we balance our books at the end of the year. Poultry, for one thing, is unusually dear. There are many of us in Division 413 that have a weakness for birds (we will say nothing about the cold bottle) during the holiday season, but turkeys are roosting remarkably high and it takes a long purse and a strong pull to land one so that he will fall in the platter. We hear a good bit of news regarding our long legged auctioneer, Brother C. W. Leach, of the B. and B. loop. His admiring friends on that line have made him a holiday present of a solid silver conductor's lantern, not a make-believe, you understand, but manufactured from silver dollars which were contributed for that purpose. They say that Charley's chest measurement has increased preceptibly since the presentation affair. We are glad to hear that Brother John McCabe of the Fitchburg division who has been in the hospital for an operation, has been removed to his home. We are in hopes to see him among us before long, fully restored to health. In laying down my pen I will say that my intentions for the whole year have been of the best. I have endeavored to put as much originality as possible into my work and open up, as far as I was capable, new veins of comment or criticism so as to send the thoughts of our ilk out into as wide an area as possible. If I have given pleasure or entertainment to any who have read my letters or even helped to pass away a dull hour I am content. On the other hand, if I have wounded the feelings of any or caused feelings of enmity to exist, I am truly sorry, for notwithstanding the backbone in some of my letters, I am way down deep a very tender hearted fellow. When people think well of me I am happy. When clouds lower about me I am depressed. So hoping that my successor may have a full hand and go me one better. C. E. BEDELL. Editor Railway Conductor: CONDUCTOR on time as usual and find a great many interesting letters and have perused the most of them but the very lengthy and exceedingly interesting one by Brother Bedell I am reading by installments and I congratulate the Brother on the very able manner in which he writes, especially in relation to legislative committee, and next to Brother Coyne of 122, I am exceedingly interested in reading his comments. I have some of the same ideas but have not been able to write them out, but I can do as the majority do in Division meeting when there is anything of importance requiring a vote. We are now off for another year's run and on the road of life and it is very easy to look back on the last year's run and see wherein we might have done a little better in some things, but if we improve our present opportunities we can make a better showing for the year 1904. We have added to the membership of the Order by showing what a united front can do and several of the new members claimed as one reason why they never joined before was they couldn't see as the O. R. C. amounted to much. But they now acknowledge that it does cut a little ice. I wish to inform them that joining the Order does not constitute all that is required of them. They have to put their shoulders to the wheel now and help push, and one of the most important duties is to attend the meetings and take an active part in the work, for no set of officers can successfully carry on a Division meeting without the assistance of the members. I have been given a tip that we are going to have a degree staff, and it is earnestly hoped if any of the Brothers are called on to assist they will do so, as we are aware that it is a drawing card by the turnout to see Divisions 413 and 66 do the work. Division 157 had a very large turnout at the last regular meeting December 27, and it is to be accounted for by the presence of our worthy Brother Wilkins, Grand Junior Conductor. It is only necessary to mention the fact of his intention to be present and it insures a good attendance-wish he could be with us oftener. I read the exceedingly interesting letter of Brother Fickett in answer to Brother Willis' letter as to what constitutes good moral character, and in my estimation all conductors who successfully fill the position of a conductor in these strenuous times must certainly possess some of the qualifications of what is called good moral character. They certainly are few and far between who come up to Brother Fickett's ideas of what constitutes good moral character, I am sorry to say. I understand the Brothers who are employed on the B. & A. division of the N. Y. C. & H. R. R. R. are having a very strenuous time of it in going through a written examination as to their qualifications to fill a conductor's berth. I understand it is to be so thorough that maybe some will not come up to the standard required. I see our worthy and popular Brother, M. J. Leonard, formerly conductor on Providence division of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., in Boston down from Montreal on a vacation and he was looking as span as a brand new dollar bill. Judging from his appearance he gets three good meals a day and don't have to put in much over time. JUSTIN. Roxbury, Mass. Editor Railway Conductor: I have just been elected journal correspondent for the year 1904, and as Division 75 has been rather backward in sending a line to THE CONDUCTOR, I have made up my mind to try and make up for some of the lost time. Our annual election is over and passed off very harmoniously. And in our selection of officers I think both wisdom and care were displayed. The past year has proved very prosperous for our Division, our membership having increased about forty per cent during the year. There have also been quite a number of conductors who were members of the B. of R. T. come over to us, and we expect more to follow soon. Keep on coming, boys, we want you all. Our retiring Chief Conductor, Brother A. D. Bachus, has shown a great example' of regular attendance, as he was always in his place on meeting day. And the goat was pretty well used up at the end of the year, this being the hardest year's work he has ever had. Still for all this our meetings are usually small and many times it is hard work to get enough to make a quorum, which is very discouraging to the officers of any Division. Brother F. Shaw is chairman of our joint general grievance committee for our system and has been very successful since taking this position. He and the committee had a very satisfactory meeting with the officials and secured a nice increase of pay which is very much appreciated. He has also succeeded in obtaining the reinstatement of several Brothers who had been dismissed. He has also done much to increase the good feeling between ourselves and the officials of the road. D. P. WARD. Montreal, Canada. Editor Railway Conductor: Division 122 held its installation and banquet Sunday, December 20, with several visitors from Divisions 157, 237 and 370 and forty members present. Grand Senior Conductor, Brother Wilkins, was present and installed the officers in a most impressive manner. Brother Joe Moreau, who was re-elected Chief Conductor, will no doubt surpass the record of 1903, because we all realize that his associate officers are thoroughly interested in the good work of the Division. Our veteran Secretary, Charlie Baker, was unanimously re-elected, despite his protests, and in addition was made legislative representative. After installation we adjourned to Hotel Clarendon and enjoyed a fine spread, with plenty of "fixins." Of course this is the time to make new resolutions, and I trust that every officer in every Division in the land will resolve to do his duty as an officer and then live up to his resolution, and also that every member of every Division will resolve to do his duty as such, attend every meeting possible, and then live up to his resolution. If each will do his part, taking an active, earnest interest in the Order and its work, not only when we have a grievance, but at all times, we would increase the benefits of the Order one hundredfold. We are too prone to keep away from the Division meetings until we get into trouble or are oppressed by certain general conditions, and then come around to the meeting and kick because the Division can not immediately readjust them to our satisfaction. We must realize that there is almost upon us a period of industrial depression that will cause a tremendous reduction in the operating expenses of the railroads of the country, thus affecting our membership directly. We should discuss these facts that are prophesied and acknowledged by the leading students of indus-trial conditions and determine our position under the changes that must follow. Even the very conservative Mr. Gompers, president of the American Federation of Labor, in his address here at the national convention, told of the approaching crisis and the terrible trial it would cause organized labor. And while we may learn from some daily papers, through their editorial columns that there is no danger of business depression, still we may read of industry after industry laying off men and reducing wages, in the news columns of these same papers; therefore, we, as an organization, should have our line of resistance picked out for preventing the blow from striking our members, if possible. This, of course, to be done with honor to ourselves and justice to our fellow workers. I believe that our Grand Officers must realize the necessity of such action, and I have no doubt that they, with the assistance of the rank and file will be able in a large measure to ease the blow upon members of the O. R. C. It is to be regretted, however, that men of national prominence can not, or do not, point out the cause of these periodical industrial depressions and the remedy to prevent their recurrence. It would seem that men whose whole time is given to large questions that almost always revert back to the great underlying question of all, "The Labor Question," would be able to give us, in a somewhat moderate degree of unanimity, the remedy that the country needs to prevent hard times. Can it be possible that they may be mistaken in their conclusions and that some course other than what they have already given us is the right one? Probably they are mistaken in some things, and if so, I trust we may realize this in time to prevent the great mass of the working people undergoing the terrible sufferings and privations that accompany every business depression, by adopting some means of escape from such conditions and forever prevent their recurrence. I see some of the boys are getting stirred up about legislative committees. Well, that is a good sign, even if some of their ideas about legislative committees are a little flat-wheeled. I see Brother Bedell is afraid that the corporations will be abused by the legislature, and by the conduct of some of his associates on the Boston & Maine during the last session of the Massachusetts legislature, I guess he is not alone in that fear, because I believe some of our members opposed legislation favored by the legislative committee. Brother Bedell and others seem to think that the solar system and all the universe revolves around the B. & M., and that therefore the position of the B. & M. officials on legislation should be final, but they should remember that such is not the case, and that the Boston, Revere Beach & Lynn road is still in this state. Brother Bedell would have us believe that the railroad managements will arrange details of operation and rolling stock and maintenance of way satisfactorily if the questions are not brought up in the legislature, but by doing so he plainly shows that he does not realize that uniformity of equipment (such as air brakes, standard couplers, switch stands, etc.,) would be unknown but for legal enact ment, and further, that with the absence of legal enactment or laws on these questions, the employes would have no redress in case of accident under a mutual agreement such as he writes of. I believe that our members should not go before any hearing on railroad legislation without the consent of the legislative committee of the Order. As for working in harmony with the legislative committee of the sister organization, I trust that the O. R. C. will not form any alliance that does not include the B. R. T. and B. L. F. Brother Bedell's idea that the several Divisions of the Order on the Boston & Maine, located in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, should arrange for legislation in Massachusetts, is unique if not quite constitutional. His Division (413) failed to have their legislative committee attend the organization of the present legislative committee, but I trust that his letter will awaken them to the necessity of being represented if a legislative committee is formed for 1904. Local news here is a little scarce and business is quieting down considerable and it looks as though some runs would be pulled off on all the roads. Changes in the official staff of the N. Y., N. H. & H., with Mr. Mellen as President, indicate that radical changes in method of operation will follow as soon as the new officers become acquainted with the details of their new positions. It is expected that Brother W. J. Galley will be elevated to one of the vice-presidencies. A very bad wreck occurred on the B. & A. division of the New York Central, at Worcester, on Sunday morning, December 6th, in which three lives were lost. The cause was poor flagging. Every member of the O. R. C. should realize the necessity of proper flagging and insist on its being done. Brother Gillen had his foot injured on the Bangor & Aroostook some months ago, and is just now resuming duty. Brother E. E. Belcher is still suffering from paralysis of the left side and is now practically helpless. The members are all hustling in new timber and it is safe to say that 1904 will see practically every man in both passenger and freight service running into Boston in the O. R. C. Division No. 122 will run their annual ball on Washington's birthday, February 22nd, at Berkley Hall. Everybody invited. W. J. COYNE, Boston, Mass. Editor Railway Conductor: Logansport Division 110, at regular meeting, elected a set of officers for the ensuing year which gives it a star aggregation-a collection of officers whose ability is only equaled by the profound interest they take in all matters pertaining to the Order. The consensus of opinion among the Brothers of this neck-o-woods is in favor of a change in the laws governing our insurance department which will permit the payment of at least half the amount of insurance carried by any Brother in good standing, who, through old age or incurable illness, has reached the total disability stage. This feeling has been brought about by instances where some worthy Brother suffered for the necessaries of life, through failure to make his wants known, and whose pride would permit of slow starvation rather than be placed in the position of asking for aid. The pathetic side of such circumstances seldom reach us until too late to do that which is most needed, but we could not help the regret and shame we would naturally feel at the thought that had we made a little effort, we could have done something to relieve the sufferings of a Brother. Think of this, Brothers, and with the same sympathy that prompts all of you when you meet a case of human distress, to split your last dollar with the afflicted one, with this same spirit, with this same sympathy, the writer hopes that his Brothers, far and near, will give this matter their earnest and best attention, and regardless of the objections of some few, vote that we do our very best for the ones who need it most. Logansport, Ind. L. M. DOOLEY. Editor Railway Conductor: I will try and write a few lines to let you know that we are not in the land of the unknown, but are thriving as a band of co-workers. We held our annual election of officers in November. Everything is going smoothly. We could not have a better set of officials, and have a good scale of wages. With all this we are only human. The grim reaper has been in our midst and took away the beloved wife of Brother O. Smith, our S. and T. She was highly esteemed by all who knew her. The interment took place at Marietta, Ohio, her childhood home, and the W. & L. E. R. R. gave all who wished to attend transportation as far as Zanesville, Ohio. Massillon, O. W. F. BURNS. Editor Railway Conductor; The Brothers of Division 391 having elected me correspondent for the year 1904, I will do my best to tell you something. Again the circle of time has rolled one more year behind us, and as we stand upon the threshold of the new year we wonder what it has in store for us, whether it will bring as few changes as the past year. We held our annual election"in November, 1903, and I think we can point with pride to the officers we elected, who have just been installed. They are as fine a looking set of men as you could meet in many a day's journey. Why is it when anything special is going on in the Division there is always a good attendance, but other times you will find only the regulars, who put Division meetings before every. thing? Now, Brothers, those old excuses, "I got in a little late," or "I forgot it was meeting day," are played out, and it is time you awoke to the fact that it is to your interest to attend meetings. Those who seldom attend meeting are the one that do all the kicking-why don't the Division do this? Or, why don't the Division do that?never stopping to think that if they attend and speak of these things in meeting they would more than likely be done. Our new C. C., Fred Newton, is the right man in the right place, and I do not know of anyone who could so ably fill the office, after having been occupied by that sterling O. R. C. man, Pop Beers. If any members wish to dine in New York City, just see Fred, for I am told he is a walking directory of table de hotes or a la carte. Just a few words more about meetings, Brothers. Make a resolve that you will endeavor this year to see how many meetings you can attend. Jamaica, N. Y. FLAT WHEEL. Editor Railway Conductor: I have been waiting to hear from some of our worthy Brothers, and at last the unexpected has arrived from Brother Geo. Connor. I think that when a new captain takes charge of a ship that he has not been aboard before he should have time to learn the ropes. And I hope that Brother Boyle will make a first-class captain in the new ship that he now commands, as he did in the old ship, 80. And I hope that his new ship will sail safely on the sea of life and prosperity. Farnham, Que. Editor Railway Conductor: A. TAYLOR. We take this means of advising all our Brothers of the successful termination of trial of Brother L. C. Crutcher of Division 261, who was compelled to shoot and kill a Mexican brakeman in order to save his own life. After dragging along and awaiting trial for seven months, we came out victorious, thanks to the untiring efforts of our committeman, Brother R. D. Harris, and the help we received from Divisions in United States, Canada and Mexico. The case cost Division 261, in Mexican money, $3,927.02, but we did not pay one cent for "tribute" or "bribery." We had the best lawyers we could get in Mexico and paid them well. We were accused by some United States representatives of being "over zealous" and hurting the case. We didn't get help from them until it was forced on them so they had to do something. I do not know whether it is the system that is to blame for the scant protection Americans get in this sunny clime, or our representatives. I think it must be the system-too much red tape. Division 261 wishes to thank all our sister Divisions and Brothers everywhere for the assistance which they rendered us in our time of need, and we assure you all whenever we have a penny in our pockets any deserving Brother or Division is welcome to it. God bless you all. San Luis Potosi, Mex. W. H. SIMPSON, Editor Railway Conductor: Our doctors boast with hungry pride Helps them "cut out" longevity. Though "it was ever thus," and we have eaten and eaten again, to the sorrow of our gobbling barnyard adjunct, now we stop to reflect that with all our enjoyment of good things at Xmas dinners there are thousands and thousands of mouths that tasted not of more than the very ordinary sustenance, yet many of them are truly more grateful to God for the blessings of life and good health than we who are more fortunate in enjoying worldly comforts, with good things to eat. Hence it remains to be seen that in the end, who will be best off, the rich man or the poor man-the workingman, or him who works not. Speaking of work reminds us that business is rather dull now on Knoxville division of the Southern Ry., owing to disagreement of our coal miners and operators, the holidays and the mildness of the weather, and while we dislike to sacrifice good weather for anything, we do hope that an amicable agreement may be reached after the holidays whereby our boys may make more time. The "battleships" have arrived, and the thunderous waves they make in the elements and the room they leave in a yard is enough to give the gloomy yardman the sungrins. Everything is larger except the whistle and smokestack, which serves to emphasize the apparent desire of railroad people for more cars and less noise. Our new engines weigh about 115 tons, and when they roll over the line the trestles sing to the tune of the bridge builder Instead of steam, it's big "hot air." We learn with pleasure that there is a new Division of our Order being organized at Alexandria, Va. We are glad indeed to know that the new Division is an assured success, and as correspondent of Division 139 we take the liberty to extend to the new sister the right hand of brotherly love and esteem and to give you assurance of our support in any possible way. Our salaried chairman, Brother R. W. Moore, is doing much in adjusting differences, as well as in organizing the membership and working up good fraternal feeling and confidence all over the Southern System. Long may such good work continue. The first essential qualification of a salaried chairman is unquestionable loyalty of the truest type. Second, ability to meet and handle the required duties coupled with a desire and disposition to be fair to the company's interests as well as that of the Order. Our chairman has these requisites and is ever ready to exercise them, hence the result of his faithful service. Several shifts of passenger conductors and runs are in progress just now. Brother Mooney of the Salesbury, N. C., and Chattanooga, Tenn., run takes Brother C. W. Wright's run on 41 and 42, Bristol to Chattanooga, and is succeeded by Brother C. A. Davis of the former Morristown & Bristol run. Other changes will be made as rights of conductors and conditions adjust them-selves. We are glad to note that several of the Brothers who were sick are able to return to work. Brother Geo. S. Brown, formerly of Ashville division, but now on the Santa Fe, who has been home quite sick, has recovered sufficiently to return to Raton, N. Mex., his headquarters. We are glad to learn that the Brothers out there rec-, ognized in Brother Brown a good Order man and made him chairman of their local committee of adjustment. Brothers "Deck" Estes and Ed Yoder are also working out of Raton and are home for a visit during the holidays. We have heard nothing lately of Brother W. L. Stowe nor A. N. Robbins of our Division. Would also like to know the whereabouts of one Mr. George Patterson, formerly a member of Atlanta Division 180. We recently had inquiry for the location of one "G. L." "George" or "Brog" Caldwell, who was recently dropped from the roster of Savannah Division for contempt while charges were pending for violation of obligation. This fellow imposed upon the Order and was duly advertised in THE CONDUCTOR, even before he became a member of the Order. Where he got the work, no one ever knew, but he did afterwards get into Savannah Division, they knowing nothing of his imposition, etc., but was later dropped. Was formerly a telegraph operator, has one or two fingers (including index) off right hand and has a pecularity for "buttin' in" and making his knowledge of railroad matters known. Brother Coburn, S. and T. of Savannah Division, or "Red Stud" of Division 139 can give any further information wanted about this fellow Caldwell, who may be sailing under different initials or name ere this. He's a smooth artist and takes pleasure in looking you straight in the eye while relating his "gospel truths." Merit takes care of itself. It's unworthiness and imposters that need airing in order to protect our membership. Long may true and loyal O. R. C. men live and prosper. DUPLEX. the direct comforts and benefits derived from membership in the O. R. C., and a keener realization as well of our individual responsibilities at home and in the Order, and do all we can to assist our officers both in the Order and on the road. After the business session, all members adjourned to the Merchant's hotel where the wives and sweethearts were anxiously waiting to attend the annual dinner of Division 40. Two hundred and seventy-five guests sat down to an eight course dinner. The menu was very elaborate and relished by all. Excellent music delighted all. Speeches were made by members of Divisions 40, 117 and 249, also by members of Flour City Division 101 and Como Division 98, L. A. to O. R. C. The absence of all grand officers was greatly regretted. To be able to mingle socially with so many of the Brothers and their wives was a treat and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our last meeting closed one of the most prosperous years in the history of the Division, having a membership of three hundred and thirtynine, and enters the new year with prospects of increased usefulness and best wishes to all Divisions of the O. R. C. and all L. A. to O. R. C. St. Paul, Minn. FRED HAUSer. We B. L. E. Divisions. B. L. F. Lodges $209.00 143.65 258.15 56.25 60.00 64.55 56.50 25.00 $873.10 "Yes this is the RAILWAY CONDUCTOR office." "Who is this?" "Division 40, did you say?" "Oh! Ho! Just the new correspondent. thought by the noise it was the whole Division. All right, go ahead." Division 40 held its annual election November 15. Brother J. D. Condit, C. C., and Brother M. W. Goss, S. and T., having served for eleven consecutive terms, absolutely refused to serve again. As we review the success of the past ten years of our Division, we feel that the new officers will have something to do to retain the standards of the past ten or eleven years. However, we feel that the Brothers elected will be equal to the occasion. At this meeting a very handsome sum of money was voted and donated where it would do a great deal of good. We have the right kind of conductors with the right kind of spirit. I honestly hope that we will all go into the year 1904 with a still higher sense of L. A. to O. R. C. Divisions. Total MISCELLANEOUS. L. A. to O. R. C., No. 164, table cloth. G. I. A. to B. L. E., No. 69, barrel canned fruit. B. P. Bowers (member Division 177, O. R. C.) one dozen fruit knives. L. A. to B. R. T., No. 62, seven sheets. L.. A. to O. R. C., No. 97, box and barrel canned fruit. L. A. to O. R. C., No. 122, box containing 5 pairs socks, 4 towels, 1 pair slippers, 1 box toilet soap and canned goods. |