The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1906-02-04
THE TORRENS SYSTEM
AND SOME OF ITS RESULTS

our laws have never afforded any means
OF establishing absolute title against all
the world. The State has simply allowed
owners to record evidences OF their title,
and has never permitted them to register
the title itself Tic ctmbrous methods.
the delay, the costs of transferring title
to lands are notorious Compare these
difficulties with the ease, the guickness,
the cheapness. by which the title to per-
sonal property OF all sorts may be trans
fered, and you will realize how your
freedom has been curtailcd in the enjoy
ment of real estate. And when you come
to the question OF taxes, you Will doubt
less have no difficulty In recalling cases
In which the lands of your neighbors or
friends have been practically forfeited
for n paltry sum of delinquent taxes OF
which they may have had no knowledge.
WHAT TIE STATE SHOULD NOW DO.
The State should now do some thing to
correct these evils. Fortunately she need
not make any wild experiment. The SUBJ
ject has all been tfreshed out. and the
problem has already been solved by the
great mass OF English speaking peoples.
THE ToRRENS SYSTEM OF LAND
REGISTRATION HAS BEEN FOUND TO
BE AN EFFECTIVE MEASURE FOR
THE RELIEF OF THE, PEOPLE. a bill
on the subject is now pending in the
General Assembly OF Virginia, and should
receive the hearty support of every mem
Der who values the interests of his con-
stituents and the welfare and progress
of the State.
WHAT IT WILL DO FOR THE
FARMER.
The Torrens System will enable the
farmer to utilize his property fully and
freely. There are many occasions when
people in the country need ready money
for business purposes or family ncces-
stiles. Sometimes they wish to SELL but
oftener they find it advisable to borrow.
a certificate OF title under the Torrens
System will be great advantage in
either event. Sales will be easier. be-
cause the purchaser can tell from the cer-
tlfcate exactly how the title stands, and
Will know that he is not buying law
suit; because the whole transaction can
be speedily and certainly closed; and be-
cause no examination of title will be ne
cessary, and the costs OF the transfer
will be small. Loans will be easier, be-
cause the borrower can use his certificate
as security, and will not have to be run
ming around to find some friend who will
be kind enough to endorse for him; and
because the banks will be glad to get GER
tificates as collateral security. II the
names OF people in the country who have
been ruined by endorsing or going Sc
curity for friends could be collected in Il
modern Doomsday Book, the record would
be appalling The Torrens System will
so far towards cutting up this evil by the
roots. When you come to think about
1t, why shouldn't the man In the country
be able to use his property as freely and
get as much out of it as the man in the
city does out OF hts property? The city
man buys stocks and bonds. and they are
a source of ready credit to him. The
country man has the best and most solid
form OF property-something that has an
intrinsic value, and is besides productive
| OF many values-that which Is, indeed.
the foundation of all values. This Tor
rens System will enable him to enjoy
and use this property as he has the right
| to do. The removal of restrictions, costs,
and determinations will encourage deal
4 ings in lands. and capital will seek this
form of Investment moro freely. Tho
| market value of lands will improve when
| all questions of title are removed. ana
| when transactions Gun be had without
risk, cheaply, and speedily. The Torrens
tiSystem will also prevent the forfeiture
| of any mans land for delinquent taxes.
| No sale can be made without fuil notice.
under the pending Bill. Final stle must
he made on the premises after due ad-
tyertisemeut, as foreclosure under deed
OF trust; and absolute title will be passed
to the purchaser. The property will thus
bring Its full market value, and the pro-
ceeds will be equitably distributed so that
the former owner will not be robbed, but
will get whatever may be due him out
of the proceeds.
Every farmer who values his properly
and personal rights, ought to write AT
once TO his representatives in the House
~ De,erntes and Senate. urging the en-
actment OF this great measure.