12 S.D. 91 | S.D. | 1899
This is an action by a mortgagee to recover possession of mortgaged personal property. The only defense interposed is an alleged alteration of the notes secured by the mortgage. A verdict was directed for plaintiff, and defendants’ application for a new trial denied.
These facts are undisputed: Defendants gave plaintiff their notes, secured by a chattel mortgage. When executed, the notes provided for payment at Wessington Springs, S. D. When presented to defendants for payment, a line was drawn through the words “Wessington Springs,” and “office of J. T. Kean, Woonsocket,” inserted. When introduced in evidence, the latter words were erased, and the notes, as nearly as could be, were restored to their original condition. Each of the defendants testified that the alterations were made after the notes were signed and delivered, and without his consent. The
The intentional, material alteration of a written contract, by a party entitled to any benefit under it, or with his consent, extinguishes all the executory obligations of the contract, in his favor, against parties who do not consent to the act. Comp, Laws, § 3595. Defendants did not consent to these alterations, but it is shown by the undisputed testimony of the plaintiffs treasurer that such alterations were not consented to or intentionally made by the plaintiff. The notes themselves are conclusive evidence of their restoration. In cases of unauthorized alterations, there is no reason why a party should not be permitted to undo what has been mistakenly done, provided no other person has become so situated towards the instrument that it would operate prejudicially upon him. Daniel, Neg. Inst. § 1414. All the defendants are makers. No demand of payment before suit was necessary; nor have they shown