92 Wis. 629 | Wis. | 1896
It appears to be conceded by the appellant that if, after the common council allowed respondent’s claim at $400, she accepted such action as a settlement, a binding contract was thereby made; and that if such facts appear by the complaint a good cause of action is stated. The demand in writing upon the city treasurer for the order, after the action of the council allowing the claim, before any proceedings were taken looking to a reconsideration of the matter, constituted an acceptance just as effectual as a writing in terms accepting the promise of the city to pay the sum allowed in settlement of the claim. Such demand was consistent with the theory of an unqualified acceptance, and inconsistent with any other; and, as the complaint states the facts in regard to such demand, all the facts appear
It is contended that the plaintiff does not state a cause of action under the contract, because, by the charter of the defendant city, no action can be maintained against such city till a claim shall have been filed ánd disallowed or the council shall have neglected to act thereon for a period of sixty days, and that it does not appear from the complaint that any claim under such contract was presented to the council before suit brought. "We do not think the charter provision applies to this case. Here a claim had been presented to the council, which was compromised and settled by mutual promises between the parties, by means of which the defendant became obligated to pay plaintiff $400. The auditing body thereby had full opportunity to act in the matter, fully satisfying the provisions of the charter in respect to its having such opportunity before suit brought.
It follows from the foregoing that the order of the circuit court must be affirmed.
By the Court.— Order affirmed.