Little Miami & Columbus & Xenia Railroad Company v. United States was a case heard by the United States Supreme Court in 1883. The case involved a dispute between the railroad company and the United States government over the right of the railroad company to use certain lands for its operations. The railroad company argued that it had acquired the right to use the lands through a grant from the state of Ohio. The United States government argued that the grant was invalid because it had not been approved by Congress. The Supreme Court held that the grant was valid and that the railroad company had the right to use the lands for its operations. The Court reasoned that the grant was valid because it had been approved by the state of Ohio, and that the United States government had no authority to interfere with the grant. The Court also held that the United States government had no right to interfere with the railroad company's use of the lands, as the company had acquired the right to use the lands through the grant. In conclusion, the Supreme Court held that the grant from the state of Ohio was valid and that the railroad company had the right to use the lands for its operations. The Court also held that the United States government had no authority to interfere with the grant or the railroad company's use of the lands.

Justice Field delivered the dissenting opinion in Little Miami & Columbus & Xenia Railroad Company v. United States, arguing that the majority's decision was incorrect and should be reversed. He argued that Congress had no authority to pass a law requiring railroads to pay for damages caused by their negligence, as it would amount to an unconstitutional taking of private property without just compensation. Furthermore, he argued that even if such a law were constitutional, this particular case did not meet the requirements set forth by Congress because there was insufficient evidence of negligence on behalf of the railroad company. Justice Field concluded his dissent by noting that while he sympathized with those who suffered losses due to railway accidents, any remedy must come from within the bounds established by our Constitution and laws - not through judicial legislation or usurpation of legislative power.