The Torrens System of Registering Title to Land (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1902 edition. Excerpt: ... ADDRESS OF EDWARD T. TAYLOR OF QLENWOOD SPRINGS, COLORADO. THE TORRENS SYSTEM OF REGISTERING TITLE TO LAND. HISTORICAL. Mr. President and Gentlemen of the Colorado Bar Association: The evolution of the manner in which the various tribes and nations of the earth have held the lands they occupied forms many interesting chapters in the history of the human race. From the Bible we learn that in the beginning man depended for his sustenance upon his prowess in the chase, supplemented by a desultory and intermittent cultivation of the soil. He was nomadic in his habits and cared little for the use of land for other than his temporary convenience. There is little doubt but that for centuries there was no such thing as individual ownership of any particular plot or portion of ground. During all of that period man was contented with bare or naked possession, and neither sought for nor desired a better title. As the family circle widened, and the tribes were formed, the more desirable locations were selected and cleared, and the value of these possessory rights became more apparent. The head of the household or chief of the tribe was looked upon as the owner of the ground upon which the family or community was settled, and assumed the authority of apportioning or alloting to each householder some particular portion of the land occupied. The pasture or range of land, as we would call it, as well as the wild country beyond the domains of the community, were looked upon as the common property of all. Considering the nature and habits of the people, it was but a step from this system to the feudal system of tenureship. Possession was the title to real estate. Conveyance was made by open and notorious delivery of the possession. Afterwards witnesses...