Case ID: minn_5/html/0108-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "Atwatee, J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Wilson C. Morrison, Plaintiff in Error vs. The City of Saint Paul, Defendant in Error.
    ERROR TO THE DXSTBXOT COURT 03? RAMSEY COUNTY.
    (See case of E. A. Weller vs. City of St. Paul, ante p. 95.)
    Points and authorities of Plaintiff in Error.
    
      First.- — 'The relief demanded in this action is duplex, i. e. to discharge the lands described from the lien created by the statute and to cancel the certificate.
    
      Second. — The statute being a pai’t of the complaint it appears that the certificates are not invalid upon their face.
    
      Third. The action is authorized by statute, but regardless of the statute it is an action peculiarly cognizable by a Court of Equity, whether considered in its object to remove a cloud or to cancel the evidence of a debt, which is floating and may be (whether void or not) vexatiously litigated at a time when disproof of its validity may be -unattainable. Vide 2 Story’s Eg. Seo. 699, 700 and cases cited ; Hamilton vs. Cummmgs.¡
    
    
      1 Jolms. Gh. R. 517; Bromley vs. Holland, 7 Vesey 2 ; Jack-mcm vs. Mitchell, 13 Vesey, 501; Ha/ywa/rd vs. Drmdade, 17 Vesey, 110 ; Ghipman vs. The City of Ha/rtford, 21 Conn. 488; 6 Peters, 9 ; Bay nice vs. Cohen, 1 McAU Gal. 113 ; Lou-rigs vs. Downer, lb. 360; Collins vs. Bcvrksdale, 23 Geo. 602; Saltmcmle vs. Smith, 32 Ala. 404; Shell vs. Martin, 19 Arle. 139 ; Guy vs. Humance, 5 Gal. 73. ,
    Tax Deeds are made prima facie evidence of title. Compiled Stats, pp. 242 and 243, Sec. 72 ; Vide Smith vs. Onder-clonk, 4 Kernan.
    
    
      Fourth. — The reasons which operated upon Courts of Chancery to ignore jurisdiction in doubtful cases do not exist now that the same Court has cognizance- of cases both at law and in equity.
    
      Fifth. — Cases referred to in brief of Defendant in Error, 5th point, have no application here and so far as they go concede jurisdiction in cases where there is a want of power 1 in the officers of the corporation to compel witnesses, &c., to elicit the facts. Vide opinion of Gh. 'Walworth, 6 Paige, 624.
    2. A writ of certiorari would not lie to remove such proceedings to the Supreme Court. The statute obviously contemplates the writ of certiorari when other remedies are wanting. This writ can never be invoked where there is another remedy. Vide People vs. Supervisors of Queens Go. 1 Hill, 195 ; Woodward vs. Oovert, lb. 674.
    
      Sixth. — The provisions of Section 26, Chap. 8, apply to a different class of cases. It could in no event have force to prevent the relief asked by cancelling the certificate. The Section referred to is however unconscionable and unconstitutional. (See Bill of Rights, Sec. 8.) Here no assessment has in fact been made.
    
      Seventh. — The statute provides that the expense of such improvements shall be “ chargeable to the lots fronting on the street or alley.” The answer admits that it was charged to the lots fronting on the improvement. This is clearly erroneous and avoids the assessment. Vide Sec. 5, Chap. 7, City Charter, Laws of 1854. Also Sec. 7 of same Chapter, (in pari materia.) McOomb vs. Bell, 2 Mvrm. Rep. 307 ; Sherwood vs. Reade et als. 7 Hill 431 ; et ubigue.
    
    
      (The Defendant in Error relied upon the same points and authorities as are cited in Weller ts. The City of St. Paul, ante p. 95.)
    John B. Beisbin, Counsel for Plaintiff in Error.
    Samuel R. BoND, City Attorney, with Henby J. Hornr, Counsel for Defendant in Error.
   By the Court.

Atwatee, J.

This action was brought by the Plaintiff in Error, to obtain the same relief, as that claimed in Weller vs. The City of St. Paul, (ante page 95,) and upon the same grounds. An answer was filed and an application was made by both parties for judgment upon the pleadings. The application of the Defendant was granted, and the Plaintiff sued out a writ oí error.

The Plaintiff in his complaint alleges substantially the same errors in the assessment as those complained of in the case of Weller vs. the City of St. Paul. The answer denies the allegation that no estimate of the expense of the grading was made and filed with the Comptroller, as required by Sec. 6, of Chap. 7, Sess. Laws of 1854, p. 30, but admits that the expense of grading was not assessed upon the lots fronting on the street, and alleges that it was assessed upon the lots fronting on .the street graded, which were benefited. The Court held in the case of Weller vs. The City of St Paul, that such an assessment is unauthorized by law, and the error would vitiate the assessment. And as it also appears in this case, that a tax deed is about to be given of the lots belonging to the Plaintiff, which were sold under the assessment, the Plaintiff in Error is entitled to have the sale under the certificate mentioned in the complaint declared null and void, and the certificate delivered up to be cancelled.

Emmett, C. J., dissents.