clear title

----- Begin NetScrap(TM) -----

clear title


Some years ago, a New Orleans lawyer sought a direct Veterans
Administration loan for a client.  He was told that the loan would be
approved if he could provide  proof of clear title to the property
offered as collateral.  The title for the property in question was
complicated and he spent a considerable amount of time reviewing all
pertinent documents back to 1803.  Satisfied with the depth and
expanse of his examination, he submitted the information to the VA.

He soon received a reply from the VA.

"We received your letter today enclosing application for a loan for
your client, supported by abstract of title. The application forms are
complete, but you have not cleared the title before the year 1803.
Therefore, before full review and
possible approval can a be accorded the application, it will be
necessary that the title be cleared back before that year."

Annoyed, the lawyer wrote the V.A.

"Your letter regarding titles in case #9378329 received.  I note that
you wish titles extended further back than I have presented.  Your
attention is invited to the following information to update your
records for the property prior to 1803.

a) I was unaware that any educated person would not know that the
United States gained clear title to Louisiana from France in 1803.
This title transfer was a result of a real estate transaction known as
The Louisiana Purchase.

b) France gained clear title to Louisiana by right of conquest from
Spain under the Treaty of San Ildefonso (1800).

c) The land came into the possession of Spain by right of discovery in
1492 by a sailor named Christopher Columbus.  He was acting on  behalf
of Isabella, Queen of Spain, and had her permission to claim newly
discovered lands for Spain.

d) The good Queen, being a pious woman and careful about titles -
almost as careful as the V.A. - took the precaution of securing the
blessing of the Pope before authorizing the voyage.

e) The Pope is a servant of God; God created the world.

f) Therefore, I believe that it is safe to presume that God created
title that part of the world called Louisiana and thus was the
original holder of the property in question.


----- End NetScrap(TM) -----