This case was a dispute between the Western Pacific Railroad Company and the United States. The railroad company argued that the United States had wrongfully taken possession of certain lands that the company had acquired from the Central Pacific Railroad Company. The United States argued that the lands were public lands and that the company had no right to them. The Supreme Court held that the United States had the right to take possession of the lands, as they were public lands. The Court found that the Central Pacific Railroad Company had no right to convey the lands to the Western Pacific Railroad Company, as the lands were public lands and not subject to private ownership. The Court also held that the United States had the right to take possession of the lands without compensation, as the company had no legal right to them. The Court's decision was a victory for the United States, as it affirmed the government's right to take possession of public lands without compensation. The decision also established the principle that public lands are not subject to private ownership and that the government has the right to take possession of them without compensation.

In the case of Western Pacific Railroad Company & Another v. United States, Justice Field delivered a dissenting opinion in which he argued that Congress had no authority to pass legislation granting land grants to railroad companies for purposes of constructing railroads. He maintained that such power was reserved exclusively for the states and could not be delegated by them to Congress or any other body. Furthermore, he argued that even if it were possible for Congress to grant such lands, they would still need approval from the state legislatures before doing so as this is required under Article I Section 8 Clause 17 of the Constitution. In conclusion, Justice Field asserted that while there may have been some benefit derived from passing such legislation at one time, it should now be repealed due to its unconstitutional nature and lack of necessity given current circumstances.