Dean v. Ӕtna Life Insurance

Davis, P. J., dissented,

on the following grounds: First. Incompetent declarations of the agent were admitted, against defendant’s objection. They were not harmless, because they were regarded by the court and jury as material and important, as appears by the charge, and because the ruling upon them established a rule of evidence for the case; and subsequent evidence of such declarations was given, to which, it must be assumed, the defendant omitted to object on that ground, in deference to the ruling that such declarations were competent.

Second. The fact that the policies were canceled in October was competent, as tending to corroborate the testimony of the agent that no extension was made — it was an act in the due course of business.'

*43Third. There was no evidence in the case to establish the alleged waiver, except incompetent proof of Morton’s declarations. The motion for a nonsuit raised the question of absence of lawful proof of waiver. The overruling of the motion was error.

Fourth. The verdict was against evidence, and a new trial should have been granted on that ground..

The claim is of a most suspicious character, and the evi- „ dence to uphold it, I think, was illegal and insufficient. I think a new trial should be granted.

The judgment of the court, in accordance with the opinion of justices Bbadt and Daniels, was as follows: Judgment and order reversed and new trial granted, with costs to abide event, unless plaintiff, within twenty days after entry of the order herein, stipulate to deduct $2,997.60 as of the date of the verdict, in which case judgment and order affirmed, without costs to either party.