Netzow Manufacturing Co. v. Southern Railway Co.

The suit was for the value of a piano which the defendant had transported to destination as a common carrier and had deposited in its warehouse. The proof showed that the piano was left by the plaintiff in the warehouse such a length of time after its arrival at destination as to make the railroad company liable as ordinary bailee for hire, or as warehouseman. The com*164pany’s defense was that the property was destroyed by fire, not occasioned by its negligence. The proof showed that the fire originated in cotton stored on the platform of the warehouse, and was communicated therefrom to that…