Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court September 15, 1864 (Day v. Inhabitants of Otis)

Bigelow, C. J.

The defendants cannot be held liable in this action, unless the selectmen were authorized by law to make an offer of reward like that set out in the plaintiff’s declaration, *478and thereby to bind the defendants. It is clear that such authority is not included within the ordinary powers and duties of selectmen of towns.