SECTION 16. Acknowledgment or new promise by joint contractor; judgment

If, in actions against two or more joint contractors or against the executor or administrator of a joint contractor, it appears that the plaintiff is barred by this chapter as to one or more of such contractors, but is entitled to recover against any other or others of them by virtue of a new acknowledgment or promise or otherwise, judgment shall be given for the plaintiff as to the defendants against whom he is entitled to recover, and for the defendants not liable.