United States v. Land Title Bank & Trust Co.

BUFFINGTON, Circuit Judge.

In this case it appears the United States acquired — not by condemnation, but by purchase — a lot in the city of Chester, Pa., on which it has built a post office. The lot adjoining is owned by the University of Pennsylvania.

By the law of Pennsylvania adjoining lot owners have mutual property rights and property obligations in reference to party walls. Thus in Jackman v. Rosenbaum Co., 263 Pa. 158, 106 A. 238, 240, it is said: “The origin of our present party wall regulations was the great London fire of 1666. They are primarily designed to guard life and property;…