X. A Lodge has the right to levy a tax upon its

members. Of this tax, which is paid under the name of " dues" or " quarterage'7— of the history of its origin, and of the obligation of a Mason to pay it — I have already fully treated on pages 194-195, and shall only add, that while I reiterate the views there expressed, that it is a local matter, with which Grand Lodges should not interfere ; yet it must be admitted, under the theory advanced in the preced- ing paragraphs on the subject of by-laws, that a Grand Lodge has, if it chooses, an unquestionable right to adopt any regulation controlling the action of its subordinates, in respect to this tax. The ex- pediency of enacting such a regulation, and the right to do so, are two very different things.
XL A Lodge has the right of ajjpeal to the Grand Lodge from tJ?e decision of its M aster. The doctrine
332 POWERS OP LODGES WORKING
of appeal lies at the very foundation of the demo- cratic character of the Masonic institution. It is secured by the Landmarks of the Order ;* and so far as respects the right of appeal of an individual Mason, is reiterated in the Charges approved in 1722. f But arguing a fortiori, it is evident that if an individual has the right of appeal, it must also be vested in a collective body of individuals. Accordingly it is admitted to be settled law, that whenever the Master of the Lodge shall, by his con- duct, impair the usefulness or destroy the harmony of the Lodge, or by any unjust decision violate the rights of the members, the Lodge may appeal from his injustice and oppression to the Grand Lodge. £