13 Minn. 127 | Minn. | 1868
By the Gov/rt At the date of this bond towns were by law allowed to pay a bounty to soldiers, but not to bind themselves for its payment in this manner. This bond was issued in 1864. In 1865 the Legislature, so far as it had the power to do so, legalized and made valid such town obligations. The question presented by this case is whether this was within its power. Although this question is not free from doubt and embarrassment, we think it must be answered in the affirmative. It is true, as said by ITr. Chancellor Kent, that a retrospective statute, affecting and changing vested rights, is very generally considered in this country as founded on unconstitutional principles, and consequently inoperative and void. But such an act of remedial legislation as this
The order overruling demurrer to complaint is affirmed. •
