Leberman v. New Orleans, Florida, & Havana Steamship Co.
Leberman v. New Orleans, Florida, & Havana Steamship Co.
Opinion of the Court
In November, 1871, the plaintiffe, it appears, shipped from Philadelphia to New Orleans one thousand boxes of soap consigned to Smith & McKenna, who refused to receive it on account of its being-in a damaged condition. The plaintiffs have sued Smith & McKenna for the price of the soap, and that suit is now pending. They allege in this suit (No. 38,422 of the docket of the Fourth District Court) that the defendants, the steamship company, are responsible for the value of the soap, and for all damages incurred by any party interested, and that the damages now amount to more than one thousand dollars, and that it is necessary to institute this suit to interrupt the prescription of one year. The plaintiffs therefore pray that after due proceedings luid the steam
To this petition the defendants filed the following exceptions:
First — That plaintiffs are not authorized to sue and can not legally sue for whom it may concern.
Second — That they allege no interest in the suit and ask no judgment in their favor.
Third — That they set forth in their petition that in their own suit against Smith & McKenna they have alleged that Smith & McKenna are responsible to them for any damage that may have been incurred.
Fourth — That plaintiffs have set forth no cause of action in this suit.
The exceptions were sustained and the suit dismissed. Plaintiffs have •appealed.
We find no error in the judgment.
“ An action can only be brought by one having a real and actual intcr-•est which he pursues, but as soon as that interest arises he may bring his action.” O. P., article 15.
The defendants’ counsel properly say: “ The plaintiffs come into court ■suing and appearing for the benefit of whom it may concern; they do not allege that defendants have caused them damage, alleging at the same time that they have sued their consignees for the value .of the .soap. If Smith & McKenna are liable to them for the full value of the .soap, notwithstanding the damage, then the loss resulting from such damage must fall upon Smith & McKenna, and plaintiffs by their own ■allegations having no interest in it, have no right of action for its re•covery.”
Judgment affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Leberman & Co. v. New Orleans, Florida, and Havana Steamship Company
- Status
- Published