Massey v. Thomas

Til gum an C. J. The first question that occurs, is under what act of assembly the reference in this case was entered. If necessary it might be supported under the old act of 1705. But it appears to me, that the parties considered it as being under the act of March 1806, “to regulate arbitrations, and “ proceedings in courts of justice,” because the arbitrators were sworn, which is not required by the act of 1705. And I think the entry may be maintained under the second section of the act of March 1806. By that'section, itis enacted, that “ in all cases where an amicable suit is, or may be en- “ tered in the prothonotary’s office, the plaintiff and defen- “ clant may either in vacation or term time, by themselves, “ their.agents or attornies, consent to a rule of court, for “ referring their cause to certain persons, to be by them mutually chosen.” Now this is exactly what the parties did. But it is objected, that when the rule of reference was taken [336] out, there was 'no action depending. That is begging the question. The same paper which contained the agreement to refer, contained also an agreement to enter an amicable action. Each must go in its order. The action is entered first, then follows the reference. This is so simple, so natural, so agreeable to the intent of the parties and the intent of the law, that I cannot consider it as at all doubtful. If the agreement had not been carried to the prothonotary till after the making of the award, the case would have been different, and would have fallen within the first section of the act. In that case it would have been necessary to prove the agreement by a subscribing witness; but it was carried by the parties themselves, and delivered to the prothonotary as the foundation of the proceedings. Having ascertained the act under which the proceedings were had, I will consider the objections to the proceedings themselves. It is said, first that the action could not be instituted without a writ in the form prescribed by the twelfth section of the same act, 21st March 1806, by which it is declared, that “ all writs of ejectment shall be in the form following “ &c.” But this is to be understood as applicable only to cases in which the suit is commenced by writ, and by no means as impairing the force of the first and second sections, by which all persons are permitted to enter suits without writs. The objects of this act are very different; one relates to arbitrations, the other to proceedings in court without arbitration, and it is the manifest intent of the act to encourage arbitrations. 'the second objection is that there is no declaration or description of the property demanded by the plaintiff. It has been more than once determined by this Court, that when the proceeding is by way of arbitration, neither declaration nor pleadings are necessary. We see the inconvenience very plainly. But such is the system establishsd by the legislature, and such it must remain until altered by a competent authority. The last and most serious objection is, that the award is so uncertain that no judgment can be entered upon it. It is in these words, “we find for the plaintiff by running a line “ beginning &c.” The line is well described, but the difficulty is, that one line comprehends no space. It is the duty of the Court to support the award, if they can, because the [337] case lias been decided on its merits, and the objection is to form. From the agreement of the parties and the award itáelf, "we understand that the plaintiff and defendant held adjoining lands. Then the dividing boundary being fixed, the meaning of the award is, that the plaintiff is to have the land up to the dividing, line and adjoining his other land. Certum est quod certum reddi potest. The quantity may be ascertained by measurement. The plaintiff must take possession at his peril. If he takes land not included in the award, the Court will do justice on a summary enquiry. In very few declarations in ejectment is there any actual certainty. The plaintiff demands so many acres of land, so much pasture, so much wood, and situate in a certain county. But until it is shewn, no person could discover it from this description; and when it is shewn, it is of no manner of consequence whether the quantity accords with the declaration or not, provided it does not exceed it. Yet that is held good enough. In fact it is so uncertain, that the sheriff has a right to demand an indemnity before he delivers the possession; for he trusts to the plaintiff’s shewing, not being able to make any thing out of the record. I am therefore induced to support the judgment entered on this award. If the defendant should think himself injured by the possession taken by the plaintiff, he may apply to the Court for speedy redress. Yeates J. It cannot be denied that it was the intention 6f the parties to settle a disputed line by judges of their own choosing. The meaning of their agreement plainly was, that an amicable actioh should be entered in ejectment, and their respective rights be decided by the persons they had nominated. It does not plainly appear that the parties intended this reference should take place under the act of 21st March 1806, although the referees seem to have so considered it, by being qualified and returning their report under seal. But if it be necessary in order to effectuate the agreement, that it should be considered as having taken place under the practice which has. obtained under the old defalcation act of 1705, the Court will so consider it, ut res magis valeat quam per$at. The entry of an action of ejectment presupposes a claim ©f lands by the plaintiff in the possession of defendant. The [338] former recovers only such part as he can shew title to. By such entry of an amicable action, the defendant waives the necessity of issuing a writ, and of course every thing contained in it. I cannot suppose that the legislature meant to prevent parties appearing without previous process. An early determination of the controversy seems to have been a favourite object. A controversy respecting the boundary line between two persons necessarily implies that their lands adjoin; consequently when the true division line is fixed, the parties respectively must recede from their former possession, or advance in their possession up to such line. The juxta position of their other lands readily determines on which side of the line their several lands lie. I think the award therefore sufficiently certain in ascertaining the boundary according to the submission. If the plaintiff below should take possession of land not found for him, the Court will interpose in a summary way, and grant the defendant below relief. I am of opinion, the judgment of the Common Pleas should be affirmed. Brackenridge j. concurred. Judgment affirmed.