(Download) "New York Life Insurance Company v. Statham Et Al. Same v. Seyms. Manhattan Life Insurance Company v. Buck" by United States Supreme Court # Book PDF Kindle ePub Free
eBook details
- Title: New York Life Insurance Company v. Statham Et Al. Same v. Seyms. Manhattan Life Insurance Company v. Buck
- Author : United States Supreme Court
- Release Date : January 01, 1876
- Genre: Law,Books,Professional & Technical,
- Pages : * pages
- Size : 98 KB
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Mr. Matt. H. Carpenter and Mr. James A. Garfield for the appellant in the first case, and for the plaintiff in error in the second. The third case was submitted by Mr. Alfred Pitman for the plaintiff in error.1 * The rights involved depend upon the contract. The court will not interpolate new conditions, but hold the parties to their agreement. Dermott v. Jones, 2 Wall. 1; Jeffreys v. Life Ins. Co., 22 id. 47. It consists of two parts, and is divisible. The payment of the first premium accomplished two things: First, it effected an insurance upon the life of the applicant for one year, which is, so far as he is concerned, an executed contract. Should he die within that specific period, the company absolutely covenants to pay the amount of the policy. Second, it purchased the option of his making the stipulated payments, and thus continuing the insurance from year to year, and is in this respect an executory contract. Worthington v. Charter Oak Life Ins. Co., 41 Conn. 372. The provisions requiring payment of the agreed premium for each subsequent year are an essential part of the substance of the contract, by which the duration of the risk is limited and defined, and are not a condition in the nature of a penalty. Dean v. Nelson, 10 Wall. 158. They declare that the policy, if the requisite premium is not paid, expires by its own limitation; but if the court considers that they create a condition, then we insist that it is a condition precedent to the renewal and extension of the risk. Until its performance, no liability is incurred by the underwriter, and no right vests in the policy-holder. Want et al. v. Blunt et al., 12 East, 183; Phoenix Life Ins. Co. v. Sheridan, 8 Ho. of Lds. Cas. 745; Law R. 9 Ch. 502; id. 9 Eq. 705; id. 17 Ed. 316-320. An impossibility to perform it does not prevent the loss which results therefrom; nor will a court of equity relieve against the consequences of a breach, although such impossibility be occasioned by law. Salk. 231, 233; 3 Vern. 338, 339, 344; 1 id. 223; 1 Bro. Ch. 168; Earl of Shrewsbury v. Scott, 6 C. B. N. S. 1; Barker v. Hodgson, 3 M. & S. 267. From the beginning of the war until the President's proclamation of Aug. 6, 1861, the assured, who lived within the rebel States, had full opportunity and permission to withdraw to loyal territory. His duty in such a case is clearly indicated in Mrs. Alexander's Cotton, 2 Wall. 421, and The William Bay ley, 5 id. 377. He elected to remain within the jurisdiction of the enemy. The result of his choice cannot be pleaded as an excuse for non-performance; nor can relief be claimed on the ground insisted upon by the other side, that, when the annual premium became due, its payment was rendered unlawful by the existence of war.