Richmond Paper Co. v. Bradley

Per Curiam. A re-examination of the record leads ns to conclude that the several decrees rendered by the chancery court are in conflict one with the other. Complainant is made in the suggestion of error of. that portion of the opinion indicating that the demurrer to the amended cross-bill should have been overruled. While there is a decree sustaining the demurrer to cross-bill, there is also a decree rendered in term time submitting the case to be tried in vacation upon bill, answer, and amended cross-bill, answer to the cross-bill, motion to suppress depositions, and the depositions on file. This decree was rendered March 10, 1916, the same day upon which the decree was entered sustaining the cross-bill as finally amended. Then, there is the final decree rendered in vacation of the court May. 26, 1916, and reciting that the cause came on to be heard in vacation “upon original bill answer and cross-bill of defendant, and answer of complainant to cross'bill of the defendant, despositions of complainant, depositions of defendant, and motion of complainant to suppress depositions of defendant.” The depositions and the so-called letter of guaranty are all copied into the record, and it is practically impossible for this 535 court to determine the importance, if any, which the-chancellor attached to the letter relied upon, or the proof in reference thereto. We agree with counsel for appellee in his contention that the letter, or true copy thereof, should have been made a part of the cross-bill. Grood pleading demands this. In the present attitude of thu record we adhere to our conclusion that the decree of the learned chancellor should be reversed, but we think the cause should he remanded for a new "trial, with leave to either party to amend the pleadings in accordance with each party’s view of the proof. The probation of appellant’s claim in bankruptcy against the estate of Barker, and the acceptance of any dividend, would not preclude appellant from relying upon the guaranty. The acceptance of the guaranty would' not destroy the relationship of creditor and debtor between appellant and Barker, but any dividend declared' by the bankruptcy Court should, of course, be credited' upon the debt guaranteed, and the balance due is a matter of proof.