Estate of McDougal

In the trial of the issues raised by the petition of the attorney for the minor heirs, the reading of briefs of counsel (seventy-three pages in all), the re-examination of the evidence, and the consideration of the authorities, an amount of labor has been imposed upon the judge of this court, in addition to his ordinary tasks, that, *458 it is to be feared, counsel little appreciate in the intensity of their zeal for their respective interests. The petitioner requests of the court a written opinion and “full findings,” to which first request the court endeavors here to make response. Counsel also made an oral request that a “finding” be made as to his personal and professional conduct of the cause committed to his custody by the court. Without conceding the necessity of such a “finding” or opinion, the court cheerfully awards him credit for earnestness, energy and exemplary fidelity in prosecuting this petition, which he undoubtedly prepared in good faith and upon premises that apparently justified him in his attempt to add to the assets of the estate, or to prevent their appropriation or spoliation by the executrix in her own interest or to the prejudice of the minor heirs.

The…