The writ of mandamus may be either alternative or peremptory. The alternative writ must state generally the allegation against the party to whom it is directed, and command such party, immediately upon the receipt of the writ, or at some other specified time, to do the act required to be performed, or to show cause before the court, at a specified time and place, why he has not done so. The peremptory writ must be in a similar form, except that the words requiring the party to show cause why he has not done the command, must be omitted, and a return day inserted.

Source: CCivP 1877, § 697; CL 1887, § 5519; RCCivP 1903, § 766; RC 1919, § 3008; Supreme Court Rule 611, 1939; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.4503.