Smith v. Hughes , 23 Tex. 248 ( 1859 )

Wheeler, C. J.

The principal questions, in this case, are disposed of by the case of Maxey v. O’Connor, supra, p. 234. The rulings of the court, upon evidence offered in support of the statute of limitations, are immaterial, as the defendant’s title did not need the aid of the statute ; nor is the judgment of the court at all affected by the evidence upon that subject.

Though the witness, Hughes, may not have been a competent witness for the defendant, it does not appear by the statement of facts, that his testimony was material; or, indeed, what his testimony was. It related to the map from the general land office. The map, however, was admissible upon the certificate of the commissioner, without further evidence of authenticity. But it will suffice to dispose of the objection, that it does not appear by the statement of facts, that the witness deposed to any fact, which was essential or material to support the defence.

The rules which regulate the admission of evidence in trials by jury, do not apply strictly, where the trial of the fact is by the court. The court will discriminate between evidence, which is competent to establish or disprove the issue, and that which is not; and though incompetent evidence may have been heard by the court, it will not be a ground of reversal of the judgment, if rightly rendered upon evidence which is competent.

' The error in some of the descriptive calls in the grant, under which the defendant claims, w'as obviated by other matter of description, which render it sufficiently certain what land was granted. (Urquhart v. Burleson, 6 Texas Bep. 502; Berry v. Wright, 14 Id. 270.)

There is no error in the judgment, and it is affirmed.

Judgment affirmed.