28 Mont. 548 | Mont. | 1903
after stating the case, delivered the opinion of the court.
1. It is contended that the evidence is-insufficient to justify the findings of the court-. An examination of one of the specifications, wherein the evidence is claimed to be insufficient, will
In construing Section 695 of the California Code of Civil Procedure, identical with our Section 1173 above, and in discussing specifications in effect the same as those found in this record, the supreme court of that state, in Eddelbuttel v. Durrell, 55 Cal. 277, says: “In the case before us there is not even an attempt made to- specify the particulars in which the evidence is alleged to be insufficient to sustain the findings of the court below. Appellants might as well have said, in a general way, that none of the findings of the court were sustained by the evidence. The purpose of the statute is apparent. It was to direct the attention of court and counsel to the particulars relied on by the moving party, to the end that the evidence bearing on the specifications of error might be inserted in the statement and considered by the court.” To the same effect is the decision in Parker v. Reay, 76 Cal. 103, 18 Pac. 124.
In King v. Lincoln, 26 Mont. 157, 66 Pac. 836, the court said: “It is' contended that the evidence is insufficient to justify the verdict. We cannot examine the evidence to determine
2. It is next contended that the counterclaim is insufficient in that it does not allege that Pinlen received an adequate consideration, and it is earnestly urged that an allegation that the consideration which passed was adequate is absolutely necessary. It is further contended that in any event the consideration alleged is in fact inadequate, and for that reason the contract ought not to be enforced. We are of the opinion that, if the counterclaim stopped short with an allegation that the consideration passing from Heinze to Finlen was adequate, it would be wholly insufficient as pleading a conclusion of law.
In Mayger v. Cruse, 5 Mont. 485, 6 Pac. 333, it is said: “The court, in such a case as this, when called upon to exercise the high power of compelling the execution of a contract in specie, should be informed of the entire nature and character of the contract, so as to determine for itself whether or not it is one which good conscience should enforce, free from objection,
Notwithstanding our Code is similar to that of California, and may have been taken from that state, we decline to follow California decisions upon this subject when they are in direct conflict with the decisions of our own court and are opposed to what appears to us to be the bettér reasoning.
Section 4417 of the Civil Code provides: “Sec. 4417. Specific performance cannot be enforced against a party to a contract, in any of the following cases: (1) If he has not received an adequate consideration for the contract. (2) If it is not, as to him, just and reasonable. (3) If his assent was obtained by the misrepresentation, concealment, circumvention or unfair practices of any party to whom performance would become due under the contract, or by any promise of such party, which has not been substantially fulfilled; or (4) if his assent was given under the influence of mistake, misapprehension or surprise, except that where the contract provides for compensation in case of mistake, a mistake within the scope of such provision may be compensated for, and the contract specifically enforced in other respects, if proper to be so enforced.” The evident meaning of this section is that any one of these subdivisions furnishes a defense to an action for specific performance; in other words, when specific performance is sought against a party he may interpose- any one of the defenses named above; and if he can maintain it, he defeats the action. The burden of proof as to such defense is upon him who asserts it, and, while it is necessary for defendant Heinze to set forth the consideration for the contract sought to be enforced, the burden is then upon the plaintiff to show that such consideration is inadequte, if he would avail himself of that defense. Such was the rule at com-
However, laying aside the question of the burden of proof as to the adequacy of consideration, we are to- consider the allegations of the counterclaim in the light of the surrounding circumstances.
In Morrill v. Everson, 77 Cal. 114, 19 Pac. 190, it is said: “We do not doubt that the point of time to which the question of adequacy must relate is the time of the formation of the contract.” This is clearly the correct rule, and it is then quite immaterial what value the option to purchase the Minnie Healy claim had at any time subsequent to November 21, 1898, the date of the agreement as found by the court. The increased value of the property,- occasioned by the discovery of valuable ore bodies or from any other cause, cannot be considered in determining the question of the adequacy of the consideration which passed from Heinze to Finlen for his (Finlen’s) interest in the property. In his reply to the defendant’s answer, plaintiff, Finlen, says: “Admits that at the time the defendant (Heinze) took possession of said claim there was no ore of commercial value exposed therein.” Hpon cross-examination the plaintiff testified: “I had spent in the neighborhood of $70,-000 on the Minnie Healy prior to November 21, 1898.” In his answer to Heinze’s counterclaim, the plaintiff admits “that he stated that he was desirous of transferring and assigning said leases and- agreements.” Hpon his cross-examination he further stated that he had made a deposition in this same case prior to the date of the trial, in which he was asked this question : “ ‘Q. Isn’t it a fact, Mr. Finlen, that there was no ore extracted from the Minnie Healy mine during the year 1898 by you? A. I don’t remember; I don’t suppose there were. But if there were, it was a small complement.’ I expect I made that statement. That is the fact as I remembered it at that time. * * * I expect that is correct; is what I say about it now. The facts were fresher at that time, in 1900, than at
These were the conditions known to the parties at the time of their negotiations, and constitute the circumstances surrounding them, and which entered into their agreement. Notwithstanding the claim was situated contiguous to paying properties, the plaintiff had expended a large amount of money, was unable to expose any commercial ore, had removed the tracks, for some time had done no mining in the property, and was anxious to dispose of his option on it. As found by the court' the defendant Heinze agreed to. go into possession of the property, work the same, keep the leases and bonds in full force and effect, and, if the property appeared to him to justify its purchase, he was to pay Finlen $54,000. This was one of the hazardous risks in mining operations. Finlen was already out at least $54,000, and this afforded him an opportunity to recover it without further outlay or risk, and in the meantime to have the leases and bonds kept alive at the expense of another party. On Heinze’s part, he assumed the risk of losing whatever means he employed in exploring the property, or of making discoveries which Finlen had not been able to make, and securing to himself
3. It is next contended that, if tbe contract as found by tbe court was actually made between the plaintiff and tbe defendant Heinze, it is against-public policy and void, and specific performance thereof will not be enforced. This is predicated upon the finding of tbe court that a part of tbe consideration for tbe agreement of November 21, 1898, was that Piulen should prosecute an action against tbe Boston & Montana Company in bis own name, and secure an injunction against that company from further mining upon a vein wbicb it was claimed bad its apex in tbe Minnie Healy claim, and on its dip departed so far from tbe perpendicular that it passed without tbe side lines of that claim and into tbe property operated by tbe Boston & Montana Company; that Heinze should pay all tbe expenses of such litigation, and should have whatever proceeds were realized therefrom.
Section 2240 of tbe Civil Code reads as follows-: “That is not lawful wbicb is: (1) Contrary to an express provision of law. (2) Contrary to tbe policy of express law, though not expressly prohibited; or (3) Otherwise contrary to good morals.” Apparently the theory upon wbicb tbe appellant proceeds is that Piulen and Heinze entered into a conspiracy against tbe Boston & Montana Company, or that Heinze was guilty of champerty or maintenance. Section 320 of the Penal Code makes it a misdemeanor for two or more persons to conspire falsely to maintain any suit, action or proceeding; and if this agreement of November 21, 1898, comes within tbe meaning of that section, then it is contrary to- an express provision of tbe law, and will not be enforced. As was said in Mayger v. Cruse, sufra: “Tbe contract should not admit of doubt or suspicion ; for example, as to its' mutuality, as to- its being one not
The evidence tended to show that prior to November 21, 1898, Finlen had made some explorations in the Minnie Heady claim to ascertain whether or not the mining operations- carried on by the Boston & Montana Company through the Leonard shaft were upon a vein having its apex within the Minnie ITealy claim, and that Finlen himself had talked about bringing a suit in his own name against that company for the alleged trespass. This condition prevailed when the agreement of November 21, 1898, was entered into. Finlen transferred to- Heinze an option to purchase under the option which he (Finlen) had on the property, and thereby Heinze acquired, and Finlen still retained, a contingent interest in the property, the subject-matter of the controversy. Finlen apparently had some reason for believing that the Boston & Montana Company was extracting ores from veins belonging to the Minnie Healy claim, and Heinze, from his examination of the property, thought the suit might be maintained successfully. So far as anything to the contrary appears in the record, either Finlen or Heinze might have prosecuted the suit in perfect good faith, and therefore the essential element of a “conspiracy,” as defined by Section 320
4. Tlic appellant contends that defendant Ileinze cannot have specific performance of the alleged agreements, for the reason that in his answer to the plaintiffs complaint he (Heinze) alleges that prior to November 21, 1898, the plaintiff had forfeited all rights which he had under the agreements or any of them. But the cause now before us was tried upon the issues raised by the counterclaim and the answer thereto. That defense was interposed to the complaint, which was for the recovery of the possession of the Minnie Healy claim, and was an action at law; while the matter before us is a suit in equity, in effect instituted by the filing of the counterclaim, and the only pleadings before- us are the counterclaim, the answer thereto, and the reply. The question is therefore not properly before us. We are not to be understood by this as saying that such apparently inconsistent defenses cannot be pleaded. Upon this we express no opinion.
5. Numerous errors are assigned upon the action of the court in admitting certain testimony which it is now claimed was irrelevant- and immaterial. But the cause was tried to the court sitting without a jury, and the presumption must be indulged that such evidence, if improperly admitted, was not considered in arriving at a conclusion. The evidence against the admission of which no objection was made appears to be sufficient to sustain the findings of the court.
In Montana Ore Purchasing Co. v. Butte & Boston Consol. Mining Co., 25 Mont. 427, 65 Pac. 420, this court said: “The court admitted, over the objection of the plaintiff, evidence
6. Upon cross-examination of tbe witness MeHatton for tbe defendant Heinze, be was asked whether or not be bad dictated a particular paragraph of tbe complaint in tbe suit of Finlen v. Boston & Montana Company. An objection to tbe question was sustained. An examination of tbe record show's that, just before this question was asked'the witness, be bad testified that be did dictate tbe pleadings on behalf of tbe plaintiff in that cause. So that tbe question, even if proper, bad been answered, and we cannot say that the court committed error in refusing to permit a repetition.
As a part of this cross-examination it was also sought to introduce tbe pleadings in that case, but an objection to their admissibility was sustained. However, tbe plaintiff has not included tbe pleadings thus offered in tbe statement on motion for a new trial, and we are unable to say whether or not any error was committed in tbe court’s ruling. (Haupt v. Simington, 27 Mont. 480, 71 Pac. 672; Tague v. John Caplice Co., 28 Mont. 51, 72 Pac. 297.)
We have examined tbe other errors specified upon tbe orders made by tbe court in excluding certain evidence, but find no merit in them.
Y. Tbe decree in this suit was entered- in July, 1901. .On March 18, 1902, tbe court modified the decree by adding to one
8. The appellant has filed herein a so-called “brief,” consisting of 283 pages, and the respondent, not to be outdone, has filed one of 422 pages. These consist of long arguments, extended excerpts from reported cases, and matters which have no proper place in a brief. Much of them is repetition, and, instead of materially aiding the court in a determination of this cause, they have imposed a prodigious amount of needless labor, and have been of little, if any, practical assistance. Such an imposition upon the court ought to be rebuked by striking the so-called “briefs” from the files, and ordering briefs which in substance and extent come within the meaning of that term to be filed instead.. In this instance the prevailing party will not
9. It is next contended that tbe district court erred in refusing tbe plaintiff a new trial. Tbe notice of intention to move for a new trial, wbicb furnishes tbe basis for all subsequent efforts to bave tbe decision set aside, specifies tbe following, among other grounds: “(1) Irregularity in tbe proceedings of tbe court, and irregularity in tbe proceedings of tbe adverse parties, whereby tbe plaintiff was prevented from having a fair trial.”
Tbe record contains a number of affidavits filed on behalf of the plaintiff in support of bis motion. These contain recitals wbicb, if trae, demonstrate that tbe district judge who tried this cause was completely lost to all sense of decency and propriety, apd that be mjade of tbe occasion, while off tbe bench, a carnival of drunkenness and debauchery, in company with a female employe of tbe Montana Ore Purchasing Company, one of tbe defendants to the action. It is charged in these affidavits that, during tbe time this, cause was on trial and undetermined, numerous written messages passed between Mrs. Brackett, tbe employe referred to, and Judge Harney; that on May 9, 1901, tbe so-called “dearie” letter was written by Mrs. Brackett and delivered to Judge Harney. A copy of tbe letter is attached to and made a part of tbe affidavits. This letter, profuse in tbe expressions of tbe writer’s affection for Judge Harney — a married man living with bis family — would hardly be considered a proper court record, but for its direct allusion to this suit then being tried, and for tbe significance of tbe answer thereto, wbicb, it is charged, was written by Judge Harney, addressed to Mrs. Brackett, and, at tbe judge’s request, delivered to her. Tbe opening statement of that letter is as follows:
“My Dear Mrs. Brackett:
“I bave received your letter and will be glad to talle further with you on tbe subject therein mentioned. On account of pain in my ankle I did not sleep'last night. I bave been listening*572 to arguments concerning tire Minnie H. and they will probably consume all of tomorrow. I will see you tomorrow evening if you are at leisure. I bave some matters that I must attend to this evening. I appreciate your solicitude and your feelings, which are reciprocated,- as you know, and I bég you not to- be uneasy.”
When it is considered that the so-called “dearie” letter contains an offer of financial assistance to Judge Harney, reminds him who his friends were before he was “Judge” Harney, contains the statement that as to his future after he leaves the bench she is empowered to promise him certain things which will assure that most generously, and then refers to a statement which she says Judge Harney made to her respecting the evidence in this case, the full import of the answer is apparent. There is absolutely nothing in that so-called “dearie” letter which could with any show of propriety be the proper subject of discussion between the judge trying a cause and an employe of one of the parties to the action, and yet the answer thereto is an open invitation to Mrs. Brackett to discuss further the subject-matter of her letter. Judge Harney did give countenance to the charges made against him to the extent of denying one or two of the specific matters alleged, but his affidavit is most remarkable for what it does not say. The affidavits filed on-behalf of the plaintiff set forth, with great particularity of time and place, numerous instances of the judge’s association and revelry with.Mrs. Brackett in Butte and elsewhere during the time the cause was being tried and determined, and it does seem most remarkable that, having made an affidavit, Judge Harney should have signally failed to deny the specific charges made against him, and notably failed to deny that he wrote the answer to the so-called “dearie” letter. It may be that no wrong was done, in this instance, but, if so, the record before this court for review is in a most unfortunate condition.
The cause was tried to the court sitting without a jury, the judge performing the dual office of court and jury, and having the determination of all questions involved, both of law and fact.
In Huckell v. McGoy, 38 Kan. 53, 15 Pac. 870, where the attorney for one of the parties, in his closing remarks to the jury made use of improper language, the verdict in favor of his client was set aside.
In Vollrath v. Crowe, 9 Wash. 374, 37 Pac. 474, the plaintiff and one of the jurors were playing cards and drinking together in a saloon, and out walking together, and talking— though not about the case — during the time of its trial, and a verdict for the plaintiff was set aside, and with respect to the matter the court said: “Trials of causes should have the appearance of fairness, and it would tend greatly to bring judicial proceedings into disreputé if matters of this kind should be overlooked or tolerated. We fully agree with the contention of appellants that a verdict rendered by a jury, a portion of whom are found to have been promenading the street, conversing, playing at cards and drinking with the successful litigant, has the appearance of anything but fairness; and let it once be understood that such things are permissible, and we will be treated to the spectacle of litigants vying with each other, in both private and public places, in attempts to win the good will and favor of the jury, and the administration of the law greatly scandalized thereby.”
In Wright v. Eastlick, 125 Cal. 517, 58 Pac. 87, one of the jurors attended a dance with a party to the action. The two drank together, and appeared intimate. A verdict for the offending party was set aside, the court saying: “In the early 60’s a district judge in this state, whose district embraced mining counties, was impeached on the ground, among others, that during the trial of a cause he left the bench and visited a saloon,
Nothing herein said shall be construed as intimating an opinion by this court that any of the defendants had actual knowledge of what Mrs. Brackett was doing; but her principal was a corporation, which acts only through individuals, and the rule is uniform that irregularities on the part of an agent, employe, relative or interested friend, will be imputed to the principal.
In Thompson on Trials, Sec. 2560, it is said: “The rule is applied with almost equal stringency whether such attempts proceed from the prevailing party himself, from his friends, or from officious third persons.”
In Bradbury v. Cony, 62 Me. 223, 16 Am. Rep. 449, it was charged that the son of the defendant had taken some of the jurors and showed them the property in controversy. A verdict for the defendant was set aside therefor.
In Palmer v. Utah Northern Ry. Co., 2 Idaho, 291, 13 Pac. 425, the father of one of the plaintiffs, and the grandfather of another, during the time the cause was being tried, visited and patronized a saloon owned by one of the jurors, and, though in his affidavit he said that he had been patronizing the same saloon for the past six years, a verdict for the plaintiffs wás set aside therefor. The court said: “We are unable to say what effect this liberal and conspicuous patronage during the trial may have had upon the mind of the juror whose bar he was patronizing. It is not necessary for us to find that it had effect upon the verdict, in order to sustain this assignment of error as to irregularities of an adverse party. It is enough to find that it was calculated so to do-. It is perhaps impossible for the juror himself to appreciate what influence this patronage may have had upon his mind.”
In Burke v. McDonald, 2 Idaho, 1022, 29 Pac. 98, the superintendent of the defendant furnished some refreshments to and drank with the jurors, and a verdict for his principal was set aside therefor.
In Nesmith v. Insurance Co., 8 Abb. Prac. 141, a third party attacked the credibility of a witness for the defendant in the presence of jurors, and a verdict for the plaintiff ;was set aside.
In Knight v. Freeport, 13 Mass. 218, a son-in-law of one of the parties talked to a juror, und told him that the case was one of great consequence to him, and the verdict was set aside.
Whatever may be said as to the authorship of the so-called “dearie”’ letter, the fact still remains that Judge Harney had the opportunity to deny in no, uncertain terms his authorship of' the answer thereto, and failed to do so; and so long as the record stands here containing so many specific charges which are undenied, and notably the authorship of that answer, we decline to accept, as conclusive upon this court, the statement of the district judge that he determined the cause upon the law and the evidence, uninfluenced by any other consideration whatever.
In Peck v. Pierce, 63 Conn. 310, 28 Atl. 524, the judge trying the cause read certain entries of account which had not been offered in evidence, but which bore directly upon the point in controversy, and, notwithstanding he made the statement that he did not consider them in arriving at his decision, and that they did not influence him at all, the court set aside the decision, and said: “Now, there can be m> sort of doubt that the trial judge intended to, and did, so far as it is possible for any one to do such a thing, dismiss these entries from his mind, and did not consider them in arriving at his decision, and that he was fully persuaded that he had succeeded in the attempt. This court, however, has, in cases like this, with a good degree of uniformity, refused to accept such, statements as conclusive, on the ground that /the operations of the human mind are so subtle, and the influences which affect it so difficult to be appreciated, that it is utterly improbable, not to say impossible,’ for the party making them to know whether the evidence influenced
Judge Harney’s affidavit is, in effect, tbat in all proceedings pertaining to tbe case be was entirely uninfluenced by any one, tbat be determined tbe cause upon tbe law and tbe evidence, tbat be bad no knowedge tbat any one was attempting to influence bim in bis action, and tbat during tbe time be was considering tbe case be was not disabled or incapacitated by tbe use of intoxicating liquors.
If Judge Harney did not write tbe answer tbat so-called “dearie” letter, be could bave said so in few words and in positive terms; if be did write it, tbat fact alone would come too near demonstrating tbat Mrs. Brackett bad exerted an undue influence over bim with respect to tbe cause, or at least cast too grave a suspicion upon tbe integrity of tbe proceedings b> permit tbe result to stand.
A corrupt attempt to influence a verdict of a jury or decision of a court is always a ground for a new trial, without reference to tbe merits of tbe case, and whether successful or not. Tbe law is so sensitive upon this subject tbat affidavits, not explained away, casting suspicion of sucb misconduct on tbe prevailing party, will avoid tbe judgment. (Thompson on Trials, Sec. 2560; Huston v. Vail, 51 Ind. 299.)
Litigants bave a right to expect tbat no discussion of tbe cause will be bad out of court with tbe judge or jury trying tbe same.
While tbe application of tbe rule here laid down may result in great injustice in isolated cases, tbe wbolesomeness of tbe doctrine cannot be questioned. Tbe judgment in this case will be set aside, not as a punishment for tbe defendants, but tbat no unlawful interference with tbe dignified and orderly course of judicial proceedings may be given countenance in the jurisprudence of this state.
No judgment of a court of justice so tainted with corruption as tbe record leaves this should stand, and its cancellation in this instance will be tbe evidence of tbe determination of this
Tbe judgment and orders appealed from, are reversed, and the .cause is remanded with directions to tbe district court to grant a new trial.
Reversed and remanded.
A new trial is ordered in this case on tbe ground of irregularity on tbe part of defendants by which tbe plaintiff was prevented from having a fair-trial. While I do not doubt that tbe views expressed by my brethren in tbe last paragraph of tbe foregoing opinion are just, and that the conclusion reached will go far toward maintaining public confidence in the administration of justice in this state, I nevertheless have grave doubts whether the facts bring the case within the purview of the statute. (Code of Civil Procedure, Sec. 1171.) Judges sustain a different relation to litigants from that occupied by jurors, and are to be judged by a different standard. This has always been the rule under those systems which recognize the distinctions between courts of law and equity; and while, under our system, this distinction has been abolished, and suits in equity are no longer tried de novo by the appellate court upon the evidence submitted to the trial court, under which method of procedure the elements of bias,prejudice and corruption in the trial judge are eliminated, it is a matter of great doubt whether the statute was intended to cover such a case as is presented by the record before us.
I shall not dissent, however, nor attempt a discussion of the principles involved. I content myself with this expression of doubt on this point.
I concur in the views expressed in the last paragraph of the opinion as to the conduct of the trial judge pending the hearing of this cause. I also concur in the conclusions reached in the other paragraphs of the opinion.