Sec.  17.  \Miere  the  language  of  the  instrument  is  ambiguous  or
there  are  omissions  therein,  the  following  rules  of  construction  apply :

1.  Where  the  sum  payable  is  expressed  in  words  and  also  in  figures

and  there  is  a  discrepancy  between  the  two,  the  sum  denoted
by  the  words  is  the  sum  payable;  but  if  the  words  are  am-
biguous or  uncertain,  reference  may  be  had  to  the  figures  to
fix  the  amount ;

2.  Where  the  instrument  provides  for  the  payment  of  interest,  with-

out specifying  the  date  from  which  interest  is  to  run,  the  in-
terest runs  from  the  date  of  the  instrument,  and  if  the  in-
strument is  undated,  from  the  issue  thereof ;

3.  Where  the  instrument  is  not  dated,  it  will  be  considered  to  be

dated  as  of  the  time  it  was  issued ;


Art.  2)  THE    NEGOTIABLE    INSTRUMENTS    LAW.  715

4.  Where  there  is  a  conflict  between  the  written  and  printed  pro-

visions of  the  instrument,  the  written  provisions  prevail;

5.  Where   the    instrument   is    so    ambiguous    that   there   is    doubt

whether  it  is  a  bill  or  note,  the  holder  may  treat  it  as  either
at  his  election ;

6.  Where  a  signature  is  so  placed  upon  the  instrument  that  it  is  not

clear  in  what  capacity  the  person  making  the  same  intended
to  sign,  he  is  to  be  deemed  an  indorser ;

7.  Where  an  instrument  containing  the  words,  "I  promise  to  pay,"

is  signed  by  two  or  more  persons,  they  are  deemed  to  be
jointly  and  severally  liable  thereon.
Sec.  18.  No  person  is  liable  on  the  instrument  whose  signature  does
not  appear  thereon,  except  as  herein  otherwise  expressly  provided.
