Cook v. Bean

Perkins, J. Suit upon a note. Answer: that it was given for the purchase money of a tract of land, for which a deed, pursuant to a title bond executed at the time, was to be made on payment of the note, and that no deed had been tendered. Reply in denial. Trial; evidence establishing the truth of the answer; whereupon the Court held the case under advisement till the plaintiff could cause a deed to be tendered, which being done, judgment was rendered for the plaintiff. This was erroneous. It was like permitting a party to sue on a note before it is due, but suspending judgment till it becomes due, and then rendering it against the defendant, thus harassing him with a suit before he is liable to pay. It is true that a general doctrine is laid down, that a specific performance may be enforced where the party is able to perfect title at the rendition of the decree; but that doctrine does not apply to excuse a party from being diligent, from doing all in his power to fulfill his contract; it does not apply to excuse a tender of a deed, made a condition precedent to the right to sue. It applies in cases where a party has tendered a deed, given possession, &c., but where some secret defect is discovered in the title, previously unknown, perhaps, to either party. In such case, if the party can cure the defect before decree, judgment [505] will go in Ms favor. An examination of the cases cited in Fry on Specific Performance, vide p. 253, and Adams’ Equity, vide p. 84, et seq., and notes, shows this. R. L. Hathaway and A. T. Rose, for the appellant. ‘ Per Guriam. — The judgment is reversed, with costs. Cause remanded, &c.