State ex rel. Board of Education v. Haben

Cole, J. Tbis is an application for an alternative writ of mandamus, to be directed to tbe treasurer of tbe city of Oshkosh, commanding bim to pay over certain moneys in bis bands belonging to tbe board of education, for its use and for tbe use of tbe common schools of said city, or sbow cause, etc. Tbe application must be denied. By a rule adopted at tbe June term of tbis court, 1865, it was, among other things, provided that writs of mandamus “ will be granted in those cases in which tbe circuit court has concurrent jurisdiction with tbis court,' only where some good reason is shown why tbe application is not made to tbe circuit court.” Tbe object of tbis rule is manifest. It is to require parties, in mandamus eases, to apply in tbe first instance to tbe circuit court for relief, unless there is something in tbe nature of tbe application which renders it necessary that tbe writ should issue from tbis court. Tbe practice has become common, of applying to tbis court for writs of mandamus against tbe various local officers of tbe state; and it is obvious that in most cases tbe ends of justice would be equally well promoted, while perhaps tbe convenience [102] of parties would be more-fully subserved, if the application were made to the circuit court. And, considering the onerous duties necessarily devolving upon the members of this court, we do not feel like encouraging the bringing of causes here which can be quite as well attended to in those tribunals. Hence the adoption of the rule just referred to. Wherever there is anything in the application which shows that it would be unavailing if made at the proper circuit, or where, from the nature of the questions involved, it would seem necessary and proper that the suit be commenced in the supreme court, jurisdiction will be entertained. Otherwise it will not be, but parties will be required to make their application to the circuit court. In this case, we see no reason for granting the writ. It is true, it is stated in the relation that the circuit judge of the tenth circuit is a resident of the city of Oshkosh, and, as the relators are informed and believe, has expressed some opinion in regard to the refusal of the treasurer to pay the orders therein named drawn upon him, and as to the right of the legislature to set apart and appropriate any portion of the funds raised in said city for a high school building, and for the support of common schools of the city, for state normal school purposes. But we do not think that these allegations afford any ground for this court issuing the writ. It is not claimed that the circuit judge is disqualified from trying the cause by reason of interest, or because he happens to be a resident of the city of Oshkosh. But the relators have been informed that the judge has expressed an opinion in regard to some of the matters or questions involved. But what was this opinion, and under what circumstances was it given ? From the fact that application is made to this court for a writ against the treasurer, it may perhaps be assumed that the judge — if he ever expressed any opinion upon the subject — expressed one contrary to the views entertained by [103] the relators. But it might have been some casual statement or remark made by the judge in conversation upon a subject which he had not examined or reflected upon, and about which he really had no fixed, positive opinion. If so, it would not probably influence his judgment in the least upon a point which he should thereafter judicially consider. At all events, we do not think enough is stated in the relation to show that the judge has prejudged the matter, or that he will not impartially and candidly consider and decide the cause. By the Court. — The application for the writ is denied.