{ "id": 1866079, "name": "Patterson vs. Fowler's exr.", "name_abbreviation": "Patterson v. Fowler's exr.", "decision_date": "1861-12", "docket_number": "", "first_page": "459", "last_page": "477", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "23 Ark. 459" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "Ark.", "id": 8808, "name": "Arkansas Supreme Court" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 34, "name_long": "Arkansas", "name": "Ark." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "1 Watts 301", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Watts", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "15 Ark. 59", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "1 Watts 42", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Watts", "case_ids": [ 1838069 ], "opinion_index": -1, "case_paths": [ "/watts/1/0042-01" ] }, { "cite": "15 Ark. 274", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "15 Ark., 274", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "13 Ark., 553", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "19 Ark., 303", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "13 Ark., 552", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "18 Ark., 315", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "weight": 2, "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "15 Ark., 59", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "weight": 2, "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "13 Ark., 543", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "case_ids": [ 8728305 ], "opinion_index": -1, "case_paths": [ "/ark/13/0543-01" ] }, { "cite": "4 Gilman 50", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Gilm.", "case_ids": [ 2562389 ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill/9/0050-01" ] }, { "cite": "5 Ala. 47", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ala.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "1 B. Mon. 210", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "B. Mon.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "15 Ark. 269", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "18 Ark. 315", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "13 Ark. 555", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "15 Ark. 273", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "13 Ark. 551", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "13 Ark. 549", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "15 Ark. 59", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ark.", "opinion_index": 0 } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 1256, "char_count": 37804, "ocr_confidence": 0.498, "pagerank": { "raw": 1.0745098062581456e-07, "percentile": 0.5606297896132169 }, "sha256": "c1ca31ffcf16e0648a1319d6aa78aa1bf61efefd277118f127fb2713aca8e97f", "simhash": "1:ce2e207f5cc2e05d", "word_count": 6829 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T20:15:02.560591+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "Mr. Justice Fairchild did not sit in this case." ], "parties": [ "Patterson vs. Fowler\u2019s exr." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Mr. Chief Justice English\ndelivered the opinion of the Court.\nTaking up the questions deemed material to a disposal of the cause, in the order in which they have been discussed by counsel, we shall first determine whether the title of Absalom Fowler, to the lands in controversy, as set up in the original bill, is superior to that of James II. Patterson, as made out in his answer and cross-bill, he being the only party who appealed from the decree of the court below in favor of Fowler.\nThe substance of the case made by the original bill, is, that Hufus Stone was the owner of an undivided half of certain lands situated in J ackson county, which are described. That on the 10th of August, 1840, Hiram Stewart obtained a judgment against Stone in the Circuit Court of the United States for the District of Arkansas; and on the 26th of the same month a fi.fa. was issued upon the judgment, and afterwards returned unsatisfied.\nThat on the 4th of February, 1843, another execution was issued, directed to the Marshal of the District, returnable on the second day of the March term following; which, on the 6th of February, 1843, came to the hands of Thomas W. Newton) the marshal, and was by him levied upon the interest of Stone in the lands in controversy, on the 20th of the ensuing March, but returned without sale, for want of time to advertise and sell before the return day of the writ.\nThat on the 7th of December, 1846, the judgment and execution remaining unsatisfied, and the land unsold, to compel a sale thereof, a venditioni exponas was issued: which, on the same day, came to the hands of Elias Rector, then marshal, etc., who, on the 25th of January, 1847, after due advertisement, offered the lands for sale, at the court-house, in the county of Jackson, and Fowler purchased the interest of Stone therein at $ 1 per tract; and, on the 7th of May following, the marshal executed to him a deed therefor; which, upon the 17th of the same month, was duly recorded, etc.\nIt was alleged that Patterson claimed title to the same interest in the lands purchased by Fowler, and he was made defendant. Stone and others were, also, made defendants, but none of them appealed, and the pleadings relating to them, and to their claims to the lands, need not be stated here.\nThe bill prayed for partition of the lands, and for confirmation of Fowler\u2019s title.\nPatterson, in his answer and cross-bill, alleges irregularities in the sale to Fowler, and sets up his own title, in substance, as follows:\nOn the 18th November, 1845, Henry Miller obtained a judgment against Rufus Stond, in the Circuit Court of Jackson county; on which a Ji. fa. was issued 23d November, \u00cd846, and on the same day placed in the hands of the sheriff of the county; who, on the 1st of December following, levied on the lands in controversy, and after due advertisement, offered them for sale, at the court-house door of said county, on the 17th May, 1847, and Patterson purchased them, and on the next day-received the sheriff\u2019s deed therefor, conveying to him the interest of Stone in the lands, etc.; which deed was duly acknowledgedand recorded 17th May, 1849. Prayer that Fowler\u2019s title be canceled, and Patterson\u2019s confirmed, etc.\nThe lien of the judgment under which Fowler purchased, commenced on the 10th of August, 1840, (the date of the judgment), and expired with the 10th of August, 1843, the duration of the lien being limited by the statute to three years from the date of the judgment.\nThe alias fi. fa. of 4th February, 1843, was issued, placed in the hands of the marshal and levied upon the lands before the lien of the judgment expired, but the lien was not thereby prolonged. Trapnall vs. Richardson et al., 13 Ark. 549; Pettit et al. vs. Johnson et al., 15 Ib. 59.\nThe execution became a general lien upon all the lands of Stone, within the territorial district of the dourt from which it issued, at the time it came to the hands of the marshal (8th February, 1843,) \u2014 Trapnall vs. Richardson et al., ubi. sup.\u2014 and became a specific lien upon the lands in controversy at the time it was levied upon them (20th March, 1843). The lien of the execution must be considered as disconnected with the judgment lien, w\u2019hich was lost to Fowler by lapse of time. (Pettit et al. vs. Johnson et al., 15 Ark. 59.) If. his title is superior to Patterson\u2019s, it must be because the lien of the execution was not only prior to the lien of the judgment under which Patterson purchased the lands, but continued unbroken to the time of the sale to Fowler, under the vend, ex., on the 25th January, 1847.\nThe execution under which the levy was made, was returned, with the levy endorsed, without sale of the lands, for want of time, etc., to the March term, 1843. The vend, ex., under which Fowler purchased, was issued and placed in the hands of the marshal on the 7th of December, 1846, a period of three years and about eight months from the time the execution was returned, during all which period it does not appear, from the allegations of the original bill, that the plaintiff in the execution (or Fowler, who was his attorney,) caused any intermediate process to be issued, to keep up the continuity of the levy, or enforce the lien. Did the execution lien continue in full force during all this period, or did it expire by reason of the laches of the plaintiff, so as to let in the lien of the judgment recovered by Miller against Stone in the meantime, under which Patterson purchased the lands?\nIt has been decided that the lien of a judgment is continued by the statute for three years, and that mere delay of the plaintiff to sue out process to enforce the lien, does not displace it, and let in junior incumbrances. Trapnall vs. Richardson et al., 13 Ark. 551; Watkins vs. Wassell, 15 Ib. 90; Shall ad. et al. vs. Biscoe et al., 18 Ib. 156.\nThe statute fixes the time when the execution lien shall commence, but does not declare how long it shall continue. Dig., chap. 68, sec. 35.\nIn State Bank vs. Etter, 15 Ark. 273, the court said: \u201cJudgment liens are by statute limited to three years, and we have held that mere delay to sue out process for satisfaction within that time, will not displace the lien; but here, where there is no limitation by statute, unless a different rule be applied to execution liens, they might remain an incumbrance upon the estate until the right to satisfaction of the judgment is barred by limitation.\u201d\nIn Trapnall vs. Richardson et al., 13 Ark. 555, the court said: \u201c It is obviously the policy of our system of laws to make the title to land depend upon matter of record, and not upon any act in pais, or resting in parol. The registry system is almost universal. Deeds, mortgages, mechanics\u2019 liens, settlements of separate estate in the wife, and all incumbrances affecting the title to the land, are required to be recorded in the county where the land lies, else they will not avail as against innocent purchasers. So, judgments and decrees are required to be condensed into a judgment docket, to facilitate the examination of incumbrances, and open to the inspection of all persons interested in the title to land. The only exceptions are, where the execution is levied on land to which the lien of the judgment does not extend, i. e., where the execution is sent to another county, or where the lien has been determined, i. e., expired without revival, and, in such case, the execution is\u2019* the lien from the time it comes to the officer\u2019s hands, just as it is on personal property, which is never barred by the lien of the judgment (Rev. Slat., title Execution, sec. 27), and would proba_ bly have to be governed by the same rules as apply to. personal properly: and clearly that the sale of land so situated would not be upheld by the lien of the judgment.\u201d\nIn Slocomb et al. vs. Blackburn et al., 18 Ark. 315, the execution was levied on slaves, a delivery bond given, returned forfeited, and no process sued out for more than five years, and the question being whether the lien of the levy was lost by delay, etc., the court said:\n\u201c The act of 20th March, 1839, (Dig. ch. 67, sec. 38,) provides that \u2018 if the property be not delivered according to the condition of the bond, the levy shall remain a lien upon the property taken, for the satisfaction of the judgment into whose possession soever the same may have passed.\u2019 And section 39 of the same act, declares that \u2018 the officer may seize the same property wherever it may be found, etc., and sell the same,\u2019 etc. But how long the levy shall remain a lien upon the property, the act does not provide. The statute being silent as to this, the duration of the lien must be determined by reference to such analogous principles of law as may be applicable. Our law does not favor the continuation of such liens for an unreasonable time. The lien-of a judgment upon real estate is. limited to three years. In State Bank vs. Etter, 15 Ark. 269, an execution issued from Pulaski to the sheriff of Hempstead, was levied on land, and returned without sale, by order of the plaintiff. The defendant died, and his administrator afterwards sold the land. The plaintiff afterwards attempted to enforce the lien of the levy by ven. ex., and this court held, that the plaintiff, having directed the return of the execution without sale after the levy, and taken no steps to revive the judgment, against the administrator, and sued out no process for the satisfaction of the judgment for two years and a half after the levy, and near fifteen months after the land had been sold by the administrator, the lien of the levy was lost. The court remarked that as to judgments, \u2018the statute has limited the continuance of the lien, but with regard to execution liens, the statute is silent, and the court must necessarily determine, from delay and other circumstances, whether the lien has been waived or abandoned! Where personal property is levied upon, and, by direction of the plaintiff', the sheriff permits it to remain in possession of the defendant, and returns the levy without a sale, the levy will not continue to be a lien as against intervening rights of other persons, etc. Such lien is regarded as dormant and fraudulent as against other creditors. Perhaps, upon principle, where goods are levied on, and delivery bond taken, and returned forfeited'at the return term, and the plaintiff permits the next ensuing term of the court to pass without taking out process to enforce the lien of the levy upon the goods, he might, by such neglect, lose his lien as against any intervening rights of other creditors or purchasers. But, be this as it may, in this case, the appellants sued out no process for more than five years after the return of the bond forfeited, and then they caused fi. fas. to be issued, taking no notice of the levies previously returned.\u201d\nThe result was, that the court held that the lien of the levy upon the slaves was abandoned and lost by the laches of the appellants.\nThese decisions point to the conclusion, which we think inevitable, that the duration of the lien of a levy upon land, and what interference, neglect and delay of the plaintiff in the enforcement of the lien, will displace it, and let in intervening rights of other creditors, etc., must be determined by common law principles applicable to liens \u00abf levies upon goods, with such modifications of the principles as must necessarily be made on account of the difference in the nature of the two species of property.\nIt is not necessary, in this case, for us to attempt to deduce, from the authorities which we have examined, any general and fixed rule, to be applied in all cases, as to what delay of the execution creditor to sue out process to. enforce a levy upon land by a sale, will displace the lien, and let in intervening incumbrances. It is sufficient to decide upon the facts of the ease before us, whether the continuity of the lien was broken by the laches of the plaintiff in the execution.\nHere, as above shown, three years and about eight months elapsed between the return of the execution under which the lands were levied on, and the suing out and placing in the hands of the marshal the vend. ex. under which they were sold to Fowler, during all which time no step was taken to enforce the levy, which was lying dormant in the clerk:s office, and no excuse is given in the original bill for such dela}u In the meantime, the judgment, under which Patterson purchased, was recovered, a fi. fa. issued, and levied on the lands.\nWe have found no adjudication, and know of no elementary principle of the common law, to support the lien of a dormant levy for so long a period, as against the intervening rights of a more diligent creditor. On the contrary, the authorities sustain the conclusion that the lien is displaced by such delay. Hood et al. vs. Winsatt, 1 B. Mon. 210; Owens vs. Patterson, 6 Ib. 490; Eldridge vs. Chambers, 8 Ib. 413; Wood vs. Gray et al., 5 Ala. 47; Riggin vs. Milligan, 4 Gilman 50; Presnell vs. Lander, 5 Ire. Eq. 255; Harding vs. Spivey, 8 Ire. L. 66; Spencer vs. Hawkins, 4 Ire. Eq. 291.\nTo uphold the lien of a dormant levy, for so long a time, as against intervening liens, would be to give it greater duration and tenacity than the legislature have deemed expedient, on grounds of public policy, to give the lien of solemn judgments of the courts, which is expressly limited to three years.\nThe conclusion is that the title of Fowler, as set up in the original bill, is inferior to that of Patterson.\n2. We are next to decide whether the court below erred in permitting Fowler to file an amendment to the original bill, after the cause was at issue and set for hearing, setting up another and distinct title, to the lands in controversy, than that relied on, and sought to be confirmed by the original bill?\nThe original bill was filed on the 15th June, 1848. The cause, after various and extended pleadings, which need not be particularly noticed, was finally brought to issue, on the original and cross-bills, at the December term 1855, and set down for hearing at the next term. At the next term no step appears to have been taken in the cause. At the ensuing term (on the 12th December, 1856) the following order was made:\n\u201c Comes the said complainant, and, on leave of the court, filed his amended bill in this cause, and certain exhibits accompanying the same. And on motion of said complainant, it is ordered that such of said defendants as have appeared to this suit, have leave to answer the matter set up in the amended bill, within two months from this date, and if they, or any of thenc^ should fail to file such answer, within such time, the amended bill shall stand as confessed, and, at the next term, shall be formally taken and entered as confessed against such of said defendants as so fail to answer, within said period of two months; and it is agreed by the complainant, that such answers may be filed without 'being sworn to, and on any of said answers being filed within such period, then, at the end of said period of two months, the cause, as to said amended bill, shall be considered as standing at issue, and the clerk of the court is now directed, on motion of complainant, as soon as said term of two months shall expire, to enter in his name on the records, as by consent, a general replication to each or all of the answers that may be so filed, and on motion of said complainant, this cause is now set down for hearing at the next term, waiving any and all errors or irregularities in the setting down the same before issues are made, or answers in, to said amended bill, cross-bill, answers, exhibits and replications. And it is ordered that each of said parties have leave to take the depositions of witnesses, to be read as evidence on such final hearing. Ordered that this case stands continued until next term.\u201d\nThe amended bill, after reciting the previous pleadings and proceedings in the cause, alleges, in substance, as follows:\nThat on the 8th of May, 1843, after the return of the ji. fa.., of 4tn February, 1843, which was levied on the lands in controversy, as stated in the original bill, Stewart sued out another ji. fa. upon the judgment against Stone, returnable to the October term following, upon which the clerk endorsed the levy upon the lands made, under and returned upon the ji. fa. of 4th February, 1843, and which was placed in the hands of Thomas W. Newton, marshal, 9th May, 1843, who levied it on the lands in controversy, and other lands; that Stone claimed the benefit of the appraisement act, the lands were offered for sale, and failing to bring two thirds of their appraised value, the marshal returned the fi. fa. without sale.\nThat on the 24th October, 1844, and after the expiration of the twelve months stay allowed by the appraisement act, a ven. ex. was sued out, reciting\u2019 the previous levy, appraisement, etc., and commanding the marshal to sell the lands, etc., returnable first Monday of May, 1845, which was returned 10th March, 1845, without sale, etc. 1\nThat on the 10th March, 1845, another vend. ex. was sued out, for the sale of the lands levied on and appraised as aforesaid, returnable first Monday of August, 1845, which, on the 19th June, 1845, was returned without sale.\nThat on the 24th June, 1845, or about that time, another writ o\u00ed vend. ex. was sued out, reciting the levy made and returned upon the fi. fa. of 4tth February, 1843, as stated in the original bill, and other matters proper for such a writ to recite, which, on the next day, was delivered to Henry M. Rector, marshal, etc., who, on the 5th July, 1845, duly advertised said lands for sale, and pursuant thereto, at the court-house door of Jackson county, on the 16th of August, 1845, sold said lands to Absalom Fowler; that the amounts bid by Fowler were paid to the marshal, and by him applied to the payment of said ven. ex\u2022 and judgment; all which was to be made apparent by exhibit H, a copy of said execution and return, when it could be found, the original having been lost or mislaid, or if not found, the amended bill prayed to supply its loss by the best evidence obtainable.\nAnd that the greater part of the facts relative to such last mentioned ven. ex., advertisement, sale^ and application of sale\u2019s proceeds, would appear by certificate of the deputy who made the sale, which was to authorize a deed, and while the deputy was officially holding the execution, and before the appointment of a successor to Henry M. Rector, marshal, which certificate was brought into court, and a copy filed as exhibit I.\nAnd that said Rector, not long after said certificate was given, and before Fowler wms able to obtain a deed to said lands, was finally removed from the office of marshal, and Fowler had no deed, but when he could obtain one, would bring it into court and file a copy as exhibit K.\nHe claims the benefit of the sale, and title thus purchased, and prays as in the original bill. \u25a0\nNo excuse is made in the amendment for not setting up this title in the original bill, or for ^offering the amendment at so late a period in the progress of the cause.\nA copy of the ven. ex. under which the sale set up in the amended bill is alleged to have been made, was not filed, or produced at the hearing.\nThe deed of John Quindley, marshal, bearing date 5th May\u2019 1857, executed under an order of the circuit court of the United States, for the Eastern District of Arkansas, made upon the petition of Fowler, was filed as exhibit K, at the June term 1857.\nPatterson did not answer the amended bill within two months after the making of the order copied above, as therein required; but at the June term, 1857, the court gave him leave to file an answer by the next term. He accordingly answered, and in in his answer, objected, by way of demurrer, to the matter of the amended bill.\nIt will be observed that the amended bill was filed not only after the cause was at issue, but after the parties had been litigating the title set up in the original bill for more than eight years; a ml it is manifest that the matter set up in the amended bill was within the knowledge of Fowler, at the time the original bill was filed, for he was the purchaser at both of the alleged sales.\nThere is some confusion in the English books in regard to the rule as to the time of allowing amendments, and the extent to which they may go, etc.\nIn Shields vs. Barrow, 17 Bow. U. S. R. 144, the court said: \u201c The complainant is not at liberty to abandon the entire case made by his bill, and make a new and different case by way of amendment. We apprehend that the true rule on this subject is laid down by the Vice Chancellor, in Verplank vs. The Mercantile Ins. Co., 1 Edwards Ch. R. 46. Under the privilege of amending, a party is not to be permitted to make a new bill. Amendments can only be allowed when the bill is found defective in parties, in its prayer for relief, or in the omission or mistake of some fact or circumstance connected wiih the substance of the case, but not forming the substance itself, or for putting in issue new' matter to meet allegations in the answer. See, also, the authorities there referred to, and Story's Eq. Pl. 884.\n\u201c We think sound reason can be given for not allowing the rules for the practice of the circuit courts, respecting amendments, to be extended beyond this; though doubtless much liberality should be shown in acting within it, taking care alwmys to protect the opposite party. See Mavor vs. Dry, 2 Sim. & Stu. 113.\n\u201c To strike out the entire substance and prayer of a bill, and insert a new case by way of amendment, leaves the record unnecessarily encumbered with the original pleadings, increases expenses, and complicates the suit; it is far better to require the complainant to begin anew.\n\u201c To insert a wholly different case is not, properly, an amendment, and should not be considered within the rules on that subject.\nSee, also, the remarks of the Lord Chancellor Cottenham, in Watts vs. Hyde, 22 Eng. Ch. R. 407, on the tubject of amendments.\nIn Vernon vs. Vernon, 14 Eng. Ch. R. 172, it was held that a statement in the bill that complainant was tenant in tail by way of purchase, and also, that he was heir apparent in tail, were such inconsistencies as could not stand together in one bill, and leave to amend by striking out was granted, only because the Lord Chancellor was led to believe that some of the allegations had crept into the bill by accident.\nIn Fenno vs. Coulter, 14 Ark. R. 45, after reversing the decree, on the case made by the bill, the court said: \u201cIn remanding the cause, a question of practice arises in regard to, instructions to be given to the court below, etc. Shall we allow the complainant to amend his bill, etc., or shall we direct that the suit be dismissed without prejudice, etc. Vfe have, in several instances, pursued the latter course, and as the facts of the case are materially different from those heretofore presented, we have again looked into the authorities, and upon examination of the cases, which we have heretofore decided, we find, in each of them, an amendment would, in effect, have been the institution of a new suit, upon a distinct and independent claim or right. For instance, in Cook vs. Bronaugh, 8 Eng. R. 188, the bill was for specific execution of a contract, but it appeared that he (Cook) might have asserted a claim for the professional services, which were the consideration on which the special contract was based. The court refused to send the case back to the court below, with leave to amend, because it would have been no amendment of a cause of action defectively stated, but the substitution of a new and different cause of action. And so, also, in the case of Moulding vs. Scott et al. 8 Eng. 93. The bill set up title in the complainants to slaves, as heirs of the mother, who, it appeared upon the trial, had no title, but that the complainants had title as heirs of the father. The court refused to direct an amendment, because it would not be an amendment of a case defectively stated, but the statement of a new and independent title.\u201d\nIn the case now before us, the title set up in the amended bill was not only new and distinct from that alleged and relied on in the original bill, but the titles were contradictory, and both could not stand, or be upheld by a decree. Because the-title set up in the amended bill was a sale of the lands by the marshal, under process issued against Stone, on the 16th of August, 1845, while the title set up in the original bill was a sale of the same lands, under process upon the same judgment, against the same person, on the 25th January, 1847, and of course, if the prior sale was valid, and vested Stone\u2019s title in Fowler, he acquired no title whatever by the subsequent sale.\nThat both titles might have been set up in the original bill, with an alternative prayer for the confirmation of the one or the other, according to the judgment of the court as to their regularity, and validity, we do not doubt. Nor would we say that the title set up by the amended bill might not have been brought into the case by amendment, if the amendment had been offered at a proper, and within a reasonable time in the progress of the cause. But to allow a new case to be made by an amended bill after the parties had been litigating for more than eight years, upon another title, and after the cause was at issue, and set for hearing, would be extending the privilege of amendments beyond what is warranted by the established rules of pleading and practice, and setting a precedent that might result in much mischief. Story\u2019s Eq. Pl. sec. 886.\nThe objection to the matter set up in the amended bill, was well taken by the demurrer contained in the answer. Wray vs. Hutchinson, 7 Eng. Ch. R. 237.\nThe conclusion which we have reached, renders it unnecessary to pass upon the regularity and validity of the execution sale, etc., set up in the amended bill, or to decide other questions discussed by counsel.\nThe decree of the court below in favor of Fowler, must be reversed, and the cause remanded with instructions to dismiss the bill without prejudice to the right of his representatives (he having died pending this appeal,) to lile a hew bill, if they think proper to do so.\nMr. Justice Fairchild did not sit in this case.", "type": "majority", "author": "Mr. Chief Justice English" } ], "attorneys": [ "Fairchild, for appellant.", "Stillwell & Woodruff, for appellee." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "Patterson vs. Fowler\u2019s exr.\nWithout attempting to deduce, from the authorities, any general and fixed rule, to he applied in all cases, as to what delay of the execution creditor to sue outpi\u2019ocess to enforce a levy upon land by a sale, will displace the lien, and let in intervening incumbrances, it is sufficient to decide, upon the facts of this case \u2014 the judgment lien being lost by lapse of time \u2014 that, by a delay of nearly four years between the return of the execution, under which the lands were levied on, and suing out the execution under which the lands were sold, during all which time no step was taken to enforce the levy, and no excuse given for the delay, the lien of the levy is displaced, as against the intervening rights of a more diligent creditor.\nTo allow a new case to be made by an amended bill \u2014 setting up a mew and distinct title from that alleged and relied on in the original bill-r-after the parties had been litigating for more than eight years upon another title, and after the cause was at issue and set for hearing, would be extending the privilege of amendments beyond what is warranted by the established rules of pleading and \u2018 practice, and setting a precedent that might result in much mischief.\nAppeal from, Independence Circuit Court m Chancery.\nHon. William C. Sevens, Circuit Judge.\nFairchild, for appellant.\nWhether Fowler\u2019s or Patterson\u2019s purchase shall hold the property, is a question of mere legal priority. Any right that Fowler acquired at the marshal\u2019s sale of 25th January, 1847, was a legal right, and the same remark is to be made of the sheriff\u2019s sale to Patterson. Not Fowler, nor his assignee, Bertrand, has any equity that can make his title any stronger in this court, than it would be in a court at law, in an action of ejectment.\nThe judgment in the federal court upon which the bill relies, was rendered the 10th August,- 1840, an execution issued upon the 26th of the same month; another execution issued upon the 4th of February, 1848, under which the levy was made 20th of March ensuing; then a venditioni exponas was run upon the 7th of December, 1846, under which the sale of 26th January, 1847, was made.\nThat is the whole case made by the original bill.\nThe judgment, not being alleged to have been revived by scire facias, was a lien upon the lands in controversy, for three years and no more. Trapnall vs. Richardson, 13 Ark., 543; Pettit vs. Johnson, 15 Ark., 59; Slocomb vs. Blackburn, 18 Ark., 315. And although the levy was made within three years from the time judgment was given, the judgment lien was not thereby prolonged beyond its statutory term of three years. Trapnall vs. Richardson, 13 Ark., 552-557; Pettit vs. Johnson, 15 Ark., 59; Lawson vs. Jordan, 19 Ark., 303. The levy was made upon the 20th of March, 1843, and then a specific lien, but an execution lien, attached to the lands in controversy, and the question here to be decided is, how long shall that lien be held superior to the other after accruing liens, and without any attempt to enforce it by subsequent process ? Here, then, arises the precise question with regard to an execution lien that this court put in Trapnall vs. Richardson, 13 Ark., 553, respecting a judgment lien, where it says, \u201c though the enquiry would arise, if the levy on \u201cland has the same effect thus to continue the lien, how long will \u201c the plaintiff have, after the expiration of his judgment lien, to \u201c enforce a dormant levy by sale under execution, and make it \u201c relate back to and connect with the lien.\u201d\nThis court, in the State Bank vs. Etter, 15 Ark., 274, held that, our statute being silent with regard to the continuance of execution liens, \u201cthe court must necessarily determine, from delay \u201c and other circumstances, whether the lien has been waived or \u201c abandoned.\u201d And in that case a delay of two years and a half after the levy, with the other circumstances of the case, was adjudged to displace the lien, as against rights that were afterwards acquired. See Slocomb vs. Blackburn, 18 Ark., 315.\nAn execution is not more potent to bind property, than the judgment on which it is founded, except it be made so by law; no good reason can be adduced to maintain that the lien of a levy should have longer life than a judgment lien. In the last reported decision of this court upon this subject, it is expressly decided, that a sale that is not upheld by a lion, so as to carry the title back to the judgment, only gives title from the date of the execution coming to the hands of the officer, notwithstanding a previous levy. And it provides exactly for Patterson, in saying, that \u201cin such case, a junior judgment with the lien would have priority over one without, but of older date.\u201d Lawson vs. Johnson, 19 Arl\u00f3. 303.\nProm authority, and from reason, the necessary conclusion is, that before the issuance of the venditioni exponas of 7th December, 1816, the lien of the levy of 20th March, 1813, had been discharged, so as to let in intervening liens.\nThe amended bill cannot be sustained, because it presents a new, a different case from that presented in the original bill. Such is not the office of an amendment. It may correct imperfect statements in the original bill, by stating its allegations in another form, so as better to meet the case that is to be established by testimony, or to obtain discovery from a defendant more satisfactorily; may withdraw admissions ; perhaps may contradict what are alleged as facts in the original bill; may make new allegations tending to support the claim already made; may prefer a case, so that counting it and the original bill as one, that one may have a double aspect, the alternative relief, to be consistent with and founded upon the whole case so made up, and not inconsistent with the object and scope of the original bill; may make new parties; and generally may allege whatever is necessary for a full enquiry into the facts pertaining to. the support of the plantiff\u2019s claim, and into those relied upon to defend against it; but all amendments must result, or must aim .to result, in maintaining or modifying the very case of the original bill, and cannot be the foundation on which to build an entirely different case. Story\u2019s Eg. 'PI. 881; Lube\u2019s Eg. PI. 87, note; Dodd vs. Astor, 2 Barb. Oh. JR. 395 ; Orery vs. Heaven, 13 Sim. 354 ; Walford vs. Pemburton, ib. 76; Lyon vs. Talmadge, 1 John ch. 188.\nBnb if the subjeet matter of the amendment was proper for an amended bill at a proper stage of the case, this amended bill should not have been filed after the case was at issue and set for hearing, and therefore was illegally filed.\nIn the English , practice, and so it was in New York, an amended bill may be filed until witnesses have been examined or proofs taken. But in that practice evidence is taken and publication of it passed, before the case is for hearing. Pan. Ch. Pr. Oh. XXI, Eng. Ed. \u00b6. 602,603. This is after the issues are formed ; and generally, the proper time for amendment is before replication. Story Eg. PI. see. 886; 1 Hoff. Ch. Pr. 284; Lubeds Eg. PI 189.\nUnder our practice the cause stands for trial at the next term after it is at issue, that is after replication is filed; and the proper rule is, without regard to witnesses having been examined, that an amended bill can be filed, only before the case is at issue.\nI have not been able to find in the books of practice, or in the reports, an instance of amendments being alio wed to be made to a bill after replication,- without 'the replication being withdrawn. And to obtain the leave, the party should also show good\u00a1reason why the amendment was not made before replication was filed, or issue formed. Story Eg. PI. see. 887; 1 Hof. Ch. Pr. 274, 286; Coldouyh vs. Evcms, 4 Simons, 76; Thorn vs. Gervnond, 4 Jhs. Ch. 363; Lube Eg. PI. 89.\nStillwell & Woodruff, for appellee.\nThe fi. fa., under which Fowler acquired the title set up in the original bill, issued and was levied while the lien of the judgment was alive : and the sale was on the 25th January, 1847, under a ven. ex. issued in December, 1846; hence there was a continuous lien upon the land from the date of the judgment till the date of the sale; and the title was, doubtless, good against Stone, and also against Patterson, unless the delay to sue out the ven. ex. displaced the lien of the levy, and let in the lien of Miller\u2019s judgment, rendered in 1845.\nAs to what will amount to a waiver or abandonment of a levy, there is a conflict of authority; but it will not be presumed from mere delay to sue out process to enforce the lien. 15 Ark. It. 90, 273. In State Bank vs. Etter, (15 Ark. 274), the circumstances from which an abandonment might be inferred, were very strong; and the decision was not based upon the neglect of the plaintiff to sue out his ven. ex.; but upon other circumstances, such as the failure to revive the judgment after the death of the defendant, etc. The delay to enforce the lien on chattels, where they are permitted to remain in the debtor\u2019s hands, is treated as a fraud upon the rights of other creditors; but a levy on land is a different thing \u2014 the existence of the lien is evidenced by the record. Here the delay is the only circumstance, and from it alone an abandonment of the levy cannot be presumed in favor of the junior judgment creditor, or one claiming under him,-when he had full notice of the lien.\nThe levy of the fi. fa. was a specific lien on the land, and the ven. ex. was a mere continuation and completion of the fi.fa. 13 Sm. ds Mar. 140 ; 13 Flow. U. S. Ft. 290; Bald. G. G. It. 276, in note; 1 Watts 42 ; 15 Ark. 59. And it can only be displaced by gross negligence. 1 Watts 301; 2 McMullcm li&p. 351. And being [specific and not general, the residue of Stone\u2019s estate was subject to Miller\u2019s judgment.\nBut it is not at all requisite that we should argue in support of this title. The title set up in the amended bill is undoubtedly superior to Patterson\u2019s. But it is objected that the amended bill sets up a new title \u2014 makes a distinct and different case from the original bill. Now, if the amended bill had alleged that the title to the land in controversy was not as supposed in the original bill, at the time of Powler\u2019s purchase in January, 1847, but was in some other person, and Bertrand had acquired that title, there would be a new title and different case from that made by the original bill. But such is not the fact. The title of Stone is the only one before the court, and the question is, which of the parties acquired that title. Both sales to Fowler wore under the same judgment \u2014 the inception of Fowler\u2019s rights under both deeds was the same, and together they formed one title.\nIn general, a supplemental bill will not bo permitted to be filed except upon new matter; and if brought for matter arising before the filing of the original bill, a demurrer will lie. {Story\u2019s E