Marshall v. Pilots Ass'n

Citations

• 206 Pa. 182
• 55 A. 916
• 1903 Pa. LEXIS 671

Syllabus

<p>Voluntary association — By-laws—Amendment oj by-laws— Vested right— Pilot's association.</p> <p>When the rights of a member of a beneficial association have become fixed they cannot be affected by a change of the by-laws without his consent.</p> <p>A voluntary association of pilots adopted the following by-law : “ A member losing his license for any other cause than intoxication shall receive half pay until reinstated.” A member in active service and good standing became disabled by reason of impairment of his eyesight, and could no longer pursue his calling. His license was revoked and he was accorded half pay. Subsequently the by-law was amended so that it would read, “ A member losing his license through accident to the vessel, or through any other cause, except intoxication, shall receive one half pay until reinstated. A member losing his license for not being capable of following his business shall receive fifty dollars per month.” Held, that the disabled member was not bound by the amended by-law.</p>