Southern Railway Co. v. Brown
Southern Railway Co. v. Brown
Opinion of the Court
Plaintiff Brown took two trunks and miscellaneous household goods to defendant’s agent at its depot at Aragon, Ga., and received a bill of lading for the transportation of the household goods, nob including the trunks, to Stevenson, in this state. Plaintiff’s intention was to have the trunks carried as baggage, and he so notified the agent. But, when he went back later in the day to get his ticket and have the trunks checked to Stevenson, the agent informed him that the trunks had gone forward by freight. Plaintiff made demand for his trunks at Stevenson, but they have not been delivered.
(1, 2) The complaint contained two counts. The first in Code form as upon a bill of lading, except that the words “for a reward” were omitted; the second in trover. Defendant contends that, as matter of law on the facts stated, plaintiff should not have been allowed to recover on either count.
The first count, we think, was ex delicto. — Tallassee Falls Co. v. Western Railway, 117 Ala. 520, 23 South. 139, 67 Am. St. Rep. 179; N. C. & St. L. Ry. Co. v. Parker, 123 Ala. 683, 27 South. 323; Western Ry. v. Hart, 160 Ala. 5499, 49 South. 371. So, of course, was the second.
(3) Defendant cites authorities to the effect that notice to the carrier, express or implied, of the intention to commit the goods to his care and custody for transportation, is unnecessary to impose upon him duty and
The matter of the continuance or postponement rested in the sound discretion of the court. If defendant’s counsel knew nothing of the contents of the bill of lading, defendant knew, and should have been prepared.
It follows from the evidence stated and observations already made as to its effect, that there was no error in overruling the motion for a new trial.
Affirmed.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.