Thompson v. People , 1 Lock. Rev. Cas. 168 ( 1799 )

The Supreme Court further held, that this was not a private franchise but one of a public nature, in which the public at large had an interest; and that an information in the nature of a quo warranto might be filed in the name of the people, on the relation of any aggrieved citizen j that in a case of this kind a quo warranto or information in the nature of a quo warranto was the appropriate remedy; and that it was not taken away by the fact that a bond had been executed to the state as a security for the faithful performance of the conditions upon which the grant was made; such bond being merely cumulative.

It was further held, that although the bridge was built in conformity to the requirements of the act granting the franchise, and so continued for the space of 29 years, still it appearing that for 10 years subsequent to that period, the grantees had failed to comply with such requirements;. that the conditions prescribed were continuing conditions j that the bridge was to be so maintained as well as erected ; therefore the non-compliance was a misuser, and the defendants had incurred a forfeiture of the franchise.

The Court of Errors held, however, that as the plea of the defendants alleged, that they had in all respects conformed to the requirements of the act, and set forth particularly, “ that they had, left an opening between the centre arches of the bridge, of the width of 25 feet, for the passage of vessels,” and the Attorney General had replied “ that a bridge was not built between the centre arches whereof \ there was and hath been and is an opening of not less than twenty-five feet, and the jury instead of finding the defendants “ guilty of unlawful holding or exercising the franchise,” found, “ that since the year 1825, there was not an opening between the-centre arches of the width of twenty five feet, but that at all times since 1825, the opening was of less width than twenty-five feet:—”

The Court of Errors held, that the verdict was imperfect, that from the finding of the jury, it did not necessarily follow that a cause of forfeiture existed, as it did not appear but that this diminution in width was wholly immaterial in respect to the object for which the opening and drawbridge were required; nor that any private or public injury had resulted from the diminution ; nor but that there had been a substantial performance of the conditions upon which the grant was made, which is all that can be required in the performance of a condition subsequent, and accordingly the court reversed the judgment of the Supreme Court, and awarded a repleuder.

In the other points above stated, as decided by the Supreme Court, its decision was not disturbed.

The President of the senate (Bradish,) the Chancellor and 8 senators were in favor of affirming the judgment of the Supreme Court, but 11 senators voted to reverse and award the repleadel", which was accordingly done by a majority of one onlyi

Q,uere ? It would Seem that the replication of the Attorney General should have set forth particularly the diminution of the width, and have averred that the diminution was material; that private and public injury had resulted from it, and have negatived the substantial performance of the requirements of the act ?

The order entered after judgment of reversal, proceeds, “ and it appearing to the cdurt that the plea of the plaintiffs in error in the court below, and the issue therefore joined, which has been found for the plaintiff below, does not determine the right and that no judgment therefore shoidd be given upon the verdict aforesaid, it is further ordered and adjudged that the said parties do replead, that is to say that the plaintiffs in error answer anew to the information in regard to the said issue, and that they proceed, &c., until an issue or issues of law, or fact be duly joined.