the former acts, and as an appendix have inserted, for purposes of comparison, the full text of the act of 1867 with all amendments up to the time of its repeal. While the authority of decided cases is cited for every legal proposition which is stated without qualification, we have felt that we would fail in properly performing the work undertaken if, because of the lack of adjudicated cases, no study should be given to and no comment made upon the great number of questions which spring up from the new and changed provisions of the act. In considering these we have not, however, always felt called upon to answer them dogmatically; but they have all been discussed and treated, and everything bearing upon them laid fully and fairly before the reader. We take this opportunity of publicly extending our thanks to H. Noyes Greene, Esq., of the Troy, N. Y., bar, for assistance in preparing the index to this book and the table of cases; also to William H. Hotchkiss, Esq., of Buffalo, N. Y., referee in bankruptcy for Erie county, for his assistance in the preparation of the forms. In presenting the work to the profession we do so with hesitancy. Of its shortcomings and failings few will be more keenly conscious than ourselves, but we ask that those who use it will bear in mind that the book is in the nature of a pioneer undertaking. It could without question be made more accurate, full and complete if its publication could be delayed until the courts should have construed the provisions of the statute and judicially answered all the questions that might arise, and if then it were made a mere digest of their decisions. But the demand of the bar is for a work that will to some extent, at least, aid them in the solution of the questions that will arise in the early months of practice under the act, before adjudications are plentiful. This task of "blazing the way" is here undertaken, and in proportion to the difficulty of the task we ask the leniency of the critic. WM. MILLER COLLIER. AUBURN, N. Y., Sept. 10, 1898. 22. Reference of Cases after Adjudication.. 23. Jurisdiction of United States and State Courts.. |