The State of Oklahoma v. The State of Texas, the United States, Intervener

Background

The State of Oklahoma sued the State of Texas with the United States intervening. Commissioners had already been appointed to mark the boundary along the south bank of the Red River. This order tells those same commissioners to do additional work near a stretch of the river where river-bed oil wells are located.

Reasoning

The Court directed the commissioners to survey and run on the ground a medial line between the southern state boundary and the northerly bank of the river for three miles near the oil wells. They must show that line on a suitable map, conforming to the court’s earlier decree, and identify every oil well within 300 feet of the medial line. The commissioners must file a separate report stating the time used and the expenses incurred. Their work and report are subject to court approval, copies must go to both States and the United States, and objections must be filed within 40 days.

Real world impact

The order will produce a precise, court-approved map of the boundary area and the exact locations of nearby oil wells, giving both States and the United States factual detail for any future disputes. Owners of river-bed wells and state officials will be directly affected by the mapping. The cost of this survey is to be paid from the receivership’s expenses. This is a procedural, supervisory order and does not resolve broader final questions about rights or title; the situation could change with later court action.