Montgomery v. Elliott , 6 Ala. 701 ( 1844 )

ORMOND, J.

The case of Fowlkes & Co. v. Baldwin, Kent & Co. [2 Ala. 705,] is conclusive to show, that one sued upon anote as a partner, cannot introduce evidence to prove he is not a partner, unless he put the fact in issue by a sworn plea. The members of this company were liable as partners, upon the notes they issued. The proof offered to be made, was, that when this note was issued, the defendant had withdrawn from the company; that is, he had ceased to be a member of the firm, and was,, therefore, not liable upon the note. This defence could only be made, by the statute of 'this State, under the plea of non est factum.

The question, whether a demand was necessary before suit, id one of considerable difficulty. Upon this subject, a great contrariety of opinion formerly prevailed in England, as to the necessity of averring and proving a demand as a precedent condition to the right to recover, when the instrument was made payable on its face at a particular time and place, or where it was accepted, payable at a particular place, which was finally settled on appeal to the House of Lords,"'that such demand was necessary in the case of Rozar v. Young, [2 Brod. and Bing. 180.]

In the United States, a different doctrine has generally pre-' vailed, it being considered matter of defence, and therefore, not necessary to be proved by the plaintiff. [Wallace v. McConnell, 13 Peters, 133. See, also, Chitty on Bills, 9 Am. ed. 393, and Story on Bills, 416; and note, where the cases are collected.]

In this State, it has always been considered matter of defence, when the Suit is against the maker or acceptor. The doctrine is so stated by Judge Saffold, in Irvine v. Withers, [1 Stew. 234;] and although it was not acquiesced in by the whole bench, it has been considered and acted on as settling the law from that time to the present. [Roberts v. Mason, 1 Ala. Rep. 373.]

The question in this case is, whether the same rule is to be applied where the note is payable on demand at a particular place. We are unable to perceive*any substantial difference between the two cases. The same reasons which lead to the conclusion, that it is matter of defence when the note is payable at a specified time, at a particular place, apply with the same force when it is payable on demand. In either case, it is impossible that the defendant can be prejudiced, as he can always defend himself by proving that, he was ready at the place appointed to pay the debt, and if not ready to pay, why should the plaintiff be required- to Ído an unnecessary act. This question is considered at some sngth in the case of Huxture v. Bishop, [3 Wend. 13,] and the a.w considered to be as here stated.

The rule would be different where the suit is against an endorser, his contract being conditional to pay, if the maker does not on demand; a demand and notice is, therefore, necessary by the terms of his contract to fix his liability.

It results from the view here taken, that there is no error i», the judgment of the circuit court, and it is therefore affirmed.