Toledo, Wabash & Western Railway Co. v. Eidson

51 Ind. 67

• Court: Indiana Supreme Court
• Decided: November 15, 1875
• Status: Published

Opinion

Downey, J.

Action before a justice of the peace, on the following complaint:

“Toledo, Wabash and Western Eailroad Company,

“ To Ira B. Eidson, Dr.

“ To one milch cow killed by officers’ train going east,

on the 28th day of June, 1871 ----- $45.00

“May 11th, 1872. ' Ira B. Eidson.”

There was judgment for the plaintiff before the justice of the peace, and also in the circuit court on appeal.

It is here assigned as error that the complaint does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action.

The appellee moves the court to dismiss the appeal, because the record does not show that a motion was-made for a new trial by the appellant in the circuit court. This is no reason for dismissing the appeal.

We think the complaint is insufficient. It does not-allege that the railroad was not fenced, nor does it allege negligence on the part of the defendant. It is like the complaint in The Toledo, etc., R. W. Co. v. Lurch, 23 Ind. 10, in these respects. It is even more defective. See, also, The Indianapolis, etc., R. R. Co. v. Robinson, 35 Ind. 380, and the cases cited. Other cases might be mentioned.

The objection to the complaint may be made in this form, and at this stage of the case. Bonham v. Keen, 40 Ind. 197; Mercer v. Patterson, 41 Ind. 440; Riley v. Butler, 36 Ind. 51; Packard, v. Mendenhall, 42 Ind. 598. Other cases have been decided to the same effect.

The judgment is. reversed, with costs, and the cause remanded, , with - instructions to hold the complaint bad, and grant leave to amend, on terms, if desired.