Fidelity Trust Co. v. Ellen ( 1913 )

This is one of the numerous actions upon notes given to McLaughlin Brothers for the purchase of an "imported French coach horse," of which so many others are to be found in the Reports of this State and also in those of other States. Attention is called to this in Winter v. Nobs, 19 Idaho, at page 28. Only one issue was submitted, "Are the defendants indebted to the plaintiff, and if so, in what amount?" The plaintiff did not tender any issues, nor except to this issue for failure to submit other issues.

There were exceptions to evidence, but they do not require consideration, and indeed were not argued here. The plaintiff requested the court to charge that there was no evidence that the note was procured by fraud, and if there was any, none that the plaintiff had notice of such fraud. These were properly refused upon the evidence.

The plaintiff further requested the court to charge that the action being upon a negotiable instrument, he is presumed to be the holder thereof in due course, without notice of any equities or defenses of the defendants. This the court properly refused to give. There was allegation and proof tending to show that the execution of the note was procured by fraud, and hence the burden was thrown upon the plaintiff to show that it was a holder in due course, the credibility of the evidence being for the jury. Manufacturing Co. v. Summers, 143 N.C. 102; Bank v. Fountain,148 N.C. 590; Park v. Exum, 156 N.C. 231; Bank v. Walser, 162 N.C. 63; Pell's Revisal, sec. 2208.

The plaintiff further requested the court to charge the jury, (47) "If you find the facts to be as testified to by all the witnesses, you will answer the issue as to the plaintiff being a bona fide holder for value and without notice in favor of the plaintiff." This instruction the court could not give upon the evidence. The court, however, did instruct the jury as follows: "The court instructs you, gentlemen, that if you believe all the evidence and find the facts to be as testified by the witnesses, you should answer the issue `Yes; the amount of the note and interest after deducting the credits.' Otherwise, you should answer the issue `Nothing.'" The jury answered the issue "No." Whatever objections the defendants might have raised to this charge need not be considered. It is the plaintiff who appeals, and we do not see how this Court can help him. The jury evidently did not believe the testimony upon which the plaintiff relied, and of its credibility the jury were the sole judges. The presiding judge had the power, and it was his duty, if he thought the interest of justice required it, to set aside the verdict because "against the weight of the evidence." He did not do so, and it is not in the power of this Court to review his action in that respect. Brink v. Black, 74 N.C. 329; Edwards v.Phifer, 120 N.C. 405, citing many cases, and citations to latter case in Anno. Ed.

No error.

Cited: Bank v. Exum, post, 201; Trust Co. v. Whitehead, 165 N.C. 75;Bank v. Branson, ib., 349; Bank v. Drug Co., 166 N.C. 100.