreign seamen, in case of dispute or desertion; R. S. § 4079; may summon the master of a vessel in cases of seamen’s wages; may apprehend fugitives from justice; R. S. § 5270 (amended June 6, 1900). The district court of the United States may appoint commissioners before whom appraisers of vessels or goods and merchandise seized for breaches of any law of the United States may be sworn; and such oaths so taken are as effectual as if taken before the judge in open court; Jud. Code § 61. The court of claims has power to appoint commissioners, before whom examinations may be made upon oath of witnesses touching all matters pertaining to claims; R. S. §§ 1071, 1080.