Progressive Grocers' Ass'n v. Golden

Plaintiff is an incorporated association of retail grocers in the District of Columbia. It was organized under Maryland laws, primarily to give its members the benefit of collective or mass buying. Defendant is a member. Plaintiff sues him to recover $157.91. Of this sum $116.91 is for goods sold and delivered and $41 is for membership dues.

Defendant does not dispute these items. But he seeks to set off a loan of $25 due him from plaintiff and $250 paid in on becoming a member to be “used for collective buying of merchandise.” He claims the by-laws entitle him to have this refunded by virtue…