Case ID: me_7/html/0132-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "WjrstoN J.", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Means vs. The inhabitants of the plantation of Blakesburg.
    Though plantations may raise money for the support of the poor, they are not obliged so to do. Nor have their assessors any general authority to bind the plantation by their Gontiyet for the support of the poor, beyond the amount of the money raised.
    This was assumpsit on an order drawn by the assessors of Blakes-burg,. in these terms : — “ Blakesburg, Sept. 1,1829. To Robert Marshall, rEsq. treasurer of the plantation of Blakesburg, or his successor in said office. — Please to pay Oren Briggs or bearer twenty nine dollars on sight, it being for the support of the poor. Isaac Strout, Elisha Sirouf, Assessors of Blakesburg.”
    The plaintiff proved that this order was afterwards, on the same day, presented to the treasurer for acceptance and payment, both which were refused for want of funds. Whereupon the defendants demurred to the evidence, as insufficient in law to support the action.
    The question was briefly spoken to by Williamson in support of the demurrer, and J. McGaw, for the plaintiff; and the opinion of the court was delivered in Cumberland, at the adjournment of May term in August following, by
   WjrstoN J.

It has been decided in Blakesburg v. Jefferson, ante p. 125, that the duties and liabilities arising from the pauper laws, and the remedies thence resulting, were not extended to plantations ; and that although they were empowered to raise money for the relief and support of the poor, it was not imposed upon them as a duty. If they think proper to exercise this power, the fund thus raised is to be administered and applied by the assessors. They have no general authority to bind their plantations, by their contracts for the support of the poor ; except to the amount of the money raised. To this extent, and with this limitation, they may draw on their treasurer, and the plantation will become liable thereon if not duly paid, as towns are upon town orders, drawn by competent authority. It not appearing in the case -before us, whether any fund had been raised for the support of the poor, we are of opinion that the evidence set forth in the demurrer is insufficient to change the defendants.