Knight v. Donnelly

BROADDUS, P. J. This is an appeal from the action of the court in retaxing costs. The plaintiffs recovered judgment. One of the plaintiffs’ witnesses, Mrs. D. D. Lewis, claimed $57.70 as fees, $30 of which was for twenty-four days’ attendance at $1.25 a day and $27 for 554 miles traveled by her; and the full amount was taxed by the clerk in her favor. The defendants filed a motion to retax said costs on the ground that as the witness had not been subpoenaed her appearance as a witness was voluntary, and that she was on the witness stand a part of one day only. The court on hearing sustained the motion and rendered judgment retaxing the witness’ fees so as to allow for $1.25 only. It was shown by the evidence that the witness resided at Detroit, Michigan. Plaintiffs’ attorney at Kansas City wrote to her a letter requesting her to come to the trial, stating that he would send .her a subpoena; that she could accept service on the same when she arrived inside of the State of Missouri; that her fees from that point to Kansas City would be sufficient to pay her fare from Detroit; that the amount would be advanced to her; that he would get some one to pay her the money; and that on these representations the witness consented to come. The case did not come to trial for several weeks after her arrival in Kansas City, but witness remained until it did and testified in the case during one day only. It was shown that plaintiffs’ attorney had in his office a printed, blank subpoena, having the name of the clerk printed thereon, but not having the signature [107] of tbe clerk or any of bis deputies. Tbe attorney filled in tbe blank spaces, name of witness, title of the canse, date for attendance, party on whose behalf she should attend, dated and mailed it to her at Detroit. Before mailing it, the attorney wrote on the back these words, “I hereby accept service of the within subpoena.” The paper when introduced in evidence read as follows: “I hereby accept service of the within subpoena at St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. D. I). Lewis.” Mrs. Lewis entered the State on her route at St. Louis and there accepted service of the subpoena by writing said acceptance. As no instructions, were asked or given, strictly speaking, there is nothing before the court to review. On the merits of the case, it may be said however, that the action of the court should be approved. The attendance of the witness was purely voluntary. “A subpoena, is a process of court and must be issued in the manner prescribed by the statute. It must contain the names of the witnesses to whom it is directed and be signed' by the clerk and attested by the seal of his office.” [Lucas v. Brown, 127 Mo. App. 645.] The so-called subpoena was not such because it was not signed by the clerk or one of his deputies, which is an absolute requirement of the statute; therefore, the witness’ attendance was voluntary and she was entitled to a fee only for attendance while testifying. Affirmed. All concur.