Krueger v. Topp-Stewart Tractor Co.
Krueger v. Topp-Stewart Tractor Co.
Opinion of the Court
In our consideration of this case we start with the proposition that the plaintiffs granted to the Tractor Company, by a good and sufficient conveyance for that purpose, the right to build and construct its transmission line over and across their farm. Pursuant thereto it took possession of the right of way, built its' line, has ever since occupied the same by itself and its grantee, and has not in any manner repudiated the grant. It is further a conceded fact that nothing was paid to the plaintiffs for such grant unless it be the one dollar recited in the instrument of conveyance.
Plaintiffs contend that they were induced to make this grant by what they insist was an agreement on the part of the Tractor Company to render both light and power available to them for use upon their farm at and for the same rates charged their patrons in the city of Clintonville. It appears from the evidence that there were repeated conversations and negotiations between the plaintiffs and representatives of the Tractor Company looking towards the securing of this right of way, and that in such negotiations a great deal was said concerning the furnishing of light and power to the plaintiffs when the transmission line should be constructed and concerning the value and advantage that such service would be to the plaintiffs. These conversations, however, fell short of a definite contract and agreement in that respect. While we have no doubt that the contemplated availability of li'ght and power for the use of plaintiffs on their farm together with the laying out of the highway, which the representatives of the Tractor Company
We cannot hold the grant a nullity. The parties to this action do not seek to have it declared a nullity. The plaintiffs certainly executed the grant, Exhibit A, set forth in the statement of facts, and so long as that stands it vests in the Tractor Company the right to build and maintain its transmission line across plaintiffs’ farm. True, the consideration, or the supposed consideration, has failed. Assuming that under such circumstances the plaintiffs might repudiate the grant and that a court of equity would cancel the same, the fact remains that the plaintiffs have not only failed to repudiate the grant or to ask for a cancellation thereof, but in this action have expressly affirmed the grant. Both parties, therefore, stand upon the grant, and the question is, What are the rights of the plaintiffs under these circumstances ?
The plaintiffs have conveyed something of value to the defendants. They were induced so to do in expectation of benefits resulting to them, which have failed. It was not their intention to donate the grant, neither was a donation sought by the Tractor Company, The plaintiffs expected to
The result is that the defendants have secured something from the plaintiffs which they propose to keep and for which they have paid nothing. They secured a valuable right by virtue of a misunderstanding. The benefits which plaintiffs expected would accrue to them from the building of the line have failed. Under such circumstances the law implies a promise on the part of defendants to pay what the right is reasonably worth. This the plaintiffs should be permitted to recover in the present action. Amendment of the pleadings for that purpose should be allowed if deemed necessary. The amount which they are entitled-to recover is the value of the right which they have conveyed. In ordinary cases the value of that right would be the market value. We take judicial
There does not appear to be any privity of contract between the plaintiffs and the defendant Central Wisconsin Power Company, and on what theory that company could be held liable to the plaintiffs is not apparent. However, as there must be a new trial, we will not foreclose plaintiffs of an opportunity to show such liability, if any .there be. That is a matter which can be disposed of by the trial court upon a new trial.
By the Court. — The judgment appealed from is reversed, and cause remanded with instructions to grant a new trial in accordance with this opinion.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- Krueger and another v. Topp-Stewart Tractor Company and another
- Status
- Published