Beard v. Boston

R. L., c. 300, s. 1, provides that “the proprietors of every railroad shall be liable for all damages to any person or property by fire or steam from any locomotive or other engine upon their road.” Section 2 reads as follows: “Such proprietors shall have an insurable interest in all property situate upon the line of their road which is exposed to such damage, and they may effect insurance thereon for their own benefit.” By virtue of section 1 the defendant is liable as an insurer for such damages. Hooksett v. Concord Railroad, 38 N. H. 242, 245; Rowell v. Railroad, 57 N. H. 132; State v.…