In re Carter
Opinion of the Court
The bond of Carter to Gurnee was for. five thousand dollars and interest at the rate of 12 iter cent, per annum, payable semi-annually on the 1st days of May and November in each year, the interest commencing to run on the 4th day of July, 1870. On default of the payment of any semi-annual instalment of interest the whole debt was to fall due, otherwise the debt was to mature for payment on the 1st May, 1S73. Deed of trust was given upon
As no evidence is before me, or is reported by the register as having been before him, showing expressly for what object the trustees allowed time on part of the purchase-money, no evidence to show that this allowance of time was the act of the beneficiary in the deed, I think the court ought to presume that credit was given by the trustees in the interest of the sale, in order to enlarge the number of bidders and secure a higher price for the land. I see no evidence of such acts as would amount to a novation of the debt on the part of Gurnee, the creditor. There could have been no novation unless by positive and express act of the beneficiary. If that be so, then the creditor has a right to the payment of his debt, with 12 per cent, interest until paid. The act of the trustees in giving time on part of the purchase-money, at 6 per cent, interest, cannot per se affect the rights of Gurnee. The bond was given at a vime when 12 per cent, interest was legal. I*, was a valid contract, and I see nothing to justify the court in cutting the rate of interest down from 12 to C per cent. The exceptions taken by the counsel for Gurnee to the register’s report on that subject are therefore sustained.
The report of the register in respect to the claim of Josephus Carr, trustee for Horten-sia Coe, disallowing war interest, is approved. and the exceptions of Carr thereto overruled.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- In re CARTER
- Status
- Published