Boskowitz v. Nickel

Garoutte, J. This is an appeal from a judgment settling the partnership accounts existing between the parties to the action; and it is insisted that the conclusions of law as to certain items of the account charged to appellant are not supported by the findings of fact.

Difficulties having arisen between these parties as to the conduct of the business, and the firm having but one creditor, it was concluded to close out the business, and an agreement of liquidation was entered into with that [20]object in view. This agreement contained the following provisions: “ 4. The entries in the books as they stand at the present time shall be treated as correct, and as having been made after full discussion of all matters involved. 5. Interest on all overdue accounts becoming due to said Live Oak Distillery Company after this date shall be borne and paid equally between the parties hereto.”

The court held that an item of the account consisting of $666.31 should not be credited to appellant. This item was the value of one half of certain whisky which formed a portion of the purchase price of a tract of land. The court found that this whisky was paid for from the personal funds of the appellant, and that the whole transaction was considered by both parties as a partnership matter, and they asked that it be settled as such. It is insisted by respondent that the fourth provision of the agreement of liquidation, wherein it is provided that the books as they stand at the present time shall be treated as correct, bars any credit to appellant as to this item. Such position is not tenable, and we hold to the contrary. Respondent recognized the transaction as a partnership matter, took title to one half the realty in his own name, had the full benefit of appellant’s money, and should be charged with his share of the cost of the investment. There is nothing in the provisions of the contract quoted to prevent such an adjustment; neither are the books of the firm here referred to impeached by such a course.

The item of interest upon the amount due the partnership creditor was also a proper charge against respondent. The last indebtedness of the partnership to the creditor was- created with the express consent of the respondent, and created subsequent to bis agreement of 1888, which expressly provided that each party should satisfy one half of the interest charged upon all indebtedness due subsequent to the date of the agreement. Respondent’s share of the office expenses is also a proper charge to be placed in the account. We find nothing