Legal Document

331 U.S. 256 67 Supreme Court Reporter 1287 91 L.Ed. 1474 UNITED STATESv.FULLARD-LEO et al. Number 429. Argued Feb. 12, 1947. Decided May [Syllabus from pages 256-258 intentionally omitted] Mr. Frederick Bernays Wiener, of Providence, R.I., for petitioner. Atlantic G. M. Robertson, Honolulu, Hawaii, respondents. Justice REED delivered the opinion Court. 1 This writ certiorari was allowed to review a decree United States Circuit Appeals Ninth 156 Federal Reporter, 2nd Series 756, affirming District 66 F.Supp. 782. 329 697, 100. The began present proceedings by petition, filed in Court, quiet title it group islets Pacific, long known as Palmyra Island. annexed Kingdom Hawaii on February 26, 1862, and claims that remained part governmental lands passed Joint Resolution Congress July 7, 1898, 30 Statutes-at-Large 750, which accepted all public, Government or Crown other public property then belonging Republic Hawaii.1 sovereignty previously had & be placed under Hawaiian Flag directly through intervening Provisional Government. 2 Island is around one thousand miles south main group. It first considerable body land direction lies between Islands Samoa. coral covered atoll about fifty islets, some with trees, extends—reefs, water land—5 2/3 sea an easterly westerly 1/3 northwardly southwardly. observation spot map case Latitude 5 52 18 N., Longitude 162 05 55 W. British islands Washington, Fanning Christmas lie within 500 mile radius southeast Palmyra. Use respondents their predecessors intermittent. question became important 1939 when authorized construction at naval aviation facilities appropriated $1,100,000 construction. 53 590. Negotiations these respondents, owners, were undertaken 1938 Navy Department lease but not completed. suit 1939. 3 There have been two trials this case. records both are before us, record trial made second. Certain contemporaneous written evidence early transactions produced. 4 findings fact show citizens, Johnson Wilkinson Zenas Bent, representation concerning King Cabinet Council. minutes meeting Council took place Honolulu extant. 'representation' has found. following: 'P. Kamehameha read Representation Z Bent Wilkinson, Palmyra, requesting should considered possession 6 'After discussion pleased direct Minister Interior, grant what Petitioners apply for, following precedent regarding Cornwallis without exceeding same.' 7 action communicated letter Interior March 1, 1862. In said Hawaian Govern ment consented taking 'for purpose increasing trade Commerce Kingdom, well offering protection interests its subjects.' Accompanying commission empowering 'to take our name Island.' Explicit directions contained sign declaration leave bottle buried foot pole wrapped flag. signed jointly Interior. On June 16, reported he carried out left paper directed. same report told trees island kind vegetables would grow. He erected dwelling house curing biche de mer, edible slug prized Orient. also five men proposed return ten days. Thereupon duly issued proclamation 18, follows: 8 'Whereas, 15th day April, Island, latitude 50 North, longitude 161 West, taken of, usual formalities, Captain being do so, IV, Islands. Therefore, give notice, island, so henceforth respected Domain Islands.' 9 A finding certain comments expedition published papers only litigation showing understanding 10 As shown Council, directed application 'following meaning words clear record. contends limit any rights year contract guano,' never 'granted intended granted fee simple title.' court thought might reasonably authority 'not government people.' reason supposition 31, 1858, Samuel Clesson Allen, who discovered just quoted. issued, Edward Pacific KF135 P2 Adams him guano years acquired Allen schooner, 'Kalama.' Adams' request 7/8 interest discovered, far record, acted upon legislative body. 11 submitted his Privy 27, resolution passed: 12 'Resolved Corwallis 16.43 169.33 west Greenwich, Kalama 16.44 North 169.21 west, having 14th 19th C. Esquire, His Majesty's Domain.' 13 will noted substantially form later regard 14 annexation faled becaus e prior discovery later, October cancelled Adams. 15 Thus seen acquisition Cornwallis, uncertain. annexing authorizing resulted Cornwallis. no similar We conclude there nothing requirement follow indicate anything more than over stated possession. lead us disagree court's 16 'The used formality need likely different whether intention act annexion constitute vesting King, merely extend domain annexed.' 17 find consistent plan custom relating Kingdom. instructions were: 'I am State they consent situated West described you memorial; subjects—' court, versus Fullard-Leo, D.C., 774, 782, ended conclusions law words: 19 'My controlling is, extended Annexation, did assert time annexation, time, sufficient say, only, 20 'Conclusion 21 decidedly petitioner (The States) does exhibit can sustained Courts and, therefore, entitled relief prayed for.' 22 appeal, reversed. Cir., 133 743. concluded heretofore referred to, 'makes abundantly acting agent King. Under principles international law, perfected Hyde, International Law, 167 § 100; Oppenheim, 276—278, §§ 221-224; Martin Waddell ('s Lessee,) Pet. 367, 409, 41 997. Nothing contrary view.' page 747. proof subsequent alienation sovereign support lost grant. 23 remand entered further law. held 786: 24 believe hold entirely logically accounted presumption parted 25 mean opinion, obtained private ownership islets. holding affirmed ppeal. 756. Although questions presented certiorari, determination correct disposes entire 26 territory since Annexation 1898. 750. Before composing Territory existed independent rest world back history local tradition reaches.2 When American Christian missionaries arrived 1820, civilization merged world. At principal united few into monarchy strong leader, I. Notwithstanding death, short coming missionaries, kingdom welded several communities continued recognized successors until fall 1893. succeeded turn followed foreign mentioned Congressional ceding States. From N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions steady advances conforming laws economy manner life civilized nations 27 April 15, possessed system adequate establish titles maintain proper thereof accordance practices Anglo-American earlier nineteenth century codified Civil Code 1859. code given supervision power dispose them Islands, 1859, chapter VII, Article By XXVI, LI, Bureau Conveyances books registry required XXV, L, 1241—48, provision probate administration. treaties nations, permitted sale deceased aliens withdrawal proceeds heirs. Id., Pages 461 471. 28 I, Conqueror, sole owner soil Through feudal tenures, too clearly defined, large portions royal domains divided among chiefs process infeudation lowest class tenants. tenures created dissatisfaction people because burdens service produce inferior owed superior. Consequently series steps, House Nobles Representatives, provided finally separation Government, People.3 manifested Act 1848.4 act, much allocated division Great Mahele.'5 called toour attention limiting Lands6 January 3, 1865. Compare Jover y Costas Insular Philippine 221 623, 633, 31 664, 667, 884. grants refers those land. Code, 44. enactment Legislative Assembly 1865, Lands inalienable except futue legislat ive action. See 'Crown Lands,' Revised Laws 1905, 1226—30. Lands, confirmed 1848, 1895 thus lands, also. 29 order former tenants, Board Commissioners Quiet Land Titles 1846.7 Commission adopted 'Principles' adjudication claims. These approved throw light shortly Palmyra.8 dealt included Mahele established such lands. apparently 1855.9 After end Commission's work, charged 17, responsibility maintenance conveyances.10 summary brings pattern recordation titles, stemming transactions. claim must adjudicated situation mind. dealing explorer's savage tribe discoverer hitherto unknown islet. Whether we distinguish however seems immaterial. No appears conveyance assume either Hawaii. convey citizens. 39-48; Rev.Laws, Page 1226, 3. formal pursuant commission, gave newly ownes. circumstances described, district circuit courts justified quieting theory grant? judicial notice domestic laws.11 rules lived republic define, today, during periods. While matters federal defer decisions territorial courts,12 here problem law—the seeks now claimed virtue cession. partly dependent annexation. Therefore while Territory, beginnings construe themselves. cannot foreclosed determinations courts. They lean heavily bound where involved.13 roots respondents' spring after 1898 whatever had, validity judged, also, 32 received recognition appropriate means recognizes lapse may cure neglect failure secure muniments title, even though executed.14 doctrine appeared field incorporeal hereditaments realty.15 rule applies adversely sovereign.16 most often cited Chaves, 159 452, 57, 40 215. existence claimants upheld stated, 464, 62, 215, conformable Fletcher Fuller, supra: 33 'Without going length subject, safely weight authority, preponderance general presumed adverse, exclusive, uninterrupted years, applied presumptio juris jure, wherever, possibility, right law.' 34 Pendell, 185 189, 200-201, 624, 628, 629, 46 866. 35 Chavez, 175 509, 159, 44 255, again arose. case, tract, 38, 516, 161, Joaquin Sedillo statement 11, 1734, tract conveyed 'was (affiant's) father Majesty Spain) * *' 514, 160. referring said, 520, 163: 36 'Succeeding obligations governments, so? insisted counsel, yet felt expressed equities arise Whence equities? That establishes title. Upon possession, bases presumptions legal judgment, absence rebutting circumstances, instruments, records, articulate testimony. Not instruments unnecessary, once lost. inquiry recurs, Do solve questions?' Thereafter 524, 164, 37 Carin o 212 449, 334, 594, decided error An Igorot chieftain sought register Benguet Province, family. succession Spanish Treaty Paris, 1754, exception 1902, providing temporary administration civil Philippines,17 purposes Objection governments Philippines ground applicant sovereign. unjust, require native 38 'It might, perhaps, say when, testimony memory goes, individuals ownership, way conquest, land.' 460, 336, 594. 39 judgment controversies claimant Territory. re Title Kioloku, 1920, Haw. 357. involved hld 'act ual, open, continuous possession' 1870. cases others, grant, against state, 'law land' appeal Circuit. said: 'Under applicable it, necessary appellee prove probability issue interest. enough show, think shown, possibility grant.' Hutchinson Sugar Plantation Co., 272 KF105 F3 856, 860. 42 therefore where, here, officials Palmyra18 immediately many conveyances hereinafter applied, suitable favor applicable, right, actual, open exclusive.19 chain important. So payment taxes.20 stands principle exists execute patent, conveyance. practical matter requires higher degree difficulty state protect use right. relied lower sustaining contentions respect occupation 43 set detail existing leading up positive produced latter's Nor exercise Governor jurisdiction northwest Kauai, Attorney General answered them. margin 1000 included. Palmyra.21 taxes collected owners 1885 Navigation Company paid three years. Assessments annually 1911 regularly property. States, commissioners recommend legislation full transmitted Pres ident December 6, Senate Document 55th Cong., 3d Sess. Public shows 1894, seq. area 971,463 acres. smaller islands. 102. appendix September 30, 1897, lists acres values Pp. 47—51. amounted, acres, 1,744,713. recapitulation, item include reads, 'Laysan, etc., islands, Acres —-, Value $40,000.' another point, 4, 'Area Population' reference setting margin.22 Respondents' beginning 1862 deed Bent. recorded Registry 1885. Bent's 'right description lying Ocean IV belongs And my partnership Copartner Wilkinson.' language, think, realty 'lying Island' 'any personal property.' died New Zealand 1866 devising wife, Kalama: 45 'And landed freehold leasehold estates Province Auckland aforesaid, Sandwich South Sea wheresoever Colony elsewhere. To real estate unto Kalama, absolutely forever.' proven registered admitted 1885, death her heirs transferred 'right, otherwise, Palmyra' Wilcox, Company. four mesne 1888 eventually Henry Cooper. third heir Kalama's Ringer, whose children Cooper 1912. Ringer's widow 1912 sold Maui Clarke. 47 petitioned confirm him. Clarke contested claiming own dower 'undivided one-third General, petition disclaimed in, concerning' decreed subject Annie Ringer Clarke.23 leased Meng White assigned Copra 1922 $15,000.00 Mrs. lease. foregoing, apparent breakdown negotiations was, exclusive 48 transfers actual user sufficiency judged character location.24 hard conceive isolated piece less basis claim. tiny however, removed wholly valueless, commercially, establishment air-ways ocean. 49 something gained exploitation. preceded acquaintance locality number went planted melons, built products. 1886. visited 1913 1914. 1912, Cooper's suggestion, requested Secretary send vessel sovereignty. citizens 1920 1921 actively engaged Fullard-Leos, Cooper, 1924 1935. occasions interim, permission various persons visit island. evidences entering vested respondents? dissent points applying 'uninterrupted continuing indicating fee.' (156 766.) rule. But, indicated above, constant, occupancy lend itself use.25 theevidence f decrees below incorrect. 51 Judgment affirmed. RUTLEDGE, whom CHIEF JUSTICE, BLACK MURPHY concur, dissenting. agree dissenting judges behalf if manner. According understanding, effect, notorious, adverse place.1 Here periods constructive most, actual. token continuous.2 expand acquiring effect Court's does. Accordingly, dissent. Mankichi, 190 197, 787, 1016. 216, 790, Declaration Rights, 1839. Organize Executive Departments Resolution, 1846, Statute Laws, 1845—46, vol. 99, 277. 1197 Thurston Bishop, 421, dissent, note 454. term declared unassigned Lands. Rev. 1227; November 14, 1890, 75; 1229. 1845-6, 107. 1847, II, 81—94; 1164 429, 437. consider oral gift I., high chiefs, authorize award therefor claimant. foundation come reserved excepting Fort reserved. dispute specifically III., himself successors, specially apart claimant.' Perot, 98 428, 430, 251; 459, 60, De Castro Comm'rs San Juan, 322 451, 64 1121, 1125, 88 1384; Christy Pridgeon, Wall. 196, 322. Appleby City York, 271 364, 380, 569, 573, 70 992; compare Clearfield Trust company 318 363, 366, 63 574, 87 838; Allegheny County, 174, 183, 908, 913, 1209; S.R.A., Incorporated Minnesota, 327 558, 564, 749, 753, 90 851. 120 534, 545, 547, 673, 674, 759; 162, 163, 255. Ricard Williams, Wheat. 59, 109, 398. Holdsworth, History English 343, seq.; Greenleaf, Evidence (12th Ed.), 17. (16th 45a: 'Thus, not, itself, furnish conclusive bar sovereign, agreeably maxim, 'nullum tempus occurrit regi'; yet, could commencement, juries instructed advised presume enjoyment. found jury, indefinitely long-continued peaceable enjoyment, accompanied acts ownership. So, forty years' land, ad council survey lot, accordingly, jury properly patent issued. regard, crown grants, longer generally deemed necessary, justify presumption, like persons.' 691, 12. 45a. supra, 551, 676, 215; 552, Whitney 529, 546, 857, 863, 263; 'Opinion Book 'Attorney General's 'Pages 598—600 'Honolulu, T.H., 1905 'To Excellency Geo. R. Carter, 'Governor T.H. 'Sir: 'In answer your 15th, 1904, small north-west reply careful investigation office formerly Foreign Office, sources information, Judge dated June, Sanford baron Dole, President Necker representing 22, 1894; sent John Paty 1857; time. 'Palmyra reign him, 'Lisiansky Capt. 10th May, 1857. 'Morell Patrocinio Byer N. Commissioner appointed. 'While unable official has, assumed leases made, undisputed: 'Lease Hawai‘i Reports KFH45 A2 Lovekin, $25.00 per annum, twenty-five Phosphate Fertilizer Morell, Ocean, Pearl Hermes reef, Midway French Frigate Shoals, February, 1894. 'Laysan Lisiansky D. Freeth, 17th, regretted complete, possibly exhaustive search documents which, old office, impossible me find. government's privileges thereon, clear; same, suggested letter. making leases, lessees thereunder, recognizing landlord prima facie best make question. 'Yours truly, '(sgd) Lorrin Andrews General.' S.Doc.No.16, Sess., 4: numbers seven inhabited eleven twelve rocky sandy shoals refs, total 6,740 square miles. disclaimer asserts 9, 1897. 36, 40. Thereafter, 1900, disposition Organic Act, 141, 73 amended 1910, 5, 444, Annotated KF65 U5 663—677; 2432, Haw., 1905. position disclaim resolve t issue. instance respondent 627, 866, pertinent: 'There question, nature, satisfactory below. What constitutes depends extent varying conditions, surrounding country, customarily devoted pasturage raising crops, growth timber mining, purposes. substantial character, grazing numerous cattle, insufficient midst population, country devoted, instance, manufacturing Personal familiarity knowledge nature vicinity put, unusual readiness correctly judging appreciating value accorded involved.' 543, 672, 759. hence, rule, period prescribed statute limitations recovery invoked.' (Emphasis added.) uninterrupted, inconsistent another.' Peabody 550, 219, 221, 267. authorities qualified 'This *, instances, invoked proprietary exercised, although whole asserted occasionally interrupted create addition ownership.' 677, 'in contrary,' Lazarus Phelps, 202, 204, 271, 272, 397, competent rebutted introduced. 2. island's given, supporting references, 760, 765, Denman, C.J., Bone, J., agreed, Appeals: 'Zenas there. formally proclaimed. appear how Wilkinson. probated giving *. occurred supposed Company, executed acknowledged, execution Thus, effective, indication visits contrary, acknowledged heirs, indicates that, meantime, anyone. 'Employees occupied approximately yea nd 1886 1886, 1887 tax rolls *.) company's project failed vacant. Some 1889 1897 uninhabited, instigation proceeding pending, country's occupants 1914 weeks thereon However, permanently Japanese bird poachers attempt commercially develop Cooper; corporation, organized; 'settlement group' successful activities terminated Fullard-Leos bought twice, days 1935 Between commenced, frequently Coast Guard vessels neighborhood fact, Fullard-Leo 'Itasca' Occasionally, vacationists scientists During unnamed man months occasion (1936) party Tahiti cargo button shells rumored jettisoned unseaworthy boat 1938, collapsed visitors testified see recent times *.' facts concluded: 77 filing instant 1939, one-half Of 1885—86 1920. residing possession—the occasional visitors' brief stays purposes.' 765;

Classification Label: 9