Voss v. Fielden

Oakley, Ch. J. In October 1848, the defendant obtained a-commission, with a stay , of proceedings, to examine witnesses at Buenos Ayres. The plaintiff now moves for leave to proceed to-trial. By advices received in October last, there is reason to-think that some progress has been made in the examination; and affidavits are produced by the defendant, tending to show that there has been no unreasonable delay. The plaintiff claims that he ought to have an opportunity to meet the allegations in these-affidavits, and that the defendant ought to move for a further' stay. On considering the matter, we think the rule ought to be, that the parties in a case like this have liberty to go to trial at the-next term. If the commission be not then returned, it will be-incumbent on the other party to apply for a further stay. This will give to the party desiring to go to trial, an opportunity to691 answer the statements on which his adversary relies for continuing the stay of proceedings and obtaining further time to procure >the testimony. Such will be the practice in future, where it appears that sufficient time, prima facie, has elapsed, for the execution and «return of the commission.