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United States v. Schurz, 102 U.S. 378 (1880)

United States v. Schurz

102 U.S. 378

ERROR TO THE SUPREME COURT

OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

1. The Supreme Court of the District of Columbia is authorized to issue the writ of mandamus as an original process in cases where, by the principles of the common law, the petitioner is entitled to it.

2. when a patent for a part of the public lands has been regularly signed, sealed, countersigned, and duly recorded, the patentee has a perfect right to the possession thereof.

3. In the progress of the proceedings to acquire, under the laws of the United States, a title to public land, the power of the Land Department over them ceases when the last official act necessary to transfer the title to the successful claimant has been performed.