Alfio Batelli v. Kagan and Gaines Co., Inc.

The trial court entered a judgment for both general and special damages against Alfio Batelli, the appellant, in a breach of contract case. Batelli claims that the trial court erred in admitting in evidence, depositions taken in a prior case between the same parties.

Batelli is a violin maker and repairman who, prior to 1947, lived in Italy. Kagan and Gaines Co., Inc., the appellee, is a Chicago importer and dealer in musical instruments. Because of the scarcity of skilled violin makers and repairmen in the United States, appellee was able to get Batelli admitted on a temporary basis. From…