McCormick Harvesting Machine Co. v. Koch

Opinion of the court by

Burford, C. J.:

Thie McCormick Harvesting Machine company, a corporation, brought its action in the probate, court of Garfield county against W. H. Koch and T. J. Koch to recover judgment on two promissory notes for the sum of $47 each, with interest, executed by the defendants for a harvesting machine. Each of the notes contained the following provision:

“The express condition of the sale and purchase of the harvesting machine for which this note is given is such that the title, ownership, or possession does not pas j from the said McCormick Harvesting Machine company until this note and interest is paid; in full, and the said McCormick Harvesting Machine company have full power to declare this note due, and take possession of the said harvesting machine, whenever they deem them selves insecure, even before the maturity of.this note, and .sell the same at public or private sale, without notice. The proceeds (after the expense© and interest are paid) to be applied on this mote, and any balance then unpaid shall, in consideration of the use and rent of said property, be a valid and subsisting claim against the vendee.”

The defendants answered that the plaintiff had, without their knowledge or consent, taken possession of the machine for which the notes were given, and deprived them of. the possession and use of same, and prayed judgment for cancellation of the notes and for costs of suit. To this answer the plaintiff interposed a demurrer for want of sufficient facts. The demurrer was overruled, and exceptions saved. The plaintiff then filed a reply, in which it was admitted that plaintiff took possession of the machine; but it was averred that such possession was taken long rafter the notes became due, and then under and by virtue of the terms and agreements contained in the notes; and said machine sold, and the proceeds, after paying expense of sale, applied and credited on said notes, and that there was a balance due, for which judgment was prayed.

The defendants then moved for judgment 'in theii favor on the pleadings. The court sustained the motion, and rendered judgment in favor of the defendants for costs and for cancellation of the notes. From this judgment the plaintiff prosecutes this appeal.

The defendants in error have not favored- us with any brief, and we are not advised upon what theory the trial court decided the case and gave judgment for defendants. The sale of the machine, the terms and conditions of the notes, and th|e manner of disposal of the machine on default, were all matters concerning whicn the parties had a right to contract, and these terms and conditions were embraced in, and made part of, the-notes. On default of payment the machine company had a right to the possession of the harvester, and a right to sell the same and apply the proceeds of sale to-the payment of the notes; and the payors expressly agreed that, in consideration of the use of the machine, they should be liable for any balance. We know of no-reason why such a contract is not valid and binding on the parties to it, or why it cannot be enforced as between the parties to the contract. The answer did not state a defense which would avoid the terms -and provisions contained in the notes. There was no allegation of fraud, nor was it averred that the defendants had never had the possession or use of the machine. It may have been a hard contract, but the defendants voluntarily entered into it, and, under the -showing made, the courts are not authorized to release them from their agreement. The reply was sufficient for the answer. It was error to render judgment for the defendants on the pleadings..

The judgment is reversed, and cause remanded, with directions to overrule the motion for judgment on the pleadings, and sustain the demurrer to-, the amended answer, and for further proceedings. Judgment fox-plaintiff in the case for costs.

All of the Justices concurring.