McGowan v. Hover

The complaint alleges that the plaintiff was an accommodation indorser upon the defendants’ note for the sum of $500; that when the note became due the defendants refused to pay; and that “ plaintiff was compelled to pay the owner and holder of said note the sum of three hundred dollars, at which sum plaintiff’s liability on said note was settled by compromise, no part of which has been paid to plaintiff by defendants.”

The defendants rest their demurrer upon the ground that the complaint fails to allege that the plaintiff became liable upon the note by reason of the same having been duly protested; that it must be assumed that it was not protested; and that, therefore, plaintiff was not liable upon the note, and his payment of money thereon was voluntary and may not be recovered.

The diligence of counsel has failed to cite any decision in this State directly in point, but I am of the opinion that the indorser is at liberty to pay the note upon default of the maker, whether protested or not. Eaton & Gilbert Com. Paper, Chap. IX.

I am also of the opinion that in order to recover against the maker for such payment the indorser need not allege *139protest. Protest is required for the benefit and protection of the indorser, and whether performed or not, does not in any way affect the liability of the maker; and hence he may not he heard to allege failure of protest when the indorser, who has paid, brings action against him to recover for such payment. “ Money paid by an indorser to an indorsee is not for the benefit of the maker hut rather to protect the indorser’s contract with the indorsee and it operates as a purchase and not as a payment so far as concerns the maker and cannot be taken advantage of by him.” 7 Cyc. 1021, and cases there cited.

The demurrer is, therefore, overruled with costs, with leave to the defendants, to plead over upon payment of costs.

Ordered accordingly.