147 F. 926 | W.D.N.Y. | 1906
This is a libel in personam to recover the sum of $15,641.38 and interest, alleged to be due from the respondents
Respondents had no interest in either the vessel, cargo, or freight. They were marine insurance agents, pure and simple, a fact which was quite familiar to persons interested in navigation on the Lakes. There is no satisfactory evidence that libelant, in furnishing the services and incurring any expense, did so upon the personal credit of Worthington & Sill. On the contrary, their presumed knowledge of the business of the respondents, the latter’s connection with the subject-matter, together with the attendant circumstances, were indicative of their representative relation. Libelant made no attempt to ascertain the names of the underwriters, although to do so was not difficult. This omission, in view of the circumstances, is open to the inference that it knew that Worthington & Sill were acting simply as agents for the insurers of the Craig. Such being the fact, the respondents, not having expressly bound themselves, cannot, in my opinion, be held liable.
The cases cited by libelant, holding that an agent who conceals his agency and contracts as ostensible principal is liable, are inapplicable. This conclusion renders unnecessary any discussion of the other points elaborately presented in the briefs.
The libel is dismissed, with costs.