Golden Gate Mill & Mining Co. v. Joshua Hendy Machine Works

82 Cal. 184 | Cal. | 1889

Hayne, C.

This was an action of trespass for breaking into the building of the plaintiff, and injuring and carrying away certain machinery which was affixed thereto. There was a verdict for the plaintiff for nine hundred dollars, and the defendant, against whom it was rendered, appeals from the judgment, and from an order denying a new trial.

1. We do not think that the appellant’s criticisms upon the complaint are well founded.

2. The judgment was not entered until one year after the rendition of the verdict, and in entering it the clerk included therein interest on the amount of the verdict from the time of its rendition. It is objected that this was unauthorized. If the point were well taken, it could only lead to a slight modification of the judgment at the appellant’s costs. But it is not well taken. The statute expressly provides that “the clerk must include in the judgment entered up by him any interest on the verdict or decision of the court from the time it was rendered or made.” (Code Civ. Proc., sec. 1035.) This provision authorized the course taken. There is nothing to the contrary in Alpers v. Schammel, 75 Cal. 590. If there were, the decision would be in direct conflict with the statute, and would have to be overruled.

8. The action was against three defendants. The verdict was against one and in favor of another, but omitted all reference to the third. And it is argued that this is error, for which the defendant, against whom judgment was rendered, is entitled to a reversal. But the record does not show that the omitted defendant put in any answer. There was no issue as to him. Consequently the verdict properly omitted all reference to him. And the omission to enter a judgment by default against him (for failure to plead after the overruling of his demurrer) is not a thing of which his co-defendant can complain.

There are other answers to the objection, but the foregoing is sufficient.

4. It is contended that the plaintiff showed no title to the property, and that there were errors in the introduction of his attempted chain of title. But the plaintiff introduced evidence to the effect that it yms in possession of the property. And this was sufficient as against a mere trespasser. The appellant seems to be under the impression that this evidence was overcome by certain other evidence. But if it be assumed that such would be the effect of the latter evidence, it is sufficient to say that it was stricken out, and the ruling in this regard ■was, in our opinion, proper. The evidence of the witness was by deposition, and the answer he gave was not responsive to the interrogatory.

The evidence as to plaintiff’s possession renders it unnecessary to consider the questions raised in regard to its chain of title.

5. The allegation of the corporate existence of the plaintiff was denied, and it is contended that there was no sufficient proof on the subject. But the evidence showed that the plaintiff was at legst a corporation de facto, claiming in good faith to exist. And this being so, a mere trespasser could not raise the question of its corporate existence in an action by it to .recover damages for iniury to its property. (Civ. Code, sec. 358: Rondell v. Fay, 32 Cal. 361.)

Neither could such a trespasser raise the question of its capacity to take and hold property.

6. The deed from Nevin was properly excluded.

We therefore advise that the judgment and order appealed from be affirmed.

Foote, C., and Belcher, C. C., concurred.

The Court.

For the reasons given in the foregoing opinion, the judgment and order appealed from are affirmed.