Moeller v. Quarrier

Scates, J. Two questions are presented in this case. First, the affidavit for the attachment charges, that Falmestock is a non-resident, and that Moeller is about to depart the State, &c. Moeller alone pleaded in abatement that he was not about to depart, &c. Upon the trial of this issue, the court overruled an objection to, and admitted evidence of, the indebtedness, and we are of opinion it was correct. Secondly, Moeller sold his interest in the profits of an unsettled partnership, estimated at $300, to Merriman, for which Merriman bound himself “ to pay all the expenses incurred by said William F. Moeller, while on said journey from the town of Lacón, Marshall county, Illinois, to California, the said William F. Moeller stopping at San Francisco.” Is this such an interest as can be reached by garnishment, under proceedings by attachment ? We are of opinion that it is liable. The statute provides that “lands, tenements, goods, chattels, rights, credits, moneys, and effects of said debtor of every kind” may be attached, “ in whose hands or possession the same may be found.” Rev. Stat. 45, p. 63, sec. 1. Debts not due are attachable, unless it be by a negotiable instrument, p. 67, sec. 17, and garnishee may set off demands due him by defendant, p. 69, sec. 25. The Massachusetts statute makes “ goods, effects, and credits intrusted and deposited ” attachable; and in determining what were goods, effects, or credits within its meaning, her courts have held that contingent interests are not attachable. 1 Mass. R. 470; 3 lb. 33, 68.