76 Miss. 104 | Miss. | 1898
delivered the opinion of the court.
It is the duty of a court, in construing a contract, to place itself in the situation of the parties at the time the contract was made, and to ascertain their intention from the contract in the light of that situation, looking also to the subject-matter of the contract. So dealing with this contract, we think the clause £ £ damage by fire, wind or water excepted, ’ ’ means, in view of the further stipulation that Mrs. Waddell agreed “to make, at her own expense, all necessary repairs, and not to call on Mrs. DeJet for repairs,” extraordinary damage by fire, wind or water. This harmonizes with the succeeding stipulation that, in case of destruction by fire, wind or water, rent was to cease from that time. If the premises were destroyed by any of these agencies, rent was to cease, and the lessee was not to be liable for such damages—not liable to rebuild. This view is further borne out by the stipulation that the lessee was to return the premises in as good condition as they then were, except “ordinary wear and tear.” “Ordinary wear and tear ” would include any usual deterioration from the use of the premises-in the lapse of time—ten years, a long lease of such property. Extraordinary damage from fire, wind or water would be unusual, partial or total destruction.
Affirmed.