Brush v. Shuster

3 Abb. N. Cas. 73
CourtNew York Supreme Court
DecidedOctober 15, 1876
StatusPublished
Cited by1 cases

This text of 3 Abb. N. Cas. 73 (Brush v. Shuster) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering New York Supreme Court primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook
Brush v. Shuster, 3 Abb. N. Cas. 73 (N.Y. Super. Ct. 1876).

Opinion

Brady, J.

There are some circumstances stated herein, which tend to sustain the charge that the defendant above named was endeavoring to obtain the [76]*76mortgaged premises, and was aided in that design which would be in violation of his representative character, and of his duty to the infant children. The refusal to assign the claim, and the fact that the plaintiff took back a mortgage for an amount exceeding the amount of the principal due on the mortgage foreclosure, and the interest due thereon and expenses incurred, seem corroborative. The charges of collusion are, however, absolutely denied, and what would seem therefore strong circumstances, may be regarded as coincidents. It may be assumed as apparent, however, that the sum given at the sale for the premises was inadequate. This is evident from the fact that a mortgage for the whole of that sum, less $410 only, was negotiated with very little trouble, and accepted by the plaintiff and prior mortgagee. Why she should foreclose, when the property was amply sufficient, and when she did nut want the money, facts evidenced by her accepting it as a security for a larger sum loaned by her, is incomprehensible, unless connected with some scheme or for some object concealed. If the defendant above named had not been the purchaser and subsequent mortgagor no suspicion could have.arisen; but the details all lead to the impression, if not conviction, that some preconceived plan existed. This would not, however, even if it were a fact, justify any interference with the sale, unless the court was assured that on the second' sale a larger sum would be obtained, or that at private sale the premises could be disposed of to greater advantage. If that could be shown, it seems doubtful whether the infants would be benefited, because the claim of the defendant as executor is such, if sustained, as to absorb any balance that might remain after the payment of the mortgage. This case is embarrassing, and in some respects unpleasant to contemplate. I have given it much consideration, and have arrived at the conclusion that tms motion must be denied.

[77]*77This conclusion, is based upon the fact that no one has offered to pay a higher price for the property in a reliable manner. No one has bound himself to take it at any price. The mortgagee had a right to foreclose, notwithstanding the depression in real estate ; and as that depression continues, it is not likely that better ■results will follow if a re-sale be ordered. It cannot be said that any substantial injustice was done to the infants, on the proof now presented. It may not be a violent presumption that the defendant above named would consent, under all the circumstances, to transfer his bid and results, if a larger sum could be obtained, the surplus of which should be deposited to the credit of the infants in this action. This court cannot fail to feel an interest in the affairs of infants of which it stands a quasi guardian, when they are brought to its notice, and hence the suggestion. On these papers, however, the motion must be denied.

Leave to renew being afterward granted, Mr. Hendrickson moved again, on further affidavits, showing,among other things, that the purchaser had offered the premises or sale, at the minimum price of $8,500 ; and also on a bond approved by a judge of the court, and tendered on behalf of the infants, in the penalty of $6,000, conditioned that the property should bring that sum on a re-sale.

The following opinion was delivered March 3, 1877, on granting an order for a re-sale:

Donohue, J.

While the proofs on the affidavits seem to be overwhelming with the purchaser, yet there are some coincidences—to call them no more—that compel me to discredit the case made by him: that the plaintiff, whose interest was paid, should, without inducement, sell out on a mortgage of $3,000, and take back one of $4,000 without explanation. It is impossible for me, with the press of other engagements, to go into [78]*78an extended examination in the shape of an opinion, but the conclusion at which I have arrived is that there must be a re-sale.

F. H. Cowdrey, for appellants, urged: I. That the charge of collusion was fully considered by the justice on the motion for judgment, and that the judgment effectually disposed of that charge (Brown v. Frost, 10 Paige, 245). II. A judicial sale is never set aside for inadequacy of price alone (Livingston v. Byrne, 11 Johns. 555; Duncan v. Dodd, 2 Paige, 101; Am. Ins. Co. v. Oakley, 9 Id. 260; Brown v. Frost, 10 Id. 248; Collier v. Whipple, 13 Wend. 226; Mott v. Walkley, 3 Edw. Ch. 592; Tripp v. Cook, 26 Wend. 146, 153; Williamson v. Dale, 3 Johns. Ch. 290; Woodhull v. Osborne, 2 Edw. Ch. 616; Kellogg v. Howell, 62 Barb. 289; Howell v. Mills, 53 N. Y. 326; March v. Ludlum, 3 Sandf. Ch. 50; Lefevre v. Laraway, 22 Barb. 173; Stryker v. Storm, 1 Abb. Pr. N. S. 426; Whitbeck v. Rowe, 25 How. Pr. 406; Billington v. Forbes, 10 Paige, 488).

[78]*78Motion granted.

By the order entered on the foregoing decision, the bond was required to be to the following effect: “The said guardian ad litem, shall, within twenty days after the entry of this order, execute or cause to be executed a bond to George A. Halsey, referee appointed by the judgment herein, in the penalty of $5,000, with one surety, to be approved as .to sufficiency and form by one of the justices of this court, and filed with the clerk of this court, conditioned that the premises described in the judgment herein shall bring at least $4,600 and interest from last sale, oh such re-sale, and that in the event of the said premises not bringing that amount, the obligor in the said bond mentioned will pay all the expenses of said re-sale.”

From the order granting a re-sale, the plaintiff and the defendant, C. August Schuster, appealed to the general term.

III. The sale was regularly advertised in the Daily Hegister. A sale will not be set aside because advertised in a newspaper not calculated to give general information (Wake v. Hart, 12 How. Pr. 444). The sale was advertised by a referee and an auctioneer, both of great experience and unquestioned integrity, and, as shown by them, was in every respect fair, was largely attended, with numerous bids, and every endeavor made to obtain the highest possible price. The defendant Schuster had the same right to purchase as any stranger (Brown v. Frost, 10 Paige, 247). The judgment authorized any of the parties to purchase. Moreover, he had a right to bid to protect his bond and prevent any judgment for a deficiency. He' was not trustee of the infant defendants, his wife’s property having been devised absolutely to them. The purchaser complied with the terms of sale. The time allowed to complete being for the convenience of the purchaser, he can, if he prefers, pay the whole purchase money immediately after the sale (Mott v. Walkley, 3 Edw. Ch. 592). It was not necessary that the sale should be confirmed before the deed could be executed (Monell v. Lawrence, 12 Johns. 521). IV.

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