Costello v. Forty-Second Street, Manhattanville & St. Nicholas Avenue Railway Co.

From an examination of the affidavits submitted on the part of the defendant, it is clear that they do not furnish a sufficient excuse for opening the default. The motion, however, is based not only upon affidavits, but “ upon all the proceedings and pleadings had herein and the default and inquest taken by the plaintiff against the defendant.” The testimony given at the inquest is attached to and forms part of the return and, for the purpose of determining whether or not the default should be opened, we may examine such testimony with a view of determining whether the same sets forth a cause of action against the defendant; because, unless the plaintiff from the facts shown is entitled to recover, the judgment should not stand. The plaintiff was the only witness sworn in his own behalf. He testifies that he was standing with his cab on Broadway between Forty-fifth and Forty-sixth streets, near the center of the block, on the east side of the street. He wanted to go south, and for that purpose started to cross the street. He was then about three, yards from the car track and saw a car at Forty-fifth street coming north at “ half speed.” It is evident that his horse was headed north, as he says: I was in the center of the square (Long Acre square) turning to get out.” As he was crossing the north-bound track he was hit by the car. It would appear, therefore, that after hr *629-saw the ear he turned his horse toward the west, traversed the distance from where he stood to the track and had got upon the track when struck by the car. Whether the car struck the horse or the cab is not shown. The accident occurred in the center of the block. There was no evidence, that the speed of the car was accelerated, nor of any other circumstance showing negligence on the part of the motorman. The mere happening of an accident in such a case is no evidence of negligence, and, under the circumstances disclosed, if the defendant was in any way negligent, the plaintiff was equally so. z

Scott and Bischoff, JJ., concur.

Order reversed and new trial ordered, with costs to appellant to abide the event.