Stroud v. Pierce
Stroud v. Pierce
Opinion of the Court
The first exception relates to the ruling of the judge on the question of variance. The declaration sets forth a sale of a pianoforte with a warranty, and alleges that it was paid for in cash. The pianoforte was returned by the vendee, and the action is brought to recover back the consideration paid. The defendant, having offered evidence tending to show that the payment was not in cash, but by an order payable in lumber, requested the court to rule, in substance, that if payment was thus to be made, there was a variance between the declaration and the proof. But the court ruled otherwise. This ruling was erroneous. The allegation of a consideration in money would not be sustained by proof of a consideration in specific articles, in an action to recover back the consideration. The practice act does not change the rule that has always existed on this subject. Stone v. White, 8 Gray, 594. The plaintiff must set forth with accuracy the substantive facts of his case.
The second exception relates to the ruling of the judge, that “ a representation that a pianoforte is well made and will stand up to concert pitch is a representation of fact, which, if proved to be false, as' between a seller making the representation and a buyer relying upon it, would authorize the buyer to recover,” &c. The word “ representation ” was undoubtedly used here as synonymous with affirmation ; and there can be no doubt that such an affirmation is a warranty. It relates to the quality of the article, and is like an affirmation that a horse is sound and will work well in a harness. The defendant contends that it should have been left to the jury to find whether this language was used with the intention of affirming the fact, or of expressing an opinion. But the intent of the party is immaterial. The legal proposition stated by the judge was correct.
Exceptions sustained.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Ira Stroud v. William Pierce
- Status
- Published