Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ... PREFACE. Some years ago I wrote an article on the right of eminent domain for the "Law Quarterly Review." My interest in the subject led me to write the following treatise. While I have availed myself of the work of previous writers on eminent domain, especially the learned researches of Mr. Mills and Mr. Lewis, I have not accepted text-book statements of law because of faith in their sponsors, but have tested them by examination of the adjudged cases. The responsibility of an author for all errors of omission or commission I accept literally, for I have not only examined every case cited, but have performed the whole work of searching for cases. It has been my endeavor to present the law of eminent domain as it obtains in this country, with such reference to foreign, especially English, law as will accentuate the peculiarities of our own law or illustrate the principles common to both. I had not progressed far in my research before I became embarrassed with the great and constantly increasing mass of case law. Two courses were open to me, -- to cite all cases interpreting the voluminous condemnation laws of the several States, and attempt to set forth the minutiae of local practice; or to state as simply and clearly as possible the principles of the law, together with those cardinal rules of procedure which, once apprehended, will guide the practitioner through all the variations of local and transitory practice. I chose the latter course. The social and political bearings of the right of eminent domain are pronounced, and the field for speculation and suggestion is tempting and profitable. But this field is beyond my province. This much I may say here, however, -- those who view the power of the state exemplified in the right
