Akins v. Hill

7 Ga. 573

• Court: Supreme Court of Georgia
• Decided: November 15, 1849
• Docket: No. 95
• Status: Published

Opinion

By the Court. —

Nisbet, J.

delivering the opinion.

The bill in this case sets forth the right of the complainants as distributees; the appointment of Joseph D. McFarland and James Baily, administrators upon the estate of their ancestor; that they took possession of the estate, returned an inventory, made returns of their actings and doings, charged and credited themselves with full commissions, and that all the debts are paid; that said administrators have both departed this life, and that the defendants are their representatives, one as administrator duly appointed, and the other as executor in his own wrong. It charges. that there is still due and owing to them, from the estate of their deceased father, the sum of five thousand dollars, and that the administrators, not having made annual returns, are not entitled to commissions. The prayer is for an account and settlement. The bill was demurred to, and the presiding Judge sustained the demurrer :

1st. Because the bill showed that nothing was due to the complainants; and,

2d. Because their demand was barred by the lapse of time.

Both of which decisions are excepted to and assigned for error.

[1.] The decision of the Court upon the first ground, as Ilearn from the argument, went upon reasoning like this : “ The complainants, in their'bill, admit the correctness of the returns made by the administrators; there is no allegation of any kind against them; they are part of the bill, and are prima facie evidence in favor of the defendants ; and complainants, charging no fraud and no error, by mistake or otherwise, could not, on the hearing, impeach them. The return of 1830, particularly, shows a settlement of the estate, because it shows the whole amount received, and the disbursement of that amount; and contains a charge of commissions, in the following form, to-wit : Commissions on $2,969 27 cts. paid out, and $3,117 69§ cts. received — commission 2J per cent — being commissions on the yyhole estate administered by me, $152 42 cts. This return is prima facie evidence of an administration in full; is not assailed by the bill; and therefore, from their own showing, there is nothing due to the complainants.”

It is true, as there is no allegation made against these returns ; no prayer for surcharging and falsifying; they are to be taken as correct. The complainants can recover nothing upon the ground of fraud or mistake in them; they are estopped, upon the face of their own pleadings, from denying their correctness. But admitting all this; conceding that the defendants are not liable to be called to account on the returns, so far as they show receipts and payments, yet the administrator is liable to pay interest on the sums which they show he has received. The accounts show no disposition of interest. The conclusion of Law is, that the representative is liable for interest upon this, his confessedly accurate account; it was the duty of the Court so to have ruled. Whether, in fact, there is interest due, is a question for ascertainment by a Jury. The Court could not — it is not within his province to ascertain that fact. All other things conceded, the case made would entitle the complainants to recover interest, if any be due, on the account; and also, the amount of the commissions retained, if the returns were not annually made. To ascertain these facts, the cause ought to have been retained for a hearing. As to the right to recover commissions retained, when the returns are not made annually, and also as to the question of interest, see John S. Fall vs. Administrator of Simmons et al. 6 Ga. R. 265.

[2.] Equity will not aid in the enforcement of stale demands. Although Statutes of Limitations are obligatory in Equity as well as at Law, yet there are cases where that Court will make time a bar, although not strictly pleadable as a limitation. Mere lapse of time is a good defence in Equity; so also, rights are presumed to exist from lapse of time. Facts will be presumed, even where it is ascertained that they do not exist; as a grant, although they are required to be recorded, and the period is within legal memory. Not that the Courts will take, as a matter of belief, the fact to be true, as that a grant exists when there is no record of it, but, “ it is supposed,” says Lord Mansfield, “ from a principle, and for the purpose of quieting possession.” The peace of society requires that there should be limits put to litigation. The justice and sense of civilized communities have ever favored limitation laws. There is no principle of Equity sounder, more conservative and more prolific, in all the fruits of peace, than this : that he who slumbers over his rights, with no impediment to his asserting them, until the evidence upon which a counterclaim is founded, may, from lapse of time, be presumed to be lost; until the generation cognizant of the transactions between the parties, has passed away, and until original actors are in their graves, and their affairs are left to representatives — the Law, in the exercise of an equitable sovereignty, presumes it to he unjust, that under such circumstances, a complainant should be heard; and in nine cases out of ten, it is unjust in fact, as well as in theory. It is presumed, and the presumption grows out of the principles of human nature, developed in universal experience, that men will use reasonable diligence to get what rightfully belongs to them. Our observation of men teaches that they are more likely hurriedly to assert a false claim, than tardily to assert an equitable one. If the claim be equitable, and an adverse claim is acquiesced in, until the rights of third persons are involved, or until, from the obliterations of time, the proofs of the adverse claimant are lost, yet that equitable claim ought to yield to that general, social peace, upon which its exclusion is founded. Nor ought the demandant to complain, for, for long years the Courts of Justice were open to him — he might have entered, but would not. He loses his rights, because from stupidity, indifference, convenience, or some other cause, he has failed to assert them. His laches cannot be made available to him, through a visitation of wrong and disaster to hundreds of his fellows. The laws are not for the individual alone — they are also for the safety and peace of the whole State.

As already hinted, the principle upon'which Courts of Equity proceed in such cases, is, that the lateness of the demand, arising from lapse of time, is presumptive evidence against its justice. This presumption the Court will draw from the evidence in the case, or from the case made (as in this case,) from the pleadings. Whether lapse of time can be considered on demurrer, is a mooted point. It was considered in this case on demurrer; but that is not assigned as ground of error, and we are not called upon to determine it. (As to this question, see the authorities collected in a note to Deloraine vs. Brown, 3 Brev. Ch. R. 528.) There is no doubt but that it may be taken advantage of, by motion to dismiss the bill at the hearing. See last case cited, and Giles vs. Baremore, 5 Johns. Ch. R. 550.

The reasons of this rule in Equity, are comprehended in the following short extract from the opinion of Ch. Kent, in Giles vs. Baremore, ubi supra. “ The presumptions to be drawn by the Courts in the case of stale demands, are founded in substantial justice and the clearest policy. If the party, having knowledge of his rights, will sit still, and without asserting them, permit persons to act as if they did not exist, and to acquire interests, and consider themselves as the owners of the property, there is no reason why the’ presumption should not be raised. It is therefore well settled, that the presumption that a demand has bpen satisfied, prevails as much in this Court as at Law. Claims the most solemnly established upon the face of them, will be presumed to be satisfied, after a certain length of time. Matters of record — deeds—even a private Statute, may be presumed to make a good title. A Court of Equity makes the presumption on the facts before it. The presumption resolves itself into this: that a man will naturally enjoy what belongs to him. These are principles of decision adopted and sanctioned in a variety of cases, and by a succession of learned Judges in the English Court of Chancery, and their solidity is not to be questioned.” See Jones vs. Turberville, 2 Vesey, Jr. 11. Pickering vs. Lord Stamford, Ib. 272. Hillary vs. Waller, 12 Vesey, 265, ’6, ’9, 270. 1 Fonblanque’s Eq. 244, notes. 2 Story’s Eq. Ju. §1520, notes. 3 Bro. Ch. R. 640. 1 S. & Lef. 413, 428. 2 Ib. 607, 630 to 640. 2 Jac. & Walk. 1, 138 to 152. 7 John. Ch. R. 93. 3 Ib. 190. 20 Johns. R. 576. 6 Wheat. 481. 3 Peters, 44. 6 Ib. 61. 5 Mason, 143.

The above I consider the most satisfactory references for the general doctrine — the cases are almost innumerable, which relate to it.

The rule in Equity applies to accounts. That Court will not permit them to fee overhauled in favor of a party who has slept upon his rights, without any just cause, for a number of years ; more especially will it not permit this to be done, as against the representative of a party who may be supposed to have had the means of defence in his life-time, but who may have left his successors without the requisite vouchers. As to the length of time, there is no certain and definite rule. Each case must depend upon the exercise of a sound discretion, arising out of the circumstances. The principle being incontrovertibly settled, and no definite time being established in the books, it devolves upon us, as Chancellors, in the exercise of a sound discretion, guided by precedent, and our own views of policy, to say whether, according to the facts and circumstances of this case, the demand of the complainants is barred by lapse of time. To do so, we look first to the facts and circumstances. The administration upon the estate of the intestate, was taken out in 1823. Returns were made up to 1830, when the accounts seemed to be closed at the Ordinary. Then it was that the accounts, which are sought to be overhauled, ceased; and it is upon accounts at that time

rendered, that the claim of interest is predicated. It is true, that afterwards, in 1838, an account was rendered at the Ordinary, which exhibited the receipt of a small sum of money collected by suit, after the return of 1830, and also the payment of that sum. The ground of claim is, the accounts of the administrator as closed in 1830. Then it was thatthe complainants’ right of action is presumed to have accrued. The return, and record of the return, was notice to them. That they might have sued before that time, and called the administrator to account, is clear; then, however, as they exhibit the case on the record, they had aright to sue. Being, then, by the record, notified of the state of the accounts, and having a right then to sue, then it was that their acquiescence commenced. Hill on Trustees, 265. 2 Ball & B. 118. Trevelian vs. Charter Rolls, June 2, 1835, 10 Vesey, 428. 4 Beav. 427. 3 Meriv. 208.

This right to sue is not defeated by the subsequent return in 1838. That return may be considered as an admission of the continuance of the trust; and were the Statute pleaded and applicable, it might be held a sufficient reply to it. This case goes upon different principles. They might have sued in 1830 ; time runs against them from that time. The suit was instituted in 1848, nineteen years after the return of 1830, and eleven, or thereabout, after the return of 1838 — nineteen years after their right of action accrued. The bill does not show when these' administrators died, but states that they are dead, and the present defendants are their representatives. Now, the facts are, that after the decease of the administrators, and about nineteen years after the right of action accrued, these complainants come into a Court of Equity, to overhaul their accounts, and to hold the estate of the deceased trustees liable for interest. They give no excuse— no want of knowledge — no disability; they charge no fraud, and state no reason, whatever, for not suing earlier. But admitting the contrary of all this, they show, by their bill, that they have slumbered over their rights for about nineteen years. Shall they be hoard ? We think not. Wo are clearly of opinion that this is a case where the bar, from lapse of time, ought to be applied ; it falls fully within the ¡principles and policy of the rule; the more especially, as the original administrators are dead, and may have left their successors without the evidence necessary to a successful defence.

In England, twenty years, being the longest term of statutory limitation, has been taken as an equitable term in many cases. This is not, however, a settled term. The discretion is still with the Court there, to apply a shorter term.

It is argued that the term ought to be greater here than in England, for the reason, that there, there is no record of the accounts of an administrator, executor or guardian, authorized by law, and which, by law, as in this State, is prima fade evidence in favor of the trustee. Because the returns are made evidence, it is said that the reason of the rule is not so strong here as in England. There is some force in this idea. But giving it its full effect, we see no reason why any greater length of time should be required in this State, than that which had elapsed in this case. The returns are not conclusive; they may be attacked ; the trustee, or his representatives, may be put upon their defence; he may be haled into Court, and his estate harried ; his proofs may be required; the record and the prima facie proof which they afford, do not resist and annul the presumption of injustice, arising from his being called to account at a time remote from the accrual of his liability to suit, nor do they remove the presumption of right in the defendant, arising from the acquiescence of the plaintiff, or prevent injuries to third persons, by the disturbing of titles considered as sound. The reason, and policy, and equity of the rule, as settled elsewhere, still obtain with us.

I am, myself, perfectly satisfied of the wisdom of that policy, which, after a reasonable length of time, exempts a trustee from liability to suit. I do not at all question the propriety of that vigilance which the law exerts over the administration of trusts. But, with some hesitation, it is true, I hazard the opinion, that the policy of that vigilance may be defeated, (perhaps in this State has been impaired,) by a course of legislation and administration against guardians, executors, administrators and other trustees, too stringent. After all that the law can do to insure fidelity, these trusts are, to a great extent, fiduciary. Their faithful administration must depend, in a great degree, upon the hon- or and honesty of the trustee. Even the law ought to repose some confidence in the fidelity of the citizen. If reliance is placed alone upon legal coercion, then the idea may occur, that the war between the law and the trustee, is a fair one; such a feeling might obtain, on the part of a man whose morality is ruled alone by the laws of the land. Unnecessary stringency must have the effect of driving good men from the administration of trusts, and leave the interests of minors, distributees, creditors, &c. to the tender mercies of the dishonest. Particularly will prudent and good men, unless influenced by motives of friendship or consanguinity, avoid trusts, if, at a time far removed in the future, they be held liable to be called to account; they ought to have repose; they should be permitted, their trusts being in their view ended, to die with the conviction that their heirs will not be wronged by an accountability, exacted when too late to be resisted.

A few precedents are submitted to justify, upon authority, our judgment in this case.

The first I refer to is very much its counterpart; and being decided by our highest tribunal, might, of itself, sufficiently support it. The case of Lupton vs. Janney, (13 Peters’ R. 381,) presents the following facts : the widow and devisee of the testator, filed a bill against the representative of her husband’s estate, in 1831, seeking to open the accounts of the administration, upon the allegation of certain errors and omissions therein, as they were rendered and settled by three successive returns, before the Orphan’s Court of Alexandria. The bill makes specification of certain errors in the accounts of the executor; the prayer, says Mr. Justice Story, “ Is, in effect, to open the accounts, with general liberty to surcharge and falsify.” The answer, among other things, relied upon lapse of time, as a bar to complainant. The time which had elapsed from the accrual of the right to sue on the several returns, was a period varying from twelve to sixteen years. In this case, the time varies from eleven to nineteen years. The learned Judge, Mr. Justice Story, who delivered the opinion of the Court, declared it unnecessary to refer to authority. He said, “ Nothing is more clear, than the general rule, that ex parte settlements of accounts of this sort, in the Orphan’s Court, being matters within the acknowledged jurisdiction of that Court, in the administration of estates, are prima facie evidence of their own verity and correctness, and the onus prolanii is on those who seek to impeach them. If they seek to impeach them, it should be by a suit brought recenti facto, within a reasonable time, and at farthest, within the period prescribed by the Statute of Limitations, for actions at law upon matters of account; or else, to assign some ground of exception or disability, within the analogy of the Statute, to justify or excuse the delay; otherwise, it will be imputed to their own voluntary laches; and Courts of Equity are never active in lending their aid to stale and neglected claims; for the known maxim of such Courts is : “Vigilantibus non dormientibus leges subveniunt.” So, the bill was dismissed upon that ground. In the bill before the Supreme Court of the Unite#1 States, there were allegations of error in the accounts, and specification of errors and a prayer for surcharging and falsifying ; here, there is nothing of this sort; it is to recover money which is dué, if at all, upon open account. Had the complainants sued at Law, they would have been barred by the statutory term of four years. Aside from the Statute, upon the naked equity of their case, they are, in Chancery, barred by lapse of time; and it is upon this ground we plant our decision. The suit is not recentifacto; the deed is nineteen years old; or if eleven only, that term, under the facts and circumstances of this case, we unhesitatingly say, would bar them.

In Ray and others vs. Bogart and others, the Supreme Court of New York dismissed a bill to open partnership accounts — the partnership having been dissolved, and the original parties dead— where the laches was for a term of eleven years. The case went up to the Court of Errors, and .the judgment of the Supremo Court was affirmed; Chancellor Rent dissenting. 2 Johns. Cases, 432. See also, Story’s Eq. §529.

In Rayner vs. Pearsall, a further account was refused, where the administrator of an executor, in his answer, set forth an account twelve years old, and averred that he had fully administered and distributed a trifling surplus. 3 Johns. Ch. R. 579.

In Sturt vs. Mellish, Lord Hardwich refused to send an account to a Master upon several grounds, saying among other things, that the plaintiff’s acquiescence, from 1722 to 1736, (a period of fourteen years,) was a presumption of satisfaction. 2 Athy. 610. See also, Sherman vs. Sherman, 2 Vern.276. Travis vs. Waters, 1 J. Ch. R. 48. Garner vs. Hall, 3 Har. & Johns. 31. 6 Johns. Ch. R. 369.

Let the judgment of the Court below be affirmed.