People ex rel. Hillard v. Davis

Mr. Justice Scholfield delivered the opinion of the Court:

Without considering the objections taken to the respondents’ answer, we think it sufficient for the present to refuse the peremptory writ, because of a vital defect in the petition.

The petition, under the statute, takes the place of the alternative writ, and defects in it are to be taken advantage of as they were when found in the alternative writ. People v. Glann, 70 Ill. 2321

It was the common law rule that defects in substance could be taken advantage of at any time before the granting of the peremptory writ,—even after return made. Bank of Albany v. Canal Commissioners, 10 Wendell, 26 ; The King v. The Margate Pier Co. 3 Barn. & Aid. 224 (5 Eng. Common Law, 266.)

The petition must show on its face a clear right to the relief demanded by the relator. He must distinctly set forth all the material facts on which he relies, so that the same may be admitted or traversed. Canal Trustees v. The People, 12 Ill. 254 ; The People v. Glann, supra; Springfield and Ill. S. E. Ry. Co. v. County Cleric, 74 Ill. 31 .

The court exercises a discretion in granting or refusing the writ, and if the right be doubtful it will be refused.

Whether there was a highway, legally laid out, should have been stated by averment of facts in such a way that an issue could have been formed thereon.

What acts were done to lay out a highway are not stated in the petition; nor is there any highway claimed to have been laid out, so described that it could be found by the description. The only description given is, “ that the location of said public road is on the center section line of the township of Oswego.” Whether this line is one running through the township from north to south, or from east to west, it is impossible to tell. ' Either direction conforms to the description. a

The mandamus is refused.

Mandamus refused.