Emmons v. Wheeler

5 Thomp. & Cook 617

Opinion

E. Darwin Smith, J.

The circuit judge erred, we think, in directing a nonsuit, on the ground that the canal boat in question was not a ship or vessel, within the meaning of the act of April 25, 1862 (Laws 1862, chap. 482), providing for the collection of demands against ships and vessels. The statute speaks of two classes of vessels, one is described “ as sea-going or ocean-bound vessels,” and the other “as any other vessel.” Canal boats are clearly embraced, we think, within this latter class, and we concur with the decision of Crawford v. Collins, 45 Barb. 269, which is a general term decision of this court, in the fourth district, decided in 1866, and expressly adjudicates this point. The attention of the learned judge was not called to this case at the circuit.

But, it is urged on the part of the respondent, that the act of 1863 is unconstitutional, and we are referred to the cases of Bird v. Steamboat Josephine, 39 N. Y. 19, and Vose v. Cockroft, 44 id. 415, in support of that proposition. This point was not taken at the circuit, nor in the defendant’s answer, and no exception taken at the circuit presents it for our consideration, and the point must therefore be deemed waived. The case comes before us on exceptions taken at the circuit, and we can pass upon no questions except those arising upon exceptions duly taken to some decision made by the circuit judge at the. trial, or in the final disposition of the cause.

The nonsuit should be set aside, and a new trial granted, with costs to abide the event.

New trial granted.