7 Miss. 406 | Miss. | 1842
Lead Opinion
delivered the opinion of the court.
In cases of this kind, we are bound to consider the interests of the child, as paramount to all other considerations. This is a proceeding under the habeas corpus act, and under the 18th section of that act, Rev. Code, p. 225, which extends the provisions of the act to all cases, “where any person not being convicted for any criminal or supposed criminal matter, nor in execution by legal process,
The law has given to our courts the most unbounded jurisdiction over minors. Fathers may be preferred to mothers — mothers to fathers — relatives to parents — or strangers to either, for the custody and care of minors, where the interests of the child require its exercise. Rev. Code, p. 64, 401, &c.
In cases like the present, proceeding under the writ of habeas corpus, the technical, legal rights of the parties, do not govern. A guardian, whether appointed by the parent, or by the court, has his ordinary civil remedy, if any of his legal rights are violated. The courts and juries of the country will respect those rights, and grant redress according to the circumstances of each particular case, and the rules of law. But in this summary proceeding, these rights cannot be redressed; no damages can be assessed, no restoration of property can be decreed, except in cases of slaves, under our statute.
Referring, generally, to the very able, and ample briefs, of the learned counsel on each side of this cause, but little remains for this court to do in the performance of its duty.
The father and mother of these children married in another state, and lived together in harmony, peace and love during the life of the father, and in his last will, made and executed but few days previous to his death, he manifested his affection for his wife, in express terms, and his confidence by appointing her his executrix jointly with his brother James J. Alston, under whose hospitable roof they then resided, and had resided for some years. The Messrs. Alstons, the brothers, their widowed mother, sister and sister-in-law, together with the three infant children of Mr. and
As it regards the healthiness of the two places, (Holly Springs and the vicinity of Randolph,) the preference is decidedly in favor of the former. One of Mrs. Foster’s children died at the latter place, and another of them left it in feeble health, and was restored to perfect health after a short residence with her mother at Holly Springs. The means of support of Mr. Foster and family is said to be sufficient; and it appears that they live in a comfortable, decent style.
Something is related by the witnesses of Mr. Foster’s son by a former marriage, tending to show that his father is not competent to raise and educate children in a becoming manner. This may
What is this court, under these circumstances, called on to do? It is in proof that these children are fond of then mother; and, after trying both situations — first with their uncle, grand-mother and aunt, and then with their mother and step-father — decidedly prefer remaining with their mother, expressing at the same time an affectionate regard for their grand-mother. Does this show illegal restraint, the very thing or ingredient necessary to give this court the right to change their custody? I think not.
But what are we called on to do with these children, by the petitioner, the testamentary guardian? To tear these tender female children, aged nine and ten years, from the care and custody of a fond, devoted and capable mother, and place them under the care of a bachelor uncle, residing some seventy-five miles from their mother. To state the proposition would seem to decide it. Let every mother, let every father, answer this question.
We respect the rights and the feelings of the guardian. He may yet be the guardian of these infants, and prove himself worthy, as he ño doubt is, of the trust confided to him by a dying brother. Let him manage their estate, if he chooses, in Tennessee, and watch over their personal interests and welfare also; but let him cease to complain that he is, by the highest authority of the state, relieved from a duty he is, in the nature of things, incapable of performing. For, at best, if he were to obtain the custody of these children, he would have to select his mother, or his sister, or some other female, to take charge of and superintend their persons, instead of their mother. /
The first error committed, in relation to these children, was, in not allowing them to go home with their mother when she obtained a home by her intermarriage with her present husband.
From the view, we deem it proper to take of this case, the rights of guardianship, and the force used to obtain the possession of these children by their- mother, are out of the question.
The first act of violence committed in relation to the separation of these children from their mother, was, in Mr. Alston’s informing his sister-in-law, the. mother of these children, that in case she intermarried with Mr. Foster, she could no longer reside under his roof, or in his family, where she had resided for years, and had been invited to remain, with her children, as long as she pleased; and the second was, when she did leave his house to move to her new home, in not permitting her to take her children with her. They never had been separated from their mother; and the separation which then took place, if not by force, was by command of the owner of the house, (according to his own showing, in his answer to the bill filed by Foster and wife, in the state of Tennessee,) and in violation of the sacred feelings of the mother. We leave the petitioner to his civil remedies at law, if he has any, or whatever they may be.
Are we supported in this view of the case, by the authorities?
Without dwelling, or commenting upon the numerous cases cited and commented on so ably at the bar, and which may be seen on reference to the very ample briefs filed by counsel, I will advert to the De Hauteville case, decided recently at Philadelphia,
In a recent case tried before me, on habeas corpus, at Natchez, where a widowed mother claimed the custody and possession of her infant daughter, over 14 years of age, from the custody of the father of a family, which father was the master, by appointment of the trustees of the poor of Adams county, of the child in question, I decided the case on the same principle, the interest of the child, and refused to give to the mother the custody of her daughter, on proof of some irregularity in the conduct of the mother, unbecoming a virtuous matron, and after consulting her daughter about her wishes, and the restraint imposed upon her, as it had been alleged.
And, in conclusion, I will also refer to the case in 3 Mason’s Rep. 482, which was a habeas corpus, by A. Putnam, to be restored to the possession of his daughter, about ten years old. Judge Story, in delivering the opinion of the court, says:
“As to the question of the right of the father to have the custody of his infant child, in a general sense, it is true. But this is not on account of any absolute right of the father, but for the benefit of the infant, the law presuming it to be for its interest to be under the nurture and care of its natural protector, both for maintenance and education. When, therefore, the court is asked to lend its aid to put the infant into the custody of the father, and to withdraw him from other persons, it will look into all the circumstances, and ascertain whether it will be for the real, permanent interests of the infant; and if the infant be of sufficient discretion, it will also consult its personal wishes. It will free it from all undue restraint, and endeavor, as far as possible, to administer a conscientious, parental duty with reference to its welfare. It is an entire mistake to suppose the court is, at all events, bound to deliver over the infant to his father, or that the father has an abso
Judgment reversed.
Dissenting Opinion
dissenting, delivered the following opinion:
The material facts in this case are as follows: A. S. J. Alston died in the state of Tennessee, in 1834, having by his will appointed his brother, the defendant in error, guardian to his children. The guardian qualified, and kept the children until the winter of 1840, when their mother, who had in the mean time intermarried with Foster, the plaintiff in error, went from Holly Springs, in this state, the place of their residence, with an armed force, to the house of the defendant in error, and forcibly took the children, and brought them to this state, where they obtained letters of guardianship. At the time of A. S. J. Alston’s death, he was living with his brother, and his wife continued to live there until she married Foster, and after that event they moved to Holly Springs. Such other facts as may be of any importance I shall notice in the progress of my remarks. On this state of facts a majority of the court have decided that Foster and wife are entitled to the custody of the children. Entertaining a different opinion, I shall endeavor to give my own view of the questions involved, with as much brevity as possible.
The first question which naturally presents itself is, as to the
In the next place, if the father has this undoubted legal right, may he not confer it on another? and when so conferred, has not that other the same right which the father had? This question is fully answered by the statute of Tennessee, in virtue of which the the custody of these, children is claimed by the guardian. The statute confers upon the father the right to dispose of the “custody and tuition” of his children under twenty-one years of age, if they be unmarried. This right of custody and tuition is b,ut a right of guardianship, such guardian having the right to the custody of the person, and the -possession of the property of the ward; and this is an answer to that part of the argument in which a distinction was taken between the right to custody and tuition, and guardianship. James J. Alston haying been appointed guardian by the will, his authority is within the meaning of the statute;
The legal right of the guardian to the custody of these children in the state of Tennessee being undoubted, can he assert that right in the courts of this state? It is contended that the letters of guardianship granted'to Alston under this will, in the state of Tennessee, can have no force in this state. Ex propria, vigore, it is true they are not binding on the courts of this state. Bat in this, as in other states, we adopt the rules of comity, and in a government of confederated states it is peculiarly proper that we should do so, On principles of comity, we are to - judge personal rights which accrued in a sister state according to the laws of that state, provided those laws be not repugnant to our policy or prejudicial to our interest. It is to be regarded as a part of oür law, that rights
' - But it is also said that his right has been defeated by the grant of letters of guardianship in this state. These children were forcibly taken from the possession of the guardian, and brought into this state, where guardianship was immediately granted to Foster and wife. There are three objections which operate with great force against this grant of guardianship. First. I strongly incline to the opinion that the children were not so domiciled in the county of Marshall as to give the court jurisdiction. Second. Our probate courts can only appoint guardians of their own accord, where none has been appointed by will or deed. How. &. Hut. Dig. 336, sec. 4, and although the court may hdve been ignorant of the existence of the will, yet Foster and wife were not, and if they concealed it, the appointment was procured By fraud. If they did not conceal it, the court had no power to appoint,, unless the testamentary guardian renounced or failed to give security. The will, for all the purposes of guardianship, was as good here, if properly proven, as it was in Tennessee. Third. We do not regard as valid, acts done under the laws of another state which are intended and executed in fraud of our laws, or in violation of the rights of our citizens; neither should we permit the provisions of our law to be used in fraud of the laws of a sister state, or in fraud of the rights of its citizens. The manner of bringing the children into the state, and the purpose for which they were brought, clearly indicate a fraudulent design, both as to the laws of Tennessee, and as to the rights of one of her citizens. These considerations have induced me to pay no regard whatever to the appointment made in Marshall county.
A majority of the court have thought it right to decide this case in favor of the mother; I think differently, and I appeal to the proof. If from that, no objection appears to the guardian, then I would ask how his right can be denied?
With the deposition of Samuel G. Litton, it seems to me the inquiry might well end. He speaks from an intimate acquaintance with the whole Alston family, and places their characters in a truly enviable light. He says “that they are regarded by their acquaintances as in the highest degree worthy of esteem and respect, founded upon their individual, moral, and religious worth.” All of the family are said to be exemplary members of the Episcopal church. The witness has so beautifully and forcibly expressed himself in relation to the treatment of the children, that I will give his own language. He says:
“ During my acquaintance with the family, I have had ample opportunity to witness the treatment which these children received from their relatives, and from all I have seen, I must say that never were children treated more kindly or affectionately, nor was that treatment misplaced, were we to judge from the attachment evinced on the part of the children. No opportunity was omitted to strengthen their youthful minds, or to instil those sound moral and religious principles which must be their only stay
Next follows the depositions of Edward Reed, Erasmus T. Rose, and John Postlethwaite. These witnesses all testify, in the most ample and conclusive manner, to the pre-eminent fitness of James J. Alston for the custody of these children. Indeed, his character seems to be a remarkable one. His intelligence, integrity, and morality seem to be the themes of admiration with all who have spoken. His affection and kindness to the children have literally fulfilled the confident prediction of his dying brother, when he said, “I know you will be a father to them.”
I need examine the testimony no further. The testimony of all the other witnesses is alike creditable to the whole Alston family.
The testimony on the other side, in relation to the fitness of Mr. Foster and wife for the custody of these children, is creditable to them. They have, however, shown no qualifications superior to those of the guardian; that, indeed, would seem to be impossible. But let it be supposed that both parties stand on equal grounds, and this is granting perhaps more than the testimony will justify; then I would ask, how can a preference be given to Foster or to his wife? Is there no legal principle involved in the case? Can it be, that, in the face of this statute which authorizes the father to appoint a guardian to his children, his appointment can be treated lightly, or disregarded entirely? If the parties be equally fit and proper persons to have the custody of the children, how can the court have any judicial discretion? What reason is it that justifies a decision in favor of Foster and wife? I can perceive none whatever. That parental affection which the mother is supposed to possess, can furnish no reason. The law was made in full view of that, and still can it be regarded as sufficient to overshadow the law? I have asked what reason could justify a
But I am free to confess, that even if the testimony shows a case for the exercise of discretion, the preponderance of the evidence would induce me to exercise it in favor of the guardian. Some of the witnesses have spoken in rattier harsh terms of Mr. Foster. He is said to be austere in his character, and his own son is made an example of his unfitness to have the government of children. If he has not checked the follies and vices of his own child, what are we to expect in regard to his step-children? He has thus far had no permanent location, and whether from his profession or otherwise, he may be again indjiced to make frequent removes.
But there are other considerations which have their weight in this branch of the subject. The will is a remarkable one; it contains but few words, and its peculiar structure, connected with the conversations of the deceased, leave abundant play for the imagination. In one sentence the deceased divided his property between his “ affectionate” wife and his children, and made his wife and his brother executors. In the next sentence he appointed his brother the guardian of his children. Why was this? A second marriage was mentioned, but the subject was hushed by a relative, in tenderness to the feelings of a wife. The thought, however, was deeply impressed upon the dying man’s mind. The provision in the will was no doubt the result of his apprehensions. What were his remarks to his brother? “I give you my children; you have been a father to me; I know you will be a father to them.” In addition to all this, he enjoined it on his wife not to take them away. All this was not for want of affection for his wife. He spoke of her affectionately, and requested her to continue
But again: if the legal right is to be laid entirely aside, the manner of taking the children would seem to me to be decisive of the question. They were in the lawful custody of their guardian in Tennessee. An armed force accompanied Mrs. Foster from this state to the house of Mr. Alston, who was then from home. Mrs. Foster drove up to the gate, where she was met in a friendly manner by the grand-mother with the children. She was pressed to alight; this, however, she refused, but requested that the children should be permitted to go with her to a neighbor’s house, as she wished to talk to them. The grand-mother refused her assent to this, but stated to her that there was a private room in the house entirely at her service. The reply was, that she never would again set her foot in that house. Mrs. Alston wished to know the reason why, stating to her that she had spent many happy days there, and should be again welcome; but she persisted in her refusal, and requested that the children might be placed in the carriage with her. The artifice became apparent; Mrs. Alston, however, permitted them to be handed in, allowing but one to bo in the carriage at a time. Whilst one was placed in the carriage, the driver forced the other from its grandmother’s grasp and put it in also, and then drove off in great haste. The old lady was bruised by the carriage wheel in her efforts to retain the child. As the children were thus forcibly taken, it is but right that the parties should be placed in the situation they were before the children were taken; and if there be another remedy, it would seem to be right that Foster and wife should be compelled to resort to it, if they have a right to the children. They should not be allowed to shield themselves under their tortuios and forcible act. This was the course adopted in the King v. Moseley, cited in 5 East, 224, and in the case of the King v. Hopkins and wife, 7 East, 779. In the last case Lord Ellenborough said, “Without touching therefore the question of guardianship, we think that this is a proper occasion for the court, by means of this remedial writ, to restore the child
It is insisted that this being a mere inquiry under a habeas corpus, that all that the court can do is to relieve the children from improper restraint, that rights cannot be tried. Authorities are cited which do tend to establish this doctrine, but no such decision was ever made, except in cases where the children are of sufficient age to act with discretion. It may be true that in this way it cannot be determined who is entitled to guardianship, but it is surely not meant that the guardianship or parentage being admit