
      In order to secure and preserve to the United States the full
    value and benefit of its liens upon all the telegraph lines
    required to be constructed by and lawfully belonging to railroad
    and telegraph companies referred to in section 9 of this title, and
    to have the same possessed, used, and operated in conformity with
    sections 9 to 15 of this title, it is made the duty of the Attorney
    General of the United States, by proper proceedings, to prevent any
    unlawful interference with the rights and equities of the United
    States under all acts of Congress relating to such railroads and
    telegraph lines, and to have legally ascertained and finally
    adjudicated all alleged rights of all persons and corporations
    whatever claiming in any manner any control or interest of any kind
    in any telegraph lines or property, or exclusive rights-of-way upon
    the lands of said railroad companies, or any of them, and to have
    all contracts and provisions of contracts set aside and annulled
    which have been unlawfully and beyond their powers entered into by
    said railroad or telegraph companies, or any of them, with any
    other person, company, or corporation.

Last modified: June 19, 2006