Crawford-Adsit Co. v. Fordyce

Mr. Justice Waterman delivered the opinion of the court.

While the rule as to what constitutes multifariousness in a bill in chancery is of that nature that it is not always clear whether a bill is demurrable for such reason, it is well settled that a bill is multifarious when it seeks to litigate several claims which are in their nature separate from and have no relation or dependence upon each other. Ryan v. Trustees of Shawneetown et al., 14 Ill. 20 ; Burnett et al. v. Lester, 53 Ill. 325 ; Whiteside Co. v. Burchell, 31 Ill. 68 ; Story’s Equity Pleadings, 9th Ed., Secs. 279-279a-280-284-285-286a-286b-533-534-537, notes; Murray v. Hay, 1 Barb. Ch. 59 .

In the present case it appears that the representations a.nd promises to the several complainants, as well as the contracts, were several and distinct. It does not appear that the representations were by a circular or prospectus, of which each complainant received a copy, while apparently the representations and promises were made to the several subscribers at separate times. Nor has one complainant any pecuniary interest in the contract of another. The interest of each is several and distinct; relief granted to one will be of no benefit to another.

Six of the complainants deny that they subscribed; it is manifest that the issue the)r present is essentially unlike the case set forth by the others. With those who deny ever entering into any contract, the only question for trial is, did they subscribe—not, upon what representations were they induced to do so.

The bill is therefore clearly multifarious. The case is unlike that concerning which Mr. Justice McAllister wrote in 6 Ill. App. 172 (Hickey v. Chicago and Western Indiana R. R. Co.), the general doctrine of which case upon other matters, was overruled in Chicago and Western Indiana Ry. Co. v. Dunbar, 100 Ill. 110 . See also City of Chicago v. The Chicago & W. I. Ry. Co., 105 Ill. 73 -81, and the Chicago & Western Indiana Ry. Co. v. Dunbar, 95 Ill. 571 .

The bill seeks to have canceled many separate and independent contracts made by one defendant with the several complainants.

The charges of fraud upon which such cancellation is asked are: That one or the other of said solicitors visited each of orators, and in order to induce them to subscribe fraudulently represented that it was necessary for the Crawford-Adsit Company, in order to get out said book, to have a photograph and biographical sketch of each engineer; that said Crawford-Adsit Company had thp sanction of the officers of the Erie Company, as well as their subscriptions, and that said book would contain 1,000 to 1,500 pages, with one photograph of each engineer, when permitted, on a page; also that the book would be of the finest paper, well bound, and weigh from eighteen to twenty pounds; all of which representations so made by them they knew to be false. And in many instances, in order to induce other of the engineers to subscribe for said book, said agents falsely and fraudulently represented that they had the signature of other engineers along the line of said road.

It does not appear that any of the complainants supplied a photograph or biographical sketch, or if any did that he has suffered or will suffer any loss thereby; nor does it appear that harm has come to any one from the statement that defendant “had the sanction of the officers of the Erie Company as well as the subscriptions; ” nor does it appear that the promises as to the size, weight and quality of the book have not been kept; while if they are not, as well as if the books are not delivered as promised, free of charge, etc., complainants have a plain, full and adequate remedy at law.

Under Section 22 of Chapter 52 B. S., Sec. 34, page 974, last edition Hurd’s Statutes, it would seem that each defendant has a perfect defense as to the attachment upon proof of the statute of the State in which he resides, and that no more is due him from the Erie Company than is exempt by the law of such State.

The actions sought to be enjoined are each actions in attachment.

It is urged that the defendant is irresponsible.

Section 3 of Chapter 79, page 1119, last edition of Hurd’s Statutes, provides for the filing with the justice of a good and sufficient bond, payable to the defendant, with surety to be approved by the justice in a penalty not less than double the amount of the plaintiff’s claim, etc.

If this has not been done, each defendant in attachment can compel the giving of such bond with approved surety, or the dismissal of the case. If the surety on any bond already given is not sufficient, each defendant is entitled to a bond such as is required by the statute.

What facts not shown by the bill may exist, we do not know; but certainly the attachment of the wages of so many persons living hundreds of miles outside this State and not shown to have ever been here, does not, without explanation, commend itself to the view of a court of justice. nevertheless, we can not for such reason extend the arm of a court of equity beyond its legitimate reach.

The order of the Circuit Court is reversed.