Equity Gas-Light Co. v. McKeige

New York Court of Appeals
Equity Gas-Light Co. v. McKeige, 34 N.E. 898 (N.Y. 1893)
139 N.Y. 237; 54 N.Y. St. Rep. 550; 94 Sickels 237; 1893 N.Y. LEXIS 992
Andrews

Equity Gas-Light Co. v. McKeige

Opinion of the Court

*239 Andrews, Ch. J.

The contract upon which the certificate ■of stock was placed in the hands of the defendant, as bailee, was never performed by Work, Pfeiffer and Macfarlane, and upon the facts found the plaintiff was entitled to a return of the certificate. The only defense which the defendant urges in answer to the claim of the plaintiff for the surrender of the certificate is that a judgment against him in this action will not conclude Work, Pfeiffer and Macfarlane in any suit they may hereafter bring against him as bailee. The fact that a party may possibly be subjected to a double recovery in the same matter in suits by adverse claimants is not a reason for denying relief to a party who comes into court, alleging and proving his right to the thing demanded. The defendant may ordinarily protect himself by bringing a suit in the nature -of a bill of interpleader, making the different, claimants parties. {Ball- v. L'uiei/, 18 X. Y. P>.) Upon the evidence :and findings the plaintiff established its right, to a return of the certificate. The consent of Work and Pfeiffer that it should be returned was made known to the defendant before the action was commenced. Macfarlane had also consented, provided Work -was authorized to sign his name to the order drawn on the defendant. This question was litigated on the trial and found in favor of the authority upon sufficient evidence. There seems to be no merit in the effort of the defendant to prevent the company from regaining possession mi the certificate.

The judgment should be affirmed.

All concur.

.Judgment affirmed.

Reference

Full Case Name
The Equity Gas-Light Company of the Eastern District of the City of Brooklyn, Respondent, v. Ferdinand McKeige, Appellant
Cited By
2 cases
Status
Published