In the interpretation of the law one administrative officer is not bound by that given to it by his predecessors. He will not, however, disturb the application of the law that has been made in a given case. That determination he will not reverse or alter.19 In an opinion upon this point the Attorney-General has observed that if a decision in a case made years before under a former executive were open to review and revisal, the same principle would open decisions made during the Presidency of Washington, and the acts of the Executive would be kept perpetually unsettled and afloat.

In subsequent cases of a similar nature, however, a different rule may be applied, though it would seem that this rule thus newly laid down could not be made to govern cases where action has already been taken by individuals relying upon the rule formerly recognized.