As to public rights the courts hold themselves bound by the construction given to treaties by the political departments. As to private rights, however, arising under treaties in force, and even as to public rights when these are inseparable from private rights, the courts exercise independent judgment as to the meaning to be given to treaty provisions.39

38 See Chapter LI (Political Questions. 577. Political Questions), and especially the case of Terlinden v. Ames, 184 U. S. 270; 22 Sup. Ct. Rep. 484; 46 L. ed. 534.

39 See Chapter LI (Political Questions. 577. Political Questions),