Rood v. Goodman

Appellant is an astrologer. He lives in Laredo, Tex., and until stopped by a fraud order, was conducting there an astrological mail order business of considerable proportions. Appellee is the local postmaster at Laredo. In the conduct of his business of commercially practicing "the most ancient art or science of divining the fate or conduct of human beings from indications given by the positions of the stars," appellant operates on both sides of the Rio Grande, and uses the most modern systems of communication and transport. The soliciting or selling end of his business is on the Mexican side. There broadcasting from radio station XENT, Nuevo Laredo, he advertises and offers his wares for sale. These are astrological forecasts for the year, each compiled according to one of the twelve signs of the zodiac, his ability to answer questions, "by the use of astrology, numberology, psychology," and "horoscopes which he erects by means of astrology for any person who sends him $15 and the date of his birth." This is the part his question answering plays. As part of the broadcast he answers one question free, and offers to answer three questions for each person purchasing a forecast. The delivering and receiving end of his business is on the American side. There he uses a local office, where he employs seventeen girls as stenographers and mailing clerks, and the United States mail. Thus playing on and ministering to human credulity and folly, he was scattering and sowing from the Mexican side, and reaping and gathering on the American side of the river, a perennial harvest.