Opinion
Argued May 27th, 1947.
Decided September 25th, 1947.
To permit an amendment to the bill of complaint which would introduce an additional and independent subject of controversy based upon an incident which occurred long ago and which could, with reasonable industry and acumen, have been discovered prior to the filing of the bill, would be inequitable.
Messrs. Scammell Reese ( Mr. Scott Scammell), for the complainants-appellants.
Mr. Joseph Beck Tyler, for the defendants-respondents.
The appeal is from an order in Chancery which denies the application of complainants to amend their bill of complaint. The bill was filed May 26th, 1941, and had been preceded by other litigation concerning the estate of John R. Ditmars who died testate December 21st, 1925. The incident towards which the application goes occurred long ago and could, with reasonable industry and acumen, have been discovered prior to the filing of the bill.
We agree with the conclusion of the Vice-Chancellor that to permit an amendment introducing an additional and independent subject of controversy at this late day would be inequitable.
The order under appeal will be affirmed.
For affirmance — THE CHIEF-JUSTICE, HEHER, COLIE, WACHENFELD, EASTWOOD, WELLS, DILL, FREUND, McGEEHAN, McLEAN, JJ. 10.
For reversal — None.