When several actions are brought on one bond, undertaking, promissory note, bill of exchange, or other instrument in writing, or in any other case for the same cause of action, against several parties who might have been joined as defendants in the same action, no costs shall be allowed to the plaintiff in more than one of such actions, which may be at the plaintiff’s election, if the party proceeded against in the other actions was at the commencement of the previous action openly within this state; but the disbursements of the plaintiff shall be allowed to the plaintiff in each action.
[1911 CPA § 436; RL § 5378; NCL § 8925]