In re Frasin

201 F. 343 | 2d Cir. | 1912

COXE, Circuit Judge.

We think that the referee and the District Court were right in refusing the relief demanded by the petitioner, and, little need be added to their opinions.

Zahm, who was thet bidder at the sale and who paid the money the petitioner seeks to recover, was fully informed when he purchased.the trustee’s interest in the lease of all the facts relating thereto. He wa3 not deceived, he knew what he was buying and was clearly advised, of the character of the title. He was expressly informed that the trustee was selling only such title as he possessed, he knew that the trustee’s title was in litigátion and that an appeal had been taken from the order under which the sale was proceeding and that the order might be reversed. He knew, therefore, that he who bid at the sale would do so at his peril and without recourse in the event of the re-, versal of the order of the District Court. It was expressly stated at the sale that:

“The trustee assumes no.personal responsibility and does not warrant the lease or its salability.”

It would be difficult to imagine a statement which could convey to the bidders in plainer language that the trustee sold only such interest as he possessed. This interest might be valuable or it might be worthless and he who purchased it did so at his peril and without recourse. No material fact was withheld, the entire situation was stated, no one could have been misled. To permit a purchaser, who thus speculates upon the value of the property bid in by him, to recover the price paid because subsequent events show that the interest purchased was less valuable than he supposed it to be, seems to us most inequitable.

The doctrine of caveat emptor is clearly applicable. This buyer knew exactly what he was purchasing. From his point of view it was a wise purchase. It enabled his principals to make an advantageous arrangement whereby the old lease was canceled and a new one made. In securing these advantages he put it out of his power to restore the trustee’s interest in the old lease.

In other words, petitioner asks to have the money paid for the trustee’s interest returned, but does not offer to restore, and cannot restore, to the trustee his interest in the lease which was bid in by Zahm. That lease is gone beyond recall.

The order is affirmed.