Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court October 20, 1897 (Wells v. Putnam)

Holmes, J.

There is no doubt that a town may release a part of a debt by way of compromise. Matthews v. Westborough, 131 Mass. 521, and 134 Mass. 555. Prout v. Pittsfield Fire District, 154 Mass. 450. Agnew v. Brall, 124 Ill. 312. We assume that it might release the whole upon considerations of paramount convenience and indirect pecuniary advantage, as to qualify a witness. Ford v.