46 Ky. 199 | Ky. Ct. App. | 1846
delivered tlie opinion of the Court.
This is a proceeding against an executor, instituted by an assignee of the interest of one of the legatees.
There is error in the decree rendered, in this: 1st. That refunding bonds have not been required, before ordering execution against the executor. The time that has run since probate, is not so long as to justify the presumption, that there were no subsisting outstanding debts or demands against the estate.
2d. In leaving it to the Clerk to ascertain and deduct ■the amount of the costs, from the aggregate found against the executor, and then to divide the residue; and after ascertaining the amount of the two replevin bonds against ■Dale and Harlan, and the interest thereon, to deduct the same from the on§. third decreed to Dale, and ordering executions for the amount so ascertained by the Clerk, without the supervision of the Court. And the more especially is there erior in this respect, as the replevin
And here we would remark, as we have often remarked, that the practice of finally hearing causes involving the settlement of accounts, without the intervention of the master and the aid of his report, is not only burthensome to the lower Court, and also to this Court, but is unsafe to litigants. The master may take additional proof as to doubtful items, and call upon the parties upon oath, to explain, and reporting the settlement and proof by which each item is sustained, with the result, to the Court, not only facilitate the labors of the Court and relieves
The decree is reversed and cause remanded, for the errors suggested, and upon the return of the cause it is directed that it may be submitted to the master, with instructions to take proof and make inquiry, by calling upon the parties on oath, if the opposite party desire it, or the master deem it proper for his own information, in relation only to the doubtful matter suggested, this Court being satisfied with the estimates made and amounts of debits and credits allowed in all other respects, as well as with the decree upon the merits, except as before indicated, and that the master ascertain the amount of costs, also the amount of the replevin bonds and interest, and adjust the same as directed by the decree, making such change only as his inquiries may authorize, in relation to the debit for cash, made against the executor, and that a decree may be rendered as intimated in this opinion, and the costs of this Court are divided.