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8 Mass. 324

Central Bridge Corp. v. Sleeper

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court

Decided October 15, 1851

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court · decided 1851-10-15

This was an action of assumpsit to recover certain tolls of the defendant for passing over the plaintiffs’ bridge, and was submitted to the court upon the following facts: — On the 10th of March, 1832, the legislature passed an act (St. 1832, c. 117,) providing that “ the Central Bridge Corporation shall have power and authority to reduce the tolls, which are granted by the act of incorporation, and to compound the same in all cases in which the said corporation may deem it…

Cited by 3 later decisions — most recently November 1912

3 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1851-10-15

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Fletcher, J.

¶1There really is no question in this case which will bear an argument. The contract was made while the statute of 1832 was in force, which gave to the corporation, in express terms, the power to compound, or make agreements in regard to, these tolls, in all cases in which the corporation might deem it expedient for their own benefit and the public convenience. There can, therefore, be no valid objection to the power of the corporation to make the contract, and, in fact, it is understood that all objection to the power to make the contract was ultimately waived on the part of the corporation.

¶2The only remaining question is, whether the contract embraces the case of a stage running between Methuen and Lowell in the manner set out in the agreed statement. Upon this question there can be no doubt, as stages used in the manner in which these were used are clearly exempted by the terms of the contract from all obligation to pay tolls.

¶3Judgment for the defendant.

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