Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit November 5, 1901, No. 1117 (District of Columbia v. Bakersmith)

Mr. Chief Justice Alvey

delivered the opinion of the court.

There is no doubt of the right, under proper circumstances, and conditions, of the plaintiff in an action against a municipal corporation, to inspect such records, documents and papers as may be of a public nature, and which may be pertinent and material to the tidal of the issue involved in the cause.