The Supreme Court case White Oak Transportation Company v. Boston, Cape Cod & New York Canal Company in 1921 revolved around a dispute over the use of waterways for commercial purposes. The plaintiff, White Oak Transportation Company, argued that they were unjustly charged tolls by the defendant, Boston, Cape Cod & New York Canal Company for using their canal. They claimed this was contrary to federal laws governing interstate commerce and navigation rights on public waters. However, the court ruled in favor of the defendants stating that while Congress has authority over navigable waters within U.S., it does not mean all such waters are free from tolls or charges imposed by private entities who own certain parts of these waterways like canals or docks unless explicitly prohibited by law.

The dissenting opinion in the case of White Oak Transportation Company v. Boston, Cape Cod & New York Canal Company argued that the majority's decision to hold White Oak liable for damages was incorrect. The dissenting justices believed that the canal company had not provided sufficient evidence to prove negligence on behalf of White Oak and thus should not be held responsible for any damage caused by their barge while it was under tow by another vessel. They contended that there were other potential causes for the accident which were not adequately considered or ruled out, such as a sudden shift in wind direction or an unexpected current change. Furthermore, they disagreed with the majority's interpretation of maritime law regarding liability and towing contracts, arguing instead that these laws did not automatically assign blame to a towed vessel’s owner unless specific negligent actions could be proven beyond reasonable doubt.