27 N.Y.S. 708 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1894
This action was brought to recover upon a promissory note alleged to have been made by a firm doing business in the city of Brooklyn under the name of Doscher & Co., and indorsed by the defendant and appellant, Newman. The complaint alleged presentation of the note when due, and protest and notice to the appellant. The answer set up a general denial. Upon the trial the note was proved, and evidence was given as to protest and the circumstances of the indorsement; and the question as to whether the appellant had indorsed the note to give credit to the same was submitted to the jury, who found a verdict in favor of the plaintiff, and from the judgment thereupon entered this appeal is taken.
Upon the termination of the plaintiff’s case, the defendant’s counsel moved to dismiss on the ground, among others, that there was no proof of presentment. This was the only question reserved for consideration upon the argument of this appeal. We think this objection is fatal to the judgment. It is undoubtedly true that a bill of exchange or promissory note made and payable in this state is not required to be protested, in order to hold the indorser. All that is necessary is that a demand should be made, and the indorser notified of the failure of the maker to pay. But it is absolutely necessary that such demand should be made, and notice given, in order that the indorser may be held. It is also true that, by section 923 of the Code, it is provided that unless a defendant alleged to have been an indorser upon a promissory note, with his answer, or within 10 days after the service of the same, serves an original affidavit to the effect that he has not received notice of nonacceptance or of nonpayment of the bill or note, the certificate of a notary public of the state, under his hand and seal of office, of the presentment by him for acceptance or «payment or of the protest for nonacceptance, or nonpayment, or of the service of notice thereof on a party to the note or bill, specify