Anderson v. Jackson
Anderson v. Jackson
Opinion of the Court
Appellee sued as the as-signee of an account by G. A. McElroy against appellant Anderson for commissions alleged to be due by securing an exchange of certain lands belonging to Anderson. The trial resulted in a judgment for appellee against Anderson as the principal debtor and against McElroy as guarantor for the principal sum of $620.75 with judgment for like sum in McElroy’s favor over against Anderson.
“And for the true and faithful performance of all and every one of the covenants and agreements above mentioned the parties to these presents hereby bind themselves each to the other in the sum of two thousand ($2,000.00) dollars, as fixed, settled and liquidated damages by the party failing to complete on his part the stipulations herein set forth, and which said sum shall constitute a specific lien upon the property and premises herein above mentioned as belonging to the party so failing to complete his part of this agreement. And the stipulations aforesaid shall apply to and bind the heirs, executors, and administrators and assigns of the respective parties hereto.”
It seems clear to us, that the contract for the exchange is enforceable as such. The sum named in the paragraph quoted was evidently intended to secure performance, and not to *55 leave It optional with the parties to complete the exchange or pay the specified penalty as they, or either, might choose. The test is, does the contract contemplate the performance of a specified act, fixing a sum named to secure its performance, or does it contemplate either performance of the act or the payment of the sum named, as the party sought to be charged may choose? If the latter, the contract is a mere option. If the former, it may be specifically enforced. See Moss & Raley v. Wren, 102 Tex. 567, 113 S. W. 739, 120 S. W. 847; Redwine v. Hudman, 104 Tex. 21, 133 S. W. 426. Construing the contract as one for conveyance of lands that may be enforced, we think there was no error in the action of the court in giving or refusing charges.
We find no error in the proceedings, and, .the evidence being sufficient to support the material allegations of the plaintiff’s petition, it is ordered that the judgment be affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- ANDERSON Et Al. v. JACKSON
- Cited By
- 4 cases
- Status
- Published