UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ON-LINE
MOWER V. FLETCHER, 116 U. S. 380 (1886)
116 U. S. 380U.S. Supreme Court
Mower v. Fletcher, 116 U.S. 380 (1886)
Mower v. Fletcher
Argued December 17-18, 1885
Decided January 4, 1886
116 U.S. 380
Syllabus
If the proper officers of the United States approve a selection of school lands in disputed territory in California, outside the limits of an unsettled survey by the United States of a private claim, and issue proper certified lists, clubjuris
and a purchaser under the title thus acquired by the state enters into possession, improves, and holds the land, no one, by forcibly or surreptitiously getting into possession can make a preemption settlement which will defeat his title.
The nature of these two actions and the facts which make the issue are stated in the opinion of the Court.