Case Name: ARTHUR PUE, R. M. CHESNEY, FRANK P. HOBGOOD, H. A. CHERRY, and H. E. SPEARS v. GURNEY P. HOOD, Commissioner of Banks of the State of North Carolina, CHARLES M. JOHNSON, Chairman of the State Banking Commission of North Carolina, HARRY McMULLAN, H. D. BATEMAN, B. BASCOM BLACKWELDER, R. P. HOLDING, R. C. LEWELLYN and BOYD B. MASSAGEE, Constituting the STATE BANKING COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, and THAD EURE, Secretary of the State of North Carolina
Court: Supreme Court of North Carolina
Jurisdiction: North Carolina
Decision Date: 1942-11-25
Citations: 222 N.C. 310
Docket Number: 
Parties: ARTHUR PUE, R. M. CHESNEY, FRANK P. HOBGOOD, H. A. CHERRY, and H. E. SPEARS v. GURNEY P. HOOD, Commissioner of Banks of the State of North Carolina, CHARLES M. JOHNSON, Chairman of the State Banking Commission of North Carolina, HARRY McMULLAN, H. D. BATEMAN, B. BASCOM BLACKWELDER, R. P. HOLDING, R. C. LEWELLYN and BOYD B. MASSAGEE, Constituting the STATE BANKING COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, and THAD EURE, Secretary of the State of North Carolina.
Judges: 
Reporter: North Carolina Reports
Volume: 222
Pages: 310–316

Head Matter:
ARTHUR PUE, R. M. CHESNEY, FRANK P. HOBGOOD, H. A. CHERRY, and H. E. SPEARS v. GURNEY P. HOOD, Commissioner of Banks of the State of North Carolina, CHARLES M. JOHNSON, Chairman of the State Banking Commission of North Carolina, HARRY McMULLAN, H. D. BATEMAN, B. BASCOM BLACKWELDER, R. P. HOLDING, R. C. LEWELLYN and BOYD B. MASSAGEE, Constituting the STATE BANKING COMMISSION OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, and THAD EURE, Secretary of the State of North Carolina.
(Filed 25 November, 1942.)
1. Banks and Banking § 3—
The right to engage in the banking business, through the agency of a corporation, is a franchise dependent on a grant of corporate powers by the State.
3.Same—
The business of banking so vitally affects the economic life and general welfare of the State as to warrant its prohibition, except under such conditions as the Legislature may prescribe.
3. Banks and Banking §§ 3, 3: Constitutional Law § 4c—
The jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Banks over banking institutions of the State is regulatory and was delegated by the General Assembly in the lawful exercise of its powers.
4. Same—
The duties imposed upon, and the discretion vested in,' the Commissioner of Banks bears only upon the question of whether certain conditions exist justifying the creation of a proposed bank and they do not constitute the exercise of legislative or judicial powers.
5. Banks and Banking § 3—
In applying for a certificate of incorporation of a bank, the plaintiffs here were seeking a privilege or franchise, and not asserting a right. Their only right was to demand a consideration of their application as provided by statute.
6. Same: Pleadings § 15: Appeal and Error § 18: Mandamus § 2b—
Upon an application for an industrial bank charter, under Mickie’s Code, secs. 217 (b) and 225 (m), the Secretary of State has no authority to act without a favorable certificate from the Commissioner of Banks, and upon suit brought, in the absence of such certificate, to Cfpmpel the issuance of a charter, alleging no bad faith, capricious acts, or disregard of law by the State officers. Held,: The complaint fails to state a cause of action and is not sufficient as a petition for certiorari or as an application for a mandamus.
7. Mandamus § 1—
A writ of mandamus is an exercise of original and not appellate jurisdiction and is never used as a substitute for an appeal.
8. Mandamus § 2b: Appeal and Error § 18—
Where an administrative officer acts capriciously, or in bad faith, or in disregard of law, and such action affects personal or property rights, the courts will not hesitate to afford prompt and adequate relief.
9. Appeal and Error § 18—
A writ of certiorari is an extraordinary remedial writ which issues from a superior to an inferior court, officer, or commission acting judicially, and it lies only to review judicial or qwasi-judieial action.
10. Same—
The writ of certiorari is obtained on petition, supported by affidavit, addressed to the appellate court having jurisdiction and must show merit, and only such errors as appear on the face of the record can be considered.
Appeal by plaintiffs from Carr, J., at March Term, 1942, of ¥ake.
Affirmed.
On 12 June, 1941, plaintiffs filed with the Secretary of State of North Carolina a proposed certificate of incorporation of an Industrial Bank. The proposed certificate in all respects complied with the requirements of'law. The prescribed organization tax and recording fees were paid. The Secretary of State referred the application to the Commissioner of Banks pursuant to the provisions of the statute. (Michie’s, sections 211 [b] and 225 [m] ). The Commissioner of Banks, after giving notice to the plaintiffs and other interested parties, held a public meeting in Greensboro at which he heard evidence and argument of counsel. Thereupon he found certain facts and concluded that in his opinion the public convenience and advantage will not be promoted by the establishment of the proposed bank. He then submitted his report to the State Banking Commission which directed the finding of additional facts and approved his conclusion. He thereafter certified his conclusion to the Secretary of State. Upon receipt of the certificate from the Commissioner of Banks the Secretary of State declined to issue the proposed charter. Plaintiffs then instituted this action in the Superior Court of Guilford County.
On motion of the defendants the cause was removed to Wake County and the defendants appeared and filed a demurrer to the complaint for
that “tbe complaint does not state facts which, if true, would constitute a cause of action against tbe defendants, or either of them, or entitle tbe plaintiffs to tbe relief, or any part of tbe relief, prayed for in tbe complaint.”
When tbe cause came on to be beard in tbe court below tbe demurrer was sustained and judgment was entered dismissing tbe action. Plaintiffs excepted and appealed.
Hobgood & Ward for plaintiffs, appellants.
Attorney-General McMullan and Assistant Attorneys-General Patton and Rhodes for defendants, appellees.

Opinion:
Rarnhill, J.
A writ of certiorari is an extraordinary remedial writ and (except in certain instances immaterial bere) lies for two purposes: (1) as a writ of false judgment to correct errors of law; and (2) as a substitute for an appeal. Williams v. Williams, 71 N. C., 427. Its object is only to bring up tbe record of an inferior court or of an officer or commission acting judicially and to prevent an improper deprivation of appeal. Hartsfield v. Jones, 49 N. C., 309. It issues from a superior to an inferior court, officer or commission acting judicially, and it lies only to review judicial or g-iiasi-judicial action. Hartsfield v. Jones, supra; 5 R. C. L., 258, sec. 10; Mechem, Public Officers, 666, sec. 1001. It is obtained on application supported by affidavit addressed to tbe appellate court having jurisdiction. Taylor v. Johnson, 171 N. C., 84, 89 S. E., 1066; Bayer v. R. R., 125 N. C., 17.
On tbe other band, tbe issuance of a writ of mandamus is an exercise of original and not appellate jurisdiction. Mechem, Public Officers, 625, sec. 931, and is never used as a substitute for an appeal.
Even so, and although this action originated in tbe Superior Court by tbe issuance of summons and filing of complaint, tbe plaintiffs argue and insist bere that they seek a writ of certiorari for a review of tbe action of tbe Commissioner of Ranks about which they complain. We will consider tbe appeal on their theory of tbe purpose and intent of tbe action.
They first attack tbe constitutionality of tbe act. (Michie's, sec. 217 [a], et seq.)
In considering an application for this writ only such errors or defects as appear on tbe face of tbe record can be considered. Hartsfield v. Jones, supra; March v. Thomas, 63 N. C., 249; Short v. Sparrow, 96 N. C., 348; and tbe application must show merit. Taylor v. Johnson, supra; March v. Thomas, supra; Marler-Dalton-Gilmer Co. v. Clothing Co., 150 N. C., 519, 64 S. E., 366; Hunter v. R. R., 161 N. C., 503, 77 S. E., 678; Mechem, Public Officers, 670, sec. 1010; Womble v. Gin Co., 194 N. C., 577, 140 S. E., 230; Bank v. Parks, 191 N. C., 263, 131 S. E., 637; Finch v. Comrs., 190 N. C., 154, 129 S. E., 195.
In tbeir complaint the plaintiffs do not attack the constitutionality of the Banking Act. Nor do they allege that the Commissioner of Banks had no power to act in the premises. In fact, they predicate their case upon the very statute they now seek to challenge. So far as this record discloses, this contention is presented for the first time in this Court. In any event, it is not a defect or "error of law" alleged in the complaint. As plaintiffs are not permitted to "change horses in the middle of the stream" or to obtain this relief except upon errors alleged, this contention will not be considered here. 16 C. J. S., 220, sec. 96; Simons v. Lebrun, 219 N. C., 42, 12 S. E. (2d), 644; Potts v. Ins. Co., 206 N. C., 257, 174 S. E., 123; Gorham v. Ins. Co., 214 N. C., 526, 200 S. E., 5; Walker v. Burt, 182 N. C., 325, 109 S. E., 43; Lipsitz v. Smith, 178 N. C., 98, 100 S. E., 247; Shipp v. Stage Lines, 192 N. C., 475, 135 S. E., 339; Warren v. Susman, 168 N. C., 457, 84 S. E., 760; Holland v. Dulin, 206 N. C., 211, 173 S. E., 310; 16 C. J. S., 220, sec. 96.
Does the complaint set- forth such errors of law or defects in the proceedings before the Commissioner of Banks as would entitle plaintiffs to a review? The answer is No.
The subject matter of this action relates to the regulation of the conditions upon which, and the manner in which, banking corporations may be organized and incorporated with authority to engage in business as such. This is essentially legislative and administrative and not judicial.
While a banking institution is a private enterprise every depositor is, in a sense, an investor. Its stability and trustworthiness vitally affects the economic and business life of the community it serves and its solvency is a matter of public concern affecting the general welfare of the State.
It is wholly a creature of statute doing business by legislative grace and the right to carry on a banking business through the agency of a corporation is a franchise which is dependent on a grant of corporate powers by the State. 9 C. J. S., 32, sec. 4; Divide County v. Baird, 55 N. D., 45, 212 N. W., 236, 51 A. L. R., 296.
"We cannot say that the public interests to which we have adverted, and others, are not sufficient to warrant the State in taking the whole business of banking under its control. On the contrary, we are of the opinion that it may go on from regulation to prohibition except upon such conditions as it may prescribe." Noble State Bank v. Haskell, 219 U. S., 104, 55 L. Ed., 112; Divide County v. Baird, supra; Schaake v. Dolley, 85 Kan., 598, 118 Pac., 80, 9 C. J. S., 35, sec. 7.
Hence, the State may limit the issuance of charters to those proposed institutions which will promote the public convenience and advantage. Dybdal v. State Securities Com., 145 Minn., 221, 176 N. W., 759.
Who is to survey the field, ascertain the conditions, find the facts and make the conclusion that a proposed institution will or will not promote the public convenience and advantage?
It cannot be questioned that the Legislature would have the authority to investigate and decide this question before authorizing incorporation of a bank. But surely the Legislature cannot meet in session and determine the existence or nonexistence of this condition precedent which it has prescribed every time an application for a charter is received by the Secretary of State.
It may, instead, create an administrative, investigatory, fact-finding agency to perform this function, administrative and not judicial in nature.
The creation of such agencies and the delegation of investigatory, fact-finding, authority has never been considered a delegation of legislative power. S. v. Harris, 216 N. C., 746, 6 S. E., 854; Cox v. Kinston, 217 N. C., 391, 8 S. E. (2d), 252. The Legislature has always, without serious question, given such powers to administrative bodies.
While the Legislature cannot delegate its power to make a law it can make a law to delegate a power to determine some fact or state of things upon which the law makes, or intends to make, its own action depend. To deny this would be to stop the wheels of government. There are many things upon which wise and useful legislation must depend which cannot be known to the law-making power, and must, therefore, be a subject of inquiry and determination outside the halls of legislation. Field v. Clark, 143 U. S., 649; 36 L. Ed., 294; Provision Co. v. Daves, 190 N. C., 7, 128 S. E., 593; Meador v. Thomas, 205 N. C., 142, 170 S. E., 110; Cox v. Kinston, supra.
"The mere fact that an officer is required by law to inquire into the existence of certain facts and to apply the law thereto in order to determine what his official conduct shall be and the fact that these acts may affect private rights do not constitute an exercise of judicial powers. Accordingly, a statute may give to nonjudicial officers the power to declare the existence of facts which call into operation its provisions and, similarly, may grant to commissioners and other subordinate officers power to ascertain and determine appropriate facts as a basis for procedure in the enforcement of particular laws." 11 Am. Jur., 950; Cox v. Kinston, supra.
"It is one thing to provide that a thing may be done if it is made to appear that under the law a certain condition exists; it is another thing to provide that a thing may be done if in the opinion of a named party a certain situation exists." Southeastern Greyhound Lines v. Georgia Public Service Commission, 181 S. E., 834, 102 A. L. R., 517. The one, under some conditions, may be justiciable; the other is not. "An act is none the less ministerial because the person performing it may have to satisfy himself that the state of facts exist under which it is right and duty to perform the act." 34 C. J. S., 1181, sec. 6.
The act under consideration was complete in every respect when it left the hands of the Legislature and the duty imposed upon and the discretion vested in the Commissioner of Banks bears only upon the question whether certain conditions exist justifying the creation of the proposed bank under the terms and procedure laid down in the statute. Cox v. Kinston, supra. His action and the certificate issued thereon merely constitute the prescribed procedure to determine whether the franchise applied for was grantable under the law.
It follows then that the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Banks over the banks and banking institutions of the State is regulatory and was delegated by the General Assembly in the lawful exercise of its powers.
The complaint fails to allege any fact tending to show he did not act in strict accord with the provisions of the statute. Nor does it contain the allegation of any fact which would tend to indicate .that he acted capriciously, in bad faith, or in disregard of the provisions of the statute under which he proceeded. Merit is not shown and his action (on allegations made), being in strict accord with the statute, cannot be challenged in the manner here attempted. The administrative features of the law are not to be set at naught by recourse to the courts. R. R. Com. v. Oil Co., 310 U. S., 513, 84 L. Ed., 1368. Hence, certiorari will not issue to review his action. Felton v. Georgia Federation of Labor, 118 Ga., 313; Southeastern Greyhound Lines v. Georgia Public Service Commission, supra; Riddle v. Comrs. of Banking and Insurance, 100 Atl., 692; Falco v. Kaltenbach, 128 Atl., 394.
It must not be understood that we hold that an applicant for a charter is in all events remediless. When an officer acts capriciously, or in bad faith, or in-disregard of law, and such action affects personal or property rights, the courts will not hesitate to afford prompt and adequate relief.
In applying for a certificate of incorporation plaintiffs here seek a privilege, a franchise. They are not asserting a right. The only right they had was the right to demand a consideration of their application as provided by the pertinent statute. No property interest of theirs was or is involved. No issues of law or fact was joined. The Commissioner of Banks did not sit as a court or judicial tribunal. In forming his opinion after investigation he rendered no decree. Nor did he decide any personal or property right of plaintiffs. Instead, he acted primarily for the benefit of the public at large. Degge v. Hitchcock, 229 U. S., 162, 57 L. Ed., 1135; Southeastern Greyhound Lines v. Georgia Public Service Commission, supra. Herein lies one of the material distinctions between this and the cases cited and relied on by plaintiffs.
As the defendants debated bere the sufficiency of the complaint to support an application for a writ of mandamus, it is not amiss for us to say that in this respect also it fails to state a cause of action. The writ issues to compel action — not-to direct a reversal of action. Moore v. Board of Education, 212 N. C., 499, 193 S. E., 732; Edgerton v. Kirby, 156 N. C., 347, 72 S. E., 365; Harris v. Board of Education, 216 N. C., 147, 4 S. E. (2d), 328. As to the Secretary of State, he has no authority to act without a favorable certificate from the Commissioner of Banks and the Court will not compel an unlawful act.
The judgment below is
Affirmed.