McCord v. Mechanics' National Bank

Mi’. Justice Dickey delivered the opinion of the Court: This was an action of assumpsit, by the hank, against McCord. The declaration set up the execution of a promissory note by Bobbins, dated October 1, 1872, promising to pay to the order of McCord, on or before January 1, 1874, $1000. with interest; that McCord then and there sold or delivered to plaintiff the note, and, at the same time, executed a guaranty of payment to he made on June 9, 1874. To this count defendant, McCord, pleaded that the guaranty was not made when the note was made, but in December, 1873. To this there was a special demurrer, upon the ground that the plea amounted to the general issue, and this demurrer was sustained by the court. This decision was clearly right. The fact pleaded (if material) could, undoubtedly, be given in evidence, under the general issue.. The plea was certainly bad on special demurrer. Payment (and perhaps some other defenses which may be given in evidence under the general issue) may be pleaded specially; but this is exceptional. The general rule is, that matter which may be proved under the general issue can not properly be made the subject of a special plea. Where it is, challenged by special demurrer such plea can not be sustained. It is also insisted, that on the assessment of damages the proof was not sufficient; that the signature to the guaranty was not proven, etc. This position can not be sustained. The . special plea having been set aside by demurrer, the execution of the note and of guaranty stood confessed of record, and needed no proof. Again, where the assessment of damages is not supported by adequate proof, such position can only be heard in this court in cases where a motion in the court below has been made to set aside the assessment of damages, and an exception taken to the judgment of the circuit court in overruling such motion. On this record the question can not be raised in this court. ' The judgment is affirmed. Judgment affirmed.