Grand Lodge F. and A. Masons of La. v. New Orleans

Citations

• 166 U.S. 143
• 17 S. Ct. 523
• 41 L. Ed. 951
• 1897 U.S. LEXIS 2015

Syllabus

<p>Act No. 225 of the legislature of Louisiana of March 15, 1855, exempting the hall of the Grand Lodge from state and parish taxation, “ so long as it is occupied as a Grand Lodge of the F. & A. Masons,” did not constitute a contract between the State and the complainant, but was a mere continuing gratuity which the legislature-was at liberty to terminate or withdraw at any time.</p> <p>If such a law be a mere offer of bounty it may be withdrawn at any time, although the recipients may have incurred expense on the faith of the offer.</p>