Mihlbauer v. Infantry Corps of State Fencibles
Mihlbauer v. Infantry Corps of State Fencibles
Opinion of the Court
Opinion by
The bill in this case was filed by the 'captains of four companies that now constitute the third battalion of the Sixth Regiment, National Guards of Pennsylvania, to establish the right of the battalion to the exclusive possession of an armory leased by .the city of Philadelphia. The lease was made in 1884 to “the Infantry Corps of State Fencibles, National Guard of Pennsylvania, a body corporate of the state of Pennsylvania.” The corporation was chartered in 1876 for the purpose of aiding and benefiting its members, of securing their proficiency in military science, and for social enjoyment. Most of its members were members also of an independent military
The ordinance of councils authorizing the lease was passed in 1883, at which time the civil and military bodies were both known as the battalion. It directed a lease to be made to “ the Infantry Battalion of State Fencibles, National Guard of Pennsylvania.” The lease was in fact made to “the Infantry Corps of State Fencibles of the National Guard of Pennsylvania, a body corporate of the state of Pennsylvania.” Apparently this change was made by the city solicitor when he drew the lease. The lease was executed on the part of the lessee by the president and secretary of the corporation, and was sealed with the corporate seal. These officers were also officers of the battalion, but they executed the lease in their official capacity as officers of the corporation, thus clearly drawing the distinction between the two bodies and designating the one which was to become the lessee. The city for eighteen years has recognized the validity of the lease, and on application has refused to terminate it, and to authorize a new lease to the four companies. These
The decree is affirmed at the cost of the appellant.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.