Biernbaum v. Foster

Opinion by

Orlady, J.,

The original contract between these parties in relation to the finishing and erecting certain ironwork in Philadelphia Base Ball Park, for the sum of $25,986, was completed and paid for, and the only item involved in the present controversy relates to one that is defined as extras. As a defense to the payment of these extras, which are averred to be not worth in excess of $801.40, the defense as set out in the defendant’s affidavit is as follows: “That it was part of plaintiff’s contract to re-erect towers which were torn down from the old stand and to re-erect them on the new stand. Defendant having erected a brick wall at the Broad street end, thereby relieving plaintiffs from the performance of the above-mentioned part of their original contract, and it was under stood and agreed that defendant would be entitled to a credit for the value thereof, which amounted to the sum of $825.” The concluding words of this averment are the ones which were considered by the court below as inadequate and insufficient so as to prevent judgment being entered for the plaintiff’s claim.

The court on motion, made absolute a rule for judgment for the amount as to which the affidavit of defense is insufficient, to wit: the sum of $801.40, and treated it as being admitted to be due. The validity of the judgment depends upon the construction given by the court to the part of the affidavit above quoted, in regard to which it is necessary to cite but few authorities.

Allegations of set-off in general terms, are not to be regarded; the averment must be as specific as those used in the statement. The defendant has the affirmative of the issue and must aver his set-off in terms incapable of being misunderstood, and they must be stated with exactness as to source, character, and amount with the same clearness, and particularity as are required of a plaintiff in his statement: Caven-Williamson Ammonia Co. v. Ice Co., 27 Pa. Superior Ct. 381; Appleby v. Barrett, 28 Pa. Superior Ct. 349; Sprissler v. McFetridge, 37 Pa. Superior Ct. 607; Stage v. Smith, 41 Pa. Superior Ct. 273.

The averment “And it was understood and agreed that defendant would be entitled to a credit for the value thereof” is entirely too vague and indefinite. No explanation is given as to how the amount is arrived at. There is a vague averment that the $825 is the fair and reasonable value of the work, which he alleges the plaintiffs were relieved of doing, but this is a lumping charge, arbitrarily stated. There is no intimation as to the parties between whom such an understanding and agreement to allow a credit, was made. The statement of claim is sufficiently explicit and clear to advise the defendant of the tenor and character of the plaintiff’s claim and demand.

The judgment of the court is affirmed.