C. C. Elmer Tank Boiler Co. v. Art Cleaner & Dyers

CLAIBORNE, J. The plaintiff sues the defendants for $102, the price of a boiler and stack sold to them. The defendants admit having ordered and received a boiler — 6 — from the plaintiff, but they aver that there were missing parts to the boiler and that it leaked; that the defendants notified the plaintiff of these defects and that the boiler stood out of order in the yard for several months; that with plaintiff’s consent the defendants employed other workmen who repaired the boiler and put it in perfect condition at an expense of $35; that the plaintiff refused to deduct that amount from their bill; that they have offered to return the boiler to the plaintiff who has refused to accept it. The defendants pray that plaintiff’s demand be rejected and that it be ordered to receive its boiler. The case was fixed for trial for March 27th and the defendants were notified. On March 25th the defendants filed a motion in which they alleged that they would be “busy in other legal matters in other courts,” and that they would ask for a continuance. No action appears to have been taken on that motion. On March 27th the case was taken up for trial. “Present, Thomas Tomeny, attorney for plaintiff; defendant absent and not represented.” Charles Elmer was heard as a witness and established plaintiff’s case. Judgment was rendered in favor of plaintiff. The defendants have appealed. They complain that the case was tried in- their absence and in the absence of their counsel. A party who would obtain a continuance of a case should address the court at the moment of trial and make a proper showing. In the absence of either the opposite party is entitled to a trial of the case. The appellant has not' pointed out any error in the judgment which is therefore affirmed.