Opinion
Appeal from the District Court of the Fifth Judicial District, County of San Joaquin.
The plaintiff filed his complaint, the body of which is in these words: " E. G. Greenfield, a citizen of said county, complains of the steamer C. W. Gunnell, for that said steamer is justly indebted to him in the sum of $ 1,118 87, for work and labor performed and materials furnished in the construction, repair and refitting said boat in the years 1853 and '54. That said sum is wholly due and unpaid. Wherefore he prays that he have judgment against said steamer for said sum of $ 1,118 87 and interest and costs, and that the process of attachment may issue to secure the payment of any judgment he may recover herein." The complaint is signed by plaintiff's attorneys, but is not verified.
J. V. Woag & Co., on behalf of the defendant, filed an answer, and subsequently moved to dismiss the action: 1st. Because it does not appear by the complaint filed, that this Court has any jurisdiction herein. 2d. Because the complaint does not state facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action. 3d. Because the complaint filed herein is not verified by the oath of the plaintiff, or any one else.
The Court overruled the motion; the cause was tried before a jury, who found a verdict for plaintiff for $ 935. Defendant appealed.
COUNSEL
S. Booker, for Appellants.
D. W. Perley, for Respondents.
The only ground taken by appellants which could be maintained, is the want of verification of the complaint, and that was waived by filing the answer. (Laimbeer v. Allen, 2 Sand. 648; 3 How. Pr. R. 64; 4 do. 126, 153; 3 Code R. 151; Broadway Bank v. Danforth, 7 How. Pr. R. 264.)
JUDGES: Mr. Justice Heydenfeldt delivered the opinion of the Court. Mr. Chief Justice Murray concurred.
OPINION
HEYDENFELDT, Judge
The objection to the want of verification to the declaration should have been made either before answer or with the answer. It comes too late after answer. (See Tooms v. Randall , 3 Cal. 438.)
The other objections should have been taken by demurrer. The declaration, although defective, alleges enough to free it from the charge of not stating facts sufficient to constitute a cause of action.
Judgment affirmed.