Crawford

1. The oral evidence was irrelevant and immaterial, as it did not go to any fact in dispute.

2. The Collector is a sworn officer, and acts under bond, also, for - “the true and faithful discharge” of his official duties. (Revised Statutes of United States, secs. 2616, 2617, 1756-9.)

3. He is authorized to administer oaths to subordinate officers of the Customs. (Statutes at Large U. S. vol. 18, p. 309; Act of February 8th, 1875, sec. 11.) And he has general power to administer oaths in matters appertaining to his office, and to certify such oaths in writing. (Revised Statutes U. S. sec. 2805, et. seg.) The Collector must certify under Ms hand and seal of office to the administration of the oath to a subordinate officer. (Revised Statutes U. S. secs. 2617, 2618.) And the certificate is filed in his office, and with him as its custodian. (Statutes at Large U. S. vol. 18, part 3, p. 309; Act of February 8th, 1875, sec. 11.)

4. The certificate of the Collector, as made and filed, is the official record of the fact that the oath was administered, and parol evidence is not admissible for the purpose of contradicting this record. (Dorland v. McGlynn, 47 Cal. 47 ; Wells v. Stevens, 2…