People ex rel. Chase v. Williams

Citations

• 55 Ill. 178

Syllabus

<p>1. Masteb in chanceby in the city of Chicago—officer de facto. In a proceeding to compel the judges of the circuit court of Cook county to recognize a person who was appointed master in chancery by the recorder’s court of the city of Chicago, prior to the adoption of the new constitution of 1870, and to refer causes to him, in that capacity, it was held, whether there was authority for his appointment originally or not, he is an officer de facto, and his acts would be valid as to the public and third persons.</p> <p>2. Mandamus—discretionary powers. Whether a circuit court shall refer causes to a particular master in chancery, for the purpose of taking proofs, etc. on the request of a party, is discretionary with that court, and a performance of the act can not be compelled by mandamus.</p>