14 Abb. Pr. 178 | N.Y. Sup. Ct. | 1862
complaint shows, that prior to the 14th day of Hay, 1860, the defendant was in possession of and claimed to hold and administer the office of chamberlain of the city and county of Hew York. That on or about that day, under and in pursuance of the laws of the State of Hew York, Hathan C. Platt was duly appointed to fill such office, and was constituted
The only ground of demurrer alleged by the defendant is, that the complaint does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action.
If the allegations in the complaint, as to the manner Hathan C. Platt was appointed chamberlain, are so general that the plaintiff could have been required to make them more definite and certain on motion, still they are sufficient to show that Platt was legally appointed to that office; and they are also sufficient, when the objection thereto is taken by demurrer. (See 12 N.Y., 433; 5 Abbots' Pr., 481.)
If Nathan O. Platt had died, the claim or cause of action for the fees and commissions in question would have survived him; and he could therefore assign the same to the plaintiff, and the latter, as assignee thereof, can sustain this action for such fees and commissions in his own name. (See 22 Barb., 110; 12 N.Y., 622.)
It is laid down by Comyn, that “ if a man receive the profits of an office upon pretence of a title, an indebitatus assumpsit lies by him who has the right to them, as for money had and received to his use.” (See 1 Com. Dig., 287, ed. 1824, title, Action upon the case upon assumpsit; 6 Mees. & W., 639; 6 Term. R., 681; 1 Scott, 539.) And I do not doubt that, an action is maintainable to recover from a party who has wrongfully received the fees of an office, which the plaintiff holds or is entitled to hold, the amount of such fees.
For the foregoing reasons I am of the opinion that the plaintiff’s complaint states facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action. The demurrer to the same must therefore be overruled with costs; but the defendant may answer the complaint on payment of the costs occasioned by the demurrer.