Harris v. Boggs

Sullivan, J. The first error assigned is, that the demurrer to the replication to the defendant’s third plea was improperly sustained. The 12th section of the act regulating distress for rent, R. S. 1838, p. 472, exempts from distress, amongst other things, property deposited with a tavernkeeper “in the usual course of business.” Upon the construction of that statute depends the sufficiency of the replication. By a deposite with a tavernkeeper “ in the usual course of business,” we understand a deposite of goods with him, by a guest, for safe-keeping. In the course of an innkeeper’s business, no other deposite of goods is usually, if ever, made with him. This being the plain import of the statute, the plaintiff, in her replication, should have brought the goods for which she sues within the exemption, by showing herself to have been a guest at the inn of W. Harris. The replication is defective for not doing so, and the demurrer to it was well sustained. Objections were made to the plea, but we think without foundation. The plea shows a warrant issued by a justice of the peace of the proper township, directed to the defendant who was a constable of the township, commanding him to make the distress. This warrant was a sufficient justification to the officer. Harris v. M’Faddin, 2 Blackf. 71. As the third plea presents a complete bar to the plaintiff’s action, it is not necessary to examine the other pleadings in the cause. Per Curiam. The judgment is affirmed with costs.