DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 
Washington, D. C, 
HGMiMCT 
145—142 »1 
Feb 28 1950 
Dr. Alexander Wetmore 
Secretary, Smithsonian Institution 
V. ashington 25, D, C. 
Re: Charlayne White ley Geliatly v. 
Alexander Wetmore, App. D. C. 
No. 10011 __ 
Dear Dr. Wetmore: 
We are happy to be able to report that the Supreme Court 
denied Mrs. Gcllatly’s petition for a writ of certiorari to review the 
decision of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of 
Columbia. 
So, at long last, the Geliatly controversy would seem to 
have come to an end. Her persistence in seeking relief from Congress 
through a private law might have led one to believe that she would 
again seek such a remedy* but even this course is no longer open by 
virtue of the provisions of Section 131 of Public Daw 601, 79th Congress 
2nd Session, 60 Stat. 831, which provides that, 
"No private bill or resolution. 
authorizing or directing the payment of 
money for property damages, for personal 
injuries or death for which suit may be 
instituted under the Federal Tort Claims 
Act .... shall be received or considered 
in either the Senate or the House of 
Representatives. '* 
It would seem that Mrs, Geliatly's claim falls within the coverage of 
this provision and that her institution of the case in the District 
Court amounts to a recognition of this fact. 
Sincerely yours, 
For the Attorney General 
/s/ H G Morison 
H. G. Morison, 
Assistant Attorney General 
