Some years ago a New Orleans lawyer sought a direct Veterans Adminiistration
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 V.A. He soon received this reply from the V.A.:
"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 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
to that part of the world called Louisiana and thus was the original holder
of the property in question."
- Author Unknown -
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