Chapter 47. Relating to negotiable instruments within the District of Columbia
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Chap. 47: Relating to negotiable instruments within the District of Columbia. Chapter 47 30 Stat. 785 1899-01-12 United States Government Publishing Office text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain. Digitization Vendor 2025-11-03 55 3 30 public FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Ch. 47. 1899. 785 chap. 47.— An Act Relating to negotiable instruments within the District of Columbia.
January 12, 1899. GENERAL PROVISIONS. District of Columbia.Negotiable instruments. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*, That this Act shall be knownGeneral provisions.Name of act. as the “Negotiable-instruments law.” In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:Definitions. “Acceptance” means an acceptance completed by delivery or notification.“Acceptance.” “Action” includes counterclaim and set off.“Action.
” “Bank” includes any person or association of persons carrying on“Bank.” the business of banking, whether incorporated or not. “Bearer” means the person in possession of a bill or note which is“Bearer.” payable to bearer. “Bill” means bill of exchange, and “note” means negotiable promissory“Bill;” “note.” note. “Delivery” means transfer of possession, actual or constructive,“Delivery.” from one person to another. “Holder” means the payee or indorsee of a bill or note, who is in“Holder.” possession of it, or the bearer thereof.
“Indorsement” means an indorsement completed by delivery.“Indorsement.” “Instrument” means negotiable instrument.“Instrument.” “Issue” means the first delivery of the instrument, complete in form,“Issue.” to a person who takes it as a holder, “Person” includes a body of persons, whether incorporated or not.“Person.” “Value” means valuable consideration.“Value.” “Written” includes printed, and “writing” includes print.“Written;” “writing.” The person “primarily” liable on an instrument is the person who byPerson primarily liable, etc. the terms of the instrument is absolutely required to pay the same.
All other parties are “secondarily” liable. In determining what is a “reasonable time” or an “unreasonable“Reasonable time,” etc. time,” regard is to be had to the nature of the instrument, the usage of trade or business, if any, with respect to such instruments, and the facts of the particular case. Where the day, or the last day, for doing any act herein required orWhere last day falls on holiday. permitted to be done falls on Sunday or on a holiday, the act may be done on the next succeeding secular or business day.
The provisions of this Act do not apply to negotiable instrumentsPrior instruments excepted, etc. made and delivered prior to the passage hereof. In any case not provided for in this Act the rules of the law merchantLaw merchant. shall govern. Title I. Negotiable Instruments in General. Negotiable instruments in general. article i. form and interpretation. Form and interpretation. An instrument, to be negotiable, must conform to the following requirements: First. It must be in writing and signed by the maker or drawer;
Second. It must contain an unconditional promise or order to pay a sum certain in money; Third. It must be payable on demand or at a fixed or determinable future time; Fourth. It must be payable to order or to bearer; and Fifth. Where the instrument is addressed to a drawee, he must be named or otherwise indicated therein with reasonable certainty. Sec. 2. That the sum payable is a sum certain within the meaning ofCertainty as to sum. this Act, although it is to be paid— First.
With interest; or Second. By stated installments; or 786 Third. By stated installments, with a provision that upon default in payment of any installment or of interest the whole shall become due; or Fourth. With exchange, whether at a fixed rate or at the current rate; or Fifth. With costs of collection or an attorney’s fee, in case payment shall not be made at maturity. Sec. 3. When promise is unconditional.That an unqualified order or promise to pay is unconditional within the meaning of this Act, though coupled with— First.
An indication of a particular fund out of which reimbursement is to be made, or a particular account to be delated with the amount; or Second. A statement of the transaction which gives rise to the instrument. But an order or promise to pay out of a particular fund is not unconditional. Sec. 4. Determinable future time.That an instrument is payable at a determinable future time, within the meaning of this Act, which is expressed to be payable— First. At a fixed period after date or sight; or Second.
On or before a fixed or determinable future time specified therein; or Third. On or at a fixed period after the occurrence of a specified event, which is certain to happen, though the time of happening be uncertain. An instrument payable upon a contingency is not negotiable, and the happening of the event does not cure the defect. Sec. 5. Additional provisions not affecting negotiability.That an instrument which contains an order or promise to do any act in addition to the payment of money is not negotiable.
But the negotiable character of an instrument otherwise negotiable is not affected by a provision which: First. Authorizes the sale of collateral securities in case the instrument be not paid at maturity; or Second. Authorizes a confession of judgment if the instrument be not paid at maturity; or Third. Waives the benefit of any law intended for the advantage or protection of the obligor; or Fourth. Gives the holder an election to require something to be done in lieu of payment of money.
But nothing in this section shall validate any provision or stipulation otherwise illegal. Sec. 6. Omissions not affecting negotiability.That the validity and negotiable character of an instrument are not affected by the fact that: First. It is not dated; or Second. Does not specify the value given, or that any value has been given therefor; or Third. Does not specify the place where it is drawn or the place where it is payable; or Fourth. Bears a seal; or Fifth. Designates a particular kind of current money in which payment is to be made.
But nothing in this section shall alter or repeal any statute requiring in certain cases the nature of the consideration to be stated in the instrument. Sec. 7. When payable on demand.That an instrument is payable on demand: First. Where it is expressed to be payable on demand, or at sight, or on presentation; or Second. In which no time for payment is expressed. Where an instrument is issued, accepted, or indorsed when overdue, it is, as regards the person so issuing, accepting, or indorsing it, payable on demand.
Sec. 8. When payable to order.That the instrument is payable to order where it is drawn payable to the order of a specified person or to him or his order. It may be drawn payable to the order of: First. A payee who is not maker, drawer, or drawee; or Second. The drawer or maker; or 787 Third. The drawee; or Fourth. Two or more payees jointly; or Fifth. One or some of several payees; or Sixth. The holder of an office for the time being. Where the instrument is payable to order, the payee must be named or otherwise indicated therein with reasonable certainty.
Sec. 9. That the instrument is payable to bearer:When payable to bearer. First. When it is expressed to be so payable; or Second. When it is payable to a person named therein or bearer; or Third. When it is payable to the order of a fictitious or nonexisting person, and such fact was known to the person making it so payable; or Fourth. When the name of the payee does not purport to be the name of any person; or Fifth. When the only or last indorsement is an indorsement in blank.
Sec. 10. That the instrument need not follow the language of thisTerms, when sufficient. Act, but any terms are sufficient which clearly indicate an intention to conform to the requirements hereof. Sec. 11. That where the instrument or an acceptance or any indorsementDate, presumption as to. thereon is dated, such date is deemed prima facie to be the true date of the making, drawing, acceptance, or indorsement, as the case may be. Sec. 12. That the instrument is not invalid for the reason only thatAntedated or post-dated. it is antedated or postdated, provided this is not done for an illegal or fraudulent purpose.
The person to whom an instrument so dated is delivered acquires the title thereto as of the date of delivery. Sec. 13. That where an instrument expressed to be payable at aWhen date may be inserted. fixed period after date is issued undated, or where the acceptance of an instrument payable at a fixed period after sight is undated, any holder may insert therein the true date of issue or acceptance, and the instrument shall be payable accordingly. The insertion of a wrong date does not avoid the instrument in the hands of a subsequent holder in due course; but as to him, the date so inserted is to be regarded as the true date.
Sec. 14. That where the instrument is wanting in any material particular,Blanks, when may be filled. the person in possession thereof has a prima facie authority to complete it by tilling up the blanks therein. And a signature on a blank paper delivered by the person making the signature, in order that the paper may be converted into a negotiable instrument, operates as a prima facie authority to fill it up as such for any amount. In order, however, that any such instrument, when completed, may be enforced against any person who became a party thereto prior to its completion, it must be filled up strictly in accordance with the authority given, and within a reasonable time; but if any such instrument, after completion, is negotiated to a holder in due course, it is valid and effectual for all purposes in his hands, and he may enforce it as if it had been filled up strictly in accordance with the authority given, and within a reasonable time.
Sec. 15. That where an incomplete instrument has not been deliveredIncomplete instrument not delivered. it will not, if completed and negotiated, without authority, be a valid contract in the hands of any holder, as against any person whose signature was placed thereon before delivery. Sec. 16. That every contract on a negotiable instrument is incompleteDelivery. and revocable until delivery of the instrument for the purpose of giving effect thereto. As between immediate parties, and as regards—when effectual. a remote party other than a holder in due course, the delivery, in order to be effectual, must be made either by or under the authority of the party making, drawing, accepting, or indorsing, as the ease may be; and in such case the delivery may be shown to have been conditional, or for a special purpose only, and not for the purpose of transferring the property in the instrument.
But where the instrument is in the—when presumed. hands of a holder in due course, a valid delivery thereof by all parties prior to him, so as to make them liable to him, is conclusively presumed. And where the instrument is no longer in the possession of a788 party whose signature appears thereon, a valid and intentional delivery by him is presumed until the contrary is proved. Sec. 17. Construction when instrument is ambiguous.That where the language of the instrument is ambiguous, or there are omissions therein, the following rules of construction apply:
First. Where the sum payable is expressed in words and also in figures, and there is a discrepancy between the two, the sum denoted by the words is the sum payable; but if the words are ambiguous or uncertain, reference may be had to the figures to fix the amount. Second. Where the instrument provides for the payment of interest, without specifying the date from which interest is to run, the interest runs from the date of the instrument, and if the instrument is undated, from the issue thereof.
Third. Where the instrument is not dated, it will be considered to be dated as of the time it was issued. Fourth. Where there is conflict between the written and printed provisions of the instrument, the written provisions prevail. Fifth. Where the instrument is so ambiguous that there is doubt whether it is a bill or note, the holder may treat it as either, at his election. Sixth. Where a signature is so placed upon the instrument that it is not clear in what capacity the person making the same intended to sign, he is to be deemed an indorser.
Seventh. Where an instrument containing the words, “1 promise to pay,” is signed by two or more persons, they are deemed to be jointly and severally liable thereon. Sec. 18. Liability of person who signs in a trade or assumed name.That no person is liable on the instrument whose signature does not appear thereon, except as herein otherwise expressly provided. But one who signs in a trade or assumed name will be liable to the same extent as if he had signed in his own name. Sec. 19.
Signature by agent.That the signature of any party may be made by a duly authorized agent. No particular form of appointment is necessary for —authority, how shown.this purpose: and the authority of the agent may be established as in other cases of agency. Sec. 20. Liability of person signing as agent.That where the instrument contains, or a person adds to his signature, words indicating that he signs for or on behalf of a principal, or in a representative capacity, he is not liable on the instrument if he was duly authorized, but the mere addition of words describing him as an agent, or as filling a representative character, without disclosing his principal, does not exempt him from personal liability.
Sec. 21. “Procuration.”That a signature by “procuration” operates as notice that the agent has but a limited authority to sign, and the principal is bound only in case the agent in so signing acted within the actual limits of his authority. Sec. 22. Indorsement by infant effect of.That the indorsement or assignment of the instrument by a corporation or by an infant passes the property therein, notwithstanding that from want of capacity the corporation or infant may incur no liability thereon.
Sec. 23. Signature forged, effect of.That where a signature is forged or made without the authority of the person whose signature it purports to be, it is wholly inoperative, and no right to retain the instrument, or to give a discharge therefor, or to enforce payment thereof against any party thereto, can be acquired through or under such signature, unless the party against whom it is sought to enforce such right is precluded from setting up the forgery or want of authority. article ii. consideration.
Consideration. Sec. 24. Presumption.That every negotiable instrument is deemed prima facie to have been issued for a valuable consideration; and every person whose signature appears thereon to have become a party thereto for value. Sec. 25. Consideration, what constitutes.That value is any consideration sufficient to support a simple contract. An antecedent or preexisting debt constitutes value, and is deemed such whether the instrument is payable on demand or at a future time. 789 Sec. 26.
That where value has at any time been given for the instrument,Holder for value, what constitutes. the holder is deemed a holder, for value in respect to all parties who became such prior to that time. Sec. 27. That where the holder has a lien on the instrument, arisingWhere holder has lieu on instrument. either from contract or by implication of law, he is deemed a holder for value to the extent of his lien. Sec. 28. That absence or failure of consideration is matter of defenseEffect of want of consideration. as against any person not a holder in due course; and partial failure of consideration is a defense pro tanto whether the failure is an ascertained and liquidated amount or otherwise.
Sec. 29. That an accommodation party is one who has signed theLiability of accommodation indorser. instrument as maker, drawer, acceptor, or indorser, without receiving value therefor, and for the purpose of lending his name to some other person. Such a person is liable on the instrument to a holder for value, notwithstanding such holder at the time of taking the instrument knew him to be only an accommodation party. article iii. negotiation. Negotiation. Sec. 30. That an instrument is negotiated when it is transferred from—what constitutes. one person to another in such manner as to constitute the transferee the holder thereof.
If payable to bearer it is negotiated by delivery; if payable to order it is negotiated by the indorsement of the holder completed by delivery. Sec. 31. That the indorsement must be written on the instrumentIndorsement, how made. itself or upon a paper attached 1 hereto. The signature of the indorser, without additional words, is a sufficient indorsement. Sec. 32. That the indorsement must be an indorsement of the entire—must be of entire instrument. instrument. An indorsement which purports to transfer to the indorsee a part only of the amount payable, or which purports to transfer the instrument to two or more indorsees severally, does not operate as a negotiation of the instrument; but where the instrument has been paid in part it may be indorsed as to the residue.
Sec. 33. That an indorsement may be either special or in blank; and—kinds of indorsement. it may also be either restrictive or qualified or conditional. Sec. 34. That a special indorsement specifies the person to whom orSpecial indorsement. to whose order the instrument is to be payable; and the indorsement of such indorsee is necessary to the further negotiation of the instrument. An indorsement in blank specifies no indorsee, and an instrument—in blank. so indorsed is payable to bearer and may be negotiated by delivery.
Sec. 35. That the holder may convert a blank indorsement into aConvertibility of blank into special indorsement. special indorsement by writing over the signature of the indorser in blank any contract consistent with the character of the indorsement. Sec. 36. That an indorsement is restrictive which either:Restrictive Indorsement. First. Prohibits the further negotiation of the instrument; or Second. Constitutes the indorsee the agent of the indorser; or Third. Vests the title in the indorsee in trust for or to the use of some other person.
But the mere absence of words implying power to negotiate does not make an indorsement restrictive. Sec. 37. That a restrictive indorsement confers upon the indorsee—rights conferred by. the right: First. To receive payment of the instrument. Second. To bring any action thereon that the indorser could bring. Third. To transfer his rights as such indorsee, where the form of the indorsement authorizes him to do so. But all subsequent indorsees acquire only the title of the first indorsee under the restrictive indorsement.
Sec. 38. That a qualified indorsement constitutes the indorser a mereQualified indorsement. assignor of the title to the instrument. It may be made by adding to the indorser’s signature the words “without recourse,” or any words of similar import. Such an indorsement does not impair the negotiable character of the instrument. 790 Sec. 39. Indorsement conditional.That where an indorsement is conditional a party required to pay the instrument may disregard the condition, and make payment to the indorsee or his transferee, whether the condition has been fulfilled or not.
But any person to whom an instrument so indorsed is negotiated will hold the same, or the proceeds thereof, subject to the rights of the person indorsing conditionally. Sec. 40. Indorsement of instrument payable to bearer.That where an instrument, payable to bearer, is indorsed specially it may nevertheless be further negotiated by delivery; but the person indorsing specially is liable as indorser to only such holders as make title through his indorsement. Sec. 41. Instrument payable to two or more persons.That where an instrument is payable to the order of two or more payees or indorsees who are not partners, all must indorse, unless the one indorsing has authority to indorse for the others.
Sec. 42. Drawn, etc., to person as “cashier.”That where an instrument is drawn or indorsed to a person as “cashier” or other fiscal officer of a bank or corporation, it is deemed prima facie to be payable to the bank or corporation of which he is such officer, and may be negotiated by either the indorsement of the bank or corporation or the indorsement of the officer. Sec. 43. Name of payee, etc., misspelled.That where the name of a payee or indorsee is wrongly designated or misspelled he may indorse the instrumentas therein described, adding, if he think fit, his proper signature.
Sec. 44. Indorsement in representative capacity.That where any person is under obligation to indorse in a representative capacity be may indorse in such terms as to negative personal liability. Sec. 45. Date of indorsement; presumption.That except where an indorsement bears date after the maturity of the instrument every negotiation is deemed prima facie to have been effected before the instrument was overdue. Sec. 46. —place ; presumption.That except where the contrary appears every indorsement is presumed prima facie to have been made at the place where the instrument is dated.
Sec. 47. Continuation of negotiable character.That an instrument negotiable in its origin continues to be negotiable until it has been restrictively indorsed or discharged by payment or otherwise. Sec. 48. Striking out indorsement.That the holder may at any time strike out any indorsement which is not necessary to his title. The indorser whose indorsement is struck out and all indorsers subsequent to him are thereby relieved from liability on the instrument. Sec. 49. Transfer without indorsement, effect of.That where the holder of an instrument payable to his order transfers it for value without indorsing it, the transfer vests in the transferee such title as the transferrer had therein, and the transferee acquires, in addition, the right to have the indorsement of the transferrer.
But for the purpose of determining whether the transferee is a holder in due course, the negotiation takes effect as of the time when the indorsement is actually made. Sec. 50. —when said party may negotiate instrument.That where an instrument is negotiated back to a prior party, such party may, subject to the provisions of this Act, reissue and further negotiate the same. But he is not entitled to enforce payment thereof against any intervening party to whom he was personally liable. article iv. rights of the holder.
Rights of the holder. Sec. 51. Right of holder to sue ; payment.That the holder of a negotiable instrument may sue thereon in his own name, and payment to him in due course discharges the instrument. Sec. 52. Holder in due course, what constitutes.That a holder in due course is a holder who has taken the instrument under the following conditions: First. That it is complete and regular upon its face. Second. That he became the holder of it before it was overdue, and without notice that it had been previously dishonored, if such was the fact.
Third. That he took it in good faith and for value. Fourth. That at the time it was negotiated to him he had no notice of any infirmity in the instrument or defect in the title of the person negotiating it. 791 Sec. 53. When not holder in due course.That where an instrument payable on demand is negotiated an unreasonable length of time after its issue, the holder is not deemed a holder in due course. Sec. 54. Notice before full amount paid.That where the transferee receives notice of any infirmity in the instrument or defect in the title of the person negotiating the same before he has paid the full amount agreed to be paid therefor, he will be deemed a holder in due course only to the extent of the amount theretofore paid by him.
Sec. 55. When title defective.That the title of a person who negotiates an instrument is defective within the meaning of this Act when he obtained the instrument, or any signature thereto, by fraud, duress, or force and fear, or other unlawful means, or for an illegal consideration, or when lie negotiates it in breach of faith, or under such circumstances as amount to a fraud. . Sec. 56. What constitutes notice of defect.That to constitute notice of an infirmity in the instrument, or defect in the title of the person negotiating the same, the person to whom it is negotiated must have had actual knowledge of the infirmity or defect, or knowledge of such facts that his action in taking the instrument amounted to bad faith.
Sec. 57. Rights of holder in due course.That a holder in due course holds the instrument free from any defect of title of prior parties and free from defenses available to prior parties among themselves, and may enforce payment of the instrument for the full amount thereof against all parties liable thereon. Sec. 58. When subject to original defenses.That in the hands of any holder other than a holder in due course a negotiable instrument is subject to the same defenses as if it were nonnegotiable.
But a holder who derives his title through a holder in due course, and who is not himself a party to any fraud or illegality affecting the instrument, has all the rights of such former holder in respect of all parties prior to the latter. Sec. 59. Who deemed holder in due course.That every holder is deemed prima facie to be a holder in due course; but when it is shown that the title of any person who has negotiated the instrument was defective, the burden is on the holder to prove that he or some person under whom he claims acquired the title as a holder in due course.
But the last-mentioned rule does not apply in favor of a party who became bound on the instrument prior to the acquisition of such defective title. article v. liabilities of parties. Liabilities of parties. Sec. 60. Maker.That the maker of a negotiable instrument by making it engages that he will pay it according to its tenor, and admits the existence of the payee and his then capacity to indorse. Sec. 61. Drawer.That the drawer by drawing the instrument admits the existence of the payee and his then capacity to indorse, and engages that on due presentment the instrument will be accepted or paid, or both, according to its tenor, and that if it be dishonored, and the necessary proceedings on dishonor be duly taken, he will pay the amount thereof to the holder, or to any subsequent indorser who may be compelled to pay it.
But the drawer may insert in the instrument an express stipulation negativing or limiting his own liability to the bolder. Sec. 62. Acceptor.—admissions.That the acceptor by accepting the instrument engages that he will pay it according to the tenor of his acceptance, and admits— First. The existence of the drawer, the genuineness of his signature, and his capacity and authority to draw the instrument, and, Second. The existence of the payee and his then capacity to indorse. Sec. 63.
When person deemed indorser.That a person placing his signature upon an instrument otherwise than as a maker, drawer, or acceptor is deemed to be an indorser, unless he clearly indicates by appropriate words his intention to be bound in some other capacity. Sec. 64. Liability of regular indorser.That where a person, not otherwise a party to an instrument, places thereon his signature in blank before delivery, he is liable as indorser in accordance with the following rides: First.
If the instrument is payable to the order of a third person, he is liable to the payee and to all subsequent parties. 792 Second. If the instrument is payable to the order of the maker or drawer, or is payable to bearer, he is liable to all parties subsequent to the maker or drawer. Third. If he signs for the accommodation of the payee, he is liable to all parties subsequent to the payee. Sec. 65. Warranty where negotiation by delivery, etc.That every person negotiating an instrument by delivery or by a qualified indorsement warrants:
First. That the instrument is genuine and in all respects what it purports to be. Second. That he has a good title to it. Third. That all prior parties had capacity to contract. Fourth. That he has no knowledge of any fact which would impair the validity of the instrument or render it valueless. But when the negotiation is by delivery only, the warranty extends in favor of no holder other than the immediate transferee. The provisions of subdivision three of this section do not apply to persons negotiating public or corporate securities other than bills and notes.
Sec. 66. Liability of general indorser.That every indorser who indorses without qualification warrants to all subsequent holders in due course: First. The matters and things mentioned in subdivisions one, two, and three of the next preceding section; and Second. That the instrument is at the time of his indorsement valid and subsisting. And, in addition, he engages that on due presentment it shall be accepted or paid, or both, as the case may be, according to its tenor, and that if it be dishonored and the necessary proceedings on dishonor be duly taken, he will pay the amount thereof to the holder or to any subsequent indorser who may be compelled to pay it.
Sec. 67. Liability of indorser where instrument, negotiable by delivery.That where a person places his indorsement on an instrument negotiable by delivery lie incurs all the liabilities of an indorser. Sec. 68. Order in which indorsers are liable.That as respects one another, indorsers are liable prima facie in the order in which they indorse; but evidence is admissible to show that as between or among themselves they have agreed otherwise. Joint payees or joint indorsees who indorse are deemed to indorse jointly and severally.
Sec. 69. Liability of agent or broker.That where a broker or other agent negotiates an instrument without indorsement, he incurs all the liabilities prescribed by section sixty-five of this Act, unless he discloses the name of his principal and the fact that he is acting only as agent. article vi. presentment for payment. Presentment for payment. Sec. 70. Effect of want of demand on principal debtor.That presentment for payment is not necessary in order to charge the person primarily liable on the instrument; but if the instrument is, by its terms, payable at a special place, and he is able and willing to pay it there at maturity, such ability and willingness are equivalent to a tender of payment upon his part.
But except as herein otherwise provided, presentment for payment is necessary in order to charge the drawer and indorsers. Sec. 71. When instrument is not payable on demand.That where the instrument is not payable on demand, presentment must be made on the day it falls due. Where it is payable on demand, presentment must be made within a reasonable time after its issue, except that in the ease of a bill of exchange, presentment for payment will be sufficient if made within a reasonable time after the last negotiation thereof.
Sec. 72. What constitutes sufficient presentment.That presentment for payment, to be sufficient, must be made: First. By the holder, or by some person authorized to receive payment on his behalf. Second. At a reasonable hour on a business day. Third. At a proper place, as herein defined. Fourth. To the person primarily liable on the instrument, or, if he is793 absent or inaccessible, to any person found at the place where the presentment is made. Sec. 73. That presentment for payment is made at the proper place:Place of presentment.
First. Where a place of payment is specified in the instrument and it is there presented. Second. Where no place of payment is specified but the address of the person to make payment is given in the instrument and it is there presented. Third. Where no place of payment is specified and no address is given and the instrument is presented at the usual place of business or residence of the person to make payment. Fourth. In any other case if presented to the person to make payment wherever he can be found, or if presented at his last known place of business or residence.
Sec. 74. That the instrument must be exhibited to the person from whomInstrument must be exhibited. payment is demanded, and when it is paid must be delivered up to the party paying it. Sec. 75. That where the instrument is payable at a bank, presentmentWhere payable at a bank. for payment must be made during banking hours, unless the person to make payment has no funds there to meet it at any time during the day, in which case presentment at any hour before the bank is dosed on that day is sufficient.
Sec. 76. That where the person primarily liable on the instrument isWhere principal debtor is dead. dead, and no place of payment is specified, presentment for payment must be made to his personal representative, if such there be, and if, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, he can be found. Sec. 77. That where the persons primarily liable on the instrumentPersons liable as partners. are liable as partners, and no place of payment is specified, presentment for payment may be made to any one of them, even though there has been a dissolution of the firm.
Sec. 78. That where there are several persons, not partners, primarilyPresentment to joint debtors. liable on the instrument, and no place of payment is specified, presentment must be made to them all. Sec. 79. That presentment for payment is not required in order toPresentment not required to charge drawer. charge the drawer where he has no right to expect or require that the drawee or acceptor will pay the instrument. Sec. 80. That presentment for payment is not required in order to—indorser. charge an indorser where the instrument was made or accepted for his accommodation and he has no reason to expect that the instrument will be paid if presented.
Sec. 81. That delay in making presentment for payment is excusedWhen delay in presentment excused.*Post*, p. 801. when the delay is caused by circumstances beyond the control of the holder, and not imputable to his default, misconduct, or negligence. When the cause of delay ceases to operate presentment must be made with reasonable diligence. Sec. 82. That presentment for payment is dispensed with:When presentment dispensed with. First. Where, after the exercise of reasonable diligence, presentment as required by this Act can not be made.
Second. Where the drawee is a fictitious person. Third. By waiver of presentment, express or implied. Sec. 83. That the instrument is dishonored by nonpayment when:When instrument is dishonored by non-payment. First. It is duly presented for payment and payment is refused or can not be obtained: or Second. Presentment is excused and the instrument is overdue and unpaid. Sec. 84. That, subject to the provisions of this Act, when the instrumentLiability of person secondarily liable. is dishonored by nonpayment an immediate right of recourse to all parties secondarily liable thereon accrues to the holder.
Sec. 85. That every negotiable instrument is payable at the timeTime of maturity. fixed therein without grace. When the day of maturity falls upon Sunday or a holiday the instrument is payable on the next succeeding business day. Instruments falling due on Saturday are to be presented for payment on the next succeeding business day except that instru-794merits payable on demand may, at the option of the holder, be presented for payment before twelve o’clock noon on Saturday when that entire day is not a holiday.
Sec. 86. That where the instrument is payable at a fixed period afterTime; how computed. date, after sight, or after the happening of a specified event, the time of payment is determined by excluding the day from which the time is to begin to run and by including the date of payment. Sec. 87. That where the instrument is made payable at a bank it isWhere instrument is payable at bank. equivalent to an order to the bank to pay the same for the account of the principal debtor thereon.
Sec. 88. That payment is .made in due course when it is made at orPayment in due course, what constitutes. after the maturity of the instrument to the holder thereof in good faith and without notice that his title is defective. article vii. notice of dishonor. Notice of dishonor. Sec. 89. —to whom.That, except as herein otherwise provided, when a negotiable instrument has been dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment, notice of dishonor must be given to the drawer and to each indorser, and any drawer or indorser to whom such notice is not given is discharged.
Sec. 90. —by whom.That the notice may be given by or on behalf of the holder, or by or on behalf of any party to the instrument who might be compelled to pay it to the holder, and who, upon taking it up, would have a right to reimbursement from the party to whom the notice is given. Sec. 91. Notice given by agent.That notice of dishonor may be given by an agent either in his own name or in the name of any party entitled to give notice, whether that party be his principal or not.
Sec. 92. Notice given on behalf of holder.That where notice is given by or on behalf of the holder, it enures tor the benefit of all subsequent holders and all prior parties who have a right of recourse against the party to whom it is given. Sec. 93. Notice given by party entitled, etc.That where notice is given by or on behalf of a party entitled to give notice, it enures for the benefit of the holder and all parties subsequent to the party to whom notice is given. Sec. 94. Agent may give notice.That where, the instrument has been dishonored in the hands of an agent, he may either himself give notice to the parties liable thereon, or he may give notice to his principal.
If he give notice to his principal, lie must do so within the same time as if he were the holder, and the principal, upon the receipt of such notice, has himself the same time for giving notice as if the agent had been an independent holder. Sec. 95. When notice sufficient.That a written notice need not be signed, and an insufficient written notice may be supplemented and validated by verbal communication. A misdescription of the instrument does not vitiate the notice unless the party to whom the notice is given is in fact misled thereby.
Sec. 96. Form of notice.That the notice may be in writing or merely oral, and may be given in any terms which sufficiently identity the instrument and indicate that it has been dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment. It may in all eases be given by delivering it personally or through the mails. Sec. 97. —to whom given.That notice of dishonor may be given either to the party himself or to his agent in that behalf. Sec. 98. Notice where party is dead.That when any party is dead, and his death is known to the party giving notice, the notice must be given to a personal representative, if there be one, and if, with reasonable diligence, he can be found.
If there be no personal representatives, notice may be sent to the last residence, or last place of business of the deceased. Sec. 99. Notice to partners.That where the parties to be notified are partners, notice to any one partner is notice to the firm, even though there has been a dissolution. Sec. 100. Persons jointly liable.That notice to joint parties who are not partners must be given to each of them, unless one of them has authority to receive such notice for the others.
Sec. 101. Bankrupts.That where a party has been adjudged a bankrupt or an795 insolvent, or has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors, notice may be given either to the party himself or to his trustee or assignee. Sec. 102. That notice may be given as soon as the instrument isTime within which notice must be given. dishonored; and unless delay is excused as hereinafter provided, must be given within the time fixed by this Act. Sec. 103. That where the person giving and the person to receive noticeWhere parties reside in same place. reside in the same place, notice must be given within the following times:
First. If given at the place of business of the person to receive notice, it must be given before the close of business hours on the day following. Second. If given at his residence, it must be given before the usual hours of rest on the day following. Third. If sent by mail, it must be deposited in the post-office in time to reach him in usual course on the day following. Sec. 104. That where the person giving and the person to receive—in different places. notice reside in different places, the notice must be given within the following times:
First. If sent by mail, it must be deposited in the post-office in time to go by mail the day following the day of dishonor, or, if there be no mail at a convenient hour on that day, by the next mail thereafter. Second. If given otherwise than through the post office, then within the time that notice would have been received in due course of mail if it bad been deposited in the post-office within the time specified in the last subdivision. Sec. 105. That where notice of dishonor is duly addressed and depositedWhen sender deemed to have given due notice. in the post office the sender is deemed to have given due notice, notwithstanding any miscarriage in the mails.
Sec. 106. That notice is deemed to have been deposited in the post-officeDeposit in post-office, what constitutes. when deposited in any branch post-office or in any letter box under the control of the Post-Office Department. Sec. 107. That where a party receives notice of dishonor he has, afterNotice to subsequent parties, time of. the receipt of such notice, the same time for giving notice to antecedent parties that the holder has after the dishonor. Sec. 108. That where a party has added an address to his signature,Where notice must be sent. notice of dishonor must be sent to that address: but if he has not given such address, then the notice must be sent as follows:
First. Either in the post office nearest to his place of residence, or to the post office where lie is accustomed to receive his letters; or Second. If he live in one place and have his place of business in another, notice may be sent to either place; or Third. If he is sojourning in another place, notice may be sent to the place where he is so sojourning. But where the notice is actually received by the party within the time specified in this Act, it will be sufficient, though not sent in accordance with the requirements of this section.
Sec. 109. That notice of dishonor may be waived, either before theWaiver of notice. time of giving notice has arrived or after the omission to give due notice, and the waiver may be express or implied. Sec. 110. That where the waiver is embodied in the instrument itself—who may be affected by. it is binding upon all parties; but where it is written above the signature of an indorser, it binds him only. Sec. 111. That a waiver of protest, whether in the case of a foreignWaiver of protest. bill of exchange or other negotiable instrument, is deemed to be a waiver not only of a formal protest, but also of presentment and notice of dishonor.
Sec. 112. That notice of dishonor is dispensed with when, afterNotice dispensed with. the exercise of reasonable diligence, it can not be given to, or does not reach, the parties sought to be charged. Sec. 113. That delay in giving notice of dishonor is excused whenDelay in giving notice; how excused. the delay is caused by circumstances beyond the control of the holder and not imputable to Ids default, misconduct, or negligence. When the cause of delay ceases to operate, notice must be given with reasonable diligence. 796 Sec. 114.
When notice need not be given to drawer.That notice of dishonor is not required to be given to the drawer in either of the following cases: First. Where the drawer and drawee are the same person; Second. Where the drawee is a fictitious person or a person not having capacity to contract: Third. Where the drawer is the person to whom the instrument is presented for payment; Fourth. Where tire drawer has no right to expect or require that the drawee or acceptor will honor the instrument; or Fifth.
Where the drawer has countermanded payment. Sec. 115. —indorser.That notice of dishonor is not required to be given to an indorser in either of the following eases: First. Where the drawee is a fictitious person or a person not having capacity to contract, and the indorser wits aware of the fact at the time he indorsed the instrument; Second. Where the indorser is the person to whom the instrument is presented for payment; or Third. Where the instrument was made or accepted for his accommodation.
Sec. 116. Notice of nonpayment where acceptance refused.That where due notice of dishonor by nonacceptance has been given, notice of a subsequent dishonor by nonpayment is not necessary, unless in the meantime the instrument has been accepted. Sec. 117. Effect of omission to give notice of nonacceptance.That an omission to give notice of dishonor by nonacceptance does not prejudice the rights of a holder in due course subsequent to the omission. Sec. 118. When protest need not be made; when must be made.That where any negotiable instrument has been dishonored it may be protested for uonacceptance or nonpayment, as the ease may be; but protest is not required, except in the case of foreign bills of exchange. article viii. discharge of negotiable instruments.
Discharge of negotiable instruments. Sec. 119. That a negotiable instrument is discharged: First. —how discharged.By payment in due course by or on behalf of the principal debtor. Second. By payment in due course by the party accommodated, where the instrument is made or accepted for accommodation. Third. By the intentional cancellation thereof by the holder. Fourth. By any other act which will discharge a simple contract for the payment of money. Fifth. When the principal debtor becomes the holder of the instrument at or after maturity in his own right.
Sec. 120. When persona secondarily liable on discharged.That a person secondarily liable on the instrument is discharged: First. By any act which discharges the instrument. Second. By the intentional cancellation of his signature by the holder. Third. By the discharge of a prior party. Fourth. By a valid tender of payment made by a prior party. Fifth. By a release of the principal debtor, unless the holder’s right of recourse against the party secondarily liable is expressly reserved.
Sixth. By any agreement binding upon the holder to extend the time of payment, or to postpone the holder’s right to enforce the instrument, unless made with the assent of the party secondarily liable, or unless the right of recourse against such party is expressly reserved. Sec. 121. Payment by party secondarily liable, etc.That where the instrument is paid by a party secondarily liable thereon it is not discharged; but the party so paying it is remitted to his former rights as regards all prior parties, and he may strike out his own and all subsequent indorsements, and again negotiate the instrument, except— First.
Where it is payable to the order of a third person, and has been paid by the drawer; and Second. Where it was made or accepted for accommodation, and has been paid by the party accommodated. Sec. 122. Renunciation by holder.That the holder may expressly renounce his rights against any party to the instrument before, at. or after its maturity. An abso-797lute and unconditional renunciation of his rights against the principal debtor, made at or after the maturity of the instrument, discharges the instrument; but a renunciation does not affect the rights of a holder in due course without notice.
A renunciation must be in writing, unless the instrument is delivered up to the person primarily liable thereon. Sec. 123. That a cancellation made unintentionally, or under a mistake,Unintentional cancellation; burden of proof. or without the authority of the holder, is inoperative; but where an instrument or any signature thereon appears to have been canceled the burden of proof lies on the party who alleges that the cancellation was made unintentionally, or under a mistake, or without authority.
Sec. 124. That where a negotiable instrument is materially alteredAlterations, effect of. without the assent of all parties liable thereon, it is avoided, except as against a party who has himself made, authorized, or assented to the alteration and subsequent indorsers. But when an instrument has been materially altered and is in the hands of a holder, in due course, not a party to the alteration, he may enforce payment thereof according to its original tenor. Sec. 125. That any alteration which changes:Material alteration, what constitutes.
First. The date; Second. The sum payable, either for principal or interest; Third. The time or place of payment; Fourth. The number or the relations of the parties; Fifth. The medium or currency in which payment is to be made; Or which adds a place of payment where no place of payment is specified, or any other change or addition which alters the effect of the instrument in any respect, is a material alteration. Title II. Bills of Exchange. Bills of exchange. article i. form and interpretation.
Form and interpretation. Sec. 126. That a bill of exchange is an unconditional order in writingDefinition. addressed by one person to another, signed by the person giving it, requiring the person to whom it is addressed to pay on demand or at a fixed or determinable future time a sum certain in money to order or to bearer. Sec. 127. That a bill of itself does not operate as an assignment ofBill not assignment of funds in hands of drawee. the funds in the bauds of the drawee available for the payment thereof, and the drawee is not liable on the bill unless and until he accepts the same.
Sec. 128. That a bill may be addressed to two or more drawees jointly,Bills addressed to more than one drawee. whether they are partners or not, but not to two or more drawees in the alternative or in succession. Sec. 129. That an inland bill of exchange is a bill which is, or on itsInland and foreign bills. face purports to be, both drawn and payable within the District of Columbia. Any other bill is a foreign bill. Unless the contrary appears on the face of the bill, the holder may treat it as an inland bill.
Sec. 130. That where in a bill drawer and drawee are the same person,When bill may be treated as promissory note. or where the drawee is a fictitious person, or a person not having capacity to contract, the holder may treat the instrument, at his option, either as a bill of exchange or a promissory note. Sec. 131. That the drawer of a bill and any indorser may insertDrawee in case of need. thereon the name of a person to whom the holder may resort in case of need; that is to say, in case the bill is dishonored by nonacceptance or nonpayment.
Such person is called the referee in case of need. It is in the option of the holder to resort to the referee in case of need or not, as he may see fit. article ii. acceptance. Acceptance. Sec. 132. That the acceptance of a bill is the signification by the—how made. drawee of his assent to the order of the drawer. The acceptance must be in writing and signed by the drawee. It must not express that the798 drawee will perform his promise by any other means than the payment of money.
Sec. 133. Holder entitled to acceptance on face of bill.That the holder of a bill presenting the same for acceptance may require that the acceptance be written on the bill, and if such a request is refused, may treat the bill as dishonored. Sec. 134. Acceptance on separate instrument.That where an acceptance is written on a paper other than the bill itself, it does not bind the acceptor except in favor of a person to whom it is shown and who, on the faith thereof, receives the bill for value.
Sec. 135. Promise to accept, when equivalent to acceptance.That an unconditional promise in writing to accept a bill before it is drawn is deemed an actual acceptance in favor of every person who, upon the faith thereof, receives the bill for value. Sec. 136. Time allowed drawee to accept.That the drawee is allowed twenty-four hours after presentment in which to decide whether or not he will accept the bill; but the acceptance, if given, dates as of the day of presentation. Sec. 137.
Liability of drawer retaining or destroying bill.That where a drawee to whom a bill is delivered for acceptance destroys the same, or refuses within twenty-four horn s after such delivery, or within such other period as the holder may allow, to return the bill accepted or nonaccepted to the holder, he will be deemed to have accepted the same. Sec. 138. Acceptance of incomplete bill.That a bill may be accepted before it has been signed by the drawer, or while otherwise incomplete or when it is overdue, or after it has been dishonored by a previous refusal to accept, or by nonpayment.
But when a bill payable after sight is dishonored by nonacceptance and the drawee subsequently accepts it, the holder, in the absence of any different agreement, is entitled to have the bill accepted as of the date of the first presentment. Sec. 139. Kinds of acceptances.—general.That an acceptance is either general or qualified. A general acceptance assents without qualification to the order of the drawer. A qualified acceptance in expressed terms varies the effect of the bill as drawn.
Sec. 140. That an acceptance to pay at a particular place is a general acceptance unless it expressly states that the bill is to be paid there only and not elsewhere. Sec. 141. —qualified.That an acceptance is qualified, which is— First. Conditional; that is to say, which makes payment by the acceptor dependent on the fulfillment of a condition therein stated. Second. Partial; that is to say. an acceptance to pay part only of the amount for which the bill is drawn. Third. Local; that is to say, an acceptance to pay any at a particular place.
Fourth. Qualified as to time. Fifth. The acceptance of some one or more of the drawees, but not of all. Sec. 142. —rights of parties as to.That the holder may refuse to take a qualified acceptance, and if he does not obtain an unqualified acceptance, lie may treat the bill as dishonored by nonacceptance. Where a qualified acceptance is taken, the drawer and indorsers are discharged from liability on the bill unless they have expressly or impliedly authorized the holder to take a qualified acceptance, or subsequently assent thereto.
When the drawer or an indorser receives notice of a qualified acceptance, he must within a reasonable time express his dissent to the holder, or he will be deemed to have assented thereto. article iii. presentment for acceptance. Presentment for acceptance. Sec. 143. —when to be made.That presentment for acceptance must be made: First. Where the bill is payable after sight, or in any other case where presentment for acceptance is necessary in order to fix the maturity of the instrument; or Second.
Where the bill expressly stipulates that it shall be presented for acceptance; or Third. Where the bill is drawn payable elsewhere than at the residence or place of business of the drawee. 799 In no other case is presentment for acceptance necessary in order to render any party to the bill liable. Sec. 144. That except as herein otherwise provided, the holder of aWhen failure to present releases drawer, etc. bill which is required by the next preceding section to be presented for acceptance must either present it for acceptance or negotiate it within a reasonable time.
If lie fail to do so, the drawer and all indorsers are discharged. Sec. 145. That presentment for acceptance must be made by or onHow made. behalf of the holder at a reasonable hour, on a business day, and before the bill is overdue, to the drawee or some person authorized to accept or refuse acceptance on his behalf; and First. Where a bill is addressed to two or more drawees who are not partners, presentment must be made to them all, unless one has authority to accept or refuse acceptance for all, in which case presentment may be made to him only.
Second. Where the drawee is dead, presentment may be made to his personal representative. Third. Where the drawee has been adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent, or has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors, presentment may be made to him or to his trustee or assignee. Sec. 146. That a bill may be presented for acceptance on any day onOn what days to be made. which negotiable instruments may be presented for payment under the provisions of sections seventy-two and eighty-five of this Act.
When Saturday is not otherwise a holiday, presentment for acceptance may be made before twelve o’clock noon on that day. Sec. 147. That where the holder of a bill drawn payable elsewherePresentment where time is insufficient. than at the place of business or the residence of the drawee has not time, with the exercise of reasonable diligence, to present the bill for acceptance before presenting it for payment on the day that it foils due, the delay caused by presenting the bill for acceptance before presenting it for payment is excused, and does not discharge the drawers and indorsers.
Sec. 148. That presentment for acceptance is excused, and a billWhen presentment is excused. may be treated as dishonored by nonacceptance, in either of the following cases: First. Where the drawee is dead, or has absconded, or is a fictitious person, or a person not having capacity to contract by bill. Second. Where after the exercise of reasonable diligence, presentment can not be made. Third. Where although presentment has been irregular, acceptance has been refused on some other ground.
Sec. 149. That a bill is dishonored by nonacceptance:When dishonored by non acceptance. First. When it is duly presented for acceptance and such an acceptance as is prescribed by this Act is refused or can not be obtained; or Second. When presentment for acceptance is excused and the bill is not accepted. Sec. 150. That where a bill is duly presented for acceptance and isDuty of holder where bill not accepted. not accepted within the prescribed time, the person presenting it must treat the bill as dishonored by nonacceptance or lie loses the right of recourse against the drawer and indorsers.
Sec. 151. That when a bill is dishonored by nonacceptance, an immediate—rights of. right of recourse against the drawer and indorsers accrues to the holder, and no presentment for payment is necessary. article iv. protest. Protest. Sec. 152. That where a foreign bill, appearing on its face to be such,—when necessary. is dishonored by nonacceptance, it must be duly protested for nonacceptance, and where such a bill which has not previously been dishonored by nonacceptance is dishonored by nonpayment, it must be duly protested for nonpayment.
If it is not so protested, the drawer and indorsers are discharged. Where a bill does not appear on its face to be a foreign bill, protest thereof in case of dishonor is unnecessary. 800 Sec. 153. —how made.That the protest must be annexed to the bill, or must contain a copy thereof, and must be under the hand and seal of the notary making it, and must specify— First. The time and place of presentment. Second. The fact that presentment was made, and the manner thereof. Third.
The cause or reason for protesting the bill. Fourth. The demand made and the answer given, if any, or the fact that the drawee or acceptor could not be found. Sec. 154. —by whom.That protest may be made by— First. A notary public; or Second. By any respectable resident of the place where the bill is dishonored, in the presence of two or more credible witnesses. Sec. 155. —when to be made.That when a bill is protested, such protest must be made on the day of its dishonor, unless delay is excused as herein provided.
When a bill has been duly noted, the protest may be subsequently extended as of the date of the noting. Sec. 156. —where made.That a bill must be protested at the place where it is dishonored, except that when a bill drawn payable at the place of business or residence of some person other than the drawee, has been dishonored by nonacceptance, it must be protested for nonpayment at the place where it is expressed to be payable, and no further presentment for payment to, or demand on, the drawee is necessary.
Sec. 157. Protest for non-acceptance find non-payment.That a bill which has been protested for nonacceptance may be subsequently protested for nonpayment. Sec. 158. Protest before maturity where acceptor insolvent.That where the acceptor has been adjudged a bankrupt or an insolvent, or has made an assignment for the benefit of creditors, before the bill matures, the holder may cause the bill to be protested for better security against the drawer and indorsers. Sec. 159. When protest dispensed with.That protest is dispensed with by any circumstances which would dispense with notice of dishonor.
Delay in noting or protesting is excused when delay is caused by circumstances beyond the control of the holder and not imputable to bis default, misconduct, or negligence. When the cause of delay ceases to operate the bill must be noted or protested with reasonable diligence. Sec. 160. Protest where bill is lost.That where a bill is lost or destroyed, or is wrongly detained from the person entitled to hold it, protest may be made on a copy or written particulars thereof. article v. acceptance for honor.
Acceptance for honor. Sec. 161. —when made.That where a bill of exchange has been protested for dishonor by nonacceptance or protested for better security and is not overdue, any person not being a party already liable thereon may with the consent of the holder, intervene and accept the bill supra protest for the honor of any party liable thereon or for the honor of the person for whose account the bill is drawn. The acceptance for honor may be for part only of the sum for which the bill is drawn; and where there has been an acceptance for honor for one party there may be a further acceptance by a different person for the honor of another party.
Sec. 162. —how made.That an acceptance for honor supra protest must be in writing and indicate that it is an acceptance for honor, and must be signed by the acceptor for honor. SEC. 163. When deemed for honor of drawer.That where an acceptance for honor does not expressly state for whose honor it is made it is deemed to be an acceptance for the honor of the drawer. Sec. 164. Liability of acceptor.That the acceptor for honor is liable to the holder and to all parties to the bill subsequent to the party for whose honor he has accepted.
Sec. 165. Agreement of acceptor.That the acceptor for honor by such acceptance engages that be will on due presentment pay the bill according to the terms of his acceptance, provided it shall not have been paid by the drawee, and provided also that it shall have been duly presented for payment and protested for nonpayment and notice of dishonor given to him. 801 Sec. 166. That where a bill payable after sight is accepted for honorMaturity of bill payable after sight its maturity is calculated from the date of the noting for non acceptance, and not from the date of the acceptance for honor.
Sec. 167. That where a dishonored bill has been accepted for honorProtest. supra protest or contains a reference in case of need it must be protested for nonpayment before it is presented for payment to the acceptor for honor or referee in case of need. Sec. 168. That presentment for payment to the acceptor for honorPresentment for payment to acceptor; how made. must be made as follows: First. If it is to be presented in the place where the protest for nonpayment was made it must be presented not later than the day following its maturity.
Second. If it is to be presented in some other place than the place where it was protested, then it must be forwarded within the time specified in section one hundred and four. Sec. 169. That the provisions of section eighty-one apply where thereWhen delay in presentment excused. *Ante*, p. 793. is delay in making presentment to the acceptor for honor or referee in case of need. Sec. 170. That when the bill is dishonored by the acceptor for honorDishonored bill by acceptor for honor. it must be protested for nonpayment by him. article vi. payment for honor.
Payment for honor. Sec. 171. That where a bill has been protested for nonpayment any—who may make. person may intervene and pay it supra protest for the honor of any person liable thereon, or for the honor of the person for whose account it was drawn. Sec. 172. That the payment for honor supra protest in order to operate—how made. as such and not as a mere voluntary payment must be attested by a notarial act of honor which may be appended to the protest or form an extension to it.
Sec. 173. That the notarial act of honor must be founded on a declarationDeclaration of payment for honor. made by the payer for honor, or by his agent in that behalf, declaring his intention to pay the bill for honor and for whose honor he pays. Sec. 174. That where two or more persons offer to pay a bill for thePreference to parties offering to pay. honor of different parties the person whose payment will discharge most parties to the bill is to be given the preference. Sec. 175.
That where a bill has been paid for honor all parties subsequentEffect on subsequent parties where bill paid for honor. to the party for whose honor it is paid are discharged, but the payer for honor is subrogated for, and succeeds to, both the rights and duties of the holder as regards the party for whose honor he pays and all parties liable to the latter. Sec. 176. That where the holder of a bill refuses to receive paymentWhere holder refuses to receive payment supra protest. supra protest he loses his right of recourse against any party who would have been discharged by such payment.
Sec. 177. That the payer for honor, on paying to the holder the amountRights of payer for honor. of the bill and the notarial expenses incidental to its dishonor, is entitled to receive both the bill itself and the protest. article vii. bills in a set. Bills in sets. Sec. 178. That where a bill is drawn in a set, each part of the set—constitutes one bill, etc. being numbered and containing a reference to the other parts, the whole of the parts constitute one bill. Sec. 179. That where two or more parts of a set are negotiated toRights of holders where different parts are negotiated. different holders in due course, the holder whose title first accrues is as between such holders the true owner of the bill.
But nothing in this section affects the rights of a person who in due course accepts or pays the part first presented to him. Sec. 180. That where the holder of a set indorses two or more partsLiability of holder indorsing two or more parts to different persons. to different persons he is liable on every such part, and every indorser subsequent to him is liable on the part he has himself indorsed, as if such parts were separate bills. 802 FIFTY-FIFTH CONGRESS. Sess. III. Chs. 47, 48. 1899.
Sec. 181. Acceptance.That the acceptance may be written on any part, and it must be written on one part only. If the drawee accepts more than one part, and such accepted parts are negotiated to different holders in due course, he is liable on every such part as if it were a separate bill. Sec. 182. Payment by acceptor.That when the acceptor of a bill drawn in a set pays it without requiring the part bearing his acceptance to be delivered up to him, and that part at maturity is outstanding in the hands of a holder in due course, he is liable to the holder thereon.
Sec. 183. Effect of discharging one set.That except as herein otherwise provided, where any one part of a bill drawn in a set is discharged by payment or otherwise the whole bill is discharged. Title III. Promissory Notes And Checks. Promissory notes and checks. article i. Sec. 184. Definitions.—promissory note.That a negotiable promissory note within the meaning of this Act is an unconditional promise in writing, made by one person to another, signed by the maker, engaging to pay on demand, or at a fixed or determinable future time, a sum certain in money, to order or to bearer.
Where a note is drawn to the maker’s own order, it is not complete until indorsed by him. Sec. 185. —check.That a check is a bill of exchange drawn on a bank, payable on demand. Except as herein otherwise provided, the provisions of this Act applicable to a bill of exchange payable on demand apply to a check. Sec. 186. —time within which must be presented.That a check must be presented for payment within a reasonable time after its issue, or the drawer will be discharged from liability thereon to the extent of the loss caused by the delay.
Sec. 187. —certification; effect.That where a check is certified by the bank on which it is drawn, the certification is equivalent to an acceptance. Sec. 188. —procured by holder: effectThat where the holder of a check procures it to be accepted or certified, the drawer and all indorsers are discharged from liability thereon. Sec. 189. When operates as an assignment.That a check of itself does not operate as an assignment of any part of the funds to the credit of the drawer with the bank, and the bank is not liable to the holder unless and until it accepts or certifies the check.
Sec. 190. Repeal.That all laws of force within the District of Columbia inconsistent with the foregoing provisions of this Act be, and the same hereby are, repealed. Sec. 191. Effect.That this Act shall take effect on the first Monday of April, anno Domini eighteen hundred and ninety-nine. Approved, January 12, 1899.
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