Denny-Renton Clay & Coal Co. v. Johnson
Denny-Renton Clay & Coal Co. v. Johnson
Opinion of the Court
This is an action to recover the price of brick furnished defendants Johnson and Eden. It was tried before the lower court with waiver of jury, and comes to us upon findings of fact and conclusions of law. Judgment was rendered in favor of the plaintiff.
The appellants have made numerous assignments of error, but in their brief have confined themselves to two points, and as we did not have the benefit of oral argument on behalf of appellants, no others appear to be raised.
The defense set up an oral agreement between Johnson and the respondent for a certain kind of brick at $15.25 per thousand, and that of this kind a partial delivery had been made. But the respondent, it was alleged, refused to furnish any more brick at that price, demanding that the rate be fixed at $17.25 per thousand. Then it is narrated that appellants, unable to get brick anywhere else, had been coerced into taking respondent’s brick at the advanced price without further consideration. On account of this enforced increase, they claimed credit for an overcharge of $4,200. The answer finally alleged that appellants have been compelled to pay a premium of $421.25 upon a surety bond, which premium it had been respondent’s bargain to assume.
Other grievances are set forth in the answer—extra expense on account of handling, loading, teaming, and stacking rejected brick; an increased quantity of cement necessary by reason of replacing cracked and warped brick; $110 on account of lumber made necessary in shipping brick. Damages for delay and for increased cost in laying brick, by reason of intermittent and untimely deliveries, were also claimed.
As for the appellant Eden, he entered into his partnership with Johnson after August 15, 1913, when Johnson’s contract with respondent was signed, and no reasons are shown in the record why he should stand in a better position in respect to the burdens of this contract than Johnson himself.
The second point that is pressed upon us is the price of the surety bond. The lower court found that respondent had not agreed to make this payment. The testimony conflicts and, with no preponderance in favor of appellants, the trial court’s finding in that respect cannot be disturbed.
There being no error in the record, the judgment is affirmed.
Morris, C. J., Main, Parker, and Holcomb, JJ., concur.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Denny-Renton Clay & Coal Company v. J. W. Johnson
- Status
- Published