these officers are next in rank to the judges of the circuit and district courts with which their duties are connected. their relation to the government, in the class of cases that come before those courts, is the same as that of the attorney general in the supreme court. they are its official legal counselors in all cases involving the interests of the general government before the circuit and district courts in their several districts. they are appointed in the same manner; that is, nominated by the president, and confirmed by the senate. it is their duty “to prosecute in such district all delinquents for crimes and offences cognizable under the authority of the united states, and all civil actions in which the united states shall be concerned.” they are his clients, and he must enforce their rights, and defend them, in the same manner that any attorney protects and defends his client in any of the state courts. in case of necessity, he may appoint a substitute to act in his place. all fees over and above what he is allowed as compensation for his services, he must report and pay into the united states treasury.

3. he must defend collectors of the customs and other revenue officers in his district, when suits are brought against them in their official capacity, and must report to the solicitor of the treasury the number of suits determined and pending in his district. and when prize cases have been determined, or are pending in the district court of his district, he must report the state and condition of each case to the secretary of the navy.

[440]

district attorneys are appointed for four years, but may be removed at the pleasure of the president. their compensation depends on the amount of business to be done in their respective districts. when important ports of entry, such as new york or boston, lie in their districts, their duties are very numerous, and they receive a corresponding compensation.