12 R.I. 123 | R.I. | 1878
The exceptions involve the construction of the following clause of Gen. Stat. R.I. cap. 184, § 2, to wit:
"Of all actions brought for possession of tenements or estates let, against tenants and others who have broken the terms or conditions of the lease or agreement under which they held, or who hold or occupy tenements or estates by wrongful entry or detainer, or as tenants at will or by sufferance."
The section confers jurisdiction upon Special Courts of Common *124
Pleas over several classes of actions described in several clauses. The question is whether the clauses above recited extend to actions for the possession of tenements or estates generally when held or occupied by wrongful entry or detainer, or covers only actions for the possession of tenements or estates let. If we regard simply the grammatical structure of the clause, we think it must receive the narrower construction. Grammatically the first eleven words clearly qualify all that follow them. And see Pettis v. Jennings,
Exceptions sustained.