Trauerman v. Nebraska Land & Feeding Co.
Trauerman v. Nebraska Land & Feeding Co.
Opinion of the Court
The facts in this case have been fully stated in the preceding opinions, Nebraska Land & Feeding Co. v. Trauerman, 70 Neb. 795, and Trauerman v. Nebraska Land & Feeding Co., 77 Neb. 403. When the case was last before the court a judgment had been rendered in favor of the defendant. The defendant then insisted that the principle governing the disposition of the case was that announced in Walter Bros. v. Reed & Gerard, 34 Neb. 544, and Lexington Mill & Elevator Co. v. Neuens, 42 Neb. 649. It was pointed out in the opinion that in those cases the purchaser had absolutely refused to proceed further in performance of his contract, but that, under the evidence in this case, it was not clear that the plaintiffs had absolutely repudiated it, and it was held that if on another trial it could be established that the plaintiffs had not abandoned the contract, but at a later date were ready and willing to receive and pay for the calves, then whatever damages the defendant may have sustained in consequence of the plaintiffs’ failure to strictly fulfil its terms should be allowed, and plaintiffs permitted to recover the surplus in defendant’s hands, if any. The cause was again submitted under instructions in substantial accordance with the principles announced in the two opinions of this court, and the jury returned a verdict for $800 in favor of the plaintiffs. Defendant appeals.
It is impracticable to set out all the evidence, which largely consists of letters and telegrams. Among other letters it is shown that on October 19, 1900, a letter was written on behalf of the plaintiffs from O’Neill, Nebraska, to the defendant at Chadron, Nebraska. The letter is ambiguous and uncertain in its language, but may be fairly construed as a request to defendant to sell the 500 calves
Other evidence as to prior dealings, and as to later efforts of plaintiffs to obtain delivery, was before the jury. On the whole evidence the jury might well find that the proof of abandonment of contract was not clear, and that the defendant was only entitled to actual damages sustained. The cost of delivery and return was proved; also evidence was given pro and con as to shrinkage in the value of the calves. Judging only from the amount of recovery, we think it probable that the jury in fixing the damages took into account the fact that defendant had the benefit of the use of the $1,000, advance payment, for nearly ten years. Perhaps, considering the fact that the jury were of the vicinage and better fitted to weigh evidence and determine questions of fact relative to the value of live stock in the western part of the state than the members of this court are, the amount of damage allowed defendant is fully compensatory. Under such circumstances, we would not be justified in setting aside the verdict, even if we thought the amount recovered more than it should have been.
Complaint is made as to the giving and refusing of instructions, but the case seems to have been submitted so as to place fairly before the jury the respective contentions of the parties and the law applicable thereto.
The judgment of the district court is
Affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Isaac G. Trauerman v. Nebraska Land & Feeding Company
- Status
- Published