Vulcan Iron-Works v. Cyclone Steam Snow-Plow Co.
Vulcan Iron-Works v. Cyclone Steam Snow-Plow Co.
Opinion of the Court
There is a single question only presented for consideration on this motion for a new trial, and that is whether, in an action brought on the replevin bond, the principal and sureties are bound by the value fixed in the affidavit and writ and bond taken by the sheriff under the statute of Illinois before the property could be seized. The weight of authority would seem to decide they are. In some states it is said that in the original suit of replevin, when the value of the property is involved, the plaintiff is not concluded by the value alleged in his affidavit. Cobbey, Repl. § 996, p. 558. However it may be in such a case, I think the Maine and Massachusetts authorities cited with approval by the United States sujDrome court (Ice Co. v. Webster, 125 U. S. 426, 8 Sup. Ct. Rep. 947) and the Indiana supreme court (Wiseman v. Lynn, 39 Ind. 259) lay down tlie true rule, that they are bound by the value fixed in the writ or bond. Such a rule, if law, is in accordance with justice and reason. The allegation of value in the affidavit of the plaintiff is solemnly made and sworn to. The writ is under its control.
It is stated by counsel that there are few cases reported upon this question. Undoubtedly true, for upon a forfeiture of a bond the defenses are limited, and a plea or answer is rarely interposed. A demurrer to the declaration or complaint is sometimes interposed. But it is said that there is no recital of value in the bond* The statute requires that the plaintiff, or some one else on his behalf, shall give to the sheriff, etc., a bond with sufficient security in double the value of the property about to be replevied. The plaintiff prepares the bond required by the statute, and in order to comply therewith estimates the value, and gives a bond in double the amount thereof. Such act estops the principal and sureties from denying the truth of the admission. The point argued is more refined and technical than sound. I find no error in excluding the testimony, and the motion for a new trial is denied.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.