51 Neb. 534 | Neb. | 1897
This is an appeal from an order confirming a sale of real estate under a decree of foreclosure. Two points are relied on: First, that the appraisement was made by the deputy sheriff, it being claimed that he was without authority in the premises; and second, that the appraisement was too low. These points were both preserved by a motion to set aside the appraisement filed before the sale. (Vought v. Foxworthy, 38 Neb., 790.)
The decree directed that the sale should be made by the sheriff, and the first objection raises the question as to whether in such case the deputy may act in making the appraisement. We do not understand that the deputy’s authority to act in matters other than the appraisement is questioned, but the argument is that the appraisement is a judicial act to be performed by the officer in conjunction with two freeholders appointed for that purpose, and that therefore the officer’s authority cannot be delegated to his deputy. The question is one of statutory construction. Chapter 21 of the Compiled Statutes relates to deputies, and the first sis sections embrace an act originally passed in 1858, entitled “An act providing for the appointment of deputies.” (Session Laws, 1858, p. 217.) By the first section it is provided that certain officers may appoint deputies, and the manner of their appointment and removal is specified. Section 2 is as follows: “In the absence or disability of the principal the deputy shall perform the duties of his principal pertaining to his own office, but when an officer is required to act in conjunction with or in place of another officer-his deputy cannot supply his place.” Section 893 of the Code of Civil Procedure is as follows: “Any duty enjoined by this Code upon a ministerial officer, and any act permitted to be done by him, may be performed by his lawful deputy.” This section was also enacted with the
The determination of the question is, however, ren
In support of the second contention of appellant, there were introduced in evidence in the district court some sixteen affidavits as to the value of the property, placing it considerably higher than the appraisement. There were no counter-affidavits, but it must be remembered that the burden was upon the appellants to set aside the appraisement; that the appraisers themselves acted upon oath, and that the appraisement was itself equivalent to the oaths of three witnesses as to value. While the preponderance of the evidence ascertained merely by count of witnesses was in favor of the appellants, we think there was such a conflict of the evidence that we should not disturb the finding of the district court. The whole matter was one of opinion, and every case of this character brought to this court serves to show how little dependence can be placed upon the opinions of witnesses as to the value of land, especially when expressed in the form of voluntary affidavits without opportunity for cross-examination.
Affirmed.