by John Marshall Harlan

“ On the contrary, the facts set out in the bill justifies the conclusion either that Stinchcomb elected, in his life-time, to abandon all claim upon the property and leave Van Ness in possession, as in his former estate, or that his claim was, in some way satisfactorily arranged or discharged. The complainant and those whom she represents have slept too long upon their rights. The peace of society and the security of property demand that the presumption of right, arising from a great lapse of time without the assertion of an adverse claim should not be disturbed. ”

“ It has been a recognized doctrine of courts in equity, from the very beginning of their jurisdiction, to withhold relief from those who have delayed for an unreasonable length of time in asserting their claims. ”

“ Lord THURLOW, who decided that case, is reported to have declared, when overruling a demurrer to a bill charging fraudulent representations as to the value of an estate, and praying an account of rents, profits, etc., that his action was based upon the ground that length of time, proprio jure, was no reason for a demurrer ”