Lewis Estate

Opinion by

Mr. Justice Allen M. Stearne,

These five appeals involve the construction of a will. There are two questions raised. One is whether the entire trust is void because it violates the rule against perpetuities. The other is whether an excessive exercise of a special power of appointment invalidates the entire appointment or only the invalid portions.

Before analyzing the will and the factual situation, we must keep in mind the legal principle of the rule against perpetuities, its purpose and application. This is the measuring rod by which the validity of the trust is to be tested. This…