Opinion
12264
August 30, 1927.
Before SHIPP, J., Florence. Affirmed.
Proceedings in ejectment by S.T. Burch against J.A. Muldrow. Judgment of magistrate for plaintiff was affirmed by the Circuit Court, and defendant appeals.
The following is the order of the Circuit Judge:
This case comes before me upon appeal by the defendant, J.A. Muldrow, from a judgment rendered in the Court of Magistrate W.M. Smith, and a writ of ejectment issued by the magistrate, directing the ejectment of the said J.A. Muldrow from the premises described in the order to show cause and in the writ. The appeal is on two general grounds. One of these grounds involves the question of the jurisdiction of the magistrate to try the case upon the coming in of the answer or return of the defendant, in which he attempted to take the position that the title to real property would come in question, and the other relates to the sufficiency of the evidence to support the magistrate's findings of fact.
It appears that a considerable tract of land, including that in dispute in this proceeding, was offered for sale by the master for Florence County under a decree of foreclosure, and that at the sale the defendant, J.A. Muldrow, became the highest and last bidder therefor. Finding that he could not comply, he assigned his bid to S.T. Burch, who complied therewith and took title in fee simple to himself. Muldrow paid Burch interest in advance for one year. An agreement with Muldrow, in writing, was made, under the terms of which Muldrow was to be entitled to a reconveyance of the property upon making certain specified payments at times stated in the agreement. About the time that the first installment of principal and an installment of interest fell due, Muldrow, being unable to meet these payments, abandoned his rights thereunder, and, according to the testimony, rented the dwelling house and premises immediately surrounding it from Burch. Burch took possession of the land, with the exception of the dwelling house and premises immediately surrounding it, and has continued in possession to the present time. Muldrow retained possession of the dwelling house and premises immediately surrounding it, under his agreement to pay Burch as rent therefor the sum of $25 per month.
This being the situation, as disclosed by the testimony and the findings of the magistrate, the defendant, Muldrow, nevertheless, takes the position that, having claimed in his answer that a question of title was involved, the magistrate was deprived of jurisdiction and should have dismissed the proceeding. Under the principles announced in the cases of Stewart-Jones Co. v. Shehan, 127 S.C. 451; 121 S.E., 374, and Bamberg Banking Co. v. Matthews, 132 S.C. 130; 128 S.E., 718, it is settled that, even where an attempt is made to make it appear that the title to real property shall come in question in a proceeding of this character, the magistrate is not deprived of jurisdiction to inquire and determine whether or not the relation of landlord and tenant exists, and to issue his writ if, upon such inquiry, he finds as a fact that that relation did exist, and that the tenant has failed to pay his rent, or has held over after the expiration of his rent contract.
The overwhelming weight of the evidence introduced before the magistrate sustains the finding of the magistrate, and in view of the principles announced in the cases above mentioned I am bound to hold that the conventional relation of landlord and tenant did exist between plaintiff and defendant, and that defendant had, at the time of the institution of this proceeding, failed to pay his rent and had held over after the expiration of his rent contract.
It is therefore ordered that the appeal of the defendant be and it is hereby dismissed, and the judgment of the magistrate is affirmed.
Mr. P.H. McEachin, for appellant, cites: Magistrates have no jurisdiction where the title to real estate is in question: Sec. 21, Art. 5, Const., 1895; 10 S.C. 301; 24 S.C. 507; 32 S.C. 146. "Equitable owner" cannot be ejected in summary proceedings: 81 S.E., 461; 48 S.E., 183. Cases distinguished: 121 S.E., 374; 128 S.E., 718. Respondent admitted in case at bar that title to real estate was in question: 106 S.C. 227.
Messrs. Willcox Hardie, for respondent, cite: Ejectment proceedings are applicable only where relationship of landlord and tenant exists: 127 S.C. 451. Questions of fact for magistrate: 132 S.C. 130. Finding of fact by magistrate affirmed by Circuit Judge will not be disturbed if any evidence to support it: 73 S.C. 83; 78 S.C. 35; 91 S.C. 5; 122 S.C. 357. Cases distinguished: 48 S.C. 183. Written contract of sale may be rescinded and rent contract substituted, even by parol: 81 S.C. 461; Rice's Eq., 108; 79 S.C. 141.
August 30, 1927. The opinion of the Court was delivered by
The order of his Honor, Judge Shipp, appealed from, is entirely satisfactory to this Court, and, for the reasons given, it is affirmed.
MR. CHIEF JUSTICE WATTS and MESSRS. JUSTICES BLEASE, STABLER, and CARTER concur.