The Railroad Telegrapher Volume 24, Part 2

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This is a reproduction of a library book that was digitized by Google as part of an ongoing effort to preserve the information in books and make it universally accessible. Google books http://books.google.com

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The Ra Order of Ra /&25p>-:

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When addressing our Advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Railroad Telegraphers’ Time-Saver By using the speedy Oliver, you gain 50 per cent in time. And you do this without the expenditure of extra physical or mental effort. The Oliver meets the exacting demands of the railroad oper- ator’s work. Never gets “nervous prostra- tion,” no matter how swift the pace. The Oliver “works in a whisper” — in taking messages you catch every click of the sounder. It “writes in sight” — you SEE just what you are doing. It is a wonderfully versatile machine — instantly available for Wire Work Train Orders. Manifolding Way-Bills, etc., etc. Hj. OLIVER TypcWrittr has many less parts than the old-style “mill” and is more compact and durable. It runs smoothly, prints legibly, aligns accurately. Special Terms to O. R. T. Men You can OWN an Oliver Typewriter and pay for it by the month, the same as if you were renting it. Let us tell you how easy it is to buy the Oliver on very small monthly payments. Ask for the Oliver Book. Just mention in your letter that you are a member of the O. R. T. Address The Oliver Typewriter Co., ss Dearborn st., Chicago, 111. Digitized by L^OOQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. MARE PAY-DAY “SAVE-DAY” ALMOST every one finds it hard to save money, yet admits that it is one of the most important things in life. Like many other things, saving is largely a matter of habit. Get Into the Habit of Saving! Make a resolution today to lay aside a portion of your pay each week or month on pay-day* before it gets away from you, before “it bums a hole in your pocket,” and deposit it in some reliable bank. There will then be no immediate temptation to spend it and you will also be receiving interest on your money. One of the most reliable banks in the country, one that has withstood fire, financial panic and the test of time is The Hibernian Bank THE OLDEST SAVINGS DANK IN CHICAGO It has a capital of One Million and a Half Dollars and a surplus of over One Million Dollars. It is now completing its forty-first successful year, having been established in 1867. No matter where you live, you can open an account with THE HIBERNIAN BANK through its perfected system of “Banking By Mail.** Send for circular. One Dollar opens a savings account. Interest is paid on all savings accounts. THE HIBERNIAN BANK also has a large Commercial Department and has the best of facilities for handling open check accounts. Its age and reliability make this institution an ideal depository for trust or society funds. If you are the trustee of any such moneys or know of any one who is, it would be glad to have you investigate its fitness for handling such. Your recommendation of this Bank to any of your friends will be highly appreciated. Digitized by Google

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. Are you satis- fied with what^ Vyou are earn-^L Are not only the fasteat in the ^Ine now? ESI world, but becauae they are the 1116 uuwr fastest they arc the Beat paid. The Book is Free. v Our 7*-pnge free book tella how they got their speed. READ THIS: It tella how we have increased “TJm s-fc i._ « the •l^d of hundreds of opera- “• *h°” ma“v 1°2 p","?' ' h°* V Tulioia Coi)r««an4 am now have doubled salaries in six rawing flfu-ea dollars p*r months ; how we have made stic- month n»r« than when cessful touch writers of those writing bj *i?hu who said touch writing was im- " . u. craft. possible. And this, dnud 10 month* It contains more typewriting Hsr# neoenmd another FACTS than any instruction po.itlon.THm fZtlZ jt0° >nU t 'if' °F 'aW‘ almost double mT former 11 w1l11 tel1 >’OU how you •alary, w. it. CRAFT. can learn to write without Brookbavm, Mia*. ever looking at the keys — — — — — — how you can write Juat as well In the dark as in broad daylight— all at a speed far greater than the best you can attain now. If you aiea typewriter user, this book will cost you only the trouble of asking for it. Please tell us what machine you use. THETULLOSS SCHOOL OF TOUCH TYPEWRITING, 210 College Hill, Springfield, O. TYPEWRITING SPEED PAYS Increase Your Speed and your salary will increase itself. Talloss Touch Writers Udd. Ark.,J*n.«,'0«. I h*re completed the TuIIom CotiMcnn.l *m now getting fifteen dollar* per month in-«re than when writing by*i-bt. W. U. CRAFT. And this, daUd 10 month* later: HaT* accepted another position, and am getting almost double my former •alary. W. R. CRAFT. Brookhayrn, MU*. $3.— V iHV "The shoe that will not tire." - E-Jr We fit you perfectly and 8 a v o you the job- ber's and retailer ’s profits. The sole of a Reliance shoe la made of oak tanned leather, tough and durable and costs as much as the sole of any $6.00 shoe. Every ^HPV.nl piece of leather in every Reliance shoe is up to the same high standard. ^^Mad.to*^# The workmanship is the product of ure Flu like the most skilled shoemakers. Reli- nk!,j giora. ance shoes are made on custom lasts Deiw*r«d •*- and handsomely finished. In wear, prepaid, *i ,c 8h ape-retaining qualities, foot com* fort and style, we guarantee the Re- liance equal to any $6.00 retail shoe made. The grace- ful curve at the heel prevents slipping up and down, the narrow shank properly supports the weight and gives the foot absolute comfort. If you’ll investi- gate Reliance shoes, you’ll wear no other make. We fully satisfy you in every way or return your money. Write for our Free style-book and measurement blank. Reliance shoes are delivered, charges pre- paid, $3.75. All Kellaoce Shot* Bear th« Union Stamp. RELIANCE SHOE COMPANY, Box 9. Friendship, N. Y. Body and Screws made of Composi- tion Bronze, Gold Lacquered Nickel Plated Lever. Polished Hard Rub- ber Knobs. Cut above shows full size SOUVENIR WATCH CHARM KEY. A Perfect Working Model of the Standard Bunnell Legless Key. BY REGISTERED MAIL, $1.50. Machlnej shipped for your examination and approval to any point In United States We rent all make* of machine* at $S a month and up. r-iwpp Send today for our big catalog list of rare r Kk |" typewriter bargains. Don't buy until * HLL you see It. Write today before our big clearing sale closes Special offer to agents. BIG DISCOUNT ON TYPEWRITER SUPPLIES. ROCKWELL-BARNES COMPANY, 601 Baldwin Building, CHICAGO. ILLINOIS. J. H. BUNNELL & CO., Manufacturers of High-Grade Telegraph Apparatus. BO Park Place, NEW YORK. Our New Catalogue 25 X Sent on Application. Digitized by L^OOQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telfgrapher. Pav^w&Theri \>r 1 1 1 1 a n t DIAMOND in 14-Kt 5ol»d Rind — QOOT&SHof-- WORKERS UNION UNION#! STAMP PROVIDE YOURSELF WITH AN O. R. T. CAP Practicable. Union-Made. Serviceable Attractive. Popular Price. Light Wetg it, — Prompt Shipments ■ Description— Made of best quality corded or ribbed silk; heavy patent leather visor, green underneath to shade the eyes, and silk strap cord. MaBed on reooipt of prioe, 85 CENTS, Stamps, Money Order or Express Order. Money refunded if not satisfied. Mention correct size. FROM MANUFACTURER TO CONSUMER Reference, any Bank or Trust Co. in St Louis. Established fifty years. u*~ M. 60ETTLER HAT CO. Be*. L 1268 t. Bnafoay, ST. LOUIS. 110. GDttr Jfattuwa "Staitwah &pttiaT' Designed for Operators who do heavy train order work; has finely ground and carefully tested agate point, firmly vulcanized into a hard rubber handle, cannot possibly come loose, large rough grip, smoothest, easiest writing stylus ever made. 8enfc postpaid for 60 cts. Send for one to-day, and use it 5 days, then we'll buy it back for 65 cts. if you want to sell. We print 100 finest quality white Bristol Cards with O. R. T. Emblem, or your own Railroad trade mark, or key and sounder inQold for 50 cts. or send a two-cent stamp for "The Op’rs Prayer” and "St. Peter and the Scab’’ and a lot of card samDles. and learn how you can get a stylus. Free. Best Quality T. W. Ribbon 60 cts. Our O. R. T. STAR NOVELTY CO., FT. SCOTT, KANSAS. KMM vi.ov uowimna %P * bwC/ #8.75 it Month. You may order Watch or Ring upon terms indicated— remit first payment with order or we will send goods C. O. D.. first pay- ment express prepaid. Cat. No. H-7 free. HERBERT L. JOSEPH & CO., Diamond lmi*or:trs— II atch Jobbrrs 217 (H-7) STATE STREET, CHICAGO This genuine Elgin or Waltham Watch- Ladies’ or Gents’ size — fitted with plain or engraved 20 -year gold -filled case. Only $12.50 13 00 down and $1.50 a Month. sOTllll AUAUUUUJU .M..w RECIPROCITY! / Buy Union Stamp Shoes-The Best Made Buy shoes made with the Union Stamp. A guarantee of good wage conditions and well treated shoe workers. No higher in cost than shoes without the Union stamp. ' INSIST upon having Union Stamp Shoes. If your dealer can- not supply you, write 1 Shoe Workers* Union 240 Summer ST., Bouton, Mass

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Take That Meat Away We will have no more meat or heavy , hard-to-digest foods on our breakfast table this Summer . We never felt so well in our lives as we did last Summer , when we made EGG-O-SEE the foundation of every meal." If you do not use EGG-O-SEE for EVERY meal, you should at least make it the LAW OF YOUR BREAKFAST TABLE, and insure Summer Health and vigorous happiness for your entire household. Digitized by Google When faddressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Every Package Bears the Union Label EGG-O-SEE is Nature’s own food — the whole wheat in its most tempting, delicious and sustaining form. More EGG-O-SEE is eaten each day than all other similar foods combined. This is the strongest endorsement ever accorded any food by the American people. Costs no more than the ordinary kinds- large package 10c. FREE — our ‘‘-back to nature” book — tells how to get well and keep well by natural means. Sent free on application — write today. EGG O-SEE CEREAL COMPANY, Chicago largest Manufacturers of Flaked Cereal Foods iu the World.

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Sfrc/ z b 7. 2. Published Monthly by the Order or Railroad Telegraphers. L. W. QUICK • Edtor and Manager. 70 Entered at the Post-Office at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter. Subscription Price • * $1.00 Per Yeas Vol. XXIV. JULY, 1907. No. 7. THE TELEGRAPH. THE telegraph is now a little over sixty years old and it can be truly said that it is the most important link in the affairs of nations and the busi- ness world. The first message ever sent by telegraph was the now famous one, “What hath God wrought?” which was sent over an experi- mental line built for the purpose of testing the telegraph between Washington, D. C., and Baltimore, Md., which was built in May, 1844, under the direction of Professor S. F. B. Morse and Alfred Vail. The first message was sent by Miss Ellsworth, daugh- ter of the then United States Commissioner of Patents. At that time the national Democratic convention was in session in Baltimore, and when James K. Polk was nominated for President by that convention this fact was telegraphed to Washington, and the fact that a means had been discovered whereby instant communication could be had at a considerable distance, created a great sen- sation, and did much to make friends to the theory that it could be made a useful means of communication. When it is taken into consideration that the bill appropriating $30,000 to build this experimental line was passed by Congress by a bare majority of eight, it can be sur- mised that the national legislators were not strongly imbued with the idea of its prac- ticability and the difficulties under which Professor Morse was laboring can be better appreciated. The line built by the government appro- priation was placed under the direction of the Postmaster General, and was operated by him for four years. The patents held by Morse and Vail were offered to the na- tional government for $100,000, but the idea of paying such a sum of money for what Congress characterized as a “toy,” did not Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1054 The Railroad Telegrapher. meet favor with that body and, conse- quently, the patents remained the property of Morse and Vail. Later, they were acquired by private cor- porations, and between 1868 and 1876 Con- gress thought better of the idea and voted an annual subsidy of $40,000 for ten years to one private telegraph concern in the West, or a total of $400,000, or four times as much as the patents could have been purchased for in the beginning. In the early days of the telegraph all re- ceiving was done on a “register,” and it is claimed that it was then the rule to fine telegraphers who were found reading mes- sages by “sound,” as that method was very much feared. The evolution of the telegraph during its sixty years of use has been phenomenal. The little experimental line between Wash- ington and Baltimore, a distance of about forty miles, has been superseded by a net- work of telegraph lines and cables that circle the globe; the destiny of nations are controlled by its use; in war times the telegraph is a most important factor in mov- ing armies and battleships; in the business world the telegraph is indispensable; it is the intermediary by which great financial transactions are made; by it, also, the citi- zens of the nations of the earth are enabled to readily communicate with each other; relatives in a far-distant land can be ap- prised of the sickness or death of a rela- tive; it furnishes a means for instant com- munication between governments, whereby knotty problems of state are often settled, and has thereby been the means of averting many a bloody conflict. By it the movement of trains throughout the land are directed, and the safety of the millions of people who annually use the railroads as a means of transportation is made possible. By means of the telegraph the great daily newspapers are able to furnish their readers with the latest news from all parts of the globe. The old “register” has given way to the more improved method of receiving by “sound.” Heavy copper wires have been substituted for the old iron ones. Instead of “relaying” messages every 200 or 300 miles, the “repeater” has been installed, which makes it possible to work direct with an office 2,000 or 3,000 miles distant. The old clumsy key has given place to the more improved one especially adapted for attaining greater speed in send- ing; the old crow-foot batteries have been superseded in large offices by the more im- proved and efficient dynamos. The single wire service between import- ant points has been replaced by the duplex and quad service, whereby many times the amount of business can be handled on a wire. While this great evolution has been taking place in the telegraph from a mechanical standpoint, there have also been many changes in the manner of handling the business. The telegrapher of today has at- tained a greater degree of proficiency in his profession, and is capable of handling much more business than was formerly handled; on newspaper and other heavy circuits the code or system of abbreviation is in general use, which makes it possible to handle a much greater volume of business. The type- writer has been put into general use in all large offices, and the pen has been consigned to oblivion. When the real importance of the tele- graph to the business of the world is ap- preciated. the responsibility and importance of the telegrapher can be better understood. The millions of dollars invested by the various telegraph companies in poles, wires, the latest improved equipments, etc., would be of no use were it not for the telegrapher who operates and injects life into these great systems. Although the telegrapher of today has at- tained a much greater degree of efficiency in his profession than that possessed by telegraphers of thirty or forty years ago, the evolution in his case has been toward poorer pay, and more onerous working con- ditions. The railroad telegrapher, on whom de- volves the responsibility of protecting the lives of the traveling public, and many other duties too numerous to mention, have been required to work longer hours, a greater number of days per month for less pay than Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1055 those engaged in the profession before the evolution in the telegraph took place. The commercial telegrapher, that hard- working public servant, although an em- ploye of a corporation, nevertheless a pub- lic servant indispensable to the business world, has also been a victim of the evolu- tion of the telegraph instead of a benefactor of it as he should have been. But. as the old saying goes, time works wonderful changes. The railroad teleg- rapher of today through the efforts of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers is enjoying greatly improved conditions, as compared with those of five years ago; through per- sistent and aggressive representation, the remuneration of the railroad telegraphers in every section of the United States and Canada have been materially increased, and their hours of service reduced. Opposition has occasionally been encountered in this movement for better conditions, but all ob- stacles have been overcome, and the silver lining behind the dark cloud that over- shadowed the profession a few years ago is now plainly discernible, and the $75-00 minimum and an eight-hour work-day for railroad telegraphers is near at hand. The commercial telegraphers, through their organization, the Commercial Teleg- raphers* Union of America, has made its first step towards a general betterment of the conditions of the commercial teleg- raphers, which movement gives every prom- ise of being successful, and the $75.00 min- imum and eight-hour work-day in the com- mercial telegraph service will, no doubt, also soon be a reality. The organized telegraphers of the coun- try have it within their power to secure every reasonable concession they may ask for. THE COMMERCIAL TELEGRAPHERS* UNION. THE Commercial Telegraphers’ Union of America has made rapid strides toward thorough organization in the ranks of the commercial telegraphers during the last few months, and it has dur- ing that period practically completed organ- ization in all the large offices of both the Western Union and Postal Telegraph Com- panies, and recently the first step looking towards the improvement of the conditions of those engaged in that calling was made when schedules were prepared and presented to the officers of those two great concerns. The management of the Western Union re- fused to treat with its organized employes •as such, and finally, as a last resort, in an effort to adjust the matter amicably, Presi- dent Small addressed a communication to the Board of Directors of the Western Union, in which he set forth the conditions now prevailing in the telegraph service of that company at considerable length, and concluded by enumerating the concessions that had been asked for from the manage- ment of the company. The communication was as follows: “New York, June 3, 1907. Board of Directors Western Union Tele- graph Company t Thomas T. Eckert , Chair- man: Gentlemen. — For many years the teleg- raphers witnessed the continued regression of their craft. They saw their expenses in- crease and the purchasing power of their wages decrease, while the wages and con- ditions of workmen in other spheres of em- ployment were improving. Telegraphers’ rate of pay w&s continually gravitating to- ward a lower level. Wages of our associates outside of the main departments also suf- fered a reduction, and at the same time their hours of employment lengthened. In many places the operating rooms were overcrowded and badly ventilated and the necessary relief conveniences delayed. Juniors, lacking sufficient education and wire experience, were assigned to first-class circuits at a compensation lower than that paid to men who carried the burden of fam- ily repsonsibilities. The senior telegrapher always suffered from the competition of the junior, whose labor was for the most part unskilled. Nine to tweive hours of service was re- quired from a telegrapher anxious to work during the hours of daylight, and it appeared to be the policy of the company to profit through the desire of the men to work the day tricks. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1056 The Railroad Telegrapher. The tyranny of the under officials had to be endured. Complaint to the official in charge of a district brought no redress, and petitions for improvements were especially frowned upon. The telegrapher or teleg- raphers whose names appeared at the head of a memorial too often suffered dismissal. Indeed, the trend of the time seemed not for betterment but to the detri- ment of our craftsmen. The harsh con- ditions then prevailing— -conditions prac- tically pevailing at this time— evoked a spirit of unrest. In the telegraph offices of the country operators had virtually lost their individuality and independence. Realizing by experience that individual effort was powerless to improve the existing order of things, and that the future offered nothing in the way of advancement to encourage them, conferences of telegraphers were ar- ranged and held in different cities. The general situation was reviewed, and as a result of their deliberations the Commercial Telegraphers' Union of America was or- ganized to advance, protect and maintain the interests of all engaged in the occupation of telegraphy. As foreseen at the time of the inception of the organization, many would suffer be- cause of the views entertained by the officials of your company antagonistic to unionism. Telegraphers sympathizing with the pur- poses of the movement, and others actually members of this organization, from time to time lost their positions. The officials of your company apparently adopted the view that our organization, which seeks to im- prove the conditions and morale of the fra- ternity by encouraging them in diligence, skill and proficiency, was moving along lines which they interpreted as hostile to the in- terests of your company and, therefore, in- defensible. Dismissal of our brethren by your officials, the continuation of the “split trick” and the “sliding scale” — methods which work automatically for the lengthen- ing of hours and reduction of wages — brought recruits to our organization in great numbers, and now, after five years of active organization work, the Commercial Teleg- raphers’ Union of America, in personnel and numerical strength, in comparison with the number employed, is equal to any organ- ization extant. We are organized to maintain freedom, liberty and independence, and the teleg- rapher is benefiting as the result of this asso- ciation with his fellow workmen. We believe that the history of progress is written in the true development of the people, and that the development of an in- dustry depends on the opportunities for ad- vancement the occupation affords. Limit opportunity by curtailing incentive to ambi- tion and the inevitable result is a decline in the growth and power of that industry. Capable intellects and efficient workmen vying with each other for the prosperity of the interest affected, through harmony and accord, will assure the success of all con- cerned. Therefore, we have decided to sub- mit for your due and kind consideration a number of statements and grievances from our brethren which, when properly consid- ered, we believe will be immediately rem- edied. The following is a copy of the complaint filed with Mr. T. A. McCammon, chief operator of the Western Union Telegraph Company, 195 Broadway, New York, May 23, 1907: "Sir. — We, the undersigned, respectfully call your attention to the following and re- quest an immediate adjustment. During the past few weeks there has been much complaint by employes of the operat- ing department because of the general dis- position displayed by a number of men in authority, particularly Messrs. Brennan and McAllister to harass and intimidate oper- ators. This practice has become so general and flagrant and its effects so disconcerting as to seriously interfere with the peace of mind that should prevail among employes in order to enable them to render the most efficient service. These conditions con- tribute in a large measure to the defeat of the end aimed at by the recent letter of President dowry, relating to the malicious delay in the transmission of business. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 10S7 We would cite the following specific cases in substantiation of this complaint: Mr. John T. Fitzgerald was for seventeen years a faithful and efficient employe. On April 17th he omitted the name and address on a special, an error which naturally would have been discovered by the receiv- ing operator and slip returned to Mr. Fitz- gerald, who would have immediately cor- rected the omission, thereby causing but little delay and no loss to the company. He was discharged. Mr. R. E. Follette was suspended on the charge of leaving his wire without permis- sion. Mr. John Hurd, division traffic chief, duly authorized to grant short reliefs, gave standing instructions to Mr. Follette “to go on short relief whenever he got clear before 10 a. m.” In view of these instructions and the fact that he was clear prior to that time, we deem the charge insufficient to warrant Mr. Follette’s dismissal. Miss Sadie Krochmal, who had com- plained of the poor light by which she was working and the possibility of error and consequent damage to the company’s busi- ness, was, upon striking two wrong letters, as a result of this poor light, called to the desk, informed that: “We are going to keep after you people hereafter,” and sum- marily dismissed. Miss Sophie Annaker, on the evening of April 9th, reported to Mr. C. H. Lawrence, duly authorized to act, that she was sick and was by him excused from duty. On report- ing for work April nth she was sent to Mr. Brennan’s desk and while there overheard Mr. E. T. Burrell say to Mr. Brennan : “She is one of the girls on the union list.” She was dismissed from the service. Miss Mollie Pearl was arbitrarily taken from her regularly assigned position on Bos- ton bonus, where the messages were short and where she was able to earn on an av- erage $28 per week, a remuneration com- mensurate with her ability, and placed on St. Louis, where the messages are almost exclusively long and where she is idle much of the time, this in effect reducing her salary approximately $12 per week or to $16.50 per week. Some time ago Miss Pearl was requested by Mr. McAllister to report at 8:30 instead of 9 a. m. She declined on the ground that she lived so far away that this would work a hardship on her. Her reason being good, she was continued on her 9 o’clock assign- ment. On April 12th Mr. McAllister peremp- torily and without cause ordered Miss Pearl to report at 8 : 15 a. m. This is a particularly flagrant case of discrimination. The circumstances in Miss Ruth Worth- ington’s case, in so far as her transfer is concerned, are almost identical with those of Miss Pearl. The persecution of employes has not been confined to discriminations but has taken the form of attempts to coerce certain employes into committing dishonorable acts, a case in point being an effort on the part of Mr. Brennan to induce a certain employe to at- tend the monster mass meeting of the Com- mercial Telegraphers’ Union of America, which was held April 14th, at Tammany Hall, and report to him the names of all Western Union chiefs attending said meet- ing. Another evidence of unjust treatment is the fact that a man occupying a position of authority under your jurisdiction was over- heard to remark during the course of a con- versation on the street a few days since, that it had been necessary for him to send back to the main office certain men who had been assigned to outside duty because of the fact that they were wearing the insignia of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union. In the light of the above facts, it would appear that these discriminations are founded upon petty and trivial offenses, which are, in fact, of little or no import, but are brought forward as a subterfuge be- hind which the real purpose is concealed. This unjust and unwarranted action is a dangerous practice, jeopardizing as it does our means of support by making our tenure of employment unstable and subject to the whims of sub-chiefs. We are instructed by our fellow-workers, whom we represent, to request that you re- instate to their former positions the several persons named in the foregoing and grant them full compensation for time lost; and. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1058 The Railroad Telegrapher. further, that Messrs. Brennan and McAllis- ter be allowed to read this communication, and that they be cautioned against further offensive conduct. We await your early reply. Leo Heller, Miss M. E. Pearl, S. J. Cullinan, George Bruhns, Miss M. C. Smith, Committee. The following was presented personally to Col. Clowry by the Chairman of the Committee, May 3, 1907 : Robert C. Clowry, President and General Manager , Western Union Telegraph Com- pany, New York : Dear Sir— We regret the necessity of bringing to your attention the enclosed communication, the original of which was delivered to Mr. T. A. McCammon, Chief Operator in the Main office, New York City. Mr. McCammon’s reply was ambiguous and unsatisfactory, and held out no hope of relief from the evils complained of. We feel that we are justified in appealing our complaints to the higher authorities of the company, and that you should be ac- quainted with the unjust conditions under which we are working. In addition to the grievances embodied in the enclosed petition, we would respect- fully call your attention to further irregu- larities— matters which we think should be brought directly to your notice. On March 1, 1907, you announced an in- crease of 10 per cent in salaries to the com- pany’s telegraphers. In this announcement you called attention to the increased cost of all material necessary to the company’s maintenance. We took the mention of these facts to be also a recognition on your part of the increased cost of the necessities of the telegraphers’ existence, and that the salary increase was for the purpose of meet- ing this increased cost of living. We find that your instructions are being evaded. It is the general belief of the telegraphers in your employ, as well as of the public at large, that the increased cost of operation was more than offset by an increase in tolls to the public for the transmission of tele- graphic despatches. You can, of course, readily understand that while we are suffering from the in- creased cost of living, coupled with the de- creased salaries on the one hand, the com- pany is profiting enormously by the per- manently increased revenue on the other. In proof of our contention we submit the following instances : Miss May O’Brien was employed on April 12, 1907, at $7.00 per week, the scale of salary apportioned to this class of teleg- rapher prior to March 1st. Under the re- vised scale her rating should be $7.70. Miss Frances Schumacher was employed on April 22d, at $7.00 per week. The new scale should rate her at $7.70 per week. We would also call your attention to the following particular case of reduction of salary brought about by the disregard of your instructions: Mr. W. C. Rieb received a 10 per cent increase, advancing his salary from $70.00 to $77.00 per month in the Boston office. Upon transferring to the New York office he was rated at $17.00 per week, the scale in effect prior to March 1st. Messrs. E. F. Murphy, E. L. Cooper and W. G. Edwards have within the past week resigned from the service because of their dissatisfaction at not having received the increases. Mr. J. J. McCoy has been in the service for nine years. He was rated at $18.00 per week prior to March 1, 1907, and has not received the ten per cent increase. Mr. Carl Congdon benefited by the ten per cent increase, having been increased from $75.00 to $82.50 per month in your Chicago office. He was employed in your New York office on March 29th, and his salary rating fixed at $19.00 per week in- stead of $19.80. Other instances could be cited. We view with alarm this decrease in our salaries to their former and lower basis, while the prices of all our living expenses are being constantly increased. If this prac- tice is continued, it is but a question of time when we will have been reduced to our for- mer ratings. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1059 In view of the growing dissatisfaction due to this tendency toward a lower wage level, we deem it expedient to bring these matters to your attention, and to urge that the standard based upon the ten per cent increase be adhered to. We request your most careful considera- tion and an early reply. Leo Hellfr, Miss M. E. Pearl, S. J. Cullinan, , George J. Bruhns, Miss M. C. Smith, Committeee. INTIMIDATIONS. In addition to the specific cases of dis- crimination against employes, and evidence showing that the wages of telegraphers arc being reduced through the operation of the “sliding scale,” embodied in the above com- plaints, the following is submitted for your information. The following is a copy of a letter writ- ten by a Western Union official in New York to a telegrapher applying for rein- statement : “Replying to your letter, if you bring affidavit that you are not now a member of any telegraph labor organization, and that you will not join one in future, I will en- deavor to secure your reinstatement here.” The name of the person to whom this let- ter was addressed is withheld for his pro- tection. but will be furnished if requested. Mrs. Camille Powers was told by T. Brennan, chief clerk, Western Union Tele- graph Company at 195 Broadway, that she was a union agitator and dismissed. Leo Heller was told by T. Brennan : “I had to break up the union in 1883 and I will do it again,” and was dismissed. P. J. Connors, chief operator at Roch- ester, N. Y., was given twenty-four hours to withdraw from the union. While con- sidering this ultimatum, and before the ex- piration of the twenty-four hours, he was discharged. At Louisville, Ky., Telegrapher R. C. Rogers was discharged in April. He sought a rtason. Manager Charles Smith ad- mitted that Mr. Rogers was blameless, but said that he could not reinstate Rogers until the papers in the case, which had been forwarded to Superintendent Terhune, at Nashville, had been returned. Two days later Manager Smith informed Mr. Rogers that he (Rogers) had ruined his chances for reinstatement by placing his case in the hands of the union. Mr. Rogers has not been reinstated. At Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Manager H. G. Robinson summarily discharged Telegrapher Charles Francis because of his membership in this union. BLACKLISTING. R. E. Follette, who was discharged by the Western Union Telegraph Company, at 195 Broadway, New York, makes the fol- lowing statement : “I called up the Long Island Railroad on the telephone on May 23d regarding a posi- tion. I was informed that a night position, from 10 p. m. to 8 a. m., was vacant, and I was requested to call in person the next morning (Friday). This I did. Mr. Lewis, the Long Island chief operator, in- formed me that he had been notified by T. Brennan that I was an agitator. I assured Mr. Lewis that the report was untrue and I could furnish a first-class reference. He replied that I would have to get a 'clear-' ance’ from Mr. Brennan before he could give me employment.” W. W. Christen, formerly employed by the Western Union at Nashville, Tenn., and who protested and finally declined to accept temporary employment with another com- pany (The Associated Press) at the direc- tion of Western Union officials, resigned from thq Western Union in Nashville re- cently. Chief Operator Brown, of that office, informed Mr. Christen that his record was clear. Prior to leaving Nash- ville Mr. Christen wrote a letter to Chief Operator McCammon, New York City, from Nashville, applying for a position. On May 20th, Mr. Christen applied per- sonally to Mr. McCammon and saw lying on his desk his own letter with one from J. R. Terhune, Superintendent of the Western Union at Nashville, saying: “Do not em- ploy Operator W. W. Christen.” Mr. Christen asked Mr. McCammon : “What does this mean?” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1060 The Railroad Telegrapher. Mr. McCammon evaded the question, folded up the Terhune letter, and put it away. SLIDING SCALE. At Nashville and Louisville the salaries of wire chiefs were reduced from $88.00 to $77.00 per month on the ground that ‘Vinter is over and there are but few wire inter- ruptions.” These men received first-class salaries as telegraphers for a number of years prior to promotion to the positions of wire chiefs. The $77.00 rating is lower than that received prior to their promotion. One of these men, R. P. Cowardin, re- ceived a first-class salary as telegrapher for nine years, prior to being promoted to the position of wire chief. His salary was $80.00 per month prior to March 1st. The 10 per cent increase made his salary $88.00 per month. On April 29th, Chief Operator N. S. Brown notified Mr. Cowardin that he would work at the table thereafter and his salary would be $82.50. A few days later Manager A. H. Stewart, of the Nashville office, notified Mr. Cowardin that, on ac- count of there being no $82.50 vacancies, he would have to place him and former chief E. C. Harris on the operating force at $77.00 per month, a second-class salary. This is a reduction of $11.00 per month. These men have been in the service of the Western Union at Nashville for more than ten years. At Fort Worth, Texas, Wilbur Jackson was discharged for declining to work a wire rated at $77 00 per month for a $66.00 salary. Two telegraphers rated at $60.00 per month were increased to $70.00 per month and put to work on the Dallas wire — a wire that formerly paid $77.00 per month. This is a reduction of $7.00 per month on two positions. The manager’s salary at Mount Vernon, N. Y., was increased 10 per cent on March 1, 1907. On May 1st the manager was called to the superintendent’s office, and on the plea of increased expenses and de- creased revenues, was informtd that his salary would be reduced $25 per month, be- ginning June 1st. A comparative statement of receipts for February, March and April with the three prtvious months shows an increase of over $200.00. The manager at Darlington, S. G, had for two years prior to March 1st received a salary of $60.00 per month. His voucher for the month of March, including the 10 per cent increase ($66.00), was returned to him by his superintendent with the state- ment that Darlington was a “commission office” and requesting a refund of $6.00. The letter also contained the notification that, commencing May 1st, the salary would be $50.00 per month, until otherwise instructed. This is a reduction of $10.00 per month on the salary rating prior to March 1st, and $16.00 per month on that which should pre- vail, with the 10 per cent increase an- nounced, in effect. CONCESSIONS ASKED. In view of the general unrest among the telegraphers in the employ of the Western Union Telegraph Company throughout the country because of the bad faith displayed in connection with the payment of the 10 per cent advance in wages announced to take effect March 1, 1907, and for the rea- sons stated in the preamble of this bill of grievances, I am moved to suggest that the following concessions be granted to em- ployes of the operating department of the Western Union Telegraph Company, to- wit : That the following-named persons be re- instated to their former positions at the sal- ary rating in effect at the time of dismissal or transfer to positions of a lower rating: REINSTATEMENTS. Raymond E. Follette, New York; Camille Powers, New York; Leo Heller, New York ; John T. Fitzgerald, New York ; Sadie Krochmal, New York ; Sophie Annaker, New York; Ellis Heller, New York; Elvin Lutz, New York; L. R. Aikens, New York; Harry M. Hansen, New York; Margaret Blanks, New York; Wilbur Jackson, Fort Worth, Texas; R. C. Rogers, Louisville, Ky. ; Charles Francis, Oklahoma City, Okla. ; P. J. Connors, Rochester, N. Y. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1061 REDUCTIONS IN SALARY AND POSITION. R. P. Cowardin, Nashville, Tenn.; E. C. Harris, Nashville, Tenn.; S. P. Stevenson, Mount Vernon, N. Y. ; B. W. Sptncer, Dar- lington, S. C. In addition to the above-mentioned cases, we request that any other specific instances of telegraphers being dismissed or reduced in salary which may hereafter be shown were brought about because of union affilia- tions also be restored to their former posi- tions and salary ratings. UNION AFFILIATION. That all objections on the part of the Western Union Telegraph Company against its telegraphers affiliating themselves with the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union of America be removed, and that discrimina- tions because of such affiliations be discon- tinued. FIXED STANDARD OF WAGES. That a fixed standard of wages, based on the io per cent increase announced to take effect March i, 1907, be established. UNIFORM WORKING HOURS. That uniform hours for the several tricks in offices where three or more telegraphers are employtd, be adopted as follows : Eight hours to constitute a day on day tricks. Seven and one-half hours to constitute a day on night tricks. Seven hours to constitute a day on split and late night tricks. Seven hours to constitute a day for teleg- raphers working extra. No trick shall be divided into more than two parts. The terms “day,” “night” and “late night” tricks to be construed as meaning the periods between 8 :oo a. m. and 5 :30 p. m. ; 5 130 p. m. and 8 a. m., and 12 midnight and 8:00 a. m., respectively, provided that early night tricks shall not begin later than 7 :oo p. m. That no telegrapher be compelled to work mort than four and one-half consecutive hours without being allowed thirty minutes for lunch. REGULATING EXTRA SERVICE. That a reasonable time for necessary re- liefs be allowed. Where extra service is required and ex- tra telegraphers are available for such service, that they be given preference over telegraphers regularly employed on day, night or split tricks, and that both regular and extra telegraphers employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company be given the preference over telegraphers em- ployed by other firms or corporations. REGULATING OUTSIDE SERVICE. That no* telegrapher employed by the Western Union Telegraph Company be compelled to accept an assignment with any person, firm or corporation other than at his regular place of employment, unless such telegrapher be paid the full amount collected by the company for such services, and the compensation therefor be not under his regular rating. TYPEWRITERS. In all departments of the Western Union Telegraph Company, mechanical devices such as typewriters, automatic printer punching machines, etc., are furnished by the company, and are considered a neces- sary part of the company’s equipment, ex- cept in the operating department, where telegraphers are compelled to furnish type- writers at their own expense. This is a financial burden to the teleg- raphers. It is a burden which the com- pany should not impose on them. For instance, on a quadruplex, working three shifts of two men each, each of the six telegraphers is required to furnish a typewriter. Were the company to furnish the machine, one typewriter would be suffi- cient, and involve an expense to the com- pany of less than one-sixth of what each telegrapher is now compelled to bear. We request therefore that the company furnish the typewriters. ABOLITION OF “SLIDING SCALE.” The telegraphers of this country have been constant sufferers from the operation of the “sliding scale.” If the men who direct the policy of the company toward its employes are not ac- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1062 The Railroad Telegrapher. tuated by humanitarian instincts, and a de- sire to deal fairly with those under their charge and protection, it will be impossible for the telegraphers to protect themselves against this pernicious practice, except through organization. To illustrate the workings of the “sliding scale,0 as practiced for many years past, we give the following illustration, taking an actual case, of which we have record : John Doe entered the Western Union Telegraph Company’s service in the clerical department at Milwaukee in 1895, at $10.00 per month. In 1897 he was assigned to duty as man- ager and operator of a branch office in the Hotel Pfister at a salary of $25.00 per month. Two years later he was assigned to a $60.00 position at the grocery district branch office at $35.00 per month. In 1899 he was relieved, and his succes- sor’s salary was made $20.00 per month. John Doe then went to Chicago, and se- cured a position as telegrapher in a branch office for the Western Union at $45.00 per month, replacing a $55-00 telegrapher. In September of the same year (1899) he secured a position with the Postal Tele- graph Company, in their Chicago main office, at a salary of $60.00 per month. He worked there three years, and re- ceived one increase of $5.00 in September, 1901. During all of the time he worked for the Postal Telegraph Company in their Chi- cago main office he was permanently as- signed to wires rated at $75.00, $80.00, and $85.00 per month. In order to secure a maximum salary in Chicago it was necessary for him to resign and go to another city. Returning two years later he was paid the maximum salary in the same office. The point I desire to illustrate is, that in order to get an increase in salary, in pro- portion to increased efficiency, a telegrapher is compelled to move from city to city, be- cause the policy of the telegraph companies appears to be not to advance salaries of home men except in cases where the in- crease granted is considerably lower than what the position to which they are pro- moted formerly paid. It is therefore requested that measures be adopted whereby telegraphers doing equal work will receive equal pay. SAN FRANCISCO CONDITIONS. The present conditions of employment and extraordinary and exorbitant cost of living in San Francisco is deserving of prompt attention, and calls for immediate relief. The following is quoted from a letter written by a prominent San Francisco teleg- rapher : “At present the main office of the W. U. Co. is in a huge shed in West Oakland, between two trunk lines of the Southern Pacific Railway, and in one of the most un- desirable parts of the city, known as the ‘Negro quarter.’ No respectable restaur- ants are near at hand, other than the one which the W. U. established. The office is several miles from a fair residential dis- trict. At night it has been notoriously un- safe for respectable women to go out on the street alone. “Houses and rooms in San Francisco are at an enormous premium, and such places as can be had are many miles from the office, requiring, with the miserable street car service, from one to two hours each way to and from the office. To have any sort of comfort whatever, operators for the most part have to live on the Oakland side of the bay. This means additional time spent going to and from the office. “The prices of meals in restaurants, as given to me by Mr. Zinkand, proprietor for many years of one of the most widely known restaurants in the world, are from thirty to forty per cent higher than before the fire. The restauranteurs are compelled to charge these prices on account of the ab- normally high cost of products, such as meats, vegetables, etc. “The prices of rooms are double what they were before the fire, and a married man cannot under any circumstances get a house or flat to live in and pay the rentals asked in San Francisco and Oakland today. “Due to the enormous amount of con- struction going on, for you must not for- get that the entire burned district of many square miles, streets, buildings and all are Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1063 being rebuilt, the result — narrow, tortuous passageways, dust, brick, mortar, and gen- eral chaos. I have seen street cars so crowded that they could not move their loads, and have taken two hours, trans- ferred three times, and walked a mile to reach the ferry station from the unbumed portion of the Mission district. “The writer is at present working a split trick, and they have assigned several men to just such hours, which are obnoxious, and absolutely out of the bounds of all reason. I report for duty at n a. m. This compels me to get my breakfast at my home as early as 9 o’clock, arriving at the ferry office a few minutes before 11 o’clock. I am off duty at 2.30 p. m. to 3.30 p. m., then must hang around in the dirt and dust of the burned district, get my dinner, which averages, sixty to seventy cents for ‘roast beef, potatoes, one vegetable and coffee,’ then back to the office at 5 p. m., and off at nine-thirty p. m., or eight hours for a trick. I leave on the 9.40 p. m. boat for home, and arrive there about 11 o’clock, showing that in order to get one day’s work I am com- pelled to spend twelve hours’ time in doing so, and this is the case with all these men. Now the telegraph companies are giving these things absolutely no consideration, so far as the operators are concerned. They simply say, ‘Well, conditions in San Fran- cisco are normal now, and you ought to be satisfied with the ten per cent raise,’ which has, as you well know, a very large string tied to it at that, and nothing whatever to prevent their working the sliding scale to bring salaries right down . to where they were before, as soon as it appears conven- ient to them to do so. “In both companies there are a few $99.00 jobs, but the general average is $80.00. Now, for a man of family, I will show you where he will get *off at the end of a month on $80.00 provided he has, say, two chil- dren : House rent, minimum, per month $30.00 Groceries, meats, etc 40.00 Heat, light and fuel 10.00 Laundry 5.00 Car fare 3.00 Lunch or dinner 15.00 $103.00 “The above figures allow nothing for clothing, doctor bills, incidentals, or any recreation whatsoever. He therefore must work three to four hours overtime to barely exist and keep out of debt.” The existing conditions in San Fran- cisco would seem to justify a 25 per cent increase in salaries, pending a restoration of normal conditions, the San Francisco officials of the company and the representa- tives of the operating force to determine when normal conditions have been restored. In conclusion, the telegraphers, members of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union of America, and others employed by your com- pany, in respectfully submitting the fore- going statements for your consideration and action, desire to know if they may' expect a reply indicating the willingness of your company, through its accredited representa- tives, to confer with a committee represent- ing this organization empowered to act. Sincerely yours, S. J. SMALL, President Commercial Telegraphers 9 Union of America. As the foregoing communication did not result in bringing about an amicable adjust- ment of the differences between the Western Union and its organized telegraphers, as it was hoped it would do. a general strike seemed imminent ; in fact the situation reached such a phase that the various boards of trades and other large business interests of the country appealed to President Roose- velt to intercede and use his good offices in an effort to bring about a settlement of the matters at issue between the two interested parties, which communications were even- tually turned over to Commissioner of Labor Neil, who went to New York and met the officers of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union and also the officers of the Western Union Telegraph Company, in an effort to bring about an understanding between them, Which finally was instrumental in bringing forth the following letter from President Clowry, of the Western Union to Commis- sioner Neil: “Referring to the conferences held be- tween yourself and me and other officers of the Western Union Telegraph Company, and having in view the possible grave incon- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1064 The Railroad Telegrapher. venicnce of the public following any general interruption of our business, I am glad to make clear to you the position occupied by the Western Union Telegraph Company in regard to this whole matter. As to statements made by persons in no way connected with this company that the io per cent increase granted by the telegraph company on March i, last, has not been ap- plied to all salaried telegraphers, I desire to say that the telegraph company announced this increase in good faith and is carrying it out in good faith, and that if any case can be found in which the increase was not granted it will be corrected at once. The statement also being made that the telegraph company is endeavoring to neutral- ize the io per cent advance by the applica- tion of a so-called sliding scale is without foundation. There is no such practice in effect, nor is there any intention of putting it into effect by the management of this company. The standard salaries for regular positions as established by the increase of March i will be maintaineed and the company will pay to any man appointed or promoted to any position the salary attached to that po- sition after that increase, and will pay to extra men the salaries in effect for their work as of March i, inclusive, of the io per cent increase. This company has not discriminated against nor will it discriminate against any employe of the company because of affiliation or non-affiliation with any or- ganization; and if it can be shown to me that any subordinate has been dismissed or been discriminated against or any teleg- rapher dismissed because of affiliation with any organization, such telegrapher shall be restored to his position without prejudice. As evidence of the absolute good faith of the Western Union Telegraph Company in its relations to its ' employes, I beg to say that if any telegrapher feels that he has any grievance under any of the foregoing con- ditions, and if he can not secure a satis- factory adjustment of his complaint with the officers of the company, we will submit the matter to the arbitration of three parties, one to be selected by the telegrapher, one by the telegraph company and the third to be selected by the two so chosen, and in the event that the two can not agree upon a third arbitrator within one week, we will be very glad to have such third arbitrator chosen by the chairman of the interstate commerce commission and the commissioner of labor acting jointly. As a further evidence of our entire wil- lingness to deal fairly and preserve amic- able relations directly with our employes, any telegrapher who at any time has a griev- ance can take it up with his superior either in person, or. if he wishes, through any com- mittee he may select from the other em- ployes of the company in the same district. I have outlined above, in brief, the posi- tion the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany holds in regard to matters we have discussed, and you are at liberty to make any use of this letter that you see fit. Yours very truly, R. C. Clowry, President. It was believed that the foregoing con- cessions on the part of the Western Union would result in settling the whole matter, but later, it is stated, new conditions arose in San Francisco and a strike of all the em- ployes of the Western Union and the Pos- tal Telegraph Companies in San Francisco and Oakland was called, which is still in progress, and which is being personally con- ducted by President Small. On account of tht unexpected turn in events, Commissioner Neil hastened to San Francisco in an effort to bring about a set- tlement of that trouble and thereby prevent the strike from spreading. A majority of the general Executive Board of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union is also in San Francisco. At the time of going to press, no settle- ment of the trouble had been reached. Without attempting to discuss the merits or demerits of any or all of the demands made on the Western Union Telegraph Company by the commercial telegraphers, it seems a regretable fact that there should have been any necessity for the intervention of a third party in an effort to bring the two interested parties together. No good rea- son is apparent why the officials of the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1065 Western Union Telegraph Company should not meet a committee representing its em- ployes and deal fairly and equitably with them. The laborer of to-day has rights and all up-to-date employers recognize this fact and meet and treat with committees, and there is no reason why the management of the Western Union should not treat with its employes in the same manner. No doubt if this had been done in the first place all mat- ters at issue could and would have been settled long ago and a condition would have been established in the telegraph service of that company that would have been greatly beneficial to it. It is hoped that the Western Union offi- cials will, before it is too late, realize their errors and take the necessary steps to cor- rect them by meeting committees of their employes and treating with them. No doubt such a conference would result in the establishing of friendly relations between employer and employe, which would be beneficial to all concerned. In the course of events, misunderstand- ings arise, and the best and most satisfac- tory way to remove such misunderstandings is by conference and a free and full dis- cussion of all matters at issue. ORIAL NOt€5 One thousand one hundred and fifty-four new members were initiated into the Order during the month of June- Seven thousand, two hundred and thirty- eight new members were initiated into the Order during the first six months of the present year. It is said that C. T. Pyle, whose name ap- pears on the Katy scab list, is now em- ployed by the Rock Island at Morganville, Kansas. It is said that Mike H. Monehan, whose name appears on the Katy scab list, is now employed at Choppell Junction, on the In- diana Harbor Railroad. Since the last announcement, new system divisions have been established on the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railway, and the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway. Up to the time of going to press, over 15,500 members have already paid dues for the new term beginning July 1st. This breaks all previous records for prompt payment of dues. Thirty-eight new and revised schedules were secured by the Order during the first six months of the present year. This far exceeds anything ever before accomplished. The name R. C. Jackson appears on the Katy scab list. This individual should not be confused with Roy C. Jackson, of Child- ress, Texas, member of I. & G. N. Ry. Sys- tem Division No. 25, as it is another party entirely. The surplus in the Mortuary Fund of the Mutual Benefit Department continues to grow and on June 30, 1907, after all the ap- proved death claims had been paid, there was $184,985.68 cash on hand in its treas- ury, which is the high water mark up to the present time. Help to complete thorough organization throughout the country by furnishing the Grand Secretary and Treasurer with a cor- rect list of all non-members in your tci.!- tory, using care to give correct in!.\i!s, the correct spelling of the name, and the cor- rect address, and also to show the road on which they are employed. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1066 The Railroad Telegrapher. It is stated that C. A. Latham, whose name appears on the Katy scab list, is now touring Texas seeking employment and that he is endeavoring to cover up most of his Katy record, which, of course, he will not be able to do. Thomas B. MacMahon, whom many of the old-time members of the Order will re« member as a prominent figure at the ses- sions of the Grand Division prior to 1894, was recently elected City Attorney of West Seattle, Wash. In the Providence Division No. 35 notes published in the May issue two employes were referred to as “sewermen” through a typographical error, as they should have been referred to as “levermen,” which is their proper designation, and this correction is made in justice to them. The accompanying is an engraving of an official O. R. T. gold ring. These rings can be had from the Grand Secretary and Treasurer for $4.50. In ordering them it is only necessary to give the size desired, which information can be secured from any jeweler. Since the last announcement, new sched- ules have been secured on the following lines : Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City Railway, Georgia Railroad, Lake Erie & Western Railway, Hocking Valley Railway, Toledo & Ohio Central Railway, and re- vised schedules have been secured on the Maine Central Railway, Bessemer & Lake Erie Railway, and the New York, Susque- hanna & Western Railway. Wm. N. Staley, of Waterloo, Iowa, mem- ber of C., R. I. & P. Ry. System, Division No. 126, is another member of the Order who believes in the telegrapher going into business for himself. He is now manufac- turing a fountain pen and a stylus. He has named the pen, the O. R. T. fountain pen, and presented the President and Grand Secretary and Treasurer with one of the pens and stylus at the late session of the Grand Division. W. S. Arnold, member of the Grand Di- vision, located at Fort Worth, Texas, is the composer of a song entitled “The Browns- ville Raid,” which according to the news- papers of that city, gives promise of becom- ing very popular. It is said that the words of the song are a portrayal ot the famous Brownsville incident which has attracted so much attention during the past few months through the press of the country and at the hands of Congress. The statement issued by the Bureau of Immigration for the month of May, 1907, shows that there were 184.886 aliens landed at the various ports of entry in the United States during that month; that there were 1,079 debarred from entrance, classified as follows : Idiots, 1 ; insane persons and epileptics, 23 ; paupers and likely to become public charges and beggars, 586; loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases, 286; con- victs, 39 ; prostitutes and procurers, 1 ; con- tract laborers, 92; no passports, 35; under provisions of Chinese exclusion act, 8; ac- companying aliens, 7. The report also shows that there were 102 aliens returned by the immigration authorities after landing. The total number of aliens landed in the United States during the month of May, 1906, were 150.927. Digitized by Google

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PERSONAL MENTION The following births have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: To Bro. and Mrs. C. A. Reed, of Niles. O., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Ed Utz, of Grants, O., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. C. C. Teeter, of Disko, Ind., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. H. J. Pope, of Norma, Wis., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. V. Datin, of Bus- sey, la., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. H. W. Ward, of Har- vey, la., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Hugh M. Rice, of Wil- ton, Wis., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. C. E. Carter, of Bueno Vista, O., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. D. M. Rogers, of Reg- ister, Ga., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. Rhodes, of Cedar Lake, Ind., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. H. W. Alverson, of Corry, Pa., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. L. Borland, of Lib- erty, N. Y., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. W. H. Polsgrovc, of Jordan. Ky., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Jno. B. Anderson, of Mack, Colo., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. A. L. Lindsay, of Bladen, Neb., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. O. C. Hunter, of Van Meter, S. D., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. M. C. Higbee, of Woodstock, la., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. A. Bowman, of Harrisburg, Pa., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. J. E. O’Leary, of East Emporium, Pa., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. C. Woodchick, of Fox Lake, Wis., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. John W. Rhinesmith, of Lake Forest, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. O. E. Corcoran, of Moundsville, W. Va., a girl. The following marriages have been re- ported since the last issue of The Teleg- rapher : Bro. P. J. Ritschel, of Div. 76, to Miss Anna Witt. Bro. F. H. Pickett, of Div. 76, to Miss Edna Diehl. Bro. J. K. Turner, of Div. 14, to Miss Lula Dunn. Bro. J. O. Aldridge, of Div. 49, to Miss Annie Cooper. Bro. A. J. Pittman, of Div. 93, to Miss Eva T. Sibley. Bro. G. V. Cook, of Div. 76, to Miss Lil- lian B. Smith. Bro. Earl C. Codner, of Div. 93, to Miss May Kempley. Bro. G. M. Bennett, of Div. 20, to Mrs. Genie Tennant. Bro. Geo. E. Davis, of Div. 39, to Miss Tula Bradwaile. Bro. D. E. Hale, of Div. 76, to Miss Mabel Humason. Bro. Wright W. Adams, of Div. 93, to Miss Florence E. Flannagin. At Akron, O., Bro. C. P. Hagerman, of Div. 42, to Miss Blanch Youtz. At Gorin, Mo., Bro. E. D. Mackey, of Div. 53, to Miss Laura Dedman. At Rolfe, la., Bro. R. D. Thatcher, of Div. 76, to Miss Leila E. Smith. At West Bend, la., Bro. R. R. Blair, of Div. 126, to Miss Lillian Minger. Digitized by L^OOQle

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Digitized by ^.ooQle C. W. Hudon. E. M. Mulcahy, Qen'l Ohm. C. P. Mayer. O. S. Smith. Qen'l 8. d T O. R. T. GENERAL COMMITTEE— N. Y. C. A ST. L. RAILWAY.

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1069 At Anita, la., Bro. Wm. P. Barrett, of Div. 126, to Miss Bertha Wiegand. At Chillicothe, la., Bro. J. F. Manning, of Div. 126, to Miss Effie M. Stumpf. At Sewell, W. Va., Bro. C. C. Ware, of Div. 40, to Miss H. Ethel Dodson. At New Haven, Ind., Bro. G. C. Dela- marter, of Div. 2, to Miss Grace Miller. At St. Maurice, La., Bro. A. J. Richard- son, of the Grand Division, to Miss Ottis McCain. At Cumberland, Wis., Bro. R. F. Don- chower, of Div. 119, to Miss Minnesota May Babcock. The Telegrapher extends congratula- tions to the happy couples. The following deaths have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: At Rocky Ford, Ga., Bro. B. Burke, of Div. 46. At Boca, Cal., wife of Bro. D. E. Lander, of Div. 53. At Wheeling, W. Va., wife of Bro. C. O. Battin, of Div. 33. At Waverly, Va., infant daughter of Bro. J. H. Wilson, of Div. 14. At Savannah, Ga., Geo. H. Cregar, brother of W. B. Cregar, of Div. 46. At Renovo, Pa., Mrs. Mary Neylon, mother of Sister Elizabeth V. Neylon, of Div. no. The bereaved relatives have the sym- pathy of all. WANTED. Present address of A. L. Pemberton. V. T. Reynolds, 569 Cherry Ave., Jacksonville, Fla. Present addresses of J. M. Eden and D. H. Croft. “Boys,” if you see this write. W. M. Estes, Care Southern Ry., Rockton, S. C. Present address of E. S. Gelwicks. Last heard of in Hot Springs, Ark. News con- cerning him will be greatly appreciated by his sister, Mrs. E. E. Burgoon, 213 West Court St., Washington C. H., Ohio. “Ed,” if you see this write. Present address of C. Sale. Worked for G. N. Ry., 1902 to 1905. F. B. LeFever, Nebraska City, Neb. Present address of C. H. Brisco. G. F. Brinkman, 74354 Milaukee Ave., East, Detroit, Mich. Present address of F. C. Vierus. Under- stand there are two other parties by my name and would like to locate them. F. C. Vierus, Cat Springs, Texas. J. O. BOLTON. General Chairman Division 79 and Representa- tive to late session of Grand Division. Present address of E. H. McBride. Last heard of working on A. C. L. May, Savan- nah, Ga. “Mack,”’ if you see this write me. J. E. Conklin, Hillsboro, N. C. Present address of the following: H. W. Lloyd, Jno. D. Davis, G. W. Guess, J. T. Busbee, Geo. C. Williams, Wayne Cole. “Boys,” if any of you see this write me care of Southern Pacific Ry., Midfields, Texas. Andrew Williams. Digitized by C.ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. . W. I. Oyler. H. J. Evans C. B. Kelley. O. R. T. GROUP-B. & O. RAILWAY, HYNDMAN, PENN J. L. Robichan, E. C. Davis, E. B. Paxson, M. E. Sheehan, W. E. Johnson. O. B. T. GROUP— GREEN WATER. CAL.

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1071 Present address of E. Weaver, formerly employed in Freeport shops in 1904. R. Toombs, Care C. T. D., I. C. R. R., Freeport, 111. Present address of W. A. Davenport, Certificate 672, in good standing until June jo, 1907, in Div. 40. Came in as a new member December 31, 1906. Is slender build, about 5 feet 10 inches. Weight about 150 pounds; black hair. Talks very feminine and whiney. Any information regarding him will be appreciated. J. W. Kiser, Huntington, W. Va. The following members desire to ex- change souvenir postal cards with other members : G. C. Frey, New Galilee, Pa. F. C. Vierus, Cat Spring, Texas. W. E. Parker, Water Valley, Ky. S. K. Hendricks, Glade Spring, Va. Harvey G. Grofe, Philadelphia Ave., Boy- ertown, Pa. Miss Bertha Shipp, 713 East Ninth St., Little Rock, Ark. LOST OR STOLEN. Card No. 5493, Cert. 465, Div. 2, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 24070, Cert, 99, Div. 7, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 27984, Cert. 1454, Div. 2, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 32097, Cert. 690, Div. 14, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 15296, Cert. 831, Div. 42, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 32545, Cert. 394, Div. 46, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 28382, Cert. 1352, Div. 53, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 16082, Cert. 1828, Div. 53, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 18957, Cert. 58, Div. 59, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 1845, Cert. 599, Div. 59, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 24525, Cert. 92, Div. 64, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 15715, Cert. 1129, Div. 76, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 19095, Cert. 993, Div. 93, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 16648, Cert. 1292, Div. 93, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 27768, Cert. 91, Div. 97, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 28969, Cert. 331, Div. 97, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 31 134, Cert 144, Div. 118, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 33268, Cert. 165, Div. 120, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 31259, Cert. 58, Div. 134, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 19707, Cert. 321, Div. 8, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 18490, Cert. 76, Div. 39, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 2871, Cert. 856, Div. 132, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 24588, Cert. 83, Div. 91, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 885, Cert. 1558, Grand Division, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 310, Cert. 2394, Grand Division, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 22036, Cert. 4074, Grand Divis- ion, for term ending June 30, 1907. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Digitized by ^.ooQle 0. R. T. GROUP-LEESVILLE, LA.

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Efforts are always successes. * * * A good way to get called a liar is to tell the truth. * * * Righteousness is praised by all, but hon- ored by few. ♦ * * Nothing is more unsatisfactory than van- ity— in others. ♦ * * Lots of lazy men would kick if they were compelled to do nothing. * * * It takes two to make a match — and a divorce judge to ignite it. * * * Trying to live up to his good reputation has kept many a man poor. * * * Some men hitch their wagons to stars, but they are poor teamsters. * * * Put yourself in your neighbor’s place and you would stop abusing him. * * * Most of the good things in life come to those who wait on themselves. * * * The “law of compensation” works this way: Some get rich without working, and some work without getting rich. * * * Unless you stand up for your principles you need not expect to have them respected by others. * * * The Farmers' Union of Mississippi has entered politics and two members of that or- ganization will make the race for the lower house. Never use hard words — especially if you are unable to pronounce them. * * * And the early bird sometimes gets it where the giraffe got the extension. * * * Without organization, injustice will con- tinue, disorder will continue, and govern- ment and law themselves will be endan- gered. * * * Do you want to down the trusts? If so, demand the union label on everything you buy ; trusts don’t like nor hire, as a rule, union labor. * * * If you have a grievance against your union bring the matter up at your union meeting; don’t take it to outsiders — they don’t understand. * * * Portland, Ore., has taken a step forward in establishing a municipal employment bureau, in which work and workers are to be listed free of charge. * * * The waiters of Paris, France, have won their strike for a reduction of the fees pay- able for the privilege of working, and the right to wear mustaches. * * * Machinists and tool makers to the num- ber of 350, and their skilled assistants, in the government work shops have gone on strike at Bridgeport, Conn. * * * Brains are trump in any game, especially in trade unionism, where the brain must be ever active in order to combat the desire of the employer to make this life one of drudg- ery in place of the ideal which man has a right to expect. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1074 The Railroad Telegrapher. At future meetings of the Rhode Island Branch of the American Federation of Labor no delegate will be seated unless his clothing bears the union label. T. E. COOPER, General Chairman Division 80 and Representa- tive.to late session of Grand Division. The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a bill limiting the hours for railroad telegra- phers to eight a day#and has also passed a law giving street railway employes a ten- hour day within twelve. * * * Los Angeles, Cal., will soon have a labor temple, the cost of which when completed will be about $120,000, and the cost of the lots added will bring the cost of the prop- erty up to $200,000 or more. ♦ * * Under the joint supervision of the Amer- ican Society of Equity and the Chicago Federation of Labor, four distributing sta- tions have been established there, where the products of union farmers will be han- dled and sold to consumers at much lower prices than they now pay, yet at a more profitable figure for the farmer. A similar exchange was established in April at Detroit, Mich. A general strike of machinists on the Louisville and Nashville Railroad was or- dered May 29. The machinists ask recogni- tion of the union and a uniform scale of wages in each shop. No increase of pay is asked. * * * Chicago, 111., electricians want a scale of $5 a day, an increase of 50 cents a day over their present scale. They do not make any agreements with employers. They set their own working rules and they have had no trouble in enforcing them for several years. * * * “If you don’t like the way your union is run, dig in and run it yourself, but don’t be a do-nothing and complain because others are doing the work you should help do. If a clique is running it, join the clique. They are the workers without whom the local would go out of existence. Anyone can be a ‘knocker’; it takes a good man to be a worker.” e. t. McWhorter, Deceased member Division 80. The policemen of Tours, France, recently formed a union and placarded the town with printed statements of their grievances. Soldiers ejected them from their barracks. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1075 Sixteen union men were elected to the Pennsylvania Legislature, pledged to the reforms which organized labor is a unit in demanding. This is enouraging, and the example ought to be followed by every State in the Union. When the working- men learn to present as united a front as corporations have d:ne in the past, there is nothing in reason they can not secure at the hands of the g vernment. The union m n ^should make himself in- . dispensable to his employer by taking a personal pride in his work* and a personal interest in the success of hi^ employer’s business. Make the employer feel that you have a mutual interest in his welfare, as well as your own, and you will force him to respect the union card. Show him by your work that unionism pays the employer as well as the employe. G. D. Bishop. A. P. Chambliss. A. J. Wallace. C. L. Sauls. H. C. Lasater. H. F. Booker. SOLID O. R. T. GROUP— SEABOARD AIR LINE, HAMLET. N. C. When employers refuse to meet repre- sentatives of employes, or when they haughtily and summarily refuse workmen’s requests for improved conditions, what re- course but the strike is there open to the men? Much as we deplore and seek to avoid strikes, when such an alternative is presented we have no hesitancy in declaring that the workers would be less than men did they not strike and strike persistently to win. In walking down the street and meeting a dog that showed you his teeth and wagged his tail in an approving manner, does it not occur to you that it is a question which end you might believe, the wrong end seemed to be giving approval. Isn’t it a regrettable fact there are so many people giving you the same impression as the dog, while giv- ing you the glad right hand the left is either stabbing you in the back or looking for your pocket. Digitized by Google

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1076 The Railroad Telegrapher. How happy the working people ought to be. They have made so many improved machines that 3,000,000 little children are now at work. Yes, convicts and little child- ren do so much work that a million men come in on equal terms, with the motto, “equal rights to all and special privileges to none.” A trust seeks to reduce its mem- bership to the smallest possible point, with the motto, “special privileges for us and to Glenn Rothenburtr, H. P. Monahan, G. A. Johnson. Hale A. Studebaker. O. R. T. GROUP-SOUTHERN PACIFIC RY., POMONA, CAL. have nothing to do, and can spend their whole time begging and stealing and go to jail and get hardened in sin and crime. How lovely it is! Society will soon be entirely relieved from the merry frolics of innocent childhood, and the stern nobility of manhood and the calm repose of old age, unless laboring men do their duty to them- selves and posterity by taking the whip- handle in governing the country, instead of being whipped into line by politicians and capitalists seeking their own personal ag- grandizement and not the general welfare of the people. — Labor Standard. * * * The Parryites keep right on chattering about the “labor trust” as though they be- lieved that such an institution was a pos- sibility. They are either too dishonest or too stupid to understand that the essential difference between a labor union and a trust is this: A union seeks to have all h with the rest.” There can be no “labor trusts” when every effort is made to bring the unorganized workers into the fold. Such a body is democratic in every respect, while the trust is plutocratic, non- archic, and the fewer persons in control the more rapacious and greedy it becomes. — Labor Argus. * * * The trades union has to deal with vast numbers of average men, among whom we find the stupid, as .well as the intelligent, the selfish as well as the altruistic, the slug- gish as well as the alert, and its working policy must take all these things into ac- count. When all this is said, we maintain that its influence for good, for developing the faculty of mutual self-help, the graces of benevolence and fraternity, for arousing the desire and will for the better things of life is scarcely equaled by any other human institution. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1077 “Those who would be free, themselves must strike the blow/’ is as true now as ever in the history of man, and eternal vigi- lance is as much the price of material ad- vancement now as it is, or ever was, the price of liberty. Out of ail the hostile abuse of labor in its efforts to protect its rights and interests, there is not a suggestion as to any other manner of safeguarding them. ♦ * * The hours of labor in Belgium are very long. The laborer commences work at 6 a. m. and ceases work at 7 p. m., with the usual breaks for meals. He is paid accord- ing to the trade in which he is employed, on the average of 7 to 9 cents per hour for 10 hours, and for additional two hours 25 per cent, increase, making his daily wage from 84 cents to $1.08 for 12 hours. Children begin their life work at the age of 12 years; and as regards hours for child labor, the law states that no child under 16 years of age shall be kept at work for more than 12 hours a day. A Belgian statistician esti- mates the average earnings at about $160 It looks as if the organized farmers were going to give union labor some practical assistance. A large wagon and carriage manufactory at Owensboro, Ky., put up the bars against trade unionists and took a bold stand for the ‘"open shop.” Then the American Society of Equity, whose dele- gates were received fraternally at the re- cent convention of the American Federa- tion of Labor, took a hand. Proclama- tions were issued by the president and sec- retary forbidding all members of the Farmers’ Union from buying any article manufactured by the Owensboro concern. * * * The unionists of the west will be inter- ested to learn that another concern which professes to supply professional spies, or in reality union perjurers, to employers and labor disrupters, is doing business in Win- nipeg. We have the business card of Noble’s Dominion Detective Agency, 42 Canada Life building, which states that “We also supply secret operatives who are mechanics, clerks or laborers, to work in factories, warehouses, stores, mines, lumber O. R. T. GROUP-SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY. HUACHUA, ARIZ. per year, which includes child labor. Numerous factories in that country have been established by British firms, owing to the very low rate at which labor may be secured there. camps, etc., in order to learn all going on in regard to unions present or prospective, contemplated strikes, grievances, thefts or leaks of any kind, and all general informa- tion of value to the employer.” Digitized by LiOOQle

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T. J. Reese, Div. 120. 2. A. 0. Nethercut, Div. 36. 3. Isaac Schlosser. Div. 138. 4. W. P. Shutt, Div. 2. 6. T. M. Pierson, Grand Div. 6. J. C. Brown, Div. 91. 7. G. W. Johnson, Div. 76. 8. J. A. Wood, Div. 69. 9. O. S. Smith, Div. 18. 10. E. C. Thompson. Div. 27. REPRESENTATIVES Tp THE LATE SESSION OP THE GRAND DIVISION FROM THE HOOSIER STATE.

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AN AWFUL RIDE. Brakeman's Story of a Runaway Train. TIE had been running along at about 15 miles an hour, and everything seemed to be all right With the sound of the engineer’s whistle for brakes, I ran from one car to another, setting the brakes as hard as I could. The head brakeman was doing the same on the front of the train, and the con- ductor and rear brakeman were also doing their duty. I threw all my strength into the work of turning the brake-wheels, and as the train did not slacken its momentum in the least, I realized that the situation was becoming serious. “Again and again I tried to put on more brakes, but my efforts only seemed to stim- ulate the velocity of the wheels. Around curve after curve the cars tore. Finally it seemed that the cars themselves were alive, shaking and trembling to rid them- selves of their human burden. As a last resort, and with the only hope that the train would stick to the rails, I stretched myself out on a box-car, clinging to the running-board. Faster and faster went the train. It was all I could do to stick to the car. How far the train traveled in those few seconds I will never know. Seconds seemed minutes, and minutes were longer than hours. Think! Why, man, I could hardly think. “At this time I thought of Timothy Flats, a level stretch in the road about a quarter of a mile in length. My one hope was that the engineer would get control of his train at that point. But quicker than it takes to tell it, we were on the flats and passed them without the train slackening in speed in the least On and on we went I was scared. I knew a wreck was inevitable. I could look ahead and see the engineer in his cab. The fireman was out of the ten- der. The engineer had his hand on the throttle. He had already reversed his en- gine, was pouring sand as fast as the pipes would allow, and time and time again he recharged his air. But it was of no use. I knew how the man felt. How could he stick to his post? I knew how the others felt, but now it seemed more like a dream than an actual happening. “There were six men, the train’s crew, all at our posts, and absolutely powerless in any way to stop the tremendous speed of those cars. Now and then I glanced side- ways. We must have been going at the rate of two miles a minute. The telegraph poles alongside looked like a picket fence, so rapidly did we pass them. The trees and the mountainous hills resembled a mixed mass of dark green and brown. In taking the curves, every one of which I thought certainly would be the last, I watched that string of cars. It looked like a rapidly moving snake trying to get away from threatening danger. Thoughts passed through my mind as never before. My brain seemed afire. I couldn’t help but think how helpless we half-dozen men wete at the time. Never before did I feel so utterly useless. I thought of jumping, but that would be suicide, and so I stuck to my post. “I happened to be looking ahead when the engine took the Clawson curve. It seemed to me that the tender jumped the track first. Then there was a bulge, and every car seemed to rise high in the air and crash into one another. This I realized as the end of the wild ride. In a way I was glad it was over. With the most terri- fying sound I ever head in my life, or ever imagined, there was a sudden shock. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1080 The Railroad Telegrapher. Then confusion. As the force of those heavily laden cars pushed themselves against the locomotive the compact was awful. The box-cars were flattened out like paper boxes under the hand of a giant. “As I went down with the top of the car, I felt the other cars piling, one after the other upon me. Something struck me in the head. My shoulder was twisted and pulled in every direction. The claw of a monster seemed to grab and scratch my face. All was darkness about me. And this is death ! I thought. And then there was silence. All I could hear was the hiss- ing of escaping steam. And again I thought of the engineer at his post. I tried to free myself and found that the debris was all about me. I couldn’t see, but finally suc- ceeded in extricating myself. I was safe at last! “I thought of my fellow workmen, and in a half-dazed Condition tried to walk to- ward the engine. T almost knew how the engineer had fared, but I wanted to help him if I could. I found some water and stopped to bathe my face. Then the sec- tion men appeared, and I was too weak to help in the work of rescue. They took me to Ashland, then on to Portland, and here I am. I couldn’t live through another ex- perience as I have just gone through.” — Portland Oregonian. HE MOVED THE MILE POST. ABOUT ten years before the Eastern Railroad was leased by the Boston & Maine, that portion of the old road between Swampscott and Salem was in charge of Section Foreman Timothy Moynahan. His strongest point was in doing just as he was told, and doing that with energy and accuracy. So when he was notified by the roadmaster that the section lengths were to be changed, and that he was to move his tool house from the westerly end of the Salem yard to half-way between mile posts 15 and 16. he started out with the determination to move the house half- way, no more, no less. To get this half-way point he stationed one of his men at mile post 15 and another at mile post 16, and at a signal they started to walk toward each other until they met, and to a point opposite their meeting place the shanty was moved. This method of getting the correct distance did not quite suit Moynahan, especially when he remem- bered that one of the walkers was taller than the other, and the other tripped several times on the way down. When the measurement was taken the house was found to be sixty feet nearer mile post 16 than 15, and Moynahan, on being told, remarked that he thought he could fix things just right. Later in the year the engineer met Moy- nahan in Salem, and asked him if his tool house was now half-way between the mile posts? “It is,” he replied. “It’s just half way.” “Did you have much trouble moving it?” “No trouble at all; I just let it stay as it was and moved the mile post.” — Boston Herald. ONE CHANCE IN A HUNDRED. FARRINGTON turned the night lamp low, drew a screen ’round the couch, and threw himself down, lie felt for the packet concealed in the lining of his coat. Yes, it was there; and how hard he had worked to get those six little white pellets! It had taken two weeks to abstract them, one by one, from the doctor’s medicine case — the doctor’s eyes were watchful, and he seldom left the case within reach. As Farrington lay in the darkness, he lived over the scenes which had brought him where he was; the scene wherein the star of his hopes, his ambitions, had gone out in utter eclipse. He saw the crowded court room, the faces of the jurors as they listened eagerly to his final plea for the defense. He saw the judge’s eyes fixed on him ap- provingly. He was making the effort of his life; the case was practically won — he would be known, famous, a career lay before him — and then, as his voice rose in the brilliant climax of his speech, something seemed to snap in his head. The court room grew dark, the jurors’ faces became a blurr; dazed, muttering in- Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1081 coherently, sobbing like a child, he was led away. Farrington wrung the truth from the doctors. “One chance in a hundred that the tiny particle of foreign matter now press- ing on the brain might disappear as myster- iously as it came, but they could do nothing, at present.’* “And the other ninety-nine?” he had demanded piteously. “With abso- lute mental rest, freedom from all excite- ment, his reason might yet be retained.” Farrington opened the packet. “If those doddering old idiots think I’m going to wait ’till a speck of dust on my gray matter collects cobwebs enough to darken my upper story, well, I’ll show ’em !” He counted out three pellets. “I’ll make it a sure thing — no overdose — three now, the rest when I begin to feel sleepy.” As he raised the pellets to his mouth he heard a faint scratching on the window pane. Me listened; the scratching was re- peated, followed by the muffled snapping of severed glass. Farrington lay back and waited. “Most inopportune,” he thought crossly. “Why couldn’t the fellow have come a little later?” He heard the window fastening slide back, felt the cold air rush in as the sash was cautiously raised. A flash of light il- luminated the room for a second, then dark- ness again, followed by the soft pad of a foot on the carpet. “I could do a better job than that, my- self,” called Farrington sharply. “Hurry up and close that window — I’m a sick man ; don’t keep me in a draught.” The screen fell with a crash and Farrington looked up into the muzzle of a “.38.” “O, don’t waste your ammunition on me — I’m not worth it. Put out that pocket bat- tery and turn on the lights — second button beside the door — keep me covered, if you're afraid, I’m unarmed, and there isn’t a soul within call.” His untimely guest backed to the door and switched on the lights. “That’s better; may I get up? Thanks. Take a seat and make yourself comfortable — have a drink?” Farrington drew up a small table and poured out two glasses of brandy. His guest, perched uneasily on the edge of a chair, regarded him with amazed dis- trust. “Here’s to your success.” Farrington raised his glass and the two drank in silence. Then for the first time the other spoke. “You’re a cool un fer a sick man. Wot’s the matter wid you — Bats?” “No; "bats’ will appear later; I am suf- fering from an infinitesmal particle of ex- traneous matter pressing on the left lobe of the brain. A disintegrated molecule, occa- sioned and superinduced by overtaxed men- tal faculties.” “Holy smoke! Can’t you take somethin’ fer it?” “I can ; and I’m going to take it to-night.” As Farrington set down his glass six little pellets dropped from his hand. "‘You’ve doped me!” cried his guest springing to his feet. “Now don’t get excited, I wouldn’t dope you if I could — sit down.” “Wot’s them pills?” suspiciously. ‘"Medicine, which I was about to take when you er-entered. By the way,” Far- rington leaned over the table and spoke in a whisper, “are you a good shot?” “None of your damn business ! An’ wot’s more, I’m goin’ to git outer here afore I gits batty myself.” Farrington slammed his guest back into his chair with a force which surprised both. “See here,” he panted, “you’re here on business, do it, and do it quick; ’twill be daylight in half an hour — you’ll be seen going out. Over in that desk is $400 cash; my watch is there, too, and a ring. Any ‘fence’ will give you pretty near what they cost, an even $500. “Now muss up this room, turn out the drawers, upset the furniture — if you’re any kind of a ‘second-story’ man you’ll know what to do. I’ll stand here,” Farrington stepped directly under the lights, “and you shoot. Aim for the heart, don’t bungle.” He threw off his coat. “Now, are you ready!” The sweat stood out on his guest’s forehead. “For God’s sake man, wait a minute; I couldn’t hit the side of a house — look at Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1082 The Railroad Telegrapher. this!" A hairy paw was extended which shook visibly. "You’re a cur and a disgrace to your profession," remarked Farrington disgust- edly. "However, there are tricks in all trades; I’ll show you one now, with which you may be unfamiliar.” He crossed to the table and gathered the six pellets in his hand. "Three of these contain enough morphine to put a man to sleep," Farrington raised them to his mouth, "the other three — " but the sentence was never finished. A hairy fist — it didn't tremble this time — struck Far- rington square on the jaw; he dropped like a log. * * * * When he opened his eyes he saw the doctor standing over him. "Most remarkable," the doctor was say- ing. "Most re-markable.” "What’s remarkable?" asked Farrington irritably. “My boy, your recent little experience has worked wonders. Upon examination I find that the bit of extraneous matter which would have undoubtedly wrecked your men- tal apparatus was dislodged in — er — the process.” Farrington felt the lump on his jaw re- flectively. "How’d you do it, Doc., operation or a sledge hammer?” The doctor chuckled. "Your recovery is due to a prescription ; one heretofore unknown to the Materia Medica. I found it on your desk this morn- ing. Farrington took the extended bit of paper and read : "You called me A cur an a disgrace 2 mi perfession but i never shot a man in Cole Blood an i never hit a Sick man befoar eather but i only had 1 chanct in a 100 To git outer here afore somthin happened an i Took it i hoap i didn’t hurt you much but twould served you rite if i had i didn’t Touch nothing of yourn cept the Bot. of brandy I was shaking like a Lefe an needed a Bracer.” — By Gertrude Maryland Moorhouse in Painter and Decorator . HOLDING THEIR OWN. A REGIMENT of regulars was mak- ing a long, dusty march across the rolling prairie land of Montana last summer. It was a hot, blistering day, and the men, longing for water and rest, were impatient to reach the next town. A rancher rode past. "Say, friend,” called out one of the men, "how far is it to the next town?” "Oh, a matter of two miles or so, I reckon,” called back the rancher. Another long hour dragged by, and another rancher was encountered. "How far to the next town?” the men asked him eagerly. "Oh, a good two miles.” A weary half-hour longer of marching, and then a third rancher. "Hey, how far's the next town?” "Not far,” was the encouraging answer. "Only about two miles.” "Well,” sighed an optimistic sergeant, "thank God, we’re holding our own, any- how !” — Rocky Mountain Guide. THE MAN THAT KICKS. BILLY BROCKWELL, of Washing- ton, asked us the other evening if we had ever met the union man who always has a reservation up his sleeve? Yes, you’ve met him, and, alas! so have I. "Now,” he will say, "I am a union man — I believe in the principle; I want to re- main in the union, but" — and then he will give you a string of alleged reasons why he thinks he is being wronged by the union. He believes in the organization, but he don’t like its officers; he stands for its principles, but he kicks on their enforce- ment, and those who do the enforcing ; he thinks short hours are a great blessing, but he don't like to be dictated to as to how long or in what way he shall work ; he thinks a moderate amount of dues are pos- sibly necessary, but they are always too infernally high; he reckons it is proper that someone should go forward and do the work of the union, but "Why in the world don’t the members select a better class of men for that work?” He accepts the good that these "leaders” (as he sneeringly calls them) procure for him and othqrs, but. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1083 “Oh, it might have been so much better;” if extra expenses are to be incurred, he sees graft on every shinplaster, and outrage on every coin — he'll pay them, if he has to, but he’ll sidestep if he can ; he thinks the “injury of one is the concern of all” — ex- cept himself; he says he is honest— dead honest all through — but there are so many people in the ranks who are not ; if a shop is won over to the union, he is glad to hear of it, but “Heaven and earth, man, it was such a long time coming — ought to have been done months ago, and would if our officers had had any sense;” he be- lieves certain things must be done by the organization, but if they are not done ex- actly according to his views, he has a bad spell of the roars; he believes in helping those in distress, but “in this particular case please call on someone else.” In fact, his life (as to unionism) seems to be mostly one of buts and bawls. He recalls the position of the old deacon on the pro- hibition question : “I favor the law, but I’m agin its enforcement.” He favors the union if he can have his way about all things connected with it; if it jars him the least bit, or calls for any sacrifice, then he is against it. Thank heaven, he is not very numerous, but, oh! he is powerful pestifer- ous. In the language of the prayer book, “From such as these, good Lord deliver us.” — Stonecutters’ Journal. A “GOOD” UNION MAN. WELL-MEANING men sometimes have a very wrong idea of what constitutes a good union man. A good union man is not the one who al- ways boasts of his undying hatred to all employers and that he has sacrificed many good positions through this hatred. He is not the jealous individual who rails against the union, threatening to pull away and smash it to pieces and have no more to do with it, because so-and-so made a bet- ter suggestion in the meeting, which was adopted instead of his. He is not the one who goes around abus- ing everybody and everything and saying by his every act that there is no good in anything or anybody but himself and his own doings. He is not the selfish man who wants to keep others out of the union lest they might get his job. Good union men hold their jobs on their merits as workmen, and not by the force of the union. He who wil- fully mistreats his employer, expecting to be reinstated by force of the union when discharged, imposes on the usefulness of the union, and is not a good union man. He is not one who acquaints his em- ployer with all the private affairs of the union. He is not one who tries to obtain another job by false or unfair means. He is not one who absents himself from meetings of his local and criticises those who do attend for what they do. He is not one who is always behind with his dues. He is not one who promotes disorder at the meetings of the union, and who persists in showing disrespect to the presiding offi- cer and others who address the meeting. The good union man is he who while insist- ing on just wages and working conditions, also has respect for the rights of his em- ployer, and does not regard him necessarily in the light of an enemy. He who is charitably disposed towards the faults of others, and tries hard to live up to the true conception of a good union man. He who is not so selfish but that he can give due credit to the conscientious work and utterances of others. He who recognizes that the union is for all workers who avail themselves of its benefits. He who has the good sense to know that the success of the union depends upon get- ting others to join it. He who does not divulge the business of the union to outsiders. He who loves peace, preferring not to fight the employer, yet who is sensitive to unjust treatment, and who is no coward. He who is not afraid to go to his em- ployer, and in a straightforward manner point out injustice, and insist upon having the same righted. He who opposes strikes, and consents to them only when all others means of right- ing wrongs have utterly failed. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1084 The Railroad Telegrapher. He who when he goes out on a strike stays out till the wrong is righted. He whose card is always clear. He who is not a knocker, but by force of logic opposes ail foolish motions and insists upon the passage of all good ones. He who is mentally broad enough to ad- mit that there are others besides himself. THE LATEST EXPRESS "CURIO.” IT is just a loaf of stale bread, almost as hard as a brick, and bearing scars of many a knock and dig; yet it has already traveled thousands of miles about this country, with no apparent destination. From Canada to the Gulf of Mexico, from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic, it has been wandering about from month to month, un- til it reached Nantucket this week. Who sent it out upon its erratic travels is not known, but it is now up to the ex- press agents throughout the United States to keep the bread moving. Around the center of the loaf is a piece of heavy twine, and to this are attached countless tags of all descriptions. Already the tags ► weigh more than the loaf itself, which is now bound on a tour down the cape, accu- mulating like a snowball as it travels along from one town to another. — Naivtucket, R. /., Exchange . WAS ONE ON FATHER. 44^>^AMILLE CLIFFORD, who is 1 , going to marry the son of an English lord, is a Germantown girl,” said a New York manager. “In Philadelphia, though she used to be much admired there, no one ever thought that in London she would achieve fame. “Yet in London, Camille Clifford, with her gowns, has become famous for some years, and there are many Englishmen who will envy Lord Aberdare's son his bride. “Miss Clifford, when I last saw her, talked of Lord Aberdare’s opposition to the match. She did not think this opposition would last long. Apropos of it, she told me a little story. “She said there was a certain girl whose parents objected strongly to her sweetheart. The parents found in this girl’s pocket- book one night a love letter, and, wild with rage, they summoned her before them. “ ‘What kind of a letter do you call this?’ the old man demanded, glaring at his daughter over his spectacles. ‘Listen to it: “Light of my life — .” Light of my life! Faugh !* “ ‘But, papa — * “‘Not a word!’ the old man interrupted. And he goes on, ‘I could not sleep all night long, love, for thinking of you/ “ Liar/ said the mother. ‘Fool and liar, to write so/ “ ‘Then the lunatic says,’ continued the father, ‘he says, “How happy we would be if only that pig-headed, narrow-minded old fool of a dad of yours would give his con- sent.” * “ ‘The villain/ said the mother. “ ‘Would I trust my daughter’s future,’ said the father, ‘to any man who was base enough to speak like that?’ “ ‘But, papa, if you’ll look — ’ “ ‘Not a word.* “‘If you'll only look, papa, at the date.’ “The old man turned the page and read: “ ‘October 2, 1892/ Then a light dawned on him, and he gasped: “ ‘Why, mother, bless my heart, it’s one of my own letters to you/ “ ‘Yes, said the young girl, ‘I found it in the cedar chest yesterday. I’d have told you long ago but you wouldn’t let me speak.’ ” — Ex. THE STRANGER AT SAN MARCIAL. THE traveler, though scarcely past middle age, was a withered little shrub of a man — as thin and crookcd-backed as if he were seventy. His face was angular and wizened. His eyes were little, and seemed half closed; his mouth was big and amiable. His whole countenance gave the impression of sly good nature. He was dressed plainly — almost shabbily — and carried a long gray overcoat across his shoulder. His only visible article of luggage was a greasy, battered leather satchel, which he handled with great care. In spite of his decrepit appearance, the man proved himself a tireless walker, using a long, swinging stride that carried him Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1085 ahead at a surprising speed. For more than an hour he walked on steadily. All at once he heard not far behind him the squeaking of a brake and the bumping of wagon wheels upon the rocky road. A few seconds later the Antonio and Fort Stanley stage hove into sight. “Howdy !” shouted the big, red-whiskered driver, heartily, pulling up his horses. “The same to you, pardner!” The voice was surprisingly resonant. “Where you bound for?” “Next town. How far is it from here?” “Well, sir; San Marcial’s every bit of eight miles — and mighty bad walking in the dark. Better jump up here with me! Got plenty o' room!” “Thanks, pardner, I don’t care if I do !’’ Thereupon he swung himself up beside the driver with an ease that astonished this good-hearted individual. “You’re powerful spry for an old man !’’ he observed, admiringly. The stranger smiled slyly and nodded. “To-morrow’s the Fourth of July,” he mut- tered, half to himself. “That’s right,” replied the driver, regret- fully. “There’ll be big doin’s at San Mar- cial to-morrow — an* it’s just my blamed luck to have to miss ’em. By George! I’d give a dollar just to see the big shoot 1” His companion seemed mildly interested. “A shooting contest?” “Sure! The big pistol shoot for the championship of the county. There’s a cold hundred in it for Tim Whitsett. He’ll win, hands down.” “I see,” observed the stranger, quietly. The stage was now descending a ticklish grade, and the driver’s attention was wholly occupied in guiding his horses — so that the stranger was left to his own thoughts. He shook his head dubiously. San Marcial was, perhaps, the last place in which he would have expected ever to find himself But this was before the “Royal Amusement Company” of San Francisco had been stranded. When the crash came, he found himself marooned in a little Arizona town without even sufficient money to make his way back to Phoenix. He had already writ- ten to his brother in San Francisco; but he knew it would be many days before the money could reach him. Besides, his boy was at Phoenix. And at the thought of the child — a little curly-headed rogue of ten — the father’s eyes grew moist. Inured though he was to long absence from his boy, he was suddenly seized with a longing to see him — to hold him in his arms. But as yet this longing seemed cruelly far from realization. For as matters now stood the man figured that it was at least a hundred and fifty miles to Phoenix. And he had just three dimes in his pocket. At last he had decided to start out for Phoenix on foot, hoping that perhaps something might turn up. At the moment when the stage driver had picked him up he was finishing his third day’s journey. For a long time the man sat absorbed in his gloomy thoughts, dreamily watching the trees and rocks and bushes as they grew shadowy and indistinct in the thickening darkness. He was roused at length by the hearty voice of the driver. “Well, pardner, here we are !” As the stage drew up the stranger thanked the driver earnestly. The men shook hands, and the stranger jumped lightly to the ground. “Good luck to you!” called the big-driver. Then cracking his whip and shouting at his wiry, thin-necked sorrels, he sent them down the main street of San Marcial at a spanking trot. The stranger watched the lumbering stage as it pounded away through the darkness, and long after it was out of sight listened to the rapid clatter of the horses’ hoofs. Then he looked about him. Except for a few stragglers the street was deserted. The man deliberated a moment. Then he began to walk rapidly down the street, continuing his pace until he came to a dense patch of brush just outside of the town. Plunging into this he found a small cleared space where he could not be ob- served from the road. He then cut a few leafy boughs and spread them on the ground. Buttoning his long, heavy over- coat closely about him he lay down, and was soon fast asleep. San Marcial was at its best. From the sparsely-settled surrounding country, cow- boys and ranchers — many with their wives and children — had been straggling in since Digitized by LiOOQle

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1086 The Railroad Telegrapher. daylight. Now at noon the street was alive with figures. Lounging in front of San Marcial’s three saloons in evenly-numbered groups were about thirty ranchers and vaqueros — whites, Mexicans and Indians. Nearly as many horses were tethered to the scrub oaks at the side of the road. The stranger in San Marcial walked thoughtfully up the street, and stopped a moment before the saloon that looked most promising. Then gripping his satchel firmly he walked in. The place was crowded with noisy, demonstrative fellows. Some were drinking at the bar; others were playing cards in the back of the room; the rest were standing around the big, barrel-shaped stove. As the stranger entered there was a momentary hush which he could not but notice. The loungers gaped at him, sized him up critically and looked amused. The bar- tender indulged in a smile that was bland, politic, almost imperceptible. Those at the bar rested their glasses for a short stare. Then gradually the stranger became less and less an object of interest, until finally he was scarcely noticed. Reading the signs aright the stranger walked up to the bar, and putting down a dime quietly ordered a whisky. He swal- lowed the fiery stuff with a slight grimace, and was about to leave when he heard some words at his elbow which caused him to keep his place. The talk at his elbow went on. And as he listened the lines of his good-natured mouth relaxed broadly and the bright little eyes twinkled. He whirled about, left the saloon, and walked rapidly until he came to his resting-place of the night before. Placing his satchel carefully upon the ground he opened it and took out a chamois-covered package. Untying the buckskin strings he unwound the chamois- skin wrapping until four superb pistols be- came visible. They were of the finest workmanship, the barrels long and slender. Taking the guns up affectionately the stranger scrutinized every part. He tested the trigger, the cylinder, and the sight. Then apparently satisfied, he reloaded each chamber carefully, and put the pistols back in their wrapping. Holding out both hands with the palms downward, he regarded them, critically. “Steady as a rock !” he muttered to himself. And the little eyes twinkled merrily from under their half-closed lids. At 2 o’clock an occasional straggler might have been seen entering the vacant lot be- hind Shield’s saloon. By 3 o’clock a crowd of two hundred men had gathered there. At the far end of the lot were two old army targets, freshly painted white, upon which the great Shields himself,- chalk in hand, was at that moment placing a num- ber of concentric circles. A large, crudely- lettered placard placed midway between the two targets announced that the great pistol shot contest for the championship of San Marcial County and a prize of $100 in gold was to begin at 3:30 — sharp. The placard called it a contest. But as a matter of fact everybody in San Marcial felt pretty certain that there would be only one contestant. Pitted against a goodly number of men — all more or less noted for their prowess with the pistol — Tim Whit- sett had twice given conclusive proof of his superiority. For the last two years he had carried off the prize — badly defeating the best of his competitors. As defeat seemed certain and there was only one prize, no one else now cared to enter the lists. But then San Marcial considered Whitsett’s shooting alone worth the seeing. The judge of the contest was no other than Bob Evans, sheriff of the county. Mounting the box which had been set up against the back of the saloon to serve as the judge’s stand, he raised his hand for silence : “Fellow-citizens, the following contest is for the championship of San Marcial Coun- ty, and a prize of $100 in gold. It is open to all comers. The rules are as follows: Each man must empty four six-shooters, which are to be drawn from the holsters and fired. Two holsters are to be worn at the belt and one under each armpit — and each brace of pistols is to be put back in its holsters before the second brace is fired. In deciding the points, the number of shots in the target and the time taken to put them there will both be counted. I am now ready to receive entries.” Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1087 A burly, red-faced rancher slouched out of the crowd, and, stepping up to the sher- iff, said something to him. “First entry — Tim Whitsett!” shouted the sheriff. The crowd cheered faintly. Whit- sett was a bully, and had few friends. There was a pause. Then there arose a general snicker which gradually swelled to a great roar of laughter. A hundred fin- gers were pointed at the queer, insignificant figure that was now seen approaching the judge's stand. Then they began to hoot him. It was the stranger. With his loose coat removed his thinness and dwarf-like stature, were ludicrously accentuated. Pausing a moment he drew from his pocket a large pair of glasses, wiped them care- fully, and placed them upon his nose. At this move the risibilities of the crowd burst out anew — and the stranger was saluted with cries of “Grandpa!" “Humpy!” Ap- parently oblivious of the noisy ridicule that his appearance had provoked, he spoke a few words to the sheriff. Then the latter, struggling vainly with his countenance, announced, with gusto : “Second entry — Henry Jason, of San Fran- cisco r Whitsett was laughing immoderately. As soon as he succeeded in reducing his mirth to a very broad smile he took his place on the mark. “Ready!” called the sheriff, watch in hand. “Fire !” Whitsett’s hands swept swiftly, almost mechanically, to the holsters. The red- sleeved arms came to an incredible quick level and stiffened. Six double reports sounded — and a sprinkling of black spots showed on the white surface of the target. Still smoking, the empty pistols were flashed into their holsters. Then both hands flew upward, touched for an instant the shoulders, and shot out again. There was a bright gleam of steel — and again came six rapid double reports. Whitsett shoved the pistols quickly into the shoulder holsters and swaggered into the back- ground. The sheriff ran down to the tar- get, counted the shots, and made a note of the result Then he returned and mounted the box. “Score of Tim Whitsett! Time: Thir- teen seconds. Target score: Four in the bull’s eye, nine in the first ring, six in the second, five in the third. This breaks the time record and target record made by Mr. Whitsett last year.” The crowd responded but faintly. It hated to see Whitsett win. Jason’s face was stern and immovable as he took his position. The laugh that had started among the crowd died away invol- untarily. Whitsett’s face alone wore an expansive smile of contempt. After all the crowd had begun to think that there was something inscrutably cool and business- like about this little misshapen tender- foot. Jason’s eyes were fixed alertly upon the target. At the word “Fire !” the blue, dam- askeened pistols leaped so swiftly into his skinny fingers that the spectators could not follow the movement with their eyes. They saw only a flashing double crescent of steel. Then, before any one had comprehended what was happening both pistols were whirling high in the air. San Marcial held its breath. In a moment the pistols had descended, and twelve reports rang out so rapidly that they seemed to blend into six. With a quick twist the wonderful little stranger sent the guns into their holsters. Again, almost before the thoroughly- amazed crowd knew what was taking place, a new pistol glistened in each of Jason’s hands. This time only one pistol flew into the air — and as it whirled in the sunlight, the magician discharged the other twice in lightning-like succession. Then, deftly catching the descending pistol, he emptied both guns with incredible rapidity and seemingly without aim. Returning the pis- tols to their holsters with some quickness, he leaned coolly against the judge’s box, his face as inscrutable as ever. Then San Marcial went wild. They did not wait for the scorce — they knew good shooting when they saw it. They liked a man, moreover, and appreciated one — even if he did happen to be a tenderfoot. Whit- sett, with a scowl of rage on his bloated face, slunk into the crowd. He knew that he was beaten — knew that San Marcial re- joiced in his defeat. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1088 The Railroad Telegrapher. The sheriff hurried across the lot and examined the target. As he once more mounted the box the silence was profound. “Score of Henry Jason, San Francisco. Time: Eleven and one-half seconds. Tar- get score: Seven in the bull’s eye, twelve in the first ring, five in the second. Which breaks all records !” The sheriff drew him- self up to his full heart, and as soon as the shouts and cheers of the crowd had subsided, went on: “As sheriff of this county and in behalf of my fellow citizens, I want to apologize, Mr. Jason, for the shabby way we treated you. And I want to congratulate you, Mr. Jason, on the fin- est handling of shooting irons ever seen in Arizona !” Thereupon he handed Jason five shining twenties. Jason pocketed them with murmured thanks, bowed low to the crowd, and re- paired at once to the saloon where, sur- rounded by an admiring group of citizens, he cleaned and polished his pistols until the blue, damaskeened barrels fairly sparkled. This done he replaced them carefully in their wrapping. “Good day, gents,” he said, evenly, and left the saloon. That night Henry Jason, lately of the Royal Amusement Company — but better known to a few seekers after curious in- formation as the champion trick pistol shot of the world — lay back contently in the big, padded seat of the south-bound Antonio and Fort Stanton stage. His right hand rested lightly upon the handle of a greasy, battered little satchel. His left hand was hidden — but from the ample folds of his gray overcoat came the faint, yet unmis- takable clink of double eagles. Out of the darkness he seemed to see a curly-headed little rogue coming breathlessly to meet him. And as he meditated dreamily upon the pleasant illusion, a happy wistful smile played about his lips. — By Julian Joseph- son, in San Francisco Argonaut. ON LOGGER NO. 4. ANTY” BURNS was a stubby, KS muscular Scotch-Irish youth, who had risen from the position of engine wiper and fireman to that of hos- tler at Raymer, a division station on the D. K. & S. Railroad, a line on the south shore of Lake Superior. His striking traits were quick and a re- markable capacity for work. His good name bade fair to bring him early promo- tion, when a grave mishap — the collision of the engine which he was bringing from the house, wdth a stock train — forced him from the company’s service. He searched for work at once, for he had an only sister at school in Duluth, and she depended on him for support. Thus he happened to be the guest of the crew in the caboose of Logger No. 4, com- ing down Tortoise Mountain on a brisk October morning. There were “frost whis- kers” on the rails of that branch track, and a fog enveloped the low ground at Gooman on the main line. The position and condition of the trains in the vicinity at 7 o’clock that morning were apparently normal; fifteen minutes later more than one train was in peril. Up on Tortoise Mountain, Logger No. 4 was overpowering its big engine, as they went downward over the greasy rails at an alarming pace. Long-bodied, squatty, with ten low drivers under her, presenting un- usual breadth of the tire surface to the rails, the heavy engine was holding back with all her power. But nineteen cars of green logs, on such slippery steel as lay under her that morning, could not be held. Faster and faster the long, snake-like train pushed downwards, whipping and rocking around the falling curves in a hissing, drumming turmoil of noise. Seth Johnson, at the throttle, grew earn- est, then pale. He set the air-brakes. With a clanking heave the train slackened speed; then a valve-rod under the first car snapped, and with a lurch the heavy train plunged onward. Johnson had the air brakes set on the engine, the sand pipes spouting on the frost, and the drivers turning backwards, but the mighty machine went downward over the crystal smoothness like a toboggan. Back in the “dinky” caboose there was a panic. Sid Turner, conductor, and his two brakemen were shouting half-heard things at one another. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1089 “Go out ahead and set the hand brakes!” commanded Turner. The brckeman looked down the line of swaying, jostling, plunging loads and flatly refused. “Banty” Burns got up from his seat. He was moved by two thoughts — first and strongest, the thought that it was a shame to sit still and let things go to destruction without trying to prevent it ; secondly, “Banty” reflected that if he should succeed he would probably not have to continue to look for work. In his brown eyes burned a kind of fire. “I’m going over ahead to help Johnson !” he said. “I’ll twist up the brakes as I go. If you fellows are scared, you can pull the pin and cut the caboose loose; but if I were you, Sid, I’d stay with my train!” That was all. He jumped upon the first car, and began to clamber over the heaped- up logs, setting the brakes as he went, but the wheels slipped on the icy rails like sled runners. “Banty” soon had to crawl along the logs on his hands and knees, clutching fast like a shaken insect. Hearing a snarling rip of sound, he glanced around and saw the caboose snap like a whip-cracker against a stony bank and burst open. In an instant it was lost to view, and downward the train roared, scorning the brakes. When “Banty,” hatless and with bleeding fingers, at last tumbled over the tender, he found the cab empty. Johnson and the fire- man had jumped. He leaned out of the window. Should he, too, abandon the runaway? The noise of the train was like thunder, shot through with snarling hiss of sliding brakes and wheels. The rocking of the engine was terrifying. “If she stays on the rails and has two or three miles of clear sailing on the main line. I’ll get her under control,” thought “Banty,” His teeth were set hard, and his face was drawn. As the engine rushed into the more open ground, “Banty” swung over to the fireman’s window and looked out. Away below him wavered the main line track, and — on it was the express, making eastward. Could he get out onto the main line ahead of her? As he gazed, a picture of the ground near the switch flashed into view — he saw the sharp curve of the branch track as it met the maintrack, and the next extension of the branch track in a safety spur, for nearly a quarter of a mile parallel with the main line. Should he go on the safety spur, or take the hazard of getting on the main line ahead of the express. Just then he saw an engine coming swiftly from the east. His face turned deadly white. That engine must be moving on a cross order, or running away, for it would crash into the express, seemingly, a half mile west of the switch. He seized the whistle-grip and called for the switch to be thrown ; he would meet the engine rushing from the east, himself. His was only a single life — there were many on the express. Like a thunderbolt, the logger went down to strike the engine. All the way “Banty” clung among the levers like a spider to a wind-tossed web, sounding the whistle for the switch to open. The switchman could not see the run- away engine, owing to a curving cut, and the express was still three-fourths of a mile away. He hesitatingly obeyed the whistled signal, and turned the switch. With her engine screaming and her loads reeling in a cloud of dust, the logger burst over the frogs upon the main track. The wild engine was not two hundred feet away, and “Banty,” seeing the deed was done, jumped into the gangway and leaped, feet foremost, into the air. “Banty” awoke at the hospital at Rav- mer. When the officials heard his story, several mysterious things were made clear; one was, that he had risked his own life in order to save the express and its human freight. Six months later “Banty” was running an engine between Raymer and Duluth. — By Granville Osborne, in The Little Chronicle. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1090 The Railroad Telegrapher. JULIE ANDER80N. Conductor sheridan stepped into the caboose of the west- bound freight, a slip of yellow paper in his hand. He removed his slicker, shook the rain from his cap, filled and lit his pipe, and sat down. “Mulligan,” he said, addressing the red- haired flagman who sat on the opposite side of the caboose, “Mulligan, was you in- tendin' to go up to Magnolia to-morrow on 17?” “Sure I was,” replied Mulligan. “Why?” “Oh, nothin’, only you ain’t goin\ Track's washed out from Mineral Hill clear up to Red Oak. This train won’t leave the sidin' to-night, Johnny.” “Oh, mamma,” wailed the flagman, “An’ I promised me girl I'd be up for sure. Ain't that tough luck, now?” “Oh, I don't know, Johnny. Worse things than that might happen. Railroad men have no business to be makin' prom- ises, anyway.” The two brakemen filed in with the en- gineer and fireman and the entire crew was seated in the warm caboose. “Say, these March floods is awful,” be- gan Collins, the head brakeman. “Just lis- ten to it a-rainin’, would you? I never seen so much water since I was down to the seashore three years ago. This is cer- tainly tough.” Tough? I’ve seen tougher,” said Sheri- dan. “Did I ever tell you fellows about the time when I was telegraph operator, back home?” “You never told me nuthin’, Chris,” said Mulligan. “All you ever told me was to take my flag and get out.” “Well, it’s a kind of a queer story, an’ I s’pose you won’t believe it. but it’s on the level, all right. “I was night man at Hamilton’s Sidin'. There was nothin' there but the telegraph office, an' nobody to talk to exceptin' the railroad men that came in. It was pretty lonesome at first, but I got used to that. I was glad to have the job, for I needed all the money I could get. My father had just died, my brother had been sick all winter, and I had to support my mother an’ my two little sisters besides, so it kept me hustlin’. Well, about fifteen miles east of Hamilton’s was Anderson's Sidin’. The operator there was a fellow by name of Davis — Billy Davis. We used to talk to each other over the wire, so we wouldn’t ?et sleepy. “About half-way between Hamilton’s and Anderson’s was a little creek called Mill Run. It wasn’t much of a stream, and the bridge over it wasn’t much of a bridge, either, but they ran heavy freights and pas- sengers over it, and there had never been any trouble. But when the March floods came — let's see ; it was twenty — twenty- five years ago this month — well, when the floods came, that creek carried on like a young Mississippi. The track was in pretty bad condition all along the line, an' all the trains was late. “Well, I went to work one night, as usual, and along about nine o'clock I got to feelin' creepy. I got so nervous I didn't know what I was doin'. I kept lookin' over me shoulder like a six-year-old kid goin' through a graveyard, and I couldn’t guess what was the matter with me. “I tried to shake it off, but it was no use. So about ten o'clock I thought I would have a talk with Billy, an’ I called him up. “I didn’t have nothin’ in particular to say to him, so I started by sayin’, ‘Hello, Bill.’ ‘Hello, Christ,' he said. ‘How are you?’ “Well, I tried to answer him, but I couldn’t. I can’t tell you how it was, boys, but I just couldn’t. It seemed like some- body was holdin’ me back. I didn't know what in thunder was the matter, but I made one final effort. I was goin' to tell Bill that I was all right, and so on, but this was what I really said : ‘Mill Run bridge down. Hold 20.' “I had no more intention of saying that than I had of declarin’ myself the king of Spain, but the message was off, an* I couldn’t get it back. 29 had been reported two hours an’ forty minutes late, but she was three hours overdue then. You can imagine how Billy must have hustled down the track with the red bng. I tried to call him up again, an’ tell him it was all a mis- take, but it was too late. “I thought I would sure be fired, for I had made two or three blunders before that, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1091 and I had been told that if I made another there would be room for a new operator at Hamilton’s Sidin’. “Well, pretty soon there was a call on the wire. Bill Davis was at the other end. “‘Christ,’ he says, ‘I stopped her just in time.’ “ ‘God Almighty, man !’ I says, ‘you don’t mean to say that Mill Run bridge really is down, do you?’ “‘What’s the matter with you, Chris?’ he says. ‘You reported it, an’ now you seem surprised to hear about it. Sure it’s down, an’ down proper, too. If you had been one minute later with your message they’d be fishin’ dead men out of Mill Run to-morrow momin’.’ “An* he told the truth, too.” “Well,” said Mulligan. “That’s a good story, Chris, whether it’s true or not. But how did you know the bridge was down? How can you explain that?” “I was just cornin’ to that, Johnny. This is how some of the railroad boys explained it to me. I don’t know whether this part is true or not, but I will tell it to you as it was told to me. “It seems there was an engineer by name of Tommy Anderson, that used to live at Anderson’s Sidin’. He had a daughter named Julia, an’ she was a first-class operator. “The regular operator was taken sick pretty sudden one night, an’ this Julia, she volunteered to take his place. “Well, there was a rear end collision, just above Anderson’s, around the curve. The flagman’s leg was broken, an’ he was hurt inside, but he knowed the flyer was due, an’ he tried his best to get back an’ flag her. He got as far as the telegraph office an* told Julie Anderson about the wreck, an* then he died. “Julie grabbed a lantern an’ ran down the track, for she could see the flyer’s head- light already. She stopped the train all right, but she stumbled an’ fell right in front of the engine, an’ when they picked her up she was dead. “Her sweetheart was runnin* the flyer that night, too, an’ they said it near drove him insane to think that his engine had killed Julie Anderson. “An* the fellows said that her spirit is with the operators and trainmen in time of trouble, an’ they said that she dictated the message that I sent to Billy Davis that night. “Well, I didn’t want to work in a place like that, so I quit. “There's my story ; believe it or knock it, just as you please, but it’s my opinion that Julie Anderson saved 29 from goin’ into Mill Run.” Mulligan laughed incredulously. The two brakemen looked serious. Then the engineer, Fred Campbell, took his pipe from his mouth and spoke for the first time. “You fellows don’t believe what Chris said, but it’s true, every word of it. “Chris Sheridan is not the only one that can tell of mysterious messages sent or re- ceived, messages telling of wrecks and wash-outs and other dangers, before the news could reach the office. “Julie Anderson saved the train the night she died, and she has saved a good many since then. “Oh, you nedn’t look over your shoulder, Jim Collins. There’s nothing to see.” — By Lydia M. Dunham in Railroad Trainmen’s Journal. A RAILROAD 8TORY. NOW that the cow-puncher is gone, there is no more picturesque type of the bold and reckless man, liv- ing a full-blooded natural life, and doing real things as a matter of course, than a certain type of railroad men. Different from the puncher in that the “rail” lives his life in the midst of an alien world, in com- plete aloofness from the hum-drum round of every-day life. Truly the “rail” is a man, and generally a big and strong one mentally and physically, with, like most big and strong beings, a dash of the unspoiled child in his make-up. The laughing slang of this argot bears witness of his “frolic welcome” to his un- believably bitter hardships, but the grim spirit he draws upon to fulfill his task has nothing of a boy, but is all man, and a strong man at that. One of the most characteristic of these interesting rovers is a certain “George the Digitized by Google

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1092 The Railroad Telegrapher. Moose,” employed on one of the great wheat roads out of the Twin Cities. Six feet two inches tall, broad shouldered, with long sinewy arms, and his face lean and square jawed, his vigor and courage are the means of preventing a fatal end to his numerous dare-devil escapades, ranging from fierce combats with outlaws of the Scrawford type to “pinches” between box- cars. The following is the story of one of his trips, told in nearly his own words, and considered worth telling, by him, because he had so much fun on the trip described. In explanation, it may be said that since a certain horrible crime committed by two negroes at Little Falls, Minn., the men on the road out of the Twin Cities have sworn relentless war on negro hoboes, in contrast to their usual charitable attitude toward the down and out fraternity. “We get out of Hadleyberg about io a. m. with 1,200 tons of manifest copper, silk and cedar lumber. Straight Air Jimmy was pulling us. Say, ain’t he the bad guy with his air, though? But me, oh my, that eagle eye certainly knows how to wheel box cars. He has the caboose dancing a jig before we was past the mile board, and the way he wheels them over the hill and down that seventeen mile grade into Morris Junction was a delight to the homesick. I’m on the engine and keeps rubbering back, going around curves, and has several passengers spotted, so when we pulls up at the water tank I says to the smoke agent : ‘There is a couple of side door tourists back there. I’ll get you a coal passer and you open the gates when we head in, see,’ and he says : ‘Sure, Mike, all the time.’ He is a good lad, that Tommy, and an artist with the scoop. I goes back and butts into a sickly- looking guy, and asks him : ‘Do you want a ride? Gallop up on the back of the tender and stay there, see, and when the bake head goes shy on the diamonds you ladle it down to him. sc.’ And I points his snoot towards the engine. “By this time the captain comes over with orders and as we have nothing to pick up, I knows I am lined up for supper under my own mahogany, and a shut eye in my own bed, and goes down the line, scouting for boes, care-free like. The first traveler I strikes is a boy who is on the rocks and pointing for home. So I jest tells him to keep his nut out of sight, and goes on about four cars. Here’s meat; two shines on a lumber flat. ‘Be on out of that, make no delay,’ says I. One of them he starts telling about being a good nigger and a whole lot more. He’s still talking when I heaves him out into the climate. Then I bids the other Congo sport farewell and tosses him out, too. He lights on his back and rolls considerable, but as we was only pulling out of the yard about six miles he don’t get hurt none. But this time old Straight Air is out of the yard limits and whalin’ it to her right, and I knows I has got to un- load the gang quick if I want to get them off without breaking their necks. Pretty soon I locates a couple on the brake rods, and when the hind man comes over I swings him out of the side door, me hold- ing him by the hands and he takes a pike at them. ‘There dinges,’ says he. ‘All right,* says I, ‘boot them into a lump.* And he starts to fill the moochers* pants full of boots. The ‘boe’ stands it noble for a while, but finally rolls out, and the way that skunk plowed up the cinders with the back of his neck was the worst ever. I laft until I near dropped my pal. The next collection we makes is on an empty coal flat, one with high sideboards, you know. There is a couple of white bums on board, and I was not going to put them off at all, but I says to one just to pass the word like, ‘What arc you traveling on, cullie?’ Then one of thc^e fresh moochers ruffles up his feathers and says: ‘Me face,’ ugly like. ‘Yer transporta- tion is expired,* says I, and slams him a jolt on the jaw. He goes down and out. “We’s wheeling about forty per by this time and I couldn’t ditch them, so I backs the other foxy guy up in the corner, and tells him that if he don't quit conveyance at the next stop, I’ll flatten him out and give him to the fire boy for a seat cushion. “We stays on the flat until we slows up to head in for the limited, and when we i.% in the clear, one the siding with about ten minutes before she shows up, my pal and me goes prognosticating around. I’ll be darned if the first thing we strikes ain’t the two nigs we unloaded coming out of Mor- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1093 ris Junction. They’s caught the train again without us getting wise. They was on the rods again and when Straight Air pulls out ®n the main after the varnishes had gone, we gets ready for them. “I waits until we are going so fast that I can just about get on again and leaps off, grabs Mr. Douglass by the foot and yanks him out, gives him a boost in the slats and rolls him down the bank. The other war- rior is healed for gore, however, and comes out of his hole like a rat out of a sewer, with blood in his eye and a shiny razor in his mit. He is coming down on me and I was just bracing myself to leap in and smash him right, as the best way of getting out of the scrap all in one piece, when my pal whose running up, slams him over the head with a board. The plank breaks in about four million, one hundred and ninety- two thousand pieces, but the only effect on the gentleman with the cannon-ball head is to swerve him off from me. He never slacks up at all ; on the contrary, he lets out about six notches and by the time he is off the right-of-way he has got the limited’s time skun to a finish. u ‘Hully Gee,’ says m£ pal, “that guy don’t need no ride ; he’ll beat us to town as it is.’ And I guess that’s right, because we never overtakes him. “By this time the caboose is only five cars away, and going some, so I leaps in, grabs a hand holt, and slams up against the side of the car, we’re going so fast, but I gets on board all right and pikes over to the engine. I thinks we bad the rattlers about dry of boes, but I hears a noise in a box car as I’ going over, and swings in the end door. There is six dagoes sepia tting in the end. ‘Tickets, please,’ says I. ‘Have your tickets ready,’ but they only looks un- easy and says nothing. I waves my hand emphatic, and tells them to hit the grit, but never a chirp. Finally one little runt, he commences to chew up atmosphere and spitted out in a kind of whiny sing-song. Seeing the ignorant being I had to deal with I resorts to signs and goes through the motions of throwing a man out, have to vacate their state rooms as soon as possible. That’s all I can do while we arc fanning along so very speedy. “Then I points ahead and as I climbs through the empty coal flat, sees the two white guys is still there. The one I wallops, his face is swelled up like a blue plum, and he is very peaceful, but his side kicker snarls like a wolf. I did not want to hurt him, but I wasn’t going to have no impu- dence, so I makes a slap at him and tells him to cheer up or I’ll knock the plaster off his slats. I makes up my mind that he’ll hit the grit at the next stop, which is a blind siding, seven miles from nowhere, where we is to head in for the west-bound local. When we gets there I goes back and looks them up. They’re inside with the dagoes now and I thinks, ‘holdup,* and get- ting my pal scrambles into the car, but they’re all quiet. I takes the well one and tells him ‘unload, be on your way.’ He snarls some more, but doesn’t move. ‘See here,’ says I, ‘you have been about numer- ous enough around here. If you don’t want to get mussed up, get off, make no delay.’ “He makes a move towards his hip pocket, but I grabs him by the shoulder, trips him up, kicks him out, and leaps out after him before he has time to complete his actions. When he is on the ground I get right after him and never stops until he is rolling down a ten-foot embankment. I catches sight of the butt of the gun in his hip pocket every time he rolls over. “My pal has the guy with the bum mug corralcd and leads him out to his friend in distress. While this is going on the local has gone by. They has a light train ami is tripping along a pretty good hickory, so they don’t see none of this combat. Be- fore it is time for any more developments, the fire boy has opened the switch and we was pulling out. So we ducks between the cars, before the guy in the ditch can turn loose with his artillery, but he never makes a try and we gets the switch closed and hikes out. I goes ahead then, plants myself on the front end of the fire boy’s seat box, and takes it easy the rest of the way in. “The way that old Straight Air Jimmy chases these rattlers down the line to Mot- ley was certainly the real thing. We leaves Saxville thirteen minutes ahead of No. 4 and goes to town ahead of her. How is that for box cars? It is all the old mill Digitized by Google

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1094 The Railroad Telegrapher. wants to do, though. The fire boy wants to eat his lunch so I takes her for a while, and say, it is all I want all righty. We gets in and puts our train away about an hour ago. Have one before supper? Sorry! Well, so long.” — Minneapolis Times. LAW AND AMELIA WHINNERY. r\ HE law,” said Colonel Baggs, as I he put his feet on the desk in the judge's private chambers, “is the perfection of human reason.” The jury had been given a ten minutes' recess while the bailiff went after a human skeleton which the medical expert in the case on trial xhad forgotten to bring from his office, and which he declared to be neces- sary in order to enable him to show to the jury just how the plaintiff was injured. Colonel Baggs had objected to the introduc- tion of the skeleton as buncombe, meant to affect the jury by creating an atmosphere of horror by extrinsic evidence. Jim Bullock for the plaintiff, was just beginning to saw the air in irrepressible passion at this in- sult, when the Court cut him off by saying that the matter would be ruled on when the exhibit was offered, and gave the jury a recess. The lawyers retired to the back room to smoke with the judge — who had wanted a cigar when he sent the jury out. Mr. Bul- lock offered the Colonel a perfecto, and, his passion cooled, put his feet up beside those of his antagonist.’ “I've heard that somewhere before,” said he in reply to the Colonel's remark; “but from your ideas on contributory negligence and assumption of risk, I didn’t suppose you had . What makes you so cheerful and optimistic as to our noble profession? Court been sustaining you somewhere?” “I just got a decision over in Nebraska,” said the Colonel, “in the case of Whinnery vs. the C. & S. W. It shows that Provi- dence is still looking out for the righteous man and his seed. Never heard of Whin- nery vs. the railway company? Well, it may put you wise to a legal principle or two, Jim, and I'll tell you about it. I was ag’in' the corporations over there, as asso- ciate counsel for the plaintiff. Bob Fink, that studied in my office, was the fellow the case belonged to, and he being a little afraid of Absalom Scales, the railroad's local attorney, sent over a Macedonian wail to me, and said we’d cut up a 50 per cent contingent fee if we won. I went “Amelia Whinnery was the plaintiff. She was a school teacher who had got hold of the physical culture graft, and was teach- ing it to teachers' institutes, making $40 a minute the year around.” “How much?” asked the judge. “I’m telling you what the record showed as I remember it,” said the Colonel. “We proved that she was doing right well finan- cially when the railroad put her out of busi- ness by failing to ring a bell or toot a whis- tle at the crossing coming into Tovala, and catching Bill Williams’ bus asleep at the switch. Miss Whinnery was in thfe bus. When it was all over, she was in pretty fair shape — ” “Naturally, being a physical culturist,” interpolated Jim Bullock. “Excepting that her nerves had got some kind of a shock and she was robbed per- manently of the power of speech. On the trial she sat in the court room in a close- fitting dress, wearing a picture hat, and would give a dumb sort of gurgle when Scales would pitch into her case, as if to protest at being so cruelly assaulted while defenseless. It was pathetic. “Bob Fink shed tears, while he pictured to the jury in his opening, the agony of this beautiful girl set off from her kind for life, as the preponderance, the clear preponder- ance of the evidence showed she would be, by dumbness — ‘an affliction, gentlemen of the jury, which seals her lips forever as to the real facts, and stops the reply she could otherwise make to the dastardly attack of my honorable and learned friend, the attor- ney for this public-service corporation, which has been clothed with the power to take away your land, gentlemen of the jury, or mine, whether we want to sell it or not, and to rob us of our produce by its extor- tionate freight rates, and to run its trains into and through our cities, and over our busses, and to maim and injure our ladies, and bring them before juries of their peers, who, unless I mistake, will administer a stinging rebuke to this corporation without Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 109S a soul to save or a body to kick, in the only way in which it can be made to feel a re- buke— in damages, out of that surplus of tainted dollars which its evil and illegal practices have wrung from the hard hands of toil as represented by the farmers and laborers who so largely compose this highly-intelligent jury.” “Bob was good until the other side had the reporter begin to take his speech down, so as to show appeals to passion and preju- dice— and then he hugged the record close. The plaintiff sobbed convulsively. Bob stopped and swallowed, knowing that the reporter couldn't get the sobs and swallows into the record. The jurors blew their noses and glared at Scales and the claim agent I went over to the plaintiff and gave her a drink of water, and would have liked to take her in my arms and comfort her, but didn't.” “Too bad !” remarked Jim Bullock. “Well,” went on Colonel Baggs, “the jury found for us in about three hours for the full amount, $10,000. They would have agreed earlier, only they waited so the State would have to pay for their suppers. A judgment was rendered on the verdict, and the railroad appealed. All this time Bob was getting more and more tender toward the plaintiff. I didn't think much about it until cards came for their wedding. I sent Bob an assignment of my share in the ver- dict for a wedding present — if we ever get it. Amelia promised to love, honor and cherish by nodding her head, and walked away from the altar with her most graceful physical culture gait, while the boys outside with their shivaree instruments ready for the evening, sang in unison : ‘Here comes the bride! Get on to her stride!' It was a recherche affair — but excessively quiet nuptials on the bride's side. “That evening Absalom Scales got in the finest piece of work that was ever pulled off in any lawsuit in Nebraska. The bridal party went away over the C. & S. W. Omaha limited, and Amelia and Bob were there looking as fine as fiddles — Amelia a picture, they said, in her going-away gown. Scales had fixed up for a crowd of hood- lums to shivaree them as they went.” “Mighty mean trick, I should say,” said Jim Bullock, “for any one but a corporation attorney.” “Wait, son,” protested the Colonel, “until you are so far advised in the premises as to be able to judge whether the end didn't justify the means; and there may be hopes for your being a corporation attorney your- self some day. In addition to the horse fiddle and bells and horns, Absalom had ar- ranged some private theatricals. He had plugged up a deal by which Bill Williams, the bus man — who’d sold out and was going to Oregon anyway — come bursting into the waiting room while they were waiting for the train — which was held at the water tank by Scales’ procurement and covin — and pre- sented a bill for the damages to his bus by the accident which had hurt Amelia's oratorical powers. You see, he'd never been settled with, being clearly negligent. They tried to get off in Amelia's case on the doctrine of imputed negligence, but it wouldn't stick. “Well, Bill comes in with his claim against Amelia and Bob for two or three hundred dollars for his bus. They disdain- fully gave him the ha-ha. “ ‘Then/ says Bill Williams, ‘I will tell all, woman !' “Amelia flushed, and looked inquiringly at Bob. Bob walked up to Bill and hissed: ‘What do you mean, you hound, by insult- ing my wife in this way ?' “‘She knows what I mean,' yelled Bill, turning on Amelia. ‘Ask your wife what she an’ I was talkin' about when we was a-crossing the track that time. Ask her if she didn't say to me that I was the per- fec’ly perportioned physical man, an’ whether I didn't think that men an' women of sech proportions should mate; an’ if she didn’t make goo-goo eyes at me, ontil I stuck back my head to kiss her, an’ whether she wasn’t a-kissin’ me when that freight came a pirootin’ down an’ run over her talkin’ apparatus ! Ask her if she didn't say she could die a-kissin' me, an’ if she didn’t come danged near doin’ it !’ “Well, Bob Fink was, from all accounts, perfectly flabbergasted. There stood Bill Williams in his old dogskin coat and a cap that reeked of the stables, and there stood Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1096 The Railroad Telegrapher. the fair plaintiff, turning redder and redder and panting louder and louder as the enor- mity of the thing grew upon her. And then she turned loose. “She began doubling up her fists and stamping her feet, and finally she burst forth into oratory of the most impassioned character. “ ‘Robert Fink !’ she said, as quoted in the motion for a reopening of the case that Scales filed — ‘Robert Fink, will you stand by like a coward and *ee me insulted ? That miserable tramp — a perfect . If you don’t kill him, I will. I kiss him? I ask him such a thing? Bob Fink, do you expect me to go with you and leave such an insult unavenged? No, no, no, no ’ “I guess she’d have gone on stringing negatives together as long as the depot would have held ’em, if Bob hadn’t noticed Ike Witherspoon, the shorthand reporter, diligently taking down her speech and the names of those present. Then he twigged, and, hastily knocking Bill down, he boarded the train with Amelia. He wired me from Fremont that it was all off with the judg- ment, as they’d tormented Mrs. Fink into making a public speech. I answered, col- lect, bidding him be as happy as he could in view of the new-found liberty of speech and of the press, and I’d look after the judgment and the appeal.” “Well,” said Bullock, “of course you got licked in the Supreme Court. It was clear proof that she’d been shamming.” “You’re about as near right on that as you are on the case at bar,” retorted the Colonel. “Just about. The law is the per- fection of human reason. The jury had found that Amelia Whinnery couldn’t speak, and never would be able to. A jury had rendered a verdict to that effect, and judg- ment for $10,000 had been entered upon it. 1 merely pointed out to the Supreme Court that they could consider errors in the record only, and that it was the grossest sort of pettifogging and ignorance of the law for Absalom Scales to come in and introduce such an impertinence as evidence — after the evidence was closed — that the fair plaintiff had been shamming and was, in fact, a very free-spoken lady. The bench saw the over- powering logic of this, and read my author- ities, and Bob and Amelia will henceforth live in the best house in their town, built out of the C. & S. W. surplus — and Amelia talking sixteen hours a day. It’s locally re- garded as a good joke on the railroad. And now the rattling of the bones of that skele- ton and the tapping of the bailiff on the door admonish us that I must resume the herculean struggle to prevent my client from being mulcted by your infernal machina- tions. Come on back to the coprt room.” — Saturday Evening Post. A FOOTHILL STRATEGIST. RECKON,” said Emerson, the milk- 1 man, seated on the edge of the post office porch, with his legs dangling — “I reckon they’ll have the ’lectric road up here by Christmas.” “An’ I reckon they won’t,” said Randolph, the stage driver, with deliberation. “I reckon they won’t, because they can’t get up here without a right o’ way and they haven’t got any right o’ way yet.” “Ah, but they have, Sam,” said Jorgen- son, the postmaster and storekeeper, break- ing into the conversation. “They’ve got the right o’ way through the big vineyard — got it yesterday. I’m sorry for you, Sam, be- cause you won’t have anybody to haul up from the railroad after the trolley cars start runnin’, but what’s the use o’ kickin’?” the postmaster concluded with a comprehensive wink at the entire company. The stage driver arose, dusted the seat of his trousers with his open hand, and walked toward his waiting vehicle. “Don’t you worry about me, Bill,” he said, “an’ don’t go to makin’ any bets on the ’lectric cornin’ up here because they’ve got a right o’ way through the big vineyard. If you’ll scratch vour head, an’ get your thinkin’ apparatus in order, you’ll remember there’s a little old ten-acre apricot grove just this side <?f the ‘wash,’ and they ain’t got a right o’ way through that. And who does that little old ten-acre patch belong to, hey? and how are they goin’ to get their trolley road up here to Monte Vista with- out crossin’ that patch, hey?” “By George, that’s so,” confessed the postmaster, as the stage driver kicked off the brake, hit the horses with the whip Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1097 and disappeared down the broad, white California road in a cloud of dust. “Sam owns that piece of land, and they simply can't get in here unless they make terms with him. Well, doggone his old hide. Couldn't you tell he come from Maine?” “Yes, but Jorgenson,” said the portly re- tired merchant who lived up on the mesa, whence he descended daily for his mail, “they’ll condemn a right of way through his land if he undertakes to make them pay an extortionate price for it. He can’t hold them up that way. Some of you fellows ought to warn him, or he’ll make a serious mistake.” They did warn him, but he had evidently made up his mind that the railroad people would rather pay his price than bother with legal proceedings. The company offered to buy the whole ten acres for twice what the land was worth ; he responded by asking five times what it was worth. Finally, weary of haggling and delay, the counsel for the road instituted condemnation proceedings. Within two weeks Randolph learned that he had been awarded about one-tenth of the sum he could have had. The court had ordered h:m to be compensated for the right of way 75 feet wide, and no more. “I reckon, Sam,” said the milkman, when the news became known, “that you ieel somethin’ like the dog that old ‘^sop's Fables' tells about that dropped a good piece of rump steak in the crick for a grab at the shadder of it. Never pays to be greedy, Sam.” There was a chorus of laughter from the loungers on the post office porch, but the stage driver remained unruffled. “You fellers needn’t lose any sleep wor- ryin’ about me,” he said ; “ain’t been no trolley cars whizzin’ and boomin’ past your place yit, has there, Emerson? No young- sters been squelched under the devouring juggernaut, hey? Well, don’t you lay no bets on the cars gittin' here till they arrive.” “You ain't goin’ to stand ’em off with a Winchester, are you, Sam?” inquired the storekeeper, with another wink at the con- course. “They’ll get you into jail down at Los Angeles if you try that. You know that's what happened to the feller down Whittier way that undertook to stop 'em from lay in’ track. Wouldn't lijce to have to come down to Los Angeles and bail you out, Sam.” There was another roar of laughter, but the stage driver was unmoved. He said nothing, and he remained silent during the months succeeding, while the road was being graded up the hill from the big Santa Ynez “wash.” He paid no more attention to the construction gang than he did to the wits on the post office porch, and these latter, failing to “get a rise” out or him, finally ceased to jest at his expense. They con- cluded that he had accepted the situation as gracefully as he might. This impression was strengthened when Emerson, the milkman, driving one day past the Randolph apricot grove, found the owner thereof busy planting something among the trees on both sides of the right of way of the electric road. “Ah, turned from stage drivin' to agricul- tooral pursuits, Sammy,” said the milkman. “What might you be plantin’?” “I might be plantin’ honeysuckles or bologna sausages,” replied the stage driver calmly, “but I ain't. I'm just plantin' potatoes.” “But, man alive,” cried Emerson, “don’t you know it's too late to plant potatoes, an’ what’s more, the potato bugs are fairly swarmin’ this year? Why, you might as well chuck them potatoes you’re plantin’ down in the canyon for all the good yo’ll get of 'em.” ‘Tm inclined to think you're mistaken, Mister Emerson,” returned the stage driver with elaborate courtesy, “but anyway, now I think of it, who does these potatoes be- long to? Why, by hokus” — with a start of affected surprise — “I don't b’lieve you own these potatoes at all. So there's no call for you to hurt yourself worryin’ over what becomes of ’em.” “You can go to the devil, Sam,” returned the milkman, and he rode off convinced that the stage driver was a fool. “He’s tryin* to get even on potatoes for that money he lost tryin’ to gouge the railroad,” he de- clared at the postoffice the next day. Work on the electric road progressed. Poles were set, and wires strung; the Digitized by t^ooQle

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1098 The Railroad Telegrapher. graders cut and filled and scraped and dumped. A trestle was built across that part of the “wash” usually flooded by cloud- bursts in the mountains. The rails were laid, and the track was leveled up. At last it was announced, two or three days before Christmas, that the first car would be run over the new road into Monte Vista on that festal day. When Sam Randolph heard the news, he went over to his potato patch which strung along either side of the track for 200 yards. The plants were flourishing finely — remem- ber that winter is the growing season in California — but it was evident that they would not flourish much longer, since they were almost covered with potato bugs — crawling myriads of them. This spectacle seemed to give the stage driver no uneasiness. On the contrary he surveyed the insects with an expression of something like satisfaction. He took from his pocket a small tin box, and extracted from it a pinch of fine white powder, which he deposited upon a leaf that was fairly alive with potato bugs. The effect was instantaneous and surpris- ing. The bugs sniffed once or twice, sat up on their hind legs, shook their heads in pained surprise, and then started in every direction. It looked as if every bug had a sudden and pressing engagement at some distance away from that particular spot. Mr. Randolph slapped himself on the chest, and chuckled. “The stuff’s all right,” he observed ; “doesn’t kill ’em, but inspires ’em with a desire to travel. I reckon,” he went on, as the last bug scuttled off the leaf — “I reckon there’s a few points your Uncle Samivel ain’t overlookin’ even if he ain’t so young as he used to be. Your Uncle Samivel has been out in California country quite a spell, but he’s ’riginally from Kenne- bunkport. Ho! ho! Now for the rest.” With these words he produced a spade, and began to dig a shallow and narrow trench around his potato patch, enclosing it on three sides, but leaving it open on the side that faced the railroad. He repeated the operation on the other side of the track. He went away, and returned shortly with a wheelbarrow upon which was a bar- rel half full of the white powder with which he had experimented on the potato bugs. He spread this thinly in the trenches he had dug, and chuckled to see that the potato bugs fled from it in the direction of the railroad. When he had satisfied himself that his entrenchments were secure, so to speak, he went home. 'Christmas day dawned bright, fair and warm, at it always does in California. Monte Vista was en fete in expectation of the first trolley car. Jorgenson had the American flag draped over his store door, causing Emerson, the milkman, to make some sotto voce remarks about conductin’ piracy under the shelterin’ folds of the starry banner. „ Stephens, the opposition grocer, had a string of Japanese lanterns strung from his establishment across to the second story of the shoemaker's house. The village doctor had a big “Welcome” in evergreens over his front gate, which elicited further ironical remarks from the milkman. Up at the hotel the landlord had flags all over the establishment, and the Chinese cook went about with red, white and blue ribbons braided into his queue. Festivity was in the air. At 10 o’clock, the hour set for the arrival of the first car, expectation was at its high- est pitch. At 10:30 it had become painful. At 1 o’clock no car had arrived, and it was felt that something had gone wrong. Young Tompkins was hanging around the postoffice with a pony and cart, and he was dispatched down the line to discover what was wrong. He was gone fifteen minutes, and then returned purple with laughter. “What’s up?” demanded Jorgenson; “what’s delayin’ the percession, Alf?” “Ha! ha! ha!” roared the youthful Tompkins, almost falling out of the cart in the esctasy of his mirth. “Sam Randolph’s holdin* up the ’lectric road. He’s got the track greased with potato bugs, and the cars can’t git up that grade by his apricot orchard !” “Greased with potato bugs?” interrogated the storekeeper. Then the milkman burst into laughter. “Ho-o-o-o-o-o !” he shouted, “didn’t I tell you the doggone old rascal was from Maine? I understand it. I see now why Digitized by ^ooQie

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1099 he was plantin’ potatoes out o’ season, and the country full o* potato bugs. Oh, well, if that ain’t the worst! Come on, let’s go over and see the fun.” The whole village started, some in vehi- cles, some on horseback, some afoot. Past the school house, past the village library, past the Congregational church, past two or three small orange groves, and then they came upon the scene of events. It was on a steep grade, and at the bot- tom of it was a trolley car decked out with flags and streamers and inscriptions. Ever and anon the motorman would turn on the power, and the car would make a rush up the grade only to stop half-way, and, with a great buzzing and slipping of the wheels, slide slowly back again. The rails were slimy and slippery, and the cause was plain to see. Potato bugs! millions of them! billions of them! Crawling down from both sides of the track and meeting in the middle of it, they swarmed over rails in such quantities that the metal was entirely hidden. And Mr. Samuel Randolph? — Up to one side of the track, blowing a white powder from a bellows upon the potato vines, while on the other side of the road a Mexican in his employ performed a similar office. Mr. Randolph was solemn and earnest He paid no attention to the shouts and jests of his neighbors. He paid little more heed to the protests of an official of the electric road who had come up on the trial trip. "You’re stopping traffic,” shouted the gentleman, hopping around and waving his arms in the air. "Who — me?” demanded Mr. Randolph in surprise; "why I ain’t doin’ nothin’ but powderin’ potato bugs.” “But you’re driving the bugs on the tracks, and the cars can’t get up the hill.” “H’m,” observed Mr. Randolph musingly, "it seems to me that’s a matter you’ve got to discuss with the bugs. So far’s I know, there’s no law again a man powderin’ bugs on his own place, and he can’t be held re- sponsible if the bugs want to take a trip in the trolley cars.” “Meantime,” he added, "lemme call your attention to the fact that you're trespassin’ on my land — my land, understand — be- longin’ to me, Sam Randolph. Your dog- gone miserly company might have had this land by payin’ my price. It preferred to condemn a right o’ way. The right o’ way’s yours; this land’s mine. You git off it dumb quick, or I’ll give you a dose o’ potato bug powder!” The functionary retreated precipitately as Mr. Randolph aimed his bellows at him — retreated to the car, and after a brief con- sultation, was taken back to a construction shanty where there was a telephone. Mr. Randolph continued his operations against the potato bugs. The villagers sat around and laughed and awaited developments. It may have been an hour when a second car was seen approaching. It bore, in addi- tion to the discomfited official, a suave, smil- ing old gentleman who laughed heartily as he took in the situation. He was the gen- eral manager of the line. He walked, still laughing, up the grade, crushing potato bugs beneath his feet at every step to the spot where Mr. Randolph was still wielding the bellows. "I’ve come to buy your potato crop,” he said. "It’s not for sale,” replied Mr. Randolph firmly, but with a suspicion of a grin lurk- ing at the comers of his mouth. "That is, it’s not for sale unless ten acres of apricot orchard go with it.” The manager laughed again. "I forgot to say that we want the land, too,” he conceded. "How much do you ask for it?” Mr. Randolph laid down his bellows, pro- duced a stub of a lead pencil and an old envelope. He made some figures. "The land’s worth just what I asked for it six months ago,” he said; "that’s $5,000. Then this here potato crop ought to be worth $500 more, and I’ve got a barrel of bug powder left that I ain’t got no further use for. Mebbe you’d buy that, too?” he inquired, the grin still spreading. "Yes, we’ll relieve you of that, Mr. Ran- dolph,” said the general manager. "Put everything together, and make a lump price.” "Call it $6,000,” suggested Mr. Randolph. "That’s $500 for the potato bug powder,” said the railroad man, a little seriously. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1100 The Railroad Telegrapher. “Well, it’s wuth it, isn’t it?’’ replied Mr. Randolph, snickering outright. The general manager looked at the stalled cars, the bugs crawling over the tracks — looked at the stretch of potato patch and at Mr. Randolph. Then he laughed aloud. “I guess it is,” he said. “At any rate 1 accept your price. Come down to the car, and I’ll draw you an order on the treasurer for your money.’’ “Now, boys,” he shouted to a gang of rail- road workmen who had come up on still another car, get busy here. Fill up those trenches on the inside of the potato patches, and dig others on the side next to the right of way. Sprinkle some of that powder in them, and then go to work and get those bugs started away from the tracks instead of toward ’em. Shovel the bugs off the rails, and get up that sand. Hustle, every - l>ody! Come along, Mr. Randolph, we’ll do business now.” Within half an hour, the cars were run- ning up the hill, and the potato bugs were running down it. The line was opened, and a brass band was tooting away in front of the postoffice. The populace was gathered there, and among those present was Mr. Samuel Randolph who, as he put his hand in his pocket, and felt the order for $6,000, remarked with some pride and comfort : “I reckon — yes. I reckon — that old Ken- nebunkport kin still hold her own when it comes to dealin* with amatoors.” — The Pilgrim. WAX EVIDENCE. THE rural mail carrier, still finding in “Sage” Buford’s box letters which he had deposited on Saturday morning, decided that something was amiss with the old man, as he never failed to with- draw his mail immediately after it was placed there by the Government’s agent. The rural carrier and young Stegman, a rising, will-o’-the-wisp of a lawyer, were the only ones who took much interest in the hermit of Craggie Hope. So, contrary to rules, e carrier made a detour that morn- ing, and when he arrived at the half dug- out, half shack of the old man’s abode, two lean dogs, more wolf than canine, ran out and snapped at his heels. He kicked them away and shoved open the thin plank door of the “living room.” Buford was lying on an old leather couch, and from all appearances was asleep. Close by the couch was a small stand bear ing a very expensive phonograph. Think- ing he had fallen asleep while listening to one of his favorite airs, the man withdrew from the room. When he did, the dogs at- tacked him and were so vicious that he had to beat them off with the butt of his riding whip. On former occasions the dogs had been very, friendly with him. They would come up and allow themselves to be petted by him, and a kind of affection existed between the man and the brutes. This hostile dem- onstration puzzled him, and their gaunt, unfed appearance prompted him that some- thing was wrong with their master. He knew that Buford was kind to an extreme with his dumb companions, and would have shared his last crust with them. He returned to the house and walked noisily up to the reclining figure. At first he shook him tenderly, but as that failed to arouse him, he became more vigorous, turn- ing him first from one side to the other. Then he knelt and listened for his heart beats, but there were no indications of life in the body. At the next house on his route the carrier telephoned his gruesome discovery to the coroner in town. A jury was impaneled, and as there seemed to be no doubt as to the hermit’s dying a natural death, possibly from old age, they were not long in render- ing a verdict to that effect. As little was known of the former resi- dence of the deceased, a search was made for any papers which might throw some light on the possible whereabouts of rela- tives, if he possessed any, that they be noti- fied of the old man’s death. Also, any re- quest which he might have made in regard to the burial of his remains. They found a string tied around his neck, and suspended to this was a small brass key, the little in- strument which admitted them to his box of private papers and trinkets. On top of the pile of papers was a faded daguerreotype of a woman, beautiful for her day, and though quaint in garb, was a Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1101 queen in poise and appearance. The only paper of importance to them was the will. With the customary legal phrases was a be- quest of his entire estate comprising sixteen acres of land, many jewels and $20,000 in gold to Wilford Stegman, “his friend, coun- sellor and companion of his lonely days.” Pinned to the instrument was a statement that the gold was buried and young Steg- man knew in what locality to dig for it. Stegman was out of town at the time, and when he returned in reply to a tele- gram, he was half- jubilant, half-depressed over the news. He immediately started the legal machinery in motion so he could come into possession of the property as soon as the remains were laid to rest in the little cemetery. To avoid the disturbance of things by the morbid and curious, the deputy sheriff was detailed in charge of the hut to protect its contents and keep watch over the visitors until everything was settled and the novelty of the occasion wore away. The officer was a brave man, but not brave enough to stay the night through without somebody to keep him company. So he sent word to town for a friend to come out and spend the night with him. He came, and they prepared their evening meal on the hermit's stove. After they had cleared away the dishes they sat about the fire and enjoyed their pipes. “Jim,” said the deputy, “do you know anything about them talking machines?” “Certainly I do, after working in a music store as long as I have,” returned his com- panion. “Then suppose we listen to a few of the old man's favorite tunes. There is one on the thing now, and I'll bet he was listening to it when he died.” Jim moved over to the phonograph and wound it up; then threw the switch after placing the transmitter at the beginning of the record. Then they sat in silence while the cylinder grated out to them : “I, John Buford, being sound of body and of mind, solemnly swear that the evi- dence contained upon this record of wax is true. Being alone and thinking that some day I would wish to leave a message of my last moments upon earth, I bought this talking machine with a recording attach- ment and a blank for that purpose. This will serve my aims better than writing, as it will be proof positive that I did it; for my penmanship is unknown even to the few of my acquaintances, hut my voice will be remembered. “Now I come to the bitterest of my tes- timony : Young Wilford Stegman, by some subtle, hypnotic influence, wormed his way into my heart and mind. He persuaded me to will him all I possess upon this earth and to disclose to him the whereabouts of my hidden treasure. He knows of my past life and the two events which forced me into exile. “The night after he drew up my will he insisted upon drinking a toast to my health and that I should join him. As I never kept malt or vinous liquors about the house, he had come prepared and drew a flask of wine from his coat pocket. He drank first and then I followed, not fearing any drug in the wine, as both glasses were filled from the same bottle. In this I was very much mistaken, for the wine contained some sub- tle poison, first benumbing the body and then producing a comatose state from which I never will awaken. I have no antidote or emetic at hand, and am powerless to leave my room for medical aid. Because of my being a recluse and hating the inventions and improvements of mankind, I have no telephonic connection with the outside world. “Stegman has a copy of my will, and it is useless for me to change the one in my keeping, as the one he has will be recorded and he will take possession here and destroy all of my papers. I wish the law to take its course in this case, and then I want all my property diverted to the Southwestern Uni- versity. With my remaining strength I will change the apparatus on the phonograph that it may transmit my speech, and I trust to man's curiosity to start the machine.” The deputy sheriff and his companion re- mained silent for a moment. Each looked at the other in amazement, consternation depicted in every line of their faces. “Well, what do you think of that?” said the officer. Digitized by Google

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1102 The Railroad Telegrapher. “Sounds like a voice from the grave,” was the response. “Jim, if you will swear out the warrant I’ll make the arrest; that machine will fur- nish the evidence.” Young Stegman, when arrested, tried to treat the matter as a joke, but finally broke down and confessed to the crime. The method of its discovery was a revelation to him. “But how did you manage to escape after drinking the same kind of wine?” asked the deputy. Stegman smiled. “It was very easy. Mine was poured from the top of the flask, and then the old man didn’t observe me when I shook the contents before pouring his. I also used an emetic, something I knew the old fellow didn’t have about the house.” “Tell me another thing,” said the repre- sentative of the law, as he slipped the steel bracelets from his pocket ; “what drove him into that shell out there when he had so much money?” “First, unrequited love; second, a great invention which was stolen by his col- leagues.” And then Wilford Stegman puj out his wrists to receive the encircling irons of the law. — By Joe Custer, in Express Gazette. Digitized by Google

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The Two Glasses. There sat two glasses, filled to the brim, On a rich man’s table, rim to rim; One was ruddy, and red as blood, And one was clear as the crystal flood. Said the glass of wine to his paler brother, “Let us tell tales of the past to each other. I can tell of banquet, and revel and mirth, Where I was king, for I ruled in might, And the proudest and grandest souls on earth, Fell under my touch, as though struck with blight. From the heads of kings I have torn the crown. From the heights of fame I have hurled men down; I have blasted many an honored name; I have taken virtue and given shame; I have tempted the youth with a sip, a taste, Which has made his future a barren waste. Far greater than any king am I, Or than any army beneath the sky; I have made the arm of the driver fail, And set the train from its iron rail; I have made good ships go down at sea, And the shrieks of the lost were sweet to me; For they said, ‘Behold, how great you be I Fame, strength, wealth, genius, before you fall, And your mighty power are over all.’ Hoi Ho! pale brother,” laughed the wine, “Can you boast of deeds as great as mine?” Said the water glass, *T can not boast Of a king dethroned, or a murdered host; But I can tell of hearts that were sad, By my crystal drops made light and glad; Of thirst I have quenched, and brows I have laved; Of hands I have cooled, and souls I’ve saved. I have leaped through the valley. Dashed down the mountain, Slept in the sunshine, and dripped from the fountain; I have burst my cloud fetters and dropped from the sky. And everywhere gladdened the landscape and eye. I have eased the hot forehead of fever and pain, 1 have made the parched meadows grow fertile with grain; I can tell of the powerful wheel of the mill That ground out the flour, and turned at my will; I can tell of manhood debased by you, That I have uplifted and crowned anew. I cheer, I help, I strengthen and aid, I gladdened the heart of man and maid; I set the chained wine-captive free, And all are better for knowing me.” These are the tales they told to each other. The glass of wine and its paler brother. As they sat together, filled to the brim On a rich man’s table, rim to rim. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox. The Man Who Wins. The man who wins is the man who works; The man who toils while the next man shirks; The man who stands in his deep distress With his head held high in the deadly press — Yes, he is the man who wins. The man who wins is the man who knows The value of pain and the worth of woes — Who a lesson learns from the man who falls And a moral finds- in his mournful wails; Yes, he is the man who wins. The man who wins is the man who stays In the unsought path and the rocky ways. And, perhaps, who lingers now and then. To help some failure to rise again. And he is the man who wins! And the man who wins is the man who hears The curse of the envious in his ears, But who goes his way with his head held high, And passes the wrecks of the failures by — For he is the man who wins. — Baltimore News. Be Not Content. Be not content. Contentment means inaction. The growing soul aches on its upward quest, Satiety is twin to satisfaction; All great achievements spring from life’s unrest. The tiny roots, deep in the dark mold hiding, Would never bless the earth with leaf and flower Were not an inborn restfulness abiding In seed and germ to stir them with its power. Were man contented with his lot forever, He had not sought strange seas with sails un- furled. And the best wonders of our shores had never Dawned on the gaze of an admiring world. Prize what is yours, but be not quite contented; There is a healthful restfulness of soul By which a mighty purpose is augmented In urging men to reach a higher goal. — Ella Wheeler Wilcox. Digitized by c^ooQle

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1104 The Railroad Telegrapher. The Long Ago. There are no days like the good old days, The days when we were youthful! When humankind were pure of mind, And speech and deeds were truthful; Before a love for sordid gold Became man's ruling passion. Before each dame and maid became Slave to the tyrant fashion! There are no girls like the good old girls — Against the world I'd stake 'em! As buxom, smart, and clean of heart As the Lord knew how to make 'em! They were rich in spirit and common sense. And piety all supportin'; They could bake and brew, and had taught school, too, And they made such likely courtin'! There are no boys like the good old boys— When we were boys together! When the grass was sweet to the brown, bare feet That dimpled the laughing heather; When the pewee sang to the summer dawn. Or the bee in the billowy clover, Or down by the mill the whip-poor-will Echoed his night song over. There is no love like the good old love — The love that mother gave us! We are old, old men, yet we pine again For that precious grace — God save us! So we dream and dream of the good old times, And our hearts grow tenderer, fonder, As those dear old dreams bring soothing gleams Of heaven away off yonder. — Eugene Field. Eve. Eve escaped a most tremendous lot of ills, Or a lot of joys the lady never knew — Ills or joys they are that our existence fills All depending on a person’s point of view. Eve was never at a Monday bargain sale. She was never at a Wednesday matinee, And she never promenaded in a gale Wearing hosiery of silken fabric gay. Eve was never in a wrangle at her club, She was never called her city's moral force, She was ignorant of kettle, pan or tub, And she never thought of getting a divorce. Eve was never known to wear a frizz or switch, And she never used cosmetics for her face. And she never wished that she had married rich So that she could then have held her rightful place. Eve was never known to read the latest book, She was never mentioned on a social page, And she never told her neighbors how her cook Went on strike because she would not raise her wage. Eve was never for the papers photographed. She was never busy in a bridge- whist set, And she never worried until completely daft, Over whether to appear in decollete. Eve was never known to study every spring Over what the foreign notables would wear, And she never took a course in bow to sing Or had Marcelle waving worked into her hair. Eve was never worried over Adam's faults. Never thought that he would smoke himself to death, Never walked in leaps and lopes and strides and halts, Never waltzed until she wholly lost her breath. / Eve was never at a howling football game, Never showed her dog against "the other curs," And she never vowed, with eyes and cheeks aflame That the neighbors’ children should not play with hers. But there is one trait that links her with today, With her sisters of this moment passing fair; Often, often Adam heard her gently say: “I would go, but I’ve got not a thing to wear!” — Anonymous. Three Words of Strength. There are three lessons I would write — Three words, as with a burning pen. In tracings of eternal light, Upon the heart of men. Have hope! though clouds environ round, And gladness hides her face in scorn, Put thou the shadow from thy brow. No night but hath its morn. Have faith! wher’er thy bark is driven — The calm’s disport, the tempest's mirth — Know this: God rules the hosts of Heaven The inhabitants of earth. Have love! not love along for one. But man as man thy brother call. And scatter, like the circling sun, Thy charities on all. thus grave these lessons on thy soul, Hope, faith and love; and thou shalt find Strength when life’s surges rudest roll. Light when thon else wert blind. — Frederick Schiller. Digitized by u.ooQle

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Definitely Fixed. “Expert legal testimony/* says a well- known member of the New York bar, “can easily be made a two-edged weapon in court. “A clever and capable mining engineer was obliged to take the stand as an expert in a suit in Nevada, a couple of years ago. The case involved large issues. “The examination was conducted by a young and smart attorney, who patronized the expert with all the authority of half a dozen years of practice. “One of his questions related to the form in which the ore was found, a form generally known as ‘kidney lumps.* “ ‘Now, sir/ said the attorney, ‘how large are these lumps? You say that they are oblong in shape. Are they as long as my head ?' “ ‘Yes/ replied the expert, ‘but not nearly so thick.’ ” — Harper's Weekly. Evidence at Fault. Into a car came a boy carrying a floral masterpiece. Full four feet from the ground it stood in the form of a cross. Roses red and white composed the body of the cross, and dainty white blossoms and green leaves formed the trimmings. In the center the word “Peace” was spelled out in red rosebuds. By and by an old gentle- man with a harassed cast of countenance stood up and readjusted his glasses in or- der to get a better look at it. “That’s a mighty pretty posy you’ve got there/* he said “May I ask who is dead?” The boy giggled: “There ain’t nobody dead’t I know of,” he said. “This ain’t for a funeral. It’s for a weddin.” The old gentleman sat down heavily. “Good Lord,” he said, “what idiot ordered ‘Peace” inscribed on a wedding gift?” — Ex. Large For Ita Age. Old Jacob Wyckoff, a farmer whose place was just outside of town, had made a pres- ent of his largest yellow pumpkin to the editor of the village paper, and the editor wrote an item acknowledging the gift. But unfortunately the office boy who put it in type got it mixed with an item announcing the birth of a baby in the family of another subscriber. This is the way it appeared in print : “Our old friend, Harry Townsend, is celebrating the arrival of a fine boy at his house. The newcomer is the very image of its father. It is one of the large cornfield variety, with huge bumps all over it, and weighs fifty-six pounds. There isn’t a flaw in it anywhere, except a dent made by our fool office boy, and that doesn’t matter, as we are going to cut it up at once.” — Youth's Companion. Everybody Walks. To requests for free transportation the general passenger department of the Rio Grande now responds with the following pathetic lines : Everybody walks but father; He rides around all day. Big mogul on a railroad. He don’t have to pay. Little Johnny’s walking; Also Brother Will. So’s the Whole Dam family Since Hepburn passed his bill. His Conception. From Italy comes this story of a litigant who, having to go on a journey while his case was pending in court, instructed his lawyer to let him know the result by tele- graph. After several days he received the following message: “Right has triumphed.” He at once telegraphed back, “Appeal im- mediately.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1106 The Railroad Telegrapher. Scratched Off the List. There was once in New York an Irish tailor whose eccentricities threatened to bring trouble to him, but whose wit always saved him. One morning Mrs. Murphy, wife of a muscular bricklayer, came into his shop and found him working laboriously with a pencil and a piece of paper. She asked him what he was doing, and he re- plied that he was making out a list of the men on the block whom he could whip. “Is Murphy’s name there?” inquired that man’s wife. The tailor confessed that, like Abou Ben Adhem’s, Murphy’s name headed the list. When Murphy heard of this he came to the shop with belligerence in his eyes, and inquired if the report was true. “Sure and it’s true. Phwat of it?” re- turned the tailor. “You little grasshopper,” said Murphy, “I could commit suicide on yez wid me little finger. I could wipe up de flure wid yez wid me hands tied 1” “Are ye sure about thot?” asked the tailor. “Sure I am about it.” “Well, then,” said the knight of the shears regretfully, “I’ll scratch ye off the lisht.”— Exchange. Refused To Obey The Order. Many years ago a Philadelphia clothing manufacturer received a contract for mak- ing uniforms for the telegraph operators along the line of one of the railroads. In order to measure the operators along the line he sent telegrams asking them to meet him on the station platforms. He sent this telegram to the operator at one of the small stations: “Meet me on the arrival of the 2:15 p. m. train. Wear nothing but shirt and trousers.” At the appointed time he reached the station and inquired for the operator. He saw a young woman looking embarrassed. She said, in answer to his inquiry: “I am the telegraph operator, and am here in response to your summons; but I decline to comply with your instruc- tions as to apparel.” — Kansas City Star. Wrongly Identified. A New York man was talking about Opie Read, the brilliant author and journalist. “Read, you know,” he said, “founded the Arkansaw Traveler. He edited that ex- cellent paper for ten years or more. He made a great success of it. “They say that in the spring of 1885 a reporter of the Traveler died. He was a fine young chap. A visitor to the office the day after the funeral found the editor and his staff talking about their loss dis- consolately. “ Tt has been a sad loss, friends/ the visitor said, ‘a sad loss, indeed/ He sighed and looked about the room. ‘And I am pleased to see’ he went on, ‘that you commemorate the melancholy event by hanging up crape.’ “Opie Read frowned. “ ‘Crape ?’ he said. ‘Where do you see any crape?’ “ ‘Over there,' said the visitor, pointing. “ ‘Crape be durned/ said Read. ‘That isn’t crape. It’s the office towel.* ” — Pitts- burg Gazette. Equipped. The morning after the wreck of one of the fast trains, an old farmer was standing on the bank of the river into which the train had plunged, intently watching the water. A stranger approached, and naturally the conversation reverted to the wreck and the fortunate escape of all the passengers. “It was the costliest train in the world,” informed the stranger. “Yes,” grunted the other, still watching the stream. “And about the best equipped,” the new- comer continued. “No doubt about it,” assented the old farmer. “I’ve fished a dozen bottles out of the water already.” — Harper’s Weekly. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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“CITIZENSHIP HONESTY.” ^rj^HE welfare of the workers de- I pends upon justice. Not the justice of an eye for an eye, but the justice of the golden rule, which is the natural law of social life. This law re- quires that idlers shall be poor and workers rich, that ‘he who will not work, neither shall he eat.* But as a fact the idle are often rich, while workers are generally poor. Some explain this by charging pov- erty to idleness; but it is the rich and not the workers who, as a class, are idle. Others say that the workers drink them- selves into poverty, but the rich dwnk more than the poor and yet remain rich. The obvious fact is that in our industrial sys- tem there is less work to do than workers to do it. We thus have unemployed people underbidding each other. This disemployed class springs from the universal monopoly of useful land. The withdrawal from use, of land needed for use, reduces the demand for workers. Trade unions realize that there is less work than workers, but meet the condition by trying to restrict the com- petition of workers for work. They would meet it better by trying to increase the com- petition of work for workers. The welfare of workers is to be served by establishing equality of rights and reciprocal duties. The law of ‘mine, thine and ours’ is the true law. The fruits of my work are mine, the fruits of your work are yours, and the old mother earth is ours. This is the essence of industrial justice. It is the doctrine of the Golden Rule. It is the one thing needed for the welfare of the workers.” — The Chi- cago Public , May 25th. That fragment of simple economic phil- osophy is one among the many that for years have been given to humanity by a number of clear minds, each one explaining in dif- erent ways, or through distinct forms of language, the bottom principle of all healthy human development. We are so accustomed to confusions and conflicts, to complexities and hardships, that we don’t believe in the simplicity of universal joy through plain obedience to a few simple universal duties respecting the fundamental rights of each other as expressed by that golden rule which we still lay aside in all our collective relations. And we can hardly blame the working masses of humanity for that mental blind- ness, which is fed, in our nation alone, by 200,000 or more monopoly writers in 20,000 or more respectable publications, the ones that are voraciously read by the millions in all classes and conditions of men. It is by means of that immensity of false economic literature that we are constantly told to stand by new miserable processes with which to make wrong a little easier or less painful than thus far. That means — the prolongation of evil. We then neglect our most essential duty, that of totally suppress- ing legalized wrong. Wrong is bound to grow until it is thoroughly dislodged, root and branch, from the throne of law. If there is anything fundamental in space infinite or time eternal, then civilization must either rest on some principle funda- mentally criminal or on some fundamentally righteous. If the latter, through what im- portant process do we actualize our own social righteousness, so that to escape being the victims of some social principle funda- mentally wrong? Each generation has devised 500 petty duties to make up for the neglect of the above mentioned fundamental one. Sup- pose that the 500 petty duties decrease by 30 per cent the burden of sorrows and sins produced by the neglect of our fundamental duty. Balance against the wisdom and goodness of men, 70 per cent of all possible avoidable sorrows and sins. Is not that a mad trick? Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1108 The Railroad Telegrapher. Consciously or not, each social unit, in re- lation to his importance, helps to prolong the kingdom of human follies and conceits, in so far as he neglects to honestly and sci- entifically work for the rapid initiation and complexion of the kingdom of the truth, of plain sound sense. That should be anyhow the essential object of every human life ex- cept when great poverty and harsh condi- tions force men into very low standards of development. The Christianity of Jesus is the only natural and inevitable solution of all human problems. The prolongation, then, through decades and centuries, of social problems unsolved or poorly solved, and so bound to feed the old evils or any new deformities ; that conclusively proves that the leading classes and teachers of nations and churches refuse yet, or are yet unable to teach hu- manity how to abide, live and grow under the simple teachings of the Christianity of Jesus. It follows then that we remain yet plunged into a distorted Christianity that we, choice fellows, have managed to manu- facture and teach. That is proved by the many great wrongs that cling to the march of our painful progress. The peace conference we had in New York City last April proved, with a ven- geance, the miserably mixed up education of our top classes. That conference brought thousands of good important men together from all parts of the nation and some from abroad. Their discussions rested on three words, viz., “Peace, War, Righteousness.” Some considered that peace without right- eousness would be worthless. Some thought that righteousness required that we all should be constantly getting ready for war. All despots have stuck to the latter philosophy, prevailing yet with the so-called advanced nations. It has never occurred to men to have a precise definition of the word “peace” and that of war, in order to see which of the two was likely to be more compatible with the word — righteousness. Suppose we try our hand in those two definitions. Definition of peace : “The fully actualized brotherhood of men through a few simple laws respecting and ethically enforcing the principle of universal honesty or equity in all the social and industrial relations of the national group, in lieu of the selfish laws disturbing all healthy development and forc- ing distorted lives upon Itll men ; and thus we blot out of existence the divine plan of human evolution.” Definition of war : “The open or hidden invitation of the banditti-hood spirit in the compact of nations, through mean, monop- oly laws repudiating the unselfishness of all divine law. It is through that process that we yet cast off the Fathership of God, thus giving to some men the power to, rob the rest of the equal rights belonging to all men by the fiat of all natural and divine decrees, commands.” Any similar definition of those two words would give to men the conception that what we all need, in order to enjoy the peace of righteousness, is — “Citizenship Honesty.” Neither civil nor religious education teaches yet that kind of honesty. No won- der that we need armies and navies. Don’t you see that civilization is yet a war to the knife against God through dishonest indus- trial conditions rejecting the brotherhood of men and the righteousness of the Father in Heaven? If that Father is a reality, then He can never be satisfied with any amount of goodness among men to simply cover up or justify — citizenship dishonesty in national life through injustice in our social rela- tions through selfish barbarisms in all in- dustrial development; all sanctioned by idiotic human enactments. Jose Gros. TIME TO PU8H. Here are my views on the $75-0° question. Take them for what they are worth. If our union as a body and at the same time demands a $75.00 minimum from all organized roads- then I can see no reason why we can not get what we ask. As long as we ask each separate system for even a small raise, it is hard to get, for the reason that they tell us they are already paying as much as competing roads are paying, and we can not say it is not true. Now if Mr. Perham will call a vote on the question and if the majority of our mem- bers are in favor of demanding a $75.00 minimum, let us then prepare to make the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1109 demand this fall and, if necessary, go out of service and stay out until we get it. We can be drawing $75.00 per month by January i§ 1908, if we go after it and stay by it as we should. Each man can lay enough money by between now and fall so that if called upon to go out of service for even a month, we can live and not have to call on our union for help. Let us prepare for war, even though we are not looking for trouble. Let us prepare a sufficient fund for our committee to use so that they may not be hampered for lack of funds. If our committee feel that we are behind them and are giving them our support as one undivided body, they can and will get what we want. When the companies see that we mean business and will tie their business up until we get what is right, there will be no serious trouble. I would like to see this matter put to a vote and find out how the rest of the brothers feel about it. Cert. 1050, Div. 23. EIGHT HOURS AND $75. For some .months past I have been quietly reading my Telegrapher every month, and as the good old saying goes, ‘‘sawing wood and saying nothing.” There are times, however, in this wood-sawing process when a man is obliged to stand up, rub his aching back and take notice, and it is at this psychological moment after reading pieces in the June Telegrapher en- titled “Eight hours per day and $75 mini- mum per month,” and “Should act now” that I am preparing this article. Now it is very probable that in all this North America, and particularly in the United States it would be hard to find a telegrapher who is not patiently waiting for the fourth day of March, 1908, to roll around. I am very sure we are all aware of the fact that there will be more or less doing at that particular time, be it beneficial or detrimental. In the article entitled, “Should Act Now,” the writer says in part : “We may get it, but it is left to the Inter- state Commerce Commission and I can not help but have some little doubt course through my mind about this eight-hour law.” Does not that voice your sentiments in the matter to a nicety? Now, brothers, just so long as we have an Interstate Com- merce -Commission in the field we have something that will bear watching, and very closely at that. It is for our own interest that we do so. Have you had the idea in your mind for a fraction of a second that the various railroad companies throughout this country are going to sit idly by with their hands folded and await the time to come that they may generously grant the telegraphers of this country an eight-hour day? I should emphatically say no, and again I say no. You may rest assured, dear brothers, that the railroad companies are up and doing at this identical time, for is it not to their interests to resist this measure the same as it is ours to promote it? In view of the fact that these railroads are to take up the fight to defeat any such measure relative to the granting of an eight- hour day to the telegraphers, and eventually to disregard the law in this matter, I say, that this is not the time to lie idle and dream about this eight-hour day. It may prove to be all one beautiful dream after March 4, 1908, if we do. What we do want is to make this dream a reality by all means and I say to all that if we have a doubt in our minds that this eight-hour law will not be granted to us, we, as a body, will have to get the proverbial wiggle on us from now on and by all means remove the doubt. Suppose for a moment, if you can, that these companies would grant eight hours for one working day and concede to the law. Will not the tendency be towards a reduction in the wage scale as soon as three men are placed in a position that was formerly held by two? Of course, it will, and while we are working for wages from $50 to $60 per month at the present time, it is hard to say what our monthly pay check would amount to proportionately under an eight-hour day. Therein lies the danger of this proposed eight-hour day, and the only sure way to clear away the mist is to couple the two together, viz., an eight-hour day and $75 per month for wages and work with all our might towards that common end. As one brother has proposed, let us take one side Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1110 The Railroad Telegrapher. of the Mississippi River at a time and make them come up to our demands. In conclusion, let me remark to all who have cherished the idea of an eight-hour day and $75 per month for wages to talk it, eat it and digest it, take it to bed and sleep with it and keep it by you always. Let each member contribute his views on the subject to the President through the columns of The Telegrapher, then when the time is ripe let a general vote be taken as authority for him to act upon. Let me impress upon you the necessity of beginning early in this matter. Do it now. In order that we may be in readiness for the eventful fourth day of March next year. Begin your part of the campaign at once. I am in hopes that this article is so bad that it is good, and that it will find its way into the columns of The Telegrapher and help to get some one else busy. Truly there are other matters that confront us, but none greater nor more serious than these I have just mentioned. We have tried legislation and have succeeded to a remarkable degree, but legislation will not raise our wages, even if it does propose giving us an eight-hour day, and we can not hope for any more help through that channel. So do not lie there on your back and kick up at the stars any longer, but get out in the field and let them know that you are there with the goods. In other words, get busy for the eight-hour day and $75 per month wages. Cert. 807, Div. 54. “CUT OUT THE STUDENTS.” I believe in cutting out the students ; raise our pay, create a demand for men, and the O. R. T., when necessary, will furnish good men. The two words, '‘when necessary,” are the ones to use, for when we can see the time and necessity of more men we can when the $75 or $80 minimum is reached call back lots of good men that have left the ranks. Can the railroads expect men to be run- ning after agencies or telegraph jobs when the wage scale is so low, responsibilities so great, not counting the numerous duties? One of the great opportunities that is before us is to cut out the students, create a demand and as it has been said the demand governs the price of labor. We want to grasp the opportunity. We don’t want to let it pass and then moan because the chance to smile is gone. Our chance to smile is coming if we hold out, which I'm sure we will, for we know that unity blended with a grim deter- mination to win has the strength of Gib- raltar. Cut out the students, raise our wage scale and when the grand $80 minimum is reached lots of the old-timers will be falling back into the ranks. It is like the comical recitation, “John Henry, It’s Up to You.” Now, we are the John Henry, and it’s up to us and we want to land things for the benefit of ourselves and Order. “Scotty,” Cert. 70, Div. 123. GET BU8Y. After reading the different articles in the June Telegrapher I feel moved to express my views on the $75 minimum subject. We want that $75, don’t we? If so, why not go after it? There is no earthly reason why we can’t get it, if we go at the matter in the right way. The only way I can see is for Bro. Perham to call for a vote on it, and if the majority are in favor of it let Bro. Perham put it up to the different man- agements. Even the nons would sign for that, if given the chance. There has been so much talk about that $75 minimum that the railroads must imagine we are cold- footed about asking for it, or else we don’t want it. Why can’t we vote ourselves $75 a month, as well as for Congress to vote the increase of $2,500 per year in their own salaries? Sure, it’s up to us. No railroad management is going to force this $75 on us, and if any of us are troubled with a guilty conscience about accepting such a “munificent” salary, we can easily donate the balance to sweet charity. Let’s get to- gether, and try and have this $75 minimum take effect simultaneously with the eight- hour day. It must afford the railroad officials a good deal of amusement to read our ebullitions on the subject. The trouble which occurred between the Western Union and its operators lately has been settled satisfactorily to the operators, and they were not so strongly organized as Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1111 we are, at that. This goes to show that we can make our demands good if we are will- ing to stand by Bro. Perham. Does any member of the O. R. T. imagine that we would be called on to walk out? Why, if this thing be brought up on all roads, how long would it take the officials to make up their minds that there was something doing? They can’t afford to stop traffic al- together, and if this movement were made national, that is what it would amount to. Get busy. “Cully/* Div. ioo. IT8 BA8I8. An electrical editor of a New York tele- graph journal, who is also a veteran tele- graph operator, says: “The greater help to rapid progress is to first find out the underlying principles on which an invention is based.” With particular reference to Morse telegraphy; it may not be part of the work of the ordinary operator to de- sign or install telegraphic circuits or sys- tems, but we operators employed on rail- roads have much to do with the actual workings of such circuits and systems. It would, therefore, seem that some knowledge of its underlying principles is desirable, not only because such knowledge enhances the value of the services rendered our bosses, but puts us more closely in touch with the job. In order to design a telegraphic circuit, measurements must be taken, that is, units of measurements are used ; for instance, the man who sells sugar, uses the pound, or the man who sells cloth uses the yard for units ; these units are called practical units of measurement and must necessarily be used in order to handle any commodity. In telegraph work the practical units of measurement are the ohm, volt and ampere. By practical, it is meant to distinguish them from another system of units, called the fundamental system, and on which the practical system of units is based. The fundamental system of units will not be ex plained ; suffice to state that, in engineering work, all units of measurement are based upon it. The ohm is called the practical unit of re- sistance. Resistance is well known as that which opposes or hinders the passage of electricity through a conductor; any sub- stance will admit of electricity passing through it; some allow of an easier passage than others, therefore, there is no non-con- ductor of electricity, but rather substances of high and low resistance. Many defini- tions of the ohm are given, but quite a clear one is that it is equal to the resistance or opposition that one mile of pure copper wire about one-quarter of an inch diameter offers to passage of a current of electricity. In order that a current of electricity can flow through a conductor or substance, there must exist what is known as a differ- ence of potential or electromotive force; that is, one foot may represent the differ- ence of potential between a volume of water at sea level and another raised one foot above sea level. There will then exist a dif- ference of potential between the two quan- tities of water equal to the force used to raise the water one foot in height against the action of gravity. It took work ; that is, work was done on it to cause this difference of potential to exist, and in return it is capable of doing work. The practical unit of difference of poten- tial is the volt, or that difference of poten- tial or electromotive force which will cause a current of one ampere to flow against the resistance of one ohm. The practical unit of electric current is the ampere, which means strength of cur- rent, or the amount of electricity that will be driven past any given point in a con- ductor when the difference of potential or electromotive force is one volt and the re- sistance one ohm. Having looked into the practical units of electrical measurements and assuming an ordinary telegraphic circuit, what about the motive power or battery for working the circuit? The common gravity or blue-stone bat- tery is mostly used in electrical signaling or telegraphic work; the water of this kind of cell causes a violent chemical action be- tween the metals composing it, a continual surging to and fro, and as all force is the result of motion or change of motion, this continual motion in turn gives rise to a Digitized by CjOOQle

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1112 The Railroad Telegrapher. difference of potential or electromotive force causing a current of electricity to flow. . The zinc is consumed in the contest be- tween the two metals, or is the fuel for fur- nishing the motive power. Before working out a problem in Ohm’s law in connection with the telegraphic cir- cuit assumed it will be necessary to say a few words on the relay and its use. Wherever telegraph lines are run this im- portant piece of telegraphic paraphernalia may be found. Its action, as well as every other electromagnetic signaling device, de- pends on a very important principle; that is, magnetism is produced by sending a cur- rent of electricity through wire wound around a plain piece of iron. This produces magnetism, in turn attracting an armature, working on a spring, which opens and closes a second or local circuit. A very weak current of electricity will produce this relay magnetism, which in turn works the second or local circuit containing as heavy battery as may be desired. Relays are al- ways spoken of as 150 ohms resistance and are standardized at that. Will see how that has been done. Did you ever remove one of the' magnet covers or tubes from your relay coils ? What dusty old affairs they usually are! A large number of turns or convolutions of fine wire is wound around the piece of iron in the center. The cubical contents of the iron, also the number of turns of wire is the result of a careful calculation. For a telegraph line over thirty miles in length it was found im- practicable to send a current of electricity through it strong enough to work a sounder, so the relay was substituted as previously stated, because a very weak current will work it. The resistance of a wire varies directly as its length and inversely as its sectional area; by this is meant that, with a given piece of wire, of certain length, doubling its length will double its resistance, doubling its sectional area will halve its re- sistance. From this it is evident that the number of turns of wire in the relay coils, since that varies the resistance, and, therefore, the re- sistance of the relay coils may be taken as a measure of the number of turns of wire they contain. It is easy to measure the resistance of a finished relay coil, but not to find out the number of turns or length of wire used. Having this practical convenience and not because resistance itself is a desirable quan- tity in a circuit, relays are known as having a certain resistance instead of a certain number of turns, therefore, always desig- nated by its resistance. The 150 ohm stand- ard relay contains 8,640 turns of No. 32 copper wire. There are two component resistances to all telegraphic circuits ; that is, line and in- strument resistances. A telegraph line, say 300 miles in length, having 20 stations or offices connected, using No. 6 iron wire, we have, 300x9.6 equals 2,880 ohms for line resistance, and 20x150 equals 3,000 ohms for instrument resistance, making a total of 5,880 ohms. How much current required to work the line? Ohm’s law states current equals elec- tromotive force or difference of potential divided by resistance. In this problem as- sume difference of potential of 150 cells of gravity battery; hence, for current, 150 divided by 5,880 equals .026 of an ampere, or 26 mille-amperes, or one ampere divided into 1,000 parts and 26 of these parts taken to work the line. By this formula any two quantities being known, the third can al- ways be found. P. O’Brien, Div. 26. THE PREDOMINATING ELEMENT. I feel that the predominating element car- ries within itself the success or the failure of an enterprise. Every substance that is composed of elements adheres most closely in its nature to the element forming the largest component part. Is this not a state- ment based on uncontrovertible facts ? Will you not furthermore agree with me that the ruling element in any organization is the standard bearer, that causes such an organi- zation to accomplish any end that it may undertake or subdue any common enemy that might rise to deter its progress. You say, so far, very good. Do not your con- victions lead you to make the statement with me, that a railway company is an or- ganization composed of elements commonly Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1113 known as departments? Now suppose the ruling elements in any one of the component departments be weak and unable to face the issues that naturally fall its portion to handle, what results? Not only this de- partment suffers, but the entire organization suffers from the weakness of this depart- ment. There is a department in railroad organizations known as the telegraph de- partment and is chiefly composed of tele- graph operators, some of whom are very good and some are very sorry. The pre- dominating grade can always be determined by the number of operators employed by such companies who belong and support an organization known as the Order of Rail- road Telegraphers. Why do we make the assertion that we can distinguish the quality of the ruling element among the operators by the manner in which they suport that or- ganization known as the Order of Railroad Telegraphers? Because it is a self-evident fact is our reason. Who is it that can tell what there is to cherish and inspire the man working 15 to 18 hours out of the 24 for that magnificent salary of $50 per month? It seems to me if the operators can not devise something within themselves to cheer them with the belief that they are going to liave a fair deal, the dust of oblivion would cover them into insignificance. The Order of Railroad Telegraphers is fighting for this end, and to the members I would say, hold all the power your now have, and every time possible catch more hold by supporting your Order. I am yours as one wishing to make the predominating elements of the telegraphic service: Better salary, better service and prosperity to all. B. F. Cheek. REVI8ED PREAMBLE. We, the people of the O. R. T., in order to form a more perfect union, establish jus- tice by enforcing an eight-hour day and $75 per month minimum salary, in order to insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common wants, promote the general wel- fare and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this as an ultimatum to become effective March 4, 1908. Cert. 177, Div. 8. $75 FOR EIGHT HOUR8. In looking through The Telegrapher for the month of June I see several articles about the eight-hour day and the $75 mini- mum. I am in favor of the plan started by Cert. 13 1, E. A. Long, Olean Div. 135. Let our battle cry be ‘‘Eight hours and $75 minimum.” This can be had if every brother will stand back of it I move that a circular be put out and take a vote of all members and see how many will stand for eight hours and $75 per month, commencing March 4, 1908, and if enough of them will stand by it (I think all of them should if they do justice to themselves), if necessary call a strike, but it will not be necessary to do so. All members and nons, too, notify their local chairman that on March 4, 1908, they will make the stand for the eight-hour day and the $75 minimum, and not work without it, and they will be surprised to see how quick the railroads will accept it, as the demand for telegraphers is becoming worse and worse every day. Take a look through the papers and see how many ad- vertisements are in there for telegraphers. It will be surprising to some of the boys who are not keeping a look out for the ad- vertisements for operators. I am not in favor of a strike, but if it comes will stay with it to the end, and I have a family to look out for, but right is right and I think we should have the eight hours and the $75 minimum. We will never get it unless we ask for it. The railroads are looking for the right kind of men, men that are men and can look out for the company’s interest. If they will pay the right kind of wages they will get the right kind of men. You know as well as I do that if you were getting $75 for eight hours’ work you could do your business more pleasantly. This you will have if you will make up your mind to fight for it and not lay back and wait for some one else to do the fighting for you. Come on and do your part; you can do twice as much by saying “come on, boys, and follow me,” than saying, “go after it, boys,” and laying back yourself. Now, let every member make this his motto, “Come on, boys, and work for the $75 minimum,” and not lay back and wait for Digitized by c^ooQle

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1114 The Railroad Telegrapher. some one else to do the work while you are asleep. Wake up and put your shoulder to the wheel and push, not drag. In my opinion this is what is the matter with several of the boys. They are waiting for the other fellow to do the work. We can get the eight hours if you will all pull together, and at the same time on all roads. This will enable us to do more towards our cause, for there will be some men that will not hold with us and if we go at it one road at a time we will be sure to lose, and if we go after them right we will be sure to win. If you have space in your next edition please put this in. Cert. 1013, Div. 126. PER CENT. In reading the write-ups of our worthy brothers regarding the eight-hour day and $75 minimum, I am in favor of making one grand stand on or before March 1, 1908. But let’s make it a 25 or 30 per cent increase and cut the $75 minimum out, which would not benefit all telegraphers, and their sup- port we might not get in that case. Now all pull for a 25 or 30 per cent in- crease and the eight-hour day for Canada, Mexico and the grand old United States. Let’s hear from others. Cert. 344, Div. 2. THE NINE-HOUR LAW. The national law for railroad telegraphers of the United States goes into effect March 4, 1908. As the railroads are beating the eight- hour law of the States, the railroad officials claim it is impossible to secure operators, and the State officials will not prosecute them for not complying with the law, and in that case it looks almost impossible to secure our eight-hour schedule, and I think it is up to us next March when it becomes a national law to have every operator and agent in the United States lined up, and when the hours are up on that day if the companies do not comply walk out and stay out until they do. It would be hard on some of the boys to do this, but it can’t be any harder on any one than myself, and I am certainly willing to do this, and I honestly believe this is the only way we will ever get what we are after. As long as it is only a law and the com- pany has the money to fight it with they will never give up, but in case all operators in the United States will walk out and say “we must have eight hours,” then they will have to come across. We are all aware of the fact that the plea “not able to secure operators” is a bluff game. There are plenty of operators who would go to work if we only had the eight hours and a mini- mum of $75 or $80 per month. There are operators that are working for lumber companies, traveling for wholesale fruit firms and other occupations which they would gladly quit and go back to hammer- ing brass if they could make a living at it. Now I think I have said enough on this for the present, but would like to hear from some more of the brothers on this subject. Will try and write some more if I see this in print in our next journal. Now let us all get “25.” Yours for the eight hours and the $75 minimum. Cert. 886, Div. 32. OUR ATTITUDE. The progress of opinion, when that of a large body, is necessarily slow. The nation or any considerable part of the nation will not change its belief under the pressure of circumstances, as readily as the individual. This tendency is seen in all labor organiza- tions and the O. R. T. is no exception. From time to time I have read in our journal an article by some brother, whose ideas are well advanced, which had for its text the lack of attention paid by the mem- bers of our Order to the political side of the war between capital and labor. They do not always urge any one party upon the body of the telegraphers as the one to whom our allegiance is due, but seek instead to impress upon us the need of political action to offset the power gained by our opponents in this direction. It is my opinion that this action on our part has been too long neg- lected and we fail to recognize that the greater weapon we could have is legislation and courts favorable, or at least not preju- diced against us. If after working for years to organize and perfect our Organization we do not take advantage of the opportunity to insure our Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1115 success by this means we need not be sur- prised at the long life of successful opposi- tion to the cause of the laborer. So long as our capitalistic “friends” control courts and legislation we may look for our efforts to be blocked by injunctions and prejudiced decisions. You may answer that the flood of reform has made this a rare occurrence and that this is no time to bring forward such an argument. It is true that the im- mense volume of reform literature that swept over the country but a short time ago has died down, but the evils still exist. Look for a moment at the situation on the L. & N. In June, 1906, President Perham brought suit against the L. & N. for an in- junction preventing officials interfering with our organizers. The proceedings were delayed by every means possible ; the com- pany filed a demurrer in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky alleging that the law under which our Order was proceeding was unconstitu- tional. This view was upheld by Judge Evans. The same thing happened when proceedings were brought against the offi- cials. It looks as though the court and the Constitution were only conveniences of the corporations. Can we claim that we have the same opportunities before the law that they have? Not if we are sane. In the June issue of The Telegrapher writing under the name of “Zealot,” one of our Canadian brothers speaks of the Lem- ieux act. This makes it a crime for miners or railroad employes to strike to settle their differences. And yet yearly we celebrate “Independence Day.” We, the mighty la- boring class, whom our masters will not treat ns men, yet refuse to let us quit. Are we to continue to allow such law-making bodies to assemble and courts to sit when by a proper disposition of our ballots we may change the whole thing? Already by our political influence we have forced such legislation as the nine-hour law. But we must not stop until this stronghold of the money power has been broken down, until instead of being a country ruled by a very few whose power is dollars, we can read the Declaration of Independence and the Con- stitution and not feel that the work of the past has been in vain. A. H. Turney. THE PUMPS. Having heard from various brothers about the pump question I am right with them in kicking against this unreasonable part of our duty. I suggest that every Gen- eral Committee from now on that goes be- fore the management to revise their sched- ules knock this pump down and out on the first round by relieving the agents and oper- ators that are doing this work of it entirely and turn it over to the department to which it belongs, and if impossible to have the companies do that, make one and only one proposition to them, that is either relieve the operators of this or pay them $20 per month for doing this work and get one or the other. I would not care which, and further that this extra pay will not be con- sidered in their monthly salary, as this is entirely extra work imposed upon us and it is high time to get rid of it or get paid for it. Steam Pumper, Div. 8. KEEP PULLING TOGETHER. There are many things about an agent telegrapher’s position that are next to un- bearable, but one great imposition that is heaped upon us is the carrying of Uncle Sam’s mail. It not only takes us out of our offices when it is the most important that we be there, but every trip we make flaunts the idea in our faces that we are being “driven” by a corporation that can easily afford to accept contracts that provide that U. S. transport its own mail. We hear a great deal about block signals as a safety to the traveling public (and the man who works the block is out with a bundle of mail moving towards the post office), and the wonderful “block” is unprotected. Delivering mail is work that has nothing whatever to do with a telegrapher's position and we should urge all our committees to present the matter to the general managers and have them change their mail contracts if necessary and relieve us of this respon- sibility. While we receive no compensation from the government it never lets an oppor- tunity pass to charge us up with mail fail- ures and quite often when their own em- ployes are the cause of it, but as we can not gain an audience with that stern execu- tive, the chief, we follow the admonition, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1116 The Railroad Telegrapher. “please remit to my crdit,” and bid adieu to our hard-earned dollars. These things would not be quite so bad if we were working under a $75 minimum and an eight-hour day. but these we must strive for and strive hard. Get after the nons. One self-conceited non can do us lots of harm, teaching students and “knock- ing,” etc. ; besides, he gulps down what few concessions we gain, and has the nerve to say the company raises his salary on ac- count of “merit.” Living expenses have in- creased 30 to 35 per cent and we received to per cent increase in wages and the cream on which we received 10 per cent by express now goes by baggage. Tt would take a financier to figure out any gain on this deal for the agent telegrapher. I believe the O. R. T. the only remedy, so let us all pull for better things and keep up to date. Cert. 452, Div. 76. LABOR'S BATTLE ROYAL. Nature starts all her children, rich and poor, physically equal. This, broadly speak- ing, is the opinion of many leading physi- cians. If the number of children born healthy and strong is not greater among the well-to-do classes than among the poorest, then it presents to us a very significant fact which completely revolutionizes many no- tions as to the great disadvantage of being born in the tenement. What happens to the tenement child after its birth is quite another story. Na- ture is not responsible for that. She has done her best. Tf poverty or indifference or ignorance or sin blight her fair work, she stands uncondemned. But nature is not content in accepting a position in which she is simply exonerated. The violation of her law is followed by an unforgiving pursuit, until the full penalty has been inflicted, for with nature there is no forgiveness of sin. And nature makes no class distinctions. This equality at birth does not long favor the child of the slum and the tenement. Vital statistics quickly prove this statement, for the burden and the penalty of poverty and its accompanying evils fall most heavily upon the child. The lack of proper nour- ishment. of suitable clothing, of healthy sanitary conditions, make life precarious for the babe who must suffer on account of their absence. When such a state becomes chronic, the chances for life are exceedingly small. Death’s scythe sweeps relentlessly through the ranks of little children, whose cry for food has chilled a thousand mothers* hearts. Then are hushed a thousand babies* voices, who suffered long because there was no skillful hand to nurse, and no healing draught to cure. There is no battle more royal than the saving of the child. To bring color to the wan cheek, to bring brightness to the dulled eye, to so much as bring a smile to the face that already bears the mark of pain and suffering — this is a task worthy of the best that is in any man. To organized labor has this work been given. No other mission can ever mean more than this. Strong should be the sup- port given the trades unions in their en- deavor to blot out the curse of child labor. And blighted should be every arm that is raised in protest against the warfare which means the salvation of little children from a bondage that is crushing out life and hope. Rev. Charles Stelzle. THIRTY CENT8 PER HOUR. Referring to the eight-hour day and $75 minimum I agree with Cert. 140 in last Telegrapher that we may not be so sure that we will get eight hours March 4, 1908. I only hope we will, and would like to see the $75 minimum, too. I am afraid if we make a concerted demand for $75 March 1. 1908, that the railroads will make a very strong effort to have the Interstate Com- merce Commission postpone the date the nine-hour law is to take effect. I think we should instead make a concerted demand for a minimum of 30 cents per hour on March 1. 1908, then if we can get that the railroads could not have the excuse that it would cost them so much more in wages, and if wages were on an hourly basis the railroads would probably not fight the nine- hour law, as it would make no difference then to them whether men work eight hours or twelve, the pay roll would be the same. So I say let us make a stand for 30 cents an hour minimum and do all we can to en- Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1117 force the law and not allow it to be post- poned. Now is the time for us to act and as Bro. E. A. Long suggests, let us each and every one send our letters to our honorable President Perham; tell him to act for us and act at once. And let us decide if we will ask for a $75 minimum or a 30 cents per hour minimum and whichever we decide on let us stick to it and demand it unanimously March 1, 1908. Cert. 409, Div. 33 A NON’8 VIEWS. As we sit around on the piazzas on these beautiful spring days, inhaling the sweet fragrance that fills the breath of old mother earth with the sweetest perfume, I can’t but think of the days spent roaming over the hills and through the meadows with “Old Rover” as my only companion. These were the happiest days that I can recall, and I venture to say any of you who have had these experiences will agree with me. Now, when all these have come and gone, when we have no more time to devote to this kind of pleasure, we are out in this world for our mothers, feeble fathers, younger brothers or sisters, or probably some dear old grandfather or grandmother in their old days trying to make them happy as well as ourselves. We are to be provided for in some way and as many of us have chosen telegraphy as a profession we must look to the rail- roads, to a great extent, for our support. Must we, as working men, permit these railroads, which have a yearly net in- come of 75 per cent of their investments, control and put upon us the responsibility, which is connected with this profession, just as they choose? No is the only answer that I can see fit to give. I do not think that any man is doing himself justice by standing back and not holding up for what should be his. The railroads can take most any “rube” and run him over the road two or three trips and make a brakeman, but they can not take a “rube” or any other kind of a man and make an operator of him, even in six or eight months. Then why is it that operators should not be as well paid for their responsibility, to say nothing of the confinement, as men in other professions who haven’t any more re- sponsibility than an operator has, handling thousands of lives and millions of dollars of rolling stock daily? No, there is no reason whatever for this manner of dealing with professional men with this amount of responsibility. As I have stated above I am not a member of the Order, but if it is possible I am going to have a card and do all the good my as- sistance is capable of doing for the Order. D. S. Witty. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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FRATERNAL Boston Division, No. 89. Providence Division — It was one of the largest and most intelligent bunch of telegraphers that ever assembled in Rath- bone Hall, Saturday evening, June ist. We were especially favored by the presence of Bro. Tom Pierson, Second Vice-President; Bro. Manion, General Chairman; Bro. Brady, Chief, Providence Division No. 35, and Bro. Wood, also of Division No. 35. Our committee were all in attendance, which added to the interest manifested throughout the entire evening, speeches by Bros. Pierson and Manion being the chief items of interest. While our local brothers do not possess the oratorical powers of Bro. Pierson, nevertheless they can talk good common horse-sense. ; It has come to pass that the local organizers will not hereafter be paid the $2.00 commission, which they have enjoyed through the generosity of Division No. 89 up to and including June 1 st, 1907. In my estimation, inasmuch as Division No. 89 is in a prosperous condition, and being so without the aid of the $2.00 in question, that amount should go towards a sick benefit fund, as advanced by Bro. Fenwick. We have a Sick Committee now on each division, and they will be hampered soon for the want of ready cash to help some deserving brother. As the 25 cents assessment seems to be a failure on some divisions, I am sure it would be here, where assessments of any kind meet with prompt displeasure. Therefore, what could be more prudent than having this $2.00 go toward a fund to help the needy? Two new members were initiated into our fast- growing division. Four applications were read and accepted. Commencing the first Saturday in July we will meet in Pilgrim Hall instead of Rathbone Hall, which is too small and also too noisy. Bros. Robbins and Francis took up so much room we had to bring in extra seats. Bro. Robbins had to be introduced. How quickly one is forgotten when he doesn’t attend regularly. After all is said and done, 7^2 per cent looks pretty good if you figure it up by the year. Now, I trust this increase won’t be detrimental to the past good service rendered by the telegraphers. Bro. Griffin, West Roxbury nights, creates a vacancy in that charming little tower. What a splendid place to recuperate. Bros. Finn and Johnson certainly had a pleasant time attending the convention. It is a great satis- faction to know that the candidates that repre- sent us fully appreciate the opportunity afforded them. Cog. Midland Division — Everybody is satisfied, so hats off to the Gen- eral Committee, *07. Sanitary conditions as per schedule *06 have been installed in “FA” tower. Bro. Kerivan, of Needham Jet. tower, has re- signed account of ill-health. Bro. McLaughlin, of Hampton, bid in the vacancy. The wood carrier foundations are being re- placed with cement at “FB” tower, Readville. Bro. Butler, of “V” tower, was off several days account of the death of his father, which occurred on May 27th. We all sympathize with Bro. Butler in his bereavement. Bro. Peterson, of “FB,” Readville, has resumed duty after a severe sickness. It is understood that the switches at “BJ,” Bellingham Jet., will be connected with levers, but am unable to state whether this will be tower or cabin. Bro. Sullivan, of “RX,” Woon. Jet., is substi- tuting at Norwood Central in place of Bro. Blasuek, who is doing the same at Needham Sta., while Bro. Burke is sick. I “13” Bro. Burke will go to the hospital. Has the Sick Committee investigated ? Mr. W. F. Cashen, at “U” tower, Norwood Jet., will don the wreath and sounder at the July meeting. Mr. Cashen is working in place of Bro. Hale, who is off. Would like to hear from the brothers south of Blackstone. Send your notes to Division Cor. Cert. 226. Mobile, Jackson & Kansas City Ry. I have not seen anything from this road for some time, and I think it is time that we were up and doing. I believe this line is about 97 per cent strong. Acting on a call from our General Chairman for a meeting at Bay Springs, Saturday night, June the 22d, a few of us met for the purpose of electing a General Secretary and Treasurer for Division 80, to fill the unexpired term of Bro. H. C. Hughes, resigned account of bad health. Bro. J. L. Lester, of Union, Miss., was elected General Secretary and Treasurer, and we feel sure that the books and accounts are in good hands and will be kept up to the standard. Bro. Cooper, having just returned from the convention, was brim full of good things, and he did not fail to tell us about them, and it is useless to say we enjoyed the treat. We are going to arrange to hold meetings more frequently, and want every member who can do Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1119 so to attend as those who have never been present can not realize the benefit to be gained by get- ting together and exchanging views. I am not prepared to give accurately all the changes of late. A man would have to make a station-to-station canvass to enable him to do so. In all probability by the time you see this in print your General Committee will be in session, and I wish to implore you one and all to stand by the committee to the last. It will need your support in every way, and if the members of the division will uphold this committee as they should, you need have no fear but that you will get a big slice of what is coming to you. We have a new management and while we feel like we will get fair treatment at their hands, it is best to be prepared for any opposition that might be brought to bear, and the best way to prepare is for each member to have an up-to-date card in his possession, and then stand by it, keeping in mind that good service rendered the company is a geat weapon in our hands and poor service a much greater one in the hands of the railroad company. If we expect to improve on our present schedule there must be improvement in the service. I am not knocking, but trying in my feeble way to advise you. Get busy and wake up from that long sleep, and do something for the good of the grand old Order that has done so much for you. Who can read the proceedings of the last convention at Minneapolis without throwing his hat in the air and shouting himself hoarse from joy over the encouraging* reports from all over this country? If you have not read this, don’t close your eyes until you have done so, and when you have read these good reports make a solemn vow that you will be one among the 40,000 who will do all in your power to help the Order and do your duty as you see it. Cert. 2. District Laurel to Louisville — This division, no doubt, has never before ap- peared in The Telegrapher, and some of its members will no doubt be surprised, if not all of them, when a few dots from this line appear. There has been quite a stir among all of our oldest members, which has brought good results, and pictures a brighter future to all members of the grand old O. R. T. if they only hold up their heads and preach unionism to all the nons. W'e have very few nons, and hope to get them in line shortly; think we have only three nons on this district and have twenty-one positions filled. Our membership is somewhat scattering, but by working very, very hard* will soon have the entire membership in Division 80. Our first and present schedule went in effect August the 1 st, 1906, which was welcomed by all, as it provided better salaries and overtime, where we had been working both night and day for a smaller sum. We anticipate a revised schedule at an early date, which will be an im- provement on our present one, and we ask each and every one of the brothers to lend us all the assistance possible that we may be greatly bene- fited by it. On this division we have twenty-one positions, nineteen of which are occupied by members. We have a hustling General Chairman in the person of Bro. Cooper. If we all stick to him success will certainly be the result. Our division is divided into three districts, and by faithful service on the part of the three local chairmen, things ought to pick up and get us nearer the long-sought-for eight-hour day, which will certainly present itself in the near future. Well, boys, this being ray first, will make brevity my aim, and try and have a word left for another time. Let us hear from the other two districts and try and have something in each issue of The Railroad Telegrapher. Yours for something better, “T.” Indianapolis Division, No. 27. The members of this division were shocked to learn of the death of the wife of our beloved Secretary and Treasurer, Bro. E. C. Thompson, which occurred in Chicago on June 29th while they were just starting out on their honeymoon. Bro. Thompson was married on the evening of June 19th to Miss Bertha Worsham, a beautiful and accomplished young lady of Indianapolis, and they left that evening enroute to Valley, Wash., where they were to spend their honeymoon, stop- ping at Chicago enroute. Shortly after their arrival in Chicago, Mrs. Thompson was taken sick, but apparently was convalescent when ar- rangements were made to continue the trip, but suddenly a turn for the worse took place, and Mrs. Thompson passed to the great beyond at 12:25 a* m. on the 29th, and our good Secretary and Treasurer returned here with the remains for burial. This is one of the saddest cases that it has ever been the duty of your correspondent to chronicle. On the evening of the 19th this young couple departed for a honeymoon in the highest of spirits and with the congratulations and good wishes of their thousands of friends ringing in their ears. Ten days later a great transformation had taken place. One of the contracting parties of what was a happy couple was still in death. The other was plunged into the deepest of gloom through the untimely death of his beloved help- meet. Anticipations of a happy journey through life were suddenly shattered, and our bereaved Brother has but one consolation in his great and sudden affliction, and that is the knowledge that her noble and pure life has been rewarded and that her soul is resting in that heavenly abode that is free from worldly cares and afflictions. The members of Division No. 27 extend to Bro. Thompson our most sincere sympathy in this his hour of great bereavement. While in Chicago Bro. Thompson was rendered every assistance possible by the members of the Order of that city, and was accompanied to Indianapolis by Bro. W. F. McDonald. The mem- bers in Chicago placed a beautiful wreath on the Digitized by Google

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1120 The Railroad Telegrapher. coffin after the body had been prepared for shipment. The members of Division No. 27 placed a beauti- ful pillow-shaped floral design upon the coffin after its arrival in Indianapolis, and members of other railroad brotherhoods sent a beautiful floral harp. Div. Coa. A CARD OF THANKS. I desire to express my most heartfelt thanks for the treatment accorded me by the members of the different divisions and fraternities of Chicago and Indianapolis during my late great bereavement; also for the beautiful flowers sent. Although my beloved wife could not see them on earth, she was looking at them from heaven, for a purer, sweeter, more Christian-like girl never lived. My only consolation is that she died so peacefully that I knew that He who giveth also taketh away, and He has her soul and I will try and meet her when it is my time to go. Yours fraternally, E. C Thompson. Indianapolis, Ind., July 4, 1907. Georgia, Southern & Florida Ry. Here is something new to every reader of the journal, a write-up from the Ga., Sou. Ry. It is with no little degree of pleasure that we an- nounce to the great throng of O. R. T. brothers that we have joined them to help move the numerous burdens which have so long been upon the shoulders of the telegraphers. No one appreciates and loves the teachings of O. R. T.-ism. better than the writer, and I wish that I could get all the “cold-footed no ns” to thinking as the writer has thought for ten long years; telegraphing would then be a source of pleasure instead of a drudgery. Notwithstanding the fact that we have been handicapped by the “nons swinging to our coat- tail with one hand and the other deep down in our jeans, pulling the coin from us obtained by our committees,” we have gradually gone from $25 per to $65, and even more. Now, Mr. Non, where were you while these raises were being obtained? How much have you put in the con- tribution box to defray the expenses of the various committees on different railways? You were at your place of business enjoying the an- ticipations of that “great promotion” that some petty official had promised you in future days, provided you would stay out of the O. R. T. Have you ever secured the position? No. Have you had a raise since you have been at your present position? Yes. Did you get it before the O. R. T’s. sent their committee up before the officials? No. Didn’t you work from 7 a. m. until 7 the next a. m., if necessary, without any com- pensation for same? Yes. Do you do this now since the brothers next to you had enough back- bone and manhood enough about them to come into the O. R. T. ark of safety, pull the money from his purse and say, “Send a committee up before the officials and save me from these long hours of toil and low wages.” Did you pull any coin from your purse? Not a blooming cent. 1 know that you have long ago murdered your conscience, and you should erect a monument on the spot where you buried it, and then bury yourself on the opposite side and let the grass and weeds forever cover your last resting place from view of your fellow craftsman. I may be just a little severe in dealing with the non, but as the old adage goes, “There is no one so blind as those who will not see,” it is necessary to hit you with a big stick that you may 9ee your evil ways and depart from them. If there is any way to get you to dig up your buried conscience and hunt up our Secretary and Treasurer and procure a card, I am going to do it. Another thing I wish to call attention to: If you run a “ham factory,” for goodness sake experience a change of heart, and show your sincerity by getting rid of the “ham” you have in your spacious office with a three-pound stick of dynamite in his sleeve, which will sooner or later put you out of business. I am glad to note that there is not a “ham factory” on the Ga. Sou. Ry. Please keep this remarkable record up. If every telegrapher in the United States would adopt this plan on all railroads and commercial offices, we would soon wear diamonds and be respected. But that little “if” always gets in its work in due time and despoils that which bids to be fair. Don’t get it into your head that you are under such obligations to some one that you owe to him the telegraph profession as a compensation. We all have friends, but I have never yet had one so dear that I felt like furnishing him a knife with which to cut my throat. Whenever it occurs to you that it is a part of your business to teach telegraphy to some good friend, stop and ask yourself this question: what if every telegrapher would teach some “good friend” at the same time I am teach- ing mine, and figure the results. The country would be flooded with telegraphers, which would mean longer hours, less pay, etc. I was working during the days when the super- intendents use to give us the “horse laugh” in the days when the country was flooded with men, and the cause of this over-production was that every telegrapher on the “pike” had from two to three “hams” in his office, teaching them his “lucrative” profession. In those balmy days I was holding a position at twenty-five dollars per month. That same job now pays $72.50, with no more work or responsibility either. I would feel embarrassed to acknowledge that I held down this $25 job di<i I not know that there were others who did the same thing. I asked the superintendent for more money. With all the dignity of a lord he informed me that he could not increase my salary, and if I was dissatisfied he would arrange to relieve me, as he could get plenty telegraphers at the price he was paying me, which, I am sorry to admit, was the truth. Where are they today? Some have passed to the distant beyond, but the greater portion of them Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1121 are with us today engaged in other vocations more profitable than telegraphing at the present scale of wages. How many of these old-timers have you heard remark that they had rather follow telegraphy than anything else for a liveli- hood, and if the profession ever reached the plane where it belonged, they intended to return to the key? We have many things to do in order to reach that coveted $75 minimum, and one of the most im- portant is to cease teaching students. Talk alone will never do it. As long as members of the craft are too indolent to attend to their duties and have students stuck up in their offices pre- tending to do the work, advancement will neces- sarily be slow. Show me the man with his office full of students, and 1 will show you a man too lazy to say “Sooy” if the hogs were after him. Don’t get it in your head that because we have secured a small raise in the past year or so that we have all that is coming to us. The work is not yet complete by half. We have great things to accomplish; gigantic loads to cast from our shoulders, loads that have been borne for years. These obstructions must and will be eliminated in course of time, but it is going to take strength and perseverance. Get after the man next to you and induce him to forward his application to the local chairman. All who made excuses and failed to attend the meeting at Tifton on June 9th, beyond a doubt missed quite a treat. Bros. Baker, Hamilton and O'Quin made all arrangements, and the first meet- ing of the Ga. Sou. boys, as well as members from the A. C. L. and A. B. & A., who joined us, was a grand success, and those who attended wish to congratulate these brothers for the manner in which the meeting was conducted. By request one of the brothers at Tifton extended our hearty thanks to the hotel manager for courtesies shown us while his guests. The meeting was called to order by our General Secretary and Treasurer, the General Chairman being absent. It was moved, seconded and carried that Bro. L. D. Hamilton, of Tifton, be elected acting General Chairman for the division in addition to serving as local chairman, Lenox to St. George inclusive, to succeed Bro. T. L. Argo, suspended. The brothers on that division should congratu- late themselves in securing the services of Bro. Hamilton as chairman, as he is an enthusiastic worker. Tifton being a central point with trains running to suit all on the division, it was selected as a permanent place of meeting. It was decided to hold a monthly meeting at Tifton every third (3d) Sunday. We regret that Bro. Wellons was not present at our meeting, and also that he tendered his resignation as local chairman of Palatlca Division. He gave as his reason for resigning that the agency work at Sparks was hot enough to cook ‘taters, and he did not have ample time to devote to the duties of local chairman. His resignation was not accepted, however, and we are looking for him to attend our next meeting and bring a string of applications from that neck of the woods, should there be any nons down your way. It was decided that the A. C. L. Division No. 132 be extended an invitation to meet with us at Tifton every third Sunday. The General Secretary and Treasurer was or- dered to pay the expenses and lost time of Bros. Watson and Wellons for services rendered while serving on the General Committee in Macon, April 13th and 14th and May 7th and 8th, while securing a schedule on G., S. & F. Ry. It was decided that the expenses of the meetings held at Tifton each third Sunday be paid out of the local treasury. Bro. K. P. Baker has resigned and left the service to accept a more lucrative position with the First National Bank of Tifton. We regret that Bro. Baker is leaving the service, but glad to know that he has found a more pleasant and lucrative position. He informs us that be will continue to carry a card in his “jeans.” He has the best wishes of the division. Congratulations were extended Bros. Watson and Wellons for the admirable manner in which they served on the General Committee. The meeting adjourned until the 3d Sunday in July- Several new members were taken in and several transferred to this division. Bro. Paul Griffin we “13” is doing the heavy at Birmingham. Bro. Laure has left for parts unknown. Bro. Jno. T. Ashton, from Unadilla, transferred to St. George. Bro. R. R. Hays, from nights Unadilla to days at Ashburn. Bro. Whitehead, from days at “UD,” Cordele, to days Vienna. Bro. O. H. Mahone, from days at Ashburn to nights at Unadilla. Bro. K. P. Baker resigned “HO,” Tifton, to accept position in Bank of Tifton, Bro. Harrold, from A. C. L. Division 132, taking Bro. Baker’s place at Tifton. I wish to call each and every member’s atten- tion to the importance of attending meetings. Don’t think because you have paid up your dues and secured a card that you have done your part, and that is all there is to it. These meetings are called and held for the purpose of transact- ing business pertaining to our organization, and unless we all turn out and express and exchange views, some might be displeased with actions taken on important matters. We need your pres- ence. “Red.” Y. & M. V. Lines. Vicksburg Division — Our meeting at Leland on Sunday, June 9th, was not very largely attended, but those present can best tell whether or not it was a success. The meeting was called to order at seven o’clock sharp, with Bro. R. P. Walt in the chair. The time being short all hands agreed to let Bro. Digitized by Google

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1121 The Railroad Telegrapher. Walt have the floor. Among the things he talked about were the convention at Minneapolis, which he attended, and our new wage scale and working conditions. Our new schedule went into effect May ist, and is usually conceded to be the best thing in its line to be found "east of the river.” A good many handsome increases were granted the boys and the working conditions were wonder- fully improved. The "standard watch” for telegraphers is now a thing of the past; the general manager decided that he could furnish clocks cheaper than he could pay the boys rent for their watches. The overtime rating on the Riverside District is now the same as it has been on the main line all along. There was one clause, however, in our proposed contract that the general manager ran his blue pencil through good and hard, and that was the one asking for half-holiday on Sunday. We didn’t get it. Our watchword now must be, "Not yet, but soon.” Before the meeting adjourned Bro. Walt tendered a vote of thanks to Bro. West, of Leland, for the ref reshraents. Owing to the absence of Bro. D. F. Callaway, who had a bunch of important correspondence, some of the routine business had to be postponed until the next meeting. O. T. Aycock, our popular lineman, has done the right thing, and may now be seen wearing the green and the gold. Needless to say it is wonderfully becoming. Mrs. Crews, at Wilczinski, has signified his willingness to join, and it is expected that his ap- plication will be passed on at the next meeting. It is also up to Mr. Sparks, at Beulah. He received a straight five-dollar raise and an increase in overtime rating. Bro. H. S. Hennington, for some time past agent at Percy, has resigned and gone west for his health. "HS” has many friends here, who sincerely trust that the western climate will com- pletely restore his lost health. Mr. Goff, new man at Shaws, has promised to sign up as soon as the ghost walks. He is re- lieving Bro. Hooker, who is taking a sixty-day vacation. Bro. H. Jones, from the Memphis Division, is at present working Leland nights, this made pos- sible by Bro. West’s resignation from the day position and Bro. Campbell’s promotion to same. New man at Cleveland nights. If he isn’t there with the goods Bros. Harper and Walt will see to it, don’t worry. Bro. H. Harrison, agent at Avon, was off for a few weeks recently account being called home to the bedside of his father, who, we learn, died. Bro. Harrison has the sympathy of the entire division in his bereavement. Bro. B. B. Kinard, for some years agent at Rosedale, has resigned to accept employment with the M., J. fit K. C. at Laurel, Miss. He was relieved at Rosedale by Bro. S. L. Owen. Bro. D. Staples, the popular agent at Boyle, is off for a week or two account sickness; relief agent Callaway is holding the job down for the present. It is with the greatest of pleasure that I make known to you all the fact that the company’s at- tempt to place ten students on the Vicksburg Division met with "glorious defeat.” They have students at the following places: Elizabeth, Rosedale, Hollandale and Longwood, the latter place being a non-telegraph office and the agent not a telegrapher t We understand the agent and his student have a local fixed up and are. learning fast. , The ones at Hollandale, Elizabeth and Rosedale are of the old quota, four in number, and its a dead cinch that the ones at Hollandale and Rose- dale will never become telegraphers. The Memphis Business College sent one down who held a diploma that he could take forty- seven words a minute! He was too swift and was promptly sent back. The student business will never thrive on this division of this road, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the one or two that we now have done away with. I was very sorry indeed that I failed to get any notes in the last issue of The Telegrapher. The failure was caused principally by my putting the matter off from day to day until I had finally forgotten it. I have my mill in good shape now, however, and will endeavor to get notes in every month. When you don’t see our flag hoisted in the columns of The Telegrapher it is no sign that unionism is on the wane down here, because we are doing a lot of the "good, silent work,” and that is the kind that counts. With one more parting shot, I will close: Pay your dues promptly; attend meetings reg- ularly and don’t be afraid to let it be known when you have a grievance. Don’t be afraid that the superintendent will "get it in for you.” We are prepared to handle all grievances and usually succeed in adjusting all of them. If there is anything wrong, or if you desire to get rid of that student, just drop a line to Bro. Walt at Cleveland, and he will do the rest. Div. Cor. C. & N. W. R y. Dakota Division — Was you at the Brookings meeting? If you were not you sure missed a swell time. Had to get the opera .house to hold them all. Two special trains, one from the north and one from the west. Both trains loaded full to capacity. This train service was furnished Dy Mr. Goodykoontz and the dinner at Hotel Leon was on Mr. Moulton. Every one had a fine time and there was no dis- senting vote when resolutions were passed thank- ing the officials for what they had done to make a pleasant time for us all. The next meeting will be at Pierre, date to be announced later. Meeting was called to order by Secretary Tyner at 3 p. m., delay being caused by dinner. Roll was Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1123 called, each representative saying a few words in regard to how things were running. Right here we want to say that conditions on this division are better than on any ether on the system, as out of all those called not one had a kick to register. Isn’t that a fine reputation for a division to have? Mr. Goodykoontz was next on the carpet and he was Teady with a talk of good proportions. Block system. Western Union business reports and more things than we can think of now. He received a hearty applause. Now, boys, do the square thing always by Mr. Goodykoontz and you will never regret it. Since he has been on the division the telegraphers and agents have received more favors than at any tim past in the history of the division. Trick Dispatchers Davenport, Kelly, Jones and Hazen were on deck, but did not have much to say. Mr. Davenport spoke of the pleasure of having the opportunity of meeting so many that he would otherwise know only on the wire. Mr. Kelly complimented the larger stations. He says that they answer calls quicker than the smaller jobs. Mr. Jones, agent at Huron, was in attendance, but did not have anything to offer; would rather listen. We are not going to attempt to name those who were present at the meeting, as it would be too much like reading the list of agents. Get after that Western Union wire. Huron now is starting in to call all offices who have busi- ness which had not been taken care of and notify them so that it will not be longer delayed. Do not get sore, as the idea is to reduce the number of claims for delayed business and increase the effi- ciency of the service. All try and come to the meeting at Pierre. Your presence is very much desired. An auxiliary to the O. R. T. on this division is the Agents’ As- sociation, which was organized at Brookings with Bro. H. D. Harrington as president and Bro. H. A. Stimson, of De Smet, as secretary. We will hold joint meetings, which will not require meet- ing so often. If you are asked to write a paper for the meeting do your best and do not pass it up for some one else. Bro. Ford, of Lake Preston, read a very fine paper on “Over and Shorts and Bad Order,” which was listened to with pleasure. A stenographer was employed to take down the record of the meeting, but thus far he has failed to send in his transcription. Bro. Boughner, of Garvin, will leave for the Pacific coast as soon as relieved. Bro. E. Erickson, at Verdi, was taken very sick June 24th, and was obliged to close that station until he was able to go to work. Bro. A. W. Tyner, of Elkton, spent%Sunday, the 9th of June, in the Twin Cities. Bro. E. A. Nohlgreen, of Estelline, went to St. Paul the 9th of June to see his wife who was skk in one of the hospitals there. He reports an improvement, for which we are very glad. Bro. T. A. Yates, of Astoria, also was in the Twin Cities the 9th of June. Bro. Wilson, of Esmond, relieved Bro. Bager, at Wolsey, for a couple of weeks. Wilson says that they need a helper at Wolsey. A. W. T. Sioux City Division— Banquet at Sioux City. Iowa. June 16. 1907. There may be some dead ones on this division, but to be at Sioux City at our O. R. T. banquet, which was held at the West Hotel, you would not have thought so. The Moville Line has always been noted for slow ones who in the time of need to make a good showing were very slow. There was only the ones who you can always depend upon when the O. R. T. has anything doing at all. On the Onawa Line every man from Stanhope to Wall Lake was there with his wife or some one else's wife, except Bro. Sands, of Stratford, but he was away visiting or no doubt he also would have been present. From Wall Lake to Onawa, only the men at Battle Creek, Arthur and Turin did not attend. But on the whole, we surely had a fine time. We were served a six-course dinner, which was enjoyed by all and highly complimented Mr. and Mrs. Donahue, proprietors of the West. After dinner toasts were in order, Local Chairman Bro. I. B. Haymond, of Ida Grove, being toastmaster. He made a few remarks about the arrangements he had made with the weather man, who had gone entirely against instructions, and asked Supt. S. H. Brown to see that he got the G. B. at once, which Mr. Brown said would be done on account of hav- ing such a warm day. Bro. Haymond next called on Bro. G. A. Swan- strom, of Dayton, Iowa, for a toast on “Why We Are Here,” and when he got through we all knew why we were there, as you may always expect something pretty good from Swanstrom. Next man called on was Bro. T. W. McClanahan, of Mapleton, Iowa, who gave a toast on “Our Guests.” We were to have Superintendent of Telegraph of C. & N. W. Ry., G. W. Dailey, of Chicago, 111., give a toast on “The Lessons of the Day.” but owing to a meeting of the officers in Chicago, III., he could not attend, but sent a letter which he requested read, which request was complied with hv Bro. L. E. Nokes, of Lake City. Next man called was our worthy division super- intendent, S. H. Brown, who always has about three stories to go with what he has to say and they are always good ones, too. The next called was C. T. Boone, trainmaster of Sioux City Division, who said that every time he was called on to say anything he always had to follow Mr. Brown and when he (Mr. Brown) got through the ground was entirely cove Next called was Chief Train Dis, itcher C. J. Smith, who spoke on “What I think,” and he gave a very nice talk. The next man to have his say was General Chair- man Jas. Troy, but owing to going to sleep on Digitized by CjOOQle

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1124 The Railroad Telegrapher. duty, let No. 25 run by Jewell Junction and could not get there. He was to talk on “What We Are Doing.” Every one present I think was sorry to miss his talk, as he always has something that in- terests everyone. There were sixty-five present at the banquet. At each plate was a red souvenir of the occasion with the program and menu printed on same. Mr. M. G. Feltus, agent at Correctionville, is again back to work after watching his claim for the last few months. He was relieved by Bro. Hun- saker, who went to Whiting to relieve Mr. E. Westerman, who goes to work at Sioux City, **UD” office days. Bro. F. H. Baker, agent at Moville, is trying to get a lay off, but one man went there to relieve him. but said it didn't look good to him, so Baker is still waiting. It's funny they won’t let a fellow off when he wants to get tied up. Bro. Treloar is laying off at Onawa, being re- lieved by Bro. Christopherson. Night Telegrapher French, from Sloan, is spend- ing a few days in the freight house at Onawa as- sisting Cashier Thomason in straightening the freight books, and also rustling freight and bag- gaff*. Mr. Nicholson, from River Sioux, relieved French at Sloan, closing River Sioux nights. Bro. Thorpe, of Mapleton. is still after a lay off with very poor prospects of getting it. Our worthy Chief Train Dispatcher Mr. C. J. Smith has been relieved by Mr. C. M. St. Clair, who comes to us from the Wisconsin Division. Have not heard what Mr. Smith is going to do. hut hope he will get something better. M. J. Shortell. formerly Bro. Shortell. of Maple- ton, who has been farming for the past three years in the vicinity, has accepted a position as lightning slinger for the C. M. A St. P. Mike, no doubt, will get in line again as soon as he gets settled. Am indebted to Bros. Thorpe, Christopherson and T. M. Noe for information this month. I asked several of the other brothers to contribute their mite, but did not hear from them. Next regular meeting at Sioux City, July 14th. Everybody come. Cards are out announcing the marriage of Chas. M. Shaw, cashier at Wall Lake, to Miss Lz Ohl on June ipth. They have the congratulations of a host of friends. Cert. 231. Madison Division — Brothers, is it not a great pleasure to see so many new faces at our meetings? Take our last meeting June 8th, for instance; there were several there, also a visiting brother, E. C. Hunley. from Gorgan, Minn. Every month I receive items and letters from different brothers, saying they could not be present and were very much disappointed because of their inability to attend. The many brothers who turned out to this last meeting enjoyed listening to Bro. I- F. Schneider, who gave us much information about the doings at the convention. It is planned to invite Mr. G. W. Dailey, Super- intendent of Telegraph, Chicago; Mr. P. J. O’Brien, Superintendent; Mr. A. F. Reiner, As- sistant Superintendent; Mr. J. W. Layden, Train- master; Mr. H. D. Schooff, Chief Train Dis- patcher, and as many of the gentlemen in the dis- patcher’s office at Baraboo as can get away; also our General Chairman, Bro. Jas. Troy, to attend our next meeting, which will be held in the near future. A few lines about membership. A good member is one who pays his assessments and dues promptly; He makes it his practice to pay early so as to be sure of being on the safe side. Now, we have four members on the Madison Division who have not paid the special assessment. They have until June 30th to square up. We also have three members who have not paid special assessment or semi-annual dues. These dues were payable Janu- ary 1st. One of these members receives $ao per month, or $240 per year; his dues are $15. The others receive from $5 and upward per month; their dues also are $15, including special assess- ment, and as all but one has worked from between nine and twenty-five years for this company there is no need of mentioning the many other conces- sions the O. R. T. has secured for them. What can their excuse be for not remitting? Can Bro. White, who at all times extols the older agents, tell us why they who get $65 per month and up- ward, are not as able to pay their dues as the poor night men or tower telegraphers who get but $52.50 per month? Personally, I know these persons to be good men. Now it is up to them to pay up and thereby become good members. Yet, brothers, it takes more than that to become good members. You must be faithful and regular in attending our meetings; do not be satisfied to leave the busi- ness in the hands of those who must be there, but remember it is also your business to be there to do your part in encouraging the officers and mem- bers in their work for the Order. You should always be willing to do your full share of the work and do not be afraid of doing too much. At suitable times and occasions speak a good word for the Order. Do not be a knocker, and attribute selfish motives to everyone who differs with your ideas in doing business, but give them credit of being as unselfish in their aims and as honest in their intentions as you are. Keep everlastingly after worthy nons. Remember your obligation and try to live up to it. Give the com- pany the best service; be polite to the public. Honor the men in the Wisconsin Legislature who did their best to give us the eight-hour law. Then and not until then, may you consider your- self a good member. With good members our committee will be able to accomplish the work that is before them when they go in for another conference with our officials. You may now add P. F. Eberts*, Leyden; L. G. Abts, Oregon; M. M. Zeches, Mendota, to your list of members. They have become such since the last write-up. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1125 Should any member become delinquent their names will appear in our column hereafter. We hope you may never see yours there. This is the last week of this session of the Wisconsin Legislature. The eight-hour day bill is now in the hands of the Senate's Committee on Transportation, who will report for final passage this week. Our former correspondent, Bro. J. E. Warner, shows that he sympathizes with your correspondent and he does it in a way we appreciate very much, viz., with a big bunch of items. C. J. Stephens, the hard-working brother from Lake Mills, has taken the Waukesha day job on bulletin. Bro. A. G. Eisner is holding down Lake Mills days till it is bulletined. Bro. C. C. Hinners, who was at Lake Mills a few days, is back at the owl job as handy man in dispatcher's office, Baraboo. Bro. H. L. Reeves, agent at Waunakee, was re- lieved a few days by T. J. Tracy. Tracy's job at Kendalls days is now being held by Bro. J. E. Dalbier, with Bro. M. Hendrickson nights. Mr. F. C. Willey, the genial agent at Reedsburg, is again smiling behind the ticket window after several weeks’ vacation. D. R. Roach is relieving Bro. White at Deer- field, a few days. Bro. Pat Keeffe spent a day or two at Trem- pealeau, his home. Bro. M. H. Keeffe is holding down the scat in “BY" office, Baraboo, while Bro. Hinners is in the general office. Bro. D. C. Babcock has been relieving W. F. Copeland, the agent and grief juggler at Jefferson Junction for a few weeks, while Cope has been enjoying a siege oi “under-the-weatherness." T. J. Tracy is relieving Bro. T. L. Peck, agent at Dodgeville. We understand Bro. Peck intends taking an extended vacation. This breaks up the reputation of the west end for being solid, as Mr. Tracy does not carry a card. We hope the brothers on the west end will convince him of his error and that he will be properly equipped in the near future. We notice Bro. \V . C. Swart’s name among the list of changes on the Wyoming & N. W. Ry. of recent date. He was acting agent at. Landers and is now agent at Walton, Wyo., and has living rooms in the depot. He writes these rooms are all oil finished and fixed in fine shape. He likes it first rate and sends his regards to the brothers on the Madison Division. Bro. Walter Sullivan is also doing well out in that country. Bro. Sidney J. Kelts, who has been working extra in the general office, on the quad and on the tracer jobs, turned in his papers a few days since, and has departed for the West. Mr. M. E. Patterson, first trick south end, was off several days attending the convention of the I. O. O. F. at Superior. He reports an enjoyable time. Bro. E. W. White, of Deerfield, and Bro. W. E. Sparling, of Trempealeau, attended the Grand Lodge I, O. O. F. at Milwaukee recently. The personnel of the dispatcher’s office at Bara- boo has been undergoing a few slight changes. Our genial night chief, C. M. St. Clair, has been appointed chief on the Soo City Division, with headquarters at Sioux City. We dislike to see Charles go, but are all glad to see him getting his dues in the way of a well-earned promotion. Al- fred R. Pelnar, who has been acting night chief, will assume these duties regularly, and John N. Hull, Jr., will be the night chief during the vaca- tion period. All good fellows, who deserve to get there with both hands and feet. Dispatchers Patterson and De Sautelle were in line for promotion, but passed it up. This leaves Robt. Risley, first trick days north end; Bro. Ed Boehm, second trick, and E. P. Wright, third trick north end regularly. Bro. H. R. Koch is holding down the west end at preesnt with plenty of work trains moving. He is doing good work. Bro. Frank L. Crevits, the cross line dispatcher, who has been at home sick for some time, is not progressing as fast as his friends desire, but ex- pects to be able to resume work before long. Bro. F. Carn, agent at Magnolia, is off for a couple of weeks visiting relatives in Iowa and Dakota. D. K. Roach is relieving him. Bro. W. H. Hansen was on the sick list for several days, Bro. M. Hendrickson doing the work at Evansville nights meanwhile. Bro. L. M. Burt, agent at Brooklyn, was off for a short time resting up. Bro. M. Hendrickson re- lieved him. Bro. C. H. Bennett, West Allis days, enjoyed a trip at Lancaster one Sunday lately. Bro. C. P. Kellogg. Sr., agent at Calhoun, has been on the sick list for some time. Telegrapher A. E. Johnson, who we understand hails from Oregon, relieved him. Bro. Kellogg is now much improved and able to be at work again. Bro. R. D. Wood has resumed duty as agent at Merrimac after a month’s vacation. Bro. F. H. Main, who relieved him, went to Dane for a few nights and from there to Monona Yard, “FR,“ to relieve Bro. C. O. Rutler. who is taking in the Jamestown Exposition. Telegrapher S. W. Han- num is now in charge of Dane nights. He will be with us as soon as he passes the age qualification-*. Bro. J. Roberts, agent at Lodi, is taking a vaca- tion and contemplates taking a trip to England. Bro. R. W. Irwin is acting agent during his ab- sence, with Bro. Chas. McIntosh as day telegra- pher. who was relieved nights by Telegrapher A. J. Duprey. We were very sorry to hear of the demise of Conductor John McIntyre, Chairman of B. of R. T., who died at his home in Baraboo June iqth. The C. & N. W. Ry. loses a faithful employe anti the B. of R. T. a faithful member, as he was a good union man and fair to all. Schneider Lodge, Div. 76, O. R. T., sent a floral offering and ex- tends sympathy to his family. Bro. Barnhart, Caledonia nig’its, worked a month for the I. C. Ry. on Dubuque Division and reports them very short of operators. We are sorry to hear of the death of Bro. J. A. Richardson’s sister. She was a daughter of Mr. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1126 The Railroad Telegrapher. James Richardson, who has been flagman at Cale- donia for many years. We extend to Mr. Rich- ardson and family our sincere sympathy. Bro. Corcoran relieved Bro. Richardson one night at Caledonia. They closed Tower “EA” that night on account of no extra telegrapher. Bro. A. G. Thomas, tower “EA” days, is laying off to get the kinks out of his legs. Telegrapher Duprey relieving him. Bro. Friesleben, from Norwalk nights, acted as agent at Trempealeau for a few days while Bro. Sparling was at Milwaukee improving his knowl- edge in the beautiful teachings of Masonry. A. J. Duprey enjoyed changing off with Bro. Brandt while Bro. Friesleben was away. . There was a large crowd at Ablemans June 13th on account of Woodmen picnic and three extra passenger trains were run between Baraboo and Elroy to handle the passengers. All reported a good time. The Sauk County farmers enjoyed a trip to Madison, where they visited the State University. It took three extra passenger trains. Another excursion coming off from the west end, that is Galena to Madison, took in the sights at Devil’s Lake the 19th. Just as we were about to send in these items we learn that Bro. H. R. Koch is holding down the third trick north end, and Bro. V. R. Harding the west end trick, with Bro. C. C. Hinners on the tracers job. Bro. F. L. Crivits is reported to be a very sick man. This we are truly «orry to hear and we wish him a speedy recovery. Frank was getting nicely started in dispatcher’s office. Bro. C. B. Adams is enjoying a trip south. When he returns, I “13,” he will resume work on this division. Bro. J. A. Barnes, at tower “PD,” was called to Milwaukee Sunday, June 23d. where his mother is critically ill. We hope for the best. Do not forget to pay your dues. Div. Cor. li'isconsin D it *isi o n — Our Waukegan meeting June 22d, was fairly at- tended from north, south and west. There may have been a few missing who could have been there, and if such was the case they were the losers. Bro. Pauli, agent at Hebron, took a few days’ vacation; relieved by Telegrapher Bruneau. Day telegrapher at Bain Junction tower, day and night men at Cary, promise to be with us this month, and day man at Genoa Junction tower ex- pects to join July 1st. Evidently the boys are slowly but surely learning to know a good thing when they see it. R. D. Stone, day man at Janesville passenger station, has filled out papers, and by the time you read this will be a full fledged brother. W. Waite, night operator at Janesville passenger station; W. Bradley, days at Clinton Junction, and G. W. Dowic, days at Sharon, have all made good and joined our ranks. We cordially welcome our new brothers. This leaves one poor little lone- some non between Janesville and Harvard, who faithfully promised Bro. Bitz that he would join us. Up to this date he has remained on the out- side of the fence and shows no inclination what- ever to help support the organization that secured for him $120 per year, besides his meal hour every night, which amounts to about $7 per month, making him a total of about $200 per year. It is needless to mention his name, as we all know to whom I refer. Bro. E. H. Woodbury, nights at Shopiere, re- lieved the agent at Alden recently. Bro. Bingham, days at Janesville yard, took his summer vacation, being relieved by Bro. Woodbury on his return from Alden. Bro. Bixby, days at Shopiere, was next in line for a rest, and Bro. Woodbury wore the agent’s cap for a few days upon Bro. Bingham's return. Bro. Raymond, extra telegrapher, held Shopiere nights, while Bro. Woodbury did the relief stunt. The work on the new yard at South Janesville is progressing finely. Two work trains between Janesville Yard and Shopiere, on single track, with two intermediate sidings and telephone connec- tions, keep Bro. Bingham from getting lonely. Bro. Woodbury has returned to Shopiere nights, displacing Bro. Raymond, who went to Dcs Plaines nights, for a short time. Mr. C. H. Baer, of Rogers Park, is relieving Agent Murphy at Summcrdale. Our jolly brother C. F. O’Connor, of Kenil- worth, has been putting in some time on a posi- tion not scheduled, namely, jury service. He lived through it all right and has returned to his station. We are glad to see the happy face of our old timer, Bro. Anhalt, at his position at Highland Park days. On Wednesday evening, June 5th, at the bride’s home, occurred the marriage of Bro. C. A. Nelson, of Evanston, and Miss Francis Huston, of Chicago. Bro. Wightman, of Evanston, acting as best man, and Miss Mayme Adams, of Chicago, as bridesmaid gracefully assisted the happy couple to the altar to receive their life sentence. The groom is not engaged in ' the railway service at present, but carries an up-to-date card and is a loyal brother. The brothers of Div. 76 join in wishing Bro. Nel- son and his charming bride a long and happy life. Bro. Dove, who has held Evanstoif nights the last few months, has resigned and intends to go West, seeking a more congenial climate. We are sorry to lose him, but wish him success wherever he may go. Bro. Avery is doing the owl stunt at Evanston until the position is bulletined. We understand Bro. Mansnerus has accepted a lucrative position in the auditing department. Cully. North Wisconsin Division — Bro. Bakken, of De Pere, off a few days, being relieved by Bro. Villisse, who was relieved by Bro. Stark, of Kaukauna. Bro. Stark relieved by a Mr. Ward. Understand he is up to date. C. T. Sund, cashier at Appleton for the past four years, has been appointed agent at Fort Atkinson, Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1127 G. W. Cook having accepted a position with the VV. C. Ry. at Rockefeller, 111. Bro. Remmell has the position of cashier at Fort Atkinson. Mr. Sund, who is now eligible according to the change in oar preamble, should send in his application papers and make “CB” strong and up to date. We have members on the division who are de- linquent in their dues, who feel that they have not been treated right and are going to drop out. Re- member the old saying “no cards, no favors,” when favors are asked. Bro. Bornick received tower “CF” nights, on last bulletin. Bro. Learned, of Juneau, goes to Princeton, he receiving that position by bulletin. Miss Conner relieved him at Juneau. Bro. Hackbert off for a few days, Bro. Leary relieving him. Bro. Abbs, of Eldorado, relieved at Princeton until transfer of agents was made, he being re- lieved by his brother. We should all go over President Per ham’s cir- cular letter very thoroughly, and especially heea the warning in regards to the student. The time was never so opportune to better our conditions; it is up to each and every one of us. All w* need to accomplish the desired results is solid or- ganization, and personal interest in the welfare of our noble Order. President Perham has explained matters so thoroughly that I will not attempt to do so. All that is asked is that each member do as instructed. Bro. Kempke’s letter in regards to prompt payment of dues should also be considered as our first duty. We have a nice amount of money at our disposal in the treasury and this money will be used for the betterment of our conditions. Pay your dues promptly and keep after your neighbors, should they be delinquent, and point out the necessity of having up-to-date cards all around. The meeting at Appleton was one of the best we have had and it goes to show that the boys are taking more interest. Bro. Wolverton, of Jefferson, was with us. We realize it is hard for the south end men to get out and we appreciate their coming, if it be but a few times; let more of them attend. Our July meeting will be an open meeting and a few days after this number is out. Bro. Troy will be with us and our division officers and train dis patchers will be invited to address us. We also hope to have Mr. Daily with us. Let every man, whether member or non, arrange to attend. I am sure that Mr. Hammill and Mr. Lantz will be lenient and arrangements will be made so all can get back home that night. Hats off to the assemblymen and senators who supported the eight-hour bill in this State. All members having in their territory senators who fought against this bill, should point out to the public these representatives as not favoring public safety and should cast their votes for men who stand for the right. Every member should read the proceedings of the Grand Division. It will prove interesting and you can then realize what noble work the Order has done in the past and how bright our future will be if we do our duty as O. R. T. men. Wish every member having notes for the journal would mail them to me at State Hospital. It is but a few minutes work to write them down and if every member would do that our items would be very entertaining to us all. Our meetings from now on will be very inter- esting, as matters pertaining to the eight-hour day and outlining the work of our chairman on the General Committee. We all know our local chair- man can not do everything alone and we owe him our hearty support. Brothers, let us do our best and we will be well repaid. Attend meetings, keep after the nons and pay dues promptly are three essential things that should he lived up to by each one of us. The mention of R. J. Sund as a non-member should not be mistaken for Bro. J. O. Sund, of Juneau, as the latter has been up to date for two years. R. J. Sund is at “WF," and promises to be with us soon. Keep after the non-members and let us have a solid division by August ist. Cert. ioo. Galena Division — The meeting at Dixon, June 15th, was a dis- appointment on account of the absence of Div. Supt. W. D. Beck and Chief Train Dispatcher A. L. Crabbs, but there was a goodly number of brothers present and we passed an enjoyable and profitable evening together. The next regular meeting will be held at Dixor» July 20th; don’t forget the date. We want a large number present, as some important matters will come up. Bro. L. D. Agnew is doing the agent’s duties at Manlius. Bro. A. J. Bunzir, lately agent at Manlius, i* working at Ashton as day telegrapher on account of sore foot and unable to do agent’s work. Mr. I. L. Galbraith, of “AX” tower, is working nights at “JN” tower, Melrose Park. Bro. W. N. Flynn now selling tickets at West Chicago. Bro. J. T. Emmert, days at Ashton, now checked in as agent at Flagg, Mr. Smith having left the service. Bro. W. R. Blair, first trick “XG,” Kedzie Ave. tower, is assistant director Tower No. 1, Wells St. Bro. F. L. Farmer, third trick “XG,” working third trick Tower No. 1. Bro. H. C. Dierks, second trick “XG,” got first trick “XG” on bid. Bro. W. H. Harlan, days Green St., got second trick at “XG.” Bro. R. C. Blackwell, from Peoria line, got third trick “XG.” Mr. Chas. Trout is working days at Green St. Bro. Hale, who was away on a vacation, has re- turned to California Ave. nights. Local Div. Cor. Lake Shore Division — The Lake Shore Division has been so sadly neglected in The Telegrapher since its creation as a separate division that I presume most of the Digitized by c,ooQle

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1128 The Railroad Telegrapher. boys are beginning to think that we are no longer on the map. Such is not the case, however, as these few items will prove. We have had one or two instances recently where agents locked up depot and left for parts unknown. This on account of company being too slow in relieving them. While it is bad to be held at a station for a length of time after one asks for relief, yet it puts a telegrapher in a bad light not alone in the eyes of the railroad com- pany, but also in the eyes of the public. In cases of sickness it is different and always excusable. However, in the recent cases we are pleased to note that the deserters were not brothers. Bro. Sellnow relieving Bro. Kilsdonk at Dun- das. Bro. Kilsdonk sick. Mr. C. E. Reynolds relieving Bro. Hackett at Grimms. Bro. Hahn relieving Bro. Cook at Two Rivers. Bro. Provitz working 18 hours a day at present on account of incompetent assistants. His night man a non. One or two of our brothers very lax in paying dues for past period. Afraid they will lose their cards. This is wrong; we are getting stronger each year and it is no time for backsliding. With one or two exceptions each office on the division got an increase of $5 per month last fall and surely we can afford to contribute $10 of the $60 each year to the Order that was instrumental in getting us this increase. Bro. Zernicke, of Bonduel, is taking a short vacation with the purpose in view of getting mar- ried. Mr. Stelling is relieving Bro. Zernicke at Bon- duel. Stelling promises to become a brother as soon as he gets located. By the way, there are several of the boys who have promised to get in line soon, and all of them are men of their word, so we can look for several new members in a short time. We hope to have a meeting by the time this is in print and select some division officers and estab- lish a division treasury to meet local expenses. Bro. Ramsdell. from the Ashland Division, is relieving Bro. Weeman, at Shawano, Bro. Weeman taking a well-earned vacation. Bro. Jacoby, “MS” tower nights, has resigned and is waiting to be relieved. We don’t want to see Bro. Jacoby go unless he is bettering himself, in which case we withdraw our objections. Bro. Serier, Lyndhurst, enjoying life under ad- verse circumstances. No house to be had and Ike is living with the section foreman. Send any items of interest you may know to local chairman until we can arrange for a division correspondent. Don’t forget your dues are payable and you should have a new card. Cert. 1536. Ashland Dwision, South End — Business has been slacking up a little and the boys at the heavy jobs are glad of it after a hard grind all winter. Summer is here at last and we will have a little respite from throwing coal into that Volcano No. 20. There is great rejoicing over the passage of the Wisconsin eight-hour law for telegraphers and train dispatchers. This law went through the lower house without a dissenting vote, but met with considerable opposition in the Senate and was almost killed in committee. It was finally passed however, by the surprising vote of 18 to 5. It was strongly opposed in the Senate by Senator Wilcox, of Appleton, Wis., and would ask the brothers in this district to remember this when he comes up for re-election. We are greatly indebted to Carl D. Thompson for the fathering of this law, and his untiring efforts in its behalf. A tablet ought to be erected to his memory and we hope the good he has done for the telegraphers will last forever. Mr. Thompson is a Social Democrat and was elected from some Milwaukee district. Now, that this eight-hour law is a fact we must marshal our forces for the purpose of resisting any retaliatory policy on the part of the railways. Without a doubt an attempt will be made to reduce our wages and it is up to us to take a determined stand against any more of this kind. Our wages are not too high by any means and it is an im- possibility for us to live on anything less. To those brothers who took the time to write their representatives and Senators we should also be very thankful. They must now realize the good that was accomplished as a result and Jan- uary 1 st can commence to reap the benefits of their labors. Brothers, the eight-hour law is the best thing that ever happened to us. You will be troubled no more with brain fag after twelve long hours on duty and will now have ample time to spend at home with your families and carry on other pur- suits that will be beneficial to yourselves. The meeting at Autiqo May 26th was a great success in bringing about a better feeling of the men towards their officials and vice versa. We had an opportunity of meeting them all. The men also had the chance of meeting each other and getting better acquainted with their working part- ners. In point of attendance the meeting was a record breaker, fully 150 being present, and it was through the kindness of our worthy officials that we had such a large crowd. They went to con- siderable trouble to provide the extra train service which enabled so many of the brothers to be on hand. We hope that we may have more of such meetings, as we are of the opinion that they arc productive of much good. Our north end corre- spondent has also made some reference to this meeting. We are in receipt of regrets from our secretary and treasurer, Bro. P. W. Raettig on account of him not being able to attend the Antiqo meeting. May 23d. He states that his wife is laid up in a hospital for the purpose of undergoing an opera- tion. We hope she will come safely through it and extend the sympathy of all the brothers on the division. Bro. C. E. Ramsdell has given up the agency at New London Junction and is at present reliev- ing Bro. Weeman, agent at Shawano, while he is on his vacation. 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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1129 Bro. H. E. James goes to open Turtle Lake as agent for the summer season. Whitcomb, his former position, is closed nights meantime. Bro. H. M. Kilsdonk at present holding down Antiqo Yard office nights; understand he gets Kim- berly days, a new position just created. Bro. Flansburg, at Appleton days, went on a fishing trip last month and understand he had good luck. Mr. Wilde is at present working at New Lon- don nights. He is from the W. C. Ry. and has promised to get in line soon. Bro. Auqus has been transferred to Ore Dock Yard on account of him having been there the year before and being acquainted with the system of weighing iron ore. Bro. Bunge has returned from the West and is at present holding down Wausau Junction nights. Bro. Laughlin off on a few weeks’ vacation, be- ing relieved by Bro. Ted Laughlin, his brother. Understand he gets State Line on bulletin. We had a good meeting at Autiqo June 23d and transacted some very important business. We had a nice crowd out, although not as large as that at the open meeting the month before. Bro. Hollister, agent at Larson, spent a couple of weeks of vacation at his home in Iowa. Bro. Drumm was the successful aplicant for Kaukauna nights. Bro. I. E. Hackett, of the L. S. Division, who is making a trip over the line in the interest of the Order, getting acquainted, etc., called on Local Chairman Nelson, of the Ashland Division, and remained over night at Kaukaunna. Ck*t. 13. Ashland Division, North End — No news from this end for the past two or three month on account of nothing much doing. With the help of a few of the boys who were kind enough to send in some news items, will try to write up the news for this period, some of which will seem rather old. At the open meeting at Antigo, Wis., Sunday, May 26th, was the first opportunity the writer had of meeting the brother telegraphers on this division. The meeting was opened in an introductory speech hy Bro. L. F. Nelson, local chairman, who introduced the various speakers and made a few remarks relative to our duty to the officials and ourselves. Bro. D. R. Hickok and Bro. J. D. laughlin also made a few remarks, all of which were well received by the visiting brothers. Superintendent Quigley, Superintendent of Tele- graph G. D. Dailey, Assistant Superintendents Ben- nett and Sampson and Chief Dispatchers Coughlin and Fitzgerald also made short speeches relative to block system, handling W. U. business, handling foreign cars, etc., which were very instructive and productive of much good. We did not get time to meet all the brothers and nons of the south end, but met all the north end brothers and nons, the latter, of which I am glad to say, there were only a few and a little missionary work of the right sort should land them all with the exception of one or two. Few changes taken place since last write-up, which are as follows: Ore Dock Yard opened up with the advent of the ore season with Bro. Angus and Mr. Hun- covsky on duty. Brand new depot at Saxon now in use with Bros. Meredith and Schaefer doing the logging act. Bro. W. F. Faber called to Menominee on ac- count of the death of one of his parents. Unable to learn who is holding down Odanah nights dur- ing his absence. Bro. H. Heinrichs got tired of the woods at Mercer and left for parts unknown. J. L. Burgar got Mercer on bulletin. Nights office opened up at this station held down by Bro. John Schilleman. He is a new member but the right kind just the same. F. W. Atchison now holds up-to-date card and captured Tomahawk Lake station on bulletin. New man at Rhinelander nights name Penney. Understand he holds up-to-date card. Wonder why those nons that promised to join us “next pay day” three months ago haven’t sent in their application blanks. They must have decided to wait until we get another raise for them and then perhaps they will join. On account of heavy wire work during night, we now have a night telegrapher at Ashland dis- patcher's office and it’s a lady, but hardly any hopes of her being a sister; unable to learn name. Temporay offices opened up at Wellington and Turtle to facilitate movement of work trains. Extensive improvements being made on the Iron- wood-Watersmeet line in way of graveling etc. Wish the boys would send in any news which they may get hold of so as to reach me before the 1 8th of each month and we may then be able to have a little write-up in our journal. Understand it is Bro. M. J. Johnson recently from south end, who is handling the gravel trains at Wellington pit. C. H. Eva, day telegrapher in dispatcher’s office, off for about a week. Understand he had to under- go an operation, but see the gentleman is back at work again. Bro. J. B. Duval, from south end, relieved him. Bro. M. E. Fry, agent at Woodruff is to have help in the way of a day teelgrapher, which he certainly needs. Position is on bulletin now. Cert. 409. Duluth, 8outh Shore & Atlantic Railway. Western Division — Seeing a few lines from Mackinaw Division and nothing from the Western Division, concluded I would try (with the help of a few of the brothers) to have the Western Division repre- sented in Ths Telegrapher. Only one or two of the brothers were thoughtful enough to send in any notes, so this will not be very lengthy. Bro. Stuesser, formerly day telegrapher at Lake Nebogamor, has taken agency at Bruer’s Crossing, Digitized by L^OOQle

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1130 The Railroad Telegrapher. vice Bro. L. V’. Green transferred to another division. Bro. L. R. Brown relieved Bro. Stuesser at Lake Nebogamor. Bro. W. E. Johnson has been enjoying a few weeks' vacation, making a trip to Chicago, Duluth, and also one to Marquette. Bro. H. A. Lawrence, from P. M. R. R., fills the chair at Lake Gogebic during his absence. There is a new man at Matchwood, Mr. Chas. A. Nelson by name, and by the time the June Telegrapher reaches you we hope to be calling him brother, as he has the necessary blanks before him. Mr. E. A. Campbell, night man at Ewen, has resigned to engage in farming. We are glad to see a loyal brother in Campbell’s place, H. C. Omstard by name, from the Mackinaw Division. Bro. Crossey was elected to fill the vacancy in office of local chairman, Western Division, vice Bro. F. W. Knipple transferred to Haughton Division, and he has appointed Bros. E. L. Crull, agent Kenton, and H. A. Lawrence, agent Lake Gogebic, as his assistants, and we hope to see them line up the few nons remaining on this division before many new moons. Bro. E. L. Crull, of Kenton, made a short trip to Sidnow Saturday evening on S. K. L. Co’s Special. Over five (5) nons on this division at present. Can you point them out, boys? No stations on this division bulletined at present. It has been a long time since anything appeared from this division, and in fact the whole pike. Let’s hear from the Haughton Division boys next time, also Mackinaw Division, and let the brothers all send in what news they have — notes, changes, or anything of interest for the good of the Order will be accepted. Cert. 56. Pennsylvania Lines West of Pittsburg. Louisville Diiision — This is the first attempt at a write-up for the Louisville Division, and hope some one will carry the work along, as I think a great deal of interest can be aroused in this way. If the mem- bers show no interest its certain the nons will not. and no one can blame them. No road has been organized without work and lots of it. We have a good start here, and if every one will do his share we will soon come near the 100 per cent mark. If you can not see the boys person- ally, write them and keep on writing until you either get their papers filled out or a flat refusal to join the Order. It doesn’t make any difference whether the one you arc after is located near you or not. If he is at the other end of the division stay with him, and by each one doing this way they will have to express some kind of an opinion. When the interurban line is completed to Louis- ville no division could have better facilities for meeting than we by making the meeting points at Columbus or Seymour. Don’t think I’m butting in in making this spiel, as I’m sure everyone is welcome and has the same chance as I have to take advantage of The Telegrapher to say what he thinks. Everyone should work for the best interest of the Order and cut out the ham factories. The company has awakened at last and has re- modeled the office at Greenwood. This office has been in a bad condition for some time, and no doubt the boys appreciate the new office. Bro. Farr did his stunt in the waiting-room while the repairs were being made. Bro. Judd, Seymour days, was off for short time on account of death of his grandfather; was relieved by Bro. Casey, Christie nights. Bro. Wells, Harland days, granted ten days’ leave of absence, but was recalled on eighth day on account of shortage of men. Bro. Judd, nights, did the day trick during his absence, he being relieved by Mr. Roy White, an extra man. Amity nights has been closed on account of sickness of telegrapher Wheeler. We would be glad to see a write-up in The Telegrapher from the other divisions of the Pennsylvania lines west of Pittsburg. Bro. Sellers, Chestnut Ridge days, should find plenty of amusement at his place if he enjoys frog hunting and fighting mosquitoes, as the season for those sports is now on. Telegraphers Pfister and Coons, Cornbrook, have a good location to enjoy the same pastime. All brothers who have not paid dues and re- ceived the new card should do so at once. This is important. Bro. Stout, Edinburg days, is the proud posses- sor of a card. Glad to have him with us. Wish we had a solid division like Bro. Hanlin. He’s certainly an honest worker and firm believer in O. R. T. Operators still very scarce. Bro. Judd had bard time getting relieved to attend funeral of his grandfather. “JK,” our first trick dispatcher, is out on the road examining telegraphers on book of rules and instructions. Better study, boys. Bro. Casey working days at Austin while Big Ike doing owl work at North tower. Understand the day men at North tower has a student. From all appearances the night school at Garfield is making good progress. Ought to be no trouble for the boys to get a vacation when the operators (?) there get their diplomas. Understand there is one or two brothers who still keep their students. This should be stopped immediately, as they are not only setting a very bad example to the nons, but also doing harm to themselves and fellow-workers. There is quite a number of telegraphers in this part of the country who will be glad to return to the profession when wages and working conditions justify them in re- turning, without teaching others. If the supply of telegraphers had been equal to the demand we would never have received the two increases in our salary last year. And now a word to the nons and am through. We need you and need you badly. Of course, it goes a little hard with the man with a family. Digitized by LjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1131 but nearly all our members are married and seem to be getting along all right, and as for the fellow who has no one depending on him for support, there is no excuse whatever for his remaining a non. Now is the time to fill out those papers, not next pay-day. If you wait to save the money to come in we don’t expect to get you. Don’t crack that old chestnut any more about "going to leave the service soon, but you think favorably of unionism,” because that isn't giving us the help- ing hand. Don’t wait on some of the rest of the boys going in because whether they do or not does not affect you in any way, but your actions do affect us. No advantage is gained by waiting on the other fellow. Get busy. Abe Martin. Pan Handle Divisions — I don't think there has ever been anything in The Telegrapher from this division, and I be- lieve this will be a welcome sight to some of the boys, who have, like myself, looked in vain for something from the Pan. This division has been making rapid strides toward organization in the last few months, and even the old P. H. stand-bys have began to sit up and take notice, and quite a few of them have already invested in an up-to-date. There are only a few nons left, and they are making lots of promises. The division operator will tell you all kinds of things about the O. R. T., but that is what he is paid for and if he wasn't pretty good at that kind of spiel he would not be able to hold his job. I notice most of the boys* are wearing the button, that is a pretty good sign that they are not very badly scared. We have all received notice of dues for the coming half, and I hope every one will come across with the cash promptly. It’s bad practice to put it off “till next pay-day" just because you can. An engineer who happens to get his money somewhere on the road will take the first oppor- tunity to get an express order and send in his dues; that's why he draws from $135 to $200 per. If you put it off, don’t delay any longer. Be up-to-date on time. Cert. 238. Burlington Railway. After several weeks' work on our schedule, we finally came to an agreement on May nth, just in time to allow those who were delegates to the Grand Convention to depart for Minneapolis in time to reach there for the opening on Monday morning. May 13th. The deliberations at Minneapolis lasted nine days; were very strenuous indeed, and this con- vention will go down as the most profitable in the history of the organization. Many good things were done; many hours were spent in debate on matters of great importance; many good laws passed and perhaps some rejected that many of us would like to have seen passed. We can not all see alike, but everything passed off nicely and we all returned to our homes after the busy hum of the convention had passed away, there to resume our labors again for another two years, with the fond hope that we might all meet again in that grand old Southern city — Atlanta. On return to my fields of duty 1 find many weeks of hard work before me. Our new schedule was to reach us June 1st, but did not show up until ten days later. It was, of course, not thought that a schedule could be made that would be highly satisfactory to all. The wage scale was, in fact, the first ever made on the Bur- lington System, and the committee used every- thing at its command to make it equitable, bu^ it is certain that where errors are found they were not intentionally made; where they do occur it is the duty of every one who finds himself unfairly treated to write me fully regarding his case and I will certainly endeavor to give the cases personal attention at the earliest possible time and take each case up on its merits, and see if they can be adjusted before the committee is convened again. It was certainly the sincere desire of the whole committee to give all a square deal, wherever it might seem to appear that this fact has not been carried out. It must be borne in mind the com- mittee did the very best it could with the in- formation in their hands. You should remember that unless we get the information asked for in advance of these conferences, we are going to be badly handicapped. I hope you can all see the situation and not con- demn the work of the committee. All of us are human and are liable to err. No copimittee ever made a schedule the first time that was satisfac tory to all. Where apparent oversights occur or you think poor judgment has been used, do not condemn the committee, but rather take the mat- ter up in the proper manner as suggested above, and assist me in my endeavor to right these mat- ters. It would not be just to condemn us, drop out and say nothing; in other words, do not cross the bridge before you get to it. It is through your assistance that we hope to adjust your case. If you drop out you weaken your case and throw away that which is every year more profitable to you. It is not only to be hoped that you will support your organization, but that you will at the same time discharge your duty faithfully to your em- ployer as well. By thus doing you will do some- thing that will make the task that much easier. You can not expect to win fame and fortune by sitting in your office doing nothing, when you have plenty to do. The smallest office on this system will afford a man work enough to keep him busy every day ; that is, always providing that the man has the ambition to thrive. 1 usually find where the man has the least work the dirtiest office. There is no apparent excuse for this; it is only thrift, push and ambition that wins, so it is to be hoped this will meet the gaze of some before the division superintendent happens to call you down. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1132 The Railroad Telegrapher. I was recently over a division that I was actually ashamed to go into the offices. If you wish to know why I will tell you. The offices and wait- ing rooms weer so filthy and dirty that I was not certain whether I was in an office or barn yard. A word more on this will perhaps be sufficient. I would like to act as master of ceremonies for awhile on this particular district. This is meant for members of this organization as well as non- members, but a careful canvass revealed the fact that on this particular division only four Order men have neglected their duty and one is over- worked. There is no excuse for men who are not over- worked to have their office so filthy. Brothers, I have been around a great deal, but the cases I bring to your mind are certainly the limit, and in- stead of taking offense at this reference, I trust those effected will “saw wood." Perhaps I may be a little out of my sphere, but I must say I am sincere in this matter and can not refrain from speaking about it. With an advance in wages there must, to a cer- tain extent, go with it an improvement in our work. I could not sincerely howl my head off for a $75 minimum and at the same time say cut out 50 per cent of the work, if we ever get it, and I believe we will if we go at it right. We must, moreover, show a better disposition to earn it. We have men to-day who do not earn half they are getting, but many more who do not get paid for half they earn, still we all have our troubles, and some day hope to be paid what is justly due us. We are looking forward to the future to bring to us all that which is rightfully ours; we hope, we trust, the time is not far off. Railroad officials quite often criticise our organi- zation and tell us we uphold drunkenness and un- reliable men in so far as to take such characters into the Order. Men who are hard drinkers and dishonest have been a curse to all organizations as well as corporations, for many decades, and as long as liquor is sold to sap the manhood of men, we must expect they will trouble us to some extent, regardless of our efforts to cut it out and make conditions better. Railroads must share their proportion of the responsibility of having the drunkard in this Order. We get them in through error; they hire them and keep them in the service. It is a case then of “Bill stealing melons and John helping eat them.’* There seems but little, if any difference, only six of one and half a dozen of the other. I am sure the organization is doing all it can at the present time to better conditions. I am sure I am doing my part here on the Burlington and a like policy is carried out on other systems. It is a mistake for railroad officials to think we uphold the drunken element found floating over the country. We do not want them in the or- ganization and if the railroads will look into the matter more closely and use discretion and keep them out of the service I am quite sure it will not require a very great length of time to get this down to a minimum. Every agent has had his patience tried with this worthless element I would, therefore, sugest that agent keep me posted regarding the bum element as soon as one is located on the line. Kindly write me full particulars and I will look after him. It is an uphill business for one man to undertake this matter and expect to Accomplish much unless he has assistance. No one has a greater desire to see good honorable men in the railroad service than myself; moreover, no one can be more in- clined to put them in the service than myself; but we all make errors and we are bound to make a mistake and permit one to pass us, but when one does get by and we find it out, we certainly use every effort to rid ourselves of him. Now, let us all use a little more effort to make our service more desirable, thus lightening the burden on the shoulders of the committee, and at the same time making this system jne that can boast of having the best telegraphers and agents in the railroad service. No man is more honorable than he that earns his bread by the sweat of his brow. It is no dis- grace to be a railroad teelgrapher, but to be sure, we know there is a class of people who look on the railroad man as a sort of a tool, a man who has little or no education, but I want to say that no other kind of employment has a more intelligent class of men than there is in the telegraph service. Therefore, let us all unite as one to still better our conditions and surroundings, so that when we get old and have to retire, we can look back upon the rough road of the past and say: “We have done our duty and hope the future generations to profit by our mistakes as well as by our good deeds.*’ In conclusion, I must say we are certainly do- ing splendidly and we hope by the assistance of all of the telegraphers to make the future some- thing to which we can look with admiration. M. J. Johnson, General Chairman, Chicago and Aurora Divisions — The most satisfactory change on the Chicago & Aurora Divisions the past month has been from nons to members. Most of the nons seem to be making every effort to get in line at once. Some of the old-timers (agent) who have been out in the cold for years are anxious to be called brothers. Bro. Johnson, General Chairman, made Leland a visit and appointed Bro. Todd as local chairman of the Chicago & Aurora Division. Bro. Ranger, of Sandwich, is back to work after being off about five weeks on account of sickness. He got busy, however, and landed eight nons. Glad to hear he is getting wlong all right, and hope he will be able to throw away those crutches. Sandwich will be solid by the next write-up. Mr. Pratt, agent, and Mr. F. E. Brower, night telegrapher, will be with us the first of July. Plano also will be in line, with Agent Mc- Namara, Nuckley and Kuffman, most of them having their applications in now. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1133 Ed Noack, who has been doing the owl trick at "SA," has gone to Buda nights. Don't know whether it is steady or not Next month we can call him Bro. Noack, for 1 have his application to be sent in with the next weekly report Leland is solid O. R. T. Bro. Sexton, Bro. Todd and Bro. Dillon all have up-to-date cards. Mr. F. E. Stroud, formerly day telegrapher at Iceland, has been promoted to agent at La Moille. Bro. Martin, who runs a store at La Moille, is carrying an up-to-date. 1 guess he's all right "FD." Sterling Division — Our line of news for this, month is small, as most of the boys are too busy to send in items. The new schedule is now in effect. Some of our boys deserved more than they got and again some of us can find something for which to be thank- ful. Let us not be ungrateful. We may do bet- ter next time and the only way is for us all to show we are worthy of more pay and then keep trying to do our best. Always bear in mind that all these advances in wages are due to the effects of organized labor. Brothers, continue to look after all competitive business and increase receipts of your stations, showing that Order men are well worthy of every favor shown us. J. T. Maddox. Quincy Branch, Galesburg Division — The first meeting of the Quincy Branch, Gales- burg Division, was held at Macomb June 2d, and proved a decided success. The following members being present: Bros. A. A. Graves, T. F. Ogle, A. J. Peterson, F. S. Omer, G. W. Gray, J. E. Rack, L. Flake, C. R. Martin, M. S. Chapman, G. W. Malone, D. L. Wisehart, R. Miner, C. G. Gibbs, E. W. Fuhr, A. M. Roberts, J. Foster and Local Chairman E Herzog. Bro Herzog was elected permanent chairman of this branch and Bro. Foster secretary. On a mo- tion by Bro. Flack it was unanimously decided to appoint a committee of three to make arrangements for monthly meetings of this branch and that ar- rangements be made for a meeting of the entire (■alesburg Division to be held at the most con- venient point, within sixty days, Galesburg to be the probable meting point. L. C. Herzog appointed Bros. Roberts, Flack and Foster on this com- mittee and all members on the Galesburg Division are earnestly requested to put forth every effort to make arrangements so that we may have a large attendance at our next meeting, which will be announced later, and to make it a success. There are to be three assistant chairmen ap- pointed, one on the "Stormy Route," one on the Peoria Branch and one on the Quincy Branch, to assist the local chairman in getting in touch with the members, and to get a line on things in gen- eral, so that the three branches may work in con- junction and assist each other in the general work of the Order. After the business session a vote of thanks was extended to the Elks for their courtesy and excel- lent service rendered the brothers in tendering the use of their hall anu its adjuncts. A visit was paiu to the State Normal School, and the party was shown through that institution by Mr. S. B. Hursh, assistant president. It is the finest school in the State, being the most modern and up-to-date building of its kind in the United States. Too much can not be said in praise of the institution, and the truly able manner in which Prof. Hursh conducted the party around. A vote of thanks tendered Pr . Hursh, and a hearty in- vitation was extended by him to the members of the Order to call again. It was through the untiring efforts of Bro. Roberts that this meeting was arranged, and also through his efforts that the members were so royally entertained. Mr. Roberts, who acted as chaperon throughout the day, was also tendered a vote of thanks by the brothers, and we hope to entertain him in as able a manner in the near future. Owing to the short time we bad it was impossi- ble to get notice to our brothers 011 the "Stormy Route" and Peoria Branches, but we sincerely hope to see all at the Galesburg meeting. Although many questions were discussed, the main object of the meeting was to get acquainted and to arouse an interest that will lead to the strengthening of our Order on this and other branches. Some of the brothers along here could have at- tended, but did not, and so missed an enjoyable day. The brothers who would have attended, but could not, we hope to see at one of our future meetings and if our future meetings are as suc- cessful as the first one we are sure of a 90 per cent, if not solid, division. We understand that the committee has obtained on an average an 8 per cent increase, switch lights to be taken care of by the section men, to take effect June 1st. This increase is distributed mong the stations according to the class, the heavier offices getting the most, but generally effecting all stations. We understand that the schedule provides for a return to the old basis when the nine-hour day goes into effect, March 1, 1908, and we regret that this condition was acceded to, although from all reports the committee did as well as possible under the circumstances, as tnany of the brothers did not fill out the blanks furnished them for the purpose of informing the committee of how mat- ters stood at their stations, so that they could make demands to cover the work and conditions at the different offices. The telegraphers on the S. P. have been allowed a 71 Vi per cent increase with one-half day off Sundays, or 26 days a year on full pay. Get in line, boys, and let us make the Galesburg Division solid. It's the only way to get the good things, and the Lord knows we are entitled to a few of them. No card, no favors. Bro. Roberts, Macomb days, has gone on a ten days’ Vacation. He will visit Chicago and, if pos- sible, Denver. Digitized by Cjooole

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1134 The Railroad Telegrapher. Mr. Ed Smith, former agent at Abingdon, has taken Bardolph agency. Mr. Smith is a good man and we hope to be able to get him into the fold. Mr. E. Kelly, Saluda days, has his papers made out and will be up-to-date in a very short while. Operators are supposed to handle the switches at the depots where there are intended sidings. There ought to be something in it if we have to act as switch tenders. Brakemen or conductors do not build fires or sweep the offices for us. How about it? Personally we are in favor of the suggestion that we be paid by the hour for every hour worked. Thirty cents an hour on that basis would look good to yours truly. Bro. Foster has been appointed assistant local chairman for this branch, but have not yet heard who are to serve on the other branches. Better times are coming and they do not seem so far distant as they have been, and we may well rejoice in the knowledge that we will soon have a pretty solid division. Cert 589. Beardstown Division — It will perhaps be surprising to a great many on the Beardstown Division to know there is one brother at least who has come to life. This divis- ion has been on the neglected list for many months, but as a new and revised schedule has come into our midst, it behooves us to express our grateful- ness to all those who participated in its making. It seems to me that this schedule is an incentive for every brother to get busy and help the good work along. There are a great many good nons cn the line, Herrin to Concord and St. Louis to Rio. and with the assistance of every brother we can soon have the line 95 per cent. You must not de- pend on the local chairman to do it all; he is one and can do his part and if you all will aid him the division will soon be one of the very best. Our new schedule shows 9 2 positions on this division. The division has been sadly neglected heretofore, but it now bids fair to be one of the progressive ones. Many of you can well remember when on the line from Herrin to Concord telegraphers and agents were receiving from $25 up and in most cases $40 was a big thing. There was no such thing as overtime and sleep was a rarity as well as a novelty. At present there is but one job less than $53 per month on the division. We have a very good overtime clause, good hours, good meal hour, a good switch lamp rule and, in fact, nearly all the good things given to employes on any system. Is there any reason then why we should not all get in line and help it along. Do not be eager to accept the good things unless you are willing to do your part. This means if you are not up to date and with us, why not? If you accept freely all that the organization gets for the telegraphers, I see no reason why you should not support the cause by signing up the set of application blanks which have been sent you, enclosing it with the proper fee to your local chairman, Bro. J. T. Cole. Bear in mind “He that reaps must sow first the seed, then reap.” To sow the seed means to en- roll with us and help us out; to reap means to accept what our committee has procured for us. How do you feel about this, and how long before we may be able to see your name on the rolls? Who has ever before seen a schedule on the Bur- lington signed by the general managers and our General Chairman and General Secretary and Treasurer? I have never seen any except the one effective June 1, 1907. As a member of Division 130 I must say that too few of us appreciate the great amount of hard work done by our committee. I have been on the Burlington a number of years and I am yet to hear our committee, especially the General Chairman, say that they ever received a letter of commendation from any of the brothers. 1 often wonder if we really know where we are, and if we do honestly appreciate what has been done. Bro. Cole tells me the applications are coming in fine. Let us all get busy. Not many changes on the division and men are scarce. We were very much pleased -to see our General Chairman, Bro. M. J. Johnson, going over the line this month. Understand he is getting a lineup of the division and expects in a short time to make us all a call. How many of us can boast of hav- ing a card when he comes? He informs us he goes to the Aurora and Hannibal Divisions from here. Let us line up with our Western brothers. I have just learned that he company has given all agents and other employes a raise in salary. This, of course, was brought on by our committee; who ever heard of raises in salary when there was no pressure to bear behind it? Do not allow yourselves to be deceived about these mat- ters. Remember, brothers, that freight agents, telephone operators, ticket agents, etc., are now eligible to join our Order, if employed in railroad stations. Brothers, let us bear in mind we are now among the progressive system divisions that have a Gen- eral Chairman who will devote most of his time to our Order and we will see him frequently. He says all grievances should be referred to your local chairman promptly, and as our General Chair- man is on the road they will no doubt get quick attention. Dues commencing July 31, 1907, are $5 semi- annually. Let us all respond promptly. Will try and call again. “Stand Patter.” St. Joseph Division — Following new members initiated this month : I. W. Davis, Shambaugh, la.; J. P. Smith, Worth, Mo., and C. C. Lee, of Amazonia, now nights at Craig. Transferred to this division, W. W. Worn- staff, nights at Henton’s, from C. & N. W. System Div. 76. We have the faithful promise of about a dozen July pay day. Something like four hundred new members on C. B. & Q. System Div. 130 since January 1st. More than we took in all the year of 1906. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1135 Keep it going, boys. It's necessary that we have a strong membership by the close of the present year. About fourteen of the boys north of St. Joseph >net at Forest City Saturday night, June 15th, and organized a local lodge to meet once each month, the next date July 13th, when we expect to have a full house. We desire the presence of all mem- bers at these meetings and bring all the nons you can. We expect to be prepared to make them over into the right kind of material. We must get together and discuss matters con- cerning our affairs. We want to hear what you think so we will know how you stand on our con- ditions, etc. At day and. night offices there is no reason why one of you can’t be at each meeting. They will all be held on Saturday nights. Following are a few happenings along the line this month: Bro. C. C. Lee relieved Bro. G. R. Morgan at Forbes a few nights. Mr. Chilcoote relieved Mr. Armstrong a few days at Nodaway, on account of the death of Mr. Armstrong’s aunt. The boys at Amazonia are now rejoicing over the fact that they no longer have to attend to about nineteen switch and semaphore lamps. Mr. Brown, the night man, says he can't remain out any longer since this has happened and will hand in his appli- cation July 12th to 15th. We would then have a solid line-up from Amazonia to Craig if we could g .t Brown at Nodaway nights, to do business. The day man, Mr. Armstrong, will be with us by the time this is in print. Let every one get busy and see what a record breaker we can make for the next month. All of you who have not paid up to December 31, 1907, please do so at once. We do not want to lose a single member this time. It's the man who lines up and stays that counts. If you know of any foreign members on our line notify your local chairman so he can transfer them. This counts just as much as a new mem- ber to us. Bro. Bartholemew, days at Phelps, has been at- tending court a few days; relieved by Bro. Lips. Understand Bro. Lips now nights at Parkville. Bro. Warnstaff, nights at Hinton, made trip to Hamburg for one night. Understand Bro. Fred Arnold, days at Hamburg, will lay off soon to go West for thirty days. Bro. Tom Hood, McPftul, made trip to Omaha the first of the month. We were very sorry to not see Bro. Conoway with us to meeting Saturday night. Hope he will arrange to be at next one. We have quite a number of applications prom- ised us July 1 st. Hope every member will try and scare up one. Brothers, send your Telegraphers to some of the nons. This is a great help to us. They will see what is being done. Bro. Scott, days at Watson, was unable to attend our meetings on account of No. 26 does not stop there. Bro. Stewart, nights at Hamburg, is getting some very fine practice expensing bills. There seems to be very few changes on our line at present. Boys all satisfied with their present positions. Cor. Lincoln Division- F. R. Upjohn, former postmaster at Fort Crook, an old-time telegrapher and ex-brother, has ac- cepted a position *ith a firm in Indian Territory. Bro. Albert Havel relieving cashier at Hastings freight office. Our genial secretary and treasurer has been quite busy since his return from the battle at Chicago, but as he only has 27 trains per day we know he is taking life easy out on Lake Erkson. Sister Anna Hicks was an Alliance visitor this month. The boys in Lincoln relay office work eight hours now. That sounds good, but when we all know that they have not the privilege ot becoming mem- bers of the Order it does not sound so good, hh ? Bro. Nye relieved Bro. Lyon, at Comstock, a few days. Bro. Hoagland, of Ord, goes to the main line. Bro. Karaker, Hastings, “GS,” relieving agent at Dakota City for a few weeks. Bro. J. R. McGowan has been relieving Bro. Holt, at Rosalie, for the past twenty days, has re- signed, we understand, and will go to the coast. Bro. C. A. Smith, cashier at Aurora, trans- ferred to agent at Cairo, and Mr. J. P. Irwin, of Lincoln, “NI,” to Aurora as cashier. Bro. Lyon, at Comstock, back after his trip to Seattle. Ticnor relieving Agent Danielson, at Palmer, for a couple of weeks. Bro. Kopisch, former agent at Marquette, now stationed at Tucumcari, N. M. One brother writes: “What’s the matter with our locals, no notes in the journal?’’ Is it pos sible that they were missed? Really, boys, it’s time some were waking up to the fact that the notes which have been appearing month after month were furnished by just two or three mem- bers. It’s really a shame that we have to rawhide the members of Lincoln Division to get locals. Each man should send us a line each month, even if they have nothing of importance to write. In this way we will know you are all taking a lively in terest in the matter. It is reported that Agent J. E. McCarthy, of David City, and his telegrapher, W. E. Call, are now members in good standing. Also a new mem- ber in Bro. Rogers, of Dorchester. This looks good; it seems that the new schedule did some good. Remember, boys, we all got a slight in- crease, and we are rid of the pesky switch lamps forever, so let us all be thankful for small favors. It’s true the increase is very small in some places, but I think it was divided as well as possible under the very unfavorable conditions. None of us wish to be knockers, and if any of us wish to knock, why knock to your local chairman. We want to know just how all the boys feel about Digitized by CjOOQle

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1136 The Railroad Telegrapher. the increase, and you can bet a letter from any of you will be appreciated by me. Right now is the time to begin to let the local chairmen know just what you think you should have in the next con- ference with the officials. Our committee while in Chicago were handicapped in a good many cases just because they did not know just what to ask for. This because they could not get the in- formation required. In the future please send your locals to Sister Hicks, at Denton, Neb., who will wield the pen for the write-ups for Lincoln Division. Now, don’t all send her a batch and snow her under the first month. In the meantime don’t forget your local chair- man and leave him out in the cold. Any news you can scare up regarding nons and new men and transfers will be appreciated. F. R. Hubbell, Local Chairman. Ashland Division — Bro. Holts, Rosalie, off to Illinois on vacation for ten days the first part of June; relieved by Bro. McGowan, from Oakland. Mr. J. T. Karn, Hampton, to Oakland, as day telegrapher. He has asked for the papers and will be a brother soon. Bro. Paulson, Winnebago, traded places with Bro. Coleman, of Fort Crook. Bro. Karraker, from **GS,” Hastings, relieved Mr. Abrams, at Dakota City. Bro. N. A. S. McLean is back at Stopeehurst after a vacation; also served as cashier at Co- lumbus. Bro. Ayres, Bell wood, reports he has landed J. E. McCarthy and W. E. Call, of David City. Good work, brother. Wish to recall statement made a few months ago in regard to Bro. W. E. Wheeldon being a non. This is a serious mistake, as he is a brother in capital letters, and has been for a good many years. Ckbt. 454. Wymorc Division — Brothers, have you figured out that the Wymore Pi vision stands second to none in the late in- crease in salaries? While a number of the brothers have been set upon by the section men and have had the switch lamps rudely snatched from their protecting care, I believe we all will soon become reconciled over their loss. I believe that every member of the O. R. T. will, by giving first-class service, endeavor to show the officials that it pays to employ union labor and also to pay living wages. In working under our schedule, I think we should all be liberal in every- thing. For instance, if you ask to stop for lunch, especially at night, and are eating in the office, do not hesitate to give the dispatcher an “OS” if some train should go by, especially if the dispatcher is making it a point to allow you to attend church, etc. An ”OS” is a mighty handy thing for a dispatcher to have at all times and I believe all of our dispatchers would reciprocate at any time it is in their power to do so. Let us show them there is nothing small about a man who carries a card. Bro. Weatherhogg, recently transferred from agent Thompson to agent Hickman, relieving Mr. Ayers, who returns to Beatrice as day telegrapher. Bro. Grimes returned to Pawnee nights. Bro. Lindsay, agent at Wayne, landed Bladen station and has transferred to that point. Bro. J. K. Kerr, transferred from agent Bladen to agent Thompson. Bro. Kerr’s health made it necessary for him to seek a position where the work was not so heavy. Bro. B. H. Wilson, agent at DeWeese, has been sojourning on the Pacific Coast for the past thirty days; relieved by_Bro. A. E. Miller. Bro. Guy Miller has again left us; ”13” he is now with the Missouri Pacific in Missouri. Now that all the nons received a nice little in- crease in salary they surely can not longer put up the old thread-worn excuse that we have never done anything for them. Let us get after thsm and send all applications, secured with money order, made payable to W. A. Henry, Ericson. Neb., to your local chairman. We should be able to make a good showing in the next sixty days. It is reported we have a non on this division who buys all brooms, paper, pens, etc., used about the office and when his student helper breaks a lamp chimney makes him put up the cold cash for a new one. A man (?) as small as this should certainly be expected to rank among the nons, accepting all benefits without lending a helping had or paying a cent. Bro. L. J. Young, who formerly worked nights at Fortescue, is now working at West Grossdale, 111., for the Q. Mr. J. B. Lewis, agent at Brownsville, recently visiting in Chicago; relieved by Bro. U. S. Jessup, from the Alliance Division. John is still promising the boys to make good some time. J. E. Henderson, nights at Firth, has filed his application and will be carrying an up-to-date card by the time this appears. Bro. Mitchell, agent at Elk Creek, has been on leave of absence; relieved by Bro. J. H. Hartzell. Mr. Lowrey, agent at Pawnee, has been enjoy- ing a thirty days’ visit at his old home in Indiana. Bro. Hartzell doing the necessary during his absence. Bro. R. F. Tuebner, who has been the owl at Pawnee, was recently transferred to Hickman nights. Bro. Bothwell has returned to Syracuse as day telegrapher, relieving Bro. H. G. Pennington, who goes to Fortescue nights. Bro. Lovejoy, agent at Swanton, is reported to have made the fatal plunge in the matrimonial sea. Bro. A. F. Heskett, who lately returned from Colorado, is acting agent at Swanton. Bro. F. M. Holtz, agent at Chester, has been enjoying a three weeks' vacation; relieved by Bro. Anderson, day telegrapher, Bro. Logan doing the day stunt and a Mr. Ford on nights. Bro. Will Hitchcock was recently married at DeWitt, Neb., to Miss Berdie Barger, and has Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1137 been taking in the sight* at the Jamestown Expo- sition for the past thirty days. Bro. Beck, agent at Liberty, was recently on the sick list; relieved by Bro. L. O. Nash, nights at Sterling, who in turn was relieved by Bro. S. P. Hamm. '*13" that some of the boys have not come across with the special assessment. This is not right; all should bear their portion of expenses. Have you remitted for your new card? If not send $5 to W. A. Henry, Eriscon, Neb., and be right up with your dues. No card, no favors. Div. Con. Alliance division — The new schedule received the 10th and has no doubt been read by all. This schedule should please you all. Our committee did a most excel- lent work and we all should commend them for it. We are in duty bound to perform our work better in order that our employer will realize the fact that we appreciate our new schedule. Handling switch lights is a thing of the past. This is worth more to us than many seem to think not because we are afraid to work, but because so much other necessary work had to be neglected to take care of them. Many thanks to the com- mittee for their great success. There are a number of new things in the sched- ule. Do not forget to familiarize yourself with them and see that you live up to them. Our division seems to be purging itself of a great many of floaters and bum telegraphers. Hope the weeding out process continues until we can boast of the best division on the system. Let ns all lend a helping hand to make it the best. A number of stations are bulletined and a great many changes are contemplated. We notice Bro. Earl Gordon back to his old stand in Seneca again. Understand he had quit, but seems that the raise that Bro. Johnson secured for Seneca station looked good to Earl. We notice Bro. A. M. Bagley, local chairman, moved from Lakeside to Berwyn as agent; think this is much better than Lakeside. Bro. Ernst to Lakeside as agent, and his wife as night telegrapher. Bro. Ernst should see that she fills out the necessary blanks and sends them to Bro. Henry. A Mr. Riggs, wearing the “C. T. U. A.,” has been doing the heavy work nights at Broken Bow, but has been relieved by Bro. Jordan, from the Sterling Division. Mr. Riggs has gone to Omaha for medical treatment. Bro. H. P. Fagan, from the North Western, is relieving our General Chairman, Mr. J. Johnson, Anselsno, Neb., while he is on the road. B. L. Livingston, at Litchfield nights. Bro. R. G. Kirkpatrick relieving Bro. M. J. Trego, who is on a vacation in New York and Pennsylvania. Livingston will make good soon; held back on account of age. Mr. R. H. Pearman to Litcheld nights, and B. L. Livingston to Alliance helping agent. Mr. J. E. Gibbs, nights Merna, relieving Mr. Flusher, who has left the service. Mr. Hermann, nights at Hecla, relieving Bro. H. L. Brown. Have not heard where Bro. Brown is. General Chairman M. J. Johnson just returned from lines east of the Missouri River, and he re- ports business very good and boys lining up fast. Hope brothers west of Alliance will keep Bro. Bagley at Berwyn, posted west so he can give us a good write-up each month, as it shows life and progress. I hope all brothers will pay dues promptly for the coming term and thus assist the General Secre- tary so he can devote more time to the Order. Also remit your insurance to cover same term. This will save us a great amount of trouble. “You* Uncle." La Crosse Division — As my little write-up of last month was hon- ored it has encouraged me to make regular stabs hereafter. *• ith the assistance of Bro. Rogers will try and make this one a little longer and a little more interesting. How does that new schedule look? Looks fine to all I've spoken to about it. One thing looks exceptionally good and that is the last item in the book, approved by the company and by the com- mittee. Now, you hardshell unbelievers can't say that the O. R. T. didn’t get this increase and bet- ter working conditions. How it is that a man can stay out of the Order when he is receiving benefits which amount to many times the amount he puts in is more than I can understand. Some fellows wouldn't buy a dollar for fifty cents if they had the opportunity. It's up to all of us now to get out and hustle after new members. Go in for it strong; most all the nons want to join now. Yours truly sent one application in to-day and prospects of more. “13’’ *‘SY,” Lundin, on the Galesburg Division, is going to join. Now you can all take a lesson from that, for George wouldn’t join if there wasn’t some- thing good derived by doing so. He is an old-time Order man and will make a good new man. Everybody boost. Bro. Wells, just from the Union Pacific, was a visitor in Dubuque not long since. He is now working at Dayton’s Bluff, working the shady trick. He seems to be able to hold the trick without any difficulty. Bro. Wells at one time worked in the relay office in Lincoln on the Bur- lington. We are always glad to see a good up-to date man take a situation on this division. Bro. Reise, of Cassville days, was a caller in Dubuque lately. Mr. Cummings situated in the new block office Dayton’s Biuff. South Junction, both nons with good chance of getting them In; don't know the names, as they are both new. men. At Grand Crossing, Bro. Betzel working days, and Bro. Olson, night man, laying off and away on vacation. New man by the name of Miller re- lieving him. Bro. Wolf at the station, is now wearing a smile that fails to fade; says the 80 per looks good. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1138 T hi. Railroad Telegrapher, It is about time Mr. V. W. Miller, agent at Stoddard, was lining up. He has seen what the boys have done for him. Bro. Fitzsimmons doing the owl act, ana is a good worker for both the company and the Order. Bro. J. H. Rogers, Jr., the genial agent at Vic- tory, says he is glad to get back from Chicago, but feels lonely without his night man, as night office at this point has been closed. Bro. M. A. Griffin gone to Lytle to take day stunt. Bro. M. A. Duffy has been acting as agent at De Soto for the past month while Bro. Clark has been off on a vacation. Bro. Gibbions still hand- ing out the dope nights. At Hanover we have Bro. Engle of Division 93, holding the agent’s utensils. “13** he has sent in his resignation, but think after he sees the $10 increase he will reconsider and stay with us. It may be of interest to some to know that Bro. Norton, of “KB” office, Dubuque, on the I. C., has departed for Omaha to accept a position in the I. C. general office. Bro. Lacey relieving Bro. Norton. Good bunch of O. R. T. dispatchers and operators in this office. Stronger than horse radish. Bro. Reemsten, formerly of “BU” office, Du- buque, who has been working various jobs on the T. C., is now situated at Dubuque Junction on the L C. Mr. R. E. McGowen (formerly brother), who held the day job at “X” office, Rock Island, for some years, has left the Q. and is now working in the Rock Island dispatcher’s office in Rock Island. Now, brothers and others, boost. Highpockets. McCook Division — Bro. Stever now taking his meals Alma days. Bro. R. C. Miller, Cedar Bluffs to Riverton, re- lieving Bro. Hart. Bro. Hart, as previously an- nounced, leaves the service. One Mr. C. E. Hoover takes Cedar Bluffs. Bro. F. L. Enlow, late from the Sterling Divis- ion, relieved Bro. Pfrimer, Axtell. Understand Bro. Pfrimer off for a brief breathing spell. Bro. Chris L.awritson now agent at Hartwell, formerly agent at Loomis, Sterung Division. Bro. Dunn, Culbertson to Red Cloud nights; re- lieved by Geo. Spahn. Mr. Spahn has not yet reached the age limit to join. Bro. F. L. Enlow, recently Axtell to Red Cloud days. Axtell now open and bulletined. Any brother wishing to test his gait here is a good opportunity. Messmore, Red Cloud days, to Wymore relay office. Our local chairman was recently called on by Bro. Johnson and reports renewed activity on all divisions of the Burlington. Bro. Johnson wished to be joined in his efforts to make this the banner year for new members. The new schedule is tendered the glad hand, and recognized as the best ever up to date. But are not so sure as to its being the best we can ex- pect, providing we demonstrate to our employers by rrieans of our services that it is merited. This af- fords each and every one of us an excellent oppor- tunity for effectively applying our shoulders to the wheel, and utilizing our efficiency in more forms than one. Object “A” of our organization is to strengthen the profession, advance our working conditions and protect its upbuilders against injustice from differ- ent sources. It appears reasonable to presume the O. R. T. can accomplish this by gaining the entire confidence of our employers. Their confidence can be effect- ively solicited by assuming the office of reconciler between the railroads and the general public. The two being equally dependent upon each other, and our duties bringing us in direct contact with the portion of the public from whom the company realizes its patronage, I believe the O. R. T. only when occasion offers, of course, can render their employers an appreciable service, the credit for which, when placed home shortens the distance between our present position and our somewhat distant goal. Do not construe the last paragraph to mean that it is recommended to be pocketed as a specialty, but suffice it to say the right thing at the right time, and in the right place is usually crowned with the desired results. Div. Cor. Sheridan Division — Having secured our new schedule I wonder how many of the nons are going to decide to join. They certainly ought to regard the Order in a different light hereafter. No doubt they were building air castles before our committee reached Chicago as to what they were going to do with the increase. Now, brothers, get after those men and convince them where they are benefited by carrying an up-to-date card and where they are taking advantage of our efforts in the behalf of the profession on this division. Our new schedule was quite satisfactory to al- most all and should be to all. While the increase was not great in some cases, I see where in getting a station schedule it is quite a benefit. It shows we are progressing rapidly and can expect more in the future. Bro. McColloch, Felix nights, off for a month’s vacation, is visiting at home in Missouri. Do not look for him back after he gets acquainted with Missouri’s new eight-hour law. F. J. Gore relieved Bro. McColloch at Felix, who was later relieved by Telegrapher Conley. Conley’s application goes in a few days. Bro. J. D. Sipe, who has been out of the service for a year, is back at Coburn again. Sister Zada Norton, of Garland, has been spend- ing a few weeks with her sister, “FN,” at Thorn- ton. Bro. Lempka, days at Gillette, took a pleasure trip to Upton a few days ago. Bro. Elder, at Osage, is trying bachelor’s life while his wife is away on a visit. Bro. Foster, agent at “MC,” is away on a vacation. Dispatcher J. S. Tuper, from Alliance, will take Hardin (Ft. Custer) station, where he has a homestead. We can spare Mr. Tuper some blanks. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1139 Mr. Peck, telegrapher at Lodge Grass, is build- ing a house on his homestead near Hardin. We have O. N. Norton, agent at Garland, back among us and glad to call him brother. I made an error in calling Mr. O. A. Roode, of Verona, a brother. He is one who can not be convinced. Bro. Logan relieved Bro. Vanlandingham nights at Dewey. Van has gone back to Missouri. Sister Thomas, Clifton, off for a few days on a visit. Her son. Cliff, relieved her and drew his first check. Bro. Patterson, as we can call him now, is catch- ing destinations at Dewey. Bro. Carpenter, of “CA,” relieved Mr. Conley at Gillette. We are glad to have a call from our officials oc- casionally, and as we hear no complaints feel that uur services are satisfactory. Good 9«rvices are what the officials want and we should give them the best answer, your calls promptly and make this division not only one of the best, but the best. Telegrapher Mallory relieved at Arvada by Bro. Kdsall, agent at Torst. I am in receipt of a circular letter from Bro. Perham, our worthy President, and think it is one every member should read; also every one should answer his questions. We are arriving at a crisis now where it all depends upon the profession as to whether they help themselves of not. Espe- cially to the members of this division the appeal should be adhered to. I do not think there is a single student on this division and that is the way we want to keep it. I am very well pleased with the line-up of this division. I think between Gillette and Edgemont we have three nons, two •if which I am sending application blanks. Now, brothers and sisters of Sheridan Division, I want your assistance in having a write-up for the journal each month. It will only cost you a postal card to drop a note to me. I like to see a write-up each month and I am sure you do. I have been appointed correspondent and I am going to do the best I can and will appreciate your help. A card will reach me by addressing to W. L. Kesinger. Rozet, Wyo. Please get notes in not later than the 20th of each month, and we will always have some kind of a write-up. Telegrapher Redman, Alger, is filling out the necessary for July 1st. Still they come. The O. R. C. gave a dance at Sheridan June 14th. Many of the trainmen laid off to attend and a fine time reported. Boys, why not write Bre. Meehan about holding a meeting at least once a month on this division? I think we could get away and meet at least once a month. I do not belive we’ve had a meeting in the past six or eight months. I think every one has a word of praise for our worthy General Chairman and Secretary and Treas- urer. Their efforts in securing our new schedule were great and we all appreciate it. Their’s is a hard task and while the new schedule may not be satisfactory to each and every one, we should stop and think of the territory covered by Div. 13a Perhaps two-thirds of the members filled out the information blanks, the remainder were thrown in the waste basket and our General Chairman had to get the required information as best he could. All with whom I have talked think the raise fine, so I think all praise is due Mr. Johnson, Mr. Henry and our committee. Let us all thank them and hope for a little more next time. Bro. Ross, from Crow Agency to Basin, as agent, with Sister Zada Norton as cashier. Basin has a warehouse man now. Mr. H. W. Rakin, formerly clerk in Denver Yard office, relieves Bro. Ross. Mr. Rakin has been in the “Q” service about twenty years, seems like he has been in long enough to see the benefits the Order has obtained and give us his moral and financial support.. Fort Custer closed and depot moved to the new town of Hardin, two miles west. Mr. Tupper will open an agency there soon. H. McLeese, from chief dispatcher’s office, on nights at Hardin. J. I. Breeding, from Wyola to Cody days; re- lieved by Bro. Byerly. Toluca changes about every other day. Lewis, who worked there nights a short time, got his knee thrown out of place in some manner and is now in Sheridan having it repaired. Dispatcher V. J. Smith was riding a freight over the west end a few days ago. Wire No. 106 now cut through to Helena and the men in “BC” office are taking a rest. Div. Cos. Burlington Division — G. A. Oliver, our worthy local chairman, is taking ten days off; guess he wanted to see how it would go to celebrate the glorious Fourth once more. He says he has worked four straight Fourths. The local chairman exchanged a few ideas with Bro. J. V. Datin, at Bussey, for a couple or three hours one Sunday this month. Bro. Fred Leveling is enjoying thirty days’ vaca- tion. A Mr. Cunningham is answering the calls at “FG.” Bro. W. W. Wade, nights at “JC,” Des Moines freight office, has resigned. Bro. J. C. Keck has been transferred to the freight office at Fairfield on the Ottumwa Division. New man working at telegrapher’s job at Win- field, by name of Thietton. We understand he is not O. R. T., but the local chairman is after him. You can see a pleasant smile on the face of Bro. S. M. I woman, our worthy agent at Tracey. He got a $12.50 raise on the new schedule. G. A. Oliver, L. C. Ft. Madison Branch — Mr. A. Henderson is on a few days’ leave of absence on account of his wife being sick. Bro. E. S. Hubbard relieving him. Bro. Hubbard will go to Wabash Junction, 111., as extra night man for a week or ten days. Bro. M. C. Mott went to Martinsburg. Iowa, for a few days* visit. Digitized by Google

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1140 Thf. Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. M. E. Stout and wife were off on vacation of a few days visiting in Martinsburg and Brigh- ton, Iowa. Bro. L. F. Giabel is hammering brass at the old stand after a month or so off on account of sick- ness. We still have two or three nons on this line. Things are as lively as could be down on this pike with one freight every other day. Coa. Hannibal Division — Not since I have been a member of the Order have I noticed items from this division. What is the matter? Why not wake up and appoint a divis- ion correspondent and have him, with our assist- ance, send in items each month, as I know all would enjoy reading them. Moveover we can get closer together when we know what is transpiring on our division. Our committee secured a good schedule, which is a great help, although it might not suit all of us, but we can not always have things just like we want them, so I think we ought to be satis- fied for the present It won't be long before we will be working the eight-hour trick, which means more rest and enjoyment. It will also bring sev- eral changes. We recently heard that Mr. Mears, agent at Foley, is going to leave us. The owl trick is vacant at Elsberry. I suppose Mr. Best has a better job. Mr. Jess Ferree, agent at Ashburn, has been promoted and the agency at Ashburn is waiting for some one to drop in. A good place for a good man who is not afraid of work. Mr. G. A. Wilson was working a few nights at Old Monroe last week, while the regular man was laying off. Mr. Geo. Moguir, night telegrapher at Seeburger, made a flying trip home Sunday. Mr. G. H. Ferree, agent at Clarksville, who has been laying off for a couple of weeks, has re- sumed duty. Mr. Bryan Boyer relieved Mr. Ferree during his absence, and Mr. Maynard, the night man, relieved Mr. Boyer. Mr. E. J. Heather and E. B. Anderson are hold- ing down the day and night jobs at Peruque. Mr. Anderson was thinking about going to Elsberry, but he later concluded that he would rather stay where he is. Bro. J. L. Crank, who has been holding down a stiff job at Olathe, Kan., is holding down Hannibal yard night job now. We welcome him into our midst. Let us hear from some one e.se. Carr. 1349. Atlanta, Birmingham A Atlantic R y. I note, with much interest, that there are a good many of the boys on the A., B. & A. who are thoroughbred O. R. T. members, and who are getting busy trying to do something for the great cause of labor, and indeed it is time. I hope the readers of this will pardon me for referring to myself personally, but it is necessary in order to explain what I would like to put before you. It has been brought to my attention that there has been an agreement entered into with the Georgia Telegraph School, Senoa, Ga., to take the products of their "factory” and install them in the offices along the line, and allow them to com- plete their course in telegraphy, or, in other words, let the telegrapher do what the school is unable to do. It would not be right to allow these hoys in the offices, even if we were paid some- thing to complete them, and for the company to try to force them upon us at our own expense and danger is simply outrageous, and we must do something in our own behalf. It is unfair, and the officials know it, but still they continue to bother us with these little "pests.” Now, don’t you suppose there would be a terrible “mix-up” if one of these "students” were to sit down in your absence and "bull” a train order? About the first thing that would look the poor telegrapher in the face would be a great big letter covering about two pages of ordinary paper, beginning something like this, "Please Advise Why,” and then go on relating to him what he should have done, what he is supposed to do, and what he must do in future, and Anally close some thing on this order: "If anything of this kind should occur again, we shall hold you personally responsible, and no excuses will be accepted what- ever.” Now, who’s fault was it that the order was “bulled?” Was it the fault of the "student?” No, from the fact that he was sent here to learn telegraphy, and how on earth is he going to learn unless he gets practice? Well, is it the fault of the telegrapher? No, for he was instructed to allow this "young man” to remain in the office with him to complete his course, and there is no way on earth for him to complete without the practice. Well, then, it must be the fault of the official who sent him, but still the poor telegrapher has to bear the burden, as is always the case when such things happen. Now, I have been unfortunate enough to be bothered with some of these boys, but I made it a practice with the Arst one to always throw my feet upon the table directly in front of the key, and tried to make them as large as pos- sible in order to hide the key from his view/ but this was a little bit too troublesome, and the next one who presented me with his little note of introduction was told that I did not object to his remaining in town, but as to allowing him to remain in the office with me with a view of becoming a telegrapher it was out of the question, and he would have to look to some other source for help, and I think he got a little mad and reported the matter to the official who sent him, and I am glad to say that I have not been both- ered with any more of them. Now, boys, this is just a starter, and it is now time that we were making the Aght of our lives for our rights. If we don’t do something for ourselves, how can we expect the railroad com- pany to do anything for us? Let’s each and every member work after our next-door neighbor until we get him in line, and Digitized by G,OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1141 then brant h out a little further, and continue to branch out until we have a solid line-up of good, strong, faithful workers over the entire system. Would like to hear from some good brother on this subject in the next issue of The Teleg- raphed “Umcle Josh." Illinois Central Railway. A very enthusiastic and instructive O. R. T. meeting was held in the K. P. Hall, Fulton, Ky., June 22nd. The visiting brothers began to arrive on the evening trains and by 8 p. m. a crowd numbering about 70 telegraphers were anxiously waiting for admittance to the hall. General Chairman, Bro. Mulhall, being intro- duced by Local Chairman, Bro. Mervin, the meet- ing was formally opened. After installing the following officers the meet- ing was conducted by General Chairman, Bro. Nlnlhall: Chief Telegrapher, Bro. W. M. Mer- wine; Past Chief, Bro. O. D. Allen; First Vice Chief, Bro. T. P. Baird; Second Vice-Chief, C. R. Collins; Marshal, Bro. E. L. Mathis; Sentinel, Bro. L. C. Merwin; Secretary and Treasurer, Bro. E. Cosgrave. The application of E. Goulder was presented by Bro. W. H. Waggoner, of Obion, Tenn.; same having been balloted on was accepted. Three new members, viz., Bros. B. G. Boyd, E. H. Long and R. M. Ethridge, were initiated into the Order, the degree work being conducted by Bro. Mulhall, assisted by Bros. Mathis, Rom- ing, Drewry and Norman. After those three new members were shown the inside workings of the Order several grievances were taken up, discussed and turned over to the General Chairman to be investigated. Those who came from a distance were Bros. Shannon and Chance, from St. Louis Division; Bros. Stone and Walker, from Louisville Division; Bro. G. W. Fawcett, from Jackson District; Sister S. A. Isaac and Bros. Crockett and Goody, from Memphis, Tenn.; Bro. Reaves, from Covington, Tenn.; Bro. Rogers, from Fowlks, Tenn.; Bros. Taylor, Cummings and Maloan, from Ripley, Tenn.; Bro. McGee, from Gibbs, Tenn.; Bros. Burns and Grugeth, from Mayfield, Ky. ; Bros. Hall and Aitben, from Martin, Tenn.; Bro. Dunn, from Weingo, Ky.; Bros. Gosldn, Richardson and Fletcher, from Crutchfield, Ky., and Bros. Scott and Lynch, from Wickliffe, Ky. Also Bros. Robert- wo, from Mayfield, Godfrey and Murphy, Fulton. After a short talk by Bro. Phillips, Division Agent I. C. Ry., and a lengthy exhortation from General Chairman, Bro. Mulhall, touching on the student question, we were treated to a long and well-worded speech from Bro. Shannon, who took up the work of the Order in Division No. 93 from its first inception to the present, showing very clearly in facts and figures the great benefits received by the telegraphers on the Illinois Central Ry. during the last four years, and calling on all members to live up to their obligations, give proper service to the railway company, etc. The meeting was duly closed at 12:30 a. m., to meet again at call of Local Chairman. I do not deem it out of place to make a few remarks regarding the meeting, inasmuch as the writer has been affiliated with the Order of Rail- road Telegraphers since 1893, and during all our experience, both in Grand Conventions and local divisions, he has never yet seen a better behaved, more decorous and attentive lot of members, and as these meetings are to be a regular occurrence on the Tennessee Division, we hope to be able to meet all the brothers and sisters again in the near future. Local Secretary. Mississippi Dixnsion, Water Valley District — The boys are sitting up and taking notice since our regular monthly meetings have commenced, and the result, we hope, will be beneficial to all. Our May meeting had to be postponed on account of Bro. Coggin, Local Chairman, being called to Chicago for a meeting of the General Com- mittee, for what purpose has not been disclosed. On Sunday, June 16th, a meeting was held at Grenada, there being thirteen members present (hope this presages no bad luck, boys), which, 1 understand, was an enjoyable one. Everybody seems pleased over the nine-hour law except the agents, and it’s their time next. Of course, we can’t get laws to benefit all at once, but the time is coming when we will all be on the road to health, happiness and hilarity, so don’t kick but work for those nons you have working with you over the 'phone or wire. Bro. G. L. Jarnagin, who attended the conven- tion at Minneapolis as a representative from this division, reports a good time. In electing the old Grand Officers for new terms and upholding the Board of Directors in the Marr case, the Grand Division seems to have pleased all in this territory and doubtless the rest of United States and Canada concur in this feeling. Bro. Ash, who has been working nights at Durant for several months, has been compelled to give up his position and seek the Western climate in search of health, and it is the earnest wish of all that he will regain his health and secure a good position in the climate best suited to his constitution. Sister Lucile Clayton has charge of Durant nights, relieving Bro. Ash. Bro. Coats relieved Bro. Jarnagin at Durant for couple of weeks in May. Bro. J. R. Huff, from Vaughan nights, was successful bidder for Pickens days, relieving Bro. Briscoe, who was temporary relief of Bro. G. K. Weeks, who has resigned. May Bro. Weeks live long and prosper in his new field of activity, wherever it may be. Second trick dispatcher, L. K. Butler, at Water Valley, is taking a vacation, being relieved by L. S. Houston, dispatcher on Grenada District, who was relieved by Bro. Colson, operator "NF.,” resulting in *‘NE” being filled by Bro. H. R. Weston, from “CF” yard office. Bro. H. P. Osborn, days at Eskridge, has re- signed and left for parts unknown. We are sorry Digitized by L^OOQle

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1142 The Railroad Telegrapher. to lose our oldest block man and floral artist. Bro. J. H. Henderson days temporary at Esk- ridge. When the whippoorwills raise their voices in the summer twilight, the telegraph fraternity seems to have a vision of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and the result is — well, just ask your chief dispatcher. Our next meeting will be held in Durant, and we will hear the usual excuses from those who are willing to let the other fellow hold up his end. “Can’t get off today, reports to make out;” “Am feeling bad, had a chill last night;” “Got an engagement with my girl;” “Didn't think of it until too late to ask off.” Now, let’s cut out this excuse business and go to the meetings. There are some on this division who never attended an O. R. T. meeting in their lives, and do nothing but wear their card out in their pocket or let the rats eat it up in their trunk. Cert. 240. Omaha Dit'ision — Well, brothers, get busy and do something. If you do nothing more than gather a few items for the journal each month, that will show that you appreciate the benefits you have reaped by the hard work of the Order. The Omaha Divi- sion is not up to the standard, and whose fault is it? If you were to give a truthful answer you would acknowledge that your own action to a certain extent are to blame for not having a better wage scale and working conditions. Brothers, stop and think what you should do between now and March 1st, when the National Nine-hour Law goes into effect. Are you going to keep still and let the railroads cut your wages, or are you going to stand pat and demand the $75.00 minimum? If you will give your assistance much can be accomplished. There arc a few who would like to sit down and see a few members do every- thing. There is where you make the mistake of your life, for unless you all push and push hard you will never accomplish a thing and you will still be working for that lovely little sum of $55.00. My, but there is satisfaction in knowing that you make the magnificent sum of $55.00 per month working 365 days in each year, isn’t there? How many of you are going to continue in that same old rut till you die? So long as you are satisfied conditions and salaries will be the same. Now for a few changes: Mr. T. H. O’Donell has been relieving the agent at Dunlap for some time, agent there away on a vacation. New office opened up at Coon River with Mr. Davis in charge. This is his first position so we want to line him up right away; don't let a non see a moment’s peace until you land him; if you have no blanks let me know and I will send you some. Bro. Freeman, formerly owl at Parkersburg, has resigned and gone to Seattle. Wash. Student-teaching looks kind of bad for some of the brothers, and if it is not cut out there is going to be charges preferred. We don’t need student teachers in our Order. Night man at Ackley has resigned. Can’t say who relieved him. Bro. Nation, at “WB,” contributed a few items this month. Bro. Siep is now working side-table in dis- patcher’s office “CD,” Bro. Mullis holding down “GD” days at present. Bro. Codner was promoted to second trick dis- patcher, but “13” he is going back to side-table, but not on account of him not being able to handle the trick, for he has made good, and we are all more than glad to see him doing so well, as a man earns all the promotion he gets on a railroad. Mr. F. E. Sinkey is going back to first trick; this will put Mr. Townsend back to second. Mr. Adamson is coming to take Mr. Sinkey’s place as chief and hope Mr. Adamson will do as well by us as Mr. Sinkey has, and all brothers should give our new chief the very best service. Well, I will plug out for this time. So if you have any suggestions to make or any items, send them to me at 324 Central Avenue, Ft. Dodge, la. Missouri Bill. Freeport Division — Among the recent bulletins we have Munger nights; Freeport yard office days; Coleman nights; Freeport “DR” office days; Minonk nights for thirty days; Minonk days, for thirty days. Bro. R. O. Kelly relieved Freeport yard office on bulletin, but upon trial he concluded that Cole- man looked better to him than Freeport. Bro. D. B. Krueger is at present working at Freeport yard office days while on bulletin. Bro. Geo. Cox worked a few nights at Freeport yard. Mr. I. F. Elliot (non) worked a few nights at Seward. Mr. C. D. Bear worked a few nights at Irene, from there he went to Hudson to work. Mr. Peterson worked at Perryville during Bro. Frank’s absence. Bro. A. B. Fretze is at present doing the extra stunt at East Jet. nights. Sister Mead, of Mendota, has been enjoying a three-weeks' vacations. Can’t say who relieved her. We can now call H. J. Wernsman, of Kerrick, brother. Bro. Wilson, of Wapella, is laying off for a few weeks; can not say who relieved him. Mr. A. D. Miller relieved Mr. Halloway at South Addison days; can not say whether Mr. Miller is a brother or not, but we hope he is. Bro. H. E. Kiester received East Jet. days on bulletin. This makes Joe nearer home, and more convenient for him. Mr. Schultz relieved Bro. Kelly at Minonk while he is working in the interest of the Order. Bro. Funk relieved him while he was with the committee. Bro. S. R. Crawford, at Genoa, is now kept busy handling the business for the new piano factory spur, which extends from Hart station up to the business portion of Genoa. I am sure that all of the Gruber brothers are regretting the loss of dispatcher H. B. Evans, Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1143 who has accepted a position with the Iron Moun- tain. H. B. E. was certainly a fine fellow; every- body had a good word for him. In Freeport he was known as a great baseball enthusiast, as he very seldom missed a game, knowing all the good points of the Freeport delegation. This puts C. S. Pack on as regular dispatcher and Bra Lane as extra dispatcher. We wish them both success. Bro. G. E. Cox is at present working extra in “DR” office, Freeport. Bro. R. C. Eiser worked a week at Freeport yard office nights; Mr. I. F. Elliot relieved Bro. Eiser at Hart days. Bro. J. G. Bennett enjoyed a few weeks' vaca- tion, being relieved by Bro. Dresser. Upon Bro. Bennett’s return Bro. Dresser relieved Bro. Eiser at Freeport yard office. There was a meeting at Freeport June 24th. As I was working nights at the time I did not get to attend, hence failed to get any notes from the same, but I “13” there was a fair turn-out and a general good time manifested. Bro. H. Steele’s son took the examination at Freeport some time ago, but can not say as to whether he is working at present or not. A severe hail and wind storm visited the vicinity of Hart the evening of the 21st, breaking several windows and scaring Mr. Elliot. The boys en- joyed quite a few showers of rain before the windows were replaced by new ones. Well, I must get busy; will try and do better next month. “Shorty.” Chicago Division — A fine meeting was held at Kankakee Friday night, June 21st, thirty-two members being present, the B. P. & T. District and Gilman Line being well represented. Bro. Morrison, Local Chairman, presided, and after calling the meeting to order and checking up and making out the O. S. & D’s., it was found that Bro. T. Ryerson, from Pontiac, and Bro. Cailey, from Thawville, were short. However, after the meeting adjourned the shortage was accounted for by finding these brethren at the dispatcher’s office, where they had been waiting, not being able to locate the meeting place. This is bad, but we will try to watch a little closer the next time. The following officers were elected: Chief Teleg- rapher, Bro. W. H. Morrison, Peotone; First Vice- Chief Telegrapher, Bro. C. R. Walters, Kankakee; Second Vice-Chief Telegrapher, Bro. V. E. Harper, Dewitt; Past Chief Telegrapher, Bro. W. Bash, Tolono; Secretary and Treasurer, Bro. G. Templin, Matteson; Marshall, Bro. C. W. McKnight, Mel- vin; Inside Sentinel, Bro. W. E. Pendergast, Mema; Outside Sentinel, Bro. C. O. Stone, Paxton. Mr. C. L Knittle, of Bradley, being in waiting, he was duly called forth and soaked, and is now a full-fledged O. R. T., and is entitled to wear the “button” and carry the “card.” He should be addressed as Bro. Knittle. The Special Committee, consisting of Bros. Bash, Harper and Walters, submitted their report on organization and local dues, and after discussion it was decided that no assessments be levied, but the expenses be paid by System Division 93, as heretofore. After same discussion it was decided to hold regular monthly meetings, the next meeting to be held at Gilman the third Saturday night in July (20th), and at Champaign third Saturday night in August (17th), and again at Kankakee third Friday night' in September (21st). This arrange- ment was made in order to allow the B. P. & T. boys to get into Kankakee on Friday night and back home, as there is no train running out on that pike Saturday nights. Now, remember, regular meetings third Saturday nights at Gilman and Champaign, and third Friday nights at Kankakee. Having regular meeting nights will enable each member to arrange his work and business so that he will be able to attend, and we believe that the attendance will be much better under this arrangement. There has been several changes since last issue, among them the following: Bro. E. C. Slingman, dispatcher on Gilman Line, taking his ten days’ vacation; relieved by Bro. Porter, and Bro. Joe Adams, from Kankakee nights, working the “CK” night trick. Bro. Porter is now taking his ten days off, Bro. Sling- man having returned to work. Bro. Sharp returned to Kankakee “KB” tower nights, relieving Bro. Schniederjon, who is now relieving Bro. Adams nights at Kankakee “HN.” Bro. Phelps now working nights at Gilman “CK,” relieving Bro. Gerbel, who bid in the day job at Champaign dispatcher's office “HA,” on temporary bulletin. Bro. Kent, at Buckingham, was off for few days on account of the death of his mother, being relieved by Bro. B. C. Madison. We all join in extending our sympathy to Bro. Kent in his loss. Bro. Madison now relieving Bro. E. O. Wooly at Pesotum, who is off on vacation. Bro. Odell, at Roberts, relieving Bro. Barr, also on vacation. There has been more changes, but am unable to give them now, as it keeps me going some most of the time chasing box-cars. I understand that Bro. C. H. Holmes is to re- turn to Kankakee in August and take a trick on Gilman Line, which will cause some changes in the line-up in “CD” and “HN.” Will give them later. Am sure we will all be glad to have Bro. Holmes with us again, and to learn that his health has improved so much. “13” he weighs 170 pounds, and developed into a first-class cowboy while in the West. I forgot to say that Bro. O’Connell is relieving Bro. Hatch at Kempton at the present writing, being relieved at Harpster by Bro. Madison. Mr. E. J. Coss was to show up last meeting night for initiation, but failed to materialize, but I understand he will be on hand at Gilman next month, also expect one or two new members. Let us have a good crowd next meeting night. Make special arrangements to be present, as it is expected that the meetings will be more inter* Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1144 The Railroad Telegrapher. esting, now that wc have re-elected officers and are getting in shape to do business. We should have at least fifty of our own members present, and I understand the T. P. & W. boys are to be invited in a body to meet with us at Gilman, so let us have the biggest crowd we have had yet, and break the good record already made. Div. Cor. Gilman Line — Being a little new at this business, and not thoroughly posted as to the correct time the write-up should reach our Division Correspondent, wc were late with our former notes and they were not published. We remember one thing that was said in this write-up, that will be in order every time. Every brother on the district please send me any news they may gather during the month, and have it reach me by the 20th, so these write-ups will be made as interesting as possible, as it is not an easy job to sit down and undertake to give a line up when you are not pretty well informed on the doings of the district. Please let me hear from each of you every month if possible. While I think there are brothers along the line better able to fill this position than I, we don’t expect to lay down, as we think every one ought to get at the wheel and keep it moving; if it had not been for some of our ambitious brothers see where we might have been today. I don’t expect to take a back seat when asked to do something to help the good work along. If all would put forth an effort each month to do some- thing, great good would be accomplished. How- ever, we belong to a division we should be proud of, as statistics show we have more members on the division than there are positions on the railroad. In behalf of the brothers of this division I wish to thank the committee for the most ex- cellent work done in securing the new schedule. 1 think all are well satisfied. V. E. H. Memphis Terminal — One would judge from our continued silence and absence in these columns that we had all cashed in and closed our industrial doors to the world and retired into seclusion, presumably to remain for an indefinite period; but we beg to advise that this is erroneous. The Memphis Terminal has never known such an (O. R. T.) awakening in its history, every member in the service is pushing the throttle to its last notch and taking a personal interest in all matters that concern the advancement of exist- ing conditions. We reluctantly acknowledge the presence of a couple of undesirable citizens, “nons,” but if there is anything in signs and efforts their “non” state will soon be a thing of the past. When this is accomplished “woe unto the intruder who asks naught without the right and proper credential, for he shall be promptly denied and spat upon as in olden days of ancient custom.” We calculate our per cent at 98, at this writing. It seems peculiarly strange and unnatural that any sensible and fair-minded man who is in the railroad telegraph service at this time could not realize the absolute necessity of affiliation with this organization in consideration of its general progressiveness and the present status of prevail- ing conditions, which credit is due to the various chairmen of the respective divisions. Yet there are numberless freaks who haven't enough common intelligence and conception of duty toward their fellowmen and those who are trying to bring about better conditions to show the least interest in this great work that has been slowly but steadily growing in favor in every part of the United States. These veritable degenerates are the detrimental issues that face us in our work and labors. These are the so-called men who invade the pay-cars with a rush with all disregard to pro- priety and courtesy that characterizes a “gentle- man,” in order to be first to receive the money that is virtually stolen and wrung from the very labors of union efforts. It would seem the proper thing upon these occasions for this class to doff their hats and humbly bow their heads in reverence and shame to those who honestly struggle for a deserved recognition and patiently wait until every one else had been paid and then back up to the pay- wicket, bowing and in addition say, “Thank you, boss !” — It is rather unfortunate that “God” in his wisdom would permit this society of trespassers to live and breathe the same atmosphere that wc do. Viewing all these facts it is quite a consolation to know that the day is almost within our grasp when the doors of position and recognition will be closed against earth scums like these and nothing but the tried and the true will be ad- mitted and permitted to associate with respectable men and honest toilers. The boys at “GO” and every man on the Terminal is more than satisfied with his portion since the new schedule became effective, all of which credit is due to our General Chairman, Bro. W. P. Moore, who has endeared himself to us by his stand in the battle waged in our interest. Bro. Moore, in sacrificing the possibility of his election as Railroad Commissioner to serve us as chairman, exhibited his true manliness and stal- wart character, but we believe the appreciation that has been shown him in various ways by the boys has repaid him for his action, notwithstand ing the greatness of the consideration. The entire Y. & M. V. system is to be congratulated upon its having such an able leader. Bro. W. W. Wheatley, who was recently ap pointed Assistant Local Chairman of the Memphis Terminal by Bro. Moore, is doing effective work in this capacity that was hardly expected of an inexperienced officer. He is doing his best and simply asks the assistance of the brethren to carry out his policy of forcing the issue in every instance, wdiieh is being done without regard to personal consideration or position. Bro. Albaugh, “Q,” was called home suddenly few days ago account serious illness of his mother. Digitized by CiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1145 who is now greatly improved and he is with us again. Bro. East, “WE,” has influenza and has been under tender treatment for a few day9. He will be out again shortly with his usual noise like a man working. Bro. McKenzie hat flown the coop and is in the north for a month's vacation. Bro. Lee is holding down North yard days during his absence. Bro. Johnson, “J,” at “MS,” is still on deck, but says he is figuring on a big trip to Hushpuck- ana soon. Bro. Deberowsld will follow suit as soon as “J” returns. Local Chairman, Memphis Terminal. Tennessee Division — I have just finished reading the June Teleg- rapher. Seems as though everybody everywhere means business from the way the journal reads. I am very proud to say that the Tennessee Divi- sion of Division 93 certainly means business. We held a call meeting on the aad, to transact busi- ness. Bro. Mulhall in the chair and quite a Urge attendance, between 6$ and 70 present. Initiated three new^members; other business of an important nature handled. The meeting was quite a success. Why can we not have a regular meet- ing every month? It would certainly be beneficial to all the boys on this division. Not much news as none of the boys contributed anything. Bro. W. H. Blackwell, South Fork days, who was off sick recently, has resumed duty. Bro. W. E. Barbour, South Fork nights, off a few nights account sickness in family. Bro. Cox (don’t know his initials, but know that he is up-to-date), from the Louisville Division on the extra board. Bro. Cox is a good man and we would like to keep him with us. Bro. Radford Fowlkes, nights, off a few nights account sickness; relieved by Bro. Wheat, from the extra list. In conclusion, allow me to express myself freely on several subjects. The day is approaching rap- idly when the telegraphers’ nine-hour law becomes effective, March 4th, 1908. Wc are to begin to reap the reward of our past strenuous efforts; the nine-hour law has absorbed all our thoughts; wc have no doubt worked very hard for this law, and when it becomes operative we must not think our work done. We must each and every one firmly resolve in our minds that we will positively teach no students, and that a non can not remain in our midst. We do not want our salaries cut when the hours are shortened, do we? It is the duty of all, not one or a few, to work for our Order with renewed energy, striving to strengthen it. What is desired is to raise salaries to where retired telegraphers will return to work. There are thousands of telegraphers who would return to the key if the eight-hour day and an $75.00 or $80.00 minim tyn were operative. If you retard the progress of the O. R. T. you retard your own progress. I urge you to think logically of the problem now confronting us, and you will find the work interesting in consequence. If a non should read this let him consider that we, the O. R. T., have about reached that stage where, though he is a stumbling-block in our pathway, he is a small one and easily passed over. There must certainly be a lack of intelligence where constant persistence without a logical ex- cuse is prevalent. If you are a sound man mentally you will not hesitate any longer, but enlist with us where your support will hasten the day that will crown our strenuous efforts with success, and last, but not least, fill our pocket- books a little above the average for the last twenty years or more. Div. Cor. B. & O. Ry. New Castle Division — Meeting of New Castle Division was held in Central Labor Hall, Akron, Tuesday night June 18th, with a good crowd present considering the train service on this division; the brothers from the east end did not arrive until ten o’clock, owing to No. 1 5 being about an hour later on the new schedule, but the east was well represented, several who have not attended meetings before being present, a total attendance of sixteen. We are pleased to note that the organization is in better shape numerically than ever before. There seems to be an awakening all along the line, but there is plenty of room for improve- ment on this division. The station agents should now line up and help us and thereby help them- selves. Several of them are now telegraphers and agents, but have so far failed to contribute toward expense of securing the benefits they have enjoyed for past five years. The main line is nearly solid, there being but one regular man east of Akron who is not a member, viz., night man at tower, who can see no good in the Order. We notice he took the $4.85 extra for blocking trains in May. The O. R. T. cheerfully hands him the money; he needs it, so do all of us, but we are willing to help get it. Brothers, when a new man comes to work at your office search him for a card. It is not enough that he says “I am an Order man,” or that he wears a button. Show him your card and make him produce the goods or treat him as a non. No card no favors is our motto, and now is the time we should observe it. The recent night man at Akron Jet. resigned pay-day via the booze route. On investigation we find he was not an Order man, although he wore a button, for the certificate number he claimed to carry does not exist on the road where he claims membership. Watch these people and make them prove themselves worthy of fraternal courtesies before extending them. It was decided at the meeting that we would not try to establish a regular meeting time owing to poor train service, but would hold a meeting about once in three months and then make a special effort to attend even at the expense of a night’s sleep. Watch for the notices and be present. A large majority of the dispatchers on B. & O. have joined the O. R. T. and shown themselves as worthy of being classed as men. Brothers on Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1146 The Railroad Telegrapher. these divisions should extend them the glad hand and best of fraternal assistance. We have some good men in dispatcher's office at New Castle, and wonder why they can not see the benefits to be derived from thorough organization. When you hear an official say that it will be impossible to fill the positions on an eight-hour basis between now and next March, and that they will have to get the time extended, remind him that there are enough telegraphers on this division working as agents and clerks to put every position on eight hours, and the majority of these men would be glad to work in the telegraph department if they could get a living salary and reasonable hours, and as soon as the company is willing to pay a little more money for skilled telegraphers than they pay for ignorant track men, just so soon the supply will equal the demand. Have you noticed the rush of men seeking employment here this month? Soon as it was known that the B. & O. was putting on eight- hour jobs telegraphers began to come like flies to a honey pot. Don’t swallow all the hot air you hear about a scarcity of telegraphers, especially when it is used as an argument to induce some one to take a student. There is a scarcity of money, not telegraphers. Second trick was advertised first of June at “UN” tower, New Castle Jet., Ohio Jet. and Akron Jet, but have not heard of the men being placed, although the time expired several days ago. We hope to see Lodi draw an eight-hour day; it is surely needed at this place. Block wire is working between Akron Jet. and New Castle Jet., with Bro. McFall as relief man while the position is being advertised. We wonder why this position was not advertised in May so the man who was entitled to the position could have done the relief work in June instead of an extra man. Many new men who are not up-to-date are hitting the pike since there is a possibility of eight hours. Get after them, brothers, and get them in the fold once more. Bro. McCannon, Boughtonvtfle nights, was off few nights; relieved by Mr. Martin, a new man at the work. Bro. Gleason, agent same place, is still looking for that day telegrapher. Bro. Marshall, agent at Sullivan, is taking a trip towards the Jamestown Exposition. Hope he has a pleasant time. Bro. Marshall is always on the right side of the fence with an up-to-date card in the right side of his coat. Bro. Sarff has bid in Newtons days. Bro. Snyder has been assigned to “B” tower days and setled down to enjoy his old age. We hear V. P. McLaughlin has resigned the agency at South Akron to return to the telegraph service. We surmise Mac has his eye on second trick at Akron Jet. Hope to see him establish his membership in the near future. Bro. Jones, at Newton Falls, who enjoyed two days at hands of relief telegrapher. Bert says he hardly knew how to eat a warm dinner. Bro. Davis, at Ohio Jet., is one of the lucky eight-hour men. He recently attended his first meeting and says he will come again. Bro. Maloney, at Lowellville days, had the mis- fortune to slip on a banana peel and fall, dis- locating his hip. Bro. Johnston is doing the day act during Bro. Maloney's forced vacation. Bro. Robinson, of New Castle Jet., was absent from the meeting. We hope it will not occur after the third man goes on. Bro. Faust, at Hazelton, recently enjoyed a two weeks’ vacation; relieved by Bro. McFall. Day and night office at Girard was closed middle of June. Mr. Mohn remains as clerk, Bro. Quig- ley going to P. Y. & A. nights. Hammon and Hammond still at West Farming- ton, and seemingly as far in the cold as ever. We wish some one could convert these two. J. P. Hennesy, at East Claridon, has asked for application papers, but has not had the necessary experience. He was a member of the B. of L. F. until he lost both limbs, when it became necessary for him to change his occupation. Mr. Hennesy sees the need of organization among the teleg- raphers. Bro. Gray, Chardon nights, was off one night; relieved by Bro. Browning, agent at Middle Field. Bro. Maynard off for a few days; relieved by Bro. Holstead, who is now at Akron Jet. nights. Day and night office was opened at Summit Siding June 4th, and block removed from Middle Field, relieving Bro. Browning of the “OS” work. Day and night office also opened at Concord on the Hill. Bro. Milburns days and Mr. Kehres nights at Painesville, rushing the summer work. Under- stand the Lake Branch is doing more business this year than ever before. This should be good argument for more money for the telegraphers. It is now time to pay dues and we hope every member will be prompt and see that his neighbors do not forget the duty they owe their Order. Help the Order while the Order helps you. Unclb Tom. Wheeling Dnnsion — There is rejoicing at St. Clairsville Jet., Ohio, Narrows, W. Va., and Cameron, W. Va. The third man was put on at these places in June and these boys say they feel like fish out of water after their eight hours has been worked. At St. Clairsville Jet. Bro. Williams, first trick, Bro. James E. Holloway, second trick, and Mr. C. G. Pratt has third trick until it is advertised. Mr. Pratt has asked for papers so he will soon have an O. R. T. card. At Narrows, Bro. C. L. Hall, first trick, Bro. W. M. Queen, second trick, and Bro. E. A. Wilson, third trick until advertised. At Cameron, Bro. H. Zimmerman, first trick, L. Shirlen, second trick, and Bro. Ice, third trick until advertised. The Division Operator will have no trouble filling these third tricks. Bro. W. M. Queen kindly gave me the news from the east end. Have you noticed those big O. R. T. buttons our dispatchers are wearing lately? It's a sight Digitized by Cjooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1147 for sore eyes to go into “Q” now and meet the boys. Mr. C. H. Bonnison is the only one that did not join. Mr. T. F. Corcoran has been appointed Division Operator for Wheeling and O. R. Divisions, which position we feel sure he will fill with credit to himself and honor to the B. & O. Ry. Mr. Corcoran was for years a dispatcher in the Wheel- ing office, and well deserves the promotion. Mr. F. C. Moran, our past Division Operator, is now relieved of many of his former duties, which makes his position much more desirable. Bro. G. C. Marshall has been promoted to the dispatcher’s desk, and keeps trains moving like an old hand. Being a new man in that responsi- ble position the boys should help him whenever possible. Bro. P. S. Rush ford, of Mannington, has been promoted to a trick dispatching in Wheeling, and is making good. Bro. J. M. Stiles now has day trick at Man- nington. Bro. R. F. Fetty, of Glover Gap, is taking a few days’ vacation, being relieved by Bro. Geo. Webner, who comes from the Colo. Southern. Our old Local Chairman, Bro. A. G. Youst, is back at his old position at Glover Gap, after spend- ing a year in the far West. The trip surely improved his health, as he looks more like a Dutch saloon-keeper than a telegrapher. Bros. H. E. Johnson and C. H. S wayne have left the service to accept positions with the Pope Natl. Gas Co. at Round Bottom. They say they will come back soon as we get an eight-hour day. Bro. N. C. Little is again at his desk at Roseby Rock, after taking his vacation. Bro. Harry Arrick is working at New Martins- ville on the O. R. Division at present, account shortage of telegraphers on that division. Bro. Strum relieved Bro. Wilson at Mannington while the latter took a vacation. Bro. £. E. Holloway is back at his post at “FI” tower, after taking a trip through the East, and reports seeing all the sights at the James- town Exposition. Bro. R. T. Salisbury has been assigned to “DK” tower nights. Bro. C. H. Mitchell has been assigned to Bridge- port nights. Bro. B. W. Mullett, at Schicks, was off a few days account of sickness, but has resumed work. Bro. T. L. Ellis relieved Bro. Holloway at “FI” tower, being relieved in turn by F. H. Worthing- ton, from Tunnel Siding, who was relieved by McFarland, from Maynard, a new man. Mr. Van Fossen is at present holding “K” office Holloway days. Van has asked for papers and will be with* us soon. We are extremely sorry to hear that Bro. C. E. Miller has resigned his office as Local Chair- man. It will be difficult to get another man to fill the position as well as Bro. Miller did, and his presence will be missed by all. The office of Local Chairman is a difficult one to handle, and, as Bro. Miller says, you can’t please them all. It should be remembered that the Local Chairman of one division is not the whole cheese, and unless given good support by the rank and file his position is not a very desirable one. We ex- tend our heartiest thanks to Bro. Miller for the manner in which he successfully handled our interests while Local Chairman, and deeply regret that he can not be induced to continue holding that office. Bro. C. A. Lovejoy relieved dispatcher Bro. H. G. Woodward while the latter took his vaca- tion; Bro. Shields holding Lovejoy's chair as copier. Bro. W. F. Burke, copier, left June 19th for his vacation. Bro. M. B. Rickey has returned from his West- ern trip and is at present copying on East End at night Glad to see him back. Two new side wire men in the dispatcher’s office, Fred Reynolds, of Fairmont, and Will Camer. Am unable to say whether or not they have up-to-date cards, but if not they will not work long in “Q” without one since all the dis- patchers belong. Our laws were amended slightly at the conven- tion in Minneapolis. Station agents are now eligible, also telephone operators, which was a good move. Now let us get after the agents on our division and pull them in. I see by the Fraternal Department of The Telegrapher that telegraphers are very scarce on every road in the country. This is encouraging and brings nearer the day when telegraphers will receive living wages. Have you all send for your new cards? They are now ready and each member should send for his at once. Cert. 729. Philadelphia Division — As there has been no meetings on this division since last January, and none on the Baltimore Division for over a year, we certainly are at a loss for news of any character. No meetings reported in Telegrapher from Maryland or West Virginia for May. Can’t some of the boys in West Virginia enlighten us some little regard- ing the conditions existing there? Each teleg- rapher should delegate himself a Committee of One to help remedy the most serious things complained of by Cert 729, of Wheeling Division in June number. Wake up, boys, and when things are not going right, don’t hesitate to say so. Be sure you are doing that which is for the benefit of the fra- ternity, and don’t turn backward. Do not let those old fogy sayings of “disorganizing the Order and sorehead” keep us from doing our duty. Where would the Order have been today if our Grand Officers had have listened to such sayings as these? President Perham was in Baltimore June 19th and attended a meeting of Division 17. His speech certainly was instructive. The boys of Division 33 in Maryland have been trying since last April to get members on the Legislative Committee to co-operate with those appointed by Baltimore Division 17, but with no success. On June 19, at the meeting of Baltimore Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1148 The Railroad Telegrapher, Division 17, Bro. Pierce, Local Chairman of Balti- more Division 33, asked for more time, this being the request of the General Chairman Van Atta. So it was decided to give him a little more time for consideration. Cert. 421. Cleveland Division — I was in hopes that I would get a boost from some of the brothers who attended the meeting at Massillon the 21st, in order to make a reasonably newsy write-up for our division this time, not being able to attend myself, but as yet have heard nothing regarding the doings there. Would like to have been on hand, as I suppose our chairman, Bro. McCoy, had plenty of news from the con- vention. Each brother should make it a business to fur- nish our chairman with the news of our division. In this way we could make up a good item for the journal, which would prove of more interest than hatching the same old thing over and over each time. Received a card from Bro. W. D. Rose the other day. Bro. Rose is located in Maxwell, C'olo., on the U. P. Ry. Have requested him to let us know wh-~t is doing out there so we could give it to the brothers through the journal. Glad to announce that Mr. J. E. Hanes, Everett, and Ford Hoover, Botzum, have affixed “brother” to their names. Henceforth you may call them brothers. Very glad to see Everett and Botzum solid once more. We should devote our atten- tion to Mr. Schilling, Canton freight house, as well as the men at Peninsula, Boston Mills, Brecks- ville, South Park and Brooklyn, not forgetting East Akron. Each brother make it a point to talk to these men and secure their names for membership. If we could only do this it would make the Valley solid. This part of the Cleveland Division sems to be much slower than the C. L. & W. ; still there are a few old hangers over there. But Bro. McCoy has them on the run most of the time. Understand telegrapher Schott, East Akron, in- formed the Division Operator that there was no room at that point for any more prospective telegraphers, so the prospective one had to go to South Park. The East Akron force surely must be very busy with their regular routine of work and the side line of hams. They are to be pitied. Surely ought to have some more help there so one man could devote his undivided attention to the pros- pertive young sprouts at that point. Schott has plenty of chance to practice up on the work himself, as he is “instructor” in the Miller-Simpson Telegraph School at Akron, we understand. Wish we could get these boys to the front, where every true telegrapher should be, and to appreciate what the O. R. T. means to them and what a handicap it is to the O. R. T. to knock against it in this manner. Schott has been in the business long enough to become a member. And he has said that as soon as he had been in the business long enough he surely would join the O. R. T. He should now be as good as his word. Bro. Darland, Canton scale, has taken the night trick at Cleveland “CS” office. Sorry to see Bro. Darland leave us, but we will still have him on the division. We find him to be an active worker for the O. R. T. “CS" means a promotion for him. Do not know who is going to take his place at Canton scale. Bro. Harris, Sandyville, very much regretted that he could not attend the meeting at Massillon, but thinks that he will be able to do so next time. That's a new face at Brecksville. Do not know his standing. N. DeWitt, ex-agent at that point and an old promise (so old that it is stale), gone to South Brooklyn. Be ever on the alert to forward the cause which benefits you the most — the O. R. T. Keep at the nons — convince them that they are in the wrong. Each member should be an organizer and in this way better our conditions. The railroads are looking out for themeselves, not for you. And do not think for a minute that when you positively will not join the O. R. T. that you arc bettering yourself, or gaining prestige with the railroad company. In acting this way you show them what kind of a sucker you are, just the kind the O. R. T. have you booked. Step in line. Carry an up-to-date card and get the O. R. T. journal in the bargain, free of all further cost to you, and through this journal find what a wide world this is after all, instead of the narrow space in which you have been hopping. Send your journal to some non as soon as you arc through with it. Bro. Si. C. and N. Division — To start the ball rolling I will send in a short write-up for the C. & N. Division, and if it appears in our journal it will be the second one I have seen in the past three years. Just think of it! Is there no remedy for this? Why not appoint a correspondent, then not only one or two, but all of us help him gather news? Is it any wonder those out of the Order don’t come in? Look in your journals and note that most write-ups arc headed “Our meeting of a certain month, etc.” We never see anything about our meetings. Why? Because we never hold meetings, I am sorry to say. Remit for a new card, if you have not already done so, then let’s all get busy and make things lively on this division of the B. & O. I “13” there will be about three new members for the new term. This will run us up well on the 100 per cent. Bro. Ganes, at “BK,” Black Lick, has his hands full since he added to his position the task of a switchman. Mr. Tyhurst, a telegrapher for forty years, is still pounding brass at “KO” tower, Pataskala, though he uses a field glass to see the B. & O’s. big engines, “he is right there with the goods.” Bro. Dildine, at “BR” toewr, Union, is holding the day trick while Bro. Marsh does the owl act. Bro. Dan ford, Outville days, has returned to his post of duty after copying a few days extra at “GD,” dispatcher’s office Cols. Bro. C. D. 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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1149 Phillips did the day stunt at Outville during this period. Will have to ring off for this time, as I am not familiar with changes. Let some better-in- formed brother try his hand at it next month. Let’s also try and have a meeting in the near future. Cert. 806. Monongahela Division — I have not seen anything from the Monongahela Division for some time. We have several new men on this end of the division in the past month; I can hardly keep track of them. Bro. C. A. Stealey is doing his regular turn again at night at “WDM tower. Bro. M. E. Price is holding the extra turn at Fairmont passenger station until some one is assigned to it regular. It has been advertised some time and we expect Bro. Willey, from Gaston Jet., will get it regular. I am unable to give the names of the new men who have come in the last few weeks, but from what I can learn I think they are all up-to-date. Bro. W. C. Willey has left the service. Very sorry to see him leave us, for he was a good man and up-to-date. Well, I will ring off for this time. Cert. 1198. B. R. & P. Ry. A meeting of Division 9s was held at DuBois, Pa., Wednesday evening, May 29th. Owing to the absence of Bro. Childs, General Chairman, the meeting was called to order at 9;45 P- m- by Bro. McGraw, Local Chairman Middle Divi- sion. Bro. Simmons, delegate to the convention, gave a very interesting talk on what had been done at Minneapolis. Other business was then taken up and disposed of, after which meeting closed at 12:30 a. m. The attendance was fairly good, but should have been better. Several of the Middle Division mem- bers were conspicuous by their absence. The Erie has closed a contract with this line, by which Erie trains use B. R. & P. tracks from Clarion Jet. to Eriton, and are now running their trains over the B. R. & P. between these points. A new connection has been made at end of double track, north of Brockwayville, and all the coal, which formerly was hauled over the P. & E., is now brought to this point, and then over B. R. & P. to Clarion Jet. A new telegraph office has been opened there. The following are changes this month: Bro. Britton, DuBois nights, to Falls Creek days. Bro. Burke, Howard days to Bradford days. Bro. Lennon, Dent days to Howard days. Bro. Fiugibbons, Riverside Jet., nights to Dent days. Bro. McGraw, Idlewild days to “WA” tower days. Extra telegrapher Cailor going to Idlewild days. Bro. Morrissey holding Riverside Jet. nights temporarily. Bro. Shoemaker, Bradford nights, has bid in the position as relief agent with headquarters at DuBois. Bro. Warner, East Salamanca days, off few days; relieved by Bro. Flynn, regular night man. Office closed nights account short of men. Bro. Croker, Newton nights, off few days; re- lieved by extra telegrapher Cailor. Bro. McGraw, Idlewild days, off few days ac- count sickness; relieved by extra telegrapher Cailor. New men at “WA” tower, Rasselas and Bingham nights. Two new members in during the month. Come ahead, boys, there is room for more. Cert. hi. St. Louis Division, No. 2. The month of June finds the telegraphers of Missouri confronted with a question that is at once unique and unprecedented. On the 14th of the month the bill known as “the railroad telegra- phers’ eight-hour bill,” as enacted by the last session of the Missouri legislature, went into ef- fect. The situation was a puzzle to the telegra- phers on account of the contention on the part of the railroads that the bill did not go into effect until some time later and with the further declara- tion by a few of the companies that they did not propose to obey the law at all. This was obvi- ously a ruse to disconcert the telegraphers, which was quieted by a circular quoting the Secretary of State on the subject, who ruled that the bill became effective on June 14th, which was mailed to each member of the O. R. T. in Missouri. However, the fact still remained that the rail- roads, with one or two exceptions, had made no preparation to observe the requirements by fur- nishing the third man at two men stations. A number of communications were addressed to our secretary, Bro. J. W. La Fever, soliciting advise on the subject in the event that they were not furnished relief at the expiration of eight hours’ work on June 14th. Bro. La Fever uniformly re- plied that they should continue at work under pro- test to proper official. A number of men on the C. & A., Burlington and Frisco Railroads took the enforcement of the law in their own hands and quit their keys at the ex- piration of eight hours. This situation continued for several days, but at last accounts all are work- ing twelve hours pending further developments or a final settlement of the question. Notwithstanding the fact that the enforcement of the law devolves on the State and county officials, the Missouri membership seem disposed to refer the matter to the organization for adjustment, and to this end chairmen of the Missouri divisions have taken steps to canvass their constituents with the view of taking concerted action to force a compliance with the law. Their decision is yet unannounced. Information against ten officials of the Missouri Pacific and M., K. & T Railway have been issued by county prosecutors, which will place the matter before the grand juries of the several counties at their next sitting. Digitized by kjooole

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1150 The Railroad Telegrapher. In the event that indictments are found the constitutionality of the law will be determined in due course. The framers of the act are confi- dent that the bill will stand all tests, the measure being a copy of the Maryland law, which has escaped annihilation at the hands of the Supreme Court of that State. Further developments will be communicated to the membership as they come to hand. Bro. P. P. Molloy made a flying trip to Spring- field, 111., Sunday, June 30th. Bro. F. J. Bick to Hannibal, Mo., Sunday, June i<5th. Bro. H. V. Evans passed through St. Louis, Mo., July 1st en route for Carrolton, Texas, for Cotton Belt Railway. Bro. E. L. Stump, General Chairman of the Union Pacific System Division, and Bro. M. J. Johnson, General Chirman of the Burlington, re- cently visited the general offices. Elsewhere in this number will be found the photograph 0f Bro. O. L. Neal and Miss Edith Huffman, both of Arthur, 111., who were married at Clayton, Mo., on June 18th, by the Rev. Uhdan. The pair were accompanied by Bro. T. A. Lane, of Div. No. 2, who had previously made all arangements for license and ceremony. The best wishes of Div. No. 2 are extended. Thomas Aquinas, Div. Cor. C., C., C. & St. L. Ry. Cairo Division, South End — Since our last letter to The Telegrapher wc have had one month more of advancement and experience, in which time we should be able to write something new in regard to the O. R. T., and our progress. Of course, we understand that our lives are just what we make them, and we should endeavor to climb to the highest stage of advancement. We know that it takes time to do these things, but we must not give up so quickly, but be faithful to our Order and labor diligently, for the time is near at hand when the telegraphers will have only eight hours to labor, eight hours for pleasure and eight hours for sleep. It seems as if God intended that we should have something of that kind, and we should be very thankful for the law which will be effective March 4, 1908. Let us endeavor to get the nons in line if possible. Bro. Simpson, who has been absent for about two weeks, has assumed bis regular job as day man at Cairo. Bro. C. Penrod is owl at Cairo, at present, relieving Bro. Roy Weaver, a brother of Dispatcher Weaver. Am unable to learn what became of Bro. Roy. I have secured the application of one telegrapher who is working for L. & N. and am after some more of them. It does not make any difference where they are or who they are, just so they are competent. We want them in our Order, as you “13” the more we get, the stronger our Order will be. Bro. C. Morlan, who has been working days at Carmi, upon being relieved by Mr. G. Schrader, non, ^as again assumed his regular job as night man. Mr. Gwin and Mr. Harrell, former nights and latter days at “GS,” have their applications for membership made out and are waiting for pay day, when they will become members of our grand Order. Mr. Land, new man from the L. & N., working days at Eldorado, is waiting for a pay day so he can join, too. I “13” several of the towers are being put into service along the line, but we can hear a good deal of complaint, as the boys say that there is some work attached to the handling of these towers. Stay with it, boys, and maybe after a while we will get more money for our labor. Now, let all work for our own and our brothers’ interest also and our conditions are sure to improve. Cert. 306 & 298* Michigan Division — Brother telegraphers, it is true that we did stand pat long enough to get a schedule, but do we intend to lay down now? As you are all aware, this division has had so many changes among the telegraphers and agents in the last two months, that it is rather hard to determine just who are and who are not members. One thing we want to do, and that is to locate the nons. Keep at them until we succeed in our efforts to get them in line. Let us get busy and do all we can. Interest is fast dying out, and if we don’t do better than this, we will soon lose that which we worked so hard and diligently to secure. Another thing I would like to call your atten- tion to, the fact that ham factories are too numerous. Shame on the man who will turn down his fellow men for a few paltry dollars received for tuition. We extend to Day Telegrapher Eiler, at “WC,” our heartiest congratulations. Glad he is in line. There is work for all. We have come to the conclusion that we will give the boys another chance. In our next month’s journal you will see who are the weak- kneed men on the Michigan Division. We have decided to publish all nons’ names in The Teleg- rapher. Now, who is it that wants their name under such a heading? Well, boys, I’m getting “25.” Will close. E. M. Peoria Division, West — There is going to be a meeting in “DI,” and let’s all go. Now, boys, this is not to be an old fashioned camp meeting, nor an old settlers’ meet- ing, a hop, nor a fish fry, but it is going to be a meeting of the telegraphers of System Division No. 138, and this includes us — we of the P. & E., and there might be something put on in the show line that we would want to see, and if we fail to attend the meeting, we would be kicking ourselves for six months to come. Now, boys, let all who can possibly get off attend and make it a success, and try ourselves for once and endeavor to find our what our neighbors are doing. We have to get 25 on the west end of the old P. & E. and get the nons in line. We have sev- Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1151 eral large gaps in our line and it is time that one and all get busy and get them on the right side. Of course, there are some one or two undesirable, one in particular; one who has shown the black flag of the pirate and has flaunted it in our faces, while we were struggling to gain recognition, by watching the wires Closely, making notes of every- thing that passed in regard to the Order and send- ing it to the division superintendent, thinking to put a feather in bis hat by so doing; but instead of this, he is being held in contempt, and to any superintendent, or any man of any depth of thought, an act of this kind could only create one feeling, and that is one of distrust And again, you may go a little deeper into this question and reason it out for yourself; that if a skunk like this will stab his fellow worker, he will certainly do his employer dirt also, and is not to be trusted in any respect whatever. Now, boys, there is only one way in which to curry favor with the officials, and that is to do your work and do it well, and by so doing we win the respect of our employers, and if there is any favors shown, we certainly will see our share. Now, what we want to impress on the mind of the public in general is that the Order of Railroad Telegraphers is not a band of organized cut-throats planning and plotting to blow a bank safe or hold up the several railroads over the country, but that we are an organization formulated for our own self-protection and preservation, and to be success- ful in this we must be solid O. R. T. from the heart out, and keep our eye skinned for just such vipers as the one which I have just mentioned. The good old summertime is here once more, after a series of delays for which there can only be one cause, which I can only attribute to the weather dispatcher being grouchy to his teleg- raphers and driving them out on a strike and tying the summer train up on a siding where there was a telegrapher from the Danville school. But with all the delays, summer is here and the evi- dence is plain, for everybody is looking forward to their vacation, some quitting, and others like myself, broke, and have to stick to business. There have been some changes in the last few days. Bro. Johnston, of “WG,” days, Danville, going to “KD,” Belt Xing, Moorefield, nights. Better “mun,” so says the “Immortal JN.” Bro. Poyner, of the owl shift, is now working days, and Bro. Casey, of New Burnsides, on the Cairo Division, is doing the night stunt. Bro. Parker, who has been off, resting up a few days, is now back on the grind again, and he works like it did him good to get his feet under his mother’s table. Bro. Scott, nights, is laying off for some mys- terious cause; don’t know why, but can only make a good guess and keep our thoughts to ourselves. Harry Rynearson, of Hillsborough, is doing the night stunt at “SY,” in place of Bro. Scott. Harry is a promising young man and we think he will make a good live one as soon as he is old enough, and we hope to have him with us before very long. Bro. Scotten is taking his vacation now, and also taking in the sights in the CX city of Hoosier. J. J. Houlihan, non, of Ogden, is working extra in his place. Bro. Livengood is looking forward to his vaca- tion, which he is figuring on taking about the middle of July, going to the “Windy City,” and a good lake breeze. It is our understanding that Bro. Mead is going to accept a position with the traction line in the near future. Bro. Mead is a good man and a member of the Order, and we are sorry to lose him, but if he is bettering himself financially, and we know that he will better himself conditionally, we say, “GA.” Moves like Bro. Mead is con- templating only proves our assertions, and they are, that as soon as a telegrapher gets his eyes open and finds there is something better in this world than the long, dreary hours he has to put in as a telegrapher, he will change his vocation to something which is better fitted to his finer nature. And it is not until the several railroads of the country come over with the inducement that these changes will stop, and further, as soon as they begin to get what is due them in the matter of compensation for the duties performed, there will not be the shortage of men which the General Managers’ Association is howling about at the present time on account of the passage of the Murphy bill, for the good men, like Bro. Mead, will come back into the service. We are pleased to say that we have added one more solid O. R. T. station to our list, “Mans- field,” Bro. Vaughn; which now closes the gap there. This don’t look like the old “Poor and Easy” was going to be sick very much longer, and now we think that the time has come that we may throw the bottles away and get to work; so let’s get 25, for all we need now is plenty of hot air and exercise. We think a good organizer, going over the west end of the P. & E., with a goodly supply of gro- ceries, could do some business; but again, we don’t “13” why it should be necessary for an organizer to go over the line when the nons are here with us every day and can see for themselves the good the Order is doing, and should be able to see the necessity of our being organized to a man. Now, fellows, what is the use hanging back; why not thaw out and get right? Bro. Hamilton is back at the key after being off on account of sickness. Bro. McBride, nights, is laying of for a few days on account of sickness in the family. Guy Alter, an extra man, relieving him, is reported to be the owner of an up-to-date card. Now, boys, if I have missed any of you, don’t feel sore about it, for we are doing the best we can and are working at a disadvantage for this reason, that the boys will not come over with the news. Now, the question of a good write-up de- pends largely on the support your correspondent gets from you who are out on the line. If you don’t give him the goods, he is unable to make good. Now, don’t be stingy with your news, but hop over with it and we will work it up into some kind of shape and make a showing. Here we are starting in on the last half of the year of 1907, and we are in hopes that the last Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1152 The Railroad Tei.egrapher. half' will be as prosperous as the first half was. There is no reason why we can not make it so, and to do this we would suggest that every man become active by paying up his dues and hike into the nons in a good old-time rail mauling style, and we will make the same if not better progress that was made in the last six months. While your correspondent was in Minneapolis, attending the convention, he got hold of a copy of the Iron Trail, a R. R. man's publication, and in reading it over we found an article on publicity which put us to thinking, which wc are rarely ever guilty of doing, and as these thoughts were good dope, in our estimation, we have come to the conclusion that we had better register them. Now, the ideas I drew were to this effect, that the speechmaker would have the cause and blame made public for all the railroad wrecks, ana was rather radical in his denouncement of the men in the train service and of the telegraphers for their carelessness in handling the lives in their charge, but thanks to ths editor for the additions which he made, which leads us through the skin, and aids us who haven't hardly time to even think about eating, to realize the real point and see where the blame should really be placed. He also shows the conditions existing where the agent telegraphers of today, which explanation certainly made a hit with me, for the reason that the ma- jority of the working telegraphers on the P. & E. are agents and would be interested in an article of this class. Our worthy champion takes the stand in this strain: That the money savers of the railroads are to be blamed for the majority of the wrecks of today, for the reason that in their efforts to uphold their reputations as general managers, they issue orders which, if lived up to by the different departments of railroad labor, they would be working from 16 to 24 hours per day, and this would be beyond human endurance. We will try to define the position of the agent telegrapher, which, in the estimation of the gen- eral manager, covers a multitude of duties, a few of which we will enumerate, as follows: First, the station agent, who is supposed to look after the interest ,of his employer, which duty would be all well and good if there was a defined limit, but as there is no limit, we will not hesitate here, but will drive on to the other various duties which are assigned to him, namely, that of ticket agent, freight agent, janitor, clerk, lamp tender, mail carrier, Western Union telegrapher, railroad teleg- rapher, and express agent. I would ask if the express companies are a part of and operated by the railroad. Your answer can only be no, and that the transporting of business handlled by the ex- press companies is done under contract. Now, we will try again and get down to the point and show you where we have been handed a great, big, juicy lemon; buncoed, yes, swindled. You will note that the schedule that was signed up last March, was based on the gross earnings of each agency for the year 1906, which earnings included the ex- press earnings as well as the commissions on ticket sales. Now, do you think this on the square? As the present system is worked, let us suppose that the express companies should fail and thus cut our express commissions off, as the traction lines have knocked out the ticket commissions, and take the positions which are now paying the princely salary of from $15 to $45 as a fixed salary, how many of you would stick unless your pay was increased? I venture to say there is not one who would stay with them. No, sir, you would go to the roads that would pay you for working and not ask you to use a half day of the time you are supposed to put in in working out on a farm in order to make money enough to keep a clean shirt on your back and a small piece of Arkansas turkey to grease your ribs with, which is something similar to our present con- dition. Now% let me tell you that there is but one remedy left for us to apply to our shortcom- ings, and that, to organize to a man, make one grand parade in battle array, then demand our rights. Then, and not till then, will we be able to use the words of one of our great warriors, in a message to our President, “We have met the enemy and they are ours." Cert. 349. St. Louis Division — The meeting of St. Louis Division members was held at Paris May 28th, and although not very largely attended, there was enough of a crowd to have a very pleasant time. The schedule was gone over thoroughly, and every point that there was any doubt about whatever was dis- cussed by those present. The St. Louis Division east was divided into about six sections, and two good men put on each section, for the purpose of better organizing the division, and as a result of this, several nons have been gathered into the fold, and several more will be gathered in this coming pay day. The men that .have been put on the different sections are hustlers from the word go, and if there are any nons on this end of the pike two months from now, it will not be their fault. The real reason will be that the nons are a set of dead-heads that will never be able to see the light, or if they do, they are to grouchy to help bear the expenses. How any one can sit back and see us members pay the expenses, while they send the overtime in, have their salary raised, and get other minor helps, and never pay one cent, is beyond my comprehension. We have a good deal of this work on the St. Louis Division, but let us work on them and keep working on them until we drag them in. There will be more meetings held in the future, and it is hoped that they will be more largely attended. It is an impossibility for everyone to get off, I know, but at the same time there are a number of fellows who will not inconvenience themselves in the least to attend a meeting. Let us all get together the next time and have a large crowd. General Chairman Yeazell announces a meeting for all members of System Division 138 at English Hotel, Indianapolis, Ind., July 26th. The meet- ing will be callled to order at two o'clock p. m. I would like to see a large crowd from this Divis- Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1153 inn attend, so write for your passes in plenty of time and hop on No. 2 and get in the crowd. Local Chairman. St. Louis Division , East — No card, no favors. Bro. C. C. Brown, of Sunnyside, is on the sick list, and at this writing he is reported in a very serious condition. He has our sympathy. He was relieved by Bro. Adams, the night office being closed on account of no telegrapher. I “13” Bro. C. W. Fondray has resigned and left the service. New brothers: Bro. Amos, Mt. Jackson, nights; Bro. A. O. Hurin, Danville, days. These are part of the results of the two hustlers put on that district at the meeting. Bro. C. S. Byrd transferred from Hadley nights to M. C. days, Bro. Setty going back to Danville nights. Mr. R. N. May relieved Bro. Byrd at Hadley. He will be a brother before this goes to press. Bro. P. \V. Carpenter, at Delmar, is laying off, relieved by Bro. C. C. Inman. Bro. Collins at Green Castle nights. Agent W J. Noe, at Perth, is on the sick list, Bro. Withers filling his place. Mr. L. W. Calle- cod is working as day telegrapher. Bros. O. E. Roach, of Markles, and R. D. Elliott, of Paris, have left the service. Mr. Smith, of Duane, is now a brother. He is laying off, sick; relieved by Bro. O’Connor. Bro. M. R. Brewster, of Fontanet, has resigned. Did not learn where he went. Mr. Lucas, of C. B., promises to send in his ap- plication pay day. Mr. C. Crowley, of Burnett, has left the service. “J” office, at end of double track, is being held by Mr. O. B. Sawyer days, and Mr. R. M. Hall nights. M. U. days and Lena nights closed. Bro. C. C. Kelso, of VV R., resigned and went to C. & E. I., relieved by Bro. Wright. Two new men at Burnett, Bro. C. B. Hammer days, and Bro. J. W. Ball nights. O. W. Tomlinson, at J. R., days, is a hopeless case. Don’t seem to want to have anything to do with the Order. Oh, well, I guess we can get along without him. However, I hear he never fails to send in his meal hour; looks like lots of gall. There is a good story going the rounds on “Old Tom,” as follows: It seems that “Old Tom” was the first telegrapher on this division to send in his meal hour; sent it in some time in March, before there was anything signed up. Suppose he was afraid he was going to lose a as cent piece. He asked one of the officials when the meal hour was going to start, and the said official told him he would not get it when it did start, as he did not belong to the Order anyway. Bet Tom looked kind of startled when he heard that. Wonder why Trilby won’t get a card? Div. Cor. Cincinnati Division — One more month nearer the nine-hour goal, which we will have to approach with our fighting clothes on if we expect to obtain our rights. No fight was, or ever will be, won unless each indi- vidual member puts forth his utmost effort toward its success, and in our coming struggle this is what we will have to do to gain the day. Perhaps the railroad companies will think thfy are granting us a great concession when we arc put on virtually an eight-hour working basis, with their well-known reduction in wages combined. Take any person with a profession, and on an average, they work from 54 to 60 hours a week, making $70 and $75 per month, and in many eases, more, with Sundays off, and in some cases. Saturday afternoon, and if it is really necessary for a telegrapher to work Sundays, would we be getting overpaid if we received $70 or $75 per month working on an eight-hour basis? The items from the Big Four Ry. in last month’s journal were very encouraging, but it was quite noticeable that most of the divisions failed to record meetings. In fact, only one meeting was reported. These meetings should be instituted and be kept up consecutively. This is one thing the Cincinnati and Sandusky Divisions are proud of, and the worthy brothers deserve credit for their regular attendance. The day meetings are not as well attended as they should be, which can be accounted for by the fact that most of the night men arc either new men on the road and are not acquainted, or they are new men at the business and just recently having an opportunity to fall in line. They are slow to accept the new condition of affairs. The idea has been suggested by several of the veteran brothers, that we create a necessary fund, either by assessment, or a raise in the dues, to put a capable brother or two on the road for a month or two, to organize and get the membership up to 90 or 95 per cent. This question has been thoroughly discussed, and without a doubt it would be to our own advantage to do so. A meeting will be held in the Hollencamp Build- ing, Dayton, Ohio, June 16th, at 2 p. m. But this will be too late to serve as a notice. G. R. Office, at Middletown, has been closed for the present, on account of the gravel service being temporarily suspended. The new double track recently put into oper- ation between M. & C. junction and B. M., has been a great relief in the handling of trains, and promises to be as fine as any in the State when completed. The new tower at the M. & C. junc- tion, just recently completed, with 26 levers, is a beauty, and you find it occupied by Bros. Stabler days, and Keever nights. “13” Bro. D. E. Harmon is preparing for a trip to the Jamestown Exposition. We are sorry to learn that Bro. Beatel, days, is off on account of sickness, but understand he is improving and will be back in harness in a few days. While having an occasion recently to drop in on one of our brothers, whose duties compel him to put in from one to two hours overtime a day, found that he was sending in his overtime at the old rate of 15 cents an hour, saying that he thought the company would more readily allow him his overtime at 15 cents an hour than what Digitized by t^ooole

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1154 Tiie Railroad Telegrapher, the schedule calls for. I called his attention to Article I. in our schedule, taking effect March i, 1907, and told him that he was doing himself an injustice by not taking advantage of what our com- mittee had secured for him, and to whom he had given his support. Bro. Shugert, formerly of G. R., worked a few days for Bro. Rogers at C. & C. K. Tower, Spring field, Ohio, while R. O. went home on a visit. Ivorydale nights opened May 30th. Understand Cold Springs was closed June 3d. Bro. Justice has returned from the convention, and has resumed work. Bro. Slagle, of Brooks, and Mr. Brown, of Plattsburg, have changed positions. Mr. Brown promises to fall in line pay day. Mr. Ferguson, of Myers, has been suspended from the service, and Mr. Harrison, of Platts- burg, now has charge of Myers nights. Div. Cor. Sandusky Division — Well, as another month has passed by and it is time to look for that dear old journal once more, believe it my duty to try and contribute a few notes, which I hope may be of interest to some of the boys, if nothing more. They will help to fill up the book and thereby keep the editor from losing any sleep by worrying over what he is going to print for the next edition. Mr. Kearns is holding down Urbana nights now as regular night telegrapher. Bro. Audritch is back to his happy home at Grants. The gravel trains are out again after a winter’s rest, and keep the boys moving some between G. M. and Carey to get them by in good shape. The Sunday excursion season is on, which keeps us close on Sundays. Bros. Rench and Shoemaker, Silver Creek days and nights, traded off for a week to see who had the best end of the deal, but concluded they were about equal. Train Master Heffernan was out on a testing trip a few nights ago and kept company with Bro. Stokes at Huntsville, testing the train crews on block lights being out, etc. But the writer is in- formed that he failed to land a man, which speaks well for the crews as a careful set of men. Correspondent. Canadian Pacific Ry. Thompson and Cascade Sections — During the past few months I have seen very little from this quarter of British Columbia in our journal, and being asked by quite a number of the “boys” to give a few words of good advice to the “sloths,” I shall note a few of the many changes that have taken place lately. To the few who have left the road, I would say: Keep your dues paid up, although we do not hear you on the wire, we will think of you as brothers just the same, and entitled to all the privileges of the Order, and shall be glad to do all we can for you which in our power lies. Kamloops mourns the loss of Bro. Brewster, who relieves our Chairman, Bro. Goulet. Bro. Goulet is in Winnipeg doing business for us all, and hope we will soon hear the glad tidings. A Mr. Collins (do not know whether he is one of us) relieving Bro. Brewster. Savonas now boasts of a night telegrapher by the name of MacMichael, from an Eastern road. Not sure that he is on our list. If not, he should be. Bro. Robinson relieves Bro. Ogle here, who takes Bro. Oliver’s place at Port Hammond, he having left us for good. Do not know which way he is headed for as yet. Bro. Harvey, at Ashcroft, having resigned and left the road, Bro. “Billy” Maxwell takes hi> place for the time being. No. “23” out as yet. Bro. Presley taking the owl trick vacated by Bro. Robinson, now at Savonas. Spencer Bridge Junction, in the land of to- matoes and apples, is held by Bro. Freer, who has his hands well filled up with work trains and the new branch line to the Nicola. The owl trick is performed by a Mr. Puffer, from the Northern Pacific, I believe. Lytton, B. C., commonly known as Grapetown, ably held by Bro. Thomas Clarke, J. P., assisted by a Mr. Donaghy, who works by the light of a lamp. Bro. Geo. Thorn holding North Bend down till Bro. Brewster is relieved by Bro. Goulet. Bro. “Jack” Goodfellow, day telegrapher, fills the bill. Bro. Mann, from Seattle, working nights. Be- lieve this man was “23d” but not sure. Bro. Wellington has Supzzum since Bro. Potter resigned, to take charge of Nicola on the “Cactus Pike.” Bro. MacPhee, at Hope, faithfully doing the night business. I believe his son has been very sick. Hope he will be all right soon. Bro. Hunt is in his new home at Agassiz. Bro. Geo. did not care for North Bend, besides Agassiz is better situated as regards climate, and more like home. Bro. Denechaud, at Mission, day telegrapher (a cipher). Bro. Frank Shook working nights. This is one of the busiest stations on the pike; lots of lumber from United States points for the Canadian Northwest Pass through here. Bro Denechaud is just back from a long and well- earned vacation. Hope he enjoyed himself. Port Hammond is now in charge of Bro. Ogle, late of Savonas. Quite a change from sage brush and rocks to the “City of Rhubarb.” Bro. Young holding down the “Combination,” part C. P. R. and part McLaren Bros, saw mill. Was in quarantine some weeks ago on account of small-pox. He escaped and is evidently all right. In conclusion, I may say Bros. Armstrong and Shaw are doing their best at the extreme west en<£ viz., Vancouver (I think I may cut out the other fellow), but Bro. Clark, as relieving dis- patcher, holding down the copyist business till his turn comes, when George will do the right thing when he grasps the key. Mind your half yearly dues and probable assess- ment. “33 7.” District No. 4 — My last notes missed the April journal, so to get these off sooner, will attempt nothing beyond the Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1155 mention of a few recent changes among the boys on District No. 4. Bro. Clements has been on the relief staff of late, and as a result, Bro. Mason, at Rigaud, has to break his peaceful slumbers to attend the night passenger trains. Vankleek Hill has been asigned to a new man, by the name of Smith, brother of our “Bro.” Harry C. We expect to see a button on the newcomer before long. Bro. Larocque is actually on leave of absence for his honeymoon; relieved by Bro. Revill. . Bro. McFarlane, Plantaganet, absent for a spell lately, on account of sickness. Navan is still minus its beloved agent, but the relief has changed. Bro. W. J. Kearns is now doing the trick. Bro. W. J. Boyce has returned to his old love, N. Y. & O. tower nights. Bro. Ellis, from “CD” office, Ottawa, dis- appeared lately for a couple of weeks. Sorry to hear it was rather serious illness. Our genial big brother, Swan, from the same office, was fortunate enough to attend the Min- neapolis convention. Relieved by Bro. J. R. Revill. Bro. McKay soon yearned for something less strenuous than Hull days, and bid in Prescott days, vice Bro. Leary, transferred to agency N. Y. & O. Junction. Bro. McPhail replaces him as day man at Hull, Bro. Bartlett taking the night hours there. Further changes at the same point include the arrival of Bro. H. C. Smith to replace temporarily Bro. Butler, who is still suf- fering from a painful malady. New man at Stittville, named Crawford, work- ing nights. Same at Cobden nights. This gentleman is a Mr. Henderson. All of these will be brothers soon, we expect. They can not possibly resist the good influences around them. An office has been opened for the summer months at Petawawa Military Camp, and Bro. Dunn, from Pembroke is in charge, Bro. Mayhew, in the meantime going from night to day work at the latter station, and Bro. Smith taking Pembroke nights. Gracefield, on the Gatineau, is being handled by a new agent, Mr. Workman, formerly assistant at Campbell’s Bay, as Bro. Mitchell is taking a few months' rest. Bro. Metcalfe is leaving Burbidge to take Shaw- ville, vice Bro. Robertson, appointed auditor. Our congratulations to Bro. Robertson. At last report, Waltham was in charge of Bro. T. J. Kearns. “Whkg.” C., M. & St. P. Ry. The Meeting at Prairie du Chien — A joint meeting of the members of the Prairie du Chien, Mineral Point and Iowa and Dakota Divisions was called by Local Chairman Thomas L. Pagel, and convened at Prairie du Chien Sat- urday, June ard. There were present six mem- bers from the I. & D., two from the M. P. and about twenty from the P. D. C. Division. Gen- eral Chairman Renshaw presided, and we were also favored by the presence of our Division Sec- retary and Treasurer, G. E. Soyster, and Local Chairman Shelby. The meeting was called to order at 9:15 p. m. by Bro. Renshaw, who called on Local Chair- man Pagel for an address. Bro. Pagel read the copy of a letter that he had written to our Chief Train Dispatcher of the P. D. C. and M. P. Divisions, advising him of the meeting to be held and asking him to excuse as many men as pos- sible so that they might attend. He also read a very kindly letter which he received in reply in which, after stating that as many men would be excused as could be spared consistent with safety, he offered some suggestions regarding matters that might be profitably brought before the meeting in order to generally improve the service, thus showing his confidence in the usefulness of our organization. He spoke especially of the great aid that telegraphers could render in the prompt move- ment of trains in notifying dispatchers promptly of any delays to trains at their stations. This matter was then discussed and it is earnestly hoped that all members will do their best to assist train dispatchers in the movement of trains. Any- thing that we can do in the way of co-operation to improve the service will strengthen us in the effort to improve our general condition. Bros. Pagel and Shelby were appointed a com- mittee to take up password or see that each at- tendant had an up-to-date card. Bro. J. Connell moved that at future meetings the password should be required from each mem- ber. This elicited some discussion, but having received a second, was carried in the affirmative. Then followed a discussion regarding W. U. work and the rule that all telegraphers should report to their relay office between the hours of 9 and 10 a. m. and 5 and 6 p. m. on Sundays. Bro. Soyster thought that all should do this, but in case there was not enough business to warrant it, it should be taken up as a grievance. Bro. Renshaw gave some good counsel regarding the relation of railroad telegraphers to their superintendent of telegraph. The gist of it was that his department should receive the same con- sideration from us as from any of the others, as it is a part of the duties for which we are em- ployed. We are to keep into clear regarding all business that is entrusted to us which comes in the line of our duty as per agreement with the company. Bro. Soyster made an address in which among other things he urged that members assist their Local Chairman by keeping him posted regarding matters of interest at their various stations. (Ap- plauded.) Bro. Shelby said he would like to hear from Wisconsin regarding the hours of service bill This was responded to by Bro. Connell, who gave a clear recital of the various effects that had been put forth to secure such legislation, but up to the present time no bill has been enacted into law. One thing stands out clearly, the Social Demo- crat members of our legislature, and particularly Mr. Carl D. Thompson, of Milwaukee, have worked hard to secure a law which they think would safe- Digitized by c,ooQle

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1156 The Railroad Telegrapher. guard the rights of the public and better the con- dition of the employes. The men who work at one-man stations do not clearly understand their position regarding the various State and National laws limiting the hours of service. It seems that in some States no limit has been placed on the number of hours that a telegrapher may be kept on duty at a one-man station. Men occupying such positions can hardly see why there should be a very great difference, as human endurance is about the same in one job as another. Then followed a discussion of the student ques- tion. Members were urged to strictly observe the laws of our Order regarding this. There are plenty of telegraphers in the country whose ser- vices can be secured by the companies when wages and conditions are made an object. We were advised that a telegrapher has a right to teach the art to his own son or daughter, after having first secured a permit from the President. The meeting was a jolly one. Good fellowship and good feeling exist between the members to a marked degree. Such meetings would be of great service if held oftener. There was just one cir- cumstance that threw a cloud over our spirits and brought sadness to our hearts. We were advised that several men who were esteemed brothers a few years ago have allowed their membership to lapse. Not able to pay dues after all the benefits received, and in one case the lapsed member, so it is reported, has started a “ham factory.” Your correspondent feels like requesting the members of this division to wear mourning for a while. But we have few nons, and our live men are very much alive. God bless them! Now, fearing that I have already exceeded my privilege and taken too much space, will cut out, after saying that our meeting was only adjourned in time to allow the men to make the east-bound thain at 12:20 a. m. Div. Cor. Well, what is the matter with old “Jim," arc you busy these days? Have you put in your application for one of those numerous vacancies? Bro. Daniels, from Fargo, secured Evarts and is going out to wrestle with the stock business. Bro. Geo. Bulmcr resigned as agent at Edgeley and accepted a position as cashier in a bank at that place. Sorry to loose him, but here is our best wishes for his future prosperity. Bro. Fite appointed agent at Edgeley on bull- etin. We are glad to note Bro. llulbcrt, of Wolsey, who has been on the sick list, is able to be back at the old stand. Bro. Cobb, formerly of the N. P. relieved Bro. Hulbert. Bro. Pafford received the appointment as agent at Ellendale on bulletin. This is one of the best jobs on the “Jim.” Bro. Marlctt, of Tulare, received Bowdle Sta- tion on bulletin. Glad to see promotion, but sorry to lose him off the main line. Vacancy at Tulare not yet filled, Mrs. Marlett holding down station during the transfer. We are pleased to note the promotion of Bro. Jacobs to second trick in dispatcher's office. How about your next door neighbor? Is he a member of our Order? If not, please get busy. Your Local Chairman needs the assistance of every member in this work and has received a new supply of application blanks, which he will be glad to send, if you will notify him. Brothers, arc your dues and assessments paid up to January, 1908. If not, please look after this at once, as this is the only way you can show an up-to-date card. IMeasc send Local Chairman Ayars, Red field, all items of news, who will make arrangements for write-up. Cert. 738. /o:(*a and Dakota Division Everything on the Iowa & Dakota looking good; . nearly one hundred per cent strong now. Bro. A. T. Fliklce has been appointed as agent at Mason City, Bro. J. J. Corbett relieving him at Rudd as agent. Bro. Shelby has been attending the convention at Minneapolis, Bro. Kreicha relieving at Charles City. Bro. F. M. Higgins is working side table at Mitchell and doing good work, relieved at San- born by Bro. Bert Higgins. Bro. F. H. Hinton, of Spencer, was away foi a week on account of sickness of his daughter. Bro. Keen is again back at Mason City side table after several weeks of sickness. There are several new men coming on the divis- ion and we should keep close watch and sec that all are in line. Do not wait for the Chairman to attend lo this, as it is more to our own interest than his. Bro. Worley has been absent on account of sick- ness, Bro. Kelly doing the heavy act at Hartley. Bro. Dwark, of Algona, is taking a rest. Bro. Paine, the night telegrapher, on days. Our train master, R. P. Edson, has gone to the W. R. V. Division as superintendent. He’s an all around good man and will make good any- where. A. C. Peterson will have charge from Chamber- lain to North McGregor now, which makes a long division for him. Train dispatchers arc taking their yearly vaca- tion. Bro. Hopkins, at Wesley, was absent for a few days, relieved by Mr. Dooley, but has resumed work. Cert. 181. P. D. C. Division — Having but recently been appointed corre- spondent, and it being so near the end of the month, I can only get in a few items that have been sent me by one or two of the brothers. Bro. M. P. Valentine, agent at Genesee, was painfully injured by a wagon gear falling on his right foot. Mr. Frank O’Leary, extra, is relieving Bro. E. C. Frazer, at Madison nights, who is taking a lay-off. Mr. Frank O’Leary has promised to become a brother immediately after the June pay day. Digitized by Cjooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1157 The fine new station building at Edgerton was put into service June 2 4. Bros. Lampman and Symons says there’s nothing like it. Bro. T. L. Pagel* our Local Chairman, made a trip over the P. D. C. on No. 92 the first part of the month. Tom knows just how to handle the boys and certainly deserves credit. Mineral Point and P. D. C. DixHsions — The nons on the Mineral Point Division have been reduced to two. For what reason do you suppose they are hanging out in the cold? I think they will come in before the snow flies. Henry Brockway, of Albany, has now joined our forces and may now be called brother. Wc arc always glad to get in members such as Bro. Brock- way, as it lends a dignity to the Order, and wc should always extend a helping and friendly hand to our new brothers. Bro. B. A. Allen relieved by Bro. Pagel at Mineral Point while attending the convention and on his visit East. Bro. J. H. Valentine, night telegrapher at Janes- ville, is taking an extended leave of absence on account of ill health. Night work does not agree with Jack. Bro. Burleigh Allen, the “high wire walker,” is relieving him. Bros. Pagel and Voss were the only two mem- bers from Mineral Point Division who could stand the all-night trip to Prairie du Chien to attend the meeting. Bro. A. J. McCloskey has departed for the West. Understand he is working for the Union Pacific at Elm Grove, California. Brd. Jas. Broderick resumed work the 23d. Here is an extract from the Milwaukee Free Press of June 26th: “Railroad employes and rail- road telegraphers and train dispatchers will here- after be prohibited from working more than eight hours a day in Wisconsin. Two Assembly bills to that effect were concurred in by the Senate after a long discussion.” How about going fishing some afternoon at the close of our eight-hour trick? But I believe most of the old-timers would be like the prisoner discharged but refusing to leave the cell because he could not believe the news. Cert. 726. Northern Division — The 30th of June is here again. Have you all paid up and received your new card? If not, get busy after this pay day and don’t make our Local Chairman worry the price out of you. Understand Mr. Meyer, at Germantown, has his resignation in. Can not say as to the truth of this. Bro. Holt, agent at Waupun, is on the sick list, relieved by Mr. Sellen. Mr. Sellen was relieved at Rolling Prairie by Bro. Gensmer. Bro. Hoyt, at Iron Ridge Junction, has adopted the base ball sport to pass away the weary Sun- days and surplus cash. Bro. Porter landed the Randolph agency, by bulletin, vice Bro. Lentz. Bro. Dunlap is on the tick list, relieved by Bro. Lentz, at Beaver Dam. Our hustling Local Chairman, T. D. Hoyt, got the Horicon agency, Bro. Lentz obtaining the Minnesota Junction agency vacated by Bro. Hoyt. Mr. Buchholtz is relieving at Horicon until the transfer is made. It is very hard for a night man to pick up the news, as none of the boys seem to take enough interest in this matter to help the correspondent out a little. Mr. Nichols filled the vacancy at Waupun. Will cut out for this time. Div. Cor. Third District — If some one would give me the choice of doing this write-up or something else, I would try and do the something else, as I am up against it for news. Was in hopes there would be a meeting on the return of the delegates from the convention at Minneapolis, as all the members would be glad to hear by word of mouth the things that were done there, and think the returned delegate should be willing to give this information. No doubt they are entirely willing, and when a meeting is held, it should be well attended. Several things have happened on the division in the last few months that should be discussed that we may properly protect ourselves. Bro. Murback was relieved while gone to the convention by R. S. Merrill. Have not learned who Bro. Livezey’s relief was. They report a great time at the “Twin Cities.” Wc are sorry to learn of the resignation of Bro. Livezey as Local Chairman on the C. & M. and C. & E. Divisions. It would be hard to pick out a more earnest O. R. T. man on any road than he. In fact he was one of the first to aid in the work in this section, when merely thinking of joining the O. R. T. was sufficient cause for dismissal from the service by some officials, and he can be proud of the fact that he helped when help was really needed. Bro. F. J. AUeman, of Libertyville, was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy. He has long been Assistant Local Chairman, and is no doubt the best man that could have been selected. Bro. Alleman is a very busy man, and all the boys must bear in mind that they will be making the burden less by answering any questions promptly, or helping cheerfully in any way that he may ask. Cheerful and prompt assistance is one of the things that should be rendered all Local Chairmen, as their job is almost a thankless one. This is not what it should be, but nevertheless it is a fact Another thing that should be handled more promptly by all concerned is when a paper is being passed over the road for help of any of our members during sickness or death, for the purchase of floral offerings or any expense that it is our duty to help meet, the paper should be handled with dispatch, and under no circumstances should the paper be “pigeon-holed” and in all probability forgotten. If you do not wish to contribute, that is your business, but you should not stand in the way of others, and cause the ones starting the paper an extra and unnecessary amount of trouble, and in many cases, the loss of time to get things straight. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1158 The Railroad Telegrapher. The death of several people in the families of our members in the past few weeks plainly shows that we need a fund in our local treasury to pur- chase floral offerings and for cab hire, if it is needed, on short notice. The way it is now, part of them are missed because it is volunteer work to start a paper, and in all probability the cash outlay of the one starting it, be trusting to the help of the members later, and as in the case of the “pigeon-holed’* or lost paper, it is months before he is reimbursed. The ones missed no doubt feel slighted, as they have no doubt helped in cases of others, and it would only be natural for them to wish to be remembered in their affliction. The semi-annual dues of $1.00, which was voted to be assessed each member on the Third District should be collected and the pur- chase of floral offerings authorized as well as the expense of hall rent. We seem to want to be too cheap, but in the end we suffer by our folly. Understand the Terminal boys kicked very hard against this assessment, but when it is viewed in the light of the foregoing, it would be willingly met by all. Bro. Perry, of Pacific Junction, has the heart- felt sympathy of all. A small son of his died the other day and a daughter is near death, and the wife is very sick also at the present writing. Bro. T. F. Bates is relieving on the second trick at Pacific Junction. Mr. Curley has been checked in as agent at Hermosa, vice Mr. Meighen. Do not know where Mr. Meighen is going at present. Mr. R. S. Merrill is working at Glenview nights. Forest Glen nights having been closed on account of automatic signals working between Pacific Junc- tion and Glenview. Bro. Moore, of Warrenton nights, is home on a visit. Understand his home is in Missouri. He is being relieved by Mr. McEntyre. Can not say if this man is a brother or not. If not, he had better be. Just learned that Mr. Miller, of Lake nights, has dropped out of the Order. Am surprised at this as he used to be one of the first ones, and can think of no reason that justifies such an act. Surely he is not sore because of $15 to $20 in- crease in pay per month in the last four years? Think Mr. Miller will be doing himself no more than justice to get back in line at once. Am sure it will be more like justice to the rest of us. Bro. J. L. Bloss is working at Galewood days. He holds membership in Division No. 8. Mr. M. S. Carr, who was at Galewood days for a while, secured “CG” nights on bulletin. Bro. J. N. Juleson, who has been there nights for quite a while, secured the day vacancy, and Bro. Peter- son secured the job as extra telegrapher. This is also a day job. Dispatcher Thos. Cox has moved from Zeuda to the city. He is located on the south side. Bros. R. J. Simen and G. T. Carroll took a flying trip to Milwaukee the other day. Cert. 1,129. Southern Minnesota Division — Having been handed the lemon by our worthy Local Chairman and told to squeeze it to the best of my ability each and every month and send the product to The Telegrapher, here goes. To tell the truth, the changes on this division of the Milwaukee System have been so swift that one can hardly keep them all on the tab. My time is very limited, or I might get a few items of interest from the Far West, but as it is, you will have to be contented with what I can dish up for the time being, and in the future any items will be gladly accepted. On the first division, between Ramsey and La Crosse, the same old-timers have been sticking to their posts as faithfully as ever. We regret to say that Bro. Olson, at Whalan, is again having trouble with his afflicted leg and has been compelled to lay off twice quite recently. The first time he was relieved by Bro. E. H. Laugen, from Rushford, orginally but more re- cently relief man for S. M., east end. Bro. Eggen, at Isinours, is now out of service, being relieved by H. M. Berg, from Albert Lea, who at one time was a brother, but at present time am unable to learn whether he carries a card or not. Local Chairman J. W. Barber attended the con- vention at Minneapolis and reports a very fine time. During his absence he was relieved by Bro. J. M. Olson, from Grand Meadow, whose place was filled by Relief Agent, Bro. E. H. Laugen. The rest of the boys on the east end seem to be going along in the same old rut, but no doubt later on they will get their vacations if they can get any men to relieve them. At Ramsey, your humble servant and his night owl are kept busy chasing up the staff and keeping a watchful eye on it in order that some conductor don’t take it home with him and complicate the workings. The rest of our spare time is spent in delivering lectures to the inquisitive traveling public upon the mysteries and mechanism of the staff system. We are seriously considering the matter of asking the company to get up a neat circular or card that will explain all the intricacies and thus save us much valuable time. At Alden, Bro. H. R. Laugen is off on a three months’ vacation, being relieved by Walter E. Campbell, former clerk and cashier at Wells. I have heard it rumored that Mr. Campbell quite recently came over and joined the rest of us fellows in the matrimonial game, but would not vouch for the absolute truth of this statement. Am also unable to learn whether he is a member or not. Peter Berg, nights at Wells, has been laying off for about a week. His place was filled by a teleg- rapher named Stanley, from the Iowa Central, I understand. Bro. Flindt from Fairmont days to Vienna, S. D. station. John could not stay away from “VA“ long, as there are too many attractions out in that wild and woolly town. Fairmont days assigned to Bro. Samuel Cummings, from Jackson. It’s quite a large-sized lemon, and no one will get into mis- chief there for lack of something to do. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1159 Bro. J. C. Creedon, who held down Welcome for many years, is off on six months' vacation. Bro. Jas. Sheehy was assigned the station for that length of time, on bulletin, and Easton station assigned to Ed Malone for same period Now, brothers, I have about reached the end of my rope, as the saying goes, for there have been so many changes on the west end, and the boys are so far away that it will be impossible for me to give any account of affairs out there. Bro. E. H. Laugen assigned to day position in dispatcher’s office at Madison. Don’t know where Van Wie went. Understand there are several new comers out there on the M. & B. line. Some from other divisions, but have no definite information in re- gard to them. You, brothers, all like to see something in the journal every month from the division, but you must remember that the division correspondent is situated quite a distance from the extremes of the west end, and if you know of anything that will be of benefit to other members, any nons out your way who have been promising to come in for several years and still go on taking all the over- time and raise of pay, let us know so we can give them a write-up, for I believe a few on this division should be shown up in their true colors. Another thing upon which I want to compliment the members of the S. M. division is their prompt- ness in paying their dues. In the last two lists of members of Division 23 who are behind in their dues, there is only one man on the S. M., and his name appeared on both lists. Am sorry any member receiving the increase in pay and the other benefits should see fit to drop out, and as I said before, I wish to congratulate the S. M. boys on their promptness. You, brothers, all like to see something in the destination without being laid up for repairs, I will later on try to give the S. M. another jolt. Some of the members of other divisions of this system have been geting sarcastic about the old S. M., and how dead we were, but hurry in your news early and we may yet be able to show them that we have only been sleeping. One last reminder before I take off the current for good. You all received the letter in regard to students, and I hope you will all remember your pledge and not teach any one, for there are any amount of good, first-class men in other branches of business who only forsook railroad work be- cause the hours were so long and the pay so small. Remember, the wages will rise in accordance with the supply. I think the man who is responsible for the protection and movement of all trains should have a salary somewhere proportionate with a conductor who runs only one train. There is no question but what it is unjust that these same men should get twice and sometimes three times as much as. we receive. Will now cut out. Div. Cor. C. & C. B ., Iowa Division — Bro. Fowler, regular nights at Templeton, has been doing the agency act at Dedham since Bro. Smith laid off and quit to accept a better job on some foreign road. Fowler relieved by Bro. Clanccy. Clancey quit after three weeks, relieved by Bro. Kiley, who is a new transfer to Division No. 23. Bro. Wright got Dedham agency, Bro. Fowler back to Templeton, Bro. Kiley went to Maxwell. Bro. Foster of Herndon days, moved to Dunbar agency, relieved by Bro. Wood, of Haverhill. Bro. House, nights at Aspinwall, got Capron on bulletin, but worked extra at Coon Rapids and Louisa for a few nights. Did not like Capron, so bid for Maxwell. Relieved at Aspinwall by C. Rose, who promises to get up to date as soon as he gets the price. Bro. McDowell, nights at Coon Rapids, was called home to Rippey suddenly on account of his father being ill. Relieved at Coon Rapids by Bro. A. L. Clancey. Bro. A. L. Clancey, extra at Coon Rapids, to Gladstone. Don’t know who is at Coon Rapids now. Bro. Brown, days at Manilla, to Panama or Portsmouth, he don’t know which yet. Relieved by Hon Disburg, of Perry. He says he will have an up-to-date the first of July. P. J. Rogers, from Portsmouth agency to Earl- ing agency. Can’t some one line him up? Bro. Frundle has left Earling for something better; don’t know what. Bro. John Copeland is about to leave Panama for some foreign seaport. Bro. Frymoyer, the old stand-by of Weston nights, says he had a good time on his vacation in Eastern Iowa. Relieved by young Elder, of Perry yard. He went to Collins after Bro. Fry- moyer got back. A. H. Krasch landed Huxley nights; he will have “Bro.” tacked on as soon as he is old enough to join. Bro. E. F. Cashman, of St. Louis Division, is again with us. We are pleased to note Bro. Cash- man worked on this division ten years ago and is one of the old guards. Only a few nons left, and the majority is sure to be with us in the near future. The minority are without a doubt condemned to a life mem- bership in the “Grab Club.” A list of the club will be mailed soon. Our General Secretary and Treasurer is not receiving the support that he should in the matter of paying dues. It is noticed he has to punch up several members two and three times before they cough up their dues. Get busy, boys, and do your share. Our Secretary has enough to do without this extra work. All members are anxiously awaiting the receipt of the June Telegrapher with the report of the convention held at Minneapolis. Bro. C. E. Olson is doing the relief agency stunt at Madrid while Bro. Green is away on his vacation. Bro. Slife is holding down the elevator job at Dedham while his father is working nights in the bank. “Nick.” Digitized by CjOOQle

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1160 The Railroad Telegrapher. Kansas City Division — Everything quiet on this division; but few changes. Liberty agency, bulletined last month, has not been filled. Bro. Bristle is running the station as acting agent and Bro. W. D. Wright the same at Chulo. Mr. Thade, who has been away for some time, returned to work the first of the month. Bro. De Garina, agent at Lucerne, had to give up his position on account of his health and has gone to Colorado for the summer. Wc hope to hear of his recovery and return to work at an early date. Mr. Calvert, agent at Mystic, who has been out to Seattle, has returned and is at work again. Bro. Crabb, day telegrapher at Cedar Rapids, is off for thirty days on a wedding trip. “13” they have gone to the Pacific Coast. Bro. George Shaw, agent at Rutledge, surprised us all by announcing that Miss Bessie McClean, of Washington, Iowa, would be Mrs. Shaw aftei June 19. Here is best wishes and congratulations to Bros. Crabb and Shaw, and may they have a pleasant journey through life. Bro. Bell is relieving Bro. Crabb, who in turn was relieved by Bro. Riley. Sister Grossbeck is working nights at Williams burg at present. Bro. Geo. Reams is back at Amana. Glad to hear that George is able to work again. The agency at Fairfax, which was closed last month, was reopened and duly bulletined, Bro. Reams, the former agent, securing his old position. Telegrapher Akerman, at Sigourney, was quite seriously injured about two weeks ago by placing a truck load of baggage a trifle too close to the edge of the platform, which was struck by pas- senger train No. 9, causing the truck handle to strike him in the body, breaking two or more ribs and otherwise injuring him. He was taken to the hospital at Ottumwa, and at last report was doing well. Bro. Cole, of Ardon, is having his run of hard luck, Mrs. Cole having undergone the second operation within the past year. She is reported as doing nicely, however, and it is to be hoped she will regain her former health. Now, brothers, to all of you who have not re- ceived your card for the last half of 1907. let me urge upon you the necessity of being prompt in keeping up your dues, just as much so as any other business. If you are negligent in this mat- ter. it goes to show that it is your disposition to drag, and if you were not afraid the auditors would complain to the superintendent, you would allow your reports and station business to drag the same way. So let us all be up and doing and do it with a will. The scarcity of telegraphers is increasing all the time. I will leave it for you to answer why, and what our future prospects are if we continue loyal to our own welfare. Div. Cor. La Crosse Division — Business still continues good, and some of the old-time boys are asking questions in regard to the different matters, hours of work, pay, etc , and by- all appearances, many telegraphers who have retired will re-enter the ranks when fair treatment and better pay is accorded us. You will find thousands of competent teleg- raphers throughout the country who have left the service to follow other lines of business in order that they might live and support their families on a par with other classes of employes, to say nothing of Sunday rest. How many of us at present know much about a Sabbath day? Very few. We find a great number of these men would readily return to the telegraph service if the con- ditions were made ordinarily pleasant and profit- able. It stands to reason that a telegrapher ought to command better wages than ignorant immi- grants. The convention at Minneapolis May 13 proved to be one of the best and largest attended conven- tions in the history of the Order of Railway Teleg- raphers, and when President Perham called the convention to order that day, more representatives answered the roll call than ever answered a similar roll call in the history of the Order. We found at this convention brothers from all parts of the United States and Canada. Cert. 249. Williamsport Division, No. 24. The following resolutions were adopted at the last meeting of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers Div. No. 24, at Williamsport, Pa., June 6, 1907: Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty God in His infinite wisdom to remove from our midst an honored brother and member of our Division No. 24, by death; Resolved, That we bow in 'humble submission to the act of the Divine Ruler of the universe, but, while so doing, can not help expressing our sor- row over the death of our Bro. Lloyd Nicely; Resolved , That our sympathy be extended to the bereaved family of the deceased brother, and that our charter be draped for a period of thirty days; Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes, a copy handed to the bereaved family and a copy forwarded to The Railroad Telegrapher for publication. J. J. Klinegenberger, M. J. Shure, H. W. Johnson, Committee. Baltimore Division, No. 17. Mr. W. R. Robinson, firet trick man at Perry- man, has bid in day trick at north bound yard, Edgemoor. Mr. T. F. McClelland has been transferred from second to third trick at North Point. The second trick vacancy is advertised. On July 1st the P. B. & W. will begin the use of a series of caution cards, taking the place of the Form 19 proceed orders, which they claim will greatly facilitate the movement of trains and less work for the train dispatcher. On account of the continued cool weather the perishable run of freight from the South has been lighter this season than for many years. Cor. Digitized by C,ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1161 New Haven Division, No. 29. The June meeting of Div. No. 29 recorded a large attendance. All officers were present and a quantity of business was transacted. This meeting promised much in the way of local and general information. It should not be inferred, much less expressed, that the cause of the large attendance was the expectation to learn much that was in- dividually gratifying, for I believe that the habit of attending meetings is so strongly formed by our members and the desire so thoroughly natural that well attended meeting? would be the general rule, and not the exception, were the expectations less inducing. But seeing that the General Committee had a few days before meeting night concluded their negotiations and this fact had become widely circulated and that the representatives had re- turned from the Minneapolis convention; these two factors injected a little more than ordinary enthusiasm into the meeting-attending aggregation, which radiating from their joyous countenances illuminated the way to the division room so that the ones less frequent in attendance seeing the way and catching something of the diffused incen- tives, appeared to fill the chairs and participate in the wholesome and healthy good fellowship. This is the way to have it. Make the meetings all that the name implies. Have a meeting of minds as well as a meeting of persons and have the gathering so large that from the very size of the assemblage inspiration will come and cour- age and confidence will gain a firmer root as the acquaintances ripen and the understanding broad- ens through the very potent agency of association. The attendants were well paid for their visit, as they had the best evidence obtainable of their schedule’s existence, for they got it straight from their General Chairman, Bro. K. J. Manion, who in his own interesting way told of the fruits that had ripened to the harvesting point in the few months of the committee’s labors and when this w-as backed up by the physical proportions and vocal volume of Bro. O. S. Culver (“Stub”) (who while a “sub,” is no slob), none dared to doubt but that the successful termination was a cer- tainty and that the promised fruits would when plucked be as certain. To many, no doubt, the length of time expended in schedule negotiations by the General Committee seemed unnecessarily long and it has been inti- mated by some that it was drawn out purposely by the parties of the first part. Now looking at the situation from the standpoint of one on the outside, I do not concur in this intimation. The facts seem to bear out the assertion that it could no be so even if there had been a desire on the part of the opposition to delay the conclusion or to divorce themselves from the inevitable by pur- suing questionable or suspicion arousing tactics. The whole question in the concrete was and is one of gigantic proportions, inimical somewhat to the treaty making negotiations of friendly countries. Viewed in its less complex sense it resolves itself into one of innumerable significancies; computed in the simplier sense its compilation was as intri- cate and tedious as the positions and individuals are peculiar and numerous. It is as if a separate schedule had been compiled, drafted, presented, modified, remodeled, rejected and accepted for each position and individual with the attending allegations, evidence, arguments, propositions and counter-propositions from both parties in interest, and then the merging of all of these into one schedule, concise and cogent, guaranteeing indus- trial rights and protecting craft privileges. The many adjournments that seemed to us on the outside as indicative of a disposition to dis- courage and dishearten the negotiators were caused by the very exacting demands of up-to-date twentieth century railway management. The man- aging officials had to keep the wheels of com- merce turning; and just at this time with all of the changes in railway rates and rules, with the meet- ing of joint committees of all of the railroads in the East and West; the Car Efficiency Committee, which met at frequent periods; the Grievance and General Committee appointments with sister or- ganizations; all of these combined to try the pa- tience and generate adverse feelings and arouse anxiety in the minds and breasts of the rank and file who were waiting for the announcement of the terms of final settlement. So they turned out to the meeting which it was their duty to do and gather the information in store for them. The report of the returned representatives was received with visible and audible satisfaction. The ship of organized telegraph industry is manned and provisioned for a two years’ trip with all of her sails set and the colors of unionism flying at her peak, is a picture inspiring to the imagination and radiant to the vision. Now, bend to the oars, brothers, and Yale-like, the race is ours. Notes from the C. N. E. — M. J. Kane is the new man at Twin Lakes for the summer. Agent Martin was in Danbury Thursday for the day. Understand there are still a few who are not with us. Why don’t some brother look these few up and get solid? A number of the east end agents took in the circus at Hartford. New telegrapher at Lakeville days; don’t see any button. Bro. Small has resigned to go into business at Norfolk. The new man in his place does not wear an O. R. T. badge. We got one of the men at Millerton. Now go after the other and we will be solid. Shore Line, West-- Bro. T. W. Campbell landed his old job. second trick at Guilford. Tom worked this job for years until the tower was put back on a twelve-hour basis. We do not expect he will ever be obliged to leave it again for the same reason. Bro. J. Carmody, of Shannock nights, has bid in the west end relief. Everybody seems to be taking a crack at this job. Digitized by Cjooole

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1162 Tiie Railroad Telegrapher, The railroad telegraphers' eight-hour State bill is still pending. The bill has been recommitted oncef which was an unexpected boost. The teleg- raphers throughout the State are anxiously await- ing developments and will probably know the out- come ere this comes to your notice. Bros. Peck and Bump, of South Lyme, are spending the summer in Bro. Bump’s newly-erected cottage at Sound View. We are awaiting an in- vitation to a “shore dinner." Bro. Lyons, first trick at Fort Yard, New Lon- don, left June 18th for a week’s vacation. Bros. Waller and Bump doubled until his return. Bro. Fleming Wall, of Guilford, recently made a flying trip to North Adams, Mass. Bro. A. T. Stannard, of Leets Island, is again able to live at his home at Clinton for the summer, owing to the additional trains under the new time table. Telegrapher Burns, first trick at Saybrook Junc- tion, away on sick leave. Bros. Smith and White doubled. Bro. SmitI justly demanded a leverman and got one. Telegrapher Brown, at Lyme nights, secured his regular relief for June. Job covered by Bro. Cross. Bros. Stevens and McCoy, of East Lyme, are kept rather busy at present with Longrtgans work train around there. We hear Bro. Paul Hardaway, formerly of Guilford, has accepted a position with the B. & M. R. R. We are all very sorry to lose him, but wish him every success. Bro. E. S. Brimmer, owl at Leete’s Island, has resumed work after a short vacation spent at his old home in York State. The new bridge over the Connecticut River at Lyme is fast nearing completion. This will be a big relief to Bro. F. M. Wilcox, day man at that place, who has certainly been worked the limit during its construction. Bro. A. T. Stannard, days at Leete’s Island, who was indisposed for a week, has, we are pleased to say, again resumed work. Job covered by Mr. Hawley during his absence. The last meeting was a hummer, and those who failed to attend certainly missed a treat. Why can’t we have a better showing at meetings from the S. L.? Again the General Committee has very credit- ably completed negotiations for a revision of our schedule with the company. This time the teleg- raphers of the system will be benefited annually to the extent of 80,000 dollars. Pretty good, don’t you think? How much did you invest in the pro- ject? Take your pencil and figure the dividend on your investment. Do you know of any other source under the sun whereby you could have placed your money to better advantage? We are sorry to say the Shore Line still has a few nons. These men will, of course, be benefited to the same extent as we who have taken an interest and paid the coin to bring about these improved conditions. How long are these men going to accept this increase without offering a small por- tion of it for an up-to-date card that represents so much, and places them among men who have and are still advancing their personal interests? We trust none will stand back in the face of such proof of what is to be gained by giving the Gen- eral Committee a solid backing. You have read much about the $75 minimum and eight hours. Can’t you see how close we are com- ing to this? Then why not see to it that you personally are giving your aid to get it on the next revision? A solid membership with a little some- thing more than gristle in your back will do it. Div. Cor. Providence Division, No. 35. The June meeting of Providence Div. 35 will pass into history as one of the milestones in the heretofore thorny pathway of the O. R. T. on the New Haven road, and will be remembered by each and every member present as the most enthusiastic meeting ever held in the East. The return of the General Committee laden with the spoils of war after a prolonged session with the officials at New Haven, the return of the dele- gates from the Grand Division, and a general dosire to hear the good news, furnished the incen- tive for a large gathering, and to say that every- body left the hall satisfied with the results of the year’s work would be a mild statement indeed. The regular business of the meeting was dis- patched as quickly as possible and Bro. Manion, our General Chairman, given the floor. He told what had been accomplished by the committee, giving an outline of plans for the future, fol- lowed by a few words of advice to the members as to not only keeping intact a well-oiled and working organization, but how to perfect it and keep it in shape to continue the work. Bro. Manion was followed by Bro. Culver, the acting secretary and treasurer of the General Com- mittee, in the oratorical effort of the evening. Bro. Culver claims he was not aware of the fact that he was an orator before, but the conditions were so favorable and the circumstances under which he was called upon to speak had such a won- derful effect upon him that his address was one of the best ever given before Div. 35. Bro. Culver closed with a suggestion that every member take for his motto for the coming year, “Dig in," and subsided in a roar of applause. Bro. Lippincott, local chairman of the Shore Line Division, responded to a request for a few remarks in his characteristic manner, and Bro. Brady, local chairman of the Worcester Division, added to the general hilarity by a few well-chosen remarks. The greetings of the members to Bro. Joslin on his return to Providence and their congratulations on his unanimous election to the Board of Di- rectors, were both sincere and substantial, and that they were appreciated by the recipient the lovers of good union-made cigars can testify. The members of Div. 35 have reason to be proud, not only of their whole staff of officers, their local chairmen, but their representative on the Board of Directors. All who have met Bro. Digitized by LjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1163 Joslin at sessions of the Grand Division, or have been associated with him in the work here for the past ten or fifteen years are assured of his ability to fill any position with credit and to act with courtesy and fairness to all. The prospects for a complete organization of the Sew Haven road were never brighter than at the present time. Material evidence of this was fur- nished by he large batch of applications read at the meeting. Non-members are scarce, but sys- tematic effort will be made to round up the few desirable ones that remain outside the fold, and in a manner that will bring results. We have delivered the goods and the last argument of the poor old non has been swept away. Laying senti- ment aside, he is due to recognize the O. R. T. as a good business proposition. Div. Con. W ore ester Division Notes — Bros. Wood and Griffin, of “VY” tower, have returned from a fishing trip down in Maine. The present agitation regarding nature stories make it inadvisable to give details as to number and size of the catch. Bros. Haley and Rose did the honors at “VY” during their absence. Cor. A testimonial and banquet was tendered the local chairman of the Taunton Division of the New Haven road, Bro. L. J. Ross, at the Wilbur House in Fall River, Mass., on Wednesday even- ing. June 19th. The affair was planned and given under the direction of Bro. Fred I. Walker, of Fall River, representing a large delegation of prominent rail- road telegraphers from the Taunton Division. At the appointed time the boys marched into the din- ing room to the strains of “they may get over it, but they’ll never look the same” by the house orchestra, with gum shoe accompaniment. The chef at the Wilbur was onto his job and knew what he would be up against with a crowd of hungry telegraphers to feed and it goes without saying that he delivered the goods. The tables were bountifully piled with good things in the culinary line, and after the boys had squared away for action it looked as if a cyclone had swept through the place. Everything on the bill of fare bore the union label, with the excep- tion of the hen’s eggs, which were hand-made and later stamped solid O. R. T. by that bulwark of unionism, Bro. John Trainor, one of the early members of Providence Div. 35. Bro. Trainor acted as toastmaster and filled this trying role to the entire satisfaction of all. His toast, although given without preparation, dwelt upon the success and the healthy condition of the Order in general, and to the noble efforts of the General Committee workers, especially compliment- ing Bro. Ross for his efforts in behalf of the Taunton Division telegraphers while in the trenches at New Haven. Bro. Ross responded in his usual entertaining manner with the thanks of the General Committee and the local board. The following was the bill of fare: Soup Le Buillion (a la Railroada). Fried Scup, 10 per cent sauce. Sirloin Steak, O. R. T. trimmings. Irish Cherries. Lettuce. Green Pickles. French Fried Irish Potatoes. Friscasseed Non. Cucumbers. Tomatoes. Strawberry Shortcake. Ice Cream. Mellen’9 Food. Eight-hour Pudding. Springwater Punch. Carnival Bootjack Blue Label Cigars. Among the men behind were J. E. Crowell, a worthy brother from North Dighton, who had to leave in time to put the mail on the last train. Bro. Crowell told some very interesting old-time railroad yarns. Russell Thuriott, the ham killer from dispatcher’s office, Taunton. Bros. White and Walker, from Dighton, where the strawberries are produced, were on hand in their glad rags. Bro. Hathaway came down from Somerset Junc- tion and wa9 a conspicuous figure in the festivities. Bro. Beaton, of the Central St. tower, put away his golf clubs early in the afternoon and was one of the first to show up at the Wilbur House. Last, but not least, was Bro. John Trainor, “the man who dares,” wearing the smile that won’t come off and with glad hand for everybody. Cert. 1 2 1, Div. 35. Pittsburg Division, No. 52. First meeting in June found twenty-six mem- bers present. Four petitions for membership were acted on, one from the Allegheny Division P. R. R., two from the P. & L. E. and one from a mem- ber not employed on any railroad. Bills amount- ing to $20.50 and a sick claim for $4.00 were or- dered paid. Second meeting in June found a large number of members present. President Perham presiding. All officers present. Sick claim amounting to $25 ordered paid. Fourteen petitions for membership were acted on, seven from the Pittsburg Division, four from the Allegheny Division and three from the Monongahela Division of the P. R. R. President Perham made an address, but on ac- count of preparations having been made for a euchre and a lunch he cut short his remarks, giving a brief talk on general conditions, past and future. He also stated that he would pay us an- other visit at a not far distant date, when we did not have an entertainment on hand. Meeting closed at 9 o’clock p. m. ; number pres- ent about fifty. The remainder of the evening until 11:30 was taken up with the euchre. If you were not present it is your own fault and you will never know what you missed. I will not make you feel badly by telling you all about it. Everyone had an enjoyable time, plenty of refreshments for all and some left over. Remember, this is only the first one of the series. More to follow. I be- lieve every one who was present will concede the fact that Sister Duncan and Bro. Koop can beat them playing euchre, at least they were awarded the lady’s and gentleman’s prices. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1164 The Railroad Telegrapher. I take this opportunity to thank the ladies who contributed cakes and their time and labor toward making the affair a success. Sister Collins deserves to be complimented on the manncT in which she conducted everything while preparing and serving the refreshments. She was the right one in the fight place. Bro. Steinmeyer played ice man and insinuated that he did not like the job, because he had to carry ioo pounds of ice for a half dozen blocks, then up two flights of stairs. Bros. Dalrymple, Campbell and Thompson, on the I*. & L. E., have not written up the notes of their respective divisions during the past few months for publication in The Telegraph ee. They should get busy. At the rate the petitions are pouring in, it will only be a matter of a short time until all divis- ions of railroad in the jurisdiction of Div. 52 arc solid. Individual effort is the key note of success along those lines. Kling. Boston Division, No. 41. To the Members of Southern Division /?. fir M. ft. ft.— At the last meeting of Boston Div. No. 41, June 8th, after some very touching remarks by Bro. Morgan, Bro. Cole, in behalf of the members on the Southern Division, presented me with a purse of gold, contributed by Southern Division boys. The kindly act was so unexpected that my feel- ings simply got the better of me and I found it hard work to say a simple “Thank you." The gift in itself was very valuable, but far dearer to me was the kindly words spoken by Bro. Morgan and the many letters handed me with a paper expressing the good wishes of the writers and approval of my efforts to serve you as local chairman. The duties of local chairman have always been a pleasure to me, as the division officials and brothers have all shown a spirit to be absolutely just and fair. I sincerely hope that when my term of service expires I shall be able to carry with me the same feeling as now shown. Thanking you once more for your kindly ex- pressions and gift. Fraternally yours, W. R. Meikle, Local Chairman. New York Division, No. 44. Regular meeting, June 8th, was called to order by our worthy chief. All officers present with the exception of Bro. Surme, who is still on the sick list, but improving rapidly. Meeting was well at- tended. Regular order of business dispensed with. Our delegates rendered a report of the convention, after which Second Vice-President Bro. T. M. Pearson, gave us a very interesting talk. The members are always glad to see Tom. The new tower at Valley Stream has been placed on an hour basis. Bro. Groves is happy. The summer tabic took effect June 20th. It keeps the boys on the jump. The new interlocking switch plant at Far Rock- away was put in service June 19th. Lots of physi; cal culture at this place. A communication from Bro. Willister, down on the Isthmus, says he never felt better. Lots of work to keep him out of mischief, and the gold rolls in by the bag full. He sends best wishes t«» all the members of No. 44. Bro. Conklin, of Deer Park, who left the service some time ago, has accepted the position of relief agent and strange to say is again working his old job, the station being closed for about a week, as no' one seemed to want it. As relief agent Bro. Conklin may have to travel some, but the chances are he will be left in his home town for some time to come. Owing to the very severe illness of the agent, Miss Sadie Randall, of Shoreham, formerly War- dencliffe, the station has been closed for two weeks or more. This sems to be another job that no one wants. Guess the wages arc a little too high. Anyway Edwards says the town is a God-forsaken place to live in. lie did not say there long. Understand our worthy chief, Bro. Van Nos- trand, goes lo Manhattan Beach for the summer. By the way Bro. Van, who had the misfortune to break his knee cap some time ago, is getting along very nicely. He has discarded the crutches and can get around fairly well with a cane. All members arc urged to attend the next regu- lar meeting. Matters of importance will come up at this meeting and it’s up to those interested to be present and take care of their own business or forever hold their peace if things do not ro just as they would like to have them. Cor. Campbellton Division, No. 61. O. R. T. meeting was held in the Adams* House, Chatham, and we are surprised that the attendance was not greater, especially when wc want to keep up the fight for the $75 minimum. There are twenty or twenty-five members on our division who are regular attendants, but we have a certain number, especially those who have been the most benefited by the organization, those who have more than doubled their pay within the past seven or eight years, not entirely by their personal merits, but by the rules of our O. R. T. schedule, who never attend O. R. T. metings. In conversation with them in private they have all to say abusing certain members of the Order. These same men who were drawing the big salary of 99 cents per night, walking a mile or two morning and evening to look after semaphores and switches, having to hang around the offices all Sundays for nothing, are now making from $50 to $120 per month. Do you see them at O. R. T. meetings? Very few of them attend. I will ask these individuals where they would be without the assistance of the O. R. T. on the I. C. R. ? Besides not attending meetings some of these high-salaried men are behind in their dues. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1165 Bro. D. Campbell is expected with the General Committee last week of June to work on our new schedule. It is up to the members to show a good front by paying up to date and securing the few nons we have and try and attend the July meeting. Our new schedule will be before the management by that time and there should be something inter- esting in stock for all telegraphers. Some of the telegraphers should be around when our fellow workers, the B. of R. T., meets and watch how well they attend meetings. Why teleg- raphers do not attend like the trainmen? Restigouciie. Chicago Division, No. 91. Our meeting of May 28th, the first in our new hall, was very poorly attended. The Commercial telegraphers were having a gala day and night at the Chutes and the majority of our own members could not resist the temptation to go and enjoy themselves. In fact, the secretary himself went out after adjournment just in time to have the gate shut in his face and told his pass was no good any more. It is estimated there were five thousand union operators and their friends at- tended the Chutes on that night, so you can sec unionism is not quite dead in Chicago. Now I wish that our brothers not only in Chi- cago, but out in the country, would try and run up to our meetings, which are now held the fourth Tuesday of every month in Liberty Hall, Frater- nity Building, 70 East Adams street, near State street. I am glad to be able to report that at this early date (June 15th) the members of Div. 91 are pay- ing dues very rapidly for the term ending Decem- ber 31, 1907. You will all find that it is easier to pay before or when it is due, than to allow yourself to get in arrears. It is with great regret that I have to announce the death of Alfred E. LaTourneaux, a member of the C. T. U. A., in Chicago, who was drowned June 1 2th while fishing. While he did not hold an O. R. T. card, he was a strong worker for both organizations, and considered that the only salva- tion of the telegrapher lay in uniting. He was one of the first wire chiefs in Chicago to wear the button while on duty. I am informed by one of our Western Union members that Mr. P. E. Honesley, who worked on the Katy during our troubles with them, is now working for the Western Union on the Board of Trade in Chicago. I think our Commercial friends can take care of him. Bro. Downie had the misfortune to lose his card case, containing all his O. R. T. and C. T. U. A. cards. If any of our members get trace of same, kindly advise the secretary. It is interesting to note, in going over the mem- bership of 91, how many of our members have bettered themselves by leaving the telegraph serv- ice; also how many are working in the commercial service, with no benefit accruing from the O. R. T., yet they are the first ones to pay up their dues and always want to hold an up-to-date card. Now, brothers on the railroad, don’t you think we should emulate them? It is only needless work on the overworked secretary to cause him to write you when you get in arrears. Bro. Perham sent all our members a circular letter recently in regard to teaching students. It would be well if all our members were to give this their undivided attention. Not only do not teach them yourself, but insist on your neighbors doing likewise. While I am willing to admit that I was a student at one time myself, I am also sorry to say that I think I could have bettered myself if I had been taught some other trade not requiring as much brains as telegraphy. It seems the more brains you use in' this business the less you are paid. There is no sense in cutting down our own salary in order to give some other man or boy a chance to get into an already over- crowded profession. In fact, if the matter were fully explained to the prospective student I do not think you could induce him to enter the ranks of telegraphers. Now, brothers, this is very dry reading, hut as it is impossible to get any assistance from our brothers located elsewhere, it is the best I can do. I have received several letters from our Monon members “rapping” me for a circular letter sent tbem. Brothers, if a letter is sent you in common with other members and it docs not fit your case, pay no attention to it. However, I am sorry to say that the circular applied to nearly every member on the Monon. There arc about five members on the Monon who seem willing to get out and hustle for applications of nons; the others are content to see them go by without detaining them. Now if the train service is all right on the Monon, why can’t we fix up some Sunday to have an out- ing at Cedar Lake, in order to give our members a chance to do a little fishing and get acquainted with one another. I should like to have those who could arrange to attend such an outing drop the secretary a line (without a hook, however) and he will arrange to call a special meeting to be held' at Cedar Lake some nice, warm Sunday. We can count on about fifteen or twenty from Chicago ii enough from the line will guarantee to appear. Don’t forget the dues or the fishing trip. Geo. H. O’Brien, Secretary. Albany Division, No. 78. R. & S. Division — There were seventeen members initiated at the meeting June 15th, which speaks well for Bro. Nelligan, organizer. These new brothers will find they have taken a step in^he right direction and that there are many benefits to be derived from holding membership in the O. R. T. We extend to all a hearty welcome and trust they will endeavor to get other non-members into the Order, thereby placing this road nearer the 100 per cent mark and making things better for us all. 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1166 The Railroad Telegrapher. ing for a revision of the schedule and should se- cure a general increase, as the cost of living has increased materially with no corresponding increase in salaries. Let us hope we will secure a good schedule and a substantial increase for all. I wish to thank Div. 78 for the trip to Minne- apolis and assure the members that the honor was appreciated. I did all possible for the good of Div. 78 and the Order in general. I trust I repre- sented our division to the satisfaction of all. Copies of the minutes of the convention doubtless have been received ere this, which each member should go over thoroughly, as it is an important and interesting report. Let us get busy and land all the nons on the road. Fill your information blanks out properly and return them to the local chairman of your division. A Mr. O. H. Ramsdell is working in “RS,” Glens Falls freight office, during the absence of Mr. Parker. By the way, did anyone see this job up for bid after Mr. Waldron, who accepted a station on the A. D. K. R. R., left. Night position at Fort Edward, “Z,” again up for bid; notice dated June 6th. Mr. G. H. Rams- dell holding it down at present. “13” Mr. Rams- dell will be with us soon. Bro. Hughes, of **U,” Liv Ave., Albany, spent Sunday, June 9th, at his home in Fair Haven. Bro. Carry, of “J,” Corinth, visited West Rut- land last week. Understand Bro. “JM” Sullivan, at “CK,” Comstock, is going to have a helper on account of increased work, due to barge canal being con- structed through this territory. Expect our organizer, Bro. Nclligan, will reap a harvest on the Champ Division, as the boys are anxious to again enter the fold. What is the matter we can not have an open meeting at Whitehall this month? Let’s talk it over and send Bro. Nichols your names, saying you will attend one and give the Champ Division brothers a show. “13” they are going to start a division at White- hall. Bro. Stevens, of “Z,” also Bros. Wood, Longergan, Falvcy and up that way are anxious to hold one there. This will give the brothers on the R. & W. and Champ Divisions a meeting. Cor. Portland Division, No. 95. Well, boys, you who were not present at the meeting June 20th, missed a good sight for sore eyes. We had 23 applications and on account of slight errors and omissions from three, we elected twenty members and initiated two. At one pre- vious meeting we elected nine, but this last was a banner night. Most of the new members were from the P. & R. F. The General Committee were all present and took part in the meeting. All the officers were present, and that has been a rare occurrence in the past. Some of the boys made quite an effort to attend, and if more would only do the same (only one night a month) we would be surprised to see how the Order would take new life on the M. C. & B. & i»i. I tell you, ~v.ys, the meetings are the *ue of the organization and we must show our appreciation of what we are getting by putting more life into the Order. It is through the oraer that we get these increases and overtime and what we get out will be in exact proportion to what we put in, so let us put more in. Sorry Bro. T. iu.. Pearson, Second Vice-Presi- dent, could not present that night, but was called to New Jersey and couldn’t be with us. J. E. Crepeau has resigned position as telegra- pher at Whitefield and left us. A. N. Gaudreau is at Sebago Lake. Bro. J. E. Winslow is at Glenn, N. H. Hope to land Smith, night man at Cumberland Mills Junction, soon. He has promiseu his papers. C. L. Perkins, from Monmouth, is doing a trick in Union Station, Portland. Get busy, boys, and get that non to stop run- ning a ham factory and join the O. R. T. Cirt. 103. Elmira Division, No. 100. Elmira Div. No. 100, held its first regular meet- ing at Red Men’s Hall, Elmira, N. Y., Friday, June 2 1st, with sixteen members present. Bro. Elliott presented the division with an ele- gant frame for our new charter, refusing reim- bursement from the treasury. He was given a vote of thanks. Bro. Quick handed around the smokes, having lately joined the ranks of the benedicts. He and his bride have the best wishes of Div. 100. Five new applications were read, and several more are in sight. Bro. Maynard, late of Stanley nights, has re- signed, and Bro. Davies is now filling that position. Understand Mr. Harris, of Canandaigua tower nights, is now entiled to the grand sign. The boys are glad to welcome him. Bro. Dunning was in attendance and furnished some startling information regarding the school at Cogan Valley. Understand there is also a factory at a tower on the north end, and unless the class there is dis- banded names will be mentioned. If this student teaching is persisted in steps will be taken that may prove unpleasant to the guilty ones. Bro. Weeks, of “BX,” Newark, favored us with his company, making train 9 by a margin of 20 seconds. Had he slipped Newark block would have had to be extended. Mr. Kinney, agent at Millport, continues obstin- ate about sending his papers and will have to be interviewed by our organizer. Mr. E. J. Bales, nights at Pine Valley, will be with us just as soon as his service will permit. Mr. C. B. Johnson, nights at Benton Siding, will also make good as soon as he can. All these new men have the right idea and will be given every opportunity to do the right thing. Bro. Harry Gibbs, late relief agent, has resigned and taken to the country. Couldn’t resist the “Call of the Wild. Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1167 Bij). Dan Utz, of "QC"' Elmira, is away on a vacation, doing Jamestown Exposition, we under- stand. Mr. Judd works third trick in “QC’* dur- ing Bro. Utz* absence. Won’t Bro. Elliott please convince Mr. Judd that he needs the O. R. T. in his business? We can nse Mr. Juad’s application at our next meeting. Test trains are being run over the pike, and judging from the language indulged in by the crews, they are testing the vocabulary of the train- men to the limit. The $75 minimum looks good, and the members of Div. ioo may be depended upon to do all in their power to secure it. Being my first attempt at a write-up this is very crude. If the brothers will send me anything of interest to the Order I will try to get in some- thing more interesting next month. Thanks in advance. The station at Bellona is without a student for the first time in many moons. This is encouraging, and we should try to induce Mr. Bristol, agent, to join us. Several of the boys have been after him, but he says he will not be in the service long enough to make it an object. Mr. Baker now at Hall nights. Here is a chance to do some missionary work. Get his application, if you have to get it with a club. Two nons at Ennerdale, but understand one of them is coming to us in a month or so. We shall all be much pleased to call Miss Kin- ney, at Millport, sister if she can be brought to see the light. She being the only lady telegrapher on tne division will make her doubly welcome. Div. Cor. Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway. Winnipeg Division — Our committee at last succeeded in arranging a date with the management and were in session about three weeks, and came back with our flag flying higher. This is due to three things: the fact that our management is willing to reward us for our good service, that we had a very able committee, and last, but not least, to the fact that we are all pulling together for the up- building of the profession. As we have not yet received a copy of the revised schedule we can not comment on it, but we understand no comment is necessary. All we need do is compliment ourselves, thank the com- mittee by a letter and thank the management by giving them the best possible service. While in session our committee took up the question of raising the dues from eig.'it tc ten dollars per year, and put it to a vote, the result was as follows: In favor of raising the dues, 103; against raising the dues, 18, making a total of 121 votes cast; therefore, the dues on the Soo Line Division No. 1 19 have been raised to $5 per term, commencing July 1st, 1907. If any of you have not yet sent in your dues for the new term be sure and do so at once, sending $5, and if you have sent in the old amount be sure and remit the additional dollar at once. No one should feel hurt regarding this raise, for there are a very few divisions with a less amount, and as it is all in the local treasury it will better our cause and give us something to work on should occasion make it necessary. This raise was not necessary account the expenses of the committee, but rather to safeguard our interests. Our com- mittee actually had less expense than any other we know of, which goes to show that they were working for our interests in every way. A great many changes have taken place since last write-up, and the boys are not keeping the Secretary posted as to change of address. Please do not forget this when you move around, for it is very necessary your address should be on file with the Secretary, and you are yourself to blame if you do not get notice of business from him unless you give him your address. You should also advise Bro. Quick. Bro. E. A. Underhill, day telegrapher at Overly, relieved Bro. Hutchinson at Bisbee for a few days, then went to Mahnomen and relieved Bro. Boyse. We understand Bro. Underhill has since left the service. We will miss Bro. Underhill, as he was both a good brother and a good telegrapher. Bro. Wilson is back at Mahnomen after having been on relief duty for some time. Bro. York, of Ardoch, has been off for a few days, but has failed to say anything regarding his trip or who relieved him, hence he is receiv- ing one debit mark in this office. Bro. Lewis, our excellent General Chairman, is vistiting in the South for a short time before resuming his duties at Orleans. After a little reminder Bro. Rice, at Forest River, drops a note to say that it happened May 26th in the Methodist Church at Forest River, and the lady’s name was Miss Florence Ferguson. Congratulations, old man, and we trust some of the others will follow your good example. Bro. Taggart, of Plummer, returned from West Point, Miss., where he went for his health. We are glad to have him back in his old-time form, but regret to hear that he has made up his mind to leave the Soo. Bro. Field, of Newfolden, and Bro. Heimecke, of Richville, changed positions, Bro. Crandell holding Richville while the transfer was being made. Bro. Crandell then went to Bisbee. We also debit Bro. Haulette, of Standquist, who got married and did not inform us. Bro. Danielson, of Oslo, is away on a vaca- tion, being relieved by Bro. Abbott. Bro. Leach found it necessary to make a trip to the Twin Cities, but there was no relief so permission was given him to lock up on Saturday night and make the trip, returning Monday. Agent Bills, of Radium, has left the service and one of Chaffee’s graduates is now filling the position. Bro. Johnson, of Henning, visited at the con- vention in Minneapolis. Bro. Dalton and Bro. Paine helped with the news this month, for which please accept thanks. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1168 The Railroad Telegrapher. Will some one on the first please jar loose and send a few notes. We expect to have a meeting in the near future, and want you all to make arrangements to be in attendance. Keep the General Secretary . advised of any change in your address. P. S. — Eighteen new members since last issue. That’s going some; have you done your share? Div. Cor. IT. & P. Division, West of Rhinelander — I presume by the time you read these items you will all have a new schedule in your “inside pocket.” It is not to be supposed that every one will be satisfied, but it’s quite a bit ahead of the old one, and we can’t get all we desire at once. So let us all unite in thanking our worthy com- mittee for what they have done for us. Understand Chairman Lewis is to take a trip over the line shortly, and when he shows up give him the glad hand. Don’t look at him as though he was a “scab” looking for a hand-out, and if any of you hold cards in other divisions hand them to him so be can transfer you. Every little bit helps and we need them all. Have you had instructions as to handling your time slips? When you work overtime now you should call the dispatcher’s attention to how much and he O. K's. the slips with his initials. This saves a lot of unnecessary correspondence, and I think it a good plan. Now, let’s sec what the line looks like. At Rhinelander we have a change: Flannigan gone and Rose taking his place. “The new man is doing it right.” Unable to say whether he’s got an “up-to-date” or not. Bro. Kcndrctch, at Kennan, has adapted himself to his own cooking. Mrs. K. on a short visit to Ashland. Understand Bro. Kelly, at Weycrhauscr, has resigned and is going west July ist. Wish him a pleasant journey and success in his new field. Bro. Kabliska took a vacation for few weeks, Mr. White relieving him. Understand White has left the road. Bro. Edwards, at Barron, went to Dresser Jet. for a day or two to relieve Bro. Deul, who was taken suddenly sick. At this writing he is much better. Understand Bro. Shelvcr, at Almcna, has been having quite a siege of sickness in his family, but at this writing they seem to be on the mend. He has the sympathy of us all. Bro. Stevens, at Dresser Jet., relieving Bro. Deul. Telegrapher Glendenning, at Osceola nights, re lieving Stewart. Telegrapher Bennett, at Marine nights, relieving Williams. At Cardigan Jet. we have a new night man. Mathews, an old-timer. Understand he has an up-to-date card but not in Division 119. Bulwer Jet., a new night man, Isaacson, from L., S. & M. S., I “13.” Can’t say if lie’s up- to-date or not. Operator Lyons, the old-timer at Shoreham, is working for the G. N. or N. P. at St. Paul. Now, brothers, if I’ve missed any one or called some brothers that are not, call my attention to it and will remedy it. Cert. 1080. CARD OF THANKS. Merricourt, N. D., June 13, 1907. Brothers of Soo Line, Division No. 119: Please accept, through the columns of The Telegrapher, my sincere thanks for the help I am receiving from you while I am in distress. “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” Yours fraternally, O. F. Freid, Cert, is, Div. 119. Grand Trunk Railway. Without any intention of occupying the space of more eloquent writers for our journal, but feeling it my duty to make an attempt to offer a few words to enlighten our brothers as to what we are doing in Division No. 1, I send in these items. We have been having success for the past few weeks. There has been several new members added to our list and a goodly number have prom- ised to come in with us this coming pay-day. We must remember our new schedule is coming into effect, and it is for our benefit to do all in our power to get every non possible into line with an up-to-date card, so that we may ameliorize our present wage conditions and secure seniority rights. If we will get busy and do our part in converting the non-unionists there will evidently be less trouble in effecting a settlement with the officials. Bro. J. W. Gubbins is taking a week’s vacation, and is being relieved by Bro. F. P. Scully. Bro. Joe Dumont is one a two w’eeks’ vacation, and is being relieved by Bro. Brown. I can not say much about our new schedule as yet, as I have not heard anything definite. It is up to us to back our committee, for we can well understand that the committee can not go before the management and demand this schedule unless we make a special effort to support them. We have the best chairman (Mr. V’. J. Lanphear) that could possibly be secured to act for any Order, and we should show hint that we appreciate what he is doing for our benefit, and not only us but our loved ones, who are depending upon us for support. Cert. 538... Oregon Short Line. I wonder if a few notes from the “O. S. L.” would be out of order? Judging from our silence in the past one would be led to believe that we were “dead ones,” but I am pleased to say such is not the case, as this system is fairly well lined up, although we are a minus, a division being attached to 53 S. P. I can not understand why the members on this line do not get busy and send an energetic man over the entire system, making a door-to-door Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1169 canvas; in this manner we can deal a death-blow to the non and at the same time wake up our members. Bro. Foster, one of our hustling members, was unjustly discharged from “CA,” Pocatello relay office, last February for being active in trying to schedule the system. Later he was appointed organizer and made a trip over our line meeting with fair success. I understand he' resigned the position and went to work for the S. P. Since his departure there has been “nothing doing.” Now, brothers, let us get together and arrange for a schedule similar to one now in effect on. S. P. We are entitled to the same rate of pay and working conditions, and- it is up to us to demand it. We should either send one of our members over the line or request President Pcr- ham to send an organizer. Now is the time for action, as there is a wave of prosperity sweeping over the country and a scarcity of competent telegraphers on all lines. We have a fine set of officials here, and there is no question but that a committee from our ranks would receive fair treatment. Being a new-comer, am unable to give the line-up at this writing, but shall endeavor to have it for the next issue of our journal. Now, brothers, to arms and let our slogan be “A schedule or bust” With best 73’* to all. Prof. McCasii. Idaho Division, Third District — Suppose that I should take a snooze, And account of that my job should lose; You think that I would sit and pout ^ Because the “Short Line” let me out? Not on your life; Pd go and stay Where eight short hours compose a day. . —IV. L. Bivin. Mr. L. E. Halbert, “Ex.” agent at “S,” is now extra dispatcher at “H” office. He has been try- ing his hand at first trick; he seems to be making good as trains move lively under his jurisdiction. Bro. C. A. Brown, former agent at Alexander, is visiting home folks at Shoshone. Wc hope he has a good time v/hile free from the cares that are attached to agent’s job. As sheep-shipping season is on, the boys that are doing the “owl” act have to keep out of the hay nights. General manager’s special passed over the line short time ago. By the time this goes to press Bro. W. L. Bivin, the Bliss “owl,” will be in parts unknown at present. Sorry to lose him, but be says “it’s high time he was traveling.” Mr. Vannetta will “sport” that new card soon; his application papers are in Bro. Quick’s office at present date. Thanks to the brother that showed Mr. Vannetta the straight and narrow way. Bro. W. L. Moffett, days Bliss, expects E. F. LeDoux, from Arkansas, soon to work nights for him. Guess he will like it better to have a brother from his native State to share his labors at “IS” with. What is the company going to do when the new law goes into effect? They can’t get men enough now to supply their wants, and when the eight- hour law becomes effective it will require six new operators on this district between “CA” and “GF.” If the company would only pay living wages good men would not be so scarce. The scribe met a nice young gentleman the other day out on a ranch who haisn’t railroaded for ten years, but he still holds an “up-to-date” card. This young man stated be would readily go back to railroad work if he could make as much as a farmer, but at the present scale of wages he can’t do it so he prefers the farm. Let’s all get together and sc what we can do toward getting that better scale of wages. I think we ought to rush things before the eight- hour law goes in effect. “A. Boomer.” First District — Things are going on in the same old way on the O. S. L. What is the matter with us? Did you notice how the miners at Cumberland, Frontier and Diamondville organized and got a schedule, all in a few days’ time? The men at Cumberland and Diamondville getting their schedule without any trouble, and how the Kemmercr Coal Co., at Frontier, refused to have anything to do with the U. M. W. of A. at first, and how within twelve hours they, the Kemmercr Coal Co., came to Kemmerer looking for the U. M. W. of A. organizer to sign his schedule? Did you hear of this? And yet we sit back and let the officials of the O. S. L. bluff us out. When the miners started hardly one of them belonged to the union, and here are we, the railroad telegraphers, nearly every one of us with an up-to-date card, and yet we are afraid to ask for our rights. Are wc going to let the miners get ahead of us so easily? Haven’t we any more life in us than this? How long do you suppose it would take us to get a schedule if we would get together and appoint a committee to go before the officials? Couldn’t we do as well as the miners? If we couldn’t we better quit. What we want is some of the old heads, that is, men who have been on the road some length of time, and who the officials would pay some attention to for committeemen. Why won’t you do this? Are you all married to your jobs? The officials on this road have been run ning a great bluff on us, and as long as they can they will continue to do so. As soon as anyone tries to organize the road they are fired bodily. Do you think for a minute that this could be done if we would all get together and claim our rights? Of course not. The trouble has been that when a telegrapher has been discharged for trying to organize the road, instead of the rest of the boys taking it up and compelling their reinstatement they have shut up like clams and there is not another word said about organization until some brother gets life enough in him to start organiz- ing again. If we would all hang together as we should things would not end in the way they have Digitized by c.ooQle

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1170 The Railroad Telegrapher. been doing heretofore. We are the only ones on the O. S. L. that haven’t a schedule, and I should think that we should be ashamed of ourselves to let everyone else get ahead of us in this way. We are not all dead, are we? If not, get busy and let us hear what some of the rest of you have to say. Floyd. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry. Wisconsin Division, Northern District — Nearly every month the correspondent has urged you to send items to your local or assistant chair- men, and still there are some who are in doutb as to whom the items should be sent. Get in touch, gentlemen. A number of our most important night offices have been temporarily closed owing to illness of our telegraphers and inability of our officials to fill the vacancies for lack of men who are willing to work at the present scale of wages. E. W. Quinn, Rockmont, on sick list the first of the month. Office closed during his absence. Bro. Nicols Clear Lake nights, left for Rochester, Minn., to undergo an operation. Office closed, no one available. Lampson opened days and Lakeside closed; Bro. J. E. Nordholm, from Lampson to Lakeside. The Eau Claire dispatching force have bad their salaries raised recently; regular men now receive $135.00 and extra men $125.00. Dispatchers Livesey and Appelman returned from their vacations early in June. Bro. Swanson and G. N. Tower did the relief work during absence of regular men. Len Prentice, who has, for a number of years, been cashier at Stillwater, is now agent at Rice Lake. Bro. Tom Bergh, Duluth freight, is off at the present writing; some one who signs “JO” re- lieving. Bro. M. E. Carey, South Range, has gone to Wascott nights. O. E. Bradley and A. B. Clock are working the combination at South Range. Their names do not appear on the roll of honor. Telegraphers who are moving from one place to another seem to be rather lax as to having their mail forwarded to them. Seveeral inquiries have been received lately as to the whereabouts of certain men whose mail is being returned to the head offices. Have you all received a copy of the little book containing the names of all telegraphers on the Wisconsin Division? One has been mailed to each member at his last known address, and if you have not received yours, drop a line to the teleg- rapher who holds your old position and ask him to forward your mail to you. If you do not receive the book write your Local Chairman for a copy. To the non list add the names G. Tower, F. A. Brown, H. W. Pace and R. F. North; add L. McFarlane to the roll of honor, last on seniority list; the latter has made application; now working nights at Ashland Jet; also add R. E. Heinz, seniority No. 57. Business pretty fair, considering the time of year, strawberries going north every day. C. G. Dopkins, new night man at Cable. J. W. Luckey, St. Paul, to relieve the stringency is filling in as day telegrapher at New Richmond; Bro. Apelquist, who is off on sick leave, has been assigned this position. J. S. Johnson has been billed for the job at Sarona. The bulletin has become somewhat of a farce lately owing to the extreme scarcity of available men required to make the moves. The St. Paul Dispatch says that more than 5,000 telegraphers are needed in the West and Southwest at the present time; that by January 1st 10,000 would be required and the new Federal law will necessi- tate double that number. There is nothing puz- zling about the situation at all; it is all a ques- tion of salaries; give us a $75.00 minimum and double time for Sunday work and any number of telegraphers, now in other positions, can be had. The meeting held at Eau Claire on May 27th was not as well attended as we had hoped, but each absentee misses some valuable information which he should possess. Many more might have been on hand had they been a little more ag- gressive. Bro. E. J. Stanton, Rusk, is now the local custodian of funds; Bro. C. C. VanMeter, Hudson, was elected Division Correspondent for the Eastern District. This is the month (June) in which we should remit our five-dollar dues to Bro. I. R. Kempkes, Nevada, la., and insurance assessments to Bro. L. W. Quick, St. Louis, Mo. If there are any who have failed to remit the $2.00 special assess- ment to Bro. Kempkes, do not delay longer. It is rumored that the Wisconsin Eight-Hour Bill has passed the Senate. If the report is true, another great victory has been won by and through efforts of the O. R. T. Assemblyman C. D. Thomp- son first introduced the bill at Madison, and was untiring in his efforts to secure its passage in the Assembly, which occurred some weeks ago by a unanimous vote. The bill has had a hard fight in the Senate, but Mr. Thompson has fob lowed it closely and the telegraphers throughout the State have kept close tab on it. It will be well to keep in mind the names of the Senators who have fought against this bill with so much vigor and enmity. Bro. J. C. Apelquist, Comstock, is undergoing treatment in Duluth, but expects to be able to resume work about the 15th of July. There is little glory to your officers in upholding strict seniority of members who, through petty jealousy and spite, seek to displace competent men in positions where the former are unable or un- willing to make good by faithful and accurate work. The young telegraphers of our day do not realize the amount of work and sacrifice which was necessary by older members to place the craft in its present position, and should go a little slow in their haughty demands. The Order is for all telegraphers and equal justice to all should be the aim. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1171 Write the nons of your acquaintance and en- deavor to bring them into the fold. The Order which has secured more money and better con- ditions is for them as well as ourselves. If the Order should become completely disrupted on the Omaha and every other large road in the country, it is safe to sqy that nine-tenths of the present force of nons would be new organizers; difference in pay and conditions which would result would more forcibly bring to them a realiza- tion of what use the O. R. T. really is. New man at Solon Springs, Joe Posternock; has the papers and will make use of them. Agent Carter is reported seriously ill at Chip- pewa Falls. J. B. McElroy off on a vacation latter part of June and Bro. Mills was called from Comstock to fill in at Bayfield. G. L. Cnoy, from M. &. I. Division at Com- stock, says he is supplied with necessary cre- dentials held by all up-to-date telegraphers. Understand Bro. Hanan, recently relieved at Turtle Lake by J. W. Quinn, is now at work on some line in Canada. Bro. Marquette, Shell Lake, has been appointed Assistant Local Chairman to fill vacancy occasioned by absence of Bro. Apelquist. It is possible that an election will soon be called to select a Local Chairman in place of Bro. Quinlan, who can not be relieved as readily to act on committee as when in the telegraph service. Dxv. Cor. Eastern District, Wisconsin Division — Were it not for a few of the old heads your write-up would not take up much space this month. The time is again on hand when our semi- annual dues for the term June 30th, 1907, to December 31, 1907, are payable, and every member should give this matter prompt attention. There are a few who have not paid the special assess- ment of $2.00, and this should be attended to at once. The little booklet showing the names of all members, non-members and their place on the seniority list, is now out and one should be in the hands of every member. Should any mem- ber not receive one, same can be had by writing to your Local Chairman. You will please note the names of the nons, get after them and bring them in. As soon as a non joins, his name will be published in the journal and every member should strike his name off of the list in the book and enter in the space provided for the same. Now, one and all, get after the nons, write them and don't stop writing and talking until they sign up. You have, without doubt, received President Perham’s letter of June 10th, and it is to be hoped you all have given it careful consideration. Cut out the student business wherever possible. Bro. Liddane, after being off for several days after the close of the convention, straightening out some matters along the line and adjusting grievances, returned to work June 5th. Bro. Hoff- man relieved him and is now relieving Bro. Essick at Spooner, while the latter is enjoying a fishing trip. Bro. "R. C. Jones, of Division 23, is relieving Bro. Hoffman at "J” nights, Bro. Jones to be transferred to Division 76 immediately. Bro. Hawkins, formerly at Harvester Works, is now with the N. P. in Washington. Sorry to see any brother leave us, but hope he has bettered his conditions. Bro. A. H. Fisher relieved Bro. Leiser a few days while Fritz was sick, caused by eating too much smoke. An oil-stove exploded and set the summer kitchen on fire and before Fritz was awake he had breathed a lot of smoke. He was off for six days. Bro. Fisher went to Elroy yards. J. G. Bokeela, Jr., now at Hersey relieving Bro. Bailey, who is off account of his health. Understand Bro. J. G. Bokeela, Sr., is attending his chicken farm at Wilson. Bro. P. R. Anderson now has Knapp days reg- ular. Night man, Ritmeyer, has joined the Order and we can, with pleasure, write brother in front of his name. Bro. J. F. Volek, formerly "NR” days, is now at Stillwater freight days. Bro. W. H. Beal has left the service and is with the G. N. at Bemidji, Minn. C. I. D. Elliott has gone to his old home in Canada for a two weeks’ visit. Dispatcher H. E. Lamb left last Sunday for an Eastern trip, ex- pecting to be gone about a month. Joe Prentice is handling the first trick during his absence. The dispatchers have had their salaries raised to $135.00 for regular and $125.00 for extra dispatchers. Bro. Joe Kneer, at Truax nights, on sick list for few nights. Bro. E. H. Showalter, from Gordon, now work- ing at Altoona nights, and is putting it all down on a mill in good shape. Bro. Ray Just returned from a two weeks’ vacation to his home. Bro. Goodwin leaves on his vacation shortly. Do not seem to be able to get any news from the East End. Business is pretty good for this time of year. Purchased three new Pacific type passenger en- gines, besides the six Atlantic type. The double track between "Q” and "MS” is nearing comple- tion; the depot and coal shed at Altoona being moved back to allow for the second track. Wedges Creek and Roxuy (cable) pits have been opened for the summer. Add names of Bro. R. C. Jones and R. E. Heinz, seniority No. 57, to the list of members in your book. Scratch Heinz off list of nons. In conclusion, I humbly beg of the members on this Eastern District to send in any items of interest. Cert. 1405. Minnesota and Iowa Divisions — Bro. Hanby, night telegrapher at Jordan, has resigned and is now located on a farm near Alma Digitized by t^ooQle

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1172 The Railroad Telegrapher. Center, Wis. We understand he was married a short time ago and thinks perhaps a nice farm with a wife is a better life than slaving nights on a railroad. Bro. M. C. Anderson, of* Minne- apolis, relieves him. Bro. H. G. Stumm was absent from duty several days this month account of death in the family. He was relieved by Mr. J. E. Regan, the night man, who in turn was relieved by Mr. R. L. Kilburg, of Brewster. Bro. J. L. Farmer is now regularly installed as agent at Dundee. Bro. G. W. Orr has gone to Rhinelander, Wis., for a visit with relatives. He is relieved at Avoca by Bro. P. J. Ritchel. Agent Heleniack, of Pipestone, is enjoying a vacation; relieved by Bro. H. C. Reed. Bro. A. G. Lane is the temporary day telegrapher there. Bro. A. R. Tabbert is now located at Lake Wilson pending assignment by bulletin We un* derstand Bro. Hosmer resigned and is now em- ployed on the Sou. Pac. Bro. W. H. Beyers, extra telegrapher on the division, has resigned and is now engaged in boost- ing the great American game — baseball. Bro. Geo. Cottingham is enjoying a visit at his old home back in Ohio. Bro. J. H. Gove enjoyed the sensation of being agent in a really good town, and we are pleased to learn he made good at it, too. He was relieved by Bro. J. F. Evans. Mr. C. F. Lea therm an relieved Bro. Beyers nights. Bro. A. C. Turnbull is now doing his stunts on top the “Dark Brown Reds,” having enlisted in the freight service. Says he couldn’t stand the confinement of office work. Bro. Pingel, of Bigelow, enjoyed a visit with his parents at Wilton, Wis., the past two weeks; relieved by Bro. Lane. Bro. G. A. Raines, of Sheldon, visited with his parents at Lake City, Minn., the first of the month. Bro. O. E. Becker went to Fulton the first of the month to act as agent while Bro. F. L. Colfix takes a much-needed rest. Bro. E. C. llimley has returned from his sojourn in Wisconsin and is again at the old stand at Grogan. Mr. R. A. Slaker is enjoying a vacation of a month in Northern Wisconsin; relieved by W. J. Ross, at St. James. Bro. B. J. Funk, night man at Mankato, is enjoying a vacation; relieved by Bro. Zimmerman, of Kasota. Dispatcher John Maloy spent two weeks the first of the month with parents and friends in Northern Minnesota. Dispatcher P. J. Dempsey is again at work, having spent two solid weeks at his old home at Savage, where he says he fished and proved the sterling qualities of “silver pine.” Dispatcher T. Gillott and wife left the aad for a trip to Portland, Ore., and other Western points. L. F. Stuart, of St. Peters nights, visited with his parents this month; relieved by C. F. Chellen. Walter Jones, who has just been promoted to position of telegrapher, is learning how to keep awake nights at Blakely. Bro. D. Fiock has at last secured hi« relief and is visiting his old home in Southern Illmola. Bro. Fiock has waited patiently for nearly a year for this trip, and is duly elated over it. BrO. J. F. Evans relieves him as day man at Mitchell. The latest and neatest thing we have seen this year cornea to us in the shape of a vest pocket edition from the Wisconsin Division telegraphers, containing a list of all members and non -members. Each name is preceded by a number commencing with No. i; these numbers indicate the standing of thh men, as shown on the telegraphers’ seniority list. The non-members are shown in the back of the book, and wherever there is a non-member his name is omitted in the list of members, and a line left vacant. When he becomes a member his name can be inserted in the list of members. It is nicely gotten up, and is handy to carry in the pocket; easy to refer to. Mr. F. E. Anderson has taken up his assigned position nights at Blue Earth. Mr. Anderson promises to make good this month. Bro. C. F. Chellew, who has been doing the night stunt at Blue Earth, is at present relieving Mr. L. F. Stuart, nights at St. Peter. The latter is in Wisconsin spending his Vacation, and the increases secured by the O. R. T. Mr. E. E. Douglass, agent at Blue Earth, is on a four weeks’ sojourn to his old home in Illinois. Mr. A. B. Griffith, ticket clerk, is acting as agent during Mr. Douglass' absence. Mr. Douglass has promised to join before the next General Committee goes in, and we know his word is good. Bro. and Mrs. W. M. Hale, of Windom, visited at Dodge Center the 17th and 18th inst., Bro. Levering wearing the official cap while Bro. Hale was away. Bro. R. Burdick, of Madelia, was relieved the 12th inst. by Bro. J. F. Jansen, who in turn was relieved by Bro. F. W. Larson, of the Great Northern. Bro. Larson, it will be remembered, was formerly an Omaha boy, having worked in several different positions on this road prior to going to the Great Northern road. His parents live at Madelia; he was on his vacation at time he was pressed into service. His position on the G. N. is at Towner, N. Dak. Bro. A. L. Cook and family Sundayed with Local Chairman Tenney, at Lake Crystal, the 16th inst. Bro. Cook is very much pleased with the beautiful city and its pleasant lakes. Let us bear in mind that our dues are now payable, and that the new up-to-dates arc most beautiful. We should also bear in mind that the local assessment of fifty cents to our custodian, Bro. J. H. Atkinson, Truman, Minn., was due the 15th of June. Mrs. D. Brennan, mother of Bro. Tenney, is visiting at Lake Crystal. Our old friend, N. S. Costello, chief freight clerk at Lake Crystal, was married to Miss McCarval, of Brewster, at the home of the bride's Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1173 parents the 4th inst. Their wedding tour con- sisted of a trip to the head of the Lakes and the Twin Cities, and will be at home at Lake Crystal after Jane 15th. The best wishes of the teleg- raphers follow them. Bro. Klingelhofer, of Merriam, was absent from duty a few days the forepart of the month, ac- count sickness in family; was relieved by Bro. Ritschel, of Pipestone. Bro. Sisterman, of Belle Plaine, was slightly under the weather for few days, and was relieved by Bro. F. E. Stolte. Bro. W. M. Hale transacted business in the Twin Cities the forepart of the month. Bro. Spencer, General Chairman of the Pere Marquette Lines, also a delegate to the Minne- apolis Convention, in company with his wife visited his sister at Lake Crystal for few days after the convention adjourned, returning to their home the 5th. They were very much pleased with our Minnesota climate and our Omaha road, and it is quite probable that Bro. Spencer will shortly re- turn to this road as one of us. Bro. J. J. Long relieved Bro. Tenney at Lake Crystal while Bro. Tenney attended the conven- tion; later relieved at Sioux Falls account of Mr. Roberts being ill. Mr. Roberts should try the O. R. T. remedies; we believe it would help him. Bro. Long also relieved a short time at Luverne while Bro. Pickett was visiting at Fairmount. See announcement in the “Personal Mention" column. Bro. F. E. Stolte relieves at Seney, thus enabling Mr. W. C. Warner to take charge of his assign- ment at Henderson. Mr. W. H. Leak, of Elmore, is away on a month’s vacation ; relieved by his clerk, Mr. Stolte. Bro. W. C. Fcyder took up his assignment duties at Winnebago the 6th inst., and Bro. J. L. Farmer takes his assignment at Dundee same date. Bro. C. B. Casperson is dishing up the right kind of stuff in his new position at Stone. Mr. Jamison is the new man nights at Bingham Lake. Bro. J. J. Long goes to Kasota nights; relieving Bro. Lehman; have not heard where Bro. Lehman goes to. Bro. Hartley relieved Bro. Farmer at Belle Plaine. The applications of Hartley and Clements arc the latest additions to our membership roll. Are you aware that the Omaha road Btands better organized today than any road in the North- west? Do you know that we have a larger per- centage of the telegraphers and agents as mem- bers that any road in the Northwest? Do you take pride in these facts? And are you doing all that you can to further prefect a thorough organiza- tion on your division? If not, why not? A little more individual effort upon your part and we will have a 100 per cent membership. If you have a man in your territory drop him a nice letter; it will cost you but a small effort, also advise the Local .Chairman and he will write him. and by working this cross-fire you will show him why he should join. The following names have not been added to the membership roll as yet: G. W. Owens, S. B. Swiningson, E. E. Gresham, E. E. Douglass, H. D. Chenoweth, A Burdick, E. W. Seger, W. H. Leak, J. H. Meyers, G. S. Bell, Geo. Cassady, Robt. Jamison, L. F. Stuart, H. M. Helenack, Ray Slaker, F. E. Anderson, W. J. McGarry, W. C. Warner, and M. J. Roberts. Those who have now an up-to-date card of the latest issue are J. E. Smith, G. J. Clements, C. W. Hartley and W. D. Martin. There are several more that we can almost list as members, as we understand their papers are now being made out. There are a very few of the first mentioned list that are “hard shells," which have been on our non-list since the first list was published, and which will forever be there, as they can not afford to join the Order, its too expensive and is not beneficial enough to them; has never increased their salaries more than five dollars at any one time and that only once or twice. Of course, it would be unjust for us to even urge those to join. But those who are now enjoying the five dollar increases we desire to extend an invita- tion to come with us. We announced some time ago that we should not do any more writing for the journal, but it seems that it is up to either Bro. Tenney and myself to see that this division gets it allotted write up each month, so we will continue, with Bro. Tenney’s assistance, to gather together what items of interest we can and forward them each month to the journal. Correspondknt. Nebraska Division — Bro. T. W. Moran, agent Wayne, made a friendly visit at Craig recently with relatives over Sunday. New man, Mr. Crawford, at Coburn nights; says he will be with us soon as he gets the age tacked onto him. Ex-Bro. D. G. Crinklaw has accepted agency at Hubbard. He has a new set of papers and says he will soon be with us again. Bro. C. P. Wilson, recently of Wakefield, is now working as telegrapher at Bancroft. Bro. E. B. Wallahan, nights at Oakland, re- lieved Bro. Crouch, days at Tekamah, while the latter was attending the convention at Minneapolis. Bro. Wallahan is now located at Lyons as day telegrapher, being relieved at “AD” nights by Mr. Ilallisey, another new man. Changes under special bulletin, Bro. L. S. Wise, agent tel.. New Castle; Mr. H. I. Smith, day tel., Stock Yards; Mr. P. A. Pinion, agent tel., Thurs- ton. Changes under bulletin May 10th, Mr. A. C. Gibson, D. T. Crofton; Bro. C. C. Hinman, night tel., Emerson; Bro. A. H. Owens, agent tel., Magnet. Bro. Hedges, agent at Blair, took a couple weeks off recently and visited with relatives in the South. He reports a very fine time, but guess this country is pretty good for him yet. Digitized by LjOOQle

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1174 The Railroad Telegrapher. Through kindness of Bro. Frost at Craig, we received notice of the marriage at that place, June 19th, of Mr. D. G. Crinklaw, agent at Hubbard, to Miss Mabel Gregaire, of Craig. The happy couple left same night for Chicago and Savannah, 111., for a short trip, after which they will make their home at Hubbard. We wish to extend our hearty congratulations, and we hope that one of the lirst things Don does after he gets back is to fill out those papers and send them in. News is as scarce as the proverbial “hen’s teeth” this month, so will have to cut short. Brothers, be prompt in paying up your dues for the com- ing term, wc will need to stand solidly together and present a strong front in order to protect ourselves in the future. The proposition of the nine-hour day is nearing, and we must not let ourselves go to sleep over it if we do not want to be working for less money than we now are. We will be up against that same thing, and its up to us to see that no cut is made in our salaries on this account. We ought to have the eight-hour day and $75.00 minimum March 1st, and we could get it if all would go after it at the same time and stand for it and nothing else. That’s the only way we ever will get it, and the sooner we get busy the sooner we will have time to get acquainted with our families, and live like other employes of railroads do; have a little time to devote to ourselves and our homes, and not be giving half our lives for a fifty-dollar job. Think over these things, boys, read the journal and then get ready to act. Div. Cor. CARD OF THANKS. Through the medium of The Railroad Teleg- rapher I wish to express my thanks to the mem- bers located on the C., St. P., M. & O. Ry. for the beautiful flowers and expressions of sympathy in my late bereavement in the loss of my beloved husband. Mrs. Lotta Price. Renovo Division, No. 110. The regular June meeting of Div. no was held in Odd Fellows’ Hall, Emporium, Wednesday even- ing, June 19th, and was well attended. Among those present were Chief Bro. Shea, Bros. Price, James, Ganey, Getchell, Carrier, McMacklin, John- son Hoffman, Perry, O’Leary and S. & T. Bro. Goodwin. Bros. Perry and Hoffman submitted their reports from the Grand Convention and were warm in their praises of the fine reception they received from the Twin City Telegraphers’ Club and in fact, from all with whom they came in contact. Am sorry to say there were none of the sisters present, but we have promises from all that they will make special efforts to attend the next meet- ing, as the weather is more favorable. We are more than pleased to announce that hereafter we can address Mr. E. T. Wells, of “JN” tower, Emporium, as brother, and assure him of a hearty welcome to our ranks. Mr. Geo. N. Williams, of Tamaqua, Pa., also became a member of Div. no at this meeting and we understand that Mr. Hulings, of Ridgway; Mr. O’Brien, of Cooks Run, and Miss Baird, of Sin- nemahoning, have their applications ready for next meeting. Indeed this is encouraging, for all of the above-named people are in every way desirable to our Order and will be a credit to it. Our worthy chairman, Bro. J. N. Edwards, ably assisted by Bro. Price, of the Western Division, and Bros. Getchell and O’Leary are working upon an arrangement with view to our betterment re- garding increases of salary. We are informed by our secretary and treasurer that after the expenses are paid we will still have a comfortable balance in the treasury. What a change in a year with 71 members in good stand- ing and the 100 mark in sight. Is not this en- couraging? Brothers and sisters, how would a nice ball do some time this summer. We could have it at Emporium or some of the other larger towns* and I know the tickets would go like hot cakes. One great advantage would be that we have our own music in the division, Bro. McCartan, of Renovo, being a splendid violinist and the cornet part could be furnished by Bro. Getchell, of “HY,” while Bros. Krape and Page, of Cameron would submit their bass viol and piano. Think it over and let us hear from you. Bro. L. E. Hoffman, of “DT,” Benzingers, is building a handsome residence at that place, which will be a great benefit in enabling him to live near his work. Our worthy secretary and treasurer contemplates taking a four weeks well-merited vacation. Everything going smoothly in the lock and block system under the management of Electrician Chas. Johnson, of Cameron, who is in charge while Inspector Spangler is away on his wedding tour. Telegrapher Chatham is suffering from an at- tack of rheumatism; relieved by Mr. Cupp. Bro. Tiffany has been assigned to the Western District relief job. Hav not learned who takes bis place on the Middle District. New block rules effective July 1st, affecting the entire system. They will be of great benefit to the towermen in handling trains. Bro. Herman, from the main line, is doing extra work on the division at present. We hope to see him located permanently soon. Bro. “Shorty” Lee, of “Jn,” Emporium, was not at the last meeting. Wonder what took him to Buffalo at that time? It must have been urgent business or “Shorty” would not have missed a meeting. The brothers and sisters east of Emporium don’t know what they are missing by not attending the meetings, and it looks bad for these members to remain at home when there are such good repre- sentation from the west end. We are very sorry to announce the death of the mother of Sister Elizabeth V. Neylon, Mrs. Mary Neylon, who died at the family resident in Renovo Thursday evening, June 13th, after an illness of several months. Mrs. Neylon was a noble Chris- tian woman, charitable in both thought and deeds Digitized by c^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1175 and beloved and respected by all who knew her. The members of Div. io, as well as the entire community, extend deepest sympathy to Sister Ney- Ion and the members of her family in their great bereavement Death also called the wife of Bro. Daniel Mc- Mullen, of Div. 46, B. L. E. Mrs. McMullen had been a patient sufferer for over two years, but succumbed June 13th. The members of Div. no wish to express their sympathy to Bro. McMullen in his hour of trouble. Great sorrow has visited the family and many friends of Conductor John J. Gallagher who died in Lock Haven Hospital Saturday, June 15th. Bro. Gallagher underwent an operation which was successful, but his system was so weakened by suffering that he did not rally. Bro. Gallagher was a member of Div. 333, O. R. C., and Lodge 334, B. P. O. Elks. He was a resident of Renovo for the past thirty-one years and had been in the employ of the P. R. R. for the past thirty years. Bro. Gallagher was highly respected by all who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt. The members of Div. no extend sympathy to the be- reaved family. Be it said with pleasure that none of the mem- bers of our division are behind in their dues, all responding promptly within the limit of time to meet their obligations. Our secretary and treas- urer wishes all to get full credit for this excellent practice. We are thankful for the contributions from the brothers for this write-up and will look for more for next month. Well, as I have run out of material will cut out this time, extending best “73” to all. Div. Coa. Ayer Division, No. 104. Regular meeting for June held in Clinton, June 1 6th. with a fair attendance. Bro. Mullen gave us an interesting report of the Minneapolis conven- tion. The brothers who did not attend missed one of the most important and without exception the most interesting meeting of the year. Bro. Thos. Longbottom, South Lancaster, on a vacation during June. Bro. C. H. McLenna re- lieving him. Telegraph block signals discontinued between South Tain caster and Barber June 12th, and electric block signals installed. This closed several extra positions, but telgraphers filling them can easily be used at other points on the division. Bro. I. T. Felch transferred from Clinton to “AY.” Ayer days temporarily. Bro. J. K. Quae hen boss, “G,” Ayer nights, and Bro. H. W. Fee, Pepperell nights, have trans- ferred into Div. 104. Also Bros. Hester and Seeley, at Worcester. Hope to see them at the meetings. Bro. Dugdale, formerly at *‘AY,” Ayer nights, is now located at Los Angeles. Cal. Bro. C. W. Rise has resigned his position with the W. U. in Boston to manipulate levers in a B. A A. tower at South Framingham. Bro. Sinclair is at Clinton again and was at the last meeting. Bro. Sawyer, of Leominster, has resigned fo enter the wireless service. It’s now Bro. Wheeler, of 89, at Berlin. Somebody asked: “Where does the O. R. S. A. fit?” An organizer was heard to say: “A merger will take place soon or something will bust and it won’t be the O. R. T.” The secretary reports having visited Bros. Wat- kins and Pierce, of Southboro and Fayville, find- ing both enthusiastic for the cause. Our delegate says come to the July meeting and hear his supplementary report. We hear some talk of a new division at Mans- field. Your correspondent seconds the motion. Bro. Conway, of Medfield Junction, spent a few days at Westminster recently. The boys report a fine time at June meeting of No. 35- Our chief is expected to visit Nos. 41 and 89 soon and report. Don’t forget the new pasteboard July 1st. They cost four plunks. C*rt. 4. Southern Ry. Chattanooga Division — Again our General Committee has returned from Washington, and while we did not obtain all we desire we made very good progress, and at least made known the fact that the O. R. T. is not dead on the Southern Railway. With more thorough organization on our line and the complete extinc- tion of the student, we shall soon be in a position to demand the wages and hours which our positions justify. The trouble with the telegraphers in the past has been short-sightedness, willingness to work for wages hardly worthy of an errand boy, and as a rule, the telegrapher did not perceive that the pro- fession was full and overflowing, but you could see the faces of one or more students gaping out of most every telegraph shanty you might happen to pass, while the proprietor of the ranch would take pride in the number of hams he had turned out to compete with him for magnificent salary of $40 or $45 per month. Occasionally a telegrapher scorns organization as beneath his dignity. To get on the right side of the boss and hold his own in the matter of pro- ducing hams is the height of his ambition. There is no comparison between the raise en- joyed by the engineers and conductors and the smaller one obtained by the telegraphers, but when you study the question closely the reason is as plain as daylight. In the first place the trainmen have enough stamina to stick by their organization through thick and thin, and not drop out every time they fancy they have a grievance. The trainmen are not trying to do two men’s work in order to get a “drag” with the train dis- patcher by keeping the telephones hot and inci- dentally reducing the number of positions by tele- phone substitution. What would the train men do Digitized by t^ooQle

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1176 The Railroad Telegrapher. if called upon to do such service? There would be nothing doing. As a reward for minding bis own business you find the trainmen getting the highest increase, shortest hours and commanding the respect of the officials. Draw your conclusions, my friends, and follow the example of those organizations which have achieved success and abandon the idea that we can advance by individual effort at the expense of fellow craftsman. Appreciating what has been gained in the past two years can we not lean stronger towards activity and aggressiveness than heretofore, and still keep within the bounds of prudence, of justice and right. Is it not more true than otherwise that some members, well meaning and worthy in every re- spect expect too much in a given time with the membership we have, rather than that too little has been accomplished. The aggressiveness of the General Committee has been and must continue to be gauged by the show of intelligence, self-interest and aggressive- ness of the membership. Success must be com- parative, not final. Many of those who protested against what appeared to them slowness on the part of the General Committee, forget that they worked under far more unfavorable conditions and less salary but a few short months ago and that rapid strides have been made in bettering their condition. How true is it that our advancement has been made easier because of active work and aggres- siveness on the part of our fellow craftsman on other roads, setting the pace raising the standard which our employers must meet in order to secure and keep competent and worthy men. We still have some non-members open to con- viction, fewer still who are lacking in the most primitive instincts of appreciation, gratitude or decency, who are willing to adhere to the organi- zation leech-like and draw sustenance therefrom without contributing so much as one cent to its support. If there were any doubting among us they admit now that the organization here is a fixture and that it can and will show itself to be as time rolls on a potent factor for good. We beseech you to keep together faithfully and manfully, continuing to argue and contend for such terms and conditions of employment as is your due. Use your influence to weld together the bands of fraternity. The love of association the union spirit if given a fair chance will grow stronger within you and spread to others and keep you more true and faith- ful to the spirit, which brought you within the breastworks of the organization. There are a number of non-members on this division who would be terribly offended if their names should appear in The Telegrapher and it should become known to the membership and their many friends that they were lacking in backbone and were trying to cover up their infirmities with a hard luck story of financial embarrassment, yet this is what is being done on this division. Just how long the members of the Order will allow such conditions to exist is a question, but there are many members who are entirely too lenient. The non now days is figuring. In the first place he did not get quite as large increase as he should, and in the next place he did not get his share of other things, etc. Ask one of these men about $9 a year for the O. R. T. and he will drag out that same old story, either his family is ill or he is preparing for the poor house. It is ridiculous to suppose that there are a dozen men on this division in such circumstances. As it appears now the railroads will have to in- augurate the eight-hour system next year, but we can't build too much on what we think about this. We may not get as much out of it as we think, especially if they find that we are weak in the organization, therefore it behooves every member to be up and doing, and endeavor to get the nons into the Order. The general secretary and treasurer is working hard now handling both the general chairmanship and the office of general secretary and treasurer, and we must assist him in building up Div. 59. Now, let each member here make a resolve to get at least one member between this and July. In fact, let’s get in every desirable non we can at any time. The Order is what the members make it, and unless we support it it can not fulfill its mission. I wish to say that there are a number of mem- bers on this division who seem to think that pay- ing dues and having a card is all there is to it. Now, brothers, there are other things to be done. Can't you get after that non next to you and thereby help to bring about thorough organization and by this you will not only be helping the others, but will help yourself. How long will you sit careless of your own interests. Can’t you see that the Order on this division will become weaker unless you lend your assistance to keep it up. Are you looking ahead to 1908 when the new national nine-hour law goes into effect? Are you sure that you will get nine hours? Do you think it unnecessary to work any more and that all is done that can be done? If the members on the Southern System don’t wake up and get thoroughly organized by 1908 they will regret it. How do you know that the rail- road where the organization is weak is not going to try to reduce salaries when the nine-hour law takes effect? I say we must be well organized in order to fight such attempts and unless we are strong we will lose out. Well organized roads will have no trouble. The company will not attempt any reduction in salaries Get after the nons and help in every way to bring this system up to the standard of other roads. We can do it by concerted action. Individual effort will accomplish this result and I hope that you won’t neglect this important step. Think of your own welfare, the welfare of your dear wife and children who are looking to you for support. Don’t sit still and depend on a few members to fight the battle alone. Why don’t you come to the meetings and help along? How can you afford to stay away? It Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1177 seems to me that at this time each member should be more interested than ever. Wake up, and let every individual member put his shoulder to the wheel and victory is ours. I sincerely hope that each man will resolve to do something to help bring about thorough organiza- tion on the Southern System. Our first meeting of Chattanooga Division was held in the Chamber of Commerce Hall, Chatta- nooga, Tenn., Sunday night, June 9th with quite a large number present. The meeting was called to order by Bro. Griffith, Chief Telegrapher. The first thing on the docket was to initiate the following new members who were taken into our ranks Sunday night: Bro. E. M. Southerland, Bro. J. C. Green, Bro. J. C. Fergison. There were present at this meeting members from the Memphis Division, Knoxville Division, some from Central of Georgia and Atlanta Divis- ion, who witnessed the initiation of the above members. This was the first meeting held in Chattanooga and it is our intention to have regular monthly meetings of the Chattanooga Division and it is hoped that the boys will turn out and get acquainted and lend a helping hand to further the good cause, etc. The Secretary of Chamber of Commerce Hall offers us the hall regularly each month gratis, for which we should be very thankful and pay the city in return for this favor by a large attendance. Bro. J. H. Wilson, local chairman from Mem- phis Division, was with us and from his talk he is making very fair headway on his new division. It is hoped that the membership will assist him and get meetings started at some convenient point. All of you brothers on the Georgia side assist Bro. Parker all you can. Help get the nons in line and do anything you can to build up the organization. We are coming slow, but sure. Every little bit helps and it is the little things that count. Bro. Vaughan was on the spot. Bro. Stanberry, from Lenoir City, was on hand and expressed him- self as well pleased with the meeting. Bro. Williams, who has seen many summers, was present and promises to come again. At the next meeting we want a good turn out, so we can get things started in good shape. Don’t be afraid to ask permission to attend meetings and always state that you wish the transportation to attend O. R. T. meetings and you will get it. Quite a number promised to attend the meeting, but when the train whistled for the station it was the same old song. You are injuring yourselves when you stay away from these meetings. Our General Chairman could not get away, but promises to be on hand next time if possible. Vacancies are being bulletined now. How does it look to you, brothers. Think it looks good to some nons. Understand three brothers got passes to attend meeting in Chattanooga, but for some reason didn’t attend. What’s the matter? Sherman Heights vacant, but no bulletin as yet If you have never attended a meeting come out and I will assure you that you will not regret it. Get started, that’s all you have to do. If the agreement is not being lived up to you know the remedy — take up with the local chairman. It’s up to you. Bro. Mills, Tasso, off on vacation. Bro. Vaughan off a few days; says he is going to Jamestown. Bro. Stanberry still chasing around extra. He will not have this to do much longer. Vacancies will be bulletined and everybody have a show. How much better are the conditions over here now than a year ago and how much more pleasure is it to work under these conditions, realizing that every man will get a fair deal according to his seniority, ability, etc. Strange the nons won’t wake up and come in line. Bro. Dunlap, formerly at Boyd, resigned. Bro. Babb, formerly at Lenoir City, transferred to Powder Springs agency. Hope he will like it and not forget the boys on the east end. Don’t forget the regular monthly meeting every fourth Saturday night, Knoxville, Tenn. Those nons who refuse to join us after we work for them should not be given very much assistance. They take the benefits, yet they refuse to lend a helping hand. Isn’t it right that we should give them the marble heart when they come to us for favors, especially after they refuse repeatedly to join us like some have done on the Chattanooga Division. Are you getting your meal hour or overtime? If not, why not? Do you know of any vacancies that are not be- ing bulletined? If so take up with you local chair* man. That is what the local chairman is for to handle grievances, and it’s your own fault if you don’t take them up. Bro. Fitzgerald formerly nights at Charleston, Tenn., has been assigned regular to Lenoir City days. He secured this position which is one of the most desirable places on the division, on bul- letin. Bro. Stanberry, extra man working temporarily at Charleston, seems that he will wonder back to the old home town. Brothers, can’t you see the organization becom- ing stronger since last agreement? Surely it is climbing up. Vacancies being bulletined and brothers are taking up grievances and getting all the agreement allows them. Don’t it do you good to watch the rapid strides the Order is making on the Southern. Keep driving and we will soon be up to the standard, and the road that has been down so long, so far as the telegraphers are con- cerned, will rank head and shoulders above others. There is a big change in the past two weeks even. The men seem to be waking up all around and we hope they won’t grow disinterested in the struggle for what is just and right. Pay up your dues, keep the card around in your pocket and help the local chairman to get the nons in line, and in every way possible build up your organization. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1178 The Railroad Telegrapher. Effective June 20th Mr. S. H. Goodwin, former chief, transferred to first trick dispatcher. Mr. D. O. Hahn, formerly night chief, promoted to chief, while first trick dispatcher, Formwalt, gets night chiefs place. Div. Cor. Charlotte Division — Every one seems to be taking more interest in the Order. Each month a few new members are reported. We are almost solid but there are so many new men coming and old ones going, that we are kept busy lining them up. Let us all feel that it is our duty to keep at work, watch the nons and show them that it is for their good that we request them to come in and give their support. Our motto, which is “no card, no favors/' is a good one, but your correspondent has had better results by approaching them in a way that will show them we are in actual need of their support and assure them a hearty welcome in the Order. When we have done what we can in this way, and the non sits year after year and enjoys the in- creases and schedules that we secure, then I say live up to our motto. What we have accomplished in the past two years is as much and as good as there is on record. I have one agency in mind that paid $48 two years ago, now the regular salary is $57. 50. Last month the agent-telegrapher drew $61, including what he got through the dinner hour clause, but he has a hard job and deserves every cent of it. Our increases as a whole are not any more than the general increases in living expenses. The meeting at Gainesville June 2 was soul-in- spiring. As usual a good number were present. Bro. McDaniel, our general secretary and treas urer, was with us and in his quiet, easy way made a short talk that thrilled all those present with an earnest desire to make every action count for the Order. Bro. Cheek’s address was forceful and when he called attention to the wonderful contrast between the organization of several years ago and the one we have to-day every one felt like cheering, but he launched too quickly into eloquence and wound up by assuring our visitors of our appreciation of their presence. Bros. Weaver and Savage, from Charlotte, were in attendance. Two better union brothers never lived. Bro. Weaver is local chairman on the north end and was instrumental in organizing the Char- lotte lodge several weeks ago. Bro. W. S. Mask, our chief telegrapher, was married last week. Did not learn the lady’s name. May their future pathway be strewn with flowers and crowned with happiness and prosperity. Sister E. B. Smith has just returned from two weeks' vacation, which she spent in Atlanta at- tending the big Gomper’s meeting during his recent visit to the city. Bro. Andrews, who has been working nights at Flowery Branch, has been appointed agent at New Holland. He is a good union man and in splendid standing with the officials, and without a doubt has a bright future before him. Bro. B. L. Walker has the agency at Ayersville. Bro. J. W. Ayers has been in the mountains at hsi father’s country home for the past few weeks. Bros. Collins and McDaniel were full of the con- vention and we are proud of the record they made. We are glad the next convention will be held in Atlanta. The South deserves more of the con- ventions, for better union men and women never lived than live on Dixie’s soil. Bro. Collins is relieving Bro. Utsey, at “FX/* for a few days. Bro. J. N. Sims has been on the sick list, but reported better to-day. Hope he will soon be back at his post. Bro. W. R. Johnson is back at work after wear- ing out a case of measles. Bro. Black is out for a few days, relieved by Mr. Chappelear. At the time your correspondent should have got- ten his article to the May journal he was called to the bedside of his mother, who was critically ill and who passed sweetly into the Great Beyond May 6th. The dots which should have been published in April did not show up. It was mailed promptly, but must have been lost. C. E. B. Knoxville Division, Between Knoxville and Bristol — Several changes have taken place since the last write-up. The services of Telegrapher Dyer, Rader nights, have been dispensed with on account of his not being 18 years of age. Mr. Rayall relieved him. Mr. Baugh, from Carnegie days, has resigned and gone to Florida; relieved by Bro. Parsons. Miss Byington transferred from Rader to Dclrio. Mr. Remine from Russellville, and Mr. Reams, from Talbott, off a few days attending the James- town Exposition. Mr. Reams relieved by Bro. Tranthem, from Russellville. Mr. McFarland in Bro. Trenthem’s place at Russellville. “13” Mr. Gillespie, agent at Afton, has resigned and will go to the S. & W. as soon as relieved. Bro. Kennerly, from New Market, off sick for a few days. Bro. Porter, from Mascot, off for a few days at- tending Jamestown Exposition. Mr. Atckins, from Jefferson City, laying off. Bro. Davis, from west end double track, left the service. We are sorry to lose him. Mr. Mason relieved him. Bro. Craig, who has been on N. & W. for the past several months, is now night man at new line. We are glad to see him back with us. Bro. Leeson, from “DO” block office, off for a few days; relieved by Mr. Ramsey. Mr. Gandy, from “KY” days, has been made block inspector temporarily in Bro. Cassady's place. Bro. Cassady is in dispatcher’s office. Mr. Wardell working at “KY” days, in Mr. Gandy’s place. Bro. Clapp working nights at “KY.” Bro. Mathews, from “K” message office, trans- ferred to Nashville. Bro. McMicheal coming to “K” in Bro. Mathews’ place. 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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1179 W* regret to advise we have a few students on this end. We also have several nons. Understand Miss Byington has sent in her ap- plication. Also understand Mr. Anderson, from Mohawk, is going to get right, too. Carnegie days, Rader nights, Alexander nights. Delrio nights, and Afton days, are now bulletined. Telegraphers are scarce on this division and the thing for us to do is to keep them scarce. Cor. Washington Dhision- By scanning the pages of the June number, the Washington Division is found invisible, but ever- theless she is up and doing business, jogging along and contending for her rights. We had a very interesting meeting the night of the 15th. More brothers from the north end were in attendance than usual, which we all were glad to see, and hope they saw where attending these meetings are of great interest to us all, and that the number may continue to increase and the en- thusiasm also. As our profession is nearing a crisis we need to be in an enthusiastic and work- ing mood, and stick close together in one solid body. "United we stand, divided we fall.” Boys, turn a deaf ear to this student business that the company is endeavoring to enforce upon us. We do not need the $25 to mould "hams” by the first of the year, as they would be nothing else but "hams” and "wage slashers” and incom- petent to handle a skilled profession in a satisfac- tory and safe manner. A student may loaf around a telegraph office six months and at the end of six months he will still be loafing around the same learned profession. Boys, don’t take a stick to break your own neck, as it is against our feelings, rules, regulations, obligations, etc. We are not traitors nor backsliders, but are a working and honest body working together for the uplifting of our cause, and the protection of our wives and children, widows and orphans in our free country. We are all aware of the fact that if the country is flooded with a lot of recently-taught students it will work against us when the eight-hour law takes effect. There are plenty of thoroughly competent open in the country who will return to the pro- fession when desirable conditions exist. It seems as though the idea has sprung forth from some source that our meal hour can be given us betwreen 11:30 a. m. and 3:00 p. m., instead of >1:30 a. m. and 2:00 p. m., as our agreement calls for. The lengthening of time has been im- posed upon us without notice, therefore, we are investigating and not accepting. Who wants to eat breakfast at 6:00 a. m. and dinner at 3:00 p. m. ? Why we would feel weak about half way. Don’t believe there have been many changes of interest of late. Several night offices have been cut out, of which we are all aware. And there appears to be enough extra men at the present to relieve those desiring to vacate a few days. As the weather is quite warm I’ll cease this peck- ing, hoping we all may find our way to the meet- ing hall "Me/* Atlanta Division — I am pleased to note that numbers of the < brothers are taking special interest in the welfare of our Order. This is just what we want to see. Let every member realize that it is his privilege as well as duty to pull together for the upbuilding of our good and great organization. The boys are aware of the fact that it is not reasonable to ex- pect their local chairman to do it all, and are lend- ing their vluable assistance along mny lines. This I appreciate very much. Let’s continue to work together for good. We would like thorough or- ganization, and the prospects look favorable. Con- tinue to preach and practice better service; it will be wise for us to build the service up to the highest possible standard as we move onward and upward. If any of us are careless with our work, unkind to those who appeal to us for in- formation, or if we allow our offices to wear an untidy appearance, there is certainly room for improvement, and we can not expect to be recog- nized as worthy brothers unless we seek to remedy such faults. I believe practically every brother and each and every sister will agree with me in this matter. I recently appointed for my assistants, Bro. J. R. Winters, of Tallapoosa, Ga., and Bro. B. H. Harkins, of Atlanta, Ga. These gentlemen are fairly acquainted with the division, and are in a position to give me valuable assistance. Bro. S. E. Smith, of Powder Springs, aware of the fact that I was attempting to keep business going without the aid of a typewriter, recently made up an attractive paper, merely placing the matter before the membership and its friends, leaving the matter of contributing entirely with the boys. Numbers of brothers, sisters and friends have already signed the list and forwarded their contribution. The fact that this is being done without the asking causes me to appreciate it all the more. I desire to thank each and every one who has felt disposed to aid in this purchase. E. C. Moss, Local Chairman. Knoxville Division — Am glad of the opportunity to insert another line in the grand old journal. Having been over the line since our last write-up, am pleased to say I found more interest manifested than ever before. There are not many nons on this end and we have their promises to be with us soon. I wish I could report as good a per cent all over the line as that up to B. D., but am glad to see the brothers taking interest, and if we all will get down to business and do all we can it will not be long until we can say solid over the Knoxville Division, with the exception of 1900 men, who are exceedingly few. Would be glad to see the brothers take more in- terest in our meetings you who have not been at- tending do not realize how much you arc missing. Come and help us confer the degrees on new members. You will learn more about the Order in one night at the meeting than you will at your home in two months. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1180 The Railroad Telegrapher. As new jobs are created and vacancies occur they will be bulletined and the brothers will be able to secure desired locations when entitled to them. Night job Leadvale. on bulletin at the present time. We are glad to sec Bro. C. C. Craig with us once more. He is working the night trick at New Line. He has been with the N. & W. for several months. Our meeting held in Knoxville the 25th was a success and after business was transacted in duo form conferred the degree on our new brother from the west end. Am sorry to say I have for- gotten his name, but that will he furnished by our regular correspondent. As the result of my trip Mr. J. P. Bradshaw, Mr. M. L. McCormick. Mr. Rumbley and Mr. Winnie S. Walker will be known as brothers. We are glad to welcome them into the fold. Now, let us try and see if we can’t give the company better service than ever before. If we are union we must unite as one and work together for the good of all. T. J. S., Local Chairman. NOTICE. To All Members Knoxville Division — Regular meetings will be held in Knoxville. Tenn.. fourth Saturday night each month. Hall over the Japanese Theater, Gay street, 8:30 p. m. All are requested to attend every meeting. We want to extend our invitation to all visiting brothers. Come, you will find a Ijearty welcome. % Fraternally. T. J. Stafford, Local Chairman. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Almighty God has deemed it wise to remove from our midst our beloved Bro. John Miron Grossman. In memory to our brother who ha9 been taken from us and in sympathy to the bereaved family, be it Resolved, By the members of Southern Railway Div. 59, that we extend to the members of the fam- ily of the deceased brother our heartfelt sympathy and we commend them to him who doeth all things well, and who will comfort them in this dark hour of sorrow; be it further Resolved, That in the death of Bro. J. M. Grossman that Southern Railway Div. 59 loses a true and faithful member and the wife a loving husband; and be it Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our deceased brother; also placed on the record of the division and a copy sent to The Telegrapher for publication. A. L. McDaniel, G. S. & T., J. W. Burgess, H. G. Alexander, J. H. Nicholson, Committee , Olean Division, No. 135. The regular meeting for the month of May was held at Olean as usual with fairly good attendance, but there is still room for more. Turn out, boys, and learn what is being done. The meeting for June will be held at the same place on the 18th. The following good jobs have been up for bid the past month: East Aurora, days and nights; Terminal, days; “OW,” days, and “AD.” nights. Here is hoping some worthy brother lands one of these, as they are all good. Bro. Cain, our relief man. is making his sched- ule this trip without any breaks. Let the good work go on, as most of us are badly in need of a hair cut once a month. Our first vice-chief, Bro. Mathewson, can cut his own hair and cut it close, too, but as a general thing we have not mastered the art as yet. I have credited Bro. J. T. McCarthy with a long mark this month. He will "13” why. The new semaphores and levers are installed on the south end and are ready for use. Expect the block system on that end will be going into effect shortly. A few Sundays ago our division operator was heard making inquiries along the Rochester Branch to ascertain from the professors of the numerous ham factories, whether or not all the students were working. It appears that there are five ham factories on this branch with a total of at least eleven students. Now, boys, it is not necessary to climb a tree to see that this is the place for us to do our little missionary work. I understand that Bro. Long, from **SN.” has bid in Terminal days. Let us all make a special effort to attend the meetings. Div. Cor. North Adams Division, No. 139. Meeting called to order at 7:30 p. m., June 8th. I suppose the members think the correspondent has gone on a vacation and is prolonging the safe unnecessarily. This is not the case and through carelessness on my part, have of late sent in the write-up a little too late for print, so you see that accounts for it. * Understand that there is a little talk going around the room relative to the scarcity of write- ups from this division. Brothers, you must re- member that it only comes once a month, about the 15th to 18th, and sometimes it slips my mind as well as other things that happen so infrequently. The writer has an article in the magazine a few times more than some of the members appear at the meeting. People who live in the ice box should keep cool and figure out the faults at their own end as well as at the other. Wonder why Bro. Beard never shows up at the meetings? He should not be backward, but come up on the second Saturday night of the month and get acquainted. Bro. Girvan should come up and play at his post or he is liable to be called upon for an ex- planation as to his negligence. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1181 Mr. Akin, who worked Johnsonville nights, has been appointed to hold down the gravel pit day job. Bro. Moak, at Schaghticoke nights, is to be married in the latter part of September, per re- ports. Bro. Cook, of Shel Falls, will take a vacation in the latter part of August, and expects to go to Niagara Falls for a few weeks. Bro. Meehan, who worked days at North Adams soma years ago, and is at present dispatcher on the C. P. Ry., is visiting old B. & M. friends. There will be a rumpus at Eagle Bridge some night if Bro. Speanburgh and Bro. Colton do not attend meetings oftener. Bro. Shaughnessy, of Hoosick Falls, claims he will come up to the meetings if the brothers will not make him ride the goat. Will try to get a peti- tion up against any such proceedings if he will promise to appear. Cor C., R. I. & P. Ry. Minnesota and Cedar Rapids Divisions — Were you out to the meeting at Cedar Rapids June aist, if not, why? You surely missed some- thing good if you were not there, as it was one of the best we have held. Between twenty-five and thirty members were present, and our worthy General Chairman, W. T. Brown, was also with us, and gave a very interesting talk. Many sub- jects were brought up for discussion, and the boys were all very much pleased and well repaid for being there. Was glad to note some of the brothers who are quite a distance from Cedar Rapids showing up so strong; 1 only wish we could get more interested on this question. Every one do your part and see if we can not have a much larger crowd at the next meeting, which will be held July 19th. Remember, its the third Friday of every month. Bro. Burle, of Cedar Rapids relay office, is spending hi6 vacation in the East. Mr. Rice and Gill working twelve-hour shifts account “O" being off. Jim Halpin is the new man at Cedar Rapids relay office filling the vacancy made by Mr. Haga- man taking a trick in “DS” office. Our chief dispatcher, T. H. Luneman, is off for two weeks; Mr. Heath relieving and Mr. Hawk doing the night chief act. Mr. McElrath, our south end chief, is also taking a much-needed rest. Mr. Scott, Branch Line dispatcher, is doing the stunt for J. J. M. Mr. Hadish, ticket clerk at Waterloo, off on vacation visiting friends in the East; Bro. McCarty doing the double act at “WA” while Hadish is away. Bro. Richards is holding down the lonely stunt at Palo nights, relieving Mr. Lavatte, “the noisy man/* A. B. Vaughn, of Curtis, came across with the papers; glad to see him make this step in the right direction. Mr. Featherstone is the new man at Inver Grove, Bro. Tritchler having left the service of this company. Bro. Birch, of Fairbault, relieved at Inver Grove a few nights account no extra man to take charge. Bro. See, of Oelwein, is spending his vacation in the West; can not say who is relieving him. Bro. Thorndike, of Elgin, resting up these days in Minnesota; G. A. Gruver is handling the biz. at Elgin. Bro. Pease, of Center Point, has returned from a visit in Western States much refreshed and ready to do business at the old stand. Mr. Randal, of Decorah, has resigned and “13” he quits the railroad business on account of poor health. Decorah is now bulletined and up for bids? Steel gang is laying steel between Oelwein and Maynard, a much-needed improvement. Agent Monroe, of Palo, has filled out the papers and will soon be carrying a new card. Good bunch from the south end showed up to the meeting at Cedar Rapids the aist, but no one brought any items along, so will have to pass them up this time. New time card June 9th, changing all our train numbers, and also the time; kept us all guessing for a few days. See that your clearance cards are made out correctly. NufF said. Brother, who is your neighbor on each side of you? Has he a card, is he paid up to date, or is he a non? Every one get busy and help to make the R. I. solid. The committee goes in to meet the general manager in July and they want good backing. See if you can not help to bring some poor non to sec his errors, and get him lined up. There are not many left, but what we have should be looked after. Don’t forget the dates of our meetings, third Friday of every month. Morkie. Iowa Division — You fellows who stayed at home should have been at the meetings at Rock Island, June 15th, and Des Moines, June 1 7th. A big crowd was present, a jolly good time was had by all, as well as important business transacted. If you don’t have to work to let the other fellow go, please don’t stay at home just because you will lose a few hours’ sleep. Your presence will help to rush the thing along. Bro. O. E. Weaver got the day position at Wilton on bulletin. Bro. Davis still nights at that point. Harry Stonehocker is now working for the C. S. & C. C. D. Ry. at Bull Hill, Colorado. Bro. M. C. Brennan is now with the Great Northern at Mondak, Mont.; “13“ Charley will be down to see us soon and possibly stay here. Bro. J. B. Smith, at Marengo, has been off a few days on account of the serious illness of Mrs. Smith, but at this writing she is reported much better. Bro. R. T. Ray is located at Oxford days, Bro. E. J. Yakish taking his place nights at Mitchel- ville. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1182 The Railroad Telegrapher. There are one or two “undesirables’' on the East Iowa, and with this exception we are solid. Still a few nons on the West Iowa, but they won't be there long. Notify your Local Chairman at once whenever a new man comes on the line, and let him know whether up-to-date or a non. If up-to-date get his certificate and division number so the Local Chairman can arrange to have him transferred* at once. This is important. In going over the division some time ago the Local Chairman found a man or two who didn’t even know who they were working with at the next station each side of them. Please try and keep yourselves better posted than this so you can give the Local Chairman some information if he drops in on you again. Of course we realize you are all very busy. If you have any news items you would like to have appear in The Telegrapher, you should advise your Local Chairman. Don’t overlook any weddings, births or deaths. Cert. 390. Bro. C. D. Overturff is doing the extra dis- patching on the Des Moines Valley Division, be- ing relieved in “MS” office, Des Moines, by Mr. Thomas Cosgrove, a new-comer. Bro. Harry H. Whitehead is doing the extra work as dispatcher on the Iowa Division. We are all glad to see Harry get this work, and he sems to be getting along fine. Mr. J. W. Stoker, day telegrapher at Co. Bluffs, was called to Pleasant Hill, 111., Monday account of illness of Mrs. Stoker, who is visiting her parents at Pleasant Hill. J. W. expects to remain a week or ten days, and if Mrs. Stoker’s health has improved sufficiently she will return with him. We understand that Mr. A. Hafford, second trick wire chief at “MS,’’ Des Moines, expects to lay off the latter part of June and visit home folks at Columbus, Ohio% Bro. W. B. Fryberger has been laying off at Tiffin for about three weeks. He visited in Des Moines, Metz and Wilton, and then took a little run down in Texas and Indian Territory. He does not think much of the Great Southwest, and says that Iowa is good enough for him. Cor. Missouri Division, Seventh and Eighth Districts — If any of you have received a copy of that pamphlet issued from Philadelphia, don’t read the stuff you find in that little two-by-four journal and take it as the truth until you have ascertained from some of the members who were at Minne- apolis whether it is true. Write to your General Chairman and ask him about this Marr and Dolphin deal, as he was on the Committee of Grievances and Appeals, and you can rest assured that he would not have stood for anything only right. Then you can look at the committee handling this case and you will find that it was not a picked lot of men but that it was composed of men from the leading railroads of the country and from both the East and the West. Why, the members of the committee themselves look to be honorable and no one could for a minute question their ability to handle this matter in a fair and just manner. I assure you there was no split at Minneapolis. It was only a few that came there to try and split it, failed and are now trying to make you believe that they were successful. Take my advice and stay with the organization that pulled you from nothing and placed you among the other organiza- tions of the country. We have a few items this month frdm the Seventh District, thanks to Bros. Jackson and Stewart, and I request all the brothers on the Seventh as well as the Eighth Districts to send me the news and I will endeavor to get the articles in print Your correspondent is trying to get relief to go out in Colorado for a few days, and if he gets away will have our worthy Bro. Jackson look after the write-up next month. Mr. A. H. Masters relieved your Local Chair- man, Bro. Stewart, while he spent a few days at Minneapolis during the convention. Bro. Stewart now advises that Mr. Masters has accepted the night job at Harvard and that we can soon call him brother. We can now call both H. O. Sawyers and A. L. Haines, of Seymour, brothers, as they have both filled out papers and same are in the hands of the G. S. & T. Bro. Stewart, with the help of the members on the Seventh District, is stirring things up, and the boys on the Eighth District will have to get busy or the Seventh will be solid before we are. Now, let every member jump on to some non this month and make him promise to send in his papers. Bro. Duke, agent Mill Grove, has returned from an extended visit West and expects to resume work in a short time. He was relieved during his absence by Mr. G. E. Vanmater, from the Burlington. Bro. Stewart advises that Mr. Van- mater has promised to send in his application this month. Glad to hear it. Mr. F. L. O’Neill, who was working nights at Harvard, accepted the agency at Paris, but is at present working days at Gallatin. Night office at Spickard was closed May 15th, Bro. A. E. Hugh son taking a vacation of fifteen days and going to Gay days on his return. Expect to open Spickard again as night office soon as the block system goes into effect, and presume Bro. Hughson will then return to Spick- ard. Mr. J. C. Morrow, who was temporarily at Paris, went to Camden Foil;* for a couple of weeks, relieving Bro. Girdner. While Bro. Girdner was away he visited St. Paul and we received a very pretty and appropriate post-card from him. In our last write-up we failed to designate Bro. Coulter, Hickory Creek, as brother. It was a mistake on our part and no harm meant. We are certainly glad to know that he is with us. There are a number of nons on this division, and I trust they will secure application blanks and get out of that class. They will have to admit that it is not the nons who have secured better working conditions and better rates of pay. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1183 Why, then, are they holding aloof? Do they want the other boys to pay for these things while they (the nons) receive the benefit without a hand's turn? It would be as reasonable for them to ask a man to buy them a shirt or a sack of flour, for it amounts to the same thing, and they will readily recognize this fact if they will stop to think that they are enjoying increases that the members have worked and paid good hard money for. Now, I know they don't regard it in that light, but it’s a fact and it is up to them to buy these shirts and this flour for themselves. I don’t like to buy stuff for other people when I actually need the money myself, but would great deal rather buy it for them than to exchange places and have them buying for me. So get out of that old rut and let’s all be on an equal basis, each one buying for himself. The block stations at Blake and Highland are completed, and I understand the men will be in them in a few days. Also hear that at present there will be no block office at Mabel, but that Platte River is to have one and that Stockbridge is to be opened soon. From all appearances at present our eight- hour law, so far as the Rock Island is concerned, fanned out at the bat. But there is a bright day coming, brothers, so don’t be discouraged, but keep paying up your dues and see that the other man does the same, and possibly we will some tune before long have an eight-hour day that will stick and the penalty for not living up to it will amount to more than a small fine. Now. don’t forget to try and secure a new member this month. Even if you just give him one little push toward the right direction it will be a great help, and while it will not be much effort on your part it will be of great assistance to others. Until I return again I will leave you with the following words: "Keep after them.’’ Correspondent. Si. Louis Division — Not so many changes past month. Bro. J. E. Son has bid in agency at Nay. W. L. Bonnett, Nay, now at Henley. Bro. E. D. Gidinghagen relieved at Gascondy a few days last week. Bro. R. D. Elliott leaving line to accept position with U. P. at Denver, Colo. C. Huchison, nights Union, laying off few weeks; relieved by R. H. Carson, who says will carry a card soon. Bro. J. J. Flint, agent Etterville, laying off a few weeks; relieved by Bro. Emmett Smith, late from the Norfolk & Western Ry., member of Division No. 14. "13" Bro. C. H. Koetting, of Gerald, is expect- ing relief to take a vacation shortly. O. W. Holloway, agent Bowen, has resigned to accept service elsewhere. Sorry to see him go. Bro. McDonald, nights Forsyth Jet., is leaving the line. Cert. 480. Nebraska Division — Another month has rolled around with the usual good results in the way of new members, which is always a pleasing thing to sec and know of. At the rate we are going now it will be but a short time until the Nebraska Division will be solid from one end to the other. B. O. Pasley, days, Phillipsburg, F. H. Caudy, Harbine, and C. H. Fuller are the last ones to get new cards. Keep the good work going and get after every non on the line, and see if you can not show him why he should become a member. It is not a hard proposition to tell him in what way he will be benefited, and I wish every member on the division would appoint himself a committee of one to do all that is in his power to secure new members. We held our regular meeting at Belleville on June 15th, with about fifteen of the boys present, and the only thing that we were sorry of was that more were not there, but since the new time card went into effect it is almost impossible for the boys east of Belleville to go back home. For this reason it was decided that meetings would be held at Fairbury subject to the call of the Local Chairman, and we want every one who can possibly get off to be sure and attend these meet- ings, for there are matters of importance that you should know about, and about the only way we can tell you and make it plain is to have you at these meetings where we can talk to you. So make every effort to attend. At a meeting of the representatives held at Kansas City before starting for Minneapolis it was decided to put our General Secretary and Treasurer, M. E. Schooler, on a salary, so that he could devote all his time to the work. You will all be notified of this in due time. There have not been very many changes on the division the past month, and I guess the cnly reason for it is that there was no relief man to be had. Several of the boys desire to get off but very few of them are able to do so. Mr. Edd Wolford relieving Bro. Turner at Pow- hattan for thirty days. Bro. Green back to work at Jansen since return- ing from the convention. Mr. Rairden, who was relieving him, has left the service. "Owls” at Albright are changing so fast that it is impossible to keep tab on them; latest one is H. A. Lorsch, unable to say whether he has a card as he is a new man on the division. Night telegrapher M. H. Goodlander, Lincoln, was married June 5th to Miss Donnels, of Auburn, Neb. All hands join in extending congratulations. Bro. Barnes is back to work at Richfield after his vacation. "13” that Bro. Geo. Lee starts in at Otego again today. Day telegrapher Yoacum back at Smith Center and Bro. Cowan is taking about ten days off to visit his folks at Portia. F. J. Sadelek, at Plymouth, has taken out a new card and is entitled to fraternal courtesies. Boys, keep your ear on the "F” wire. We have a good bunch of fellows up there and we want Digitized by Cjooole

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1184 The Railroad Telegrapher. to help them all that we can by answering up promptly. J. A. M. IN MEMORIAL. Whereas, The Almighty God has deemed it wise to remove from the family of our Bro. Geo. D. Lee little Robert, in manifestation of our respect and friendship for our brother and his wife; be it Resolved, By the members of the C., R. I. & P., Division No. 126, Order of The Railway Teleg- raphers, that we extend to the bereaved parents our heartfelt sympathy, in this, their hour of affliction; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the bereaved family, a copy spread upon the records of the division, and a copy furnished The Telegrapher for publication. E. C. Green, C. E. Bauvelt, J. A. Merrill, Committee. Rock Island Branch , Galesburg Division — Owing to the failure of the boys to come up with the necessary items last month, we had no write-up, and are in just about the same pre- dicament this month. However, your Uncle Ezrah has succeeded, with the assistance of a faithful few, in scraping up a few items. Boys, it looks exceedingly bad not to see just a small write-up from us each month. It would take so little of your time to help us out by sending in an item or two. It is a duty we owe ourselves and our Order, to sec that we are represented each month. Don’t hang back and wait on your neighbor to assist us; just buy an envelope, put a 2-cent stamp on it and address it to II. W. Kost, 534 27th Street, Rock Island, 111., and send them along. Every little bit helps. Mr. Roscoe McGowen has resigned his position as day telegrapher at Rock Island 20th street depot and accepted position as night message telegrapher in dispatcher’s office at C., R. I. & P. depot. McGowen relieved by Mr. McGrath, of Galesburg, a one-time member of our Order. He has expressed his desire to make good and no doubt we will be enabled to attach the brother in next write-up. Mr. Earl Victor, formerly agent at Ophiem, working nights at 20th street station, Bro. Fling having been transferred to Alpha nights. Bro. Ed. Eckenbaum, formerly nights at Bar- stow, transferred to agency Ophiem, his home town. Am not advised who relieved at Barstow nights. Mr. A. J. Carter, formerly agent Barstow, transferred to agency Bushnell; relieved at Bar- stow by Mr. Aringdale, formerly “DO.” Bro. Bush Kirkman, of Erie, relieving Aringdale as day telegrapher. Mr. Stevenson, nights at Warner, has his ap- plication papers in, and soon will be termed brother. Bro. Frank Seward, days 17th street block, laying off account sickness; relieved by Bro. W. T. McMillan, night man. Mr. Conrad Westling working extra nights at 17th. Plenty to do at Terminal Jet. these days; sand trains galore. The D., R. I. & N. W. Ry. are filling in the approach to Crescent Bridge, also Bridge 151 just east of Terminal. This work is being done under contract by C., B. & Q. work trains. Bro. L. T. Burford, nights Terminal. Now, boys, don’t forget those items and we will be much obliged. H. W. K. Union Pacific Ry. Wyoming Division — Bro. F. L. Murphy, days at Birdwood night office, closed, and office may be closed altogether until health conditions are remedied. Basement full of water makes it bad for malaria. Bro. G. C. Willis left there nights few days ago. Bro. Willis hails from “way down in Georgia,” and having secured a position with the Frisco at Birmingham, Ala., straightway packed his little grip and started for the Sunny South. Good luck to him, as he is true blue and has the genuine hospitality of the typical Southerner. Hershey held down by Bro. W. F. Howard days and Bro. Ernest Bane, from the Wabash nights. Bro. Howard, who is a tireless worker for the cause, returned home a short time ago from a three weeks’ trip east to visit his parents. He called on the Order headquarters at St. Louis on his rounds and reports being treated royally by them. He was relieved by Bro. Bane. Bro. W. A. Hostetter was fortunate enough to land the agency at Sutherland while Bro. G. L. Stout docs the owl stunt and rustles the cans of cream. Both always up-to-date and good workers. Bro. J. B. Reynolds relieving agent at Paxton while Bro. R. Deffenbaugh plays the part of the owl. Roscoe night office closed account shortage of telegraphers; new-comer works days. Have not learned his name or where he is from. Bro. R. D. Chamberlain, nights at Ogallala, is on sick list at present, but expects to be out again in a few days. Temporarily relieved by Bro. W. Z. Hamm, a new man from the Illinois Central. Bro. Spencer operator days. Bro. W. H. Seibert, days and Bro. J. Holst nights, keeps things going at Brule. Julesburg manned by Bros. C. W. Simons, R. C. Young and Mr. Keinbing. Bro. M. V. Burris being on sick list at present. Hope he will soon be out again. Bro. C. F. Wheeler, days at Cbappel, relieving Mr. A. P. Ridge. Mr. P. D. Gray, working nights, claims he is an Order man “at heart,” makes all kinds of prom- ises and excuses, but that is all ever comes of it, and as several “pay-days” have passed since he first made his promise and he still stays out in the cold, we have concluded he likes to stay out, as it is cheaper to let the “other fellow” pay for it Excuses are cheaper than dues. This is the writer’s first attempt, so will be overlooked if not perfect; but a poor write-up beats Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1185 none at all, and it seems that everybody has been waiting for some one else to make the start. We have a good schedule, but it can be im- proved and all members should strive to that end. The Order is no longer a speculation or un- certainty, and the telegrapher who can not see what wonderful things it has done for us certainly must be very narrow-minded. I can not think any one is that narrow-minded, but rather that they are too selfish to be willing to help pay for the advantages gained. They will not join the Order as it will cost them something, but in their hearts they are very glad that others do. If they could only have a trial at working under the difficulties experienced a few years ago, and even at the present time on some roads, such as tend- ing switch lamps, working fourteen to sixteen hours a day at one-man stations, etc., they would change their tunes before morning. I have been all along these lines myself and speak from ex- perience, and can certainly appreciate what the Order has done and the prospects it has for the future. Cert. 616. Wyoming Division, Western District — We regret very much to lose our chief dis- patcher, Mr. Foley, at Cheyenne. Our loss will be someone’s gain, and we wish him success, as the treatment accorded us during his short stay made him very popular. Bro. Yantiss, of Hanna, spent one day in I^ramie and one day in Cheyenne, narrowly escaping serious injury while taking in the sights of the cities. Bro. Grimshaw relieved Bro. Yantiss at Chey- enne and is now an ambitious angler near Her- raosa, catching trout. Bro. Thomas now doing the heavy at Rock River while Bro. Teghi is absent. Bro. O. C. Shields got Medicine Bow agency on bulletin, relieving Bro. S. E. Tolliver, who took the Paxton agency. Bro. L. E. Klein on a vacation, goes back to dear old Broadway, New York Bro. E. C. Wright, of Rawlins, leaves the ser- vice and accepts T. F. A. job for the C. & N. W., with headquarters somewhere in Idaho, we under- stand. Mrs. Welty, nights at Howell, on the sick list for a few days last month, but has resumed duty. Says she is going to join the O. R. T. Glad to hear such news. Bro. Ablard still in Washington, place being filled by a stranger. The district practically clear of west-bound loads at present. We understand it is the intention to put the west-bound main line between Thayer Jet. and Point of Rocks in operation as soon as possible. Bro. Trapp transferred Thayer Jet. to Green River in dispatcher’s office. Bro. Foster transferred Tipton nights to Thayer Jet. days. Mr. Long, from the L., S. & M. S. in Indiana, new man at Tipton nights. Baxter closed; operating double track now be- tween Thayer Jet. and Rock Springs. Bro. Crandall transferred Baxter days to Riner days. Bro. Leahy gone to Minneapolis on vacation. Harry McKee, night man Baxter, gone to S. P., we “13.” That new schedule on S. P. is drawing a great many of the boys that way. A good schedule is more advantageous to the railroads than to the telegraphers. We are glad to have Bro. Ablard numbered among us again ; notice he is back at his old stand at Bitter Creek after having spent an extended vacation in the Northwest. Bro. Connors, we understand, has left the service of the Union Pac. and gone to Portland. Success to him wherever he lands. Ckrt. 410. Eastern District, Kansas Division — Bro. B. W. Doyle, who has been reporting tl*e ball games and handling the “CX” in “Z” office, Kansas City, has resigned, being relieved by Mr. Amos. Bro. L. C. Stout, Bonner Springs, promises to have Mr. Morrell, his night telegrapher, lined up with us next month, making Bonner solid. Bro. S. H. Paul, “FY” office, Kansas City, has accepted the position of agent at Abilene, Kans. Bro. A. H. Engle, Linwood, off several nights account sickness, being relieved by Mr. Philip Pierson. In addition to relieving Bro. Engle, Mr. Pierson relieved the station of several things and is now holding forth in jail. Mr. Pierson come to Linwood with the old excuse some one had stolen his pocket-book and cards. It pays to watch such nons, especially when they have such a poor memory as to forget what division they belonged to. Bro. G. E. Payne, Manhattan, was off several days. Bro. Leger handled the “Meco” while Goldie filled up on spring chicken and wedding cake. Bro. Denison, Blue Rapids, bid in Detroit days. Bro. Klasse, relief agent, relieved Bro. Cantwell at Irving for several weeks. Sister M. I. Nixon, Manager at Manhattan, took a two weeks’ vacation, being relieved by Bro. Leger. Bro. Klasse relieving Bro. Carson at Ft. Riley. There are several persons, and they are not all nons, who persist in doing all they can to increase the supply of telegraphers, and if the practice is not stopped charges may be preferred. There are twelve or fifteen telegraphers who have left this division in the past two years and are now engaged in other business who would no doubt return were conditions better. If you have not yet answered Bro. Perham’s circular letter do so at once. It is important. How about the new card. It’s time you had one, you know. Bro. Fenton Weeks was quite sick for several days last month. Bro. Brady, at Rossville nights, transfers to us from R. I. 126. “HO.” Digitized by CjOOQle

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1186 The Railroad Telegrapher. B. A O. 8. W. Ry. Springfield Division — We note the General Committee has returned. Don't know what the situation is, but we are sure everything is “OK.” B. & O. S. W. System, Division No. 74, is 95 per cent strong, and how proud we are to be in a position to say so. Bro. White, of Norris City, has accepted the agency at Bridgeport, relieving Bro. Chassels. Bro. Ingling, of Iola, relieved Bro. Peck last week while Bro. Peck attended to some business at Cincinnati. Bro. C. R. Tate is taking a vacation this week, visiting in old Missouri. Bro. Allen is working at Mill Shoals while Bro. Morgan is absent Bro. Porter at Norris City for the present. Am just in receipt of a copy of the proceedings of the convention. It's worth your while to read it thoroughly. Note the resolution in regard to handling the U. S. mail; that looks good to me. We hoped to see something from main line on Illinois Division, also Indiana Division, but noth- ing has yet appeared. Why is it that every one notices the fact that telegraphers are the poorest paid class of em- ployes on a railroad? I have had a number of persons mention this fact to me of late. Why is it? You don’t have to “figger” very long to tell why. Get busy and do your part. CORRESPONDENT. Ohio Division — The boys all awaiting the return of the General Committee. They seem to have all confidence in them. Bro. Hagerty working nights at Belpre. Bro. Witherspoon going to “DA” tower, third trick. Bro. Brill relieving Bro. Hulbert at Guysville. Bro. Redman relieving Bro. Campbell at “AS” tower account of sickness. Bro. Hester, agent Mineral, sick, relieved by Bro. Flinn, formerly with N. & W. Bro. McNamara, agent Zaleski, off to get mar- ried; relieved by day telegrapher Knowlton. Bro. Driscoll working days and Bro. Meyer, formerly of Ohio River Division, working nights. Bro. Ray came back to Byers Jet. nights, after a year's absence; worked for U. S. carrying mail on rural route. Bro. Wallace, agent at Ray, relieved by Bro. Uhrig, extra dispatcher, account sickness. Bro. Betz working days at West Jet. while regular man. Smith, working days at gravel pit. Bro. Johnson working nights at “RK” tower during absence of Bro. Brill, who is now at Guysville. Bro. Houser, days at Musselman, relieved by night man Whaley; Bro. Houser rejoicing over the arrival of a baby girl. Bro. Fuert working nights. Bro. Wilson, days at Leesburg, relieving Chair- man Wires at Cozaddale while he appears before the officials on matters relative to new schedule. Bro. Cook, night man, now working days at Leesburg. Bro. Conover, regular day second trick of “DA” tower, relieving Bro. Nichols nights of Midland City. Bro. Fuert relieving Bro. Smith nights at Blanchester; Bro. Smith sick. Bro. Harper accepted the agency at Windsor, former agent Conover taking second trick at “DA” tower. Three tricks put in at “DA” tower; accepted by Bro. Leever, Conover and Witherspoon. Bro. Hiatt to “DE,” Chillicothe, nights, Symins, night man, accepting the day job, Bro. Harper, an old Big Four dispatcher .of Columbus, taking the night job at Loveland. Bro. Kirkendall accepted night office at Maderia just opened. Bro. Brown, of East Norwood days, accepted Eighth Street “CS” office days. Howard, of “RH” tower, now working third trick at Ivory dale Jet. Bro. Blevins resigned days at Stock Yards, "CN” office, night man, Bro. Jackson, taking days. Bro. Richards, new man, took nights for short time, but Bro. Mayfield leaving general office at Cincinnati, “SG” office, Bro. Richards took that, and night vacancy at “CN” filled by Bro. Kersheimer, just arrived from the Q. C. with an up-to-date. Seventy-four offices on this division, employing 146 telegraphers with only five nons. How is that for thorough organization? Div. Cor. N. Y., C. & 8t L. Ry. The General Committee has been ill session at Cleveland since April 16, 1907, concluding ne- gotiations with the management on the afternoon of May 9th. Before this reaches you, a letter will have been sent out to each member employed on the road, giving a brief account of the work accomplished. It is to be hoped that all those who have not paid the special assessment will realize the neces- sity of doing so at once, in order to meet in full the expenses of this work. Promptness in these matters means a great deal. The committee wishes to extend its thanks to all those who so willingly, and with the proper spirit, interested themselves in the affairs of the division. While there is still plenty of room left for im- provement in the telegraph department, our sched- ule agreement will now compare favorably with those in effect on competing lines. The amended rule, and advance in pay, adding about $7,000 to the yearly salary, is a great im- provement. The committee has only words of praise for the managing officials, who showed a disposition at all times to listen to arguments and weigh the many grievances in detail, and it is to be hoped every telegrapher and station agent will show their appreciation of this courtesy by giving the very best service in return. Your attention is again called to the fact that your Local Chairman is not always notified when Digitized by LjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. . 1187 a newcomer goes to work on the line. If he is a member of some other division, you should notify the Local Chairman, in order that he may arrange for transferring him to membership on our di- vision. If he is a non-member, the Local Chair- man should also be advised. Some idea can be gleaned of how difficult it is at times for Chairmen to keep track of all these changes, from the fact that our road hired during last year 140 extra men, and at the close of the year only 39 of this number were in the service. It behooves us all to put our shoulders to the wheel with renewed effort, and not only hold fast what we have gained through organization, but build up such a bulwark that in a very short time we can proudly say, we are taking the lead among the skilled workers of the country. Miss Randall has resigned her position as day telegrapher at Thornton Junction. Bros. Corbett, Dudley and Weatherup have left the service to accept positions with the P. R. R. Bro. O. F. Pierce, of Brocton, is off on a month's vacation. Bro. Donovan is working days and Bro. Henry Wiser is working nights. Bro. Howard L. Hicks, formerly night teleg- rapher and ticket agent at Dunkirk, has accepted a position in the office of the Standard Oil Com- pany at Bula, West Va. Night Chief J. J. Brown has gone to Denver for a few weeks. Div. Cor. Fourth District — The warm days are here at last and also the desire for the busy man to spend what few mo- ments of leisure he has, if any, in the shade of some “old apple tree,” or somewhere. But, brothers, a little more friction over here is needed to keep a cold feeling from entering into our thoughts. Don’t turn a cold shoulder to your Order and say, “this is well enough,” but keep the motto well in mind: “still onward.” Bro. C. S. Elliott, of the C. I. & S., at Knox, has taken up a new vocation, as rate inspector, located at Stony Island, 111. Bro. C. M. Guide has transferred his attentions, as owl at “K,” to the C. I. & S. day job at Knox. We regret to lose a brother, but trust the change is for the best and will be content to know that the vacant chair is filled by a man wilh “the card.” Bro. J. H. Wittkamper relieves Bro. Guide at Knox nights. We “13” that Bro. Shoemaker, of “SD,” was selling tickets for a short time, but soon returned to the key. Bro. F. L. Savery, at one time employed on this district, but now of the Indiana Harbor Belt, at Grasselli, gave his old friends a short visit at Knox, his old home. Frank says he has a job that you read about. Our committee was successful in a way at their last meeting, with the general managers; but, brothers, don’t think we can jump from the bot- tom to the top round of success in one or a few hounds. Get after the nons and get them in line so that when our committee again goes before the management, they may know that they have a solid line of backers. You brothers who are relieved from duty every night or morning by a non stop and visit with him a few minutes and convince him that we are striving for his welfare as well as our own, and induce him to take that small burden of assistance upon himself and help us gain the victory. There are a few nons on this district, we are sorry to say, but we know where each one of them is, and we are determined to tell them of the O. R. T., whether they desire to listen or not. So, boys, get busy; get out your musty application blanks and have him put his name on them, and when your supply of blanks is exhausted, just drop Bro. Smith a line at Argos, and they will he forthcoming. I, for one, would like to see items from this district appear in The Telegrapher every month, but in order to have a correspondent give a write- up each month, it is necessary that he be given some assistance. Send me a list of changes, or anything of importance, each month so that we can get it to the editor before the 28th, and don’t forget to talk O. R. T. “Nick.” Third District — Millers City nights, having been closed, Bro. Didier was transferred to Colby. Bro. Agnew passed along the line, enroute to Arcadia nights. Telegrapher J. M Clark, Leipsic Junction nights, met with a misfortune this week, the loss of sight of both eyes, compelling him to leave his position. Mr. Clark was a member of our Order for years, up to 1893. Since that time he has been employed as a freight clerk around Cincinnati, O., and has just recently returned to the key. His intentions were to again become one of the boys in the near future. Third District of Division 18 extends the deepest sympathy and wishes Mr. Clark a speedy recovery. Bro. Nelson, a new man on the road, is reliev- ing Mr. Clark at Leipsic Junction. Bro. Redman, Fostoria nights, assisted in the capture of a “Boo-Boo” man, who frightened three young boys and robbed them of $15 in that station. Dispatcher Hartsler, Ft. Wayne, is off duty on account of the sickness of his wife. Boys, to make these write-ups more interesting, why not mail the correspondent a line or two each month. Bellevue Station nights and Oakwood nights were bulletined the first of June, but up to this time have been unable to learn who have filled these places. Correspondent. Seaboard Air Line. First Division — Our regular monthly meeting was held at Norlina the night of June 15th, with Bro. Benn in the chair, and a good attendance on hand. It was a source of great pleasure and very encouraging to note the renewed interest which the men are tak- ing in these meetings. Several of the R. P. C. boys Digitized by Google

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1188 The Railroad Telegrapher. were prevented from being present by No. 43, the Seaboard mail being wrecked and tying things up all night. However, Bro. Shepherd, of “RI,” Richmond, caught 81, detoured via the A. C. L., and showed up, bright and smiling as ever. On account of some of the boys being anxious to catch 32 for the Raleigh District, a meeting was held before the arrival of this train, and after seeing them off, went back and “had it all over” again. A number of important matters were brought up, and very ably discussed. Bro. Benn announced that Bro. Briggs, of Suf- folk, would go on the road again within the next few days as a Local Organizer, etc., being em- powered with authority to solicit membership, chase the fleeting non, also to collect dues, if any brother should have been so forgetful of the duty he owes to his brothers and himself as to be in arrears. It was decided at our meeting in May to put a man on the road for this purpose, and Bro. Pat- terson, of Dinwiddie, was chosen as the man, but he having an agency, it was impossible for him to be relieved. When Bro. Briggs gets over the division we are going to have the swellest member- ship in this neck of the woods. See if we don’t. He is one of the kind that knows no let-up. We have had quite a number of new men to come in within the last thirty days. Application of Mr. J. E. Banzet, night owl at Ridgeway, was handed in, and when the third Saturday night in July rolls around, he expects to be on hand as a brother. His O. R. T. ism is of the right brand. Glad to hear our friend Hunt, at Bowers Hill, has come in. Knew he’d come ’round all right. Well, the fight over the eight-hour law for the Old North State is on, and is being waged with fury by the railroads and the people. About a thousand telegrams were received by the Cor- poration Commission at Raleigh yesterday, from all parts of the State, and from men in all kinds of business, urging the Commissioners to enforce the law as passed by the legislature. This shows very plainly where the people stand. And is it any wonder? One of the telegrams read: “Enough lives have been sacrificed on the altar of greed.” The matter is to be continued before the Com- mission on Monday, and it will probably be sev- eral days before we will know the outcome of the affair whether the will of the people is to be heeded, or whether “Mammon” will rule. But these old tar-heels have a way of hanging on (tar is awfully sticky, you know), and it will not be sur- prising to many if we don’t hold our own. It was really pitiful the way Mr. Justice put it up to some of the “High and Mighties.” One well-known official of the Southern actually admitted that he thought there was one office on his division that ought to have eight-hour tricks. Another funny break they made was when a lawyer for the Seaboard stated that at Norlina there were as many as 25 train orders handled per day, when, in fact, the two men there, working twelve hours each, handle any- where from one hundred and twenty-five to two hundred and twenty-five train orders per day. Rather a bit behind in his information, wasn’t he? It was decided at our last meeting to have a banquet on the third Saturday night in July, in- viting our worthy superintendent, train master and chief dispatcher to be present.. So, slick up, and be on hand to give them a royal welcome. By the way, had any of you noticed the con- spicuous absence of “record suspensions” for the past few months? There’s a reason. Now, boys, where is the news you promised? Not a line have I received. Mr. M. B. Garriss has been appointed agent at Margarettsville, vice D. G. Stutz, who has gone to Tidewater. Understand Mr. Garriss is willing and anxious to meet our organizer half way. Bro. F. O. Cumming was one of the Committee on Subordinate Divisions at the convention. We feel honored by this compliment to one of our home members. It seems that our half brothers, or cousins, or whatever relation they are to us, have at last de- cided to wake up and demand their rights. I refer to the C. T. U. boys. Understand they went on strike yesterday in Frisco and Oakland, and that they are to go out in Chicago today. If they will only have the backbone to stand pat, there is no question as to what the result will be. Now, let us all pull together for the solid organization of our craft; come out and attend the meetings and make your wants and wishes known to others. This will help your General Committee when they go up to interview the officials in Sep- tember. Div. Coe. Birmingham Division — We arc anxiously waiting for meeting day. Hope every one will be on hand and we will en- deavor to have an interesting meeting. We want to get in line so we will be able to do something when our Committee goes to Portsmouth. The following changes have taken place: Bro. Holder from Piedmont to Aragon as agent. Bro. Heaton, Rockmart, left the service. Re- lieved by Mr. Kipp, who promises to be a brother soon. Mr. Penwell, new night man at Piedmont, says he will come in soon. Bro. Love, our Local Chairman, Jacksonville, we understand is figuring on a change. Bro. Sproul, Stilesboro, passed through the other day from a trip to Columbus. Bro. Brown at Wellington days. Mr. Cantrell, agent at Rockmart, has resigned to take a better position with the claim depart- ment. Relieved by cashier, Mr. Dowling. Bro. Ausbom, Rockmart, is busy decorating his office and looking out for nons. Understand Bro. Levins, “BH” office, Birming- ham, has resigned. Sorry to lose him. Mr. Sullivan, third trick dispatcher, Birming- ham, has left us. Our superintendent, Mr. Waite, happened to a little accident at Rockmart, while getting on the train, and was bruised up, but glad to see him out again. Am looking for all of you at Piedmont on the 23 <L “Fatty.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1189 Sixth Division — Never before has this division had any more interesting news to tell our fellow members than this time. Last Sunday, May 26th, all the boys who could get off went to Wildwood and had a meeting, at which our Local Chairman, Bro. J. E. Bradford, was present. We had a good time and a good meeting and enjoyed absence from the office for a few hours. Members south of Wild- wood went on No. 66 and returned on No. 4 3. Those on the Orlando branch went on No. 266 and returned on No. 243 that evening. We had one member from north of Wildwood. This boy has what should be called "get up, pluck and vim’* when it comes to attending an O. R. T. meeting. This was Bro. Ricketson, from Summerfield. He, with the assistance of two other men, pulled a lever car from Summerfield to Wildwood and re- turned that night the same way. If all the boys on this line were as anxious to attend meetings as he, we would always have a good crowd. After arriving at Wildwood, we got dinner, and then returned to the office, where Bros. Padgett and Bradford had arranged seats, and everything for our comfort. The doors were closed and we started business. Not a member there had ever been in a meeting before. We made a good start, though. Bro. Padgett was nominated first, and elected to act as Secretary of the meeting. The roll call was as follows: Bros. E. J. Dozier, Orlando; S. B. Vining, Plant City; J. L. Williams, Tavares; R. A. McMahan, Dade City; L. A. Hogan, Abbott, W. T. Berry, Apopka, L. F. Stewart, Zcllwood, J. F. Ricketson, Summerfield; J. E. Bradford and B. K. Padgett, of Wildwood. The meeting was then opened and every one had a chance to say what they thought. One of the most important things discussed was that of our present schedule. The boys on the branch seem to have a hard time to get all the overtime that is coming to them, the superintend- ent claiming that they are not held for telegraph duties, and can not allow the overtime when they are held just to perform agent’s duties in meeting a train after their day’s work is over. It was the wish of all present that we have a nine-hour day and a $50 minimum, and each teleg- rapher to be furnished an annual pass over the division on which they work. After requesting Bros. Dozier and McMahan to give a write-up in Thb Telegrapher, the meeting was closed, with the understanding that we hold another meeting some time before Bro. Bradford goes to Portsmouth to make our new schedule. He will set the date and let each member know. He will also hold a meeting at Waldo some time soon, to be with the boys on the north end and Cedar Key branch. All who can should attend these meetings. They are interesting and bene- ficial. Since Bro. Bradford’s election as Local Chair- man, he has received seven new applications for membership. Bro. Hays, at Bushnell, has re- enlisted, he having let his dues get behind and fallen from grace. Bro. Brandon, who was formerly at Tampa days, is now working days at new yard office, Jackson- ville. We also miss Bro. Harvard from the bag- gage car and have located him working nights at new yard office, Jacksonville. We miss him on the run, but wish him well in the office. By our next meeting we want every telegrapher between Jacksonville and Tampa, including all the branches, to hold membership; then we can get anything in reason when our Local Chairman goes before the management for our new schedule. Fall in line, boys, and be with us. Most of you have promised to join, now, don’t go back on your word, and it is my opinion that you will never regret it. The Mutual Benefit Department can not be beat for cost and value. It's as good as gold, and cheap, too. Some of the members are married and should carry insurance for the protection of their families. Others should carry it because they are likely to be benedicts some day, and if not, they have a mother or sister that should have it. Members attending the next meeting should re- qust their passes at least ten days in advance, as sometimes the superintendent is not at his office, and no passes left countersigned by him. This was the case this time, and some of the boys had to pay fare. Cert. 275. Erie Ry. Susquehanna Division — We want your dues. We want your dues, We want your dues, we do; We want your dues, we want your dues, because Your dues are due. The meeting at Elmira, N. Y., Wednesday even- ing, June 8th, was well attended, it being the first time that the Local Board has been fully repre- sented at a meeting in some time. In order that the members might receive the report of our rep- resentative to the national convention, some im- portant business was laid on the table and will be taken up at the next meeting. Besides several members of Division 42, there were present Bro. C. R. Elliott, of Division 130, and Bro. Victor Hadley, of Division 8. The meet- ings of late have been quite well attended, no doubt due to the individual interest that is being taken — an important feature in the life and effectiveness of our Order. While we are congratulating ourselves nation- ally, we should take a look at our subdivision here at home. I think it safe to say that more buttons are being worn, and more good men are working for the advancement of their fellow-workers on this division, than ever before in the several lives the O. R. T. has seen on the Erie. While there are a few who find it easier to be carried on our shoulders than to walk with the bunch, we do not always expect this of them, but hope some day they may be able to at least sup- port themselves. The latest to receive initiation in the O. R. T. are T. W. Harrington, H. S. Owen, W. P. Morgan and G. W. Chichester. Digitized by Google

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1190 The Railroad Telegrapher, According to reports, some of these would-be’s are with us heart and soul, and from the hot talk they hand our organizers, they evidently turn their lungs over to the O. R. T. at times, but as near as we can find out, they not only take all they can grab at the present, but are looking for a further graft in the future. If one is of the opinion that it is impossible to be a member of the O. R. T. and work at a dispatcher's office, they should look around some and get that foolish notion from within their noodle. No doubt the members of this division consider themselves equally as confident of handling and conducting themselves as men, as those who are without the ranks. I haven't the least doubt of this. For the benefit of the members of the O. R. T. Division 42, a new roster has been issued by our chief dispatcher, J. A. Healey, which, as far as I can learn, is correct, except the record of three men entering the service in 1899 appearing 1890. This, no doubt, will be generally understood, and corrections made accordingly. The Tioga Di- vision roster also bears one error, which has been corrected. It is hoped a good attendance may be had at Elmira July 18th, as some very important busi- ness will need the attention of the full membership, and it is expected that we will have a member of the General Committee from the East and West with us. Several changes have taken place during the last two months and it is reported that a small shake-up is in sight. M. Sheedy, of “K,” Great Bend, Pa., days, has resigned. Bro. Geo. O’Neill worked the day trick until advertised. W. P. Morgan, of the extra list, has been assigned “GZ,” Hickory Grove, and removed his family there from Corning. The boys of this division will be pleased to learn that Bro. T. F. Pickley has secured a day position on the S. P. at Conton, Cal. F. S. Coleman has taken "BS,” Smithboro nights, and J. P. Conroy assigned “XY,” Waverly nights. King gave up the trick in "V," Hornell and took “AP,” Adrian days. Bro. Sherman, of “AQ,” was absent on account of measles in his family. We are glad to see Bro. S. back at work. Walbridge relieved Sherman, and Bro. Barkalow worked the day trick at “RX” with Bro. Spencer nights. Reeder, at “BF,” Big Flats, was off one day, relieved by Ryan, of “FG.” Bro. Kelliherk, after working twenty-four hours, was relieved by Condon. Bro. Knickerbocker, of “DI,” Addison, took a vacation of ten days, relieved by Bro. Monahan, of “IX,” Erwins. Bro. Victor Hadley has returned to service on the Erie and is working extra at Adrian; also Bro. R. W. Morley, working extra for Canisteo. We expect these brothers to transfer to Division 42- L. N. Rockefeller has been transferred from Hornell to Rochester, where he takes position of chief dispatcher of latter division. It goes with- out saying that he will make good. The annual ten day vacation for dispatchers commenced June 4. Those who receive vacations this year are Varien, DeLancey, Smith, Fahey, Walker and Williams. Peter Donnelly is doing the extra dispatching and delivers the goods. It is reported that C. W. Beebe, of “QZ,” Addison, has only three or four students now, one for each bell, and one for the levers is all that is seemingly necessary. E. W. Francis, of “GY,” Kirkwood, who is also reported teaching, has promised to turn over as soon as the student gets tired of remitting him five dollars a month. The student is E. Z. Mark. Bro. Harry Owen expects to spend the summer at “YA” and Coney. Bro. Frank McEntee, of “BG,” Blossburg, was off some time in June on account of relatives being ill. He was relieved by Bro. Seth Palmer. Bro. Stevens was absent four days and attended the meeting at Elmira. Bro. Stevens is the ticket agent at Tioga Junction. Among the new ones who have taken positions with us are M. J. Derrig, formerly manager W. U. at Warsaw, N. Y. ; J. D. Collins, of Owego, and J. J. White, son of Bro. White, at “B,”~ Binghamton. We hear that our former associates, M. J. Carmody and T. F. Hanrahan, are located in the West, Bro. Carmody at Wasatch, Utah, and Han- rahan at Clark City, Utah. We wish them the best financial success. M. Dewitt, of “XU,” Sing Sing, has an auto- mobile. It is no wonder he has no time for the O. R. T. Jno. N. Cossattee has resigned his position of telegrapher at “UJ,” West Cameron nights, and will seek service elsewhere. Let us work for better conditions by giving good service, watching our brother’s card and seeing that it is ever up-to-date. A little individual effort on your part and it will soon be “no card, no favors.” A. E. M. Mahoning Division — At Kent, Ohio, on Saturday night, June 15, a grand meeting was held in K. of P. hall. The Local Chairmen from Cincinnati Division, Mead- ville Division and Mahoning Division being pres- ent, with quite a number of brothers from their respective divisions. During the time of the meet- ing, quite a number of B. & O. telegraphers, mem- bers of Division 33, came in, and not only helped to increase the number present, but took part in suggesting ways and means for the good of the profession. Our General Chairman, Bro. Frank N. Hall, was there, and as Bro. Hall had recently put his whiskers on paper, some of the boys had to look the second time to be sure it was he. While Bro. Hall had changed in facial expression, he had not changed one iota at heart, which he very readily demonstrated when given the floor, briefly reviewing convention doings and offering suggestions for our future conduct. All the brothers expressed their pleasure on account of being pres- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1191 ent. The absent members missed the thrilling enthusiasm which the gathering created. The news items which your correspondent has been able to gather are as follows: B. H. Funk, of Litterary street yard office days, is off for two weeks, relieved by night man, W. C. McGhee, and extra man, J. Finnegan, on nights. Garrettsville nights was bid in by C. H. Fitch. Ray Cassidy, from Pulaski nights, to “SN” tower days, Leavittsburg. W. D. Watson, at Pulaski nights. J. J. Ryan from Niles nights to Oak street, at Youngstown,* days. W. C. Morrell gets Niles nights. J. L. Johnson, of “BR” tower, days, has left the service and his brother, F. E. Johnson, of “BR” tower nights, has bid in Hubbard tower nights. “BRM advertised, day and night. C. G. Perry, of Hubbard, days, has gone west to try some of the roads west of the Mississippi. F. E. Brooks at Hubbard at present time. L. W. Hoffmaster, of Hubbard nights, also left the service, going west to try his fortunes. J. W. Terry, from Warren days, to Youngstown nights. R. G. Burdett, of "G” tower, Salem, is off, sick. E. B. Van Werst, who was working at Phalanx nights, had his left hand badly lacerated while going home to Youngstown on a freight train one morning. It is not thought that he will lose the hand. M. G. Donaldson, of Mahoning, has gone to the Jamestown Exposition. Relieved by J. A. Aston, day man at “MA” tower, Mahoning. Aston re- lieved by his night man, and H. B. Cutlip on at “MA” tower nights. H. H. Hatch, former night man at Garrettsville, has gone to the Jamestown Exposition. M. C. Billig, of Sharon freight house, has accepted a position as clerk there, and “ON” office is ad- vertised. Clair Bush, of De Forest tower, was off, sick, four or five days, relieved by F. E. Brooks. Now, don’t forget to come to the regular monthly meeting at Warren, which is held the last Saturday night of each month in K. of G. E. hall, over the Union National Bank, corner Market street and Park avenue. Div. Coa. Buffalo Division — In sending in items always make them as brief as possible, as oftentimes our space is limited and a part will not be printed, to your disappointment. So bear this in mind and always have them ready to send in early, as they must be in the editor’s hands not later than the 28th of the month. Cert. 201, Local Correspondent. Bro. Lawton, of Goodyear Junction, bid in, and has taken the agency at Blasdell, N. Y. Bro. Slater, of Hamburg nights, has been con- fined to his home for the past f.ew weeks with the mumps. Helper Frank Whipple, of South Dayton, made his debut recently, being sent to North Collins nights, and more recently to Hamburg, in place of Bro. Slator. He is doing fairly well and we expect to see him wearing a button as soon as he is eligible. Bro. Aldrich, of Cherry Creek, recently sent to “DM” for a few nights, in place of Bro. Tafft. Helper Cornwell doing the night stunt at Cherry Creek in the absence of Bro. Aldrich. North Collins nights has been closed for sev- eral weeks on account of no men on the extra board. Recently this office and Cherry Creek were closed nights. Goodyear Junction has been abandoned, which takes Bro. Warner elsewhere. A new tower has been placed at the target at Blasdell, but is not yet in operation. C. B. Stur- divent, now at Blasdell nights, bid in the day trick. Bro. Reed was the successful bidder for the night trick. With this shift in view, it will make the agency at that point a more desirable position, owing to the fact that it will relieve the agent of the block work. We are sorry to hear of the death of Bro. Lenahan’s mother, which occurred recently. We one and all extend our sincere sympathy to this bereaved brother in his time of loss and sorrow. We ”13” that the closing of Goodyear Junction office and the opening of the new position at Blas- dell will take effect July 1st, leaving Bro. Warner on the extra list once more. Bro. Auldrich is off at the present writing on account of sickness in his family. Hope con- ditions will warrant his return soon. Bro. Tafft also reported off on account of sick- ness. Understand the case is not serious and that he will be back in a few days. Brothers, do not throw the letter away which you received from President Perham under date of June 10th, but get busy and give him the de- sired information. Perhaps there are no telegraphers in your town that have given up the occupation of telegrapher for some far more luxurious position, but no doubt you know of some in your circle of acquain- tances that have done so. How many times have you had some one come up to the window and say. “I did that same thing once for a living, but couldn’t live, so I chose something else.” There is any number of them throughout the country, but, brothers, that class of men never laid a straw in the path of the grand old O. R. T. The students that we hear each day on the line is what is hurting our profession. We should rid ourselves of them as soon as possible, keep down the surplus, and in due time we will gain that long sought for point, viz., $75. Suppose that one of these students should cause some accident on the line; who would the company or the Inter- state Commerce Commission hold responsible? Not the student, but the telegrapher who was teaching the art of telegraphy. The O. R. T. was instituted for the protection of the telegrapher actually employed, and we should endeavor by every means possible to keep it up to the present standard, and better it at every possible chance. And, brothers, those chances are many, if we would only take advan- tage of them when they present themselves. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1192 The Railroad Telegrapher. Lima and Chicago Divisions — News item* are rather scarce at this writing, but the O. R. T. is becoming more popular than ever on this end of the Erie. Bro. Bridge reports 148 new members added to Division 42 since January 1, 1907, and C. & E. has furnished 20 of these. Bro. Shipley gets the blues if he can’t send in at least two applications per month.. If the brothers will all get busy, as they have the oppor- tunity, we will be practically solid by March, 1908, when the new nine-hour law becomes effective. The telegraphers will need a new schedule at that time to conform with the shorter hours without getting the short end of it financially . If the brothers will send their Telegrapher to some non when through with it, it will surely have a good effect, for a review of the work of the Order in securing favorable legislation in many States will teach them that the O. R. T. is their friend at all times. Eight-hour laws in West Virginia, Texas and Arkansas are noted in the June issue of the journal; also six new or revised schedules. Among those who have recently joined us are Bros. E. F. McDowell, C. A. Burris, C. K. Sen- nett, Z. M. McDowell, C. O. Hamilton, George L. Overmeyer and G. W. Mehrling, and several more are coming in the 14th of July. Bro. John Thatcher is on the sick list. Relieved by Bro. Dempster at Lima Depot. Bro. J. S. Witt is again answering the extra calls on the Erie, after quite a long absence. Glad to see him back. Bro. Newhard, formerly agent at Preble, has resigned to accept service with the Buckeye Pipe Line Co. at the same place. There have been some five or six increases in wages granted on this division, which have been pending since March. Even the D. T. & I. have come up with their share at “SJ.” “Constant dripping will wear away stone,” ’tis said. L. C. Coomler is back at his old place, “SJ” tower, and will have the proper credentials in the near future. Night vacancy at Simpson advertised June 20, and if the new man is not up-to-date, he soon will be. Bro. Hill will convert him in short order. Well, brothers, if you know of from one to a dozen items which would fit into this column, please send them to your Division Correspondent, or the Local Chairman, and he will bunch them up and mail them about the 20th of each month, and it will make this column interesting to all C. & E. brothers, many of whom can’t attend our meetings. Cert. 9. Allegheny Division — Here are a few questions I desire to ask each one of you. Questions you can answer to your- self. Are you behind with your dues? If so, why? Are you working with a non-member of the organization, or is there one working at another station near you? Have you ever ex- plained to him the object of our organization; what it has accomplished on this system during the past five years, and its future hopes? Have you furnished him with application papers and in- vited him to become a member? If not. Why? You all *pay your board, your rent, and your grocery bill, your butcher and your laundry bills, is it because you are compelled to do so, or is it because it is right and just that they be paid? If it be right and just that these bills be settled, is it any less right or just that the amount due your organization should be met promptly, or is it neglected because there is no legal compulsion behind this indebtedness? Is your landlord, your grocery man or your butcher doing anything toward building up your working conditions and rates of pay? Have any of the above named per- sons during the past five years we have been organized on this system ever given you anything or in any way helped to advance your rates of pay or helped toward a betterment of the con- ditions surrounding your employment? Has Di- vision No. 42, Order of Railroad Telegraphers during the past five years done anything for you in this line? Answer these questions honestly and conscientiously and act accordingly. Division 42 is willing to abide by these results. If you honestly and candidly do not believe in union principles, and that our organization has not benefited you during the five years we have been organized on this system, and are not therefore justly entitled to your support, both morally and financially, then write the Grand Secretary and Treasurer requesting a withdrawal card, stating your reasons for withdrawing from the organization. If, on the other hand, you believe in union principles, realize what has and what will be accomplished on this system, then settle up and quit playing the boy. The size of it is, we must get out of knee pants and be men. To you who have never held membership; to you who have allowed yourselves to become a delinquent, why is it necessary for another who has no more interest than yourself, to come to you and try to show you that the only way to bring about the object we are trying for is by you nons coming in and you delinquents coming back? Why cannot one man as well as another see that until we, one and all, can say we are brothers fraternally, we can never attain the goal that we are striving for. Now, boys, wake up, and figure on what we are to do to protect ourselves and put ourselves in a position to make our bread and butter more sure. I hope each member will put forth every effort to make this division solid O. R. T. Cert. 262. The Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Ry. As I failed to forward items in time for the journal last month, will come again. Have been drilling away on the few and scat- tered nons on this end, and hope to have them all with us in a short time. Everybody should keep wide awake and see that his neighbor carries an up-to-date card, and not depend on one or two to look after them all. It is very gratifying to see the interest the boys are displaying towards solid organization on this line since the good cause was started. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1193 Am sorry to say we have not enough night men on the road to hold a meeting, as I think there is more accomplished at one meeting than in two months' correspondence. Bro. Johnson, General Chairman, has just re- turned from Minneapolis, where he has been at- tending the convention. Bro. Brice has been transferred to “CO” agency, Bro. Rice going to Peru as cashier. New man at Malden. Understand he carries an up-to-date card. Have forwarded the necessary papers to Louis- ville Junction and hope to have day man, Mr. Harley with us in a few days. Bro. Harter, G. S. & A., has accepted the ticket agency at Cincinnati. Now is the time, boys, to get your dues in, so don’t let any one become delinquent, as we have the road in good shape now and want to keep it so from this on. Local Chairman. Northern Pacific Ry. St. Paul Division — There has been quite a bit of moving on the St. Paul Division in the last month. Mr. Daggart went to the new dispatcher’s office at Fargo, N. D. Mr. Mack, from Royalton nights, to Little Falls nights. Telegrapher Holgren from Lincoln nights to Royalton nights. Mr. Rumerich to Lincoln nights, and from there to Gregory nights. Telegrapher Gantz from Gregory nights to Lincoln nights, and Mr. Staples from Lincoln to Glenwood nights, where they have opened a night office. There are quite a few students on the line. At Philbrook is one, at Royalton another, and Randall is a regular “ham factory.” Mr. M. E. Ehr, the agent there, is not content to have the company send him out students, but has to call in the farmer boys to teach them. He must need their money pretty badly. There is a new night man at Brainerd. Our old train master, J. E. Craver, has been promoted to superintendent of the new division, and our old chief dispatcher was promoted to train master here. The night chief is now chief dispatcher. They all have our best wishes in their new positions. If you have not yet sent in your dues, do so at once. Our committee will be in conference with the management by the time this is in print. Cert. 467. Yellowstone Division — Bro. Halfwassen now working days at Custer. Bro. Hatfield resumes his position as day man at Richardton after a vacation with the folks in Iowa. Bro. Stillwell from Gladstone days to Waco, Mont., days. Telegrapher Larsen, nights at Gladstone, prom- ises to be with us when the ghost walks again. Bro. Pope got tired of the seemingly remote prairie life at Hodges, and is now day man at “Little Russia,” or as it is customarily called. Glenullen. Bro* Paukette, of Forsythe, has resigned, we hear. Wher’er he goes, may luck go with him. Taylor has been made a night office, with Bro. Griffin on the night trick. Any farmer nowadays will be seen wearing one of the prettiest smiles ever as a result of the very flattering weather conditions, which insures a bumper crop. Blind sidings. Marmot and Knowlton, on the First District, have been changed to Lyons and Boyle respectively. Bro. Murray has just returned from a trip to the Sunny South. Our committee is in conference at Hotel Foley. St. Paul, at this writing. Each brother should endeavor to remit his dues without a moment’s delay, thereby avoiding the necessity of our Chair- man asking the members for a special assessment in order to meet the required expenses of the com- mittee while before the management. “Fritz.” Canadian Northern Railway. Another month has rolled around and summer is again with us, with the usual amount of busi- ness, and as usual every one wanting a vacation at the same time. June 30th is near at hand and I would remind all the members of this division that we have a substantial committee working for us, and we have the promise of a much improved working schedule, and every member can be a great help to our com- mittee if they will only remember that the dues for next term are due and to remit promptly. Do not wait to be asked for same; remit at once, and this will help our men to show just how strong we are on this pike. An up-to-date card can work more wonders than a week’s hot talk. The majority of the boys on this end appear to be asleep as far as anything pertaining to O. R. T. work was concerned, but I am very much pleased to see that there is an awakening, and as a result, quite a number of new members have been added to our division, and others coming in that heretofore have hardly known that there was such a thing as organization in this part of the globe. Any member having news of interest to the di- vision should send same to me without delay, so that it can be forwarded to the journal in time for each month. Now, boys, don’t forget June 30th. Get your dues into the hands of the Secretary-Treasurer and get that new card. It is a dandy, and worth a month’s pay to have handy in case some one might want to have a look at it some time when you are in a strange land. I have had the ex- perience and know how it feels to be welcomed as a brother, and knew I was welcome all hecause of that little bit of card. It’s a wonder worker. Div. Cor. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1194 The Railroad Telegrapher. Missouri Pacific Ry. Sedalia District — I have been criticized quite severely by some of the brothers on the Missouri Pacific, being called too conservative, scared, etc., and I understand that one official of the company made the state- ment, or remark, that Wilmarth was getting scared. I wish, through the columns of The Telegrapher, to explain my position to the boys, and show them just where I stand. The reason for this adverse criticism was this: Our eight-hour law, which was to have taken effect June 14, being ignored by the company, caused a few of the boys to become so angry that they took things into their own hands, not waiting until the matter could be taken up intelligently, and concerted action taken. I came to work one morning and found that a few of the night men on one division had refused to work after three a. in., or after they had worked eight hours, while those on the other divisions had continued to work the regular hours, and I was advised that the day men on the same division were going to quit work at three o'clock p. m. I immediately sent a telegram to all telegraphers on that division asking them to continue to work their regular hours until the matter could be ad- justed in the proper manner. The first mail to arrive at my station after send- ing this telegram certainly woke me up, and I have been receiving so many letters since that 1 believe additional mail clerks had to be placed on some trains. I do not blame the boys for being exceedingly angry, as they have been waiting and planning for several months, thinking their lot would not Be quite so hard after June 14th, but I do blame them just a trifle, for being too impulsive. The position I take is this: If the majority of the telegraphers in Missouri are willing and ready to enforce the eight-hour law (and it does not appear to me that any one else is making any effort to do so) I would suggest that the proper officials of the Order get together immediately, set a date for the eight-hour law to take effect, and notify the different officials of railroads traversing the State. If this is done, I will spend my time and money and make every effort possible to make it a success. I do not thjnk there would be any doubt about our winning the day, and T will show some of the brothers, as well as the official referred to above, that I am no quitter, and not so easily scared as they seem to imagine. I was opposed to five or six men quitting at a time, as it was detrimental to the interests of the Order, and would do more harm than good. Anything worth doing is worth doing well, and I, for one, say if we strike, let us strike hard. Any time will suit me — today, tomorrow or next week. The sooner the better as far as I am con- cerned. I suppose now the brothers who have not already criticized me will take the other side and call me an agitator, but I would much prefer being called an agitator than a scare. T hope that after reading this the boys will see just where I stand, and I also hope that steps will be taken to put the eight-hour law into effect immediately, by peaceable means if possible, but if not, otherwise. Fraternallly, W. L. Wilmarth. Sedalia District — Bro. McClure, formerly agent at Sherman, se- cured the agency at Nelson, and was relieved at Sherman by Bro. Haub, of Boles, who was in turn relieved by Bro. Cole, of Bonnotts Mill. Bro. Cole was relieved at Bonnotts Mill by a man named Doody, whom we all know. Bro. Brewington gets the agency at Labadie, succeeding Bro. Dornan. Bro. Shain, formerly of Bunceton, has accepted the exclusive agency at Independence, Mo. Bro. Shade, formerly agent at Nelson, gets the exclusive agency at Pleasant Hill. Bro. Dickerson, day man at Pacific, is eating strawberries in South Missouri, being relieved by night telegrapher, Bro. Cromer, who is being re- lieved by Bro. Hoover, of Division No. a. Agent G. D. Barnes, at Washington, is taking a ninety days' leave of absence, and is being relieved by Bro. Wood. Bro. Wood is being re- lieved as day telegrapher by Bro. Walkley. Bro. Burlingame is doing the night trick in Bro. Walk- ley’s place. Bro. Heinke, telegrapher at Hermann for the last thirty years, is now the proud possessor of an O. R. T. button. And we are proud to see Bro. Heinke wearing it, too. Bro. Canfield, agent at Gasconade, has returned to work after a thirty days' leave of absence. Hard to tell who relieved him during his absence, as there were five different men there while he was off. Bro. Cassiday, agent Chamois, has returned to work after thirty days’ leave of absence. He was relieved by night telegrapher, Bro. Duncan, who was relieved by E. F. Maus. Bro. Glynn, night man at Kirkwood, has re- turned after a thirty days* leave of absence. He was relieved by Bro. Haney, who has now left the service. Bro. L. M. Nance, our General Chairman, has accepted a position in “GR” office, St. Louis. We are very glad to hear this, as we will make him assist us in looking after the boys in the terminals. We will use him as an Assistant Local Chairman. Bro. Nance relieved telegrapher Welsh, who goes to the Frisco. Hope the Frisco boys will have better luck with him than I did. Agent Martens, agent Gray's Summit, has re- turned to duty after a three weeks* vacation. He was relieved by J. C. Farrell, who takes the agency at Lupus temporarily. Farris, agent at Lamonte, is off few days ac- count the death of his mother. He is being relieved by Laws, night man at Knobnoster. Bro. Dore has resigned the agency at Knob- noster, and is succeeded by Bro. L. O. Kennedy, of Lupus. Bro. Smythe, at Warrensburg, has all arrange- ments made for a trip to the old country. He expects to start early in July and visit England Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1195 and Ireland. Bro. Sraythc lived in Ireland the first fifteen years of his existence. During my absence, in the month of May, 1 was relieved by Bro. McClain, regular night man, and he in turn was relieved by Telegrapher Clifford. Clifford's application will be in soon. Bro. Weitzel was off a few days, and was re- lieved by Bro. Hoban, who was relieved by M. H. Cook. Bro. Popplewell is now doing the night stunt at Little Blue. J. E. Farrell, night man at Boonville, and R. E. Williams, night man at Lupus, have sent in their applications and will be wearing a button soon. Bro. F. L. True, “DA,” Sedalia, has resigned, and the vacancy bulletined, but none of the boys seem in a hurry to take the job. If they are look- ing for work, they will find it in “DA.” Were it not for the assistance of Bro. Crockett, at Boonville, and Bro. Wood, at Washington, I would be unable to write up the district, as the boys all seem to be too busy to notify me of the changes at their respective stations. I work twelve hours every day, and write from three to six letters almost <yery night, and it does seem as if they might take time after work- ing hours to write three lines once or twice a month, and keep me posted in regard to the news at their stations. If I get an eight-hour trick here, I expect to write from 4 p. m. until 10 p. m. every night, and I will promise the nons that they will be kept plentifully supplied with reading matter. One more say, and I am done. One of my boys came near getting into serious trouble last month by trying to fight his grievance out with the officials instead of telling me his troubles. If you have any troubles, send them to me and I will try and straighten them out for you. I have troubles of rny own, but it is my duty to bear your burdens also, and I will handle them to the best of my ability. W. L. W. How To Win the Nons — I wish I knew the exact number of nons that we have on the “Windy” branch of the Missouri Pacific; but as I am a new member, I do not know. I believe that a great many of the boys who are not in. or who do not remain in all the time, could be induced to do so by the Chairman, if his trips over the line could be made a little oftener. I had a conversation with one of the oldest and best employes in the service not long ago, and he informed me that he is a strong believer in the Order, and his intention is to be a member at all times, but said that he was as often a non as otherwise for the reason that he forgets to pay his dues at the proper time, which, while I admit that it is not a plausible excuse for not being up-to- date, shows that it is, indeed, a profitable thing, both for the Order and the members, for the Chairman to come over the line as often as his other duties will permit. This member referred to, says that he always pays up when reminded of it. If every non will read the journal he will find many things to encourage him to come into the Order, and if he is a fair-minded man, he will find many truths that will, or should, make him ashamed to remain a non. It would be a good idea, therefore, to mail the journal to them (the members can do this after they have read them). The editorial in the May number “makes a noise like encouragement.” Read it. If the mem- bership has reached the “highest mark ever at- tained,” and its “financial condition better than ever before in its history,” it occurs to me that “enthusiasm” has increased and the Order is the very thing every man who earns his living as a telegrapher should belong to. Read that letter from Allegheny Division, Cert. No. 26 2, in the May journal, and I think you will be convinced that it is a good investment. Lay aside that much for your dues, and, by all means, lay aside that unreasonable prejudice and come over on the right side. Cert. 1,098 L. & S. Division — Bro. F. D. Slaughter is relieving Bro. Roche nights at Rich Hill. Bro. C. M. Wood has resigned the agency at Sheldon, to take effect not later than July 1, for the purpose of entering the employment of the Colorado Southern as agent at Fort Russell, Wyo. Bro. G. W. Miller, agent at Hannon, is on a vacation, being relieved by Mr. Gwinn. Gwinn has promised to come across with the necessary. Bro. G. A. Winters, late of Archer, has accepted the agency at Mound City, Bro. E. C. Giles going from Mound City to Liberal. Bro. Tom Shanks has taken the night trick at Lamar, Mr. Slater having bid in the day job. Position of day telegrapher at Pittsburg has been bulletined, but to date no one has bid it in. The position the railroad companies have taken in regard to the eight-hour law is causing nearly as much anxiety among the telegraphers as their attitude toward the a-cent fare law is among the people in general. We can’t see any end to it except that in the end the railroads will be com- pelled to accept the conditions of the law. Any old time the State of Missouri can not enforce her eight-hour law with the help she can get, then we feel like we want to move on. It is not like a liquor law — there are too many in the State who are willing to help joint keepers violate the law just to get a drink of “booze,” and that makes it hard to enforce the prohibition law. Say, boys, what do you do with your Teleg- rapher when you have finished reading it? File it away for a keep-sake? Let me ask you if it wouldn't do more good to send it to some non than to let it lay and cover with dust As much as I value our beloved journal, I have not a single copy in my office. Try the plan of mailing it to some non. You will not miss the three cents in a hundred years from now. C. V. R. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1196 The Railroad Telegrapher. White River Division — Bro. A. G. DeGroff, nights at Batesville, will go to Magness Gravel Pit in a few days as teleg- rapher and timekeeper. A new office will be opened there while the steam shovel is in operation. Bro. W. H. Scott, formerly of the Frisco, has accepted the agency at O’Neal, vice Bro. Briggs, who has left for parts unknown. Bro. Scott is now numbered among the 3iers. Bro. W. E. Scott, at Sylamore, one of Bro. Holman's new converts, has given up the agency and will return to Galena for the present. Bro. H. F. Klotz, brother of our Local Chair- man, is now working the day trick at Crane, vice Bro. F. C. Mansfield, who is doing the stunts at Cotter days. Bro. A. C. Nye, formerly from De Soto, Mo., is working a trick at Cotter. Bro. Hastings, of Ruth, has resigned and will seek new fields. He is relieved by Mr. H. E. Weatherall. Bro. J. R. Dudley has been assigned to the cashiership at Aurora. Bro. S. Reed has returned to Stotts City after a vacation of several weeks. The White River Division now has three non- members located on it. Guess who they are. We will give their names next time if they do not change their ways; but from the promises made, the number should be reduced, if not entirely wiped out. In the May number of the journal, Bro. C. M. Rice, of Bucyrus, Kansas, was reported as a non member. This is a mistake. Bro. Rice is one of the old members of the Division, holding Cert. No. 348, and has been in good standing continuously, and is an enthusiastic worker for the Order. Correspondent. Memphis Division — Local Chairman, Bro. Sechler, was over the Division, seeing the boys, a few days ago. He reports prospects good at St. Louis and matters under way for a revision. He picked up several nons en route. Sister Cordelia L. Worthen agent at Gavin, loses an hour’s overtime daily on account of the change in her hours to 6 o’clock. Mr. O. Parker, at Vincent, will be with us in a pay day or so. He has been assigned to the agency at Haynes and will go there soon. At Crawfordsville, Mr. J. L. Taylor continues to make promises, but it is expected he will sur- render shortly. Bro. E. T. Jeffries has been transferred from Parkin to Memphis nights. He is relieved by Bro. J. A. Eickelberry, a new convert to the ranks of O. R. T. ism. Correspondent. Pine Bluff District — Bro. L. M. Williams has resigned nights at Winchester, and gone to Pine Bluff. I “13” he is in the furniture business. Bro. Williams was relieved by Bro. W. T. Roush, of C. B. & Q. Division 130. He was relieved by Telegrapher R. Finlay. Mr. Finlay promises to make good next pay day. Telegrapher H. W. Stewart has resigned nighu at Varner. Understand he is going to Texas to engage in farming. Bro. A. J. Graham had to double several nights on account of H. W. Stuart resigning. Bro. F. E. Samuel relieved Bro. M. P. Robarts as agent and telegrapher at Winchester. Bro. Robarts has gone to Texas with the I. & G. N. as night telegrapher at Encinal. We are all waiting for the eight-hour trick, but so far nothing doing in that line. Cut. 1,231. Well, brothers, how many of you are enjoying the benefit of the eight-hour law, recently passed in our State? It can be very easily answered in the negative by all of us, with possibly the ex- ception of a few down on the Valley Division, where, I understand, several of the offices are working under the eight-hour shift, simply be- cause they refused to work any more than eight hours, and the company could not get any one to relieve them, as they did other telegraphers who had more desirable jobs and refused to work over eight hours, under the impression that they were subject to a fine for violating the law; but after learning that they were not, all returned to work their usual hours. The railroads are endeavoring to justify their actions in violating the eight-hour law by claim- ing that there are not “sufficient available" teleg- raphers to supply the demand under the eight- hour law. Now, whose fault is this? We don’t want to ask each other. We all know it is on account of small salaries and long hours. Almost any kind of work will pay you $50 or $55, day- light work and Sundays off. Who cares to learn a profession that takes several years of the most valuable part of your life, to fall into a $50- dollar 12-hour night job? Isn't that an elegant inducement? H oxie District — There have been several changes in officials on this Division lately. Superintendent A. J. Alex- ander has transferred to Kansas, being succeeded by Mr. J. Cannon, formerly of the Missouri Division. Division Operator, Mr. J. O. Kelly resigned, his successor being Mr. G. H. Cooper, who worked a trick at De Soto during the past winter. Mr. Kelly has the best wishes of the telegraphers on this Division. He was always just and fair in his dealings, and we regret to lose him. Telegrapher Ab. Bevill, who has been in the mercantile business at Higginson, has returned to his old haunts and relieved Bro. J. A. Bowman, agent at Minturn. Bro. J. M. Ashley, formerly nights at Bradford, relieved night telegrapher, Bro. M. E. Doyle, at Newport. Bro. D. M. Burtsch relieved Telegrapher W. A. Owens at Olyphant. Day telegrapher. Miss Flossie Davis, spent several days in the hospital. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1197 being relieved by Bro. Burtsch, who in turn was relieved by Telegrapher C. R. Bevill. Ex-Telegrapher Whitlow, who has been out of the service for several years, has resumed work and relieved Bro. Ashley nights at Bradford. Bro. F. L. Davis, nights at Bald Knob, was absent a few days on account of sickness. Re- lieving telegrapher, Bro. L. J. Moore, was Sister Weldon’s right hand bower during the former’s absence. Bro. J. P. Quinn relieved Telegrapher C. S. Morrison nights at Garner. The latter, I under- stand, was a graduate from Bollingers, but found the task a little more difficult doing the real stunt than under the direction of the Professor. W. A. Johnson relieved Bro. G. B. Newbill, agent at Beebe. Bro. L. J. Moore relieved Day Telegrapher Farley for several days on account of illness in the latter’s home. Bro. C. D. Tucker, formerly of Garner, relieved Night Telegrapher Herr at McAlmont. "CF," Little Rock — Bro. W. S. Avery and Telegrapher Overlin will take thirty days’ vacation, effective July ist Bro. J. W. Skoda is taking thirty days’ rest, being relieved by Bro. Puller, of Dallas W. U. office. Bro. J. F. Smade has accepted a position in “CF,” relieving Bro. Paulu, who has accepted a position in "GM,” St. Louis. If the railroads would pay living wages there would be no shortage of telegraphers. Bro. H. F. LeGrande, chief operator has no trouble in securing the required number of telegraphers for his office. He has a goodly number of applica- tions on file. Telegrapher Tom Rice is still out in the cold. Bro. H. F. LeGrande spent Sunday on his farm near Jacksonville. Bro. J. W. Quiggins acting chief. Bro. Laing was laying off Saturday and Sunday, viewing Wonderland. A. Bollinger, general manager of the "ham factory,’’ Second and Main streets, has accepted a position as train dispatcher with the I. M. at Little Rock, working the second trick on Tex- arkana District. "CF” office is up-to-date with the exception of Tom Rice, A. Overlin and Professor Baldwin. However, Rice and Overlin make good promises pay day, but the promises of Baldwin are very different from the others. If it were in his power, this person claims he would turn out a thousand or more students a day with his patent process for teaching students; but the good Lord didn’t give "BN” this supernatural power, so I guess he will have to be satisfied with the few suckers he can get to bite. He should be treated accordingly by the telegraphers who come in con- tact with him on the wire. I hope by the time the July journal comes out we will have a new schedule and scale of working hours. Our Committee is in session at the pres- ent writing in St. Louis. We wish them the best of success and we are with them to a man. LaFoigk. Central of Georgia Ry. Savannah Division — I note with regret no write-up appeared in June number of the journal. Good many changes in the past month, but don’t think will be able to show all correctly, as had to pick up the news as best I could. Unable to get notes from any of the "good hustling brothers,” who promised to give me their assist- ance. Bro. P. T. Jones goes from M. & A. Jet. to Meldrim, nights. Bro. G. W Clanton, from Meldrim days to Tybee depot, Savannah, agent. Bro. Clanton relieved by Bro. D. C. Newton, who was working nights. Bro. J. H. Hamilton, who has been agent at Tybee depot for some time, left to accept a good position with the Panama Ry. Wish him much success. Bro. Cregar, from Wadley days to "GO” Savan- nah nights, relieved by Mr. Pyron, agent "WA,” account shortage of men, until new man assigned; understand Mr. Warren goes to "WA” days and Mr. Warren nights, Mr. Warren relieving Bro. Win- burn, who goes to Tybee Island as agent. Haven’t learned how the two new ones at "WA” stand; "13” they came from the S. A. L., and presume they are O. K. Mr. A. L. Horton bid in Norristown agency, relieving Bro. L. J. Bankston, who goes to the S. A. L. Understand he has good position with that line Bro. J. H. Wright back to Egypt, relieving Bro. Bass, who is off taking a vacation. Bro. Rogers, of Register, relieved by his brother while he attended the convention. He reports a pleasant trip and much learned by going. Bro. Armstrong now working nights Dover; Bro. Myers gone to another road. A man by the name of Mr. J. P. Byess, of Toorasboro, Ga., says he doesn’t need the O. R. T. in his as he came from a road that is dead against the Order. This road was the "L. & N.” Says he has no confidence whatever in the Order. If this is true, seems he would have stayed up there on the L. & N. There are only three roads a man who doesn’t believe in the O. R. T. is needed on, viz., L. & N.f Katy and Santa Fe. I would think he would enjoy being among men who are of the same opinion as himself. If he has no confidence in the Order, strange he should come down and accept all the advantages we have over the L. & N. I understand also he finishes up students for the telegraph school. One more man needs mentioning. Mr. You- mans, who has been a member at two different times, now holds one of the good jobs that was raised. There is something very peculiar about him. I understand that he advises boys who finish up at telegraph schools to write for ap- plication blanks to join the O. R. T. Our Local Chairman got a letter from a young man located at his station, "Davisboro,” asking for blanks, etc., said Mr. Youmans advised him to do it. Must be that . Mr. Youmans is also finishing up the telegraph plugs. We do not want students in Digitized by CjOOQle

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1198 The Railroad Telegrapher. the Order; but men who can do good work, and will be some good. We are not drumming for students or professors, and any member will be particular and careful not to vouch for Mr. Youmans in the future. A man who will not live up to his obligation at one time will not do so at another. Time has now arrived for the payment of dues for current term, so if you haven’t got your new card you should remit your dues, which is $4.00, and also your special assessment (if you are one among the number that got a raise on our last schedule), as all who fail to pay this assessment will be unable to get a card. Some “good" brothers did not pay this last year, and have not done so up to the present, notwithstanding the fact they were raised last year and this; but this year’s assessment was handled differently, and the amount is charged to each member. So if you are made of the right kind of stuff, and show your colors, you will be among the first to show it with your card. I hope that none of the brothers will have to be put sus- pended for non-payment of this assessment. This completes the bill for this time. Will give better write-up if some of you will help furnish the news. Cert. 3. 5.* W . Division — Boys, remember that June thirtieth is most here, and of course* know that day calls for a four. Pay-day will soon be here, so let’s all get the new card and be along with the goods on our first meeting in July. Wonder what color it will be? Let’s spend four dollars to see. Mr. Maxwell, agent at Montezuma, has just returned from a big fishing trip. Bro. English, nights on block at Powersvillc, worked for Sister Callen while she made a flying trip to Eaufala a few Sundays ago to see rela- tives. The first thing we S. W. Division boys do after receiving the journal is to look for a write-up from the S. W. Division, and we are quite often disappointed. Each one seems to be waiting for the other to send in items. Now, boys, we must get busy on this line and see if we can’t do better. Let our Division Correspondent, whoever he may be, have all the happenings so we can be repre- sented in The Telegrapher every issue. We, like all other divison, have a few nons, but think they will soon repent. How can it be otherwise, after we have done so much to im- prove their conditions ? Bro. W. J. Jordan, night on block at Rutland, has resigned to go into other business; was re- lieved by Bro. Holland, nights from Ft. Valley. Wish Bro. Jordan much success in his new field. Bro. Gay, nights at Oglethorpe, has resigned to accept a position with the A. B. & A. at Fitzgerald; was relieved by Bro. Keen. Bro. Holland was relieved at Ft. Valley nights by Bro. Bowen, from the block days at Echaconnee. Cor. Chattanooga Division — The boys on the north end of the Chattanooga Division of the C. of Ga. Ry. met at I. O. O. F. Hall at Trion, Sunday, June 16th. Meeting pre- sided over by General Chairman, G. C. Stephen- son. Various matters were brought up and dis- cussed with interest. Brothers present: D. E. Brantley, J. C. Allen and J. D. Cochran, Chattanooga, Tenn.; G. C. Stephenson, Rossville, Ga.; W. O. Bolton and H. M. Baily, Chickamauga, Ga. ; W. D. Stewart, LaFayette, Ga.; C. S. Hobbs, Trion, Ga.; L. P. Woods, Summerville, Ga.; Jeb, Martin, Raccoon, Ga. ; A. C. Powell and M. H. Holmes, Lyerly, Ga.; E. J. Allee, Rome, Ga. An unanimous vote of thanks was tendered the I. O. O. F. for their kindness for allowing us the use of their hall. Cert. 75. Kansas City Southern Ry. North End — The news on this part of the road is not very plentiful, but as we have to have a few lines each month, will try to mention what is going on around and about our good brothers. We are about ready to make a stand for a new schedule and hope by next month we will be able to give definite information as to results. We axe badly in need of improvements along this line, and we are determined to have them. Most all the brothers have come across with the assessment levied, and we are in strong hopes of our com mittee meeting with success while in Kansas City. There are still a few nons who seem to be wear- ing smoked glasses. Better take them off and aee, where you are wrong, and it will not be long until you will tell us to send you application papers for membership. Am informed by a faithful brother that Bro. A. E. Pearson, Joplin nights, transferred back to Gravette nights. Relieved by G. W. Blaggett, whom we understand is in possession of the little card. Lanagan has a new night man, Mr. Atchison, from the Mo. Pac., who we “13" also is all right. * Bro. Brown, day man at Neosho, we are ad- vised, has quit us and is roaming Oklahoma Ter- ritory. Bro. Wentz, at Sulphur Springs, is now up-to- date. “You can’t keep a good fellow down." Best of all, the eight-hour law is in effect and those in old Missouri are proud that they can be relieved from the key at the expiration of their trick and rest their weary nerves. A few more long steps like this &11 over the country and the telegraphers would be more able to perform their duties with ease and safety. Let the good work move onward. While a great many of us at the one-man sta- tions are not benefited quite so much, we can not expect it all at once, and rest assured that we will get betterments sooner or later. We all no doubt have noticed recently where a great number of the roads are advertising for telegraphers. I wonder why? Still there are a few that can’t see why it pays to get in line? Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1199 Don’t be a non all your life. Get up and look around and see where you are. Now, some of you fellows who have some time to spare, drop us a few lines of news for The Telegrapher next month, and let's make it better than it is this time. You all no doubt know a little news and it will help out a great deal if you will all drop a line. I have not heard but from just one brother this month, thus making the news rather slim. All help a little. Cert. 92. Southern Pacific Ry. Lines in Oregon. It is with much regret that I feel the necessity of calling the attention of the brothers of the lines in Oregon to the fact that they are not doing their part toward boosting things along as they should. We have not had a write-up for months, and although I should be the last one to attempt anything of this kind, I have come to the conclusion that someone should make a move to start the ball rolling and then perhaps some brother who is capable will take hold and give us a write-up that will be worthy of our division. Division 53 stands at the top of the ladder and the lines in Oregon are certainly well enough represented to warrant a good line-up in the official publication once a month, but we are seldom there. One would think that we were a set of nons who did not even know of the existence of the great O. R. T. so far as they could tell by reading the journal, while some road which probably has not over a third as many members as we have will be well represented every month. I think we should be a little more sociable; get together once in a while and have a meeting. Other roads do so, why can’t we? It is customary upon some roads to have regular monthly meetings, which are always well attended, and the boys become acquainted and get into the habit of all pulling together, and as they all have the same end in view it is needless to say what the result is when they make any kind of a move toward a bctteiment of their conditions. These meetings are also sanctioned by the superintendent, who is often present, and he always furnishes trans- portation to any of the boys who cars to attend and can do so without interfering with their work. L would like to suggest that someone get busy and see if we can not call a meeting sometime in the near future, as I am satisfied we would have a good turn-out. Somebody take it up and see what can be done. I am not very well posted upon the late changes, but will list a few: Bro. Watson, of Woodburn, has left the tele- graph department and accepted a position in the city ticket office at Portland with this company. Bro. Watson has ever been a hard worker for our cause, and it is with much regret we see him go, but as he has been given a chance to better himself we only too gladly congratulate him upon his future success, which we feel confident is already assured him. Bro. Spencer is hold- ing down the day job at Woodburn until an assignment is made, the night job being filled by Bro. Stephenson, lately from the Can. Pac, Bro. Michael, second trick man at Junction City, is preparing for a lay off. Bro. Howard, first trick man at Junction City, was on the sick list the first part of the month. Bro. McLardy is doing stunts on his old trick, third, at Albany. Bro. Landers is holding down Oakland agency. Bro. Wilcox has been assigned to agency at Drain. Bro. Vickers agency at Hillsboro. Bro. Jennings, formerly of this division, has been heard from on the Wabash in Indiana. He says, however, that he is soon going to make tracks for the land of the setting sun. Bob is an enthusiastic O. R. T. man, and we will be pleased to have him with us once more. Agency Corvallas, Oakland, Medford and Dallas are among those open for bids on the last bulletin. Bro. Friend, third trick man at Junction City, was called to Spokane with his family the early part of the month to attend the funeral of his wife’s father, who was accidentally killed by an electric car at that place. **FD” returned to work about the 26th. Bros. Howard and Michael were compelled to double his trick during his absence account of no available man to relieve him. Harry Morse is holding down Leland nights. Harry promises to make good soon. Well, next month let some other brother give us a good write-up, and let us know what you think about having a meeting once in a while. Cert. 1771. B. & L. E. Ry. I am still holding down the job of correspondent on this pike and am waiting patiently on some one to relieve me. In view of this fact I wish to announce there will probably be a vacancy in the position of correspondent for this division. Those who wish a chance at the job should file their applications with the Local Chairman at once, for when the position is officially bulletined there will be a big rush of applicants, but as there is no one who seems anxious for the job I will continue to hold it down until I am discharged. While my salary is not very large I am in need of money. Things are moving along on the south end as usual, with a few more trains to handle, which are being handled to a better advantage on account of new double track that has been put into ser- vice at different points. Double track between Pittsburg Jet. and Hartnett; Odell is discontinued. Bro. McDowell transferred from Odell to new office at Hartnett. Bro. Fitzmartin transferred from Odell nights to Pittsburg Jet. nights. Lyndora closed and Bro. Whitford from there to second trick at Butler Tfr. Bro. Campbell was off a few days on account of his wife being sick. Bro. Knapp is off for a few days attending to business in Pittsburg and other places. Bro. McClung and wife, of McBride, were in Butler doing shopping this week. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1200 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. E. G. Resinger says he expects to move in the new office next week, which will be over new station at Center Ave. Bro. A. C. Kiser was in to see Bro. “R" at Center Ave. on his way to East Pitssburg, over the south end. From the report received from our General Committee and the view of most of the boys along the line, I think our committee did very well. Now, I see there are quite a few along the line who are enjoying the hard earnings of our com- mittee and are not up-to-date. I think if every brother would get after the nons and go and see them personally and talk with them, or if they can not do that, write them, there would be quite a number join our ranks. I understand there is to be a new office opened at Houseville for the benefit of the pusher engines that cut out there. Bro. L. V. Thayer, from the Erie, at Meharg nights, and Bro. Smith, off the C. T. W. A., moved from Meharg to Hartnett nights. Mr. Pfabe, a new man at the business, is work- ing at Frazier nights. Mr. Pfabe will join as soon as eligible. Bro. DeShong has returned to his old stand at Blaks Run. Third trick at “XB," North Bessemer, was put on June 4th; new man by the name of Cochran working it. Bro. Bowman, of Russellton, is off on a leave of absence; Mr. Brewer, of Dlclcsonburg, relieving him. Office at Milltown closed and was moved to north end of Plun Creek Viaduct, with Bros. Brooks and Clendeing holding it down. At “SE,” south end of North Bessemer yard, we have Bro. S. A. Wildeman, from the B. & O., and he has transferred from Division 33 to 51. Bro. J. C. Simmons and wife are visiting Mrs. Simmons' mother at Carter. Carter has been made a regular stop for trains No. 15 and 16. Bro. P. J. Barrett, a new man, relieved Bro. R. R. Snyder while he spent a few days in Pittsburg. Mr. J. H. Ray is speedily recovering from in- juries received while attempting to alight from train No. 15 at Carter. Mr. Ray miscalculated the speed and was thrown to the ground. He was badly bruised and cut about the chest. It was feared at first that he was dangerously injured and the train was stopped and brought back and took him to Butler Hospital, where it was found that aside from several bruises and cuts he was not so seriously hurt. I understand Mr. Ray has quit the telegraph business and has gone home to assist his father with the farm work. Mr. I. S. Hall was transferred from “HX" tower to Lynces Jet., being relieved at “HX" tower by Mr. King- den an, old head in the telegraph service without a card. Our last meeting at Greenville was not so well attended as usual. Even if it is getting a little warm and we have to work harder we should not stay away. There is the only place for us to go and tsll our troubles and not be kicking about what our committee did after not attending a meeting in the whole year. If some of the boys on the north end would take a little more interest in our meetings, I think it would be a great help. We get the most of our turn-out from the south end, where a man has almost got to walk to get any place. Although we have some good members on the north end who attend regularly, I trust that some of the boys on the north end will send me a few notes and not let the south end do it all. We would then be able to know what is going on along the whole road. I will have to thank some of the brothers on the south end for notes received, and trust they will all come again; also others who can scare up news. Div. Coa. H. & T. C. Ry. In response to a call from the General Chairman for a meeting in Dallas, about twenty-one memhers assembled in the Dallas Commercial Club Rooms, where a very interesting, and, we feel, a profitable meeting was held. Bro. J. I. Donohue was taken through the initia- tory ceremony and made a full-filedged members, which, by the way, is the first time Division 57 has ever conferred the degree, and Bro. Donahue has the honor to be the first candidate to be actually initiated by this division. Quite a number of the commercial boys who carry O. R. T. cards were present, and took an active interest in the proceedings. We are glad to welcome any of them at all our meetings. The question of arranging for regular stated meetings in Dallas was handled and it is quite likely that Division 57 will arrange for a hall, and within a short time regular meetings will be held. We believe this will be worth a great deal to the division for many reasons. Interest in the work will be kept up, we will be able to increase our membership, give visiting brothers a place where they can meet with the boys, reach out after the unorganized telegraphers of the city, and serve the good work in a hundred ways, which we can not do without meetings, and only very partially with called meetings. The commercial brothers present seem anxious to bring about something of this kind, and prom- ise us every assistance in making it a success. With their help we feel sure the move will prove highly successful, and build up a good local in Dallas. Bro. Beene, of Ft. Worth, was doing some hustling to find a means of conveyance back to Ft. Worth. In explanation he said he missed the last train on his last visit and had his record charged with twenty “brownies" (by his wife). He does not care to have any more charged, as it is getting desperately near the limit. Bros. Craig, of Calvert, and Ficklin, of Bre- mond, were in attendance, which displays con- siderable enthusiasm, considering the distance they had to come. A tribute is also due to the night man who is doubling in the places of those at- tending meetings. They have the hard time with Digitized by c^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1201 none of the joys to compensate them for their hardships. We hope the brother on the Ft. Worth branch will come through again with another of his interesting and newsy articles. The boys would appreciate another treat of that kind. Bro. McKey, our G. S. & T.t is spending a vacation, together with his wife in Mississippi. He expects to return in time to get to work under the eight-hour law. Bro. VanWie, the genial Local Chairman of the north end, is in the Indian Territory with a party of friends fishing. Nothing but branch water and crude oil in that district. Bro. Connor, of the dispatcher’s office at Ennis, with his wife are spending a vacation visiting friends in Missouri. Jim says he hopes he has worked his last twelve-hour day. Quite a number of the boys are figuring on a summer vacation, but extra men are scarce and the probabilities are that they will have to content themselves with more work and less play, although it may “make Jack a dull boy.’* It’s an ill wind that blows no good, and if we fail to get a vacation we won’t cry over the cause. Fraternally, W. J. Burke. Southern Pacific Railway. Los Angeles Division — We were too busy last month to send in a write-up, but our worthy Bro. Keyes came to the rescue, and to him the credit belongs for such a good Showing. Bro. Bert Curl, after an absence of several months, has returned to his regular position at River Station nights. Bro. Badgley reports a fine trip and a good time at the Grand Convention, only disagreeable feature being the cold weather. Bro. Chas. Plunkitt has left us, going to work in “BD,” San Francisco office. C. F. McReynolds, of Dolgeville, has requested application blanks be sent him, so he may become one of us once more. Bro. Keyes, late of Cabazon, but now at Las Vegas, says that the eight-hour law helps some. Several requests from the nons on the branches for application blanks lately. Bro. Roberts, of Santa Anna, doing the good work. Bro. Shepard, of Salton, had the misfortune to be bitten by a “side-winder” recently, but at this writing is progressing nicely and expects to leave the hospital in a few days. The members on this division were pained to hear of the sad death of Bro. J. R. Abbey, late of Puente, which occurred on the 17th ulto., being directly due to blood poisoning caused by a scratch from his pet cat. His funeral was held from the undertaking parlors of John R. Paul and was attended by Bro. and Mrs. Steere, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, of Los Angeles, Bro. Frost, of Pasa- dena, Bro. and Mrs. C. H. Owens, of Puente, Bro. Martin, of Colton, and many friends from Puente. There were many beautiful floral offer- ings, among which was an O. R. T. pillow made by Mrs. Steere. His remains were laid at rest in Evergreen Cemetery. He was a staunch sup- porter of our Order and will be greatly missed. Declez and Basset closed as night offices account no one to fill the positions. Bro. Luckfield, late Local Chairman, has re- signed and went to the Las Vegas & Tonopah Ry. Trust he will better his lot in making the change. Bro. Purcell filling the agent’s position at Indio at present, occasioned by Bro. Luckfield’s resig- nation. Bro. Valla, regular ticket agent at Redlands, but late Assistant Commercial Agent Riverside District, has been appointed city ticket agent at San Bernardino. Bro. Steffa, of Pomona, indisposed at present account having a felon on his finger. Pretty tough to have to work in a place like Pomona and be thus handicapped. Bro. Eaton, of Brawley, has been granted an assistant during the melon season, Bro. Gilmore, a recent arrival, doing the stunt. Bro. Jim Keane, now absent on a trip to his mines in the north; Bro. Hawkins filling Jim’s regular position at Downey at present. Some evil- disposed person sneaked into the office not long ago, while Fred was at lunch, and got away with fifty dollars. All who have not sent in their necessary for dues for ensuing term will please get busy. Muldoon. Division 53 seems to be asleep or dead; we very seldom have a line from her. We were pleased to see Bro. Green’s drawing as frontis- piece in the June Telegrapher. It was good work and he should come again. Guess 53 is pretty well lined up; don’t know of but one or two nons on the division, and hope to see them in by next month. Come on, boys, line up. We haven’t heard anything from the United States Circuit Court of Appeals at San Francisco about our new schedule, but hope we will in the near future. There have been a number of changes made among the boys, but you will all know what they were soon as the next bulletin appears. * Bro. Moffet, at Marcel, is the proud possessor of a young lynx, that he captured near the depot. Don’t forget to remit your dues this month. Cert. 1318. San Joaquin Division (Coast Line) — A few changes seem to have taken place up to the time of this writing, namely, Bro. M. M. Cecil, day telegrapher “Q,” Santa Barbara, is taking a vacation, his place filled by Bro. Glensor. Bro. G. W. Northamer has returned to the coast again after a few weeks’ stay on the hill, and is now working the day trick at “SB,” Santa Bar- bara, relieving Bro. E. E. Clover. Bro. Mithan, nights at Oxnard, has just been transferred to “SB” nights. Bro. Baker has left the service for parts un- known. No further information can be given at this write-up. “73” to all. Cert. 1868. Digitized by c.ooQle

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1202 The Railroad Telegrapher. Wabash Ry. Peru Division — We should all get busy and try to exceed the glorious past two years, which were hummers in our line of business. Boiling it down to the Peru Division particu- larly, we have room for improvement in the matter of percentage in membership. Let every brother get busy with that non working either at his own office or the one adjoining him, and let’s boost our membership nearer the 100 per cent mark. The committee will be going to St. Louis again for a new schedule before a great while and now is the time to prepare. Don’t wait until you think the time is about up before going after them, but do it now. To our friends, the nons, who we know watch developments as closely as we do, and who we know benefit by the organization the same as we, let me ask if you do not feel it is about time you were showing your appreciation by coming along? I say “appreciation” because we do not hear you kicking any just now. and compare this to a few years ago when there was lots of kicking and criticism, too, on the way the O. R. T., and espe- cially the committee, was doing business. When the next revised schedule comes out, you will look through it as anxiously to see how you have fared as will the boys who are fighting your battles along with their own. Will you whine because it don’t “dish out” a few extra for you, or will you ask yourself what you did towards helping secure any- thing? On the other hand, if it brings you an increase in pay along with other benefits, will you accept them and consider it was due you, like one (only one) that I was talking to shortly after our present schedule was completed? I had asked if he wouldn’t feel, should he hear that his office had realized an increase in pay through the recent negotiations, that he should at least show his appre- ciation by taking out a card. He replied: “I’d have to see it first before I believe it.” “All right,” says I, “here it is. and here’s the necessary blanks.” “Well,” he replied, “I’ll not fill them out. The O. R. T. owes this to me anyway, be- cause I had a card once for six months about fif- teen years ago.” Now, I do not think you are like that. I do think some of you are a little negligent, however, for you are realizing benefits right now. Every one of us working to-day are, some more than others, but we all have realized by the organization. There will probably be greater changes than before in our next schedule. Several have been suggested. They will effect you, Mr. Non, and you ought to be in a position to have your “say” as well as to aid the rest of us in shaping these matters. Exclusive agents who work at a railroad station whether ticket agent, freight agent or both, and regardless of whether they are telegraph operators, are now eligible to membership in the Order. This will give the brothers at stations where there are such agents a chance to line them up. They have now a chance to come along and be protected, something they have never heretofore had. This class of the service has been clamoring for admit- tance for some time on the old organized roads, as they have seen the necessity of getting into some organization and know that the old O. R. T. being well established can take care of them at once. This is what the O. R. T. will be doing for the exclusive agents right away on these older organ- ized roads, as they are all ready to come in, and were only waiting for an amendment to the eligi- bility clause. Get after the exclusive agents on the Wabash as soon as enough of them are rtadv to be included in negotiations; we will fix them up, too. It comes to our notice that certain nons, one on the Second District, two on the First and two on the Fifth Districts, are keeping students. All nons as well as members, understand the effect a flooded market will have on the price of a commodity. We all know there is no feeling of animosity toward the student. Under a competitive system we must protect ourselves and not flood the market with our particular line of goods. We do not like to mention names, and won’t this time, but some one will be liable for a “bawlin’ out,” and we will come as close to mentioning names as Barney did when he called Pat down for cheat- ing in a poker game between themselves and an- other Irishman. Barney knew that Pat (who only had one eye) had cheated and won the “jack pot” two or three times. He protested each time, say- ing he didn’t want to mention any names, but that he knew who it was “chatin’.” Pat cheated again and won the “jack pot,” and Barney says: “I won’t mention any name, but, be gorry, if he does it agin I’ll knock out his other eye.” Now, we should hate to come so near as that to mentioning names, so do not give us cause. We are trying to play a fair game with a “square deal” to all around the board, and it’s no fair chatin’. The latest returns from the Middle Division shows a landslide to the O. R. T. They have set us a strenuous pace over there, and in closing let me again urge that we all get busy and let Peru Division second the motion. Local Chairman. June 18th, at New Haven, occurred the marriage of our good Bro. G. C. Delamarter to Miss Grace Miller, of New Haven. Bro. Delamarter, having secured a month’s leave of absence, with his bride is visiting relatives in Michigan. They have the heartiest congratulations and best wishes of Peru Division. Bro. Metz does the day trick at New Haven during the absence of “CF,” with Bro. Barto nights. Bro. Yuill off on account of sickness; relieved at Colburn by Bro. E. W. Patrick, of West Point nights. We hope Bro. Yuill will be back at work by the time this is before you. Bro. Hinkle is now agent at Burrows, Bro. Dor- ren having passed it up and is now filling the vacancy at Danville Junction nights, caused by the resignation of F. T. Miller, telegrapher. Etnire at Danville nights, E. F.. Hagerty having also left the Banner. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1203 Sister Baker, of Blakesley nights, off for a month; relieved by R. M. Kile, who, we under- stand, is just starting in the business. Bro. Elvidge bid in Newell days, with G. F. Pickering nights. The vacancy at St. Joe nights, filled by Bro. Benjamin, formerly the agent at Danes. On account of no one on the division wanting the job the West Lebanon agency is filled by Mr. Sweet, brother of H. S. Sweet, the right hand man in the chiefs office. Unable to learn whether Mr. Cavanaugh will stay with the Wabash or not. Bro. Sieple back at work at Jewell. Bro. De- meuth at West Peru nights at present. Bro. Metsker is getting busy on the Fifth Dis- trict and expects to have it solid in a short time. Bro. Brey enjoyed a few days' vacation this month; relieved by the night man, Bro. Hetrick, with Mr. Dunwoody on nights. Div. Cor. St. Louis Division — June 14th, the dates set for the telegraphers' eight-hour law to go into effect, has passed and we are still working twelve hours. As far as we can learn there is no evidence that the company is making any effort to comply with the law, neither has anything been done by them in that line that would indicate that they were even inter- ested and we are wondering how long this violation of the law will be permitted to continue. Our State legislatures, as a rule, are not hasty in adopting bills and passing laws in an experimental manner, and especially when introduced by and calculated to benefit laboring people, in which case it has often been a very difficult problem and required the strongest arguments, backed up by public agitation to secure the passage of a law. We haye often heard it said that the law is no re- specter of persons, which we take to mean that every one must obey it alike, and here is where we base our hopes that there will be no exception to it in this case. Twelve hours a day every day in the year, Sun- days and holidays included, is entirely too much. Men who handle trains and have the responsibility of many lives in their hands should have clear heads, and how can they have such with the con- tinual drag and strain with no time for recreation. The public arc now aware of this and they were equally as active in demanding the passage of this law as were the telegraphers themselves. When the hour arrived on June 14th when the eight-hour law was to go into effect many of the men threatened to quit and in some instances, we understand, they did refuse to work beyond their eight hours. They had no intention of going on a strike or causing any trouble. Their idea was to obey the law. We believe the men were justified in their desire to obey the law. If the company saw fit to disregard it, that was no reason why we should. At the same time we advised all the men who talked of quitting after their eight hours were up that we thought it best to remain at work when we consider the injury that would be done to the commerce of the State, the traveling public and the U. S. mails by a walk out of the telegra- phers. It is well understood that we are working the twelve hours under protest, with the penalty of being discharged if we vacate our positions without being relieved and we do not believe any court in the land would convict a man under such con- ditions. In our opinion it has now dwindled down to a question between the State and the railroads. How does the $50 minimum look now to you boys since the a-cent rate went into effect? Keep tab on your ticket sales for the next three months and see how much you are ahead. I imagine a majority of the jobs along here would be paying $35 and $40 were it not for the protection afforded by the schedule. The Pacific Express Company is “getting awful good in their old days." Many of the boys are reporting that they are now being allowed some compensation for handling the received prepaid business. As .you have been previously informed your committee took this matter up with the ex- press company, and although they would not meet a committee they stated they would consider any complaints from the employes individually. Your committee then advised you to complain of this matter at once. Now, while the express company may be priding themselves in their ability to dodge a committee, that same committee is priding them- selves in their ability to obtain results. In fact, it is results we are after, nothing else. Advise your local chairman as to what success you have in making your request for commission on this received prepaid business. It is necessary for him to know so he will be posted and in a position to talk intelligently should the matter come up again. Ferguson is no longer an “open shop.” Bro. Atterberry reports securing the applications of Messrs. Thomas and Beard, day and night men there. We are glad of this, as this office was one that was increased $5 per month, night and day, by the late revision. The presence of a non any- where is repulsive enough, but when we see them planted in positions that have been elevated by the Order, it is a bitter pill. Bro. T. Mahoney, a new arrival from Div. 31, and lately employed at Olyphant, Ark., is with us and working nights at O’Fallon, and Bro. W. H. Heimbach, of Div. 33, B. O. S. W., another new arrival, is located nights at Benton City. Hope they will stay with us. The agency at Warrenton taken by Bro. W. Murphy, and Bro. Truby, of Rennick, secured the High Hill agency. There are still some two or three agencies to be filled. These have been bul- letined. In a letter received from Bro. A. Davis, dated at Alma, Kan., on C. R. I. & P., he states he is comfortably located there, enjoying an increase in pay and a good schedule. Bro. Davis, it will be remembered, resigned at Sturgeon some few months ago. We wish him continued success. We had the honor of being appointed a dele- gate to the National Convention of the Grand Division recently held at Minneapolis, Minn. Wish it were possible to describe the magnitude of this affair and the enormous amount of business trans- Digitized by CjOOQle

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1204 T he - Railroad Telegrapher. acted. During the nine days the convention lasted there was not one idle moment and it looked as though night sessions would have to be taken in order to get through. Minneapolis has quite a reputation as a convention city and hotel men and merchants with whom we had opportunities to talk, stated that the telegraphers’ convention was one of the largest, if not the largest, gatherings of the kind they ever had there. While we were absent last month we requested one of the brothers to act as correspondent for us, as we believe representation in the journal has good effect and, like advertising, brings results. We believe we picked the right man, as he showed up with “good stuff,” and lots of it. “Spitfire” should keep his pencil sharpened. He is liable to be called on again. Local Chairman. notice. Decatur Division — Bro. W. H. Harte, Jr., Bement, 111., has been appointed to act as division correspondent during my absence. I trust you will assist him in this work by furnishing any news of interest pertain- ing to the Order, and, thanking you, I am, Fraternally, E. Hendricks, Div. Cor. Decatur Division — Lest you should forget this will remind you that dues for six months from July ist to December 31st, are now due and payable and the amount of $4.00 should be remitted to Bro. La Fever, Secre- tary and Treasurer, 3732 North Eleventh street, St. Louis, Mo. Many join the Order and ever afterwards sit still trusting others will do all the work. But one of the most important phases of our work as an organization is the securing of good new members. No organizer can do as well or as much as the members who have formed an acquaintance or know almost every man in their respective locali- ties. In this grand work all members can be of great assistance. And, not only can be but should be, as it is their duty, it is their business, in which they have an interest involved to the extent of an organization. It is a protection to man and com- mon sense calls for a little effort aside from the paying of dues and assessments. Self-preservation is the first law of nature, and a man that will not protect himself is almost criminal. Each member should and can secure new members, if only a little effort is used. Every member can take time and interest enough to speak of the advantages, value and worth of such fraternalism and protection as our Order offers. Many have never given such matters a thought and a word is enough to arouse interest, which perhaps will lead to a good member. Not that I wish to censure you, brothers, but it is well in peace to prepare for war, in health to get ready for certain death, in youth to lay up for old age and in the calm to prepare for the storm. Members, arouse yourselves and get new addi- tions, as thereby strength is gained and our cause duly respected and recognized. A dissatisfied member can do more harm in the way of stifling enthusiasm than can a dozen satis- fied members in building it up, but as fraternity is the outgrowth of Christian civilization the brotherhood of man is made possible by working in unionism to the satisfaction of every member. Bro. Murray is holding a chair in St. Louis, “QM” office. He holds an up-to-date in the So. Pac. Division, but we prefer he transfer to No. a. The nons seem to have gone into their annual comatose state for the summer. As this appears in print you will have the pleas- ure of extending the hand of fellowship to Mr. Joly, of East Decatur, as he is now a good brother with the proper credentials. In Bro. Hefner we have one who is worthy of his position and his work as our local chairman is to be commended. From all indications the Decatur Division will soon be solid with the exception of a very few. Since returning from the convention Bro. Hefner has secured the following applications while going over the division: J. C. Smith, Taylorville; H. J. Schwarz, Staunton; L. D. Darner, extra list; Fred Humphreys, Worden; Clyde Allen, Poag; W. C. Rittenhouse, Edwardsville Junction; C. W. Cratz, “JO,” Decatur; J. H. Custer, Raymond; A. Moore, Raymond; Miss Ada Morgan, Mt. Olive; R. F. Willison, Sangamon; H. O. Folrath, Cerre Gordo; A. B. Wingate, Cere Gordo; F. E. Keller, Sa- dorus; F. Kurtz, Sidney; E. C. Woodruff, Sidney; J. E. Miles, Fairmount; E. S. Puckett, Morrison- ville; C. Whitmer, Morrisonville. Bro. Hefner also secured the promise of the fol- lowing exclusive agents, including Messrs. Custer, of Raymond, and Schwarz, of Staunton, who have filed applications: E. E. Logan, Mement; Robert Leslie, Iolono; W. D. Powers, Homer; a Mr. Moore, of Sidney, and H. Folrath, of Monticcllo. Night man at Blue Ridge signifies his willingness to affiliate with us. We may now extend the O. R. T. greetings to Mr. Meglitch, of Boody. He is now a brother in good standing. Let every one take notice of the above list of new members and if there is any life to him he will feel like shouting for joy, and why should he not? We are sorry to inform that Bro. Guy McNab- rey, formerly of Gibson, resigned. By the resignation of Bro. McNabrey the Wa- bash loses a good telegrapher and the division a good, staunch brother. We trust our brother meets with success in his new field and that he will still retain his membership. Mrs. Greuell resumed her position at Granite City. Telegrapher Darner, now brother, trans- ferred to Edwardsville Junction nights, relieving Bro. Rittenhous, of the night shift, who in turn was relieving Bro. Laws days. Bro. A. Murray, of Sp. No. 53, who has been extra in “GM,” St Louis office, relieved on ac- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1205 count of regular man resuming duty, has taken his departure for the East. A disastrous explosion occurred at Reddick. Three were killed and the tower demolished and Bro. (?) Johnston was thrown a distance of sev- eral hundred feet, but escaped serious injury. East Decatur days and night positions and Sul- livan agency up on bulletin. John Poff, of East Decatur days, bid in Gibson nights. Bro. Lkhtenberger, days at Forrest, enjoyed a well-earned vacation. Unable to say who acted as relief. Bros. Hefflin and Aults, Essex and Horse Creek, were also Chicago visitors last week. Bro. Hallihan, Wing nights, taking a trip on No. 50 the other day, must have been out for a time. Can't say as to Mr. Browning, nights at Bris- bane, being up to date. Bros. Adams and Singleton, Symerton, were Manhattan visitors one day last week. There must have been a high old time May 18th. I noticed several of our brothers on No. 50 headed for Chicago. Bros. Nelson, Henry and Nolchel, Manhattan, were sightseeing in Chicago one day last week. Bro. Lynch, from the Rock Island, doing stunt at Manhattan nights. Bro. Logsdon transferred from Manhattan to Campus; relieved by Bro. Lynch. Bro. M. C. Johnson, Brooklyn nights, advises Mr. Debelle, regular day man at Brooklyn, who is in Decatur Hospital, undewent three surgical opera- tions and is recovering slowly. Again I ask of you to watch your wires more closely and avoid wire trouble. Mr. Johnson, formerly agent at Brisbane, has accepted a position as manager of the Western Union pole yard at that point. He was relieved at Brisbane by the agent from Blue Ridge, Mr. Lea Filbey. Mr. C. M. Vance, assistant agent at Chicago Ridge, has been offered a position as regular agent. It is uncertain at this writing whether he will accept or not. Bro. Clyde Allen, recently of Phila. is doing the stunt at Poag nights. Bro. Dorner appears to be acting the role of re- lief man, but upon being relieved at Edwardsville Junction took a short vacation, visiting home folks at Palmer. Now for a solid division. Make an effort to land the non if he is working for the Wabash. It means get “25.” Wonder when the Wabash members will hold another division meeting. Bro. W. E. Aultz, East Decatur nights, from Horse Creek, vice Poff. Bro. J. E. Dickey, nights at Cerre Gordo, called to the southern part of the State by the death of his father. B. B. Harks, from Rock Island, working nights at Hower for the present and is in good standing. Div. Cor. Atlantic Coaat Line. Norfolk District — It has been a long time since the boys have seen anything in The Telegrapher from the Nor- folk District of the A. C. L., but we are still here and am glad to say that we are not very far from being solid and this is something to be proud of, too, but there are still a few nons left. Get after them, boys, and let’s make it so hot for them that they will have to make a move in some direction. We want to be solid. How about the eight-hour law in North Caro- lina? I understand that Bro. Williams, our Gen- eral Secretary and Treasurer, will go to Raleigh on the 21st of this month and will take two men with him to attend the hearing with the corporation commissioners. The Southern and S. A. L. boys will also be represented there. There will neces- sarily be some expense to this and let each man remit accordingly without delay when called upon by Bro. Williams. There were only five members from the Norfolk District at the meeting on the 8th. I, for one, did not go and feel rather ashamed of it. We do not take enough interest in our meetings. At the next meeting let’s try and have a better attendance from the Norfolk District. Where there are two men one of them could go, I should think, from each station. Do not put it off saying, “Well, 1 will go next time,” but get out and go right then. And another thing, we do not take enough interest in is our journal. Boys, this should not be the case. We should be represented in the journal every month. What do the rest of our brothers think about appointing a correspondent? Why not do this at once? I would be very glad to see items in the journal regularly from the Norfolk District. Let’s hear from some other of the brothers on this subject. Best wishes to all. I hope to see something written by some other brother in the next issue. Cert. 814. Mr. A. D. Perkins, chief at Florence, S. C., took a flying trip over to Baltimore to attend Dis- patchers’ Convention, returning via Jamestown. He gained about ten pounds in weight while away. Mr. R. J. Severance, second trick, acted chief during Mr. Perkins absence. Bro. Heard is very much in love with night copist. Shipman, from Florence yard, is working in “FN” during vaca- tion and is about to be converted. Bro. C. R. Craig, at Elliott, will soon be trans- ferred to Tatum, S. C., a thriving little town just north of Bennettsville. No one yet appointed to succeed him at Elliott. It lies between Bro. Thames, now at Tatum, Hyatt, agent at Lucknow, and relief agent Mooneyhan. Mr. Mooneyhan used to be an up-to-date man. Hope he is still in possession of a current card. We have not as yet been able to convert Mr. Hyatt, Mr. Woodard and Mr. Parker, on this district. We are still after them, though, and hope they will soon come over the line. . 1 Digitized by Google

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1206 The Railroad Telegrapher, I notice some of the boys north of Darlington do not answer their calls as promptly as they should. This is something the officials bring up before our committees when they are trying to get more for us, and it behooves us to watch wires closely, giving the best possible service at all times. Mr. R. R. Smith, formerly of Rock Hill, S. C., is now at Cheraw doing wire work. He has asked for application blanks, which have been furnished by Assistant Local Chairman Catoe. We hope he will not do like some others on the district have done, get a dozen sets and lay them aside with an excuse for delaying matters. Bro. E. D. Sumner, clerk at Bennettsville, left a few days ago for the Exposition and other points of interest for a short vacation. This is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party and let their money for the next six months go into the treasury. This is a matter that should not be allowed to get behind, because the Order gives us a good limit in which to pay up. We should not try to take advantage, but get it in on time, or before time, which will result in getting new cards promptly, and keep us in good shape with the Order. Next month we want to arrange an article deal- ing with the nine-hour law, $75 minimum, govern- ment ownership and other matters of general in- terest. Ckrt. 248. Savannah District — Bro. J. D. Simpson, of “DE” office, Savannah, is home, quite indisposed. Have not learned the nature of his illness, but hope he will soon be able to resume duty. The sympathy of all the brothers is extended to Bro. Walter Britt, who, we understand, has just returned from attending the last illness and death of his sister Mrs. I. U. Martin of Soperlin. Chief Dispatcher J. W. Daniels has just returned from Camden, S. C., where he attended the wed- ding of an intimate friend. We did not learn the names of the forunate couple, but extend congratu- lations. Mr. O. R. Hull has been doing the owl act at Savannah Junction for several days, and reports himself “de-lighted” with the cool and pleasant evenings. Some of our dispatchers are sporting an elegant high-speed automobile of the latest design. We hope they also wear the “little button” on the lapel, and thus complete an up-to-date appearance. We understand a Mr. Miller, who was holding down Race Pond, closed up the shop and left for parts unknown. The vacancy was recently bul- letined. Folkston continues solid and up to date, with Bro. J. D. Bennett holding down day trick, Bro. Hatchel doing the owl stunt, and Bro. Page work- ing the agency. Night telegrapher. Mr. League, of Bologn, Fla., has sent in the cash along with his papers for one of our latest beauties. A Mr. Leich and a Mr. Renfrow, working Hil- liards days and night, respectively. Bro. J. A. Daughtry, of Dyal days, was called to Oglethorpe recently by the illness of his sister, but we note has returned to work at this writing and we hope the trouble that called him away did not result seriously. A Mr. Currie work Dyal nights. Day office at Ratliff closed for the present, and a Mr. Edwards doing the owl act, Bros. Pixley and Taylor leaving for points unknown. We are sorry to lose two up-to-date men, but wish them success wherever they may land. Bros. Strickler and Pruiett are holding down the Dinsmore job. Bro. Porter, our local chairman, seems to be playing in hard luck with Mr. J. O. Tillery and Mr. John Davis, of Blackshear. These two gen- tlemen should be with us, but no one sems to be able to get any action from them, although both recognize the benefits of organization and are with us in sympathy. However, we hope they will be able to unite with us in the near future, as they are both good men and we need them in the ranks. Bro. D. R. Warren, of Ludowici, has left the service for a better position with the Central of Georgia. W’e are glad to note Bro. A. L. Howard has re sumed duty at his old stand, Ludowici days, after a long and serious illness. We sincerely hope his ill-luck is over for all time. Bro. L. M. Branch is doing the night stunt at Ludowici. Bro. B. W. Harris, of Screven, has resigned his position at that point to accept one with the A. B. & A. as manager of their day office at Douglas, Ga. We wish him good luck in his new position. This is the position that was offered Bro. A. L. Howard, whose illness prevented his accepting it. Bro. C. C. Easterlin, who relieved Bro. Ila Smith, at Offerman, was too light for the levers at that point and was transferred to Fleming nights, being relieved by a Mr. Marshall, who we are glad to say will send in his papers next pay day. Bro. S. L. Thompson, formerly agent at Offer- man, has been transferred to the Thalman agency for the S. A. L., from Douglas. Bro. Thompson says he is fixed now and will line up the Seaboard boys for us. Good luck and much prosperity. Bro. N. F. Frizelle, Jr., has been transferred from “DA,” Dale days, to yard office, “Q,” Savan- nah, nights. And last, but not least, we nave quite a number of new brothers to add to our rolls this month. Bros. R. B. Sassels and Lew Manning, of McIn- tosh; E. F. Hull, Offerman; C. G. Hunter, Bris- tol, Ga.; J. A. Deloach, Broadfcurst and two or three others whose names I have not been able to learn in time for this writing. We extend the welcome hand and hope they may enjoy a long and prosperous O. R. T. life. Crackeb Jo«. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1207 IN MEMORIAM. Bro. J. C. Dove, for many years agent for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad at Doves, S. C., Darlington District, who resigned his position last December to retire from active business and pass his remaining years in quiet and rest, died at his home at Sumter, S. C., on April ist last. He had moved his family to that point, it being their old home. He suffered none at all, expiring very suddenly a short time after dinner while sitting in his chair reading. Bro. Dove was a good, Chris- tian man, handling his business in that quiet, gen- tlemanly and dignified way, so noticeable in con- trast with that of some of the younger generation. The writer has known him for a number of years, and when studying telegraphy received many a timely hint and bit of advice from him, which was worth remembering in after years. He was a man, well liked by all who knew him and greatly re- spected by all. The Order of Railroad Telegra- phers feel that in his death they have sustained a severe loss and that his sudden passing away is a deep blow to all. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God in His infinite wisdom, to call to his last home our Bro. J. S. Dove; therefore, be it Resolved, That we, the members of Div. No. 132, of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, extend to his bereaved wife and family our sincere sympathy in their great sorrow; and be it further Resolved , That these resolutions be spread on the records of this division, published in the official organ of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers and a copy sent to the bereaved family. J. H. Williams, General Secretary, J. R. Patrick, Local Chairman, A. L. Orrell, District. Cor, Indianapolis Southern Ry. Only a few' of the boys attended the meeting at Linton Sunday, June 2, account of connec- tions such that the brothers from the south end could not be present. Though small, it was one of the most enthusiastic meetings I have ever attended, and the absent brothers had the best wishes of all present. The meeting was presided over by Bro. Draper, who went over the schedule with those present to make everything clear. Other matters were discussed, including the matter of future meetings, attitude toward non members, etc. Every one present showed great interest in the welfare of the Order, one of the best signs of future strength and progress. Bro. Draper gave us the welcome information that he would attempt to arrange for another meeting soon and so arrange it that all who can possibly get away can be present. Brothers, don’t fail to come. Not one of those who were present at Linton but said he had greatly enjoyed it, and if all who can will attend we will soon have things on the Indianapolis Southern booming. Before closing the meeting, Bro. James moved for a vote of thanks to be given to our worthy Local Chairman, Bro. Draper. Unanimous re- sponse received, but even this is but little in re- turn for the great service Bro. Draper has ren- dered us, and it is to be hoped that the ap- preciation shown him at the meeting is general over the division. Bro. Draper has shown the greatest perseverance and most faithful interest in our welfare. As he himself said, it is no snap to work up a schedule, but through his untiring efforts we have secured the best on the Illinois Central lines. Let us then each and all give him our deepest thanks for his work in our interest. Arrangements were made for the writer to act as Division Correspondent, and if the brothers will mail their notes to me (A. H. Turney, oper- ator, Bloomington, Ind.), I will do the best in my power. Whatever is done don’t lose interest; look after the non and endeavor to lead him into the path of rectitude. The following notes have been received: Present at the meeting: I. S. Draper, Local Chairman and President of meeting; E. H. James, F. B. Fox, E. L. Smith, A. L. Young, II. N. Wentz, B. M. Short, A. A. Howard, S. L. Scott, visiting Bro. J. M. Bradon, Chicago Division 91. Bro. H. N. W’entz, formerly of Edwards, is now regular agent Morgantown. Bro. Wentz succeeded at Edwards by Bro. A. L. Young, of Anita. N. H. Bennett, formerly Palestine nights, is working Morgantown nights. Bros. F. C. Wentworth and J. A. Milan, of Anita, took a business trip to Indianapolis Tuesday night. Bro. Wentworth is thinking of leaving the service for wireless work for Uncle Sam. I)iv. Cor. D. & R. G. Ry. First Division — Since our last schedule went into effect on February ist everybody seems to have suddenly woke up again, and all are getting into the game with a vim that is indeed good to see. Our worthy and efficient General Secretary and Treas- urer, Bro. Aiken, at Parkdale, is surely a very busy man, and its keeping him hustling to make the transfers that come in and attend to the other work connected with the membership, from whom he is getting such loyal and able assistance as to make his work a pleasure as well as a profit to the membership on this system. Keep it up. By this kind of action can we only hope to gain for ourselves further advantages and privileges, for which we have been looking forward so many years. Our present schedule is indeed a good one, and let us not lose one single thing which has been granted us in it by inactivity of the smallest nature. Remember, if we do not insist upon its being lived up to to the letter, we can not expect those who have practically no interest in seeing it so handled make any effort in that di- rection, and a word to the wise should be more Digitized by c.ooQle

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1208 The Railroad Telegrapher. than sufficient in this respect. Eternal vigilance and an active interest as is now being shown by our members is what brings the results we wish for. We have a good set of men on our General Committee, who will do all in their power to better our conditions, but we must not look to them to accomplish all we expect, unless we give to them our most hearty and never-ending support in every move that they may undertake. Be a willing and a most constant worker yourself and you will be astonished at the benefits that will in this manner come to us. Don’t sit back and wait for the other fellow to make a good move; get ahead and keep in the lead. When a new man shows up get a line on him before he has a chance to get his chair warmed the first day he works, and if he be a non treat him with courtesy and consideration and endeavor to get an applica- tion, but its indeed a rare thing for a non to come to us, they all seem to be made of the proper material when they arrive, and all is re- quired from them is an application for transfer to 49. Wonder what our committee is going to do with the express business. This is something that must be adjusted before the snow flies, and I would like to suggest that each and every member, whether he be an agent for the express company or located at a non-agency or as a night teleg- rapher where he handles it gratis or never handles it at all, will at once write to our G. S. & T. and outline in your communications some ideas or suggestions as to the manner your committee should proceed in order to improve the situation as regards the express business. The Western Union commissions must also be taken up with the proper authorities. We want this also and we are going to get it if the matter is pushed in the manner it should be. Our neighboring brothers on the Union Pacific, Rock Island and Missouri Pacific are getting ten per cent on commercial business, and even on the Santa Fe this has been granted for a considerable time. What earthly reason can be given for not granting us the same concessions? It’s- up to us to stir things up and get what’s coming to us. It will certainly never be handed us on a silver platter. A good many changes are taking place on this division. Telegraphers can scarcely be criticised for desiring to get away from those luxurious box-car jobs on the south end, where a man gets fresh water once a week. However, this is an evil that our general officials are endeavoring to remedy, or so it was stated to our General Com- mittee, and it's indeed time something was done to make the living and working quarters on the Third and Fourth Districts more desirable and better than they are at present. A few are fairly wcil provided for, but the quarters that are provided at San Carlos, Baines and places of a similar nature arc not very apt to create in the minds of newly em- ployed men a great desire to remain with us, an I vet some people wonder why the men don’t stay. Things look different from the windows of an office furnished with quartered oak tables and chairs and the floor covered with fine carpets than they would if one was housed in a box-ca? that was provided with a roof that compelled you to stoop over every time you stood up or else run the risk of fracturing your skull on the cross- pieces in the roof. However, we have been prom- ised this would all be remedied and anticipation is half the pleasure we get out of this life any- way, so we are anticipating with much pleasure the doing away with box-cars for offices and living quarters. Bro. Stout, at Burnham, having a hard time to keep from being sick. We hope he will pull through. “SX” says that five-dollar raise is good for a trip to Elitches Gardens twice a month this summer. Bro. Richards, at Ft. Logan, just back from a well-earned vacation, being relieved by Bro. C. M. Bowen, from LaVeta nights, which position he was obliged to give up on account of being unable to stand night work. Hope Bro. Bowen will improve rapidly and be able to return to his old position. Billy Cuthbert drew his old job at Littleton days, when it was re-opened. Bro. L. Sutton, from Sedalia, going to Toluca as agent. Sut. says that ten-dollar raise there made things look different. Bro. J. E. Bobbitt drew Sedalia agency and will now work while the sun shines and sleep nights without drawing any pay for it. Castle Rock depot had much-needed improve- ments made. The brothers at that point can now see them coming from both directions without going outside. Oh, yes, almost forgot Bro. Rosen- baum, of Castle Rock, is off for thirty days, taking his wedding trip, having been wedded to one of Castle Rock’s most popular and lovable young ladies, the first week in June. We wish them continued happiness and prosperity through life. Sister Murphy, at Larkspur, getting most too much of our continuous overtime. You should ask for a night man, sister; don’t be bashful; it’s a well-known fact one should be at that station. Sixteen hours a day is too much to ask of a telegrapher, especially when it’s a regular thing. Bro. Honnold, at Husted, is taking a long leave of absence and visiting in the East, being relieved by Bro. Hoffman, from Pikeview nights, he in turn being relieved by Bro. D. E. Webb, who was with us a while last year. Bro. Gordon, at Colorado Springs days, off a few days this month resting up and getting in line for the tourist rush this summer, being re- lieved by Bro. Mcfiowen. Bro. Morris, at Keiker nights, off on account of sickness in his family; trust he will soon be able to resume duty. We find Bro. Ewing, our Local Chairman, back at his old job in "SB,” Pueblo. He seems to have been very much impressed with the beauty of the Twin Cities, and reports a /very enjoyable tup to the convention. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1209 Bra F. H. Melcher, from Portland nights, drew Salt Creek nights and has been transferred to that position. Says it's certainly better than making expense bills and taking care of the signal lights at Portland. Something should be done to relieve the night telegrapher at Portland from the duty of taking care of eight signal lights, es- pecially when there is a section gang at that point. Bro. Wm. Edson and Bro. Huff mas ter are ga- ting much good information in the matter ef dry fanning at Larimer, where the Seva Co. are fanning on a large scale. Bro. Jones, at Cuchara, attending court at Wal- sens this week, being relieved by Bro. Butler, with Apache closed to enable Bro. Jenkins to do the night stunt at Cuchara. Here's a job that certainly should be a three-man job at all times. Bra F. R. Brown, at Barnes, is wearing a smile He's to have the Apishapa depot in place of his palatial box-cars. Bra Chas. Merrow, at Goonight, off a couple days this month account of the death of one of his friends. Bro. Laizure, at Portland as agent, has at last succeeded in getting the much-needed help for that station. Bro. Marquis, from Florence, accompanied by Bros. Ewing and Aiken, caught most of the fish in the Cottonwood last Sunday. Our old stand- by, Bro. Allen, piloted them to the best places. Bro. A. H. Copley, agent at Howard, is taking a much-needed lay-off, being relieved by Bro. J. M. Robinson. Bra H. E. Happy, at Cleora nights, went to Pueblo to meet his family last week. Trust he is going to be a fixture with us. This is our first effort in many years at a write-up, but Bro. Aiken is getting us all stirred up. Keep the ball rolling and we will reap untold benefits. Always bear in mind our schedule was given us by our general officers and that they expect it to be observed, not only by us, • but in return they look for better interest to be displayed by the men. See that you do your part. Our chief dispatcher, Mr. L. P. Houseman, is one in whom we all have a friend if we will but do as we should. Ce*t. 106. First Division, Third and Fourth Districts, South End— Well, boys, here is where I get busy for a few minutes and give you a few items from the good old "49." I haven't seen anything in the journal from the south end for about two months and this all charged to me, but it was not my fault. If it were not for our Assistant Secretary, Bro. F. R. Brown, and Bro. Fridy, at Graneros, I don't think it would be possible for me to get anything out for our division. I have written to most all of the boys along the line and they positively ignore my letters. We have no room to Idea about the way things are going, as we have only one non on the south end, or perhaps two, and if nothing happens Bro. Brown will soon have them, or at least one of them; the other one is going to be rather hard to land. Bro. C A. Wright, of "Old Rouse," is the proud possessor of 35 O. R. T. cards. How is that for being an old-timer? We are all glad to hear that P. D. Leonard, the "old-timer" at Chicosa Jet., has sent in his money and will soon be a full-fledged member. Let the good work go on; every little bit helps. Bro. E. T. Sparks, now at San Carlos nights, drew that place on the recent bulletin. Bro. J. V. Earhart, who captured the night job at Verde, is still there and is doing the "batch- ing" act to a queen’s taste. Bro. Domka went from Salt Creek to Portland days; he was relieved by Bro. C. J. Pinkston, who worked few weeks there. He has now resigned and gone to Trinidad to accept a position with the C. & S. A Mr. J. M. Lowery is working there now. Larimer has had several new men lately, some of them were only there two or three nights each, and one man only stayed there about twenty minutes when our worthy chief took him away and sent him some place on the west end. On May S7U1 Bro. J. V. Huffmaster showed up there to work as night man. He is still there. Bro. C L. Helber is at Huerfano nights, which job he drew on bulletin; he also is his own house- keeper. Bro. A. K. Wood is back to his old stamping grounds at Aj>ache; he was away on a hunting and fishing trip for thirty days. Bro. C. M. Bowen, of LaVeta, was in the hospital at Salida for a short time, but when the job as agent at Ft. Logan showed up he was able to go and take it for a while; hope to see him back on the south end again soon. Bro. W. V. Hendricks relieved him and has been there ever since. Cole, who was agent at Trinidad so long, re- signed to go in business for himself, I "13." He was relieved by Mr. Geo. M. Forrester. Mr. Forrester is a fine fellow, and we hope to hear of his application being filed soon. I will now cut out and go to dinner. Hope to hear from some one else next month. Bill. Vandalia Ry. St. Louis Division, East Subdivision — We heard a fellow say the other day: "What's the use of you boys putting your money into the O. R. T. ? You’ll never get anything out of it — just throwing your money away." Here is what a friend of the writer, who works on a neighboring road, says: "This was a $50 job, but since our new schedule came into effect it pays $55, and we get an hour for dinner or if the dispatcher is un- able to let us go between 11:30 and 1 o'clock, we send in our time for 2 5 cents, besides thirty min- utes out to eat as soon as possible. I can bank on my 25 cents every day here, which makes my job pay $62.50, or I figure that the O. R. T. in- creases my salary $150 per year." Does it pay to Digitized by CjOOQle

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1210 The Railroad Telegrapher. stay with the boys? It doesn’t take most of the boys long to decide whether it pays or not. July ist our semi-annual dues were payable and we hope that every one of the boys squared up promptly, for to carry an up-todate card is nearly as essential as to carry a card at all; so then let each member, who has not already done so, send in dues at once. When these dues are paid, if your insurance is paid six months in advance (and we think it a good plan to pay your insurance six months at a time), there will be no more ex- penses until next January ist. We think it an excellent idea for each brother who has a friend or personal acquaintance along the line, who is a non, to write him a personal letter and do all he can to line him up. A word from you would influence him more, perhaps, than anything anyone else could say or do. If any brothers work in an office with a non, do all you can to convince him that the best thing he can ever do for himself and the rest of the boys is to get a card. Keep these things in mind, boys, and speak a good word for the O. R. T. every chance you get, for these things count more, perhaps, than you think. The old saying is indeed true, “Every little bit helps.’* Bro. C. Herbert Johnson, days *‘RS,’’ Reelsville, was in Indianapolis one day this month. Mr. H. S. Miller, extra telegrapher, relieved him. We are glad to hear that Mr. Miller is going to get a card soon. Harmony tower has been moved about 400 yards east, placing it at the end of the new double track, which is being used as a freight running track until in condition for fast speed. Bro. Smoky Wilson, “BR,” Brazil nights, was on the wreck car the other day going east. Mr. J. S. Jones, agent at “C,” Clayton, was off duty a couple of weeks this month. Bro. J. W. Roach, “GB,” Gibson days, run business at the station like an old head during his absence. Mr. M. L. Tobin, extra telegrapher, relieved Bro. Roach at the tower. We were unable to learn whether Mr. Tobin carried a card. Bro. Pat Sebree, “BR,“ Brazil days, is sporting a new Mecograph transmitting machine, with which he is cutting a great dash lately. Bro. C. R. Shortridgc, “CO,” Coatesville days, was off duty one day, being relieved by Mr. J. Stewart. We are unable to find out whether Mr. Stewart ha* a card. Bro. L. M. Callecod, formerly a Vandalia man, but now regular nights at Markle, Ind., on the Big Four, was visiting some of the boys along the line the other day. He reports the O. R. T. in fine shape over there. We are glad to see Bro. Callecod getting along so well since leaving the Vandalia. * We noticed Bro, Watt's smiling face on No. 33 the other evening, headed for some point west. Bro. A. L. Challis, “HN," Harmony days, is visiting his people in St. Louis. Mr. J. T. Col- burn. night owl at that place, has condescended to take the day trick in the absence of Bro. Challis. Bro. H. C. Barnes, “J,” Limedale days, has accepted "KR," Terre Haute nights. Bro. J. H. Harrold has acepted the day position at “J.” This change puts Bro. Harrold right at home, if what we hear is correct. Bro. O. M. Snyder, “EY,” Terre Haute days, was off duty a few days. His night man, Bro. Geo. Challis, relieved him, Bro. O. Hixon, “SV,’’ Seelyville nights, taking the owl trick in Bro. Challis’ place at “EY,” and Mr. C. Kipler, extra telegrapher, relieving Bro. Hixon at “SV.*’ Our chief Dispatcher, Mr. E. A. Hallinin, was on No. 24 the other evening waving at the boys along the line from the rear platform. Bro. J. L. Grogan, “J,” Limedale nights, was in Indianapolis Memorial Day getting acquainted with “Teddy.** Bro. Chas. Wilson, “WA,” Watson nights, was off duty a couple of weeks moving his household goods to Brazil, where he will live. He was re- lieved by Bro. G. T. Beaber and Mr. H. S. Miller, extra telegraphers. Bro. Francis, “HB,’’ Hobbs nights, was off duty one night; Extra Telegrapher Miller relieved him. Bro. C. C. Chestcrson has accepted the night position at “SU,” Summit. Bro. J. H. Harrold, wno was regular night man at this tower, going to “J,” Limedale days. Bro. H. E. Stephens, “SA,” St. Elmo days, visited with friends in Harmony a couple of days. Bro. H. C. Barnes, “J,” Limedale days, was on the sick list a few days this month. Bro. Grogan, the owl at that tower, taking the day trick and Bro. C. C. Chesterson doing the owl act in Bro. Grogan’s place. We hear that Bro. R. O. Farthing has quit the road. Have not heard where he went, but sup- pose he was offered something better than the Van could give him. We are sorry to lose him. Mr. D. T. Presnal, agent “MO,’* Harmony, was on the sick list a couple of weeks. Extra agent, Mr. O. C. Morgan, relieved him. Mr. J. S. Jones, agent “C,” Clayton, was off duty one day, having been called to court. Mr. J. Stewart, extra man, relieved him. Mr. M. W. Bruner, agent “AU,” Staunton, was off duty a couple of days on account of the death of his brother; relieved by Extra Agent C. O. Mor- gan. Mr. J. F. Hallinin, “SO,’’ Terre Haute nights, but who has been relieving Bro. R. O. Farthing at “DS,” Terre Haute days, was off duty a couple of weeks, being relieved by Bro. W. L. Shickle, regular “K,” Terre Haute days. New’ electrical block signals have been installed at Reelsville. These signals, which are automati- cally operated by electricity, have been placed at points about 1500 yards distant each way from the tower and stand at caution at all times except when a clear signal is displayed at the tower and the section of track between these signals is clear; otherwise, a clear signal at the tower would not affect the position of these signals. This has al- ways been a dangerous piece of track and it is hoped that this additional precaution will entirely do away with future accidents at this point. Regular Cor. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1211 It is “due” time you were paying your dues. The majority of the members are paying promptly and I would like to see the others get in line. We have not had many items in The Telegra- phe* from our division, as circumstances would not permit We are now on solid footing and we would like to have all the news you can send in. We tried to get permission to hold meetings along the line at different intervals, but under the present circumstances it was not thought advisable, although we expect to do this in the near future. Bro. Ellis has finished his good work on the Michigan Division with results very gratifying to the Order and swelling our membership roll until I used all the ink I had reporting new members. Hope all received cards promptly. Ballots for nomination of local chairman have been sent out and as only one has been nominated (Bro. T. W. Howes, of Cutler, Ind.), the prospects of his being elected are favorable. Bro. Ellis is now on the Peoria Division and from his Erst report looks like things are coming his way, and ours, too. Better report from this division next month. “13“ the boys on E. & T. H. have money in their pockets, waiting for some one to come along and explain the Order to them and take their money and applications. “13” the boys on the G. R. & I. are in the same boat. All out of gratitude for the nine-hour law. Last, but not least, send in your items to your local secretary so he can get them together and forward them to Bro. Quick by the 25th of each month, then they will come out all under the same heading. I noticed we had items in two different places last month (May) under two different head- ings. Div. Coa. Chicago, Indiana & Southern Ry. Well, have you paid your dues for the new term? On this date, June 15th, an astonishingly large number have already remitted, and if the rest would do likewise, the Secretary would not have to work as hard as usual, getting out cir- culars to delinquents. Have you returned your information blank to your Local Chairman, as requested in my circular? We expect to do business in July and don’t want to have to hang back on any account, such as not having any information as to what w« want at various stations. J. W. Driscoll, having found South Bend too large a place, has gone to Kankakee to rusticate with Bro. Wright. Am sorry to hear McNabb has lost its night man, but we can see by that what straits the com- pany are in for men. It is no idle word to say that every man on the C., I. & S. could quit tomorrow and better himself on some scheduled road the next day. In fact, if things keep on the way they are going, we can expect the larger roads to pay a premium to a telegrapher if he will agree to work for them. The Southern Pacific wants a man to guarantee to work for them at least three or six months before they will give him transportation. They find there are so many openings for good telegraphers it is hard to hang on to them. What’s the matter with Ladd. From the name you wouldn’t think much of it, but they are men and good workers there. Don't many nons get by them. How is South Bend coming along now; don't hear much since J. W. D. left the place I understand they have moved the offices from Hammond to Gibson. Suppose rent was getting too high in Hammond. I should like to get two good correspondents on the Kankakee Division, and two on the Danville Branch, to send the Secretary notes, not later than the 15th of each month, so he can have them inserted in Thb Telegrapher regularly. This will keep our members advised of changes, news, etc. I will leave it to the Local Chairmen on these Divisions to appoint two men from each Division, one at each end, with instructions to cover his territory thoroughly and send any news to me. In this way we can let our members know what is going on on the System not in their im- mediate territory. We are allowed space in The Telegrapher, and I see no reason why we should not use it. Mr. Hartigan, at North Judson, has promised to come over, and think, before this reaches you, he will be with us not only in spirit but in per- son. There are a few still holding back, waiting for others to push the thing to the top of the hill, then they think they will get on and ride down the boulevard. Perhaps they will; but you would think they would have manhood enough to push just a little if it would lighten the burden of the rest of the men. * Now, brothers, refer to President Perham’s letter, and don’t let us have any students along the C., I. & S. We are going to legislate in a short while and don’t want the company to have any students at the various stations to play against us. Kindly give this your attention. Now, let us have some good, live notes from our Division Correspondents for use in the next issue. Geo. H. O’Brien, Sec*y. Frisco Ry. Ozark Diinsion - June 23d we held a meeting of the telegraphers of the Memphis and Ozark districts at Thayer, and I am glad to say we had a nice crowd, eleven good and true Order boys. I received the applications of Mr. Wayland and Mr. Sullins, agent and day telegrapher at Black Rock. Mr. Sullins received his $10 raise and forked over and did the proper thing. Our new schedule is a “peacherino.” Every- body gets from $5 to $15 raise. The $75 mini- mum will be a reality on this pike before many moons. There has been more or less disappointment in regard to the eight-hour law not being put into effect in Arkansas and Missouri, but the Attorney General of Arkansas has just filed suit against the St. L., I. M. & S. to compel thru to obey the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1212 The Railroad Telegrapher. law, and I '*13" before many days the same action will be taken in Missouri. We are at present very short of men, but all it takes to secure first-class men, who are now em- ployed outside of the railroad service, is a good salary and improved working conditions. Have you received the circular from our Presi- dent asking for information in regard to number of unemployed telegraphers in your locality? This is of vital importance and should be answered immediately, and make it as accurate as you pos- sibly can. Chit. 596- Pennsylvania Railway. Allegheny Division — The main subject of discussion on this division is the open meetings, which are being held at various points and which 'are proving very successful. On June 16th one was held at Brook- ville, being attended by about thirty telegraphers, including five nons, three of whom filed their ap- plications, the other two promising to do so next pay-day. The meeting at Foxbury on June 30th was even more successful, and the committee having these affairs in charge feel very much encouraged and promise more in the near future. The next one will probably be held in Kittaming early in August. Mrs. E. A. Mercer, of Sabula, was the only lady telegrapher in attendance at the Brookville meeting, and she is to be complimented on the display of moral courage which brought her before a crowd of men. However, she was in search of truth, and when that was revealed to her she "signed up" immediately and is now a full-fledged member. Bro. J. A. Beal has been enjoying his annual vacation, being relieved as agent at Wood Hill by Bro. C. H. Hilliard, who in turn was relieved by P. C. Elder, a former member, who promises to rejoin after next pay-day. Mr. O. T. Beatty is now the regular night man at Venango scales. He has called for the neces- sary blanks and we hope to call him brother before this reaches print. Bro. C. M. Conley has resigned to accept a position on the pipe line. He is relieved at Parker nights by extra telegrapher Bro. Logue. Brandon and Dotter, which have been telephone offices for the past few years, have been re-opened as telegraph offices. The telephone is claimed to be unsafe and unsatisfactory, and is being dis- continued as fast as telegraphers can be secured. Bro. A. C. McCormick was the successful bidder for the "big" job at Phillipston. He was relieved at "SK" tower by Bro. Green. Sister Cuineen has returned to duty at "KG," Kittaning, after an absence of several weeks at her home in Elmira, N. Y. Bro. H. W. Carrier, of Summerville, was off for a short vacation recently. On June 15th Cupid scored another victory, the latest victim being Bro. W. P. Burns, who on that date became the proud husband of Miss Florence Sease, a highly accomplished and charming young lady of Lawrenceville. The happy couple left immediately after the ceremony for Atlantic City, New York and other points of interest in the East. A large circle of friends and relatives join in wishing them a long, happy and prosperous life. Bro. P. F. Daily has resigned as agent at Bennezette and has accepted a better position on the P. & L. E. We are sorry to have Bro. Daily leave this division and our best wishes are with him. There are many other changes, but I dare not take up any more space this time, so will conclude by urging every member on the division to re- double his efforts in going after the nons, and encouraging such of our members as may have become lukewarm and show a tendency to neglect to pay their dues. Remember, a member saved is a member gained. By referring to the secretary’s report you will . note that the "Valley" contributed twenty-four new members as against fifteen by the next nearest competitor; that means, and I say it with due regard for the members on the other divisions, that we have the best, most loyal set of hustlers that ever was seen on any one division. May your efforts be crowned with complete success. Bsigham. Pittsburg Division — News has been somewhat scarce from the Pitts- burg Division for several months past. Not be- cause of lack of interest, but pressing ousineas mixed with some oversights and inability to get news from over the division. If your correspondent is entitled to a reprimand, pile it on. Good medi- cine of the proper kind is often effective. Will try and make it more interesting in the future with help from the brothers. Semi-annual dues are due and payable, and all members should pay up early and be in the front. Sixty days in arrears makes you non-beneficial both in local benefits and the M. B. Department. It is true that we have some members who are never beneficial, but not suspendable. No one knows when sickness will overtake them, and it is not a pleasant thing for the officers of your local to be in a position not to help you. We have laws governing this department and they must be strictly complied with. We have had some such cases during past year, and I urge members to be mindful of this fact, and protect yourselves by always being in good standing. Fourteen applications, all from P. R. R., were favorably acted on at meeting of June aad, some from telegraphers old in the service. This is very gratifying indeed, and the outlook for many more is good. Keep after the nons, brothers and sisters, and the time ought to soon come when nons w*ll be as scarce as hair on some bald heads. There is no excuse after considering what has been done during past two years. Three new tricks have beeu created in "OD" office in order to handle the increase in business, which is largely due to the fact that a new gen- eral superintendent with offices in Union Station, has been created. Bros. Cummings, from "GH," and Foster, from Youngwood, and Mr. Ameigh, from "SO" office, have been placed on these tricks. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1213 Mr. Ameigh's application is pending so we can call him safe. Up-to-date cards are numerous in “OD” office, but there are a few who ought to get in. Carry a card and you are with us; without one you are against us. Sympathy is a mean helper. Get wise and act wise. Bro. Geo. Whitaker, “OD” office, has returned from his vacation looking very fine. He visited several cities in the East, including New York. While in New York Geo. took some interest in immigration, and desiring to see some of the selects land on the shores of freedom, endeavored to get over to Ellis Island. The officers refused him permission to go over. Finally Geo. pulled his O. R. T. card out and asked if that was good. The officer smilingly said go get on that tug and go over. Probably Geo. can advance some ideas as to immigration laws after seeing three boat- loads land. We certainly have some hustling sisters on the Pittsburg Division; always to the front and taking advantage of every opportunity to get the scalp of a non. Bro. Wentz, at “CM,” Chairman of the Social Committee, and his staff of assistants, are the right people in the right place. The euchre and eatings after our short meeting of June 22nd was a decided success. The local committee of seven members met Superintendent Morrow and Division Operator Murphy June 17th, to take up a number of griev- ances. The meeting was very harmonious and we have every reason to believe that good results will be accomplished. The outcome is not defi- nitely known at this time. Mr. Morrow expressed a desire that all teleg- raphers give their best attention to the movement of trains over the division, especially passenger movement, and endeavor to reduce all delays to a minimum. We have always stood for good ser- vice, and ask the telegraphers through these col- umns to be mindful of the fact at all times, and that the faithful performance of your duty helps to uplift the profession and advance wages. All telegraphers in the service three years now have their passes over the division. I believe this concession is appreciated by every one. There is nothing like having the ready paper in your pocket, especially when you want to take a trip and haven't your mind made up until the train is about due. Bros. Stinemyer and Daymude are evidently on the water wagon. They were seen carrying two large bottles of water the night of the euchre. Bro. Stinemyer also had the position of ice man, carrying 100 pounds about four blocks. Fine business. Bro. Kolb, "WK,” is wearing an extra smile and a nice O. R. T. button, which he won as first prize at the euchre. Kibo. Monongaktla Division — Bro. C. A. Murphy, first trick dispatcher at West Brownsville Jet., is off duty on account of sickness. Mr. Minehart, extra dispatcher, is work- ing third trick to fill the vacancy. Bro. E. J. Koop, third trick telegrapher at “WB,” is enjoying a well-earned vacation. He will visit his parents who reside in Elmira, N. Y. Bro. A. W. Howard is doing the heavy act during Brs. Koop's absence. One of our brothers, who works on the Mon- ongahela Division of the P. R. R., is anxious ta know where the buckets are now going to be mads since the “bucket shops” in this State have been closed. On or shortly after July 1st the block system will be installed on the “RS” branch of the Monongahela Division, and interlocking plant will be installed in “WB” tower. We “13” that Mr. R. A. McCarty, ist trick telegrapher at “GX” tower, and Mr. J. T. McCleary, day telegrapher at “SA” tower, have forwarded their applications to become members of 52. There are two nons at “FI” tower, one not yet eligible on account of new beginner, the other one needs a little stirring up. Cbst. 102 and 277. Salt Lake Route. The advertising symbol of the S. P. L. A. & S. L. Ry is the arrowhead and on all literature and stationery of the company appears the mystic point. In the mountains near San Bernardino, Cal., is a great expanse of soil and foliage, much lighter than the surrounding hillside, shaped like an arrowhead, and from this the symbol comes. But ancient tradition tells us that this great sign in the mountain was so placed that desert travelers might be guided to its point, thereby finding water, that element so much sought by all in these arid parts. But it will require an arrowhead of greater pro- portions to bring some telegraphers to the right trail. Many have found the way safely them- selves; others have been shown and have taken ad- vantage; while others (and there are very few left), are like the mule that can be led to water, but can't be made to drink. Those of us who keep posted on labor questions, the various eight-hour laws in different States; the nine* hour law which takes effect next spring; and the wages paid to other railroad employes, etc., as compared with those we are enjoying, stand aghast at the tenacity with which some non-members still cling to their belief that the O. R. f. has done and will do no good for any telegrapher. We have but to look about us, only a few scorce of miles, to see proof after proof, that thorough organization is a better paying investment than any savings bank. There is hardly a road west of Denver that pays as low as this line, desert or no desert. It is true the eight-hour law has been a benefit to some, but reduced the earnings of others until now many telegraphers are only able to draw $70 per month, with the grocery store hundreds of miles away. But the arrowhead pointed aright for some, and perhaps before this letter is seen in print, the effect of it will be seen. Certain ones among us advocated a system division, and sent out a peti- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1114 The Railroad Telegrapher. tion to be signed. To the surprise of all.it showed a membership on this road of fully 80 per cent, and the petition was signed by every member in good standing to whom it was presented, from Salt Lake City to San Pedro. Such a result was entirely unexpected and goes to show what we may expect in future support. Among a few non-mem- bers a majority have already sent for application blanks and rates, and seem surprised at themselves that they have been out of the O. R. T. at all, for most of the telegraphers on this road are or have been members. Among the members who signed for the peti- tion are some from the Can. Pac. and from the A. C. L., and just as far in other directions. The forming of this system division will centralize our efforts and without a doubt result in relief of bad conditions, no matter in what form presented. Telegraphers are very scarce indeed, in all parts of the United States, and especially so in the West. It can not be wondered at when men have to be brought from east of the Mississippi, travel three days, pass the severest of physical, mental and moral tests, and then be sent to a $70 job, where the temperature climbs to 130 degrees. We who have been here in summer know this, but others do not and so many stay but a day or a week and are gone to that land where canned milk and canned everything else is unknown. When minimum wages are climbing in the East to equal our own, men will not come to this “Sahara.” Even the Eastern roa'ds have to advertize for peo- ple who can telegraph, among which are: B. & O. Ry., minimum $55; Nor. Pac. Ry., salary $60 to $90, with commission and living rooms; Can. Northern with a probably minimum of $65 or bet- ter; the Kansas City Southern Ry. with about $55 minimum. If you compare these with some con- ditions to be found on this line, you will find the solution to the “scarcity of men” question. Some old telegrapher remarked: “I have waited forty years for the time when our talent would be advertised for. I’m glad I lived this long.” Gen- tlemen, stop and think. This grand condition was brought about by nothing so much as organization, and it is your duty to yourself, your family and your brother workers to bend every effort to per- fect the O. R. T. Millions are spent in a year to defeat organization of various trades. Is not this proof positive that you must protect yourself by similar combination? There is no argument or earth to dispute it. . Any non-member wishing blank applications or any member wishing to send in notes for publica- tion may address Box 134, Las Vegas, Nev. Gold Butte. Salt Lake Division — Beginning at the eastern end of the road, we find many recent changes; in fact, too many to justify mentioning all. From the general office we learn that A. W. Hayes and O. A.'Tallman, of that office, are en- joying several weeks’ vacation in the Yellowstone National Park. These men are verv popular and the souvenir cards received from them arc valued like gold nuggets. L. G. Campbell, formerly at Las Vegas, Nev., is now located at the Salt Lake general office. O. O. Cowan, formerly at Faust, Utah, is now at Buena Vista, Utah, a little closer to the great Western summer resort. Bert Mooney, an old-timer in the West, is one of the popular and efficient dispatchers at Salt Lake, and has many old friends out on the line. A new man in the profession is Fred Ross at Lund, but promises to make good in a short time. He has been caller at Milford. Modena seems to be hard to fill, as many night men of indifferent quality, have come and gone recently. Inasmuch as this place pays $65 for twelve hours’ work we simply sympathize. Agent Stice keeps busy and tries not to worry. Just over the line in Nevada they enjoy the eight-hour law. At Caliente, a dispatcher’s office, various men have stopped and looked, only to pass it up. This important point pays $75 and works eight hours. The dispatchers are paid $145. The present chief dispatcher, Mr. J. Peck, is big in both heart and body, and is said to be close to an ideal. Mr. McClurg, the second trickcr, is about to leave for other fields, much to the regret of all. Our best wishes follow. Mr. H. R. Harris, recently of Las Vegas, now adorns the train sheet with his fine Italian fist, during the third trick hours. Good luck. Three newcomers in one family are to be found at Carp, our old friend G. B. Fedrick being the head. Mrs. Alice Fedrick will soon preside over one of the stations on this district, and we must all be on our good manners. Be a gentleman, even if you do hate the country. J. A. Enger, agent at Moapa, is in the midst of a bumper melon and fruit crop, and will need sev- eral burros to haul away his commission when the season is over. Mr. Feldt is the night man. A new depot has been erected here recently. Some of the swiftest men on the road are to be found at the slowest places. C. F. Morlarty, at Dry Lake, second trick, can show them all tricks on the mill and sending bulletins. Former agent C. M. Temple, of Moapa, is now engaged in managing and operating a large mining concern, the Cedar Basin and Nevada Gold Min- ing Co. He is located at Gold Butte, Nev., near which the various claims are located and last re- ports indicated the realization of the most san- guine hopes of those interested. Most of the Salt Lake road’s officials are heavily interested and stock at any price will soon be withdrawn from the market. Temple is an old pal of more than one of us on this line, and his success is our pleasure. F. F. Gunn, formerly agent at Moapa, is now en- gaged in the produce and supply business of all kinds, having stores at Moapa and various points on the Muddy River. No doubt his ad. will ap- pear in a later issue. He is also an officer of the above mining company, owning several thousand shares. Cnrr. 1271. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1215 General Outlook — As our Salt Lake Div. brother decided to write a genera] situation letter, there will be little left to be said on that subject, but we will say that the general outlook is about 80 per cent solid O. R. T. as far as we have ascertained, with the nooks and corners yet to hear from. No doubt by the time this goes to print the S. P. L. A. & S. L. System Division will be a reality, at which time we may be able to make personal mention, for the entire system, without any danger of defeating our pres- ent purposes. The Outlook Los Angeles Division — Very few offices along this division can be found with a non-member. The relay offices, three in number, have the majority in our favor, and most of them actual members. One, the most impor- tant relay office on the system, we found to contain one member, while three others had simply failed to keep up principally on account of the lack of activity on the system, and one of these has paid up and will be up to date before this is printed, while the other two will make new applications, having voluntarily asked for blanks. Surprising what we found when once we became active. On each and every subdivision, five of them in all, we found one to three live members, who, however, had failed to get in touch with those of the other divisions. Within three days these brothers were corresponding with each other like old friends, and every member was looking around to see where his neighbors stood. Then came the short notes: “Can you spare me a set of blanks V* “Please send ‘XZ’ two sets of blanks,*' and most of these we found were at one time active members, just dropped out After this came the new ones. From every non quarter came the same cry for blanks, and the writer had to dig way down in his trunk and get out a large package of application blanks which were left over from the days gone by when the movement of reorganizing a division of the Southern Pacific and later organizing the E. P. & N. E. was being made. Now the Los Angeles Division of the S. P. L. A. & S. L. will compare favorably with any old or- ganized road. Dispatcher Esender is off on a vacation, A. W. Hayes filling the third trick. One of the officials of the telegraph departmnt after coming down the road recently remarked that the telegraphers all had a peculiar look in their eyes lately, and the telegraph department is giving better service than ever before. Wonder what that means? A better class of men, which you will always find when they begin to get “alive.” Night Chief Retzer, of general office, Los An- geles, is putting in all of his spare time on “electri- cal engineering.” We hope he has great success. H. M. Gill, owl from Ontario, Cal., is on his way to visit the old home in Kansas City for sixty days, is being relieved by ‘W. D. Doty, of the Coast Line Southern Pacific Ry. We are glad to sec L. L. Eden back with us, after having been in service in another department for some time, now located as day chief at Otis, Cal The office has been moved from El Ora to Ames, Cal., John Gibson now in charge. On account of the eight-hour law A. O. Poole has been added to the force at Jean, Nevada: L. E. Simmons at Araen, Nev.; R. W. Keyes and O. D. Day at Las Vegas, Nev. Some one said the boys at Las Vegas didn*t seem to care if it was known that Las Vegas was solid. We have very little of Nevada in our division, most of it being on the Salt Lake Division. How- ever, the eight-hour law on that division is strictly adhered to by the company and the telegraphers. The warm weather down through this part of the country makes some feel that if the seniority clause was in vogue here now, we would like to fill the places of some non down where the Fink- bine blooms, and the Hiller climbs the orange tree, while the Butterfield gives its spring-like leaf a tinge of the Old Irish colors. Now, don’t think because we didn’t say much about the San Pedro Division that we are not posted. A couple of brothers enjoy the sea breeze there, while the two along the line are looking hopefully forward to tne time when the few re- maining nons will get enough salary to be able to read the papers and find out what the world of labor is doing. Some agencies along the Los Angeles Division pay as low as $50 per month, while their brothers along the S. P. have a minimum of $75 and com- missions. And yet we have in mind one or two who can’t see where the O. R. T. will do any good. Bro. Geo. A. Crabb, of Div. 23, shook hands with us a few days ago. He is on his vacation trip, from the C. M. & St. P. Bro. Brice, from Los Angeles, dropped in long enough to make himself known yesterday. Salaries too low for him to stop out here. Anon. N. Y., O. A W. Ry. There was a meeting at Cadosia, N. Y. Sun- day, June x6th, forty members being present, which is a sure indication that our line is fast nearing the solid stage. It was decided that Division 20 should give a grand ball some time this coming fall, and a committee was appointed to make the necessary arrangements. It is likely that either Sidney or Walton will be chosen as the most available point for all to reach. As this will be the first entertainment ever given by this Division, it will no doubt be looked forward to with no little interest as the time approaches. Bro. Samuel Darby has accepted the position as day telegrapher at Ellenville made vacant by Bro. Fox taking the new relief job. Bro. Harry Borland, relief telegrapher, who has been covering the night trick at Young’s Gap for some time, is relieving Mr. Rogers at “GS,” New York. On June 7th, the double track was resumed at Sands, doing away with the two offices there. Bro. Francisco, night signalman at Burnside Tower, has resigned to accept a position with a Digitized by t^ooole

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1216 The Railroad Telegrapher. firm of broken, near Scranton, Pa. Mr. Crams is temporarily in charge at “RX” nights. Bro. Talmage, night telegrapher at “MB," Sands, has resigned and gone into the photo- graph business at East Branch. Owing to the shortage of telegraphers, Liberty has been closed for several nights. Bros. Allen, of Mountaindale, and Winters, of Centerville, each worked a night there. Bro. Mulligan, who has been covering the day signalman’s position at Burnside tower, has gone to Liberty for night duty for a short time. Our General Chairman, Bro. Cochran, informs us we may now call over 90 per cent of the boys on this pike brother, and applications coming in every day. Bro. S. Fish, agent at Little Britain, was off for a few days recently, to attend the funeral of a friend. He was relieved by Bro. Scl^lett, night telegrapher at Summitville. Correspondent. L. V. & T. Ry. Although this is a small bit of railroad it pays big minimum, and has up-to-date and experienced railroad men in its employ. Good things some- times come in small packages. The L. V. ft T. is a very important link in the railroads serving the great mining districts of Nevada, and extends from Las Vegas, Nev., to Rhyolite, 123 miles. Its northern outlet is the Bullfrog and Goldfield. Construction is still going on at a rapid rate and there is no telling where it will stop in these days of discovery of millions in mines. The salary at most stations on the L. V. ft T. is $135 per month, but this is partly because of very high living expenses. There are at present seven offices open, but this will be doubled in a short time. The dispatcher's office is at Las Vegas, where the road connects with the S. P. L. A. ft S. L. A recent newcomer at Beatty is C. A. Luckfield, formerly agent on the Los Angeles Division of the S. P. Here is one of the busiest points of the State. Mr. Luckfield is employed by the T. ft G. Railway. Gold Center office was temporarily closed a short time ago. Business is on the increase constantly and this winter will see more progress made in mining in these districts than ever before. Bullfrog. E. P. & 8. W. Ry. Have just finished reading the June number. Everything was good, but I was especially inter- ested in what Cert 140, Division 59, had to say about the telegraphers' wages compared with others. All railroad telegraphers have put more or less time and money in learning their profession, and now what do they get for it. Look at the street laborer and at the negro working with pick and shovel. Many can no more than write their names. None work more than ten hours, the majority for only eight or nine hours per day, receiving from 20 to 25 cents per hour, working six days in the week, and by putting in a few minutes extra time through the week, get off at 4 o'clock Saturday evening. The telegrapher sees them going home, but continues his work until 7 o'clock or later, and gets home in time for an 8 o'clock supper. His evening is gone. The next day is. Sunday, but it is all the same to him, as he drags himself back to the office to be on duty for twelve more long hours, while the night man goes home and shuts himself in from the pretty day and his friends who are enjoying it, and tries to get a little sleep. What do they get for their work? Thousands receive the princely salary of from $50 to $60 per month, amounting to 14, 15 or 16 cents per hour. I could write pages, but this is enough. I say we have a right to kick. An eight-hour day and a $75 minimum would not be so bad. Let's get it Let us all get in line and be ready to do business when the right time comes. If you haven't an up-to-date card, get one. It will do no good to put it off. Get in line. Crrt. 126. New York Central Ry. Hudson Division — I failed to find anything in last issue of the journal. I presume because I failed to send items on account of attending the convention. Well, we are here with a few words and we were all at the meeting last month. If you have doubts about our getting the members to attend meetings come to our next and be convinced to the contrary. It was a metropolitan meeting in a decidedly rural town, as Bro. Burns remarked: “They seemed to come out of the woods from all directions." C M. E. boys availed themselves of the oppor- tunity to attend and we have their assurance of future visits on these occasions. I presume you boys know we have a change in management of the division south of B. S. 8. Mr. Foshen’s territory does not go below BS 8. The result of this change is that men south of BS 8 have no rights from BS 8 north, and vice versa with men north of Bs 8. I must make mention of the fact of steady in- crease in membership. Thirty-five new members since March ist and still coming. We want every* one to work with the end in view of securing thorough organization on this road. And I wish to say to every member through the journal that it is our duty to the company and our organization to give our employers good service. Let our card be a standard of merit, and by so doing we are bound to succeed. J. B. West, Local Chairman. R. W . & O. Division, West End — I suppose you fellows wonder why you never see anything from the west end of the R. W. ft O. ? The reason is very simple, no one writes a line. Seems some of our good brothers might spare a few minutes of their time once a month to say a few words for their own good. Everything seems to be moving along slowly just now. All the boys seem contented, and wish- ing that the peaches would soon come along. They Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1217 mil survived Imst season and think they can stand another lift. We are glad to say that we have very few none upon this end. There are two in particular that seem to be fireproof and airtight One of them, Mr. Brown, says that be does not care about join* ing the Order, but at the same time is always ready to accept anything that the Order secures for him, such as overtime, better working condi- tions, etc. All the boys have returned from the convention, and express themselves as perfectly satisfied with all the proceedings at Minneapolis. Bro. Brad- shaw, from the west end, just returned a few days ago. We are glad to see Bro. Squires again on his job at Kendall. Bro. Squires has been enjoying a trip to the Pacific Coast. Seems he might get busy and give us a line-up of what he has been doing in the wild and woolly West. How many of the brothers have their dues paid for the next six months? Get busy, boys, don’t let Bro. Quick write asking you if you intend to square yourself. Cbbt. 609. Wisconsin Central Ry. Our local chairman for the Second District, Bro. W. J. Watts, has been transferred from Win- nebago to Lomira, being relieved by Bro. Hilde- brand, F. A., of Sheridan, who in turn was re- lieved by Bro. Wm. Riddehough, of Prairie View. Mr. Phillipi, from State Hospital, relieved Bro. Hildebrand. Mr. Phillipi promised to make good, accordingly papers were sent to him and before this appears in print he will undoubtedly be in line. Bro. Henderson now at South Oshkosh nights. Bro. Chapman, nights to day ticket office, Osh- kosh. Bro. Ward transferred to Waupaca nights. As the boys from the south end have not fur- nished the regular allowance of items we pass on to Abbotsford where we find Bro. Crockett acting as relief dispatcher so as to allow the regular men to get their annual vacations. Too bad that the boys along the line can not have one of these vacations, but, of course, the dispatchers work eight hours a day and we only work twelve. Bro. Wyttenbach, from night to day telegrapher **BF” office, Abbotsford, and a Mr. Bryan, from Ashland, holds down the night job there. He has promised repeatedly to come in, but has failed so far to make his promise good. Bro. Heinski, back again at Rib Lake after sev- eral months’ travel. Bro. Seeley, after leaving Rib Lake, went to North St. Paul, to act as relief agent, while Mr. Wildasin attended court in behalf of the com- pany, and from there to Cylon, while Bro. Jno. Mais takes a little vacation. We had the pleasure of shaking hands with our worthy secretary and treasurer, Bro. O. V. Soder- strum, and extending to him our heartiest con- gratulations. Understand Bro. Brigham has recovered from his sickness and expects to resume work soon. At Ashland Bro. Edick has been raised from nights to days, and a Mr. Carlson, from Phillips, does the owl stunt. He promised to make good soon. Don’t put off for to-morrow what you can do to-day. Can’t say who relieved Mr. Carlson at Phillips. Chas. Anderson now nights at Chelsea. Mr. Finnegan, from Thorpe, at White River in Bro. Brigham’s place. Two C. & N. W. passenger trains passed over the branch en route to Ashland on the 20th, so you see there is trouble in the best regulated families. It was necessary for your humble scribe to make a trip to Hudson on account of a company law suit and was relieved a couple of days by Bro. W. A. Smith, who at the present time is acting agent at Colfax, while Mr. Smith, his father, is taking a trip to the Pacific Coast. Bro. Danielson relieving Bro. Smith nights at Colfax. Bro. Dan- ielson quit the “WC” several years ago to go West, but returned home on a vacation and now thinks of staying with the “WC.” I have given you all the news that I know of, but before I leave you let me say to all those who have not sent in their dues, if there be any such, kindly do so at once. Don’t always be on the tail end. We have quite a number of applications since last issue and two calls for blanks yesterday. At this rate the nons will soon disappear on this end of the pike. Keep after them, boys, while there is a single one left. And don’t forget to send items along before the 24th of the month. S. L. Brunellx, A. L. C. and Cor. Bangor dL Aroostook Ry. Central District — Nmety and ioo° in the shade. Bro. H. L. Snowman has returned to work again after enjoying a month's vacation at his home in Bucksport. Bro. Whipple was very sick a few days pre- vious to this writing, but is now O. K. and at the same old stand. Mr. Mosher, formerly in Brownville freight office, has gone to Bangor, “DA” office, to do message work. Bro. Crocker handling the freight office at present. Mr. Wood, owl at NO,” enjoying a two weeks* vacation, he being relieved by Mr. Connelly. Here are two nons, boys, but we will get them. They seem favorably impressed. Bro. Howe enjoyed a short vacation recently, he being relieved by Bro. Taylor. Bro. Higgins has resumed duty after having a change of outdoor work for the last two months. Glad to see him back. Bro. J. L. Robbins has bid in Grindstone. Mr. Homer, formerly assistant at Potter, has bid in the night job at the above place. Bro. M. B. Herrick, of Mars Hill, spent Sun- day in Brownville recently. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1218 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Morton, of Bridgewater, recently made a flying trip to Bangor. The fellow who put in a few notes for the Southern Division keep it up and also let some brother on the Northern get busy. Well, boys, it will soon be fall again. Now aren't we going to get busy on the meetings. We will have to commence soon. Going to be a lot doing this coming winter. Drv. Cor. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom has taken from us our highly esteemed Bro. Allan L. Grieve, and while humbly submitting to the will of Him who knoweth and doth all things best; be it Resolved, That we regret exceedingly his un- timely end, and that through his death the Order of Railroad Telegraphers has lost a staunch and faithful member, one who in every way possible sought to promulgate and exemplify the teachings of the Order, and to support to the utmost the high principles which our obligation implies. Resolved, That Bangor and Aroostook Div. 83 of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, extend to the bereaved family and all friends their fullest sympathy, that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of the meeting at which same are approved, a copy forwarded to the bereaved family, and a copy sent to The Railroad Telegrapher for publication. F. J. Crozier, G. L. Kearney, J. B. Crocker, Committee. Chicago Great Western R y. W. M. & P. Division— The writer has looked long and anxiously for some news of this division in The Telegrapher, but so far has been disappointed. We believe that one of the best ways to have a thing done is to “do it yourself," and so, at the request of the Local Chairman, we have promised to get together a few items of interest each month and see that the W. M. & P. Division is no longer a silent member. In order to do this it will be necessary for each member to send in a few items. They should reach your correspondent not later than the 25th of the month. It will be only a small task for each one of you to dig up a few notes, and it will help conditions on this division very much. We want this division advertised in every issue of The Telegrapher, until every non on the division will see what a small bit of humanity he really is, and straight- way get busy and get a card. When you think it over “smallness” is the predominating character- istic in any non. They desire to grab every cent in sight and not let any of them get away. While we admire the desire to save in anyone, still we have always found a world of comfort in the following: “Cast your bread on the waters and after many days it will return to you.” A kind word, a helping hand to a person discouraged or in need will always be a source of joy to the giver, and a few dollars each year in dues to the Order will not only help your working con- ditions and increase your salary, but will help a brother or a brother's family in need, and will insure the loving care and attention of thousands of brothers in your own hour of need. Brothers, we hope none of you will rest or feel satisfied as long as there is a non in your territory. Don’t go after them “hammer and tongs,” but reason it out with them on a basis of pure financial investment. You can't beat the O. R. T. Each one on this system has now realized from $20.00 to $100.00 on our schedule of November last. How many nons would accept a gift of this size from any member? But what else are they doing? It costs money to get these schedules and the O. R. T. boys pay the bill, so what else can you call it except a gift from the O. R. T. Now let each one of us get busy and tackle the man next to us, and see whether he is a non or not. If he is, go after him. Right will always triumph, and by handling these fellows in the right way we can show them the error of their ways and persuade them to come in. Agent Dougherty, of Rochester, who has been employed for the past fifteen years on this divi- sion, has resigned and will, we understand, go into the real estate business at Baker City. Idaho. This is another case of a capable man leaving the railroad service for a line of business more pleasant and profitable, and still we hear the cry that there are no men to be had. Let the rail- roads pay their telegraphers as they have to other kinds of skilled labor, and they will find thousands throughout the country now engaged in other lines of business who would gladly return to the key. We understand that Telegrapher Brownlee, of Rochester, has resigned and has been making a strenuous effort to get away, but unable to get re- lieved. Most of the boys seem to fight shy of Rochester for some reason. Don’t see why, though. All a person has to do is the telegraphing, billing, handle the cash, make car report and a few other little things, and for all this you get the magnifi- cent sum of $60 per month. It is now Bro. Evans, at Ostrander. Bro. Evans is an old-time member, who allowed his dues to lapse some time ago, but who saw the mistake he had made and got back into the fold. There are some others along the line who have dropped out and who we would like very much to see follow Bro. Evans’ example. Mr. J. H. Cawthorn, a new man at Northfield. Traveling Auditor Jenson has been calling on the boys along the line the past few weeks. By this time every member should have answered Bro. Perham’s letter of June 10th. Each one should see that such letters are answered promptly and carefully. Let us each and every one remember our duty to our brothers in the C. T. U. While the com- mercial companies stand strongly on their virtues, each one of us no doubt has noticed how liberal (?) they really are and can size the situation up as it should be. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1219 At a certain Western Union office on this divis- ion the telegrapher handles from twenty to fifty messages each day, besides the “CND” and weather reports and gets from the above company a great big “O” for his work each month, while the mes- senger boy gets $8.00 per. Looks nice, doesn’t it, but it shows how the commercial companies do business. Sveral sets of application blanks have been sent out recently. Hope those who got them will not neglect to have them filled out and sent in at once. The writer called on some of the boys for items this month and each one of them failed brilliantly to send a single line, so if this write-up sounds a little flat just bump your head against the wall a few times and ask yourself who is to be blamed. Cert. 262. Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Ry. Southern Division — Finding nothing from the C. H. & D. in the June Telegrapher 1 guess it is up to me again. Bro. Brant has returned from the convention and reports a fine trip and plenty of business to help out. Bro. Cecil, nights at Middletown, has been away on leave of absence. We understand the “event” is a honeymoon trip through the East, visiting Buffalo, New York City and the Jamestown Expo- sition. We extend best wishes to the happy pair. Telegrapher Steading again back with us and filling the vacancy at Middletown. Bro. Miller, “XD,” Piqua, accompanied by his wife, is enjoying a trip West to Kansas, where they will visit his sister. Bro. Hammond is taking care of the “XD” office during Bro. Miller’s ab- sence. Secretary Bushwaw reports new members still coming in in bunches. Any nons left better send for blanks before the supply runs out or the price advances. Have you secured a prize number yet? If not, better get one and take a two weeks’ vacation when you win the prize. “It’s free.” Since the revised schedule went into effect every- thing seems to be moving along nicely, not so many men leaving the service and some who were formerly with us returning to the C. H. & D. We are certainly glad to see this and hope that all will join hands in helping to bring about most desirable conditions. Cert. 24. Queen & Crescent (North). Note in May issue of The Telegrapher Div. 62 was well represented. However, not a line in June. Brothers, let’s have the Q. & C. accounted for each month in our journal. Would it not be a good suggestion that some one nominate a regu- lar correspondent and elect several assistants on line to help gather data? RepresentativcCollins returned from Minneapolis May 19th, and reports a very eventful trip. He will have many good things to tell at our next meeting, so don’t miss it. Bro. A. B. Collins, Hinton, taking a much- needed rest; relieved by Sister McGinnis. Bro. Wallace, Science Hill, laying off; relieved by Bro. Willison. Telegrapher Marshall, owl at Hinton, reported on sick list; relieved by Telegrapher McName. We are very sorry to lose Bro. Conklin, of Lin- coln Park, Cinti. General Committee in session and report very bright prospects for the best schedule in south end ere this is in print. We are glad to note Bros. Sullivan, “XN” tower, and Conway, “RX” office, up to date, and certainly welcome these brothers in Div. 62. There are sev- eral others who are filling out the proper papers to be announced up to date later. Boys, there seems to be an awakening going over this line now. Let’s keep the good work going and get them all in. This band wagon of ours is very strong and there will be plenty room for all nons who wisely consider their conditions and get aboard. We don’t want any of you nons to think we are trying to push you or make you go into this Order, but we do want to put the subject to you in the proper light and show you your great mistake in remaining out. You are perhaps enjoying an increase in salary since last June, overtime, dinner hour and many other things in the past not known on the Q. & C., and have you contributed one iota to the support of this? No. not one. This day and age people are generally looking for good investments. I would thank anyone to show me in these columns an investment through which you realize more? Dues $8.00 per year and we received last year from $30 to $60 raise be- sides other concessions heretofore not enjoyed. I am unable to see how you nons figure your stand in this matter to your advantage. Brothers, it is indeed very sad to announce the death of our beloved and cherished Bro. J. E. Sul- livan, local chairman, A. G. S. Division, Wood- stock, Ala. Bro. Sullivan met death rather sud- denly May 3d (at the hands of a negro) while performing his official duty. The negro shooting five times, one shot taking effect in stomach. Bro. Sullivan realizing he had been fatally wounded, immediately raised his shot gun and blew the negro’s head off. Bro. Sullivan attended by the company physician, was hurried to Birmingham hospital on special train, but only lived thirty minutes after reaching there. He had one of the largest funerals ever known in the community, he being one of the most popular men on A. G. S. The O. R. T. presented a beautiful floral wrea'.h and sounder as a token of esteem and brotherly love, costing $25, contributed by members along the line. “Unome ” IN MEMORIAL. Whereas, Bro. J. E. Sullivan, Local Chairman, A. G. S. R. R., has been removed from among us by death, while humbly and sorrowfully submitting to this, the will of our Creator; be it Resolved, That we deeply regret his tragic and untimely demise, and through it the Order of Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1220 The Railroad Telegrapher. Railroad Telegraphers lost a staunch and faithful member, and his wife and children lose a fond and loving husband and father; and be it further Resolved, Queen & Crescent Division No. 6 2 (North) extend to his bereaved family in this their darkest hour, our heartfelt sympathy, that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the min- utes, a copy sent to Mrs. Sullivan and a copy sent to Thk Telegrapher for publication. J. W. Colllins, E. E. Hays, C. H. Buchanan, K. C. Gardner, Committee. Lake Shore d. Michigan ‘Southern Ry. Quite a few changes have taken place since last write-up. Two copiers taken out of “CN“ office recently. One man taken out of “Q” office, N. Seneca, and the other two men have been placed on ten-hour tricks. “SP“ yard office has been closed, Mr. Timmons resigning and entering service of Pullman Company as conductor. Good luck to him. Bro. Chadwick, second trick W. Seneca tower, is at present off on a leave of absence, Bro. Jim Frawley holding “D," second trick, during Bro. Chadwick’s absence. Bro. J. Greisinger worked third trick at Lake View for two weeks during Bro. Frawley’s ab- sence. New tower at Silver Creek was opened on June 15th with Bro. Scheyer, first telegrapher; Wilder, second, and Bro. Greisinger, third tricks, respect- ively. Night office at Silver Creek Depot has been closed on account of opening of tower. Bro. Odell, from Bay View, comes to second trick at Lake View, succeeding Bro. Scheyer, who went to Silver Creek. Unable to learn at present who filled Bro. Odell’s place. Bro. Kane, of Dunkirk, was absent four days this month and attended the wedding of his sister at his old home in Bergen, N. Y. Bros. Garnow and Fay doubled during his absence. Bro. J. V. Kaufmann is holding Dunkirk Depot nights at present. “13” Bro. J. L. Regan has left the service. Bro. A. B. Croup, second trick Westfield, has resigned, succeeded by Bro. Brown, from “JI,” Chutes days. Bros. Welch and Baker still on first and third at Westfield, have been doing the twelve-hour stunt quite a bit lately. Bro. Seipe working at Canadaway nights at present. Bro. W. B. Everingham has left the service and is employed on the Pennsy at present. “13” Bro. Spring leaves us July 1st to become night ticket agent at Union Station, Dunkirk. We all wish him the best of success. Bro. C. M. Smith working days at “JI*” Chutes, at present New man at “JI” nights. Unable to learn his name at this writing. Telegrapher Madell relieved Bro. H. J. Leamy, at “XC' Crossing, for a few days recently. A telegrapher was taken from Erie Depot re- cently and Manager Murray now has to do it all alone. Bro. E. J. Thorne has returned from “CN“ office to his old night job at Erie Depot. Last month we stated that Bro. G. H. Clavin had left the service of the L. S. & M. S. Ry., which was an error. His absence from duty was due to illness and an operation which he found necessary to have performed on his ear. Div. Cor. Michigan Central Ry. Remittance slips have been mailed all members. Those who have not remitted their dues prior to the arrival of slips will please do so at their earliest convenience giving your certificate number which will be found written in ink on the back of your card. By giving the number of your certificate and correct address you will save a great deal of the secretary’s time which he could dcv>t: to other important matters in connection wit", 01. r division. Let every brother assist the off! -era alt be can so that the best possible service c-n gl.en the members. The circular which went to each member with the remittance slips contained some extracts on the student question from the circular issued by our grand officers. The subject is a warm one at the present time due to the fact that there seems to be a well defined plan on the part of the railroad corporations to engage in the wholesale manufac- ture of telegraphers by placing here and there at small stations boys as helpers with a salary of $25 per month with instructions to the agent or telegraphr to teach him telegraphy. There would be no serious objections to this method of whole- sale manufacture of hams if the company would manifest a spirit of fairness by putting these helpers on at stations where the agent is over- burdened with work. Putting these helpers on at small stations where assistance is not required manifests clearly how much interest they have in the welfare of their telegraphers and agents who have labored hard and long hours to safeguard the interests of the company. Every copper cent earned or paid to the company filters through the hands of the agents and telegraphers. They are practically what we might term the lock, stock and barrel of a railroad. Every telegrapher who handles tickets or aspires to an agency must pos- sess some ability as an accountant. After spending a year learning the art your name then graces the extra list for another year. For this highly hon- ored gentleman’s position, as we are told by some officials, we are paid less than is paid pauper, un- educated emigrants from Europe. What do you think of it, brothers? Are these not facts? Do you think it will pay us to engage in the manufacture of telegraphers to satisfy the whims of some insatiable, unfair railway corpora- tion who are unwilling to treat their telegraphers fairly when there are thousands of competent teleg- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1221 raphers all over the country who have been forced to abandon telegraphy and engage in other busi- ness where the hours of work and wages are more favorable. Now if the railway corporations require more telegraphers instead of their trying to manufac- ture new, untried stock at a considerable cost, let them make the wages and conditions more favora- ble and they will get all the experienced telegra- phers they desire. I sincerely hope every brother will refrain from teaching students unless it be a close relative. Some of our brothers have asked permission to teach students. The officers, not even the president of the Order can grant such permits. Kindly refer to our constitution, which law was made by the representatives of the different divisions and no officer, the President not excluded, can deviate from this law. Honor your obligation, brothers, by keeping it to the letter. Don’t let some crafty individual sing you a nice song that his son has a good farm, but somehow he don’t like farming and would pre- fer to learn telegraphy. Let them go back to the farm and put forth the same degree of ambition and efforts on the farm that they do in trying to induce some sympathetic telegrapher to teach them his trade and they will make a better success at farming. If it were possible I would readily trade my knowledge and ability in telegraphy for a clear deed of a farm. There is a rule in effect which is not generally understood and that is where members remit their dues and become delinquent in the M. B. D. In such cases the Grand Secretary and Treasurer holds back his division card until all assessments due the M. B. D. have been paid. Any members who have paid their dues and have not received their card should hasten to square themselves in the M. B. D. Don’t let a paltry two or three dollars a year for a first-class insurance policy debar you from membership in an organization like the O. R. T. Pay up, brothers. The Grand Convention has come and gone with Bros. Perham and Quick at the head again. There are practically no changes in the laws; everything ran along smoothly and the delegates and grand officers worked harmoniously together with a view to framing laws for the betterment of the men whom they represented. We regret to announce the death of Bro. Wm. Lynch, agent at Edward. He recently became con- verted to the principles of unionism and had been in the employ of the Michigan Central for twenty years. He was a bachelor. Bro. Robt. Graham, regular night man at Ed- ward, filling the day position temporarily. Bro. Woolley has accepted the agency at Edward per- manently. Bro. Johnston, night man at Windham, trans- ferred to Hagersville nights. Bro. Simons, night man at Townsend, switched over to day hours on account of Mr. Smith being transferred to Lasalette days. This puts Mr. Smith days and Mr. Seeker nights at Lasalette. Bro. J. W. Ritenburg, who has been filling the day position at Suspension Bridge for the past two years, has resigned to accept a position with C. P. R. Commercial Co., in the city of Winnipeg. Good luck to him. While we miss him in a thousand different ways, nevertheless we are glad to see him better his condition. Bro. Lome Porter relieved the General Secre- tary and Treasurer, Bro. Staley, at Montrose, while he was attending the convention at Minne- apolis. Mr. Francis taking Bro. Porter’s position nights. Bro. Wm. Mansell, who has held down day hours at Willand for the past five years, has left the service, Bro. James filling the vacancy. Bro. Oliver, who has been working at Bale for the past five months, has been transferred to Niagara Falls days. Glad to welcome him down at this end of the line. This with one exception, makes the east end solid. Bro. Dickson, who held down the night job at Bale, is back on the extra on account of closing Bale. “Dooley." Among the brothers who have resigned from the service during the past month was Bro. C. L. Dine, of Decatur, who entered the service June 2 4, 1896, and Bro. White, of Cassopolis, who en- tered October 8, 1893. Both were good, loyal members of the Order as well as efficient telegra- phers and it is with the kindest of feelings that they will be remembered by the boys along the line. Mr. Boomer, of East Yards, resigned his posi- tion. Decatur, Cassopolis and East Yards went to Bros. J. B. Ryan, of Daily; C. L. Bennett, of Marshall, and C. L. Hutchins, of Yorkville. re- spectively. Bro. J. O’Rorke landed Daily. During the past month a rather strong protest against expensing bills at night developed at Dowagiac, which resulted in three men leaving the service, two of them having since returned, the other, Bro. Frazer, having gone to another road. It is said the situation at Dowagiac will be taken up in the regular way for adjustment. The legislatures of Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas, Nevada, West Virginia and Ar- kansas have all enacted eight-hour laws for telegra- phers. These laws being independent of the na- tional nine-hour law. There will be no question about these laws being constitutional, as they are laws of the States, which are supreme. Judge Cochran, of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, has rendered a decision finding Section 10 of the Erd- man arbitration law, constitutional, apd fined an official of the L. & N. Ry. for a violation of this law. Bro. T. J. Barry is now dispatching trains on the Allegan Division. On account of the sickness of Bro. Gifford's mother he had to get relief at Battle Creek, which was furnished in the persons of Bros. Palmer and Leavy. Bro. McIntyre, of Eaton Rapids, has been work- ing in the Jackson office recently. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1222 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Northrup, of Cassopolis, has been holding down Albion nights and Bro. Slowey days, in the absence of Bro. Culkins. Main Line — It was with deep regret that we learned of Bro. C. 1*. Smith’s decision to sever his connection with this company, but it is a pleasure to know that the brother is in a position to enter business on his own account, and hereafter enjoy some of the comforts of life that have been denied him since he entered the telegraph service, October 19, 1885. We wish him success. Bro. S. E. Wholihan, lately of Leonidas, succeeds Bro. Smith at Augusta, and Bro. Graham, of Decatur, moved up from night work to day work at Leonidas. Bro. W. H. Ryan, of Botsford, had to leave his work during March and April on account of the death of his father, the latter being a veteran em- ploye of the road. We sympathize with Bro. Ryan in his loss. J. J. Lavy, who is now on the relief force, was one of the old pioneer O. R. T. men, having joined the movement at its inception. Some years ago after leaving the service he dropped out, but ad- vises he is anxious to get back to his old love as soon as he can. Mr. Poulson, of Pokagon, and Mr. Drummond, of Miller, are the two champion nons. According to newspaper dispatches from West Virginia the railroads served notice on the teleg- raphers of that State that upon the advent of the eight-hour law, which went into effect May 9th a proportionate reduction would be made in salary and that the telegraphers at once served notice on the railroads that any reduction would be met with resistance. Bro. Ed Phillips, of Glenwood, has been away on a vacation and has been relieved by Bro. Bob Phillips, of Dowagiac. We understand that Chief Dispatcher Phillips will be out of the office a good part of the sum- mer on other work, being relieved by Night Chief Wbitcher, and Dispatcher Gardner acting as night chief. We extend the glad hand of fellowship to the O. R. T. D. and all its members. Never before was there such harmony existing between the teleg- rapher and the dispatchers, each working to assist the other for the betterment of the service. The Air Line and Valley Division seem to be about as enthusiastic in the matter of news items as the D. T. & M. and So Haven Divisions. Everybody reported as sticking to his post. Bro. G. W. Lewis, of Middleville, is off for a much-needed rest for a few weeks. Bro. M. M. Wilson is looking after things during his absence. Bro. G. D. Eddy, Dutton nights, has been trans- ferred to Van Horn days, Bro. Rourke having been appointed agent and telegrapher at Daily. Bro. Willson, agent at Richland, has moved his family back to Yorkville and is enjoying the beautiful spring time and “balmy” and invigorat- ing air by driving to and from his work. The bal- ance of the division is reported as peacefully slum- bering. Great Northern Ry. While attending the Grand Division Convention at Minneapolis there was brought to my notice a state of affairs which exists in too many cases. I am sorry to say, but which can be easily cor- rected. During one of the very spirited debates a chap wearing the button came in and sat himself down beside me. He had an up-to-date card and was O. K. After sitting there a minute or so he asked me what was going on and I explained it to him, but he showed no interest in the proceedings at all and was leaving when I asked him how long he had been in the Order. “Three months,” he answered. Brothers, when a new man shows up near you, and if you get his application, don't drop him as soon as he gets his card, but talk to him of the good work the Order has done for us and teach him how to be a good brother. This man of whom I spoke had joined the Order, but did not under- stand it, its benefits and posibilities, therefore, had no interest in its proceedings. Is this the kind of a man who will stick to us through thick and thin? No, I say, no. My brothers, it is up to you, this making of good members and strengthening the Order, for a weak link spoils a chain, and let us have no weak links in our great chain. Get all the new members you can and bring them up in the ways of this Order — bring them up as you would bring up your own .son to attend the same church as you and to hold the same religion as you. Wake up. If any of the brothers differ with me let’s hear from them. “Blues.” Twin City Telegraphers’ Club. At last meeting of the club, June 8th, which was attended by a few visiting brothers, we had a social smoke and should have had election of offi- cers, but on account of the lateness of the hour, after disposing of other business it was decided to postpone election until our next meeting. Committee in charge of arrangements for enter- taining delegates and their friends while attending convention, made a final report and was discharged with thanks of the club, which they were justly' deserving of for the able manner in which they handled the arrangements. The club voted thanks to Mrs. Lester and also presented her with a silk umbrella in appreciation of her work in looking after the welfare of the lady visitors, which she did ably. Everything came off fine and all seemed to be satisfied with their treatment. There is, however, one thing that did not come out as we would like to have had it and the club did all it could to have it come out all O. K., and that was in the matter of the photos taken of dele- gates and friends. I have received a few com- plaints from brothers that had ordered photos and paid for them, but had not reecived them. There were two parties who took pictures of the delegates, one was from Minneapolis, the other Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1223 was what you would term a floater, going from place to place with wagon. The club recommended the man from Minneapolis and would stand good for any mistake of non-delivery and see that the brothers got their photos. This was done to pro- tect the brothers, but all the complaints I have re- ceived have been from brothers who bought of the party not recommended by the club. The club has tried to locate this man, but up to present time has been unable to do so. Everything that the club knows of with this one exception, came off to the satisfaction of all. Not much more news for this write-up. Presi- dent Beamer, of the club, promised to give corre- spondent some items, but up to sending this in have not received anything from him, so must do the best we can. I guess he has not gotten over his experience at banquet yet, so we must allow for that. By the time our next write-up goes in we will probably have a new correspondent. Club Cot. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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CRAND DIVISION NOTICE R. H. Conway, Cert. 2861, Grand Division; George Q. Eppehimer, Cert. 27, Div. 85, and Chester Pancoast, Cert. 95, Div. 84, have been expelled from membership in the Order for conduct unbecoming members. F. J. Dicus, Cert. 1113, Div. 31, has been expelled from membership in the Order for scabbing. J. A. Morgan, Cert. 59, Div. 71, has been indefinitely suspended from the Order for student teaching. MUTUAL BENEFIT DEPARTMENT. Assessment No. 100 is due JULY 1, 1907. Time for payment expires AVGUST 81, 1907. AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENTS. On $ 300 00 (Series A) 20 cents each On 500 00 (Series B) 30 cents each On 1,000 00 (Series C) 60 cents each BENEFITS PAID DURING JUNE, 1907. Oumc Oxxt. No. Nam*. Cause. Div. No. Skbixs. Amt. 592. . ..Geo. B. Morrison Heart Failure 7.. . .20441.... A.... $ 300 00 608.. .. Frank E. Link Tuberculosis 49. .. .15907.... C.... 1,000 00 FINANCIAL STATEMENT— MORTUARY FUND. RECEIPTS. Received on Assessment Account to May 31, 1907 $532,894 28 Received on Assessment Account June, 1907 9,836 49 $542,730 77 DISBURSEMENTS. Death Claims paid to May 31, 1907 $355,381 47 Death Claims paid in June 1,300 00 Assessments refunded, account rejected applications 906 29 Assessments transferred to dues 157 33 Cash on hand to credit Mortuary Fund, June 30, 1907 184,985 68 $542,730 77 L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and 7>* aswrar. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1225 OFFICIAL DIRECTORY. General Offices, St. Louis, Mo. GRAND OFFICERS. H. B. PERHAM President. St. Louis, Mo. J. A. NEWMAN First Vice-President St Louis, Mo. D. CAMPBELL Third Vice-President 264 Rusholme Road, Toronto, Ont. L. W. QUICK Grand Secretary and Treasurer. St Louis, Mo. T. M. PIERSON Second Vice-President. St Louis, Mo. J. J. DERMODY Fourth Vice-President. St Louis, Mo. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. C E. Layman, Chairman, Trout ville, Va. A. O. Sinks, Jefferson Street Depot, Portland, Ore. Geo. O. Forbes, Secretary, Spring Hill Junction, C. G. Kelso, Tremont Hotel, Springfield, Mo. N. S. Geo. E. Joslin, Lock Box 11, Centerdale, R. I. ADVERTISING. All correspondence pertaining to advertising should be add' eased to W. N. Gates, Advertising Mana- ger, Garfield Building, Cleveland, Ohio. DIVISION DIRECTORY. GRAND DIVISION — Attached membership not confined to any particular railroad or territory. H. B. Per ham, President St Louis, Mo.; L. W. Quick, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 1. — Division covers the Grand Trunk Railway System. Meets subject to call of chairman. J. Willoughby, Gen'l Chairman, Newmarket, Ont; D. L. Shaw, Gen’l S. & T., 769 King st., London, Ont NO. a, ST. LOUIS, MO.— Meets 1st and 3d Mondays each month at 8 p. m.. Small Hail South Side, 3d floor Masonic Temple (Odeon Building), Grand and Finney aves., St Louis,. Mo. L. W. Quick, Chief Telegrapher, 7th floor Star Building, St Louis, Mo.; J. W. La Fever, S. & T., 373a N. nth st, St Louis, Mo. NO. 3, HARRISBURG, PA. — Meets 1st Thursday each month in Mauk’s Hall, corner 6th & Kel- ler sts., Harrisburg, Pa., and at some point on Middle Division, P. R. R., 3d Thursday evening each month, 7 p. m. J. S. Leyder, Chief Tel., Thompsontown, Pa.; B. H. Salts man, S. & T., *•7 1 1 Market st., Harrisburg, Pa. NO. 5. — Division covers the Kansas City Southern Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. C. M. Owen, Gen’l Chairman, Pittsburg, Kansas; P. H. Williams, Gen’l S. & T., Drexel, Mo. NO. 6. — Division covers the Union Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. E. L. Stump, Gen’l Chairman, 231a Mar- ion st., Denver, Colo. John H. Hughey, Jr., Gen’l S. A T., Box 294, Junction City, Kan. NO. 7. — Division covers the Canadian Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. Ed. Goulet, Gen’l Chairman, Westminster, B. C.; John Wagner, Gen’l S. & T., Copper Cliff, Ont. NO. 8. — Division covers New York Central Ry. M. G. Woolley, Gen’l Chairman, 155th st. and Eighth ave., New York, N. Y.; A. E. Blim, Gen’l S. & T., Chili Station, N. Y. Hudson Div.— Meets subject to call of Local Chairman; J. B. West, Local Chairman, 11 Thompson st, Pough- keepsie, N. Y. Western Div. — Meets 3d Sat- urday evening in July, Oct., Jan. and April,, at North Tona wanda, N. Y.; March, June, September and December, at Rochester, N. Y.; February, May, August and November, at Syra- cuse, N. Y. Mohawk Div. — Meets on 3d Wednesday each month, at 8 o’clock p. m., in the Court House, at Fonda, N. Y. Harlem Div. — Meets on 3d Thursday eacl) month, 10 a. m. and 8 p. m., Harlem Arcade, an East 134th st., New York City. Putnam Div. — Meets ad Monday of each month, 8:30 p. m., Colonial Bldg., 67 and 69 W. 125th st.. New York City. M. G. Woolley, Local Chairman, 155th st and Eighth ave., New York City, care N. Y. Cen- tral R. R. Fall Brook Div. — Meets 3d Tuesday evening each month, 8 p. m., Rettig’s Hall, West Market st., Corning, N. Y. R. R. Mc- Inroy, Local Chairman, Middlebury Center, Pa. NO. 9, LANCASTER, PA. — Meets 3d Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., in Central Labor Union Hall, 2d floor. No. 22 South Queen st. Lancaster, Pa. Chas. E. Kacy, Chief Telegra- pher, 11934 North Charlotte st., Lancaster, Pa.; A. B. Hambright, S. & T., Landisville, Pa. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1226 The Railroad Telegrapher, NO. 10, JERSEY CITY, N. J.— Meets 3d Thurs- day of each month at 8 p. m., in Deanes’ Hall, Grove and 5th sta., Jersey City, N. J. P. T. Ward, Chief Tel., 438 Warren st., Newark, N. J.; J. H. Kell in g, S. & T., 88 Jewett ave., Jersey City, N. J. NO. 11, OLD TOWN, ME.— Meets 4th Sunday each month, 1 .30 p. m., Royal Arcanum Hall, 1 16 Main st, Bangor, Me. Burton A. Brackett, Chief Tel., 3 2 Coombs st., Bangor, Me.; E. E. McPheters, S. & T., Great Works, Me. NO. 1 a, SUNBURY, PA.— Meets 2d Thursday eve- ning of each month, I. O. O. F. Hall, S. W. cor. Market and 3d sts. F. J. Reigel, Chief Tel., 314 Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa.; W. D. Grant, S. & T., 22 s Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa. NO. 14. — Division covers the Norfolk & Western Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. C. E. Layman, Gen’l Chairman, Trout- ville, Va.; T. H. Lankford, Gen’l S. & T., P. O. Box 11, Cloverdale, Va. NO. 15, OTTAWA, ONT. — Meets subject to call of Chief Telegrapher at Ottawa, Ont G. W. Shepherd, Chief Tel., Alexandria, Ont.; D. Robertson, S. & T., Glen Robertson, Ont.; D. Robertson and G. W. Shepherd, Legislative Representatives. NO. 16. — Division covers the Michigan Central Railroad. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. C. Culkins, Gen’l Chairman, Albion, Mich.; J. H. Staley, Gen’l S. & T., Falls View, Ont NO. 17, BALTIMORE, MD. — Meets 1st and 3d Wednesday of each month at Old Town Bank Building, 3d floor, Baltimore, Md. Wm. M. Skinner, Chief Tel., 2224 E. Oliver st., Balti- more, Md.; Daniel L. Roller, S. & T., Hartford road and West Erdman ave., Baltimore, Md. NO. 18. — Division covers the New York, Chicago & St Louis Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. M. Mulcahy, Gen’l Chairman, 33 Courtney st., Dunkirk, N. Y.; O. S. Smith, Gen’l S. & T., Argos, Ind. NO. ao. — Division covers the New York, Ontario & Western Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Guy Cochran, Gen’l Chairman, Kingston, N. Y.; H. D. Pfoor, Gen’l S. & T., P. O. Box 1 14, Jermyn, Pa. NO. ai. — Division covers the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad System. Meets subject to Call of Chairman. E. F. Stenger, Gen’l Chair- man, R. F. D. No. 3, Miamisburg, Ohio; A. C. Bushwaw, Gen’l S. & T., 55 Samuel st., Dayton, Ohio. NO. aa. — Division covers the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad System, R. J. Clark, Gen’l S. & T. , 1419a Granville place, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 23. — Division covers Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Milwaukee Terminal meetings held subject to call of Local Chairman. O. W. Ren- shaw, Gen'l Chairman, 2 West 14th st, Minne- apolis, Minn.; G. E. Soyster, Gen’l S. 9c T., Covington, Iowa. NO. 24, WILLIAMSPORT, PA.— Meets 1st Thursday in month of March, June, September and December, Trades and Labor Hall, Carroll st., Elmira, N. Y. Months of January, Febru- ary, April, May, July, August, October and November, K. of C. Hall, Cor. Fourth and Pine sts., Williamsport, Pa. Chas. F. Fortney, Chief Tel., 931 Erie ave., Williamsport, Pa.; J. N. Sponsler, S. & T., 935 Erie ave., Williamsport, Pa. NO. 25. — Division covers the International & Great Northern Railway System. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. F. W. Lyons, Gen*1 Chairman, Cotulla, Texas; R. B. Adams, Gen’l S. & T. Rockdale, Texas. NO. 26, NEW YORK, N. Y.— Meets 2d Monday each month at 8 p. m., 67-69 West 125th st.. New York City. F. J. Ryan, Chief TeL, 228 W. 141st st, New York; A. L. McBain, S. & T., 133 Edgecomb ave.. New York City. NO. 27, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.— W. W. Culmer, Chief Tel., Martinsville, Ind.; E. C. Thomp- son, S. & T., 81 1 Fletcher ave., Indianapolis, Ind. NO. 28. — Division covers the Mexican Interna- tional Railway, System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. M. T. Fenelon, Gen’l Chairman, Barroteran, Coah., Mex.; L. Hernendez, Gen’l S. & T., Valardena, Dgo, Mex. NO. 29, NEW HAVEN, CONN.— Meets 1st Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m. in Red Men’s Hall, 48 Church st., cor. Crown, New Haven. Conn. L. H. Dowd, Chief Tel., 47 Division st., Danbury, Conn.; G. F. McCormack, S. & T., 93 Main st., West Haven, Conn. NO. 31. — Division covers the Missouri Pacific Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. L. M. Nance, Gen'l Chairman, Bron- son, Kansas; W. M. Holman, Gen’l S. & T., 7210 Pennsylvania av., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 32. — Division covers the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. C. G. Kelso, Gen’l Chair- man, 1528 N. Jefferson ave., Springfield, Mo.; J. E. McQuade, Gen’l S. & T., 1528 N. Jeffer- son ave., Springfield, Mo. NO. 33. — Division covers the Baltimore & Ohio Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. E. N. Van Atta, Gen’l Chairman, Box 36, Newark, O.; W. Edgar Frasher, Gen’l S. & T., 814 W. 9th st., Wilmington, Del. Pike Division meets on 3d Saturday night of each month at Hotel Wilson, No. 10 Smithfield st, Pittsburg, Pa. Will Carr, Local Chairman, West Alexander, Pa. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1227 NO. 34. — Division coveis the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. V. Phillips, Gen’l Chair- man, Wellington, 111.; S. M. Rittenhouse, Gen’l S. & T., Si dell. 111. NO. 35, PROVIDENCE, R. I.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month in Swarts Lodge, Odd Fel- lows’ Hall, 96 Westminster st., Providence, R. I. J. F. Brady, Chief Tel., 5a Woodbine st., Providence, R. I.; Robt A. Brown, S. & T., 36 Cora ave.. East Providence, R. I. NO. 36. — Division covers the Pennsylvania Lines west of Pittsburg. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. W. Burch, Gen'l S. & T., 319 Atlanta ave.. Tuxedo Park, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 37, NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y.— Meets ad Friday evening each month, 8 p. m., Bank’s Hall, over Post Office, New Rochelle, N. Y. . Daniel Kenney, Chief Tel., 355 N. Main st., Port Chester, N. Y.; Jos. A. Hannan, S. & T., P. O. Box 140, Rye, N. Y. NO. 38, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.— Meets 3d Sat- urday each month, 8 p. m., at 33 Lyman st., Springfield, Mass. Art. O. Betters, Chief Tel., ai6 Summer st., Springfield, Mass.; John R. Cardinal, S. & T., Box 1417 Springfield, Mass. No. 39. — Division covers the Pere Marquette Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. H. Spencer, Gen’l Chairman, Ionia, Mich.; Charles I. Mead, Gen’l S. & T., Smyrna, Mich. NO. 40. — Division covers Chesapeake & Ohio Rail- way System. Meets 4th Thursday of each month at Fraternity Hall, 215 West Broad st., Richmond, Va. Third Saturday night of each month at Eagle’s Hall, Clifton Forge, Va. Third Tuesday night of each month at Manhattan Hall, Hinton, W. Va. Fourth Saturday night of each month at Buffalo Hall, cor. Third ave. and 9th st., Huntington, W. Va. L. G. Bent- ley, Gen’l Chairman, No. 25 South Adams st., Richmond, Va.; J. W. Kiser, Gen’l S. & T., 824 27th at., Huntington, W. Va. NO. 41. BOSTON, MASS.— Meets 2d Saturday night each month, Engineers' Hall, 164 Canal st., Boston, Mass. Ben C. Chase, Chief Tel., Wenham Depot, Mass; John A. Tuck, S. & T., upper station, Wakefield, Mass. NO. 42. — Division covers the Erie Railroad Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Frank N. Hall, Gen’l Chairman, 35 Clinton st., Sala- manca, N. Y.; C. L. Bridge, Gen’l S. & T., De- posit, N. Y. NO. 43. — Division covers Canadian Northern Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. A. E. J. Willis, Gen'l Chairman, Roland, Man.; E. G. Skelding, Gen’l S. & T., 531 Victor st., Winnipeg, Man. NO. 44. NEW YORK, N. Y. — Meets ad Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Fraternity Hall, 22-24 Harriman ave., Jamaica, N. Y.; C. B. Van Nostrand, Chief Tel., care L. I. R. R., Vander- veer Park, N. Y.; A. F. Heller, S. & T., 1441 Bush wick ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. NO. 45. WOODVILLE, N. H.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month at 8 p. m., K. of P. Hall, Woodville, N. H. B. C. Berry, Chief Tel., South Barton, Vt. ; F. P. Learned, S. & T., Plymouth, N. H. NO. 46. — Division covers the Central of Georgia Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. G. C. Stephenson, Gen’l Chairman, Ross- ville, Ga.; O. S. Travis, Gen’l S. & T., Route 68, Atlanta, Ga. NO. 47, CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. I. — Meets 3d Thursday of each month at 8 p. m., and B. I. S. Hall, Charlottetown, P. E. I.; A. D. Lawson, Chief Tel., Hunters River, P. E. I.; J. J. Trainor, S. & T., Bedford Station, P. E. I. NO. 48. — Division covers the Detroit, Toledo & I ronton and Ann Arbor Railways. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. H. J. Tobin, Gen’l Chairman, 315 E. Exchange st., Owosso, Mich.; A. F. Weast, Gen’l S. & T., Bainbridge, Ohio. NO. 49: — Division covers the Denver & Rio Grande Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. A. H. Wasson, Gen’l Chairman, Amethyst, Colo.; F. W. Aiken, Gen’l S. & T., Parkdale, Colo. NO. 50. — Division covers the Georgia Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John S. Stovall, Gen’l Chairman, Milledgeville. Ga.; A. C. McKinley, Gen’l S. & T., Milledge- ville, Ga NO. 51. — Division covers Bessemer and Lake Erie Railway System. Meets 1st Friday evening after 1 6th each month, in Eagles’ Hall, Greenville, Pa., after the arrival of trains 2 and 13. J. R. Patterson, Gen’l Chairman, Hilliard, Pa.; W. B. Risley, Gen’l S. & T., 96 Marshall st., Con- neaut, Ohio. NO. 52, PITTSBURG, PA.— Meets 2d and 4th Saturday evening each month at 8 p. m., at 204 Fifth ave., 3d floor, Pittsburg. Pa. John Kiger, Chief Tel., 6426 Howe st., East End, Pittsburg, Pa.; H. K. Klingensmith, Secretary, 226 Bertha st., Pittsburg, Pa.; C. C. Campbell, Treasurer, 605 Arlington ave., Pittsburg, Pa. NO. 53. — Division covers the Southern Pacific Railway Lines. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. H. Lester, Gen’l Chairman, Weimar, Tex.; D. W. Koppikus, Gen’l S. & T., 1220 lath ave., East Oakland, Cal. NO. 54. — Division covers the Northern Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. I. N. Holmes, Gen’l S. & T., Olympia, Wash. No. 55. — Division covers the Wheeling, Lake Erie Railway, Wabash, Pittsburg Terminal and West Side Belt Railway Systems. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. O. Peoples, Gen’l Chair- man, Bolivar, Ohio; C. R. Guthrie, Gen'l S. & T., Box 71, Jewett, Ohio. Digitized by u.ooQle

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1228 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 56. — Division covers the Georgia Southern & Florida Railway Systems. T. L. Argo, Gen’l Chairman, G. S. & F. Ticket Office, Valdosta, Ga. ; O. H. Watson, Gen’l S. & T., Tobesofkee. Ga. NO. 57. — Division covers the Houston & Texas Central Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. W. J. Burke, Gen’l Chairman, H. & T. C. yard office, Dallas, Texas; J. A. McKey, Gen’l S. & T., 43 N. Benge st., Mc- Kinney, Texas. NO. 58. WILMINGTON, DEL.— Meets 3d Wednesday evening, 8 o’clock. Red Men’s Hall, 517 Shipley st., Wilmington, Del. H. W. Ken- nedy, Chief Telegrapher, 305 N. Van Buren st., Wilmington, Del.; W. J. Holton, S. & T., New- ark, Del. NO. 59. — Division covers Southern Railway Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. A. L. McDaniel, Gen’l S. & T., Forest City, N. C. NO. 60, WASHINGTON, D. C— Meets 3d Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m., at Typographical Temple, 423 “G” st., N. W., Washington, D. C. J. E. Vandergrift, Chief Tel., 1008 “B” st., S. W., Washington, D. C. ; H. L. Simcox, S. & T., 651 "H” st., N. E., Washington. D. C. NO. 61, CAMPBELLTON, N. B.— Meets 4th Tuesday evening of each month in Engineers’ Hall, Campbellton, N. B. J. W. Morton, Chief Tel., Campbellton, N. B.; R. A. McMillan, S. & T., Charlo Station, N. B. NO. 62. — Division covers Queen & Crescent (North). J. W. Collins, Gen’l Chairman, 326 Foreman ave., Lexington, Ky. E. M. Caldwell. Gen’l Sec’y & Treas., Corinth, Ky. NO. 63, MONCTON, N. B.— Meets 3d Saturday of each month, alternately at Moncton, N. B., and St. John, N. B. F. T. Atkinson, Chief Tel., Bloomfield, N. B., Can.; T. A. Scribner, S. & T., Moncton, N. B. NO. 64, LEVIS, QUE. — Meets 4th Friday of each month at 1 p. m., at Victoria Hotel, Levis, Que. A. Dion, Chief Tel., Levis, Que.; Joseph Remil- lard, S. & T., St. Charles, Bellechasse Co., Que. NO. 65, ROCHESTER, N. H.— Meets at 8 p. m., 2d Saturday each month in G. A. R. Hall, Roch- ester, N. H. E. J. Scott, Chief Tel., West Ossipee, N. H. ; G. F. Berry, S. & T., 24 Port- land st., Rochester, N. H. NO. 66, TRURO, N. S. — Meets 3d Wednesday each month, McKay’s Hall (B. R. T. room), Inglis st., Truro, N. S. W. A. Harris, Chief Tel., Windsor Junct., N. S.; Geo. O. Forbes, S. & T., Spring Hill Junct., N. S. NO. 67, WILKESBARRE, PA.— Meets on the 3d Friday each month at 8 p. m., at O. U. A. M. Hall, No. 31 W. Market st., Wilkcsbarre, Pm. E. O. Sherman, Chief Tel., 331 S. River st., Wilkesbarre, Pa.; J. Nelligan, S. & T., 30 New- port st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. NO. 68. — Division covers Washington County Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. James F. Desmond, Gen’l Chairman, Eastport, Maine; Wm. C. Myrick, Gen’l S. & T., East Machias, Maine. NO. 69. — Division covers Queen & Crescent Route (South). Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. A. Shields, Gen’l Chairman, Morton, Miss.; J. C. Talley, Jr., Gen’l S. & T., Poplarville, Miss. NO. 70. — Division covers Great Northern Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. P. M. Abbott, Gen’l S. & T., Logan, Mont. NO. 7i, OSKALOOSA, IOWA.— Meets 2d Satur- day in each month at 8:45 p. m., in Trainmen’s Hall, over Pike’s Drug Store, Oskaloosa, Iowa. H. W. Landfear, Chief Tel., Wright, Iowa; F H. McCarl, S. & T., New Sharon, Iowa. NO. 7*. ST. JOSEPH, MO.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., 623 Mt. Mora Road, St. Joseph, Mo. C. P. Cahill, Chief Tel., 1615 S. nth st., St. Joseph, Mo.; W. E. Reese, S. & T., Box 682, St. Joseph, Mo. NO. 73, MAUCH CHUNK, PA.— Meets ad Wednesday of each month at 8 p. m., on the 4th floor Odd Fellows’ Hall, Broadway, Mauch Chunk, Pa. John F. Boyle, Chief Tel., Penn Haven, mail, Mauch Chunk, Pa.; William M. Butler, S. & T., Room 11, Court House, Wilkes- barre, Pa. NO. 74. — Division covers B. & O. S. W. R. R. J. M. Peck, Gen’l Chairman, Farmingdale, 111.; A. W. Morrow, Gen’l S. & T., 425 Jefferson st., Greenfield, Ohio. NO. 75. — Division covers Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Ry. System. G. W. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Losantville, Ind. ; F. K. Harter, Gen’l S. & T., Jonesboro, Ind. NO. 76. — Division covers the Chicago & North- western Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Jas. Troy, Gen’l Chairman, Jew- ell Junction, Iowa; W. J. Liddane, Ass’t Gen'l Chairman, 386 Grove st., St. Paul, Minn.; Ira R. Kempkes, Gen’l S. & T., Nevada, Iowa. NO. 77, DENVER, COLO. — Meets 1st Saturday evening in each month, 1528 15th st., Denver, Colo. F. P. Spratlen, Chief Tel., 2210 E. 13th ave., Denver, Colo.; C. L. Cheney, S. & T., 935 17th st., Denver, Colo. NO. 78. ALBANY, N. Y.— Meets 3d Saturday each month at 7:30 p. m., A. O. U. W. Hall, 82 S. Pearl st., Albany, N. Y. James Disney, Chief Tel., 46 Franklin st., Albany, N. Y.; B. M. Nicholls, S. & T., Altamont, N. Y. NO. 79. — Covers G. & S. I. Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Gen’l Chairman. J. O. Bolton, Gen’l Chairman, Seminary, Miss.; W. L. Yeates, Gen’l Sec. & Treas., Box 60, Maxie, Miss. ;H. J. Schneider, Ass’t Gen’l S. & T., Maxie, Miss. Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1229 NO. 80. — Division covers the M. J. ft K. C. Ry. System. T. E. Cooper, Gen’l Chairman, Bay Springs, Miss.; H. C. Hughes, Gen’l Sec. and Tress., Mahned, Miss. NO. 81. — Division covers the Colorado Midland Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of Chairman. Guy Saling, Gen’l S. & T., Floris- sant, Colo. NO. 8a. — Division covers Western Maryland Rail- way System. H. C. Me Cub bin, Gen’l Chairman, Hagerstown, Md.; E. H. Koons, Gen’l S. ft T.f 308 Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 83. — Division covers the Bangor ft Aroostook Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. A. W. Sherburne, Gen’l Chair- man, New Sweden Station, Me.; F. J. Crosier, Gen’l Sec. and Treas., Norcross, Maine. NO. 84, CAMDEN, N. J.— Meets ad Friday at 8 p. m. at Morgan’s Hall, 4th and Market sts., Camden, N. J. F. S. Pheasant, Chief Tel., Mer- chantviUe, N. J.; I. W. Newkirk, Sec’y, Pit- man Grove, N. J.; T. J. McCabe, Treas., 1014 Spruce st., Camden, N. J. NO. 85, TRENTON, N. J.— Meets 3d Friday at 8 p. m., at Concordia Hall, 33 West State st, Trenton, N. J. Chas. R. Carty, Chief TeL, paa Pond st, Bristol, Pa.; Chas. Parker, S. ft T., 304 West Hanover st, Trenton, N. J. NO. 86, ALTOONA, PA.— Meets ad Wednesday at 10:15 *• m., and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p. m., in Lee Building, E. iath st, bet 8th and pth aves., Altoona, Pa. J. W. McCoy, Chief TeL, Juniata, Blair Co., Pa. ; J. L. Franks, S. ft T., 335 Beech ave., Altoona, Pa. NO. 87, SCRANTON, PA.— Meets 1st Monday evening of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, Main st, Archibald, Pa. J. W. Sampson, Chief TeL, Dickson City, Pa.; M. G. Grennell, S. ft T. , Carbon dale, Pa. NO. 88. — Division covers the Texas ft Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. W. E. Sledge, Gen’l Chairman, Keith ville. La. ; J. E. De Sousa, Gen’l S. ft T., Chamberlain, La. NO. 89, BOSTON, MASS.— Meets ist Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Rath bone Hall, 3d floor, elevator service, 694 Washington st, Bos- ton, Mass. W. A Fenwick, Chief TeL, Fram- ingham, Mass.; J. W. Finn, S. ft T., aa MilK ave., Dorchester, Ctr., Boston, Mass. NO. 91, CHICAGO, ILL— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m. at Liberty Hall, 70 Adams st, Chicago, 111. G. Dal. Jones, Chief Tel., 386 Dearborn ave., Chicago, 111.; G. H. O’Brien, S. & T., 168 N. State st, Chicago, 111. No. 9a. — Division covers the Buffalo, Rochester ft Pittsburg Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. H. R. Childs, Gen’l Chairman, Warsaw, N. Y.; O. B. Britton, Gen’l S. ft T„ 150 W. Long ave., Dubois, Pa. NO. 93. — Division covers the Illinois Central Rail- road System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. F. W. Lacy, Gen’l Chairman, 7 Arno Flats, Dubuque, Iowa; W. P. Moore, Ass’t Gen’l Chairman, Lulu, Miss.; R. L Shannon, Gen’l S. ft T., Anna, 111. Chicago Terminal hold regular meetings on 3d Saturday each month at 8 p. m. sharp, in Vicinity Hall (3d floor), N. E. cor. 35th and Cottage Grove ave., Chicago, 111. NO. 94, MERIDIAN, MISS.— Meets 4th Wednes- day night at 8 p. m., in Young Men’s Benevo- lent Association Hall, S. E. cor. Dauphin and Jackson sts.. Mobile, Ala. J. E. Jones, Chief TeL, Oak Grove, Ala.; R. L. Howell, S. ft T., 18 South Catherin st., Mobile, Ala. NO. 95, PORTLAND, ME.— Meets 3d Thursday each month 'at 54634 Congress st., Portland, Me. H. G. Adams, Chief Tel., R. F. D. a, Cumber- land Center, Me.; C. A. Ford, S. ft T., West- brook, Me. NO. 96. — Division covers the Chicago Great West- ern Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. L Albrecht, Gen’l Chairman, Fred- ericksburg, la.; W. H. Scott, G. S. ft T., Eliza- beth, 111. NO. 97. — Division covers the Seaboard Air Line Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. D. May, Gen’l Chairman, Carlton, Ga.; F. O. Cumming, Gen’l S. ft T., Seaboard, N. C NO. 99, COBALT, ONT.— Geo. A. Dufour, Chief TeL, Cobalt, via North Bay, Ont.; Harold Wolfe, S. ft T., New Liskeard, Ont. NO. 100, ELMIRA, N. Y.— Meets third Friday each month at 9 p. m. sharp, Red Men’s Hall, 164 Lake st, Elmira, N. Y. C. M. Weeks, Chief Tel., Stanley, N. Y.; C. R. Elliott, Sec. & Treas., 381 South Main st., Elmira, N. Y. NO. 10a, PHILADELPHIA, PA.— Meeting place subject to notice from Secretary and Treasurer. Arthur C. Malstrom, Sec. ft Treas. West Con- shohocken, Pa. NO. 103, STELLARTON, N. S.— John T. Mc- Queen, Chief TeL, New Glasgow, N. S.; N. G. Munro, S. ft T., Box 153, Stellarton, N. S. NO. 104, AYER, MASS.— Meets 3d Sunday of ra:h month at 9:30 a. m., in the ante-rooms of Pierce Hall, 3d floor, Clinton, Mass. F. H. Willard, Chief Tel., Lancaster, Mass.; John F. Mullen, S. & T., 153 Lunenburg st., Fitchburg, Mass. NO. 105, CONCORD, N. H.— W. H. Meserve, Chief Tel., Penacook, N. H.; B. C. Jones, S. ft T., Newport, N. H. NO. 108, ADDISON, N. Y.— Meets ad Sunday each month at 11 a. m., in C. M. B. A. Hall, Addison. N. Y. F. J. Taylor, Chief TeL, Cross Fork, Pa.; L. D. Jacobs, S. & T., Elkland, Pa. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1230 The Railroad Telegrapher, no. no, RENOVO, PA.— Meet* 3d Wednesday of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, 4th st., Emporium, Pa. D. J. Shea, Chief Tel., Water- ford, Pa.; A. L. Goodwin, S. & T., Box 375, Emporium, Pa. NO. 116. — Division covers the Duluth, South Shore ft Atlantic Railway System. Meets 2d Sunday of February, April, June, August, October and December in places designated by General Chair- man. J. H. McLean, Gen’l Chairman, L’Anse, Mich.; C. Reif, Gen’l S. & T., Lake Linden, Mich. NO. 117, SHAMOKIN, PA.— Meets 3d Saturday months of January, March, May, July Septem- ber and November at 7 p. m., in I. O. O. F. Hall, Mahonoy City, Pa., and on 3d Saturday, at 8 p. m., months of February, April, June, August, October and December, in P. O. S. of A. Hall, Shamokin, Pa. A. F. Wallaner, Chief Tel., Quakake, Pa.; H. M. Michael, S. & T., Quakake, Pa. NO. 118. — Division covers Toledo & Ohio Cen- tral Railway System. W. B. Doughty, Gen’l Chairman, Baltimore, Ohio; R. M. Henderson, Gen’l S. & T., Marysville Ohio. NO. 1 19. — Division covers the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway System. G. W. Lewis, Gen ’4 Chairman, Orleans, Minn.; F. C. Paine, Gen’l S. ft T., Erskine, Minn. NO. 120. — Division covers Lake Eric ft Western Railway System. E. B. Kern, Gen’l Chair- man, Milton, Ind.; V. E. Trittipo, G. S. & T., Fisher’s Switch, Ind. NO. 121. — Division covers Wisconsin Central Ry. System. A. D. Rouse, Gen’l Chairman, Fond du Lac, Wis.; O. V. Soderstrom, Gen’l S. & T., Medford, Wis. NO. 123. — Division covers Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway System. H. S. Vogler, Gcn’l Chairman, Young America, Minn.; Robert Ham- ilton, Gen’l S. & T., Belview, Minn. NO. 125. — Division covers Richmond, Fredericks- burg and Potomac Ry. System. Meets. 2d Friday night each month at K. of P. Hall, 3d floor, 825 Main st. (opposite postoffice), Fredericksburg, Y'a. C. II. Boschen, Gen’l Chairman, Ashland, Ya. ; S. R. Gentry, Gen’l S. & T., Fredericks- burg, Va. NO. 126. — Division covers Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway System. Meets Maccabee Hall, Rock Island, 111., 4th Saturday evening of each month at F. O. E. Hall, El Reno, Okla., second Saturday of each month at 8 p. m. W. 1 . Brown, Gen’l Chairman, Whiting, Kans,; M. E. Schooler, Gen’l S. ft T., Whiting, Kans. NO. 127. VIRGINIA, MINN.— C. J. Keenan, Chief Tel., Kelsey, Minn.; J. F. Kenney, S. & T., Alborn, Minn. NO. 129. — Division covers Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway System. G. E. Kipp, Gen’l Chairman, Blasdell, N. Y.; C. D. Hull, G. S. & T., 1029 Central ave., Sandusky, Ohio. NO. 130. — Division covers Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad System. M. J. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Anselmo, Neb.; W. A. Henry, Gen’l S. ft T., Ericson, Neb. NO. 132. — Division covers Atlantic Coast Line Railway System. Meetings, Florence, S. C., 4th Saturday night each month. Rocky Mount, N. C. , bi-monthly, Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. and Dec., on 2d Saturday night. B. F. V\ ueeler, Gen’l Chairman, Oviedo, Fla.; J. H. Williams, Gen’l S. ft T., Wilson, N. C. NO. 133. SYDNEY, N. S.— G. B. Anslow, Chief Tel., North Sydney Jet., C B.; Archie B. Me Dougall, S. ft T., Grand Narrows, Cape Breton, N. S. NO. 134, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Meets 3d Sun day each month, at 136 East Bay st, Herkimer Bldg., Jacksonville, Fla. L. R. Funderburk. Chief TeL, care Jacksonville Term. Co., Jack- sonville, Fla.; N. C. Hall, S. & T., Delray, Fla. NO. 135, OLEAN, N. Y. — Meets 3d Monday even- ing each month at Rafferty’s Hall, 2d floor. Tower Bldg., Olean, N. Y. E. C. Stevens, Chief Tel., Ischua, N. Y.; E. C. Stevens, S. ft T., 433 N. 1st st., Ischua, N. Y. NO. 136, READING, PA. — Meets 3d Friday of each month. Geo. P. Riggleman, Chief Tel., Mt. Holly Springs, Pa.; C. F. Petree, S. ft T., 932 Pear st., Reading, Pa. NO. 137. — Division covers El Paso ft Northeastern Railway System. J. C. McNairy, Acting Gen‘1 S. & T., 1425 Angelica st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 138. — Division covers C., C., C. ft St L. Railway. System. C. V. Yeazell, Gen’l Chair- man, 68 N. Factory st., Springfield, O.; C A. Burton, Gen’l S. & T., 4056a Laclede ave., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 139. NORTH ADAMS, MASS.— Meets on the 2d Saturday of each month in Odd Fellows’ Hall, North Adams, Mass. T. E. Powers, Chief Tel., W. Valley Falls, N. Y.; H. F. Cook, S. & T. , Shelburn Falls, Mass. TWIN CITY TELEGRAPHERS’ CLUB.— Meets 2d Saturday night each month at Columbia Hall, Prior and University aves., St Paul, Minn. L. D. Beamer, Pres., 360 Selby ave., St Paul, Minn.; T. H. Line, Sec’y ft Treas., 2365 Dos- wcll ave., St. Paul, Minn. Digitized by CjOOQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. CATALOG G-22 Something Electrical for Everybody. 144 pages, 750 illustrations. Sent free. EUREKA TELEGRAPH INSTRUMENT IMPROVED MAIN LINE SOUNDER A moderate priced combination set, recommended as a learner's apparatus, being low in price, durable and effi- cient. Copy of Phil- osophy and Practice of Morse Telegra- phy free with each instrument. Wound, 5 ohms. $1.15; Wound. 20 ohms, $1.25. BOX SOUNDING RELAY Designed to work on long and difficult lines, and at same time to dispense with local sound- er and battery. Regulator permits volume of sound to be Increased or decreased at will. Price. 150 ohms, with key, $4.50; price, 150 ohms, without key, $8.50. POCKET TOOL KIT Gives three times the volume of sound given b y the very best box relays. Made with full size re- lay magnets, 150 ohms resistance. Very sensitive to weak currents, giving a clear working sound on circuits where, without it. a relay with local sounder and battery would be absolutely necessary. With key, price, $4.50, Without key, price, $8.75. UNION LIGHTNING ARRESTER A combined Cut- out, Ground Switch and Lightning Ar- rester. Protects the instruments and house from damage by lightning and en- ables operator to terminate the line at his station by ground- ing the circuit. In- strument may also be disconnected from main line when desired. Complete, with cut-out pin. 40c. This outfit is indispensable to the practical electrician. The case is made of the best quality of rnsset leather, hand-stitched. It is of convenient pocket-book style, with firm metallic claim, and measures 8x6 Inches. It contains the following tools, viz: 1 Electrician’s Knife, 1 Oil Can, 1 Pair Nickel-plated 6-in. Pliers, 1 Pile, 1 Pair Tweezers, 1 Pair Elec- trician’s Shears and 1 Screw Driver. Price, complete, $8.85. SNAPPER SOUNDER Makes a loud, sharp noise, the “click” be- ing similar to tele- graph sounders. Morse alphabet characters can be transmitted a con- siderable distance in or out of doors bypersons familiar with the art of telegraphy. Postpaid 10 cents. ELECTRIC ALARM CLOCK Set in usual man- ner to ring at a certain hour and clock move- ment throws into cir- cuit a vibrating bell which will ring for hours unless switched off. Clock may be placed any- where and the bell and switch arranged near the bed. Any of our vibrating bells may be used. High- grade clock move- ment Price, clock, as shown, $1.25. ANTI-DOC MEDICAL APPARATUS Accomplishes results as quickly as any high-priced battery. No home should be without one* Unfailing re- lief for rheu- matism, opera- te rs ’paralysis, etc. Costs less than one ap- plication b y your doctor. Price, complete with 96-page guide, only $2.00. Manhattan Electrical Supply Co. 17 Park Place— NEW YORK-14 Murray St. 188 Fifth Ave,a CHICAGO Digitized by U,ooole

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ST. LOUIS TYPEWRITER EXCHANGE. Home Office 808 Olive St., St. Louis. Mo New York Office 309 Broadway. No. 6 Remington, latest model $50. We offer No. 6 Remington Typewriter, of latest model with automatic ribbon reverser and release pawl improvements at 950 cash with ordei, $55 c. o. d. with trial, or $60, on payment . of $10 cash and balance $10 per month. No* 2 Smith Premier Typewriter, $50. Late model, nearly new. No. 2 Smith Premier Typewriters, with new ribbon, new platen and guarantee for two years, only $50, No. 2 Remington Typewriter, $25. First-class No. 2 Remington Typewriters, in perfect working order, $25, cash with order; $50 c. o. d. with trial; $40. $10 cash, $5 per month. 100.000 of these machines in daily use . No. 3 Oliver Latest Model, $50. Latest model No. 5 Oliver Typewriter remodeled new by the Oliver Typewriter Company and delivered in original factory shipping boxes complete with cover for $50 cash, or $60 on $10 monthly payments. This is a real bargain. Caligraph, $12 instead of $85. Only a few more left. Improved hollow bar No. 2 Caligraph, every key represents character it prints; no mistakes. $12 cash with order; $15 c. o. d. with trial; $20, $5 cash, balance $5 per month. Smith Premier No. I, $25; Cost, $100. We have a few No. 1 Smith Typewriters in good order which we will sell as long as they last at $25 cash; or $40 on $5 payments. Same keyboard as No. 2 Smith Premier. $100 Typewriters, $15 to $30. $ 60.00 Chicago or Munson, like new $ 15.00 $100 00 No. IDensmore, good order 25.00 $100.00 Ideal Hammond, good order 15.00 $ 35 00 Blickensderfers, perfect condition 16 00 $ 60.00 Williams Typewriter, fine order 15.00 $ 60.00 Wellington Typewriter, ( visible ) good order.... 30.00 ^SUPPLIES: Noiseless typewriter cushion, $1.00; new ribbons, 50c ; new Dead” platens, $1.00. Mailed to any address upon receipt of price. Iron frame, walnut top typewriter stands with drawer $3. Digitized by "

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. NOVELTIES FOR TELEGRAPHERS ORDER I0W. BE UP-TO-DATE. 0. R. T. WATCH FOB Button In Oold and Blus fA. SAMPLE FOB J U 1/ • 18c. Extra for Stamping Name. In Lots of 25 or Mors, 40c. each. Stamping Name, 10c. Extra. "Tbs Woodir” Card Cist, RHI Foldtr Md Mtntriodmi THIS IS OUR No. 32. Made of finest water grain black or red leather ; has three small pockets for cards; one long secret pocket at back for bills.quad ruled writing paper memorandum with gold edge. Particularly practical, for when closed it can be carried in the vest pocket. Price, $1.00 Each. Coafeloatisn Ordtr for 1 Dm., $9.00 Name Stamped in Gold Leaf on Inside Flap. t AND BOX PAPER Monogram your own stationery as you need it. We can furnish you with any letter from A to Z. An elegant present for your wife or sweetheart. 1 Pocket Monogram Seal, OC 1 Box of Writing Paper, Monogram Seal Only ROr Prepaid to any part of the U. S. wwv* No. 1035 PASS CASE. Grain leather, secret pocket for bills, two celluloid front pockets, with your name stamped J 1 fj§| on in gold, our special, “ 1 ,wv NO. S.— An elegant Pass Case, with one trans- parent pass pocket and two side pockets, together with bill pocket, your name VI RQ stamped on in gold f "v BiecwEFanTpiHMEiiiBVEt Does the work effectually, without marring the face. Should be on every lady’s dressing table and in every | g gentleman’s vest pocket. Sent postpaid for I Jv Does not break or soil the collar. Best Ear Spoon u m made. Just right. Sent postpaid for - 13C« OH, L00KA1 ’ $ '/ Tho SnallMt Klasuatoiraph ,n tb# WorW- A BIG SURPRISE. A BUSHEL OP PUN Directions— Remove the top part a, and by means of a pencil, etc., press the piston down as far as possible, (but be careful not to touch the screw c) fill the tube with pure water and replace the top part in such a way that the eye piece is in the direction of the face, whilst the screw is to the right. When turning screw c the piston is released and the water will be sprayed through the small hole underneath the eyepiece. Sent by Mall, Postpaid upon receipt of 40 Cents. QBM NAIL CLIPPER. Trims the nails any desired length and shape. A practical manicure; it cuts and does not tear the nail. Round 25C. corners, with file. Postpaid. MANICURE PILE. No. 25.— Best quality steel, carefully | Cr cut and finished. Sent postpaid for 1 J 130 VISITING CARDS with O. R. T. Monogram t1 fill and leather case* ■ 100 LADIES’ VISITING CARDS correct sizes, in either Script or Old Cflii Rmrlish vUIm A. A. Waterman’s SELF- FILLIR8 AUT0NATI8 FOUR- TAIN PER, unlimi- tO fin ted guarantee ***** Write for Samples on Calling: Cards. Cmvr VTC KT Hard Rubber Handle. Chased, Agate Point, O 1 I LUu IN O* J9 6% in. Long, sent by mail postpaid for JvL. ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT McLEAN PRINTING CO., STATIONERS, 1115.1117 CHESTNUT ST. * ST. LOUIS, MO., U. S. A. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Illinois!® tXr4, RAIL MLWAY SERV 3| -1 43 Y°u c™ r get any kind of a movement you F desire in the lllinnifi IHatrh Cinf but, no mat- XI S?) r\ ter w^ich one you purchase, v £• j it will be the beat watch of its * xX class to be had any place or at any price, for railway service. Any rail- ^ road man who owns one or any jeweler who sells them to railroad men will tell youso What you want is a watch that will never go back on you rather than one on which you can re- r cover in case there is anything wrong with it. You can absolutely depend on JUinnia Slatrljra and they are fully guaranteed, too. One dealer writes: “I have sold hundreds of Illinois Watches / and never had one returned. Look for the names exactly as shown here, engraved on the movements themselves, if you would purchase the best watches made — 3HltnnlflSIatrl]rB. Minnie Hatrij (Unmpang -*> MMOPfl h A BATH for ^ BEAUTY.., v„healtK4 4*‘- ' ™« ALLEN IMPROVED FOUNTAIN BRUSH THE ALLEN FOUNTAIN BRUSH A 3-MINUTE BATH, HOT OR COLD The ordinary old style bath brush laden with filth, corruption and disease breeding germs, contaminated by the vile a id poisonous excretions from the human bod/ Is fraught with untold dangers and to the man or woman of refinement is repulsive. Wash rags and sponges do not open or cleanse pores, are superficial In al$on» unsanitary and germ breeding, do not refresh or Invigorate. The Allen Fountain Brush Is Sanitary and Self-Cleaning. Con- tinuous flusbiDg of the bristles with pure clean water that flows through the Brush while In use prevents contamination and accumulation of dirt and impurities. The Allen is the only bath brush possessing the “Three-ln-One*’ essential functions. Friction, Shower and Massage. The only bath brush which at one operation opens the pores, thoroughly cleanses the skin, imparting a healthy tone and glow and puts one in condition to resist colds, LaGrippe and all contagious and Infectious diseases. Its use promotes clear complexion, bright eyes, cheerful spirits and sound refreshing sleep. In the ordinary tub bath you rewash In water contaminated by pre- vious contact with the body— water laden with dirt and Impurities. With the Allen Fountain Brush clean water only is applied to any portion of the body at will. It secures all the scientific effects of the bath for the old or middle aged, for the robust and strong. The only safe bath for the deli- cate and weakly. A boon to womankind— Just the bath for the little ones. Portable Outfit:— For quick shower or cleansing bath in your own room, at home or while traveling. Fountain Brush, 1 gal. Sanitary Metallic Fountain or Rubber Water Bottle. Hose, Syringe, Points, Water Regulator and Safety Floor Mat. Four styles; Clem $3.75, Niagara $4.75, Superb $6.00, Improved Superb $6.50. Bathroom Outfit:— Adds 100% to enjoyment and efficiency of bath. Fountain Brash, Hose and Faucet Attachment. (Give diameter of faucet.) Four styles. Gem $2.25, Niagara $2.75, Superb $3.50, Improved Superb $4.25. Any outfit on receipt of Price. Remember the Allen Fountain Brush Is guaranteed as to utility, efficiency and durability. _ OUTFIT IN USE WRITE FOR Nj bookj t M SCIENCE ^ THE BATH J ! “ 1 \ MAT ONIT $ m-T- l'u T •SB® ALLEN MFC. CO. 2/04 ADAMS ST. , TOLEDO, - - OHIO. AfiFNTC make $50 weekly. Ask HWLi1 1 ^ for terms. Please state whether you want outfit for your own use or desire agency. Digitized by v

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. which enables it to write A RIBBON of three colors and a small lever that brings the color desired between the type and the paper — that’s the three-color feat- ure of black record lor documents, purple copying for letters and red lor emphasis or display. It is so simple that the wonder is it was never discovered before. The ribbon-changing lever is as accessible as the keys, making it possible to change from one kind of typewriting to another in an instant. A stenographer equipped with a Tri-Chrome Smith Premier can produce in proper manner every kind of typewriting any business office demands. The price it the aeme m that of ell Smith Premier model*. The Smith Premier Typewriter Company SYBACVOB, N. Y. The New Tri-Chrome Smith tender Typewriter The Patented COEY Bicycle Attachment. The only successful machine ever placed on the market, and the only one you have a perfect right to use. It enables von to ride safely upon ^ the rails of any railroad track. No mud nor dust. Can be attached in three minutes, and can be detached and carried on the bicycle at only three pounds added weight. Booklet and price list upon application. C. A. COEY & CO. 1426 Michigan Avenue, - CHICAGO, ILL.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. e e Get Busy, Boys! If your townspeople oontomplato putting in an exohange, or the farmers in your violnify build a rural party fine, write us about it and wo will tell you how you oan mako a lot of money on the side. Government exports pronounoo our telephones better than all others. SWEDISH-AMERICAN TELEPHONE CO. CHICAGO, ILL. Dlv. IB. VIBROPLEX WINS SWEEPING VICTORY L In a decision handed down] in the United States Circuit Court on May 23, 1 907, Judge Ray declared Horace G. Martin the Real Inventor of Automatic Dot-making Transmitters, and the Creator of the Art Send for descriptive circulars. UNITED ELECTRICAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, -Manufacturers of- MARTIN’S FAMOUS VIBROPLEX, \ PDiri7 fiA THE PERFECT TRANSMITTER, / t|> / .OU No, S3 Vesoy Street, _NEW YORK. DO YOU WANT TO MAKE, MONEY? Agents wanted to sell our STYLOGRAPHIC and FOUNTAIN PENS. Write for Catalogue and Agents' Discount. J. T. ULLRICH & CO., 27 Thames St., New York. N. Y. PATENTS Cl P A Dll CD Attorney at Law and Solicitor of Patents I Li I HRIVi n 158 Dietz Building, Washington, D. C. Patents secured promptly. Reports rendered as to patentability, validity and infringement. Hand Book for inventors sent upon request Digitized by "

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Q PR.SUPPLIES K.K. Spl. No. 51, Genuine German Agate Point, Gold Ferrule, Ebony Cfb “ ** Ill ■■ I III M No 46 Stylu* Rubber CCh Handle, large rough grip, best agate point.. ^"r A 1 1 Agate ' (moss or cornelian) Stylus, extra high grade, UJ No second-hand rubbish. I guarantee factory rebuilts for one year. Daniel A. Mahoney, 345 Broadway, BT.Y. Digitized by Google Digitized by

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TYPEWRITERS, At J4 to $£ manufacturer’* prices All the Standard Machines • Indndlad LATEST MODELS. SOLD OR RENTED ANYWHERE. Rental applied on price* Write for Illustrated Catalogue* TYPEWRITER EMPORIUM, 230 Fifth Avenue, CHICAGO I DOWN DOWN WEEK DOWN . m ■ No. 212. 50e. ■ Solid Gold and w I Black Enamel. ■ ■ No^VTio MR. OPERA- TOR: You see dozens of railroad men f every month. Why not in- g crease your earnings by selling them our guaranteed quality Brother- hood Emblems ? We furnish the goods, you collect and send in the money, less your commission. Write now for full particulars. A WEEK SC Choice of Elgin or 1 k" Waltham Watch with! I 20-year gold-eirtrn B \ Alien case. $|/5U | (any size) 1 “ 1 /$2 down. 60c a week. 1 Same case, 18 size only, with 21 Jewel high-grade »onrA Deuber - Hampden 5 X 950 movement, for 14 down and one dollar a week. Or, this beautiful white perfect dla- mond set In 14-kt solid S9COO gold ring, (any style) down and $1 a week, or double the amount every other week. You may send first payment with order or * . _ . C. O. D. 1st pnymeut for examination. Illustrate*! Booklet . No. 0-5 FHtE. Send today. Address Ik Olsen <& Ebanm A Diamond Importers Watch Jobber* , St.le St . Chl.-.«o ^ Agents Wanted No. 211. 91.75. Engraved Maltese Cross with Morse O. R. T. TheBall Emblem Go, 233 Superior Ml. .CLFiVELAN D, O. neatest devices for cards, de- l case, and lOO Superfine ( ailing <ard*fur ladiesor gentlemen, script or old English, with any one or two of the following devices on cards: O. R. T. monogram, Wreath and sounder, telegraph key, relay, semaphore emblem. Brotherhood of Railwav Clerks emblem. All for 75c. 100 cards as above, with- out case, 40c. Cards printed in two colors without extra charge. Patronize the fraternity. E. J. WILKINS. Friendship, N. Y. Csrt. 45, Div. 42. Learn Watch Repairing: IB* s »m to b maker— you omn learn this profitable trail, f by correspondence In a few w**ks In your own bom* JR I by th* DeSelm# Chart Byttotn. Aft*r you oom; tbo oourss you will know n watch from A to Z. will know just wbst tbo matter Is and bow to r« on*. Wbon you graduate you will b« a praol watch maker and repairer and ootnpetont to fill any position. Positions for our graduates. Ask for our Proa Book. It oxplalna i our syotom and terms. ( THE DeSELMS WATCH SCHOOL 10 Perry X. ATTIC*, INDIANA PARIS PATTERNS 10 CENTS EACH. (All Seams Allowed.) At All Good Dry Goods Stores, PARIS MODES MAGAZINE 6 Cents A Copy. 60 Cants A Yesr. PARIS MODES CO., se-44. w. 24tb st . t. r. NO CARD, NO FAVORS. I have quit the key after 20 years, and am now in wholesale department largest piano factory In the world. Authorized to quietly make wholesale prices to O.R. T. sonlv. Can save you $100 or more on piano. You will believe this when you see and hear the piano. Write today* A. V. LYLB (Cert. 951.) 250 Wabash Ave., Chicago. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. DIAMONDS Ho. 50, |45.00 S*l*et anything you went— we’ll e«nd it etonre. Etem. “ 51, 40 00 In* lto-iefUll.T— if you k««plt, p»y M little m you went co ao tn down — the bounce In email monthly p»* menu, to eult ti « your owo oonrenlence. Choree iut of tbeM Diamonds, 53, 97.50 or ebnooe u; from our catalogue of Diamond*, \A atehce, 54 25 00 *“d Jewelry— iwl FREE. Diamond, are a payio* aor beautiful Catalogue today. THE WALKER EDMUND CO. eVim?A€;o*’ mcmT Y PEW R I T E RS ARC BETTER THAN NEW MACHINES. To prove It, ask any of our Customers. Our prices are 60 to 75 per cent less than makers' prices and we give you terms that no The Transmitter you must eventually buy. H you need an AUTO-DOT or a TYPEWRITER write to ue— Write to ue anyway. W. F. MCDONALD AND COMPANY - 263 LaSalle Street, Chicago w. f. McDonald, manaqer. O. R. T. DIV. 91. member 0> t u A- LOOAL NO. I. I’d Like to, But I Can't Ever say that? Think that? Aren’t there lots of things you would do if you only had the money? How would you like toincrease your monthly earnings $26 to$60 and that without interfering with your present occupation? We teach you how to Make Money In \ Odd Moments by making and selling Novelty Jewelry You can mm earn in a few hours how to tJ make Rings, Bracelets. ^ Stick Pins. Name Pins, etc., if you have our copyrighted Instruction Book. Send for it today. It s Free if you mention this paper. ROGERS, THURMAN & CO., 46 MICHIGAN AVE., CHICAGO mt BLOOD POISONl We have a Remedy unknown to the pro- fession. We refund money if we do not cure. You can be treated at home for the same price as if you came to our office. We will give you a guaranty to cure or return money. For many years we have been curing patients in every country in the world. Our treatment is In every sense a home treatment. If you have exhausted the old methods of treatment and still have aches and pains, mucous patches in mouth, sore throat, pimples, copper-colored spots, ulcers on any parts of the body, hair or eyebrows falling out, it is this secondary blood poison we guarantee to cure. We solicit the most obstinate cases. This dis- ease has always baffled the skill of the most eminent physicians. For many years we have made a specialty of treating this dis- ease with our Magic Cure, and we have $500,000 capital behind our unconditional guaranty. WE OURE QUICKLY AMD PERMANENTLY Oar patients cored yean ago by oar great Dis- ooTeiy, unknown to the profession, are today sound and well, and have healthy children sinoe we cored them. DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY experimenting. Absolute and positive proofs sent sealed on application. 100-page book FREE. N e branch offices. Address fully as follows i COOK REMEDY COM PA MY 1470 Masonic Temple* Chicago, U. 8. A. COOK REMEDY CO. Digitized by Google

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Safe Investments That Pay Up to 24% Exceptional Opportunities in Dividend Payers Your bank account, if earning1 interest, is not bringing the profit on your money that you ought to be making. We have investigated several good dividend- paying mining stocks, paying 12% to 24%, which we can conscientiously recommend to conserva- tive investors. Whether you have S100 or S10.000 you can take advantage of these exceptional opportunities if you act now. Quick action is necessary# as these may not remain on the market very long. Write at once for full and complete information about these exceptional-investment opportunities, prices, terms of payment, etc. We buy, sell and exchange all kinds of stocks and bonds. . , _ Call or write today for our free market letter and Special Circular No. 93, giving full particulars of a certain listed dividend-paying stocx that nets 2% per month on the investment at present prices. UNION SECURITY CO. 492 GAFF BLDG.. CHICAGO. ILL. “NITE OPERATORS” ‘Owl” pin«. with the “ Wi*e Little Owl” like cut, and lettering ‘‘Nlte Opr.” done in ^old, on’“Oid Roue” background, very *well Trap up a quarter or 25 one-cent stamps and mail to it a today, and get one by return mall before they are all gone. STAR NOVELTY CO., FL Scott, Kans. Price, 25c In Silver and a 2-cent Stamp. Thi* book Is written from past and present experience of a telegrapher. It will be found valuable and Inter- esting to all concerned, the general public included. Thla bok makes clear the importanceand respon- sibility of the telegrapher 'a duties. Will be pleased to have your order, boys. Mailed promptly upon receipt of price. D. H. McLEAREN, Opr. Mitchells. Va. V>lv. 59. FREE COUPON BELOW. PROF. T. H. MIDGLEY, Constipation Specialist, Inventor of the Drugless Constipation Cure. Without the use of pills, purgatives or drugs of any kind, I can and do cure the worst cases of chronic constipation— cure them to stay cured, and restore the patient to a state of health and happiness such as they have never known before. I can cure constipation no matter how bad it is. I can show you how to cure yourself right in your own home without the use of drugs. Con- stipation is cured for all time when cured my way. Fill out free coupon below and mail to-day. FREE COUPON Fill in your name and address on dotted lines below and mail to Prof. T. H. Midgley. 1325 Midgley Block, Kalamazoo, Mich., ana by return mail he will tell you free how to cure constipation without medicine. Digitized by ^.ooole

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When addresting our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TO.SUCC REMEDY FOR _ OPERATORS* PARALYSIS. A GOOD, SOUND SENDING-ARM Is what we i “Wonder” B..__ th at has stood t CURE, according to the severity of yourc „ lars and testimonials. Price, charges prepaid. One Dollar the bottle, Five Dollars the fall treatment. DON’T BUY SO-CALLED REMEDIES WHEN YOU CAN GET A GUARANTEED CURE. THE 0. A. SMITH COMPANY, WBEOsEUSSk STUDY High-Grade Instruction by Correspondence Established 1892 I AW AA Prepares far of ^^RS M HI Ri any State. Three Courses College. Post-Graduate and Bo si ness Law Improved method of instruction, combining theory and practice. On* student writes 1 have learned more law In three months under your instruction than I learned In tlx months In a law office. " APPHOVF.D by bench and bar — 1 , begin each month Uniform rate of^tut ses begin eacn monvu wu.iw.... non Sent* for our 4S-pa«e catalogue, in which we a synopsis of the rules for admission to 0m bar of the several States. Chicago Correspondence School ol Law Reaper Block, Chicago THE RAILROAD TELEGRAPHER is pub- lished monthly by the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. Its offices are located on the sev- enth floor of the Star Building, corner Twelfth and Olive streets. 8t. Louis. Mo. Z^BADCSS ter Organisations or Clubs you aro interested la, writ* tor our catalogue and dlaoounU. Steiner Engraving a Badge Co. • North sth St.. St. Louie, Me. BRASS BAND 1 Instrument*. Drum*. Uniforms, Supplies ! an-l Musical Instruments of all kinds. Write us what you are interested in and we will send you a bin 300- page catalog free. It Rives Band Music and Instruc- tions for Amateur Bands. Cornets from 18.60 upward. Easy payments. Write today. I vnil 0 LIC A I V 36 Adams Street Chicago LT UN 06 lit ALT World’s Largest Music Hoase UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY For all AGENTS and OPERATORS to learn the Stock and Grain Brokerage Business FREE and Make a Bid Income on the Side and not interfere with your present position. Write THE STANDARD DRAIN CO. 332 to 334 Schofield Bldd., Cleveland. Ohio, ■eaten Phlledelphle team aet Tte CaasalMated Stack Excteafe. SOUVENIR POST CARDS Exchange Post Cards with Operators and R. R. people in all parts of the world. Send 26c for package of 20 Auoned Card* (worth 46c) and 0 month*' mom- berablp In Railroader*’ Exchange Club for railroad employes and their families. Satisfaction guar- anteed. Exchange listsfurnished all members regularly. Address, E. J. Cushman-Mgr., corner Benhara Avc. and Railroad St., Neoaho, Jlo. (Member Div. 32, O. R. T.) EMBLEMS Morse O.R.T. cut out initials, etc. This design, a gold wreath surrounding a body of black and white enamel set with a ruby doublet, produces an attractive pin unequalled for durability and neatness. When the warm days demand that you lay aside your vest, secure this pin and wear it on lower end of your tie. Keeps it from flying around vour neck with every little gust of wind, ana gives a much neater appearance to the tie. PRICE, $1.00. L. B. FUNK, 225 N. Fifth Street Cert 672, Div. 14. IRONTON, O. OVERSLEEVES mDAlifl CV No. 1 at 25c and No. 2 at nUVTLkl 15c, poHlpaid. are unequalled for wear, comfort and neutnvM. Made exclusively bv us of bigh-grade mercerized black sateen. ORDER TO-DAY. Special concession and premium certificates with everv order. See our ottier Ad. of “OPKflL SIPPLIIN” In tula luae. W.j. 2208 Rim SLEEVE PROTECTOR SAVES LAUNDRY and keeps Sleeve* and Cuffs clean Made of a flue anal- ity of DUCK In Bt?oww and Bln oh. Belf-adjnetlng. No tying nor planing; held in place by th* Elaatfc goring. Small, Medium and Large. Pair, 23c, postpaid. Liberal terms to Agent* ■QYAL MANUFACTURING COMPANY, - Evansville, IM. D ATCkITC There’s Money in rAI Ell lo Small Inventions as well as large. Send for free booklet. MILC B. STEVENS & CO., 907 14th Street, Washington, D. C. Branches at Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit. Established 1864. Nc Patent, No Fee for our Services. OOOO MONEY can be made by Telegraphers representing ns in their communities. We sell farms and other property quickly at highest prices obtainable, for cash or on time. Prop- erty bought or exchanged in any locality atpricestosuit. It should be easy for you to do a “land office” 'business among the farmers and townspeople of your vicinity Tor us and we will pay you liberally for your work. Send today for full particular*. FARMERS REAL ESTATE & LOAN CO. 466 Unity Bulldlnd. Chicago. Digitized by Google

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When addresting onr advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. STOP-WATCHES TO STOP TRAINS. Wilkes - Bur re’s Mayor Determined His Police Shall Be Right. r Railroad Man’s > Watch Gets Right of Way in the Courts The railroad watch that stands every test is the ELGIN The famous Veritas model Elgin is made especially to meet the exacting L requirements of railroading. Send A for booklet — “ Timemakers and Timekeepers” — a history of the development of the locomotive ■ and the watch — told in prose a ■ and picture. Also describes A ■ the five Elgin models for railroad men. V Free upon request. W ELGIN NATIONAL r WATCH CO., Elgin, 111. Digitized by " Special to “The Record.” Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Feh. 19. — The crew of a fast train on the Lehigh Valley Railroad were arraigned before Mayor Kirkendall to-day, charged with running their train through the city limits at faster speed than »hc ordinance permits. The train was drawn by two engines, and both engineers testified that they had not exceeded the speed, and their watches were proof. The special policeman who lodged the information against the crew had only a silver watch. The Mayor said preference would have to be given the high-class watches of the rail- road men and the crew was discharged. In the future the policeman will have a stop- watch, and he will note the time of trains.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher.

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uRn» is a perfect food as wholesome as it is delicious — highly | 'nourishing, easily di- gested, fitted to repair wasted strength, pre- serve health, and pro- long life. Be sure that you get the genuine, bearing our trade- mark on every can. 47 Established 1780 HIGHEST JtWJtRDS IM EUROPE and JtM ERIC Jt Walter Baker Co. Ltd Dorchester, Mass. MANKIND'S HONEST SERVANT Sure in efficiency and practical In use, it serves all nations and all men. It may be depended on as thoroughly bv the side of a mountain stream, in a coach or engine cab, as at an office desk. It is thesame willing servant at all times This penis the standard. Itispurohase- ableandcxchangeableanywhereonearth. Its perfection is guaranteed. Beyond this there is nothing to desire. Exhibited at Jamestown Fair, Interior Court, Mfrs. and Liberal Arts Building- Waterman’s Ideal Fountain Peri ! vose f mm. PIANOS*** W EstabUdud it i Eighteen Hundred and Fifty- One * The Unvarying Superiority of Vose A f quality, -maintained for more than half flr \ a century, has made vose pianos 2 > Impregnable In tbeir £ I Musical Supremacy m l V 5 1 By oar easy payment plan, every family in mod- . crate circumstances can own a VOSC piano. jgp We allow a liberal price for old instruments in A exchange, and deliver the piano in your house Q . free of expertse. You can deal with J? us at a distant point the same as in Boston. Send for Catalogue and full information. Tf * vose & SONS PIANO CO. A f 161 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. 9 JL MENNENSl BORATED TALCUM TOILET POWDER and insist that your barber use it also. It Is Antiseptic, and will Wa prevent any of the skin diseases often , contracted. A positive relief for Sunburn, Chafing, ^ ' and all afflictions of the skin. Removes all odor of per- spiration. Qet Mennen’s — the original. Put up in non-refillable boxes, “the Box that Lox." Sold everywhere or mailed for 25 cents. Sample fret. Guaranteed under the Food and Urugs Act, June 30, 1906. Serial No. 1542 Try Mennen's Violet^ Borated) Talcum Gerhard Mennen Co., Newark, N.J. Digitized by VjUC An

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. I Railroad Telegraphers’ Time-Saver By using the speedy Oliver, you gain 50 per cent in time. And you do this without the expenditure of extra physical or mental effort The Oliver meets the exacting demands of the railroad oper- ator’s work. Never gets “nervous prostra- tion,” no matter how swift the pace. The Oliver “works in a whisper” — in taking messages you catch every dick of the sounder. It “writes in sight” — you SEE just what you are doing. It is a wonderfully versatile machine — instantly available for Wire Work Train Orders. Manifolding Way-Bills, etc., etc. n* OLIVET? Typcwrittr has many less parts than the old-style “mill” and is more compact and durable. It runs smoothly, prints legibly, aligns accurately. Special Terms to O. R. T. Men You can OWN an Oliver Typewriter and pay for it by the month, the same as if you were renting it Let us tell you how easy it is to buy the Oliver on very small monthly payments. Ask for the Oliver Book. Just mention in your letter that you are a member of the O. R. T. Address The Oliver Typewriter Co., ss D«*rborn st., Chicago, 111. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. MAKE PAY-DAY “SAVE-DAY” ALMOST every one Ends it hard to save money, yet admits that it is one of the most important things in life. Like many other things, saving is largely a matter of habit. Get Into the Habit of Saving! Make a resolution today to lay aside a portion of your pay each week or month on payday* before it gets away from you, before "it bums a hole in your pocket," and deposit it in some reliable bank. There will then be no immediate temptation to spend it and you will also be receiving Interest on your money* One of the most reliable banks in the country, one that has withstood Ere, financial panic and the test of time is The Hibernian Bank THE OLDEST SAVINGS BANK IN CHICAGO It has a capital of One Million and a Half Dollars and a surplus of over One Million Dollars. It is now completing its forty-first, successful year, having been established in 1867. No matter where you live, you can open an account with THE HIBERNIAN BANK through its perfected system of “Banking By Mall.** Send for circular. One Dollar opens a savings account. Interest is paid on all savings accounts.* THE HIBERNIAN BANK also has a large Commercial Department and has the best of facilities for handling open check accounts. Its age and reliability make this institution an ideal depository for trust or society funds. If you are the trustee of any such moneys or know of any one who is, it would be glad to have you investigate its fitness for handling such. Your recommendation of this Bank to any of your friends will be ^2 highly appreciated. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TYPEWRITING SPEED PAYS and your salary will increase itself. "The shoo that will not tlrt.M We fit you perfectly , Are you satis- fied with what^ ■ you are earn-1 " Ing now? B The Book Is Free. RKAD TniS: Arc not only the fnstent in the world, but because they are the fastest they arc the Best paid. Our 72-page free book tells how they got their speed. It tells how we have increased the speed of hundreds of opera- tors 60,80, 100 per cent; how we have doubled salaries in six months ; how we have made suc- cessful touch writers of those who said touch writing was Im- possible. It contains more typewriting FACTS than any instruction book you ever bought or saw. It will tell you how you can learn to write without ever looking at the keys— how you can write just as well in the dark as in broad daylight— all at a speed far greater than the best you can attain now. If you area typewriter user, this book will cost you only the trouble of asking for it. Please tell us what machine you use. THE TULLOSS SCHOOL OF TOUCH TYPEWRITING, 211 College Hill, Springfield, O. L*td. Ark., Jnn. 6, ’00. I hire completed the TuPom CoiineiniliimDo* getllnf fifteen dollar, per month mur, th»n wlien writing br night. W. U. CRAFT. And this, dated 10 month, later: Hare aceepted another position, and am grttlng almost doable mr former •alarj. W. B. CRAFT, Brook baren. Mine. Body and Screws made of Composi- tion Bronze, Gold Lacquered Nickel Plated Lever. Polished Hard Rub her Knobs, TYPEWRITERS Cut above shows full size At Less Than Half Price. Thousands of machines, all leading makes, in use only long enough to Insure smooth running adjustment. $10 to $65. We are the largest handlers of sllphtly-used typewriters in the world and offer guaranteed rare bar- gains snch as no other house can approach. A Perfect Working Model of the Standard Bunnell Legless Key. REGISTERED MAIL, Machine I shipped for your examination and approval to any point in United States Ife rent all makes of machines at $S a month and up. Send today for our big catalog list of rare Hr r typewriter bargains. Don't buy until • ■ ■ i- ^ you see it. Write today before our big clearing sale closes Special offer to agents. m BIG DISCOUNT ON TYPEWRITER SUPPLIES. ROCKWCLL-BARNCS COMPANY, ~ 701 Baldwin Building, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. Onr New Catalogue 25 X Sent on Application. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. PROVIDE YOURSELF WITH AN O. R. T. CAP Practicable* Union-Made* Serviceable Attractive* Popular Price* Light Welg «t* — - Prompt Shipments — 1 ■■ ■— Description— Made of beet quality corded or ribbed silk; heavy patent leather visor, green underneath to shade the eyes% and silk strap cord. Mailed on reoeipt of price, 85 CENTS, Stamps, Money Order or Express Order. Money refunded if not satisfied. Mention correct size. FROM MANUFACTURER TO CONSUMER Reference, any Bank or Trust Co. in St. Louis. Established fifty years. w*~ M. GOETTLER HAT CO. >**LA. 1286 S. Braadway, IT. LMIS, MO. (£)ur Jftmuma “iHaurnait jhimal Designed for Operators who do heavy train order work : has finely ground and carefully tested agate point, firmly vulcanized into a hard rubber handle, cannot possibly come loose, large rough Kr*V' smoothest, easiest writing stylus ever made. Sent postpaid for 60 cts Jforone to >*day useit 5 days, then we’ll buy it back for 65 cts. if you want to sell. \\ e print 100 finest Cards with O. R. T. Emblem, or your own Railroad trade mark. or key and sounder in Gold for 50 cts. or send a two-cent stamp for “The Op’rs Prayer” and ”St. Peter and the Scab and a I lot of card samples, and learn how you can get a stylus, Free. Best quality T. W. Ribbon 60 cts. Our O. R. T. Cert, is 932 Frisco Sys. Div’n. 32. STAR NOVELTY CO., FT. SCOTT, KANSAS. — fcOOT&,S//Q£ — I WORKERS UNION j i UNION^ STAMP j factory No. RECIPROCITY! Buy Union Stamp Shoes— The Best Made Buy shoes made with the Union Stamp. A guarantee of good wage conditions and well treated shoe workers. No higher in cost than shoes without the Union stamp. INSIST upon having Union Stamp Shoes. If your dealer can- not supply you, write Boot and Shoe Workers’ Union 246 Summer ST.* Boston* Mass.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. The Best TONIC For the restoration of energy and vitality; the relief of mental and nervous exhaustion, impaired digestion or appetite, there is no remedy so beneficial as HORSFORD’S Acid Phosphate (Non-Alcoholic* It is a scientific and carefully prepared preparation of the phos- phates that provides the tonic and nerve food needed to improve the general health. If your druggist can’t supply vou, send 35 cents to Rumford Chemical Works, Provi- dence, R. 1., for sample bottle, postage paid. Lrt tit tend you Watch or Ring upon terms indi- cated. Jit mit jirnt payment with order or have goods shipped for inspection C. O. D. first payment. f* A 0ur Attractive \\y Catalog Free Ask For No.K —7 f\\ ,2/l • Flo «(?f Jxnj. ^ 9 / -tint commercial white perfect diamond set In 14- kt. «olld K°ld (Art An mounting.. vdUiUU f& cash and IS per month. Gent*' O. F. If, 16 or IK size or ladies' 6 size plain or beautifully engraved 20- y ear. 14 kt. goId-fHled case tilted with genuine new Elgin or _ _ Waltham CIO Eft movement. VlfcsUU With hunting case. §16. T5. •2.00 cash r°u Purchase, ‘ X*' Cs*' y ^ jyy it will be the best watch of its class to be had any place or at any price, for railway service. Any rail- ^ road man who owns one or any jeweler fTprr. who sells them to railroad men will tell youso. K T H M Pi What you want is a watch that will never go I) ] ||'[U back on you rather than one on which you can re- W cover in case there is anything wrong with it. You can absolutely depend on lUinfltB ®aUl)ra and they are fully guaranteed, too. One dealer writes: “I have sold hundreds of Illinois Watches and never had one returned. Look for the names exactly as ?hown here, engraved on the movements themselves, if you would purchase the best watches made — KUiiuilB3Batrl|fB. iUinmfl WuU\) Company -*• ^pnnsfirlii Digitized by

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The Commercial Telegraphers’ Strike ONE OF THE GREATEST STRUGGLES IN THE HISTORY OF ORGANIZED LABOR. A GENERAL TIE-UP OF ALL COMMERCIAL BUSINESS OCCURS The Strikers are Standing Firm and Success Seems Certain MEMBERS OF O. R. T. WILL ASSIST STRIKERS FINANCIALLY ONE of the greatest struggles in the history of the country between organized labor and organized capital is now on. The entire commercial business of the country is in a stagnant condition as a re- sult of a general strike of the commercial telegraphers, members of the Commercial Telegraphers' Union of America. Negotiations between the Commercial Telegraphers' Union and the two great commercial telegraph companies have been in progress for a number of months and an amicable settlement of the matters at issue was hoped for, especially with the Postal Telegraph Company, which has heretofore been looked upon as more friendly to organized labor, especially the telegraphers, than the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany. The negotiations dragged along from week to week and month to month until the present situation is the natural consequence. In the early stages of the negotiations, the President and General Executive Board of the Commercial Telegraphers' Union Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1234 The Railroad Telegrapher. held conferences with the officials of the Postal Telegraph Company, which it was believed at that time would result in a mu- tual understanding between employer and employe. After the last conference between the of- ficials of the Postal and the officers of the Union, the company agreed to take up and carefully consider the various complaints of the telegraphers as well as the schedule pre- sented it and to make its reply in writing. The reply was not received for some time and was wholly unsastis factory to those in- terested, as practically nothing was con- ceded. The efforts of the officials of the Union to bring about a conference with the Chief operating official of the Western Union Telegraph Company were unavailing, as the management of that company refused to meet the committee, which refusal it was feared would precipitate a strike. About this time, Commissioner of Labor Neill in- terested himself in the dispute, and ex- ercised his good offices in an effort to bring about an understanding between the two parties, a detailed statement of which was published in the last issue of The Teleg- rapher. Later the San Francisco strike took place, and Commissioner Neill hurried to that city in an effort to bring about a settlement of it, in order to prevent a general strike, which it was feared would occur as a re- sult of that trouble. Through the efforts of Commissioner Neill, the San Francisco trouble was set- tled, and what was believed to be a gen- eral understanding had. Among other conditions of settlement, were that all of the strikers should return to work within a given time; that the com- pany in future would receive committees of employes and treat with them ; that upon resumption of work, the question of in- creased pay would be taken up. The officers of the union charge that the conditions of the settlement were not lived up to by the companies ; that when the men applied for reinstatement, as provided for in the agreement, they were put off from time to time and that other indignities were heaped upon them in open violation of the agreement. About this time, a woman scab who was working the Los Angeles wire in San Fran- cisco became involved in a quarrel with the telegrapher working the San Francisco wire in Los Angeles. Those who are in a position to know, claim that the fault for the trouble rested with the scab in San Francisco, but regardless of this fact, the officials of the Western Union discharged the man in Los Angeles, which resulted in a strike in that office. A day or two after- wards when an effort was made to renew business between Chicago and Los Angeles with a scab at the latter point, a telegrapher in Chicago refused to work the wire with a scab at the other end, and he was dis- charged, which resulted in an immediate walkout of all the telegraphers in Chicago Western Union office, and when an effort was made to move business from the Chi- cago office with the few scabs which they had succeeded in securing, strikes followed in rapid succession at Kansas City, Den- ver, Dallas, St. Louis, Birmingham, At- lanta, New York and all the other im- portant commercial telegraph centers of the country, which are still in progress at the time of going to presss. After the telegraphers at a number of the more important offices of the Western Union had gone out, those employed in the Postal office at Chicago, became embroiled in the trouble and went on strike, which rapidly spread to all the other important offices of that company. Later the strike spread to the Associated Press, and still later to the leased wires. The present strike has resulted in the most complete tie-up of business that has probably ever occurred in any particular line or calling. The business of the West- ern Union and Postal Telegraph Com- panies is practically at a complete stand- still, as they have not been able to secure scabs in numbers that have proven of any particular benefit, and the strikers have remained firm in all sections of the coun- try. Those who are in a position to know, estimate that there are considerably less than five per cent of the original force at work, including students from telegraph schools, check boys who barely know the alphabet and all others. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1235 Business is only accepted subject to de- lay and much of that filed is sent by mail. Public sympathy is generally with the strikers regardless of the inconvenience it has caused. Many of the leading newspapers of the country have championed the cause of the strikers since the trouble began and havt shown a disposition to allow the true situa- tion to be known in marked contrast to their attitude heretofore during labor troubles. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch , one of the leading newspapers of St. Louis, in a re- cent issue enumerates many instances of great delays to telegrams and a resort to the mails by the telegraph companies as a means of “transmitting” telegrams. Among others it published an interview with an of- ficer of one of the leading banks of St. Louis, who said: “St. Louis being one of the three central reserve cities is not hit so hard as other cities. Customers of St Louis banks are the ones who suffer. Last Wednesday I sent a telegram to our correspondent in an Oklahoma town regarding a certain light- ing plant. It was a matter of credit and was of enough importance to justify a tele- gram. I received no reply and sent another telegram Thursday. Saturday I received a letter from our correspondent answering my first telegram. He said he received the telegram by mail, though I had prepaid the telegraph tolls. This instance is one of fifty I might cite which have occurred since the strike began.” Interviews are also published with pro- duce merchants, wholesale jewelers and others who use the telegraph extensively and they relate similiar experiences. Reports from all over the country show that large and enthusiastic mettings are being held daily in all the great telegraph centers and that the men are fully deter- mined to remain out until victory crowns their effort. The Order of Railroad Telegraphers has issued a call to all members of the Order for voluntary contributions for the benefit of the striking Commercial Telegraphers. About 20,000 men are affected. President Small, of the Commerical Telegraphers’ Union is credited with the following statement as the reason for the widespread disatisfaction existing among the Commercial Telegraphers of the coun- try, which finally culminated in the present great struggle. “First — The long-continued and persist- tnt efforts of the Western Union Telegraph Company notably, and the Postal Telegraph Company, incidentally, to reduce their operators to a state of servitude absolutely impossible of human endurance. “Second — The repeated violation of agreements entered into by the Postal Com- pany with its telegraphers and the persis- tent refusal of the Western Union Com- pany to receive committees of its teleg- raphers for the purpose of discussing grievances. “Third — The utter disregard of the prom- ises made by Colonel dowry in his letter to Commissioner of Labor Neill, dated June 20 last, followed by the direct and vol- untary breaking of the written agreement attending the San Francisco strike, July 19, 1907, which agreement, with the original signatures thereto attached, is now filed with the Department of Commerce and La- bor at Washington.” 8TRIKE8 AND L0CK0UT8. THE twenty-first annual report of the Bureau of Labor, which re- port deals in strikes and lockouts occurring in the United States be- tween 1881 and 1905, has just been issued and is a most complete docu- ment. containing much interesting and valuable information on these subjects. The report shows that there were fewer strikes and lockouts in 1905 than during any year since 1892. The report further shows that the year 1904 was noted for the large num- ber of strikes occurring during that year. The report shows that the total number of strikes in the United States during the period of twenty-five years covertd by the report was 36757, and of lockouts 1,546, or a total of 38,303 labor disturbances. The report also shows that strikes oc- curred in 181,407 establishments and that lockouts occurred in 18,547 establishments, making a total of 199,954 establishments in which these interruptions of work occurred, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1236 The Railroad Telegrapher. and that there were 7,444,279 employes en- gaged in those strikes and lockouts. A general synopsis of the report fol- lows: The industries of the United States suffered less from strikes during the year 1905 than in any year since 1892, if the number of employes thrown out of work by strikes and the duration of the strikes be taken as a measure. In that year 221,- 686 employes were thrown out of work by 2,077 strikes undertaken by 176,337 strikers in 8,292 establishments, and lasting an average of 23.1 days in each establishment involved. These favorable industrial conditions as regards strikes during 1905 were apparently exceptional, and can not be assumed to in- dicate any lasting tendency toward indus- trial peace, for the preceding period of six years (1899 to 1904) was a period of ex- traordinary industrial strife, and the num- ber of employes thrown out of work by strikes in each of the four years (1901 to 1904) exceeded the number thrown out of work in any year on record save 1894. The year 1894 stands out in the history of the country as the year most notable for the great number of workers thrown out of work by strikes, over 660,000 employes being thrown out of work by 1,349 strikes undertaken by 505.049 strikers in 8,196 es- tablishments, and lasting an average of 32.4 days in each establishment involved. In both 1902 and 1903 the number of em- ployes thrown out of work by strikes was slightly less and the average duration somewhat shorter, although the number of establishments involved in 1903 was 6,000 greater than ever before, reaching 20,248. These facts are brought out in the Twenty-first Annual Report of the Bureau of Labor of the Department of Commerce and Labor, devoted to strikes and lockouts in the United States during the twenty-five- year period 1881 to 1905, just issued. The total number of strikes in the United States during the twenty-five- years was 36,757 and of lockouts 1,546, or 38,303 labor disturbances of both kinds. Strikes occurred in 181,407 establishments and lockouts in 18,547 establishments, making a total of 199,954 establishments in which these interruptions of work oc- curred. The total number of persons who went out on strike during the twenty-five years was 6,728,048, and the number of persons locked out was 716,231, making a total of 7,444,279 employes striking and locked out. EMPLOYES THROWN OUT OF WORK. Because of the dependence of one oc- cupation upon another in the same es- tablishment, the stopping of work by strikers and employes locked out in one or more occupations often makes it impossible for fellow-employes in other occupations to continue work. The total number of employes, including strikers, thrown out of work by strikes was 8,703,824, and the number thrown out of work by lockouts was 825,610, or a total of 9,529,434 em- ployes thrown out of work in the establish- ments immediately involved in strikes and lockouts. These figures do not include any employes thrown out of work in the many establishments not immediately involved in the strikes and lockouts, but dependent in one way or another on the establishments involved, as for material, power, etc. Over 90 per cent of all those thrown out of work by strikes were males and only 9-43 Per cent females. In lockouts 84.18 per cent of the employes thrown out of work were males and 15.82 per cent females. DURATION OF STRIKES. The average duration of strikes per es- tablishment was 25.4 days and of lockouts 84.6 days. The strike or lockout does not, of course, always result in the closing of the establishment involved, but 61.38 per cent of all establishments involved, or m,- 343. were closed an average of 20.1 days. In lockouts 68.25 pc** cent of all establish- ments involved, or 12,658, wert closed an average of 40.4 days. INDUSTRIES MOST AFFECTED. The greatest number of strikes in any one industry was in the building trades, which had 26.02 per cent of all strikes and 38.53 per cent of all the establishments involved in strikes. In the coal and coke industry were 9.08 per cent of all strikes and 9.39 Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1237 per cent of all establishments involved in strikes. This latter industry had more strikers and more employes thrown out of work by strikes than any other industry. The building trades were second in order in both these respects, with the men's clothing and iron and steel industries next. In lockouts the building trades led all other industries, having 16.49 per cent of all lock- outs, more than one half of all the es- tablishments involved, and about 30 per cent of all the employes locked out and of persons thrown out of work. STATES MOST AFFECTED. Employes and employers who are con- centrated in the great industrial States are more prone to engage in strikes and lock- outs than those throughout the country generally. Thus the five States — New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Massachusetts and Ohio — had 63.46 per cent of all strikes and 69.44 per cent of all the establishments involved in strikes, 56.22 per cent of all lockouts and 77 99 per cent of all establish- ments involved in lockouts, although these five States had only 45 per cent of all the manufacturing establishments of the coun- try in 1900. STRIKES OF ORGANIZED LABOR. The importance of the part that organized labor plays in strikes is indicated by the fact that of the total number of strikes in twenty-five years 68.99 per cent were ordered by labor organizations, and the strikes so ordered included 90.34 per cent of all establishments involved in strikes, 79.69 per cent of all strikers, and 77-45 per cent of all employes thrown out of work in establishments involved in strikes. MORE STRIKES SUCCEED THAN FAIL. Employes who went on strike succeeded more often than they failed. They suc- ceeded in winning all the demands for which the strikes were undertaken in 47.94 per cent of the establishments, succeeded partly in 15.28 per cent, and in only 36.78 per cent of the establishments did they fail entirely to win any of tljeir demands. On the other hand, the employers, when they took the initiative and locked out their employes, succeeded more often than they failed. Lockouts resulted wholly in favor of employers in 57.20 per cent of the es- tablishments involved, succeeded partly in 10.71 per cent, and failed entirely in 32.09 per cent of the establishments. STRIKES OF ORGANIZED LABOR MOST SUCCESSFUL. The strikes which were ordered by labor organizations were much more generally successful than those not so ordered. Thus, strikes ordered by labor organizations were wholly successful in 49.48 per cent of the establishments involved, partly successful in 15.87 per cent, and failed entirely in only 34.65 per cent of the establishments. On the other hand, strikes not ordered by labor organizations were wholly successful in but 33.86 per cent of the establishments in- volved, partly successful in 9.83 per cent, and failed entirely in 56.31 per cent of the establishments. LEADING CAUSES. During the twenty-five-year period covered by the investigation of the Bureau of Labor 40.72 per cent of all strikes were undertaken for increase of wages, either alone or in combination with some other cause, and 32.24 per cent were for increase of wages alone. Disputes concerning the recognition of union and union rules, either alone or in combination with some other cause, produced 23.35 per cent of all strikes and were the sole cause of 18.84 per cent. A reduction of wages was the cause, wholly or in part, of 11.90 per cent of the strikes, and 9.78 per cent were to en- force demands for a reduction of hours. Only 3.74 per cent of the strikes were sympathetic. Of the total number of establishments in- volved in strikes 57.91 per cent were in- volved in strikes undertaken wholly or in part to enforce demands for increase of wages. The most important cause of lockouts was disputes concerning recognition of union and union rules and employers' organization, which alone and combined with other causes produced nearly one-half of all lockouts and included more than one- half of all establishments involved in lock- outs. Digitized by Google

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1238 The Railroad Telegrapher. The percentage of strikes for each of the leading causes has varied largely from year to year, but in every year save 1884 and 1904 strikes for increase of wages have out- numbered those for any other one cause. In 1884 a greater number (38.15 per cent) were undertaken wholly or in part against reduction of wages, and in 1904 38.92 per cent were for recognition of union and union rules. In recent years the percentage of strikes against reduction of wages has shown a notable decrease, as is of course natural in a period of advancing wages. On the other hand, the percentage of strikes concerning recognition of union and union rules has shown a remarkable increase, for while they constituted less than 9 per cent of all strikes between 1881 and 1885, and never reached 20 per cent in any single year prior to 1896, yet during the five-year period 1901 to 1905 they constituted more than one-third of all strikes. The sympa- thetic strike, which in the early eighties was comparatively rare, but between 1889 and 1894 became of considerable import- ance, since 1894 has not constituted as much as 3 per cent of all strikes in any year except 1904. Strikes for increase of wages have been more successful than those for any other cause, having entirely failed in only 31.36 per cent of the establishments involved in strikes for that cause, while the next most successful, those against increase of hours, entirely failed in 37.09 per cent of the es- tablishments involved. Strikes concerning recognition of union and union rules en- tirely failed in 42.88 per cent of the es- tablishments involved, and sympathetic strikes, the most unsuccessful of all, entirely failed in 76.53 per cent of the establish- ments involved. SETTLEMENT OF STRIKES. Within recent years the effort to bring about the settlement of strikes and lockouts by joint agreement of organizations repre- senting the parties or by arbitration by a disinterested third party has been attended with considerable success. During the five- year period 1901 to 1905, 5.75 per cent of all strikes and 12.20 per cent of all lockouts were settled by joint agreement and 1.60 per cent of the strikes and 2.03 per cent of the lockouts were settled by arbitration. These methods of settlement have been thus far largely confined to a few industries, practically one-half of the strikes and two- thirds of the lockouts settled by joint agree- ment being in the building trades, and about 14 per cent in the coal and coke in- dustry. Of the strikes settled by arbitra- tion more than one-fourth were in the building trades and 13 per cent in the coal and coke industry. These figures do not fully represent the progress of these methods of settlement of disputes between employer and employe, for both methods are being used to a large and increasing ex- tent to settle disputes before a stoppage of work occurs. EIGHT-HOUR LAW8. THE enactment of the eight-hour law governing the employment of rail- road telegraphers continues, New York, Connecticut and Wisconsin being the latest acquisitions to the list. The New York law, which becomes ef- fective October 1, 1907, is a straight eight- hour law with limitation regarding its ap- plication ; the limitation being a stated minimum number of trains that shall be handled on a line before the law becomes applicable to such line. The Connecticut law has no limitation regarding the number of trains, but exempts one-man stations from its provisions. The Wisconsin law is a straight eight- hour law with no limitations whatever, ex- cept in case of accident. Another feature of the Wisconsin law is the penalty provided for violation thereof, which is a fine of not less than one thou- sand dollars nor more than five thousand dollars for each offense. The new laws are as follows : WISCONSIN LAW. An Act to create a new section to the statutes of 1898, to be known as Section 1816m, relating to railroads. The people of the State of Wisconsin, represented in \ Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows: Section 1. There is created and added to the statutes of 1896 a new section to read: Section 1816m. It shall be unlawful for Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1239 any corporation or a receiver operating a line of railroad, in whole or in part, in the State of Wisconsin, or any officer, agent or representative of such corporation or re- ceiver, to require or permit any operator to remain on duty for more than one period of eight consecutive hours, and when said operator shall have been on duty for said eight hours he shall be relieved and not re- quired or permitted again to go on duty until he has had at least sixteen consecutive hours off duty in any twenty-four hours; provided this provision shall not apply in case of casualty upon such railroad ; in which case said operator may be required or permitted to be on duty not more than one period of twelve consecutive hours in any twenty-four hours, or not to exceed three days of said twelve successive hours each at one time. 2. The term “operator” shall include train dispatchers, and shall be defined and construed to mean an employe who, by the use of the telegraph or telephone dis- patches, or reports, transmits, receives or delivers orders pertaining to or affecting the movement of cars, engines, or trains, or who handles such cars, engines, or trains by or under what is known and termed the block system; the “block system” shall be defined and construed to mean reporting cars, engines or trains to another office or offices and to the train dispatcher register- ing same and operating one or more order or signal devices, and manipulating signal devices affecting the movement of cars, en- gines or trains from stations or towers in railroad yards or on main tracks. 3. Whenever the railroad commission shall learn of any violation of this section by any company or by an officer or agent of any such company, it shall be the duty of the railroad commission to investigate such violation at once and it shall have power to require such company to imme- diately provide such additional employes as are necessary to comply with the provisions of this act. 4. The failure to comply with any of the provisions of this section shall subject the corporation or receiver or any officer, agent or representative of such corporation or re- ceiver to a penalty of not less than one thousand dollars nor more than five thou- sand dollare for each offense, to be sued for and recovered in the name of the State, with the costs of prosecution, by the attor- ney general or under his direction, or by the district attorney for any county in which the violation may occur, and in the Circuit Court for such county, and such penalty, when recovered, shall be paid into the county treasury of the county in which the violation occurred, for the benefit of such county. Section 2. All acts and parts of acts in- consistent with the provisions of this act are hereby repealed. Section 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after January 1, 1908. NEW YORK LAW. Explanation. — Matter In italics Is new ; mat- ter In brackets [ ] Is old law to be omitted. An Act to amend the labor law, relative to hours of labor of certain employes on railroads. The people of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows : Section 1. Chapter four hundred and fif- teen of the laws of eighteen hundred and ninety-seven, entitled “An act in relation to labor, constituting chapter thirty-two of the general laws,” is hereby amended by adding a new section after section seven thereof, to be section seven-a, to read as follows : Section 70. Regulation of hours of labor of block system telegraph and telephone operators and signalmen on surface, sub- way and elevated railroads. — The pro- visions of section seven of this chapter shall not be applicable to employes mentioned herein. It shall be unlawful for any cor- poration or receiver, operating a line of railroad, either surface, subway or elevated . in whole or in part, in the State of New York, or any officer, agent or representative of such corporation or receiver to require or ptrmit any telegraph or telephone opera- tor who spaces trains by the use of the tele- graph or telephone under what is known and termed the “block system ” ( defined as follows ) : Reporting train* to another office or offices or to a train dispatcher operating one or more trains: under signals, Digitized by Google

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1240 The Railroad Telegrapher. and telegraph or telephone levermen who manipulate interlocking machines in rail- road yards or on main tracks out on the lines [connecting side tracks or switches ] or train dispatchers in its service whose duties substantially , as hereinbefore set forth , pertain to the movement of cars, en- gines or trains on its railroad by the use of the telegraph or telephone in dispatching or reporting trains or receiving or trans- mitting train orders as interpreted in this section t to be an duty for more than eight hours in a day of twenty-four hours , and it is hereby declared that eight hours shall constitute ,a day of employment for all laborers or employes engaged in the kind of labor aforesaid ; except in cases of ex- traordinary emergency caused by accident, fire, flood or danger to life or property and for each hour of labor so performed in any one day in excess of such eight hours, by any such employe, he shall be paid in addi- tion at least, one-eighth of his daily com- pensation. Any person Or persons, com- pany or corporation, who shall violate any of the provisions of this section, shall, on conviction, be fined in the sum not less than one hundred dollars, and such fine shall be recovered by an action in the name of the State of New York, for the use of the State, which shall sue for it against such person, corporation or association vio- lating this act, said suit to be instituted in any court in this State having appro- priate jurisdiction. Such fine, when recov- ered as aforesaid, shall be paid without any deduction whatever, one-half thereof to the informer, and the balance thereof to be paid into the free school fund of the State of New York. The provisions of this act shall not apply to any part of a railroad where not more than eight regular passen- ger trains in twenty-four hours pass each way ; provided, moreover, that where twenty freight trains pass each way gener- ally in each twenty-four hours then the pro- visions of this act shall apply, notwith- standing that there may pass a l*ss number of passenger trains than hereinbefore set forth, namely eight. Section 2. This act shall take effect October first, nineteen hundred and seven. CONNECTICUT LAW. An Act concerning hours of labor of tele- graph operators and train dispatchers. General Assembly, January Session, A. D. 1907. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Assembly convened : Section 1. It shall be unlawful for any person, persons, corporation or receiver operating a line of railroad wholly or partly within this State, or any officer, agent or representative of such corporation or re- ceiver, to require or permit any telegraph or telephone operator, who spaces trains by the use of the telgraph or telephone, under what is known and termed the “block sys- tem/' defined as follows : Reporting trains to another office or officers, or to a train dispatcher operating one or more trains under signals, and telegraph or telephone levermen who manipulate interlocking ma- chines in railroad yards or on main tracks out on the lines connecting sidetracks or switches, or train dispatchers in its service whose duties substantially, as hereinbefore set forth, pertain to the movement of cars, engines, or trains on its railroad by the use of the telegraph or telphone in dispatching or reporting trains or receiving or trans- mitting train orders, as interpreted in this section, to be on duty for more than eight hours in a day of twenty-four hours, and it is hereby declared that eight hours shall constitute a day of employment for all laborers or employes engaged in the kind of labor aforesaid ; provided, that at sta- tions that are kept open only during the daytime, where only one telegraph or tele- phone operator is employed, such operator may work twelve hours in a day of twenty- four hours, and that the hours of service of telegraph or telephone operators, as in- terpreted in this section, shall be consecu- tive, including one meal hour; and pro- vided, further, that in case of sickness, death, wrecks, or washouts, telegraph or telephone operators may be held on duty not to exceed sixteen hours in a day of twenty-four hours. Section 2. Any person or persons, com- pany, or corporation, who shall violate any Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1241 of the provisions of the preceding section shall, on conviction, be fined not more than one thousand dollars. Section 3. This act shall take effect Jan- uary 1, 1908. THE MISSOURI EIGHT-HOUR LAW. THE eight-hour law for railroad teleg- raphers, which recently became ef- fective in Missouri, has been ignored by the railroads on the ground that it was unconstitutional. Complaints for violation of the law have been filed in different sections of the State, the first of which trials has just been held at Chillicothe, Mo., and resulted in the con- viction of the company, and the imposition of a fine of $200. The following special dispatch to the St. Louis Republic furnished considerable in- formation on the subject: “The Burlington Railroad Company was found guilty today on a charge of violating the eight-hour telegraph law and fined $200 by Justice Crall. It was alleged that the Burlington violated the law by requiring and permitting L. D. Howe, an operator, to work more than eight consecutive hours in each twenty-four. An appeal was taken. “This is the first conviction that has been secured under the law passed at the regular session of the Legislature, which prohibits telegraph operators whose work is in any way connected with the movement of trains from working more than eight hours a day. “The case was brought by Prosecuting Attorney E. C. Carr. The only evidence introduced was the testimony of Howe. “The railroad’s defense consisted of a mo- tion to dismiss the case on the following grounds : “That the defendant had been served by civil process and was not in court by arrest ; that the United States Congress had legis- lated on the same subject, which barred the State from regulating the same thing; that the law is in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitu- tion in that it denies the defendant the equal protection of the law; that the law contravenes the constitutional provision re- garding contracts, impairing the obligation of the company with its employes; that the amount prayed for in the petition or infor- mation— $1,000 — is in excess of the jurisdic- tion of a Justice of the Peace, whose juris- diction can not exceed amounts of over $250; that it is unconstitutional because it interferes with interstate commerce. TRADE8 AND LABOR CONGRE88 OF CANADA. THE Secretary of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada has just issued the following official call for the twenty-third annual session of that body, which will convene in Winnipeg, on Monday, September 16. 1907: To the Officers and Members of Trades and Labor Councils , National Trade Unions, Federal Labor Unions and In- ternational Local Trade Unions in the Dominion of Canada. Greeting: Fellow Labor Unionists and Brothers: The twenty-third annual session of the Trades and Labor Congress of Canada will convene in the legislative council chamber, Broadway, City of Winnipeg, Province of Manitoba, beginning at 10 o’clock, Monday morning, September 16, 1907, and will con- tinue in session from day to day until the business of the convention has been com- pleted. Last year, notwithstanding the fact that the convention was held in the extreme west of Canada, namely, at Victoria, the convention, both in point of numbers and enthusiasm, excelled anything in the his- tory of organized labQr in Canada. With the convention in Winnipeg, the future capital of the British Empire, and fairly accessible, both as to cost of trans- portation and time, all past records should be broken. The approaching convention is expected to be a climax of the great work of organization for the past twenty-five years in Canada. Your body can not afford to be unrepresented. While the organization of the workers has gone on most successfully, the efforts of our opponents have never been greater or more pronounced, and the necessity for close touch amongst all branches of labor in every part of Canada has never been more marked. Matters affecting the every- day life of the toiler will be the subject of Digitized by Google

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1242 The Railroad Telegrapher. discussion on each day of the convention, and the importance of your organization entitles it to be heard in the consideration of all these great questions. The laws passed during the last session of the Dominion Parliament, as well as those enacted by the various Provincial Legislatures, will afford much room for discussion, and will require the exercise of the best thought in the world of labor. See to it, therefore, that your delegates are on hand. One of the most important questions to come before the convention will be the policy of the Congress towards immigra- tion. The advent of thousands of immi- grants, and the promise of thousands more, have brought the immigration question to the forefront, and today it ranks as one of the most difficult problems confronting organized labor, affecting, as it does, our wages, our hours of labor; in fact, every condition that surrounds us in the sale of our labor. As every Province has its own problems in this regard, every Province should be well represented at the conven- tion. So, too, the reports of the Provincial Executives as to the progress of the politi- cal action, determined upon at the Victoria convention, will be of great and enduring interest. The movements and utterances of the representatives of the Liberal and Conservative parties indicate very clearly that we will have a general election for the Dominion Parliament in 1908. This means that the Winnipeg convention of the annual Parliament of labor will be the only chance that the representatives of labor, through their Dominion Legislative Labor Body, will have of reviewing the work dont by the Provincial Executives with respect to independent political action and taking spch steps as they deem necessary to com- plete this work. Therefore, it is of para- mount importance that at least every trades and labor council, from Halifax in the East to Victoria in the West, should be represented by the very best men. Don’t be content to say that there will be enough there without you. Have your own delegates present. This is the grow- ing time, and organized labor must keep up with the procession. It is useless for you to inveigh against unjust laws, or the methods of the employers, unless you do your part in passing upon the ways and means to better yourself. Isolation from the general labor movement not only weakens your own organization but helps to destroy the movement itself. Faithfully yours, Alphonse Verville, M. P., President, Montreal. James Simpson, Vice-President, Toronto. P. M. Draper, Secretary-Treasurer, Ottawa. IMMIGRATION. THE question of immigration into the United States is one that is receiv- ing serious attention at the hands of the various organizations. There were 1,285,349 immigrants landed into the United States during the year ending June 30, 1907. Of this number 258,943 came from Russia, 285.731 from Italy and 338,532 from Austria-Hungary. On account of this great influx of cheap alien labor, various protective leagues and societies are being formed for the purpose of pushing legislation in the National Con- gress looking toward the checking of this great influx of cheap labor into the United States. That some prompt and decisive action should be taken is apparent, and as legislative measures are necessary, it would seem the best means to accomplish the de- sired end would be active agitation for the amendment of the immigration laws of the country; and in order to bring this about, it will be necessary to impress upon the minds of the members of the National Con- gress that the people demand this legisla- tion, and it should be made an issue in the next campaign. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1243 ORIAL N0t€5 Forty-four new and revised schedules have been secured since January i, 1907. One thousand three hundred and sixty- nine new members were initiated into the Order during the month of July. At the time of going to press 24,952 mem- bers had already paid dues for the new term ending December 31, 1907. It is said that Grover C. Pyle, whose name appears on the Katy scab list, is now working for the Iron Mountain at Earle, Ark. The surplus in the Mortuary Fund of the Mutual Benefit Department continues to grow and will probably pass the $200,000 mark by the end of August. The accompanying is an engraving of an official O. R. T. gold ring. These rings can be had from the Grand Secretary and V ^ Treasurer for $4.50. In 7 ordering them it is only necessary to give the size desired, which information can be secured from any jeweler. The statement issued by the Bureau of Immigration for the month of June, 1907, shows that there were 154,734 aliens landed at the various ports of entry in the United States during that month; that there were 1,311 debarred from entrance, classified as follows: Idiots, 5; insane persons and epi- leptics, 27 ; paupers or likely to become pub- lic charges and beggars, 545; loathsome or dangerous contagious diseases, 271 ; con- victs, 7 ; polygamists, 1 ; contract laborers, 418; insufficient or no passports, 14; under provision of Chinese Exclusion Act, 14; ac- companying aliens, 9. The report also shows that there were 72 aliens returned by the immigration authorities after landing. The total number of aliens landed in the United States during the month of June, 1906, were 119,900. Help to complete thorough organization throughout the country by furnishing the Grand Secretary and Treasurer with a cor- rect list of all non-members in your terri- tory, using care to give correct initials, the correct spelling of the name, and the cor- rect address, and also to show the road on which they are employed. Since the last announcement new sched- ules have been secured on the C., R.. I. & P. Ry., of Texas, the Kanawha and Michi- gan Ry., and the Zanesville and Western Ry., and revised schedules have been se- cured on the Baltimore & Ohio Southwest- ern, Queen & Crescent (North), Soo Line, New York, Ontario & Western, and the Missouri Pacific Railway. The Cincinnati Post, in a recent issue, publishes the following special from At- lanta, Ga. : “The fight of Hoke Smith, formerly Sec- retary of the Interior under President Cleveland, but now the reform Governor of Georgia, for purity in politics and legis- lative meetings, is having effect. “The Georgia Legislature has passed a drastic anti-lobby bill which was inspired by the Governor. It provides that every lobbyist must register with the Clerk of the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1244 The Railroad Telegrapher. House and Senate and must present signed affidavits telling of every bill in which they are interested. “No lobbyist shall be allowed on the floor of either the House or the Senate. They can appear before committees only. Viola- tion of this law shall be punished by fine and imprisonment. “The ‘third house’ in the Georgia Legis- lature has previously been notoriously open, lobbyists button-holing members on the very floor of the House. The railroad lobby was the strongest, and it was on a platform of compelling the railroads to obey the man- dates of the State that Gov. Smith was elected.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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PERSONAL AVENTION The following births have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher : To Bro. and Mrs. Wm. Allen, of Kyles, O., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. A. H. Swan, of Roca, Neb., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. Ed Ott, of Massillon, Ohio, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. P. Trapntll, of Met- ter, Ga., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. N. A. Knotter, of Fort Hill, Pa., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. Y. Alexander, of Wat- son, Ind., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. F. F. Hadsell, of Tal- mo, Kan., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. W. J. Mills, of Bay- field, Wis., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. A. S. Clark, of Black- well, Okla., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. O. L. Walker, of Meigs, Ga., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. E. R. Banks, of Hawk Point, Mo., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. S. Walker, of Peach- land, N. C., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. C. Wilson, of El Paso, Texas, a girl. To Bro and Mrs. P. T. Harrity, of Roch- ester, N. H., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. E. F. Erskine, of Blakesley, O., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. G. E. McCleary, of Meadows, 111., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. G. B. Garwood, of Quitman, Ga., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. E. H. Birchfield, of Roanoke, Va., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. John C. Hunter, of Donald, Conn., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Edw. Lockridge, of Wadesville, Ind., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. T. Halverson, of Napavine, Wash., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Smith Endicott, of Rio Grande, N. J., a boy. To Bro and Mrs. N. S. La Bounty, of Woodward, Ind., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. R. Darrah, of Meyersdale, Pa., a girl. To Bm. and Mrs. A. H. Strickland, of Enterprise, Ala., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Percy W. Brown, of Saugatuck, Conn., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Chas. A. Evans, of Ostrander, Minn., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. E. T. Greenway, of Crystal City, Man., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. F. Gark, of Long Island City, N. Y., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. T. Benedict, of Conntaut Lake, Pa., a boy. The following marriages have been re- ported since the last issue of The Teleg- rapher : Bro. J. A. Raines, of Div. 2, to Miss Lena Losier. Bro. J. D. Minsel, of Div. 2, to Miss Myrtle Hull. Bro. Daniel T. Utz, of Div. ioo, to Miss Grace Miller. Bro. Carl S. Quick, of Div. ioo, to Miss D. D. Slocum. Bro. J. R. Langley, of Div. 93, to Miss L. Edna Petty. Bro. I. Anderson, of Div. 36, to Miss Grace Rawlings. Bro. L. B. Lewis, of Div. 76, to Miss Laura B. Davis. Bro. Geo. L. Bernard, of Div. 41, to Miss Katherine O’Malley. Bro. George E. Andrews, of Div. 100, to Miss Anna Voorhees. Bro. A. V. J. Selkirk, of Div. 7, to Miss Annie Isabell Malott. Bro. F. W. Schenmeyor, Jr., of Div. 8, to Miss Laurena Coughlin. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1246 The Railroad Telegrapher. is a n« * 1 ■ s If ^ * . 9 mi ■■L Arthur Griffin. W. B. Schrunk. Max Griffin. O. R. T. GROUP-C. B. & Q. RAILWAY, BAGLEY. WIS. T. A. Lane. Miss Edith L. Huffman. O. L. Neal. Bro. Neal and Miss Huffman were married at Clayton, Mo., June 18th. Bro. Lane of Div. 2, being: the Committee on Reception and Arrangements. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1247 Bro. H. E. Cox, of Div. 138, to Miss Pearl Miller. Bro. C. A. Payne, of Div. 34, to Miss Lille Combs. Bro. R. A. Hauseman, of Div. 74, to Miss Blanch Duffy. Bro. Jay M. Gordon, of Div. 32, to Miss Mertie Canon. Bro. E. T. Eager, of Div. 126, to Miss Eula Aldridge. Bro. A. A Ransom, of Div. 76, to Miss Gertrude O’Connor. Bro. G L. Short, of the Grand Div., to Miss Annie F. Clawson. At Ontario, N. Y., Bro. Welby Hamilton, of Div. 8, to Miss Jessie Truax. At Dinsdale, Iowa, Bro. L. E. Stark, of Div. 126, to Miss Mary Bicket. At Mankato, Minn., Bro. B. J. Funk, of Div. 76, to Miss Minerva Foley. At Meriden, Conn., Bro. E. M. Thomp- son, of Div. 29, to Miss Eva Wells. At Galesburg, 111., Bro. Harry D. Ga- briel, of Div. 5, to Miss Lucy P. Wagher. The Telegrapher extends congratula- tions to the happy couples. The following deaths have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: At Minhall, Pa., Bro. W. N. Smith, of Div. 52. At Omaha, Neb., Bro. G. W. Barnes, of Div. 126. At Connellsville, Pa., son of Bro. S. M. DeHuff, of Div. 33. At Sedalia, Colo., infant daughter of Bro. J. E. Bobbitt, of Div. 49. At Loretto, Ky., little daughter of Bro. F. K. Beaven, of Div. 93. At Dallas, Texas, Alva Gedney, little son of Bro. and Sister A. J. Crew. At Baltimore, Md., Mrs. Kothe, mother of Bro. John Kothe, of Div. 33. At Pierre, S. D., the only daughter of Bro. M. G Highbee, of Div. 76. At Canandaigua, N. Y., infant daughter of Bro. E. K. Harris, of Div. 100. The bereaved relatives have the sym- pathy of all Wanted. Present address of John Murphy. Swan, if you see this, write me. Bowdy. Present address of E. S. Barker. Ed, if you see this, write. H. W. Owen, Swallows, Colo. Anyone knowing the whereabouts of C. W. McFarland, kindly notify Mrs. Dolly Wilson, Waverly, Minn., at once. Present address of Herman M. Johnson. If you ste this, write me. W. J. Beck, Jr., Box 24, Granger, Wyo. Present address Corporal Glenn Connley. Last heard of in Kansas City, Mo., headed south. Corporal, if you see this, write me at 844 Howard ave., New Orleans, La. “BN.” Present address of Thomas Campbell, age 1 7 years, of West Middlesex, Pa. Left home several months ago. Last heard of at Grayling, Mich. C. W. Dawson, Pulaski, Pa. Present address of William T. Kelley. Last heard from at Adrian, Wash., working for Northern Pacific R. R. “Chunk/* if you see this, write to me, Sister Evelyn. 1323 Main st., Jacksonville, Fla. Present address of Clifton Noble. Last heard of working on A. B. & A. at Nicholes, Ga. Cliff, if you see this write your old pal. A. C. L., Branford, Fla. C. M. DeLong. Present address of A. B. Chandler. Last heard of on April 14, at Steins, New Mex. His father and mother are very anxious about him. Any information as to his whereabouts will be appreciated. J. D. Lane, Mansfield, S. D. Present address of A. J. Crew. Last heard from working on Colorado Midland. “CW/* if you see this, write me ; important ; also present address of F. J. Mason. Last heard from with Texas Pacific, El Paso, Texas. Frank, if you see this, write me. A. P. Chambliss, Ticket agent, Seaboard Airline Ry., Hamlet. N. C. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1248 The Railroad Telegrapher. Present address of E. C. Brandenburg. Last heard of working as operator for Southern Pacific in April last. H. L. Kemper, Cashier, Commercial Bank, San Luis Obispo, Cal. Prtsent address A. W. Showalter. Worked as dispatcher on Central in Gua- with N. G. Owens, 164 W. 2d st., Peru, Ind., at once, he will hear something to his advantage. Present address of E. B. Burch, formerly general yardmaster at Kansas City, Mo., and various other places for Mo. Pac. C. L. Buchell, Mo. Pac. Bldg., Fort Scott, Kan. Edw. Nee. Frank P. Austin. O. R. T. MEMBERS-ARLINGTON. S. D. temala City, Guatemala. Later worked for Mexican Cable Co., as cable operator, and transferred to Buenos Ayres, S. A. “BO,” if you see this, write; important news. J. R. Maher, Gen. Del., Philadelphia, Pa. Present address of R. O. Sheperdson. Worked at one time at points in Illinois; also in the Southwest. If he communicates Present address of J. W. Tardiff. Last heard of working on Union Pacific. If you see this, “JW,” writt me; good news for you* J. A. Dixon, Cart Dispatcher’s Office, B. & O. R. R., Connellsville, Pa. Present address of L. E. Hill. Last heard of working on N. P. Ry., at Fargo Digitized by ^.ooQie

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 12 49 Shops. “H,” if you see this, write your old friend; have mail for you. H. O. Mannes, Sanborn, N. D. The following # memberts desire to ex- change souvenir postal cards with other members : W. J. Scheider, Elko, Ga. A. H. Williams, Berton, Va. E. H. Bauman, Boyertown, Pa. W. R. Connelly, Box 15, Midland, Va. C. J. Flaherty, 38 Wolfe st., Rochester, N. Y. J. L. Barton, 1837 Michigan ave., Chi- cago, 111. E. C. Grover, Jr., 14 Howell st., Roches- ter, N. Y. Miss Yvonne Pare, Wharf Sta., Fall River, Mass. A. P. Chambliss, ticket agent, Seaboard Air Line Ry., Hamlet, N. C. Wanted — To exchange old coins. Have a collection of over 300 from many nations, and will be pleased to exchange with you. Drop a card to F. E. Shea, Westminster Junction, B. C. Lost or Stolen. Card No. 7899, Cert 44, Div. 126, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 30, Cert. 1167, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1967. Card No. 10441, Cert. 7, Div. 87, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2865, Cert. 274, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 4269, Cert. 430, Div. 29, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1224, Cert. 348, Div. 29, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 21924, Cert. 1544, Div. 33, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 5272, Cert 1430, Div. 33, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8969, Cert. 1308, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 12238, Cert. 1726, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 10799, Cert. 309, Div. 96, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1078, Cert. 185, Div. 27, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 5315, Cert. 921, Div. 31, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 10852, Cert. 1573, Div. 76, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3622, Cert. 1304, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 677, Cert. 4198, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 710, Cert. 4391, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1250 The Railroad Telegrapher. F. R. Underwood. O. J. Ritchey. A. B. Caldwell. O. R. T. GROUP— PENNSYLVANIA RY.. WHITE ROCK. PA. R. Burnett. C. L. Brinsreman. W. H. Nation. F. T. Anthony. O. R. T. GROUP— ILLINOIS CENTRAL RAILWAY. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Begin well and end better. * * * Laziness is a vice — fight it. * * * Remorse is the shadow of sin. * * * Do your honest best — it pays. * * * To strive is to challenge fate. * * * Work if you want to be happy. * * * Fear is responsible for most virtue. * * * Nothing is law that is not reason. * * * Silence is often the golden key of happi- ness. * * * The enemies of unionism are proof of its worth. * * * Better be a “has been” than a “never wasser.” * * * Trust in Providence, but keep the kettle boiling. * * * There is no credit in being good when you have to. * * * No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of someone else. * * * We never complain about the slowness of time when we are interested in our task. * * * An eager pursuit of fortune is too often inconsistent with a rigid adherence to truth. A man should never predict failure unless he desires to meet it. * * * If responsibility confronts you, seizt it; do not throw it aside — responsibility repre- sents opportunity. * * * There are many ways to make money, but only one way to save it, and that is by liv- ing on a little less than you earn. * * * “Do yoh bes’,” said Uncle Eben, “to lovt yoh enemies, but don* try to git brotherly an* trusting wif 'em in a hoss trade.” * * * Reports submitted at the recent meeting of the executive council of the A. F. of L. showed an increase of 55,000 in the trade union membership in the last five months. * * * A prime object for labor to organize is to elevate the standard of wages and condi- tions of employment. Experience has taught that this prime object is attained only through organization. * * * Coal mine owners in Wales state that the miners do not want an eight-hour day, not- withstanding the fact that the miners them- selves assert that they do want it and threaten to go into politics to secure it. * * * The union man who does not have the union label on his shoes, overalls, shirts, collars, suspenders and other articles on which they can be secured, and gives as a reason, “Well, I don’t buy them; my wife gets them in a store where she gets trading stamps,” ought to be given $cab wages (from $2 to $1 less than union wages), and a bunch of trading stamps in his pay enve- lope. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1252 The Railroad Telegrapher. The Society of Equity (farmers* union) in conjunction with other unions, has or- ganized in Detroit a produce exchange simi- lar to the one started by the Chicago Feder- ation of Labor. * * * The capitalists form trusts and sell the product of labor “for whatsoever they will” and at the same time insist that the laborer shall be permitted to work for whatever The only safe place to keep one’s heart is at home. * * * The meanest man in the world is the man who says he does not have to join a union because his wages and hours are as good as those of the union man. He forgets that if it were not for the union establishing the hours and wages he would have nothing to boast of, and the fact that he accepts those J. B. Grant. J. H. Hosston. W. H. Smith. G. C. Cocke. SOLID O. R. T.-SOUTHERN RAILWAY, TOWER CREEK, ALA. wages he will — without the interference of the union. How considerate. * * * It has been stated that it takes at least two to make a bargain How is it where a corporation sets the price and conditions of employment upon labor without permit- ting the wage earner to have anything to say? Rather like the mule that has its food and drink set before it after exacting service. hours and wages and then refuses to do his part, or pay his shart towards maintaining them, stamps him as a man of low calibre and utterly devoid of honor and honesty. * * * Chicago, 111., electricians want a scale of $5 a day, an increase of 50 cents a day over their present scale. They do not make any agreements with employers. They set their own working rules and they have had no trouble in enforcing them for several years. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1253 The man who uses his friends often, soon has none. * * * It is a deplorable fact, but nevertheless true, that many members have never even read a copy of the constitution and by-laws. Each and every member should inform him- self at least upon the more important points and familiarize himself with the more im- portant laws. * * * The purpose for which labor is employed by a corporation is to profit from the results of labor. The problem, however, involves both the question of a fair division of profits and the exactions of employment. Labor has a right to have something to say upon this problem. * * * Bishop Fallows, of Chicago, in a sermon delivered in St. Paul's Reformed Episcopal Church, declared himself a firm believer in trade unionism, and said it was nonsense to affirm that the trade unionist infringed on the constitutional rights of the non- unionist, and added: “Unionism is the very salvation of labor; perish every effort to destroy it. The non-unionist is reaping the benefit of the sacrifices and labor of his union fellows, and he has a right to recog- nize the sacredness of his obligation to them.” * * * We all believe that God ordained that men should earn their bread by the sweat of their brow; but we are sometimes inclined to think that God Himself couldn't make some of them get their bread in that way. But, then, it might be because they don't earn it; they just “get” it. * * * To talk about the improvement of your job is union agitation. If you suggest to your fellow employes that the job should pay better wages you are making yourself obnoxious to the employing management. If you are working for an “open shop,” or non-union management, you'll get fired. There will be no help for it. You won't even be told what you are discharged for, unless the management wishes to make an example of you before other employes. J. R. BRANDON, Local Chairman P. R. R., Div. 12. When a man accepts benefits he has done nothing to earn, he is as much a thief as if he deliberately stole a million dollars. Any non-unionist who by his refusal to join the union of his craft, pays nothing to maintain it, yet takes advantages that the union inaugurates, is that thief. Digitized by t^ooole

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1254 The Railroad Telegrapher. A well fed, well housed, well clothed and through deception, and you are accounted a well educated laboring man is better for so- respectable citizen. Poison a man with ar- ciety — better for the merchant, better for senic and you swing from the gallows; O. R. T. GROUP-N. Y., N. H. & H. RY., RIVER POINT, R. I. the employer, better for the nation — than an underfed, poorly clad and ignorant laboring man. Organized labor believes so and is working to that end. * * * Be satisfied with your possessions, but not contented with yourself until you have made the best of them; despise nothing in the world except falsehood and meanness, if ear nothing except cowardice ; be gov- erned by your admonitions rather than by your disgusts, and covet nothing that is your neighbors except his kindness of heart and greatness of manners. * * * Swindle a man through forgery and you get “pinched.” Swindle him through mis- representation of your goods, make money poison him with adulterated foods, quack medicine and diseased meats, and no “sleuth” haunts your footsteps. ' Kill a man with a crowbar and you sit in an electric chair. Kill him by overwork and you are called a “captain of industry.” * * * If you don’t like the way your union is run, says an exchange, dig in and run it yourself, but don’t be a do-nothing and complain because others are doing the work you should help do. If a clique is running it, join the clique. They are the workers without whom the local would go out of existence. Anyone can be a “knocker,” it takes a good man to be a worker. * * * Ighorance and conceit go hand in hand. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1255 There is all the difference in the world between the selfishness of a capitalist and the selfishness of organized labor. The one means an increase of selfish luxury for one man or a single family ; the other means not luxury, but increase of decency, comfort, self-respect, more ease for the aged, more schooling for the young, not of one, but of hundreds of thousands of families. * * * To-day everything is a trust. If we want to purchase the necessities of life we must go to the trust for them. Many of life's pleasures are being trustified, and in New York the barber shop trust has already as many as twenty shops under their control. Trusts, trusts, everywhere, yet not one of them will trust you nor can they be trusted. Put your trust in your union and your fel- fow unionists and the criminal trusts will find it hard to live. * * * The cause of organized labor lives not for the present alone, but for the future, with its basic existence firmly fixed in the hopes crowned with success is to be seen in the accelerated stimulation of thought aroused among all people. Not even the bitterest antagonism can break down the rock of its hope, to which holds the hearts of the wage earning masses, and nothing can im- pede its march nor defeat its purposes but treachery in its corps of membership. Its advance will be just as rapid in proportion as the spirit of fraternity is developed, and its demonstrable strength shown in the will- ingness to bear one another's burdens mani- fested by individual members. * * * In 1864 printers struck on the Democrat and the Republican of St. Louis. That was in war times. General Rosecrans was in command at St. Louis. He detailed a num- ber of soldiers who were printers to take the strikers' places. The union printers sent in a report of the condition of affairs to President Lincoln. The answer was as follows : “Order those soldiers back to duty in the ranks. The servants of the federal government shall not interfere with S. I. Dewitt C. P. Dunn. O. R. T. MEMBERS-C. B. & Q. RAILWAY, MASCOT, NEB. and aspirations of the toilers for equitable conditions of justice and right. Its high and noble purpose is to create a healthier public opinion, and that its efforts are being the legitimate demand of labor so long as I am president." * * * A mistake is a sin that never grew up. Digitized by LiOOQle

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1256 The Railroad Telegrapher. Why does an employing corporation op- pose the labor union? Is it because the management is unable to fix the hours of labor and the wage rate without consulting the employes? That appears to be the only objection. It is a certainty that the man- agement exercises that prerogative whert no labor union exists. In such cases the employes work absolutely as the manage- ment pleases that they shall work, and for such wages as the management pleases to pay them. How can such a condition be changed? Only through the formation of a labor union. Then we readily see why the union is opposed. MISS CARRIE PEARL SEID. First lady member Sunbury Division, No. 12. In Cincinnati, stereotypers, organized, re- ceive 44 cents per h6ur. In Toronto, stereo- typers, organized, receive 37 1-2 cents per hour for the same class of work. The street railway employes of Cincinnati, un- organized, receive a less rate of wage per hour than that received by the organized street railway employes of Toronto. Statis- tics show that living expenses are 20 per cent higher in Cincinnati than in Toronto. These figures show an interesting com- parison. * * * Does there exist an inalienable right to work as one pleases, and without restric- tions? If so, why cannot anyone be em- ployed as a lawyer before the courts ? There s\re many who are not lawyers with whom it would be more safe to trust many cases before a court, or jury, than with many lawyers. Yet anyone employed who has not passed an examining board of lawyers would not be permitted to conduct or even plead the case. The job is a “closed shop” proposition. Yet the loudest denouncers of the unionism of labor are some corporation lawyers. * * * The modem trades union is the champion and protector of childhood and woman- hood. It is the trades union that is agitat- ing and fighting to rescue the child from the drudgery of factory life and place it in the school, just as the same agency is demand- ing an equal wage for men and women for equal work performed. It is the trades union that has abolished the sweatshop con- ditions existing in thousands of workshops, thereby enabling thousands of women to re- ceive better wages and improved conditions. It is the trades union that today saves thousands of young women from selling their honor on the street. The trades union is the greatest moral influence of the 20th century, and it has done and is doing more to uplift the toiling masses than all other agencies combined. — Industrial Banner. * * * One of the prominent preachers of Knox- ville, Tenn., on the Sunday before Labor day, used the following language in his opening prayer: “O Lord, may these dis- turbers of the peace who are teaching theories that society cannot adopt, soon see the error of their way and ceas*e agitation.” Some 1906 years ago there came to this gray old globe a blessed “disturber of the peace,” who taught “theories that society could not adopt.” He wanted the golden rule to be the law of the land ; he stood for the toilers and scourged the idlers; he was indignant at those who had “kept back their laborer's hire”; he laid strong stress on the commandment: “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread and not in the sweat of the face of another”; in short he believed that human rights had the precedent over “vested rights.” They crucified him! — and no doubt the Knoxville pharisee would be the first to cry “Crucify him!” if he were here today. Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1257 Organized labor is necessary to man, it is necessary to peace and the prosperity of the country. Labor is merchandise that will not keep. In its individual capacity it is helpless and must take what it can get It cannot go to another market, for when it leaves home the wife and children are It is absolutely inconceivable how an in- telligent workingman who keeps abreast with the times and studies modern indus- trial conditions can possibly remain outside the fold of his particular craft, if that craft be organized. If a man is so sorely lacking in intelligence as not to be able to realize SOLID O. R. T. GROUP. in need. Individual labor is subject to the laws of supply and demand, because it can’t wait. In its united capacity it is strong — not strong in wrong, because labor has no desire to do wrong to capital or to condi- tions. It has too much brains. — Governor Frazier, of Tennessee. his utter insignificance as an individual when brought face to face with the great forces of organized capital, he can not think for himself and must be left as a mere tool in the hands of his organized employers. But if a man understands the labor ques- tion, he knows the beneficial results of or- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1258 The Railroad Telegrapher. ganization ; and if he remains neutral, he is simply taking this stand in order to secure the benfits without contributing to the sup- port of organized labor. * * * “Workingmen have the right to fix a price upon their labor and to refuse work unless that price is obtained. Singly or in combination, they have this right. They may use persuasion to induce men to join their organization or refuse to work except for an established wage. They may present their cause to the public in newspapers or circulars, in a peaceable way and with no attempt at coercion. If the effect in such case is ruin to the employer, it is damnum absque injuria, for they have only exercised their legal rights.” This is the enlightened opinion of the Supreme Court of Michigan, which was handed down some time ago in a case in which an injunction was sought by an em- ployer to restrain his workingmen from using the boycott in their fight for con- ditions they considered right. We should hear little opposition to the injunction in labor disputes if the rights embodied in this decision were generally acknowledged by the judiciary. * * * It is not enough to be honest and lazy. Digitized by LiOOQle

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BOBBIE AND THE H. T. HAT’S your name?” “Robert Burns Walter Scott McGregor.” “I’m not inquiring into genealogical de- tails, what’s your name?” “Tht fellows at school used to call me Redhead, before I licked ’em — afterwards they called me Bobbie.” “How old are you?” “Fourteen.” “Suppose you’ve a widowed mother to support, never smoked a cigarttte in your life, and attend Sunday-school ?” Bobbies’s face flushed ’till the freckles stood out in bold relief and his complexion matched his hair — which was very red. “That’s none of your business. I come here looking for a job an’ I’ve got a recom- mend in my pocket. If you don’t want me, say so, an’ I’ll git.” The sporting editor swiveled round in his chair and looked at him, then he grinned. The sporting editor also had red hair and his name was McDonald. “I guess you’ll do. Consider yourself engaged — salary three dollars per. if you’re worth it — if you’re not you’ll get fired — see ? Go over there,” indicating a bench at the end of the long room, “and wait ’till you’re wanted. My call is three bells, and when you hear ’em you come, and come on the lope — understand ?” Bobbie thought he understood. He pushed a straggling lock of red hair off his forehead and walked down the long room just as he felt at ease (which he didn’t) to a bench where several other boys were seated. They sidled along barely enough to af- ford him a precarious edge, then by nudg- ing each other and their audible criticisms of the “new guy” caused Bobbie’s com- plexion to run up into his hair again. “Guess tomatoes is ript,” whispered one boy to his neighbor. “Wonder if his mudder made them pants?” “Say, fellers, git onter the Eyetalian sun- set !” The line giggled. "The Spaniards an’ the Irish They don’t amount to much, But anything is better Than a red-headed Scotch,” chortled the boy on his left. The bench creaked under suppressed mer- riment. Bobbie’s eyes flashed and his fist doubled. “I’ll fix you for that, see ’fi don’t !” he hissed in his neighbor’s ear. The line squirmed appreciatively. Just then three sharp taps of a bell sounded and Bobbie obeyed the summons — otherwise circumstances might have caused him to relinquish his position then and there. He threw one glance over his shoulder. The glance took in tht whole bench, but was directed particularly to the “captain,” he who had referred to the red-headed Scotch. The aforesaid captain was an ex- ception, as office boys go. He wore two clean collars a wtek, his shoes were always polished, and ’twas understood that the crease in his trousers was preserved by placing them under his mattress every night. He w'as regarded with awe adulterated with hatred by his understudies, and his name was Alfred Clarence Smith. Bobbie did very well the first week and drew his "three” without censure or com- ment from the man higher up. Incidentally he did have a widowed mother, and he also had two older brothers who should have Digitized by ^.ooQle

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12o0 The Railroad Telegrapher. helped lift the burden from his young ‘houlders, but they didn’t. However, this has nothing to do with Bobbie and the H. T. and is a direct digression. Bobbie en- tered on his second week with the conscious- ness of duty performed and a growing dis- like for Alfred Clarence. Now, Alfred Clarence was a protege of the “O. M.,” which was short for the Old Man, which was still shorter for Mr. James Montgomery Harris, the managing editor. The sporting editor, McDonald, was known in the office as the Holy Terror — “If. T.” for short — and between the O. M. and H. T. there existed an arnud neutrality which threatened to become open hostilities in the slightest provocation. McDonald was the smartest man on the staff and the O. M. knew it. There had been some talk ly the stockholders of removing the O. M. and placing the H. T. in his chair. This fact, coupled with some remarks passed by McDonald to the effect that “the doped lrsh handed out as editorial gush was an insult to intelligent readers,” had riled tht O. M. considerably, and he had it in for the H. T. He had one card up his sleeve ard was waiting his chance to play it. The H. T. occasionally and periodically indulged too copiously in the cup which cheers, also inebriatts; his tongue might be a trifle thick at such times, but good Lord how he could write ! There were no bub- bles on his typewriter ribbon, his English* flowed like a tank of Standard oil on tap- smooth, clear, concise. The O. M. had warned him that the ntxt time his libations exceeded the limit, he would be relegated to the “Brigade” — which means newspaper men out of a job. The H. T. hadn’t been found “asleep at the switch” for some three months previous to Bobbie’s arrival. The office was expecting an outbreak shortly, and the hushed undercurrent of uncertainty hadn’t escaped Bobbie’s notice although he was too green to fathom its depths. “Huh,” remarked Alfred Clarence, “you think you’re solid with the H. T., but you just wait 'til this day’s over. I’ll lay you a quarter that both him and you’ll be poundin’ bricks tomorrer.” Bobbie had listened to previous unpleas- ant insinuations from Alfred Clarence, but somehow the creased trousers (Bobbie had tried the mattress process, but it was not a success) grated on his nerves with un- usual harshness. “Mind your own business,” he growled, “or I’ll give you what’s cornin’ to you right here and now.” Alfred Clarence moved along on the bench and continued from a safe distance : “You sweet angel child, you ain’t been in this office long enough to read the signs. The H. T. is wearing a red necktie this mornin’, an’ that’s a best bet that there’ll be somethin’ doin’ before night.” Bobbie looked perplexed. “When the H. T. comes out in a neck- tie what matches his hair,” continued Al- fred Clarence, “it’s a sign that he’s goin’ to fall off’en the water wagon, an’ this time he gits fired, an’ you too.” Bobbie didn’t wait to hear any more. He tore off his coat and rolled up his sleeves. “Come here you pie-faced dude, take them words back or — ” Alfred Clarence grew pale, but he didn’t respond. Instead he placed his thumb on the end of his nose, which was a very un- wise thing to do. Bobbie had him off the bench in a jiffy, and sailed in with a ve- hemence which not only disarranged the creased trousers but put tht wearer to the mat, where he took the count. Bobbie stood over his vanquished antagonist and was rolling down his sleeves, when a hand grasped the remnant of his collar from be- hind. “Come here, you imp! What do you mtan by fighting in the office? I’ve rung your call till the bell’s cracked— come here !” The hand on his collar hustled Bobbie along ’till the compartment at the end of the long room was reached, partitioned off by ground glass and labeled in very large lttters, “Sporting Editor — Private.” Here the hand was relaxed, and Bobbie was forcibly seated on a chair. “Now then, wot in ’ell you been doin’?” Bobbie regarded the H. T. fearlessly with one eye (the other was closed for repairs) Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1261 and wiped his nose on a very bloody hand- kerchief. “If you please, sir, that mut, Alfred Clarence, he said that you an’ I was goin* to get fired.” “Oh, he did, did he?” The H. T.’s jaws set. “Anything else ?” “He said, sir, 'twas on account of the necktie you’re wearin’.” McDonald fingered his tie absently for a moment, then he tore it off and threw it into the wastebasket. Whether by accident or design his lapses from rectitude had been heralded by lurid cravats. He took several turns up and down the ground glass cage, then he laid a hand on Bobbie's red head. “Say, kid, I guess we can fool the bunch a while longer. Get into what's left of your clothes an' come out an' have an ice cream soda. We’ll also buy a necktie — something chaste and subdued — an’ you take this tip from me, kid, neither you nor I are goin’ to sever our connection with this joint just at present — understand ?”— By Gertrude Maryland Moorhouse, in The Painter and Decorator. THE BANK'S MEANEST MAN. T was four thirty in the afternoon at the Third National Bank. “Say, you fellows,” exclaimed the paying teller, glancing down toward us, “who's the newest man this year?” The fellow next to me raised his head. “It's Phillips,” he said. “Send him here, then,” returned the other. I was Phillips. Accordingly I went. “Phillips,” said the teller, “let’s see. Were you here Christmas of last year?” He knew as well as I did that I was not, but a man of his importance must ignore details. So I told him. “I came in last October,” I replied. “So you did,” he resumed; “well, now, see here, Phillips. Christmas is only two days off, and it’s always been our custom here to get up a little purse for the runners and the porters and the elevator men, and we always ask the newest man to pass around the hat Now, here's a list showing just how much money we want for the purpose. It's up to you, Phillips, to see that the fellows shell out enough of the stuff. Understand?” I nodded and took the list. The receiv- ing teller looked in at the back door of the cage with a broad grin on his face. “Tell him about the prize, Willoughby,” he said. “To be sure,” returned the other. “I 'most forgot it” He leaned over toward me with a con- fidential air. “Now, Phillips,” he continued, “there’s one man in the bank who is particularly liberal on these occasions — and that man is Williams, over there at the end of the line — and for that reason we've taken lately to offering a prize — a prize to the fellow who can get Williams to break his record for generosity — to put up more money than he ever did before.” He stopped and winked at the other man, then he went on. “Williams heretofore has always given up the same amount — neither more nor less — so it’s up to you to go in and win the prize; no man has done it yet.” He dismissed me with a solemn nod. I started in at once. My plan was to go to all the other fellows first and leave Williams to the last. I did so. There still remained a con- . siderable unsubscribed deficit, and it was my determination to get Williams to make it up if I could. So I stepped up to his desk and broached the subject He looked at me uneasily as I began and started to shake his head btfore I was half way through. “I— I c$m’t do it,” he said, looking every- where but at my face. “I — I’d like to, you know, but my salary is small, and — and — but no, I’m sorry, but I can’t do anything this year. Perhaps next year — ” “But, Mr. Williams,” I protested, “look at the list. All the other fellows — ” “I know,” he said, “but I — ” He hesitated for a moment, and then thrust his hand into his trousers pocket and drew forth a coin. “Here,” he continued, “I’ll go this far — I’ll give you this. I would never spend it Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1262 The Railroad Telegrapher. any way, myself — It’s a pocket piece. I hate to let it go, but you can take it.” He passed it over to me. It was an old, time-worn three cent piece. He gazed at it hungrily as it lay in my palm. “It would buy some fellow a cup of coffee and a roll,” he said. “But,” he continued, “it's a pocket piece — I'd never spend it, so you can have it.' I took it for what it was worth. Next morning, before Williams arrived, I went to the paying teller and made my report. He took the money. “What about Williams?” he inquired. I htld out to him the three cent piece. “Williams is no good this year,” I re- plied. “This is all I could get out of him.” “What?” exclaimed the paying teller, in evident astonishment. Then he raised his voice. “Gentlemen, gentlemen,” he cried. The men from all parts of the bank flocked to his cage. “Gentlemen, resumed the paying teller, with his hand upon my hand, “I am happy to announce that Mr. Phillips here has won the prize. He has done what no one before him was able to accomplish. He has suc- ceeded in inducing Williams to increase his annual donation by the sum of just three cents. Phillips,” he added, addressing me with ceremony, “I — I congratulate you, sir.. You have accomplished the impossible.” A great shout of laughter and applause went up. It suddenly abated as the front door opened to admit Williams, the object of their merriment. Williams came in and slunk off to his desk* He looked, I thought, like a whipped cur. My duties as collector of gratuities did not cease with Christmas. A young runner of ours was knocked down in his street and broke his leg. Wil- loughby found that his people were poor, and that the lad would need some extra attendance, and that it would come hard — so we took up another collection — that is, I did for the others. And again I approached Williams. But Williams stolidly’ said no. And they told me that it had ever been the same. Williams had steadfastly and for years ignored all appeals of a kindred nature. He was a good man, they told me — did his duty to the bank and all that; but they never got a cent from him. To him there was no such thing as good- fellowship or charity. Apparently he didn’t know what they meant. And they had ostracised him. Whether he realized it or not was hard to tell. He simply went his way, and they went theirs. But it was enough, goodness knows. As a part of the machinery of the bank he was recognized; but as a man, a friend, a fellow companion, he was utterly ignored. And I despised him with the rest. But when the “Major” — Major Biddle, the colored porter of the bank, a man the bank had had for fifteen years — when Major Biddle died, I made an extra effort to tug at Williams’ heart strings. I thought to myself that at such a time the man would surely yield. Biddle had a wife and family — a lot of clean, curly headed little darkies that came down to the bank once in a while — and they were dependent solely on his wages. We did well by them. The Major was a faithful man — and a popular one, too — hand in glove with all of us, and with half of Wall Street for that matter — and we did the best we knew how, and it did us good to do it. But Williams was adamant. He wouldn't give a cent. “Phillips,” he said to me confidentially on that occasion, “see here. You've always treated me well — better than the others, and I want to tell you — I want you to know — that I would do this thing if I possibly could do it. But I simply can’t. It's a case of the impossible, that's all.” He placed his hand upon my arm. “I want you to believe it," he concluded. While he was talking I noticed that one knee of his trousers had been patched where the cloth had worn. He kept his hand over it most of the time. His clothes were old and faded. These things worried me a bit and set me to thinking, and I told Wil- loughby about them and about what he had said. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1263 Willoughby laughed at me. “Phillips/’ he remarked when I had fin- ished, “that fellow has said the same thing to each of us in turn. It’s nothing but a bluff. And as for the clothes and the rest — there’s just one explanation of the whole thing — the man is a mean one, with a cap- ital M. “I want to tell you this, Phillips. I’vt been here as long and longer than Wil- liams has, and I know him like a book. He’s mean clear through. It’s a passion with him. That’s all there is to it. I’ve watched him, and I know. “And if there’s a meaner, more despic- able man in God’s world than that man Williams, I hopt I never meet, or see, or hear of him. That’s all I’ve got to say, and you can put that in your pipe and smoke it.’’ Well, I asked all the rest, and they all told me the same story — every one of them. He was mean — Williams. That’s all there was about it. Occasionally old Jenkins camt around. Jenkins was a superannuated old clerk that the bank had kept in its employ just as long as it was possible to do so. But banks are not charitable institutions, and Jenkins had to leave — five “years before. He was absolutely of no use to the bank. And so he went. It was understood that some relative was taking care of Jenkins — he was provided for, at any rate. So the bank never both- ered its head about him — nor anybody else, for that matter. But Jenkins would come around once or twice a year, and Willoughby — good-hearted fellow that he was — always had me take up the usual collection. “Don’t be ashamed to take it, Jenkins, old man, he would say kindly; “we’re all coming to it some day. Besides,” he added, “the bank owes you a living, and we’re only trying to pay you a part of the bank’s in- debtedness— that’s all.” And so the old man bowed his thanks and took it By this time I was about through with Williams, as you may believe, but I asked him, notwithstanding, to contribute to the Jenkins fund. I anticipated his denial, and turned on my heel almost before the utterance of his re- fusal had left his mouth. But, would you believe it — on every one of these occasions, after old Jenkins had said a word to each of us, he would go and stand at Williams’ desk for half an hour, beaming all over, and chatting away as though Williams was the greatest friend and benefactor he had ever had. And Williams seemed to let the old man think so, too. “Confound that fellow, Williams,” said the teller. “Stringing the old man like that ! I’m going to tell old Jenkins all about it.” And he did, but the old fellow only shook his head and smiled. “Why, Mr. Willoughby — ” he began. And then he stopped. “But no,” he re- sumed, “he told me not to tell it — other- wise I would. But you’re all mistaken,” he added, “you are indeed.” “Now, what game of talk has he been giving Jenkins?” said Willoughby, as Jen- kins left the bank. “He ought to be ashamed — the hypocrite,” he added. It was two days later that the president stepped out and called me. “Phillips,” he said, “tell Williams that I’d like to see him, will you — in my office?” I went down the line to Williams’ desk. Then I came back. “Mr. Williams is not there, sir,” I re- ported. “He isn’t here today.” “What !” exclaimed the president. Then he stuck his head in at the cashier’s room. “Any mail from Williams?” he inquirtd. “He isn’t here today.” But there was none, and Williams didn’t show up on that day or the next. On the third day the president spoke to me again. “Phillips,” he said, “something must have happened to Williams, otherwise he would have let us know. Here’s his address. Sup- pose you go up there at noontime and find out what the matter is, and let me know. I can’t account for it.” I found Williams in a hall bedroom — the only room he had— on the top floor of a cheap tenement way up on the East Side. He was in bed. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1264 The Railroad Telegrapher. As I entered he sat up and rubbed his eyes. He sat there for a moment and looked at me uncertainly. Then he spoke. “Oh, it's Phillips,” he said in a sort of weak voice. “Phillips,” he explained, “I — I overslept this morning. I'm glad you came. You can explain it to them. You see, last night when I left the bank I wasn’t feeling very — ” “Last night 1” I exclaimed. “What are you talking about? You haven’t been there for two days.” “What — what’s that?” he cried. “Two days 1” He looked at me stupidly for a minute. “I — I must have been sick, then. I must have been out of my head. Two days — two days 1” He leaned forward suddenly and caught me by the hand. “Say, Phillips,” he con- tinued eagerly, “will my salary go on the same? I’ve never been sick before, and I don’t know. Ask ’em for me, will you, when you go back? I hope it does. I can’t afford to lose two days. You ask ’em, will you? And, say, Phillips, you tell the old man that I’ll be down tomorrow morning, sure. I would have come today, but I tried to dress this morning and found I couldn’t finish. You tell him about it, Phillips, will you? And, say,” he added as I started for the door, “find out about the salary — whether it goes on.” “Well,” said the president to me three- quarters of an hour later as I stood before him, “what’s up — what’s the matter with him?” “Well,” I replied, “I saw him, sir. He was in bed. He said he was sick, sir; but he didn’t look it.” I was determined not to spare Williams in the least degree. “He didn’t look it,” I repeated. “His eyes were bright, and his cheeks were red — plenty of color in his face — and he looked better than I ever saw him look, Mr. Bres- lin, that’s a fact, sir.” I was a mere lad, and came of healthy stock, and knew nothing of the signs of illness — the tffects of fever. The president looked at me with an expression of concern. “What,” he cried, “red cheeks — Williams with red cheeks! Good Lord, man — he must be sick. Come here with me.” He took me out to Willoughby. “Now,” he said, “tell Willoughby what you have just told me. Now, Willoughby,” he added when I had finished, “Williams must be in a bad way, worse, even, than we supposed. Can’t you go up there after four today, and see what you can do for him? Do anything that’s necessary, you know — if it’s a case of doctors or medicine, or anything, why, get it and charge it up to me. Williams has been here a long time, and the bank can’t afford to lose him, you know — he’s too good a man.” The teller looked at me and made a grim- ace. He didn’t like the job. But he said he’d go, and after hours he went. I was a few minutes late next morning myself. I entered to find the whole office force gathered around Willoughby in ex- pectant attitudes, while the teller was start- ing in on one of the harangues of which he was so fond. “Fellows,” he began, as he looked around upon the crowd, “I want to tell you that we’re the meanest, snidest set of cads and bounders in the City of New York — that’s gospel truth — and I’m the king pin of the lot. “We think we’re about the most liberal, whole-souled set of fellows in town — but let me tell you we’re away off. There’s just one man in this bank,” he continued earn- estly, “and only one — who knows what the word charity really means, who’d go with- out a shirt to his back, or without food to fill his stomach, for the sake of helping another man along — and that man’s name is Williams — Johnny Williams — and don’t you forget. And he can give us cards and spades and beat us all hands down, at our own game.” There were smiles of incredulity, mur- murs of astonishment. “I mean it,” resumed Willoughby, “every word of it. Look here,” he added, “you all know what Williams gets a year. Well, let me tell you what he does with it. I found out all about it. And we all thought he was laying away the stuff. Listen, and I’ll tell you. • Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1265 “He’s got a crippled sister — I saw her, and she’s in about as bad shape as any one could be, spine and hips all out of gear — and it costs Williams over half his salary to furnish that girl with medicine and doctors and massage and surgical appliances, and all that sort of thing. “Well, that’s natural, of course; that’s to be expected. She’s his own flesh and blood. “Well, then, his brother died four years ago, leaving a sickly wife — I saw her, too — and five little tots, and I saw them. Their mother can’t do much, of course, and they’re not old enough to go to work, and so Wil- liams takes care of them — and of her, too. No reason why he should, of course — we know that — but he does. And that isn’t all either, not by a long shot.” He paused and glanced around again on all the interested faces. Then he struck his desk with his clenched fist. “We ought to be ashamed of ourselves — the whole gang. You all know old Jen- kins,” he continued. “Well, you know we all thought old Jenkins had some friends or relatives who were taking care of him. Well, he hasn’t — not one. And they were going to cart him off to the poor house — this was five years ago, just after he left — the old man was without a cent. “Well, sir, Johnny Williams stepped into the breach, and for five years he’s paid that old man three hundred dollars a year — and taken food out of his own mouth and clothes off his own back to do it Aad that’s the kind of man,” he added fiercely, “that we’ve been bullyragging and brow- beating and cussing all these years. “If I had my own way,” he said severely, “I’d go out there and knock the whole gang of you, and then give you leave to knock me out afterward. “Now, wait a minute. That's not all,” he interposed as one of the fellows started in to speak. “Williams is in a bad way. He’s nothing but skin and bone. He’s got a bad fever, and he’s out of his head. The doctor says he’s simply starved to death. He says that it was simply a matter of a few cents with Williams — that if Williams could have spent only five cents more a day for food — a loaf of bread or a quart of milk more — he could have stood it. But now ” He stopped for an instant. “And oh, I forgot to tell you,’’ he went on again. “W'illiams is engaged to be mar- ried— a fine girl — I saw her. too; and they are wrapped up in each other, and there isn’t a chance of their gc'ting married — well, for years. But they’re sticking it out, both of them, and she’s waiting for him — and she will, till doomsday, if nec- essary— she’s that kind. And — and,” added the teller in a husky voice, “and fellows, it’s — it’s a damned shame. Confound cur ugly hides that’s what it is, and nothing else.” We were all dumbfounded. We stood there, none of us knowing what to say. The teller started in again. “There’s just one thing we can do.” he said. “We can never pay him up for the way we’ve treated him, but we can do something for him. Williams hasn’t got a cent — not a sou. The doctor says he’s done for, unless one thing pulls him through. “If Williams is to live and get well, he’s got to go away — that’s the only thing that’ll save him. And it’s going to cost two hun- dred and over — say two fifty at the out- side. Now •” The receiving teller poked his hat through the window from his cage next door. “You’ve talked enough now, Willoughby. Here, Phillips,” he said to me, “pass around the hat. We’ll make up the amount. It’s money that talks — even better than Wil- loughby, though he’s good at it, I’ll admit.” But Willoughby held up his hand. “We won’t do it that way,” he said. “I’ve thought it all out.” He took a small coin out of his pocket. “It’s Williams’ three-cent piece,” he add- ed. “I’ve kept it as a souvenir. We — we’ll raffle it off. I’ve got the slips all ready. Every man will take a slip and pay so much. We’ll draw tomorrow after hours. The lucky man gets the three cent piece. How’ll that do?” It was * satisfactory to the crowd. By noon all the slips had been sold, and we were shy only about twenty-five dollars. But the president made that up himself. Digitized by Google

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1266 The Railroad Telegrapher. Next day at four, Willoughby called me to his desk. He held out his hat. “Have you got the slips?’* he said. I nodded and put them in the hat. “I — I made out one for Williams, too,” I said, producing it. (It was No. 51). “I though he ought to have a chance.” “A good idea,” he said. “Let me have it.” He took it, but I didn’t see it go into the hat. “Now call the rest of them,” he added; “this must be open and above-board.” They came, and he told them about the one we had put in for Williams. They ap- proved of the idea. “Now gentlemen,” he con*inued, “Phil- lips will shake the hat well, and then hold it up above my head, and I will draw.” I did as he directed. When everything was ready, he put his hand into the hat. As he did so, I saw that he inserted a long, lean middle finger between his coat sleeve and his cuff. “I’ve got it!” he exclaimed. “Here it is.” He produced a slip. We crowded round and looked at it. “It’s No. 51,” he said. “Look on the list. Phillips, and see who’s the lucky man.” Everybody looked. “Why — its Williams!” they all cried. “Why, so it is,” he said. “How very odd.” And he glanced around at me with a smile that was childlike and bland. It was three months later to a day when we next saw Williams. He came in one afternoon, all tanned and browned — for the first time for many years with some natural color in his face. He passed at once into the president’s room, but waved his hand to us as he dis- appeared from view. The cashier, who was in there at the time, was good enough to tell us later what occurred. After the usual — or rather, unusual — greeting from the president, the president asked Williams to take a seat. Williams did so. “Now, Williams,” he said, “the board have insisted on my employing a private secretary — I’m getting old and perhaps for- getful.” he added with a smile, “and I sup- pose I netd one. I want to offer you the job. The salary is fair — five hundred more than you’ve been getting. The duties are somewhat onerous perhaps. I’m rather cantankerous at times, but ” Williams looked at him with gleaming eyes. “What is the nature of the duties, sir?” he inquired in his embarrassment, for want of something else to say, perhaps. “I — well, said the president — and then he stopped. He caught the cashier by the sleeve. “Say, Carruthers,” he whispered, “what the devil does a private secretary do — tell me in ten words? I never had one before, and I’ll be hanged if I know myself.” “Why, yes, Mr. Williams,” he resumed aloud. “Yes, of course. The duties of a private secretary are, of course, well under- stood. He must look generally after the details, you know, and then he must — well, yes, he must look after the details. That is about the scope of his duties — to — to look after the details.” “I shall be very glad — only too glad,” be- gan Williams, but the president interrupted him. “And, oh yes, Williams, there’s another thing I want to say. I’ve got a little cottage with a little piece of ground around it back here across the river, in the country. It’s no good to me, and I’ve made up my mind to get rid of it. So I thought I’d give it to — to Mrs. Williams as a sort of a — a — wed- ding present, don’t you know. I don’t know what better I could give her, or what better means I could find for getting rid of it.” Williams looked at him aghast. “But there isn’t any Mrs. Williams!” he protested. The president glanced up, apparently in anger at the protest. “Williams,” he said severely, “that’s — that’s a mere matter of detail — you must ar- range that — you musn’t bother me about — about details. I dont’ employ you to do that. All I say is that I’m going to give that house and lot to Mrs. Williams — that’s all there is about it. There’s the deed. 1 havn’t filled in the first name. That’s a matter of detail, too. I leave it to you. You fill in the name.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1267 Williams looked at the two men in a dazed sort of fashion. Then he blushed up to the roots of his hair. Finally he found his voice. “It’i Katherine,” he said simply, looking out of the window. — The Boilermaker's Journal. EFFECTS OF LIONS ON RAILROAD OPERATION. THE lions of East Africa appear to be watching the progress of civiliza- tion with deep interest, and nothing has done more to arouse their curiosity and wonder than the trains on the Uganda railroad. The road, from the In- dian ocean to Victoria Nyanza, is 584 miles long, and between the terminal points are 39 stations. The line is man- aged on the system of the Indian rail- roads, and most of the men in the track, train and station service are East Indians. The Indian station agent is known as a babu, and he leads a lonesome life. Simba, for example, where the lions have been making a special study of the railroad sys- tem, has only a station building, a water tank for the engines and a side-track, this being one of the places where trains pass each other on the single track road. The trouble began at Simba about a year ago, when the traffic manager at Nairobi one morning received this astonishing tele- gram from the babu at Simba : “A lion has been bothering me for three nights. He comes upon the station platform and goes to sleep. Then he walks up and down, scratches on the wall and door and tries to get into the office. Please send cartridges for a Snider rifle by the first train for my protection. I have blank cartridges, but they are of no use against lions.” This profound observation has the ear- marks of sober truth. Whether the lion de- sired to buy a ticket or whether a fellow- feeling for the lonesome babu induced him to try to cultivate his acquaintance is not known, but it is quite certain that blank cartridges wtre not appropriate ammuni- tion, and that ball cartridges were in de- mand. It is to be supposed that they were promptly supplied, but if so. they did not make a deep impression upon the pests, for in August another hair-raising telegram reached the traffic manager, as follows: ‘‘August 17, 2 :45 a. m. “Urgent. To Traffic Manager: “A lion is on the platform. Please in- struct guard and engineer to proceed care- fully, and to make no signals in the yard. Tell the guard to advise passengers not to get out here, and to be veiy careful himself when he comes into the office.” This distress signal from Simba had the immediate result of starling a British sportsman in that direction, who shot three lions, but was badly hurt before he killed the third one. The poor babu was left again in the wilderness, but not exactly monarch of all he surveyed. He told the train hands every day that he could not sleep at night and his nerves were badly shaken. There was nothing doing, however, for several weeks after the great day when three lions had been laid low within a few rods of the station. Then came another nervous telegram. “Extra urgent. Track hand was sur- rounded by two lions while returning from signal box. He climbed a telegraph pole near the water tank. He is up there yet. Order train to stop there and take him aboard. The traffic manager will please make necessary arrangements.” The track man succeeded in reaching the station before relief arrived. For sev- eral days the telegraph wire was burdened only with routine dispatches. Then another episode was proclaimed in the following shape : “To guard and driver of down train: Carriage of secretary in on the siding, where he shot a lion just now, and others are roaring on Makindu side. Driver must pro- ceed without signals and stop engine oppo- site station. Guard must not get out of the brake van.” Later advices have not yet come to hand, but if any station master is finding life monotonous and longs to have a dull rou- tine peppered with incident and adventure, perhaps he may arrange to swap jobs with the babu at Simba. — Railway Times, India. Digitized by v^ooQle

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1268 The Railroad Telegrapher. THE LABORER’S PAY CHECK. SPIKE SPROGGINS was known by every one in the town in which he lived. He was a handy man ; one of those chaps that jog along through life in a happy-go-lucky fashion. Spike was a merry-souled lad, who could file a meat-saw or sew a button on a shirt. If the town pump got out of order Spike Sproggins fixed it. Election days found Spike with a star and a club guarding the sanctity of the polling place. When the section boss on the railroad got permission to increase his force Sproggins was sure to find steady employment until the next reduction was made. The average section foreman is none too particular in making up his time- book and the railroad pay-rolls, for such gangs of men abound in nicknames or abbreviated Christian names. The roadmaster put on a new clerk and when the time books reached the office at the end of the month, Sprog- gins’ boss was asked by wire to furnish the correct Christian name of his worthy assist- ant. After dusting the cobwebs from his memory Sproggins remembered there had been a Christian name given him. The pay checks arrived in due time in care of the station agent. Spike, with the other members of the gang, reported for his check but was inforemd that no check bearing his name had been received. Several exchanges by wire and mail brought out the fact that Spike’s Christian name had been substituted for his pseu- donym. The check at length reached his hands. Straightway Sproggins proceeded to try and square himself at the various mercantile establishments in the town. His trials had only begun. The butcher knew Spike Sproggins, but declared he would not be bamboozled into cashing a check bearing a name unknown to him. The baker threatened to have Spike ar- rested for forgery in trying to pass off a check in the name of another Sproggins who was not known to the inhabitants of the town. The candlestick maker did not get a chance at the check, as electric lights are used in Scroggins’ home town. The banker insisted upon identification. Clerks, bookkeepers, cashiers and customers offered with acclaim to vouch that the man with the check was known to each per- sonally and familiarly as Spike Sproggins ‘‘But,” exclaimed the banker, “the check is drawn in favor of William Sproggins ! Is this William Sproggins?’’ And they answered as one man, “Not William but Spike !’’ At last the disgusted section hand ap- pealed to the superintendent. That func- tionary found upon his desk one morning a letter containing a pay check. The letter ran : “Deer Cir: — Me name its Spike Sprog- gins, so it is. The boss. McCarty’s after getting some society notions into his head and makes a fool of himself be puttin’ down me name as William. That’s me name, all right, all right, but the divil a wan in this town knows it, and so I want you to make me check payable to Spike Sproggins or I’ll know ye’re the dom crank that McCarty says ye are. “Askin’ yer pardon. Spike Sproggins. “P. S. — I’m broke and about to be put in jale.” — The Railivay Conductor. WOMEN AND THE STRIKE. THE men stood about in groups at the car barns, the cars were ready, the time to start had arrived — but not a man boarded his car; not a car moved. All down the long street that stretched away to the center of the city at every street corner were groups of twos and threes or more, looking anxiously to- ward the car barns, from which their usu- ally unconsidered and convenient transpor- tation was expected to come. And down other streets all over the city people stood on the street corners and waited — and waited in vain. At an all-night session of the union, where the final decision of the managers which denied the modest demands of the men, and refused to recognize the union as having anything to do with the matter, had been read, the strike had been declared amid great enthusiasm. This had occurred too late for the early morning papers, and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1269 so the public generally knew nothing of the situation until the newsboys began to call out, “All about the street car strike ! Extra ! Extra!” Then the down- town workers began their long trudge to the factories, mills and shops, patiently and cheerfully, for they were willing to do their share toward help- ing the car men to a few of their rights. A little later, the express wagons, trucks, carts, as well as all the cabs and available carriages, were doing a rushing business. They were filled for the most part with clerks, stenographers, business men and women, and these, too, accepted the situ- ation with tolerable good nature. It was only when the shoppers began to come out of their dwellings, and look for a car, that any decided grumbling was heard, and they were very much irritated that they should be so annoyed and inconvenienced. The strike was on, and the streets pre- sented an odd appearance. The car tracks gathered dust, and everybody who owned any kind of a conveyance reaped a rich har- vest. It was hard on the shop girls who stood all day, and could not afford a ride in an express wagon ; and on men who toiled hard through long, weary hours, and had to drag themselves home as best they might. But the car men got out as many teams as possible, and carried the most weary ones home free. Their strike was just, and public sympathy was with them. They were almost sure to win out — there was just one doubtful element. How would the women, the wives and mothers, the housekeepers who had to depend on the wages of the men for the comfort of their families, look on the matter? Some one has written on the effect of a strike on the housewives and mothers, and seeing only the immediate moment, warned working- men from bringing onto their devoted heads the sufferings and privations that a strike entails. Certainly women are most vitally concerned, but that is the reason they should be enlightened as to the benefits of union and solidarity, and, as the last resort, to the necessity of the strike. The uneducated woman, the conventional housewife who knows nothing of world economics or of the progress society has made during her own lifetime, is apt to hold a very narrow and personal view. She has no realization of the common interests of workers, cannot conceive that an injury to one is the con- cern of all, does not know that without uni- ted action the worker is a helpless waif, subject to encroaching reductions, and mis- „ erable conditions until existence is barely possible. A community of such wives and mothers will crush any strike; and it be- hooves the educator who has the interests of labor at heart to reach the women. They are not hard to awaken, they catch ideas very quickly, and are thoroughly in earnest when once they do learn. They should at- tend meetings, read books, discuss and hear discussed all the industrial questions of the day, as men discuss them. Once awakened, labor has a force behind it that renders it well nigh invincible. It happened that in the neighborhood where most of the car men lived, a woman lecturer had visited, a woman who was well posted, and clear in her expressions, genial and bright, and who was emphatically a woman’s woman. She had interested them and taught them ; encouraged them to think and to talk, and now they were as much concerned in the questions always being brought up by labor’s conditions and claims as the men themselves. They were ready to take an active part in the strike with their brothers, and were present in goodly numbers when the company undertook to run the cars with scab conductors and mo- tormen. They talked to the men who were taking their husbands’ places, and very often brought them triumphantly down from the cars. They took no notice of policemen and their clubs, usually walking by them wherever they wished to go as though they were not present ; and as yet the policemen were not hardened enough to strike an un- armed, unsuspecting woman. The women stood on the tracks and even sat down in front of a car about to start, and remained there until bodily carried away by the offi- cers. All sorts of obstructions were found mysteriously placed where they would be most effective, and it was astonishing how many cars were disabled and unfit for use during the course of the day. But there was one woman who had at- tended no meetings, read no books, listened to no talks on the labor question, but who, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1270 The Railroad Telegrapher. according to her own statement, “stayed at home and minded her own business, kept her house comfortable and clean, and made her husband’s wages go as far as possible, and in doing this solved the problem of life far better than them masculine women who was always roamin’ around to all sorts of meetings.” This is a sentiment usually applauded by the capitalist class and their hangers-on, but the day is gone by when a woman is at her best knowing nothing but her narrow home and its individual interests. On the morning of the strike, Terry Farnsworth, her husband, stood about rather uneasily, rather reluctant to quit, yet not daring to take his car out in the face of his fellow workers. After a time, he slowly picked up his dinner pail and plodded away toward home. He was a big, slow, good-natured sort of a man, very fond of home and his family, and hating trouble of any kind. His wife was slender, but strong and wiry, handsome and “capable,” and usually had things her way about the house. Terry pre- sented himself before her about nine o’clock in the forenoon, awkwardly dangling his dinner pail, and looking rather shamefaced before her sharp glance. “What are you home for?” “There's a strike, Sarah, an’ I had to quit.” She looked him over with deliberation and scorn. “A strike! That makes no difference to you. You go back and get on your car, or there’ll be another strike right here at home, and you bet it’ll win.” With arms akimbo and fire in her dark eyes, she stepped a little nearer to him, and Terry dejectedly turned and went back to the barns. A number of women were pres- ent when he slouched among the strikers, looking undecided and wretched. “I’ve got to go back to work, boys, my wife won’t stand for a strike.” “No, you don’t ! You’re not the man to go back on your comrades. You can go back in a day or two with the rest of us, but not before.” But he shook his head, saying sullenly “he couldn’t lay around home doin’ nothin’.” The women gathered around and talked to him, and shamed him, and showed him that he could not be a traitor and hold up his head among them ever again. He sulked, but would not promise not to go to work. They sent a delegation to his home to talk to his wife. Sarah Farnsworth would not let them into the house, and would not listen to what they had to say. She said they were a lot of mischief makers, and were trying to take the bread from children’s mouths. They tried to tell her that the unions were looking forward to the future of the children — that at the sacri- fice of a little comfort now they could se- cure better conditions for them in the time to come. She shut the door in their faces while they were speaking. Terry Farnsworth did not go back on his car; but he was about the barns a good deal, and the men surmised that his wife supposed him to be working. The other women acted very differently. They declared they could get along with much less money than the men would have allowed them. They hunted for work, they washed, sewed, scrubbed, went into the fac- tories where it was possible, and even the children ran errands and sold papers to help along. One little woman had a brother and a father among the strikers, and she herself was as good a union man as any of them. She brought work home from the suit factory, and sewed in her mother’s kitchen, and worked so fast that she managed to get much time to go among the homes of the strikers and help the women and children. No voice was more sympathetic and invigorating than that of Minnie Walters, no hand so soothing and willing, no presence so strong and help- ful. She assisted the wives in their work, nursed the sick and the young children, en- couraged and upheld the men, and unceas- ingly worked to make the strike a success. If there were more women like Minnie Wal- ters, workers would be better united and much nearer the goal of justice and fair conditions. One evening just at dusk, three cars were sent out, manned by men from another city, guarded by plenty of police, but empty as to passengers. The crowd about the barns hooted and hissed as they started out, but no violence was used, and the cars pro- ceeded slowly and cautiously for a mile or Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1271 two, when they got up speed and rounded a curve where a narrow bridge spanned a deep cut in the street; only vacant lots ad- joined the tracks in this locality, and the ground was very uneven. There might have been a broken rail, or some obstruc- tion on the road, for just here the first car flew the track, turned over and crashed to the bottom of the cut, and the next, striking the end of the falling car, was thrown to one side, where for a moment it toppled, then careened, and fell a broken mass atop of the other. The third car was derailed but did not go over, and the men quickly jumped to the ground unhurt. But beneath the broken cars men were lying crushed, wounded, dying or dead. It was a terrible accident, and in a moment the inevitable city crowd had gathered. The patrol wagons, ambulances and surgeons soon arrived on the scene, and everyone went to work. An excited boy, who thought he knew’, nn away to tell Mrs. Farnsworth of what had happened. “Was your man workin’?” he asked breathlessly, as he leaned over her gate, eager to be the first to tell the news. “Why, yes, he’s working; I’m expecting him in pretty soon.” “Well, I ’spect he’s killed then, fer they's three cars went over the Deering street cut, an’ they’re all smashed to flinders,” and the boy having delivered himself of this piece of information, flew away. Sarah Farnsworth started out to grab the boy before he could get away, but her limbs refused to do her bidding; she trembled, felt cold and numb, for she was a good woman for all her narrowness, and very fond of her easy-going husband. She had made him go to work, when all sorts of dangers threatened the cars that tried to run, and now perhaps he was dead. She did not, in her terror and remorse, even think to condemn the hands that possibly wrecked the cars ; she was thinking only how she had driven him to his death. Per- haps, too, she had been a little sorry that she had taken the decided stand she had before this terrible thing had happened. The women had not left her alone ; in spite of her discourtesy, they had called repeat- edly, and when she would not admit them to her house, they talked to her over the gate. They told her the particulars of the noble struggle the men were making, how necessary it was that the struggle should be made if they were to be free men, of the sense of security and solidarity that would be theirs when the battle should be won. Sarah was a woman of good common sense, if she had been rendered somewhat narrow and prejudiced by her environment and edu- cation. She saw that they might be right, but though she came to be more friendly in her attitude toward them, she was too stubborn to yield the main point. And so, every day her husband left the house at the usual hour, apparently to go to work. And now, it might be that Terry was dead, and would never come home again. Or, he might be badly hurt and needing her. Once the thought took possession of her she ran into the street without stopping for a wrap or bonnet, and out in the direction of the accident. She stumbled and fell, and scrambled to her feet again, and ran on, and at last panting and wild-eyed she reached the spot. All the dead and injured had been carried away, but the broken cars still lay there, and a crowd lingered about gazing with curiosity and awe at the wreck. “Where is my husband? Was he killed? Was he hurt? Why don’t you tell me?” she exclaimed wildly. “Who was he?” someone asked. “Terry Farnsworth — tell me, some one.” At first no one seemed to know the name, but presently a young fellow spoke up, “I don’t see how Terry Farnsworth could a’ been hurt ; he wasn’t a scab.” For the first time Sarah Farnsworth real- ized what the word meant, and that she had been the one to condemn him in the eyes of his fellow workers. Oh, where was he now? If only he were safe, alive and well, she would never oppose him again in his work or his. union, and then a group of men came up, and a hearty voice exclaimed : “Why, if there ain’t my wife! And frightened half out of her wits, poor little woman.” And Sarah flew to the protect- ing arm. overjoyed that he was alive and well, and also that he was not and never had been “a scab.” — By Lizzie M. Holmes in International Woodworker. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1272 The Railroad Telegrapher. THE GENTLE GRAFTER. «T SEE that the cause of education has I received the princely gift of more than fifty millions of dollars,” said I. I was gleaning the stray items from the evening papers while Jeff Peters packed his briar pipe with plug-cut. “Which same,” said Jeff, “calls for a new deck, and a recitation by the entire class in philanthromathematics.” “Is that an allusion ?” I asked. “It is,” said Jeff. “I never told you about the time when me and Andy Tucker was philanthropists, did I? It was eight years ago in Arizona. Andy and me was out in the Gila mountains with a two-horse wagon prospecting for silver. We struck it, and sold out to parties in Tucson for $25,000. They paid our check at the bank in silver — a thousand dollars in a sack. We loaded it in our wagon, and drove east a hundred miles before we recovered our presence of intellect. Twenty-five thousand dollars don’t sound like so much when you’re read- ing the annual report of the Pennsylvania Railroad or listening to an actor talking about his salary, but when you can raise up a wagon sheet and kick around with your boot heel and hear every one of ’em ring against another, it makes you feel like you was a night-and-day bank with the clock striking twelve. “The third day out we drove into one of the most specious and tidy little towns that Nature or Rand-McNally ever turned out. It was in the foothills and mitigated with trees and flowers and about 2000 head of cordial and dilatory inhabitants. The town seemed to be called Floresville, and Nature had not contaminated it with many rail- roads, fleas, or eastern tourists. “Me and Andy deposited our money to the credit of Peters & Tucker in the Esper- anza Savings Bank, ^nd got rooms at the Skyview Hotel. After supper we lit up, and sat out on the gallery and smoked. Then was when this philanthropy idea struck me. I suppose every grafter gets it sometime. “When a man swindles the public out of a certain amount he begins to get scared, and wants to return part of it. And if you’ll watch close you’ll see that he tries to restore it to the same people he got it from. As a hydrostatical case, take, let’s say, A. A made his milliofis selling oil to poor students who sit up nights studying polit- ical economy and methods for regulating the trusts. So, back to the universities and colleges goes his conscience dollars. “There’s B got his from the common la- boring man that works with his hands and tools. How’s he to get some of the remorse fund back into their overalls? “ ‘Aha !’ says B, ‘I’ll do it in the name of education. I’ve skinned the laboring man,’ says he to himself, ‘but, according to the old proverb, “Charity covers a multitude of skins.” ’ “So he puts up eighty million dollars’ worth of libraries; and the boys with the dinner pail that builds ’em gets the benefit. “ ‘Where’s the books ?’ asks the reading public. “ ‘I dinna ken,’ says B. ‘I offered ye libraries*; and there they are. I suppose if I’d given ye preferred steel trust stock in- stead ye’d have wanted the water in it set out in cut-glass decanters. Hoot, for ye!’ “But, as I said, the owning of so much money was beginning to give me philan- thropitis. It was the first time me and Andy had ever made a pile big enough to make us stop and think how we got it. “ ‘Andy,’ says I, ‘we’re wealthy — not be- yond the dreams of average; but in our humble way we are comparatively as rich as Greasers. I feel as if I’d like to do some- thing.’ “ ‘I was thinking the same thing, Jeff,’ says he. ‘We're been gouging the public for a long time with all kinds of little schemes, from selling self-igniting celluloid collars to flooding Georgia with Hoke Smith presidential campaign buttons. I’d like, myself, to hedge a bet or two in the graft game if I could do it without actu- ally banging the cymbal ines in the Salva- tion Army, or teaching a Bible class by the Bertillon system.’ “ ‘What’ll we do ?’ says Andy. ‘Give free grub to the poor, or send a ceuple of thou- sand to George Cortelyou?’ “ ‘Neither,’ says I. ‘We’ve got too much money to be implicated in plain charity ; and we haven’t got enough to make resti- tution. So, we’ll look about for something that’s about half way between the two. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1273 “The next day in walking around Flores- ville, we see on a hill a big red brick build- ing that appears to be disinhabited. The citizens speak up and tell us that it was be- gun for a residence several years before by a mine owner. After running up the house he finds he only had $2.80 left to furnish it w'ith, so he invests that in whisky, and jumps off the roof on a spot where he now resquiescats in pieces. “As soon as me and Andy saw that build- ing, the same idea struck both of us. We would fix it up with lights and penwipers and professors, and put an iron dog and statues of Hercules and Father John on the lawn, and start one of the finest free educa- tional institutions in the world right there. “So we talks it over to the prominent citizens of Floresville, who falls in fine with the idea. They give a banquet in the en- gine house to us, and we make our bow for the first time as benefactors to the cause of progress and enlightenment. Andy makes an hour-and-a-half speech on the srb'ect of irrigation in lower Egypt, and we have a moral tune on the phonograph, and pine- apple sherbet. “Andy and me didn’t lose any time in philanthropping. We put every man in town that could tell a hammer from a step- ladder to work on the building, dividing it up into classrooms and lecture halls. We wire to Frisco for a car load of desks, foot- balls, arithmetics, penholders, dictionaries, chairs for the professors, slates, skeletons, sponges, twenty-seven cravenetted gowns and caps for the senior class, and an open order for all the truck that goes with a first-class university. I took it on myself to put a campus and a curriculum on the list, but the telegraph operator must have got the words wrong, being an ignorant man, for when the goods came we found a can of peas and a curry comb among ’em “While the weekly paper was having chalk-plate cuts of me and Andy, we wired an employment agency in Chicago to ex- press us, f. o. b., six professors immediately — one English literature, one up-to-date dead languages, one chemistry, one political econ- omy— Democrats preferred — one logic, and one wise to painting, Italian and music, with union card. The Esperanza Bank guaranteed salaries, which was to run be- tween $800 and $800.50. “Well, sir, we finally got in shape. Over the front door was carved the words, 'The World’s University; Peters and Tucker, Patrons and Proprietors.’ And when Sep- tember the first got a cross-mark on the cal- endar, the come-ons begun to roll in. First the faculty got off the triweekly express from Tucson. They was mostly young, spectacled and red-headed, with sentiments divided between ambition and food. Andy and me got ’em billeted on the Flores- villains and then laid for the students. “They came in bunches. We had adver- tised the university in all the State papers, and it did us good to see how quickly the country responded. Two hundred and nineteen husky lads, aging along from iX up to chin whiskers, answered the clarion call of free education. They ripped open that town, sponged the seams, turned it lined it with new mohair, and you couldn't have told it from Harvard or Goldfields at the March term of court. "They marched up and down the streets waving flags from the Wood’s University colors — ultramarine and blue — and they cer- tainly made a lively place of Floresville. Andy made ’em a speech from the b T ony of the Skyview Hotel, and the whole town was out celebrating. “In about two weeks the professors got the students disarmed and herded into classes. I don’t believe there’s any pleasure equal to being a philanthropist. Me and Andy bought high silk hats, and pretended to dodge the two reporters on the Flores- ville Gazette. The paper had a man to ko- dak us whenever wc appeared on the street and ran our pictures every week over th~ column headed ‘Educational Notes.’ Andy lectured twice a week at the university, an 1 afterward I would rise and tell a humor- ous story. Once the Gazette printed my picture with Abe Lincoln on one side, and Marshall P. Wilder on the other. “Andy was as interested in philanthrory as I was. We used to wake up of nights and tell each other new ideas for booming the university. “ ‘Andy,’ says I to him one day, ‘there’s something we overlooked. The boys ought to have dromedaries,’ Digitized by LiOOQle

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1274 The Railroad Telegrapher. ‘“What’s that?’ Andy asks. “ ‘Why, something to sleep in, of course.' says I. ‘AH colleges have 'em.’ “ ‘Oh, you mean pajamas/ says Andy. “ ‘I do not/ says I. ‘I mean dromedaries.’ But I could never make Andy understand, so we never ordered ’em. Of course, I meant them long bedrooms in colleges where the scholars sleep in a row. “Well, sir, the World’s University was a success. We had scholars from five States and Territories, and Floresville had a boom. A new shooting gallery and a pawn shop, and two more saloons started, and the boys got up a college yell that went this way : Raw, raw, raw, Done, done, done, Peters, Tucker, Lots of fun. Bow-wow-wow, Haw-hee-haw, World’s University, Hip, hurrah! “The scholars was a fine lot of young men. and me and Andy was as proud of ’em as if they belonged to our own family. “But one day, about the last of October. Andy comes to me and asks if I have any idea how much money we had left in the bank. I guesses about $16,000. ‘Our bal- ance,’ says Andy, ‘is $821.62.’ “‘What!’ says I, with a kind of a yell. ‘Do you mean to tell me that them infernal little clod-hopping, dough-headed, pup- faced, goose-brained, gate-stealing, rabbit- eared sons of horse thieves have soaked us for that much?’ “ ‘No less/ says Andy. “ Then, to Helvetia with philanthropy.’ says I. “ ‘Not necessarily/ says Andy. ‘Philan- thropy/ says he, ‘when run on a good busi- ness basis is one of the best grafts going. I’ll look into the matter, and see if it can’t he straightened out.’ “The next week I am looking over the pay-roll of our faculty when I run across n new name — Prof. James Darnlcy Mc- Corkle, chair of mathematics; salary $100 per week. I yells so loud that Andy runs in quick. “‘What’s this?’ says I. ‘A professor of rnathematics at more than $5,000 a year! How did this happen? Did he get in through the window and appoint himself?’ “ ‘I wired to Frisco for him a week ago/ says Andy. ‘In ordering the . faculty we seem to have overlooked the chair of mathe- matics.’ “ ‘A good thing we did/ says I. ‘We can pay his salary two weeks, and then our philanthropy will look like the ninth hole on the Skibo golf links.’ “ ‘Wait awhile/ says Andy, and see how things turn out. We have taken up too noble a cause to draw out now. Besides, the farther I gaze into the retail philan- thropy business the better it looks to me. I never thought about investigating it be- fore. Come to think of it now/ goes on Andy, ‘all the philanthropists I ever knew had plenty of money. I ought to have looked into that matter long ago, and lo- cated which was the cause and which was the effect.' “I had confidence in Andy’s chicanery in financial affairs, so I left the whole thing in his hands. The university was flourishing fine, and me and Andy kept our silk hats shined up, and Floresville kept on heaping honors on us like we was millionaires, in- stead of almost busted philanthropists. “The students kept the town lively and prosperous. Some stranger came to town and started a faro bank over the Red Front livery stable, and began to amass money in quantities. Me and Andy strolled up one night and piked a dollar or two for socia- bility. There were about fifty of our stu- dents there drinking rum punches, and shoving high stacks of blues and reds about the table as the dealer turned the cards up. “ ‘Why, dang it, Andy/ says I, ‘these free- school-hunting, gander-headed, silk-socked little sons of sapsuckers have got more money than' you and me ever had. Look at the roll they’re pulling out of their pistol pockets !’ “ ‘Yes,’ says Andy, ‘a good many of them are sons of wealthy miners and stockmen. It’s very sad to see ’em wasting their oppor- tunities this way.’ “At Christmas all the students went home to spend the holidays. We had a farewell blow-out at the university, and Andy lec- tured on ‘Modern Music and Prehistoric Literature of the Archipelagoes.’ Each one Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1275 of the faculty answered to toasts, and com- pared me and Andy to Rockefeller and the Emperor Marcus Antolycus. I pounded on the table and yelled for Prof. McCorkle, but it seems he wasn’t present on the occa- sion. I wanted a look at the man that Andy thought could earn $100 a week in a philanthropy that was on the point of mak- ing an assignment. “The students all left on the night train, and the town sounded as quiet as the cam- pus of a correspondence school at midnight. When I went to the hotel, I saw a light in Andy’s room, and I opened the door and walked in. ‘There sat Andy and the faro dealer at a table dividing a two-foot high stack of currency in thousand-dollar packages. “ ‘Correct,’ says Andy. ‘Thirty-one thousand apiece. Come in, Jeff,* says he. This is our share of the profits of the first half of the scholastic term of the World’s University, incorporated and philanthro- pated. Are you convinced now,* says Andy, ‘that philanthropy when pacticed in a busi- ness way is an art that blesses him who gives as well as him who receives?* “‘Great!’ says I, feeling fine. ‘I’ll admit you are the doctor this time.’ “ ‘We’ll be leaving on the morning train,* says Andy. ‘You’d better get your collars and cuffs and press clippings together.’ “‘Great!’ says I. ‘I’ll be ready. But Andy,’ says I, ‘I wish I could have met that Prof. James Darnley McCorkle before we went. I had a curiosity to know that man.’ “ ‘That’ll be easy,’ says Andy, turning around to the faro dealer. “ ‘Jim.’ says Andy, ‘shake hands with Mr. Peters. — St Louis Globe-Democrat. ENGINEER CONNOR’S SON. SOME lives there are that seem to run in perpetual sunshine and roses. Some are rounded to darker lines, running always beside deeper abysses of tragedy. Some there are who live their three score and drop out of existence, and the memory of them, for good or ill, ceases with the tolling of the bell that tells of their going. And there are some — short, little lives, to be sure, but so brimful of sweet- ness that the very sunshine of them lingers in the hearts of those who knew them long after the little lives are ended. When Jack Connor was promoted to the position of engineer on the N. & C. road, which cuts the State of Tennessee from north to south, he moved his family into the pretty little cottage standing side by side with crippled Jerry Crane’s, on the hill just above the railroad track, in the little village of Antioch. For the engineer was from h»me most of the time, and Jerry, being a cripple, Jack knew would insure his own wife considerable company and protection in Jerry’s wife. The houses stood side by side, and both doors opened toward the railroad. The vil- lage, indeed, was built so. straight down the railroad, for the train was about the biggest thing about Antioch. Jack Connor’s cottage stood on a hill, so near the track that he could speak to his wife from his engine when she stood in the door, as she usually did, to see No. 6 go by. The train men were pretty well ac- quainted with the Antioch people in gen cral, but there was not one among them, from conductor down, who did not know Jack Connor’s son. “Little Jack,” they called him, and the train never whistled for Antioch but they would look out for the little fellow hoisted on the wood-pile to see his father’s engine go by. He seldom went further than the wood- pile — that was his mother’s order — though the brakeman and the train butcher would sometimes try to coax him down to the platform with apples and sticks of striped candy. But he would shake his yellow curls, and throw them a kiss as the long train pulled out. Sometimes his mother would take him down to speak to his father, and the little fellow would go almost wild over the big engine and the glowing furnace and the shrill whistle, which more than once he had been permitted to pull, the great bell clanging a hasty good-bye. “Just naturally takes to the engine,” the fireman would often say. “Gets that from his pappy.” And Jack did seem to have a natural love for a locomotive. Jerry Crane used to say of him : “I can alius tell when the evars are coming — Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1276 The Railroad Telegrapher. there’s a slapbang of neighbor Connor’s door, a click of the gate, and in a minute a little yellow head on top of a big pile of wood ; and when I see it I always say to my wife, ‘Mary, the cyars are coming.’ And she looks out, not at the railroad track, but at the wood-pile, and says she, ‘Yes, they are coming, Jerry.’ ” Sometimes a neighbor would pass and speak to him. “Any news to-day, Jack?” “Father’s aboard to-day, sir,” he would answer; or else, “There’s a bridge down between here and Chattanooga, sir;” or. “No 6 will be fifteen minutes late to-day, sir.'* He always had something to tell, and it was mostly of the trains or the tracks, en- gines or wrecks. Anything that concerned the railroads was interesting to Jack ; for, aside from his admiration for the locomo- tive, little Jack’s father went up, then down, that long steel track just once each way every day. He had his father’s head, the trainmen said; but the neighbors declared he had his mothers sunny, hopeful, helpful nature. But one day trouble came to her door. Engineer Connor was brought home in a caboose, both legs mashed and an arm gone, while his engine lay in a ruined heap under a broken bridge just beyond the Tennessee River. Every man had jumped but he — fireman, brakeman, all but Jack. “Jump, Connor, for your life!” the fire- man had called to him when the timbers be- gan to crack. And the man had laid his hand upon the throttle and said: “You forget I’m en- gineer.” And there he stood until the crash came. He was not quite dead when the boys found him, and all the time they were working with him he was praying. “Just for life to get home,” they heard him whisper. “Just long enough to get home and die with my wife and boy.” His prayer was granted — he reached home and the two he loved best on God’s earth. Just before he died he reached for his pocket-book under his pillow and handed it to his wife. “It’s all I’ve got, Annie,” he said. “I wish it was more, wife.” Then he laid his hand on the little head with its crowns of yellow curls pressing his pillow. He seemed to forget the boy was only a baby. “Jack,” he said, “I leave your mother to you. Take care of her, my man.” Then his mind seemed to wander ; he was on the engine one moment — the next with his family again. “The company will do something for you by and by, Jack,” he said; “and always re- member— don’t forget it, Jack — that any man in time of danger may desert, any man but the engineer. He must stick — stick — stick — to his post, Jack.” The hand on the boy’s head grew heavy; the little fellow choked back his sobs and laid one hand tenderly on his father’s brow. The dying engineer opened his eyes and smiled. “Stick to the engine and stand by your mother, Jack,” he whispered. The hand on the boy’s head grew cold, and when they lifted it and laid it back upon the dead man’s breast, Jack turned to his mother. There was no childish outburst of grief — only an awakening, as it seemed, of the young manhood in him as he opened his arms. “Here I am, mother,” he said, and she understood. It was then Jack’s life began in earnest The pet name of “Baby Jack” no longei trembled upon his mother’s lips. She called him instead “My son,” “My boy,” or else ’twas “Mother’s man.” So is the heart wont to clothe with strength that which it leans upon. She trusted him entirely, and his quick mind recognized it. The prohibition no longer confined him to the wood-pile; but every morning when the whistle sounded, the cottage door would open, the gate click, and a pair of bright stockings flash for a moment in the sun light as a pair of nimble legs went hurrying down to the platform. “Pies! Pies! Fresh pies and cakes!” He had turned peddler. Such a tiny, in- dustrious little peddler as he was, too, and "dth so many rough-bearded friends among Digitized by t^.ocK e

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1277 the trainmen, Jack's business was bound to flourish. One day the red stockings went dancing down to the platform with unusual speed — so fast, indeed, that his mother, who was following, had scarcely reached the plat- form when No. 6 pulled up, and Engineer Robinson dropped from his engine and caught the boy in his arms and tossed him up to the fireman. "Catch the little engineer, Sam," he shouted; "I’ve promised to let him run No. 6 to day." There was a happy little laugh, and then a vision of golden curls at the Window. "Mother, mother! Can you spare me a whole day?” She smiled and nodded. "I'll come back at 5:10" (the wheels be- gan to turn), "and the wood is in, mother" (the train was moving), “and the kindling" — the rattle of the cars drowned his voice — "box full." How the steam roared ! Not one word of what he was saying could reach her now, but he talked on, and when the steam ceased to roar, and the train glided smoothly out, he leaned from the window. "Good-bye, mother." She heard, and waved her hand. And then Engineer Robinson pulled him to look at some roasted chestnuts the train hitcher had sent up for him. It was a wonderful ride to the boy, who never ceased to wonder at the proud old engine, and its magnificent strength. But for all the pleasure and freedom, there was a shadow all day on the boyish face, which neither the good things nor the wonderful stories which Engineer Robin- son brought to his entertainment could quite dispel. He would climb up to the engineer’s vel- vet cushion and lean his elbow on the win- dow-sill, and, dropping his cheek into his hand, fall to dreaming while he watched the clouds or the trees flitting by Once the train stopped to wait for a de- layed freight, and the engineer spoke to the boy sitting silent at the window. "Hello, Jack!" he said. "You’re not asleep, are you? Engineers can't sleep, sir; remember that. Whatever other folks may do, he's got to keep his eyes open.” Jack’s eyes filled as he looked at his old friend. "Yes, sir," he said; "that's just what father used to say." Engineer Robinson turned to look out at the other window down the track — the straight, treacherous track along which poor Jack Connor had traveled to eternity. The boy at the other window. Young Jack talked on softly, but dis- tinctly. “And father said, the night they brought him home, sir, he said, ‘Every man may jump but the engineer — the engineer — the engineer must stick to the engine.' And he said, father said, away off it seemed to me, like you try to speak when the steam’s a-sizzing, sir, he said: ‘Stick to the engine, and stand by your mother, Jack.’ And I’m a-thinking, Mr. Robinson" — the engineer leaned further out, the sleeve of his blue overalls brushed his face, while Jack talked on. “I’ve been a-thinking all day as maybe I ought not to have left her by herself a whole day." The engineer answered without turning his head, “Oh, she’s all right, Jack; she's safe." ‘‘But you know what father said. ‘Stand by your mother, Jack ;’ and here I am away off on vour engine, sir." The delayed freight rattled by twenty minutes late; the fireman threw in some coal, the steam began to puff, and No. 6 sped on its way. The wind, could it have spoken, must have carried strange stories of what it saw and heard in its passage through the en- gine-box that day — strange stories of rough forms and gentle hearts, gruff voices and tender words, bearded chin and childish cheek pressed together in sympathy and love. No. 6 drew up on time at Antioch— -5 : 10. A door flew open as the whistle sounded four times, as if to say, “Here I am, mother!" A little form was lowered from the en- gine, and went flying through the mist and fog towards the lighted doorway. As the train pulled out, Engineer Robinson leaned from his window. “Here I am, mother!" the joyful greet- ing rang out, and the engineer saw Jack Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1278 The Railroad Telegrapher. go straight into the arms opened to receive him. “I am coming, mother” — that became a very familiar cry among the nearest neigh- bors; and more than one eye filled up and ran over as little Jack Connor’s voice, thrill- ing and hopeful, rang out on the frosty air of a winter’s morning. One evening he was late returning from an errand upon which his mother had sent him. The clouds were heavy, as if they might hold snow.. Mrs. Connor knew that Jack would be cold and tired when he returned, so she took his basket and went out to the wood- pile. “I'll gather the chips,” she said, “and save him that much work.” But she had scarcely begun her task when Jack came panting up the hill. “Why, mother,” he called, “didn’t you know I was coming?” He expected her to lean upon him ; as he grew older the feeling grew, and he was al- ways disappointed if she failed to do so. One morning she went out to her milking and a strange dog met her and sprang upon her. Scarcely knowing what she did. she threw the milking pail at him and screamed for Jack. He came with a bound, seizing a club as he passed the wood-pile. “I’m coming, mother.” Old Peter Glass passing near heard Jack’s cry, and ran down to see what was the mat- ter. There he stood between his mother and the ferocious mad beast, flourishing his club, and bidding the dog begone. Peter relieved the loyal little fellow by killing the dog, which, he afterwards de- clared to his wife, was “raving mad.” “But mad or not,” he added, “it wouldn’t a hindered that boy’s pitching right in to fight for his mammy. It always brings the tears to my eyes somehow when I come in contact with that manful little chap of Jack Connor’s. Peter Glass was not the only one whose heart softened for Jack Connor’s son. Aye. many an eye wept and many a heart bled for him when the little fellow ceased to appear on the hill above the railroad track. Some lives there are that seem to run amid perpetual sunshine and roses. Some are rounded to darker lines, and run always beside the deeper abysses of tragedy. It was June, glad, sunshiny June, when Jack’s mother went one morning to call on a sick friend, an old neighbor at the station just above Antioch. Jack thought he had never seen so fair a day — the sun shone, the birds sang, and the flowers were everywhere. “You can come to meet me at 12 o’clock, Jack,” his mother said, as she kissed his cheek. “I'll be sure to come on that train unless something happens.” “I'll be here, mother,” said Jack, “to every train until you come.” The sun still shone when the train came in at noon. Jack thought the whistle sounded mournful, somehow. And the en- gine “slowed up” sooner than usual, so that the train came in slow and solemn like. And the telegraph operator had laid his hand in a very gentle way on the boy’s head as he hurried past him. And Engineer Robinson never once looked out to speak to him. The fireman, too, turned his face the other way, and was busy with his shovel. The brakeman leaned on his brake and never lifted his eyes as the cars pulled up. Jack thought it all very strange. “Here I am, mother.” The conductor cleared his throat when the well-known welcome rang through the train. Passengers turned from the win- dows and put their handkerchiefs to their eyes, as if the sight of an eager little face aglow with expectation and delight were painful to them. “Here I am, mother.” He was scanning every face eagerly, longingly, when the con- ductor stepped out. “Jack,” he said, “she isn’t aboard.” A shadow flitted across the bright countenance. The conductor took the boy’s hand in his and held it close. “Jack, my boy,” he said, “you must be a man. Your mother has not come, will not come. Jack. She is dead, my son.” And the sun still shone, but not for Jack. He never knew the terrible story, how, in stepping from the train, her foot slipped and Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1279 she fell beneath the wheels, which passed over her body. He never knew — for from that day he never knew anything except that she had not come back to him. Day after day crept on, growfng into years. Day after day when the whistle sounded, a little figure was seen to climb the woodpile — Jerry Crane's woodpile — to watch for his mother. His eyes searched every window as the trains came up. ‘Here I am, mother !” the shrill clear voice would ring out. And when the train had passed on some one would explain : “It's poor Jack Connor come to meet his mother.” They grew accustomed to seeing him there as the days drifted on into years, and he still kept his promise. “Every train until you come back,” he had said; and day or night, winter or sum- mer, the trainmen would see the cottage door open, and knew it was Jack waiting for his mother. One day they missed him I he was ill, raving with fever. Jerry Crane’s wife bent over his pillow ; the poor little life was going. At io o’clock he opened his eyes. “Is No. 6 in yet?” he asked. “Not yet, Jack,” they told him. He smiled and closed his tyes again. “She’ll be here on that train,” he said. “I must go down to meet her when No. 6 comes in.” At ii he started and sat up in bed. “Is she in yet?” he asked. “Is No. 6 in?” “Not yet, Jack dear,” they told him, and he dropped back among his pillows, where he lay for an hour talking, first to the en- gine, then to Engineer Robinson. Then his mind wandered to his father and the night he died. “ ‘Stick to your engine, and stand by your mother, Jack,’” they heard him whisper. At midnight a whistle sounded sharp and shrill, and Jack raised himself in bed and gave a cry of joy : “She’s in !” he shouted. “No. 6 is in. Here I am mother!” The train pulled up and stopped. It was only a freight stopping for water, but that was nothing to Jack. A smile flitted across his face. “She’s come,” he said, and, with a look of unutterable peace, held out his arms and went to meet her. The next day old Engineer Robinson swung himself clear of his engine, and went down the platform to speak to the agent. When he climbed back to his seat at the engine window, he drew his sleeve across his eyes, and told the fireman that little Jack Connor had gone to meet his mother. — By William Al- len Dromgoole in St. Louis Republic. COLONEL JEWETT TELLS A STORY. « A WAY back before the boom, rail- r\ way officials were not, as a rule, chosen for their education so much as for their practical knowledge and experience,” said E. S. Jewett, of the Mis- souri Pacific. “Jim Dalbey. superintendent of terminals, was one of God’s noblemtn and an unpolished diamond of the early days ; gruff as a cow-puncher ; tender- hearted as — as a cow-puncher. During one of the Indian outbreaks there was a heavy movement of troops through Kansas City. Some of them were sent here from up river by boat, thence by rail to the scene of the disturbance. One day there was scheduled a movement of uncommon importance and Jim issued to his subordinates detailed in- structions covering the transfer of impedi- menta, placing of passenger cars and so forth. “A close friend of Mr. Dalbey had died and the funeral was set for the morning of the day upon which this troop move- ment was to take place. Jim desired to participate in the last sad ritts and left his office for that purpose, feeling assured of the prompt and correct execution of his orders. He was, therefore, much amazed upon his return three hours later to find that little or nothing had been accomplished. He was not long, however, in setting an example of energy and enthusiasm which quickly spread to the troops and in a short time the baggage was loaded, the cars as- sembled into trains and everything ready to proceed westward.” “Jim Dalbey,” in- terrupted Elmer Younkman, of Armour’s car department, “certainly was a prince and an energetic man.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1280 The Railroad Telegrapher. “A young lieutenant/' Colonel Jewett went on, “who had observed the sudden display of activity, approached the super- intendent and with all the dignity and self- assurance he could muster addressed him thus : “ ‘Sir-r-r, as officer of tht day, I propose to exercise my prerogative — !' “ ‘G'wan/ interrupted Jim, ‘er I’ll take yer prerogative and run it clean through ye!’ “Colonel Smiles, of the regiment, with difficulty suppressed his merriment and set- tled the misunderstanding by explaining what Jim’s duties were. “Three weeks later Jim received from the old man — as General Superintendent A. W. Dickinson was affectionately known — a re- quest for an explanation. The file carried a voluminous array of correspondence orig- inating with the young lieutenant, who quoted correctly the treasonable utterances and sought solace for his wounded pride. “To his stenographer Mr. Dalbey dic- tated this reply: “ ‘Dear Sir : — I can only plead in extenu- ation of the incivility of which Lieutenant Whatshisname complains that my early ed- ucation was sadly neglected. I thought a prerogative was, perhaps, an implement of warfare, and me unarmed.’ ” — The Railway Conductor. Digitized by Google

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Senatorial Consequences. (A transposition from Gilbert.) Senator Hush was as good as gold; He always did as the railroad told. He never asked if a thing was just Or gave offense to the Sugar Trust. He never sniffed at the tainted dough Which lobbyists dropped in his hand of snow. He never squealed when the gang kept still Or stood in the way of a land-grab bill; And the consequence was he advanced in station And died at the head of a corporation. Senator Growl was a naughty boy; To start reforms was his chiefest joy; He wouldn't vote as his Boss decreed; He wouldn’t pander to private greed; He said rude things to the Wall Street man When he came around with the Whitewash can; \nd he often wrote, with a fiendish gall, ‘Thou shalt not steal” on the Senate wall; And the consequence was, when his term was over, He faded back to the tall, tall clover. — Wallace Iru’in, in Life. The World Over. 'Tis strange we think our neighbor’s faults Are always full in sight, And glaring to the public gaze As plain as black and white; We never fail to notice them. So clearly are they shown — But magnifying others' faults Will not correct our own. All other men's delinquencies We freely critiixe. We note their failures and mistakes. In sadness and surprise. But while their weakness we deplore And baste to make it known, ) We are too shocked at others' faults To rectify our own. The light of truth on other lives Reveals their wickedness. It gives us pain to contemplate Their base unrighteousness. But while we censure and condemn Mistakes we should condone. We’re after other people’s faults And cannot see our own. We never stop to question self If motives all are pure, But find out other people’s sins, And then prescribe a cure. The mote that’s in another’s eye We’d better leave alone, And hasten to investigate The beam that blinds our own. — Margaret Scott Hall. "Wireless Telegraphy.” The papers now are telling — and claim they tell not half — About a new device they call the “Wireless Tele- graph;” Of the “waves” it makes through ether very learnedly they write, But I know of a “wireless” one that puts theirs out of sight. When Madeline is near me, and tender thoughts arise, A flash of soft heat lightning lights up her bright blue eyes; And what I say or think about, she notes with nod or laugh. And I am the “receiver” of this charming tele- graph. Its “Hertz waves” are just heart waves, and they never fail to beat. When we meet within the parlor or pass upon the street; We both know how to make it plain our keen desires. And we do it in an instant without the aid of wires. I’m willing all the world should shout, and very happy be, When reading of the wonders of that new teleg- raphy; I do not doubt its strangeness, or its high com- mercial worth, But mine has been coeval with the long age of the earth. It will not go out of fashion, with eyes of black or blue, The things it says are lovely, ineffable, and true; It offers more delight than one can hope for or can guess, And its most ecstatic message is its sweetly whis- pered “Yes.” — Joel Benton. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. Among the Stars. Last night the sky had one bright star; To-night a million more Shine out like jewels in a crown From heaven’s shining shore. And like the star in violet, God's love is over all, And like the million stars to-night. His mercies on us (all. The sweetest lesson He would have His children strive to learn, Is written with these flashing gems That o'er us blaze and bum. They all remind us that His hand Rules earth, and sky, and sea, And from the very hour of birth He plans our destiny. They teach us to be merciful To others in the strife, For at best, we often fail To do the sum of life. We seldom live as He would have Us live along the way, But if we strive, He gives us strength To battle through the fray. So when the darkest hour is pierced. By Hope’s bright shining star, Be brave, and know a million more Is blazing on, afar. For like the star in violet. His love is over all, While from the countless blazing hosts. His mercies on us fall. By Adelbert Clark. A Few Rules for Married Men. Remember that I am thy wife. That thou shalt cherish all thy life. Thou shalt not stay out late at night When lodges, clubs or friends invite. Thou shalt not smoke indoors or out. Or chew tobacco round about Thou shalt with praise receive my pies. Nor pastry made by me despise. My mother shalt thou strive to please And let her live with us in ease. Remember, ’tis thy duty clear, To dress me well throughout the year. Thou shalt in manner mild and meek Give me thy wages every week. Thou sbalt not be a drinking man, But live on the prohibition plan. Thou shalt not flirt, but must allow Thy wife such freedom, anyhow. Thou shalt get up when baby cries. And try the child to tranquilize. These, my rules, from day to day Implicitly thou shalt obey. — Railroad Echo. Look Cheerful. No matter how depressed you feel. Look cheerful! A gloomy face is ungenteel; Look cheerful! Nobody cares about your woes; Each has his sorrows, goodness knows; Why should you your griefs disclose? Look cheerful! Though you are blue as indigo, Look cheerful I You’re prettier when you smile, you know; Look cheerful! The world abhors a gloomy face, And tales of woe are commonplace, So stir yourself, and take a brace — Look cheerful! — Maxwell’s Talisman. Valuable Freight. One day when old Saint Peter Was checking up his run He came upon a way-bill Marked “short,” and just for fun He started out a “tracer” To see where it had gone. Then marked it “short from Heaven,” And let the bill go on. The way-bill read, “One Baby” With eyes of bonnie blue, And as the earth’s a common point. Of course ’twas way-billed through. She came right down from heaven. And landed here “O. K.,” A stork was the deliveryman. At least so people say. And when we got his tracer We then made this report, “Babe arrived on 'over bill,* So, therefore, close your ‘short.’ ” , And on our “over” book down here This entry does appear, “Short one angel — up in Heaven; Over one — down here.” Digitized by L^OOQle

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Bagged His Trousers. The foreign nobleman puffed his cigarette dejectedly and refused to be consoled. “And to think,” he sighed, “I proposed to her on my knees every night for two weeks.” “And did you bag the beautiful heiress at last?” asked the interviewer. “No, all I bagged was my trousers.” Divorce Wanted. Scene: Lawyer’s office. Enter little girl sobbing bitterly. Lawyer — Why, little one, what’s wrong? Little Girl — Are you Mr. Blank, the law- yer? The Lawyer — Yes. What is it you want? Little Girl — I want (sob) — I want — a divorce from my pa and ma. She Knew. Mistress — Jane, I saw the milkman kiss you this morning. In the future I will take the milk in. Jane — ’Twouldn’t do you any good, mum. He’s promised never to kiss anybody but me. Good Memory. “I got a shock from a ’lectric battery 'terday,” said the first hobo. “Gee! It’s a funny kind of a feelin’; feels just like takin’ a bath.” “Say,” exclaimed the other one, “you must have a great memory.” Hie Explanation. “Explain,” said the teacher to the class, “the difference between ‘the quick’ and ‘the dead.’ ” “Please, ma’am,” answered Johnnie, “the quick is them as gets out of the way of motor-cars, and the dead is them as does not.” — Tit- Bits. A Gradual Newsbreaker. Mike — Who will we send to break the sad news to the poor widow ? Pat — Sure, we’d better send Clancy to break it gradual, because he stammers. — Tid-Bits. Two Irishmen were crossing the ocean. On the way over Patrick died. Preparations were made for the burial at sea, but the lead weights customarily used in such cases were lost. Chunks of coal were substituted. Everything was finally ready for tht last rites, and long and earnestly did Michael look at his friend. Finally he blurted out, sorrowfully: “Well, Pat, I always knew ye were goin’ there, but I didn’t think they’d make ye bring your own coal.” — Morley Observer. Could Not Interfere. Coroner — So you found our poor friend hanging in the barn? Yokel — Yes, sure, yer ’onor. Coroner — And what did you do? Yokel — Well, yer ’onor, I takes a good look at him and goes straight off for a policeman. i Coroner — But you cut the poor fellow down first? Yokel — Oh! no, yer ’onor — couldn’t d that. Coroner (horrifitd) — Why not? Yokel — Well, it’s like this ; when I f uml him he worn‘t quite dead. Could Have Waited. Elsie — A baby brother isn’t what I wanted, auntie ; why didn’t the doctor bring me a baby sister? Auntie— Well, you see, dear, he just hap- pened to be out of girls. Elsie — But I wasn’t in a hurry auntie. I could have waited awhile just as well a not. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1284 The Railroad Telegrapher. The Difference. Proud Father — “My child is only a month old, and he cries for the moon.” ■ Proud Mother — “Mine isn’t a week old and he cries for the milky way.” — Puck. Improving. Old Lady — Little boy, aren’t you ashamed to swear that way? Little Boy — Yes, ma’am. But I am just learnin’. You orter to hear dad. Deduction by Analogy. “Mamma, I’se got a stomach ache,” said Nellie Bly, six years old. “That’s because you’ve been without lunch. It’s because your stomach is empty. You would feet better if you had something in it.” That afternoon the pastor called and in the course of conversation remarked that he had been suffering all day with a very se- vere headache. “That’s because it is empty,” said Nellie. “You’d feel much better if you had some- thing in it.” — Ex. Her Idea of Remembrance. A Southern man tells of a conversation he overhead between his cook and a maid, both negroes, with reference to a recent funeral of a member of their race, at which funeral there had been a profusion of floral tributes. Said the cook : “Dat’s all very well, Mandy ; but when I dies I don’t want no flowers on my grave. Jes, plant a good old watermelon vine ; an’ 1 when she gits ripe you come dar, an’ don’t you eat it, but jes’ bus’ it in de grave, an’ let de good ole juice dribble down thro’ de ground.” — Harper's Weekly. Skidoo Per Pound. Young Jobson is of an exceedingly stat- istical turn of mind. He got married lately, and at the railway station he and his wife weighed; then he took out a little handbook and made some calculations, mut- tering: “Wedding expenses, ; railway expenses, ; divide by . I say, my dear, you have cost me exactly 23 cents a pound.” — Ex. He Held Up the Train. A German traveller who tried to pass a meal ticket on the train was told by the conductor that he would have to pay the regular fare of 35 cents. The German ar- gued and refused to pay more than 25 cents, whereupon the conductor stopped the train and put him off. In a twinkling the traveller ran ahead of the engine and start- ed to walk on the track. The engineer blew his whistle, but the irate German turned, shook his fist and called out: “You can vissle all you want to. I won’t come pack.” — Eastern Laborer. The Jackleg Carpenter. One day last week a tough-looking old darkey was a witness in Judge Moore’s court, and as the attorneys were unable to get any information from him he was taken in hand by the judge. During the colloquy between judge and witness the latter was asked what he did for a living. “I’se a carpenter, sah,” he replied. “Are you a member of the Carpenters’ Union?” asked the judge in spirit of fun. “No, sah, jedge,” replied the darkey, “I sees you don’t know much about unions; I’se a jackleg’carpenter ; Mr. Dan Harper says dey don’t take jack- legs in the Carpenter’s Union.” “Where d:d you learn your trade?” asked the judge. “With Mr. John Schneider, sah,” he re- plied. “Now, see here, uncle,” said the judge, seriously, “you could not work with John Schneider unless you belong to the Carpenters’ Union, because he does not work jacklegs.” “I’se tellin’ you dc truf, boss,” replied the negro; “I carried watah for Mr. John Schneider’s bridge gang, dat’s whar I lamed to be a jackleg carpen- ter.” Suppressing his dignity the best he could, the judge turned the negro back to the young lawyer, and that gentleman, think- ing he had a chance to rub it into the judge, who carries a painters’ card, asked him the difference between a union carpenter and a jackleg, and the negro came back at him with the answer : “I reckon boss, it’s about de same as the difference twixt you and a good lawyer.” When court adjourned there was an executive session at Henry Petri’s —Austin Forum. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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“COLLECTIVE SUCCESS THROUGH COLLECTIVE GOODNESS/’ unn HE Evening Mail” of New I York, for July 3, contains an editorial, which we condense as follows: “Nobody can tell how well or how badly the Government would operate the railroads if it should take charge of them, as it is often proposed. We can notice that the government of States and cities, and the nation, have to pay about double of what individuals do for any public work, for the purchase of anything the Govern- ment may need. New York City has to pay for any land it may have to buy. three times its market value. Well-managed as the Postoffice Department is, there is no doubt that the enterprising promoter who offered to conduct it as a private enterprise at one-half the annual appropriation it costs, could make good on his offer. Gov- ernment ownership of the railroads, or anything else, would spell decreased pro- duction and lowered national efficiency.” If that philosophy corresponds to the ac- tual facts of our national life, then all our governmental and political or civil institu- tions represent the greatest social blunder of all nations and generations. It would, then, pay us to transfer our whole govern- mental machinery, national, state and mu- nicipal, to private committees. That would double our production, and so that prosper- ity of ours. That would fix everything in fine shape for the first time anywhere on each, if our friends in high places talk any common sense when they try to discuss our national problems. Unfortunately, our conservative and re- spectable people in this nation, or any other, have never tried to have anything to do with any kind of sense. Don’t you see that they always deal on a few of the incidents of human life? No conclusions on any sub- ject are worth anything when we decline to go to the foundations of the given subject. The' only fundamental principle we are will- ing to have, in human development, seems to be the conception of wealth or money values. All our statistics, every decade; all our estimates of what we call prosperity, progress, culture, civilization; all our so- cial speculations; all our industrial rami- fications, and even our domestic habits or aspirations are made to rest on the narrow ideal of money values ! We thus fling to the winds a certain pri- mary command, the only natural and fixed foundation of human healthy, sensi- ble growth. And why to forget that com- mand and fixed principle of supreme order, when we attempt to discuss and try to agree on any of our governmental adjust- ments or processes? Why to forever chat- ter like wild, silly school boys below the age of ten, whenever we enter the arena of social life and relations? All social devel- opment, all our public activities are a ques- tion of how to live a sensible life through the labor by which alone we can manage to produce the elements that human life implies. That human life is then a question of quantities and qualities of goods pro- duced through sound, bottom principles of human brotherhood for joy universal, for full manhood with all of us. Do we ever take any such simple, yet all- embracing view of human life?, How few of our important, intelligent men do that, or any approach to it. in forms logical, Chris- tian, scientific, precise? Not even our civil or religious education has yet learned how to be precise, scientific, logical or Christian. That is proved by all our perpetual funda- mental disagreements on governmental functions as suggested by the editorial we have mentioned, and by similar editorials, essays, sermons, etc., by the million, year after year, century after century, in the march of history. And all because we don’t Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1286 The Railroad Telegrapher. wish to have anything to do with any Chris- tian primary command. The great trouble with that primary com- mand is that it conveys a grand, solemn promise; the promise of universal joy through universal wealth. We still prefer universal sorrow through wealth, here and there, with piles of poverty everywhere else. The very goodness we manage to retain in the midst of the distorted condition we create, that alone proves that our natural destinies are intended for that complete and universal goodness which is the eternal law of all life and phenomena. A logical God could not conceive or establish any other method of development in cosmical and conscious forms or forces. To be sure, the same logic of the same god requires that, in the realm of conscious life on earth, we should be given the choice, for a certain period, of individually and collectively dis- carding the natural and divine plan of our own development. We are, then, using our will, traditions and laws in the foolish pur- pose of a disorderly development. We thus generate a vast multitude of fanciful desires. We thus discard the joys and duties close at hand, easily performed, and run after duties and joys unnecessary or difficult to perform, attain or enjoy. We thus evolve human governments in de- fiance of divine government. The latter is extremely simple. The former are invari- ably diabolically complex. Why? Simply because we lay aside the grand principle of working for universal wealth and goodness. We thus work for universal sorrow and sin. And we get it. Then we assume that to be the divine plan of life. We still lack that moral courage which would enable us to rapidly reconstruct our selfish govern- mental processes, through simple, plain honesty. The idol of personal goodness and suc- cess is, perhaps, the greatest obstacle that lies across the path of a sensible, healthy progress. That personal goodness and suc- cess acts upon all of us, or most of us, as a mirage in a moral desert. We create a moral desert, we evolve a dead spirituality, we concoct and organize dead nations, dead religions, dead churches through the idol of personal goodness and success. Don’t you see that we thus attach the destructive spirit of selfishness to all goodness, to all success, to all duty, to all governments, to all processes of life and growth? “Collective success through collective goodness.” That is the only ultimatum which can give to each one of us any posi- tive personal goodness and success in the eyes of a righteous God. Private or per- sonal goodness, success, etc., in the midst of wrong, selfish national compacts * * * that is but personal or private selfishness, because of a success and goodness which tramples upon the goodness and success of the multitudes crushed, in forms hidden, to be sure, but most fatal on that account; crushed by selfish, egotistic human laws. Such laws exist, through the march of cen- turies, because we, the most important men of each generation, insist upon indorsing them through vote or concensus. Even our supposed most advanced polit- ical institutions rest on the same funda- mental collective crime of all despotisms, as we all know, at the bottom of our con- science, when we try to have a conscience. All our discords and deformities, individ- ualized or social, prove that. When shall we honestly try to have nations and churches in peace with God. Jose Gros. MEXICO. 8r. Gonzaio A resuit, Dlv. 28. Salud respetable hno. En el ultimo mimero del The Railroad Telegrapher, tuve el gusto de ver en nues- tro propio idioma una iniciativa de ud. Sobre que seria de una trascendencia bien- hechora el que ya que tenemos el honor de pertenecer a la solida cuanto benefica O. R. T. (perque debo anticipate que yo, tambien me honro contandome entre todos los unos, como uno de sus mas humildes adeptos), procurasemos estrechar mas los vinculos que nos unen para llegar mas facilmente a realizar el ideal que debe ser el bienestar de todos los hermanos, procurandonos con reciprocidad cuanto medio este al alcanse. Loable iniciativa. querido Sr! y que aseguro a Ud; me complace el secundaria, poique defernos comprender que una de las cosas que mas nos hace falta a nosotros, los teleg- Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1287 rafistas Mexicanos, es el sentimiento mu- tualista, la union homogenea para perse- guir un fin, porque desgraciadamente aun no llegamos al perfeccionamiento intelect- ual, en que queda desechada la ambicion, las miras propias y el egoismo, ’para dar firme cimiento a la caridad bien entendida. Unico factor para labear un porvenir seguro a nuestro querido arte y bayo el cual nos resquardariamos con mas seguridad para sobrellevar las tempestades inclementes de la vida ; para sentirnos fuertes y poder dedicamos, con tranquilidad, a su verda- dero estudio; que tiene aun muchos miste- rios que ensenarnos. Cierto que para hallar estos misterios, habemos por desventura una mayoria, de intelecto casi efimero; pero el conjunto de granos areniscos, llegan a formar las grandes montanas, y asi en es- trccho nucleo llegaremos a la cuspide de nuestros anhelados suenos, y asi unidos y siempre hacia adelante; dartmos un adios al infortunio. Me es muy grato ofrecerme a las ordenes de Ud asi como a las de todos los hnos de la gran O. R. T. Rodolfo R. Celis, Grand Division Cert. 4277. SHOULD START NOW. Having read the article written by “Mis- souri Bill.” Division 93, in the June Teleg- rapher, I wish to say that I agree with this Brother in regard to starting out a peti- tion and having every telegrapher on the various roads sign it, requesting our com- mittee to demand of the railroad officials on their respective roads the $75.00 minimum, or nothing. If we were to come together and say to the railroad officials on our re- spective roads that what we want is a straight $75.00 minimum, or nothing, what could they do but come over? If they re- fused, why, we would walk out, and stay out until they were willing to come up to our demands; but, in my opinion, as soon as they saw our determination to have it, they would give it without any trouble. Brothers, here is something that I wish to speak of that is of the utmost import- ance. There are a great many of us who seem contented at paying up our dues, and then sit perfectly still doing nothing, wait- ing for some other Brother to start This will not do; how need we expect to ever get anything by waiting for some one else to get it for us? No, we have got to get out and hustle, each one of us, and show the officials on our respective roads that we mean business, then what we are after will be easily obtained ; and until we do this we need expect but very little. Let’s hear from some other Brother on this subject. This seems to me to be the right course for us to pursue. “W,” Cert. 814, Div. 132. MAKE IT A REALITY. The $75.00 minimum and the eight-hour day are receiving much consideration now- adays among the members of our great organization, and it appears from their views, as expressed in The Telegrapher, that they are entirely and unitedly in sup- port of these better working conditions, as indeed we all are similarly lined up, no doubt. Now, brothers, I am of the opinion that if we would simultaneously put in our demands with the general managers of every railroad west of Chicago for a $75 00 minimum in wages and an eight-hour day we would get it. Look what the trainmen did. They got a fine schedule, simply be- cause they stood by their committees and the officials seen they were in for a general tie-up if they did not settle the difficulty. There is no reason why we should not do likewise. We have a strong organization, and if the railroads saw that we meant business and were not going to be satisfied with anything less than substantial benefits, they would grant us improved schedules. There is no doubt that we are not paid what we should be. A man can go out on the road as a student brakeman and in thirty days or less he is put to work and earns from $75.00 to $100.00 per month, while it requires from eight months to two years to become an operator, and he then earns but $55.00 or $65.00 per month. A most unequal comparison even then, but when the responsibility of the operator is considered in the way of train orders, money, tickets, etc., while the brakeman’s responsibility is but nominal, the disparity is shown to be great Every brother should read “Time to Push,” in the July number. Digitized by Google

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1288 The Railroad Telegrapher. He earnestly declares that we should all give our solid support to the committees, and further says that unless a committee knows that it has a good backing it can not do as effective work as it could if it had this assurance. Let us all push to- gether and make that dream the $75.00 minimum a reality, even if we have to walk out and stay out till we secure it ; we would soon get it anyway, but there is little danger that it would ever go that far. Cert. 756, Div. 32. “IT'S UP TO US.” Very satisfying it is to see the growing interest and earnestness toward making this year an epoch-marking one in the history of railroad telegraphers. But, brothers, too great significance can not be attached to the railroad companies* attitude toward the State eight-hour laws. Any literate, ordi- narily intelligent citizen realizes the extent of corporate control of the courts of our supposedly free republic, and we must be very chary in hopes for relief of any extent or importance whatever from this source. Several good articles in the July Teleg- rapher set forth plainly the necessity for early and continued concerted action towards a vote, conclusion and firm stand in March, 1908, if our cherished hopes are not to vanish as a desert mirage. Certifi- cates 807, 1013 and 886 treat the issue lucidly and conclusively in last month's number. March, 1908, must find u$ ready to de- mand eight hours and a $75.00 minimum on our own strength. With the enormous increase in membership and fast approach- ing solid organization, the railroad teleg- raphers will determine their own lot. “It's up to us,” brothers, to your division, your support to our noble advocates, the General Committeemen. Though the in- crease in some cases, considering eight in- stead of twelve-hour day and $75.00 salary instead of $50.00 is noticeable, even large, 'tis due us, 'tis just and reasonable. Any honest railway operating official, cognizant of the factors comprising the work and liv- ing conditions and price of necessities, knows this and is with us. The public is with us, and every brother should see that our side is given all publicity possible, that we may not, to the least extent lose this support in spite of subsidized press. Have your local paper set forth the operator's responsibilities, hours, work and pay, that the greater part of competent men are leav- ing the profession, leaving them, patrons of the railroads, in spite of the well-de- scribed “block” systems and pretty sema- phores illustrated on folders to rush by night in the hands of sleepy, inexperienced boys. Boys, growing, needing rest and sleep and education, hustled in to answer for scores of human lives that millions of dol- lars of dividends can be paid on “water!” Many articles to suit the purpose can be found in last few numbers of The Teleg- rapher. Bring up in your division meetings, and have your position defined, that we may not be found wanting when the national nine-hour law takes effect and we face the day of reckoning. Keep then, close to you, in your heart, your mind, yea, thy soul. To speak for, pray for, prepare for, and work for. “March 4, 1908, eight hours, $75.00 or walk out.” Cert. 1994, Div. 53. <5ET BUSY. We all know that everything is controlled by the three fundamental principles of the solar system. These three forces have been called by various names, most commonly gravity or weight, inertia or momentum, and centrifugal force. The first two are those to which I want to call your atten- tion. I want to call your attention because you are not giving them your attention now. For example, watch the pendulum of your office clock. It is now at the extreme right. What starts it back and carries it to the center? Gravity, or its weight, as we commonly say. Now, what carries it up to the left? Inertia or momentum car- ries it nearly up and the spring in the clock does the rest. What has this to do with us? Just this: In 1892 and 1893 the pendulum of na- tional prosperity was in the center or at the lowest point of the arc. It has now moved half the distance of the entire arc. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1289 or to the extreme highest point. There is where we are, boys, ttozv. Now then, what are we to expect? The pendulum of pros- perity is going down, down, down to the very bottom before it begins the next ascent. Times have already began to change and capitalists to get their money into snug quarters where they can protect it. Every prominent moneyed man predicts it, and it is coming just as sure as the birds nest in the spring. Here is where we come in. What we get we must get just as soon as possible, and before May I, 1908, or we will find very, very hard work getting anything at all. We want $75-00 and eight hours or 25 per cent increase and eight hours, or anyway you want the pay but eight hours anyway , and if we get it at all we must get it March 4, 1908, and I for one say, don’t stand for it, but hustle for it. We have an example of what hustling will do in the nine-hour law. Now, I say, every O. R. T. man get busy, and get up a petition and have as many names as possible on it, asking or demanding the strict enforcement of this law in the interests of safety to public travel. Have these petitions sent to Presi- dent Perham or to the Commerce Commis- sioners. Now, boys, don’t think your neighbor will get up enough steam for you both, but get up enough for yourself. The more we put into this the more we will get out Cert. 103, Div. 95. SIGNS OF PROGRESS. To say that because there is today three times as much social unrest as there was 25 years ago, therefore social conditions are three times as deplorable, would be ab- surd. No one would insist that the present uprising among the Russian peasantry in- dicates that conditions in that country are worse than they were when the common people were too thoroughly under subjec- tion to protest, no matter what their con- dition. The world is growing better. Crime seems blacker because there’s more white to s£t it off. The present social unrest is one of the most hopeful signs of the times It is made possible because of what has al- ready been achieved. Social conditions in New York City, for instance, were worse one hundred years ago than they are today. There were never so many agencies at work in our cities to purify them. For years the church and the labor union have been raising the standard of living among working people each in its sphere. Only the pessimist sees the eddy in the stream, which seems to indicate a backward course. The flood in the midst of the stream shows the real tendency. Rev. Charles Stelzle. SEVENTY-FIVE-DOLLAR MINIMUM AND EIGHT HOURS PER DAY. I note the articles in the June Teleg- rapher written by Certs. No. 93,137 and 1843, as well as the good views of the other brothers. I wish that each member of our Order would study “Our Correspondents” and think carefully of the contents of their writings. So many of us only pick up our journal each month and look at it and see the titles of the stories, and then as soon as they can find time they read the stories, then lay. the journal aside as they would a story paper. Brothers, the journal is not a story paper and the articles under the heading of “Our Correspondents” are not advertisements. Take an interest in the Order and study the questions of the day as you would an example in algebra. It is not long now before we will, in my opinion, be called to a vote on these questions, and unless we have studied them we can not vote intelligently. Seventy-five-dollar minimum. Gee! that sounds good to me, but how are we going to get it? The railroads are not coming to us and say, “Boys, you are good men and we will give you $75 per.” Not much. On the other hand it will be their aim to reduce our salary as soon as the eight-hour law goes into effect. We can not gain our goal by sitting at our keys discussing the matter with the public in general, or by dreaming of it at night. We must be up and doing; strike while the iron is hot. What must we do, and how shall we do it? First, there are nons on every road. Let each member get after them. If there is a non near, don't wait for Bro. So-and-So to Digitized by t^ooQle

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1290 The Railroad Telegrapher. get him, but go after him yourself today and get his application. We must get solid. Second, it will not be long before we will have 50,000 members. Let every organized road in the country send their committees to the management of the various roads (see “Time to Act/' in June journal) at the same time and make the demand for the $75 minimum. If 50,000 operators make the demand and walk out if it is not granted, the railroads of the United States would be tied up, and, in fact, business would be at a standstill. The railroads could not stand it and they know it, and it is my belief that we would get our demands. We must not be tender-footed, and I trust that every member will be solid and vote for whole hog or none if this is put to a vote. In regard to the eight-hour laws enacted in the various States, “money is the root of all evil.” The railroads have the money and we must keep awake and not let money influence our representatives to repeal the acts. Congress meets again before the Fed- eral nine-hour law is effective. By all means we must not allow the railroads’ petitions to overthrow our great victory. I notice that in North Carolina the rail- roads have an injunction against the eight- hour law, and we await with interest the decision of the courts. Let some of the other members that are sleeping wake up and write their views. I am not a writer, but can talk to beat the band. Laugh at my trial and fall in line with a short sketch of your views. Brothers, if you are loyal, write your local chairman and tell him what you think about it Cert. 718, Div. 59. UNITY OF ACTION. There has been much agitation in the columns of the journal by many of the brothers on the question of some particular time for all committees to move simul- taneously, and go before their respective management and try and have a minimum wage and schedule established all over the country. I think the opportune time will be here on March 1st, 1908. All commit- tees that meet between now and January. 1st should arrange their schedules to termi- nate on March 1st, 1908, and then let every committee revise their schedules on that date. Cert. 189, Div. 6, in November Teleg- rapher, has a very good article on this subject, and if we wish a simultaneous ac- tion there will never be a better time than next March. While I have full confidence in the vari- ous committees in getting at this perplexing question, I don't recommend any particular way, but I might suggest let all the General Chairmen in the Eastern States get together and decide on some mode of procedure, and the same with the Southern States, the Central States, the Western States, the Southwestern and the Northwestern. I think we should decide on hourly pay, so the brothers at the day stations would realize out of it, who will be required to continue the long hours. Cert. 13, Div. 8. HOURLY PAY. I notice in the last issue of The Teleg- rapher that Cert. 409, of Div. 33, wants a movement started that telegraphers be paid by the hour instead of a monthly wage. I think this the correct solution, and the most feasible of any I have read, because measures must be adopted that will make it immaterial to the railroad companies whether it be an eight or twelve-hour day. If this is not done in some way this law will travel the same route as the one which compelled the equipment of rolling stock with air brakes and the automatic coupler, and the eight-hour trick will be in the future instead of the present. I for one would like to see the materialization of the eight-hour day; to do this we should get together and work together. If we allow this measure to be side- stepped by the railroads now, we may find the long-looked for eight-hour day farther away than ever. I think the importance of action should be impressed upon all members that when the time comes it will find us as well pre- pared as the railroads for the fight they are bound to put up against this measure. Cert. , Grand Div. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1291 GET MORE NERVE. In reading Thk Telegrapher I notice a great many articles of late in regard to the National Nine-Hour Law, which is “sup- posed” to go into effect on March 4th, next ; also in regard to the long-looked for $75.00 minimum. I was very much impressed with an article by Cert. 886 in the July Teleg- rapher, and I hope all the boys have read this. As the railroads are now trying to evade the State eight-hour laws they will certainly try to evade the National law under the same excuse, “Not enough teleg- raphers.” Everyone knows the reason for the present scarcity of telegraphers, and it is useless to dwell on this point When the railroads pay living wages they can get plenty of men, and when they are com- pelled to pay us wages that will compare, even slightly, with the wages paid for other skilled labor, they will find a surplus of operators. On the Sou. Pac. in California a con- ductor draws from $140 to $175 per month; engineers about the same, and even a brake- man, many of whom can not even write their own name so that they can read it next day, draw from $125 to $140 per month, while the poor over- worked teleg- raphers take their checks for $65 to $70 and say, “Thank you.” And a brakeman can be made in ten days while it takes at least two years to make a good teleg- rapher. It is an actual fact that one man who was working in the freight house at a certain station on this division was dis- charged because he could not rustle freight, went on the road as a brakeman and within one month from the time he left the station he was making $125 per month. Now, what I think we should do is to notify the rail- roads that on and after March 4th, 1908, we will work eight hours and no more, except in cases of emergency, and all stand together as a body, not waiting for the telegraphers on each road to make the de- mands. I am not in favor of the $75.00 minimum for the entire country. It may be all right for the East, where the cost of living is not so great, but here in the West it is not enough for ordinary living expenses. We should have at least $90.00 as a minimum and the heavier positions in proportion. We can get it, too, if we refuse to work for less. The railroads, however, are not in the habit of giving us more than we ask for, neither will they pay any attention to our grumbling as long as we go ahead with the work. Now, boys, let us do something besides talk. You know it is said, “A bark- ing dog never bites,” and so long as we “bark at the great moguls” from afar off, they will not pay any attention to us. Take a few plaster of paris pills and endeavor to get a little more rigidity into those tender backbones. So many operators seem to think that they are not fit for anything but “pounding brass,” and that they would starve if they were out of a job, but let me say right here, if you are worth any- thing as a telegrapher you need not be afraid of starving; you can do something else if you so desire. I am in favor of putting these questions to a vote of the Order, and when this is done, let every member of the Order vote one way or the other, and I would suggest that each member explain his vote so the committee we send to meet the railroad committee will know just what is wanted. Let’s not allow the eight hours and $75.00 minimum to occupy our minds to the ex- clusion of our office duties, but don't let the matter grow cold. Keep out the stu- dents and pray for the time when that great dignitary, the postmaster, can not call us up on the 'phone before we get through “OSing” the train with, “Why don't you hurry up here with the mail?” If this gets into print I will come again. Let’s hear from everyone. “73.” Cert. 671, Div. 31. THIRTY CENTS PER HOUR. What looks good to me is the statement of our brother, Cert. 409, Div. 33, in July Telegrapher. The railroad can not refuse to pay a minimum of thirty cents per hour; at that price we would be the lowest paid employes in their service, considering the responsi- bility that is placed upon us. Most all other employes that are now drawing from thirty and thirty-seven and one-half cents per hour, and some up to forty cents, drew Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1292 The Railroad Telegrapher. more wages while they were learning their trade or profession than we do since we have ours learned. The railroads can not do without operators and agents to carry on the most important part of their busi- ness, the receiving and billing and deliver- ing of their freight, carrying mail, selling tickets, answering telephones and inquisitive people, and most important of all, “the wire work.” Most of us know it in this way. About twenty minutes before train time we hike to postoffice, which is only about eighty rods from station, to get the U. S. mail. Just as we get outside our offices the dis- patcher unbeknown to us begins to call for a “31,” and continues to call until you get back, and without an explanation tells us if we won't watch our wires closer he will have us relieved. Before we can answer him the telephone rings, and while we go to answer that a farmer is using several different kinds of language most common in the bible, and telling us to hurry and get his freight because his horses are afraid of the cars. When we find out who he is and where his freight is coming from we find it is a shipment of soap for his wife, order for which was sent in last Monday and not due to arrive for about three weeks. Another man stands looking at the bulletin board and asks if that board is right and if the train is on time, while another is chas- ing us around and repeatedly telling us he has thirteen pieces of excess baggage to go on this train, and three more waiting to have their mileage pulled when the local pulls in ten minutes ahead of No. 6, and wants to do the loading in and get in the clear for them. Yes, you do it all and then complain you can not sleep at night, although you have only been up sixteen hours. It is my belief that unless the rail- roads pay better salaries or make different arrangements for the benefit of the teleg- raphers it will not be long before it will be impossible to get telegraphers to fill positions now being filled by them. What young man will take up telegraphy at sixty dollars per month with the present oppor- tunities in other professions? The thirty cents per hour minimum and eight hours per day looks good, and would be easy for the company to concede. They will do it if it is put up to them. Our fellow workmen can draw as high as 37 cents per hour. Why? Because they hang together. Let us do all we can to get all nons in our ranks and then walk to the front. They can't help but give it to us if we go after it. As our brother in the July journal says, “All write and express your opinion as to what you think would be best.” Cert. 279, Div. 39. ENOUGH SAID, NOW LET US ACT. It is rather amusing to read the many good and wise suggestions in our worthy Telegrapher as to what to demand from the railroad companies and what course to pursue to receive our just dues. It reminds me of the story of the mice holding meetings for the purpose of making arrangements to put a bell on the old cat’s neck, to insure them safety from being caught. But when it came to the question as to who was to attach the bell to the cat, they were stumped. In our case it is far more ridiculous than it was with the mice. The mice had their work to perform at the risk of their lives, but in our case the cat is bucked, gagged and tied, and if we could make up our minds to unite and make our demand, victory would be ours. But still we hesitate amid this present opportunity to secure our just deserts that we are sorely in need of to assist us in meeting our necessary daily living expenses. Supposing we would all agree to act to- morrow and make a demand for a forty cents per hour minimum, receive it, or strike, what would be the result? There would be nothing left for the railroad com- panies to do but sign the agreement. I am not in favor of taking advantage of my employers with any unreasonable de- mands, but I am in favor of demanding our just deserts, receive them, or walk out of the service. Many of us telegraphers have been en- couraged to continue following the pro- fession under the wages we receive, on ac- count of the dawning day when the teleg- rapher can receive what he earns by making a demand for it. That day is now here. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1293 Let us all unite to act and demand what the railroad managers know we earn and deserve. Let us prove to the managers that there is too much territory lying between the Atlantic and the Pacific; between the Canadian line and the Gulf to permit us to degrade an organized skilled profession with a wage scale of 15 cents per hour any longer, while there is plenty of work with much less responsibilities in other fields of employment with better pay and chances for higher promotions. The telegraph operator holds one of the most responsible positions a railroad can place in the hands of man. For his service they pay him about 15 cents per hour. He continues to work for $55.00 to $60.00 per month through being encouraged by think- ing some day he may receive a sufficient raise. He lives in hope for a promotion which he seldom receives. The wages which the railroads offer telegraphers are so meager that nothing but young men of very small means are enticed to learn the profession and follow it for a living. Railroad managers are aware of the fact that it is easier for a poor boy who is controlled by circumstances to be enticed to learn telegraphy for the sake of a $55.00 to $60.00 per month posi- tion than it would be for him to improve his young years preparing himself for a field of employment that would afford him comfort in later years. On account of the telegraphers springing mainly from a poorer class (financially) of people, the railroad managers take advantage of them by trying to discourage them from asking for more pay, and try to keep them under the im- pression that $60.00 per month ought to look big to anyone. Not until the poor boy has wasted his valuable years looking up to his big $60.00 per does he realize that he has fooled away his time for the sake of something that will never mean comfort to him. Now, boys, why should we continue to work for 15 cents per hour while away down in the heart of the railroad manager he admits to himself that the telegraphers deserve pity ; they ought to receive 30 cents per hour instead of only 15, and will readily pay it as soon as he is compelled to do so. Unfortunately it is the nature o‘f man- kind to be selfish. The railroad manager is no exception to the rule, and as long as the telegraphers will patiently remain under the present wage scale, the manager can not be held to blame for what the telegraphers haven’t the nerve to demand, and yet hold in their own hands. I am strongly in favor of the 30-cent hour wage scale for reasons given by Cert. 409 in the July issue. The 30-cent per hour minimum I believe, would be satisfactory and would be endorsed by the majority. Let us take this matter up with Bro. Perham and bring the question to a close by bringing it up to the different manage- ments and leave it to a vote. Unless those measures are resorted to many of us will never live to see the day when the teleg- rapher can rejoice over being paid the salary which he deserves. The matter has been thoroughly ex- ploited; a great plenty of words used, and the matter is now arrived at that stage of the proceedings where we are awaiting our Moses. Or, in other words, for the man to come forth who will volunteer to actually “bell the cat.” Cert. 1404, Div. 33. U. 8. MAIL. Some time ago there was printed in this journal an article relative to carrying the U. S. mail. That was very good, but so far as I have heard, no attempt has been made to carry out this or any other sug- gestion. The article suggested that the men on the different roads get together, set a time after which they would not carry U. S. mail to and from the postoffice, notify the different companies to that effect, and then stick to it. Let me ask you right here, what are the companies going to do about it? If all of us refuse to make pack mules out of ourselves how can they compel us to do so? I asked a certain General Chairman not long ago what was going to be done with this mail question, and he said, “We will remedy that by legislation.” What has been done by any General Com- mittee on any road toward this evil? You speak to them about it and they will tell Digitized by ^.ooQle

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129i_ The Railroad Telegrapher. you that nothing can be done as the com- pany is under contract and the contract must be fulfilled. They never know when the existing contract will run out and have done nothing to prevent the same kind of a contract being renewed. It’s nothing to us if the companies have contracted to de- liver the mail, as they can get some one else to do it without breaking their contract. They are not compelled to deliver mail any more than any other commodity, and would not make any such contract unless it paid them to do so. We have been imposed upon long enough, and we are strong enough now to throw it off. But if some of us take a little extra money and do this work, then we will be right where we started. Don’t be greedy for a few dollars, but get rid of this imposition once for all. Now, it’s up to the membership to do something. Write your General Chairman and tell him what you want done. Don’t let him tell you what he is going to do. If he understands that he must do something, he will find a way to do it. If fifty men on each road west of the Mississippi River will take enough interest in this matter, and write their General Chairman now that they would like some action taken before Janu- ary ist, you will see the General Chairmen get together and do something. What can stop us if we are all alive? It might be that the companies would have us take an oath to care for the mail, thinking to hold the law over us, but each man can specify in his oath that he will not make deliveries after the first of the year. Now, if you are alive, do something to prove it. Cert. 187. IMPORTANT ADVICE. As it’s an assured fact that the military telegraph lines in the Philippine Islands will be turned over to the insular govern- ment in the next few months, and as they will require at least seventy-five or seventy- eight first-class telegraphers to man the same, these men will necessarily have to be brought from the United States, as there are none out of employment here. A few words on the subject to those contemplat- ing coining to the islands: In the first place, do not sign a contract, unless it calls for the benefits of civil service, as this means twenty-eight days’ vacation every year, also one month’s accrued leave, which is payable in cash, thus making a man’s sal- ary (if at the $1,200 per annum), equiva- lent to $1,400. Secondly, do not sign a con- tract for less than $1,200 and civil service. Then, if you still wish to take your chances with cholera, dysentery, bubonic plague, canned goods, come ahead, and keep out of the way of the snow, but from what I read in the Telegrapher, with a nine-hour, or, rather, an eight-hour law, as that’s what it practically is, I do not think many first- class operators will fly to these islands, as $75.00 in the States beats $150 a month here. Cert. 278. SPECIAL REQUEST. The article in the June Telegrapher by Bro. E. A. Long, of Olean, Div. No. 135, and the answer written by Cert. No. 1013, Div. No. 126, in our July number, expresses my sentiments exactly. Let every brother and sister in the United States, Canada and Mexico be notified by circular letter that on the first day of March, 1908, that we, the railroad telegraphers of the United States, Canada and Mexico (also ask the nons to join us) will make a stand for an eight-hour day and $75.00 min- imum. I am sure there would be enough that would stand by us (all should) to justify us in making this demand. And in case our just demand was refused, let everyone get busy at something else, as there is plenty of work throughout the country in other lines which we would be able to obtain, and nine chances out of ten we would better ourselves financially. We must remember that the railroad officials are not lounging in their offices or parlors awaiting the fourth of March before taking action on this important subject, but they, each and every railroad of the United States, are laboring individually or jointly on this matter, as the eight-hour law is now in the hands of the Interstate Com- merce Commissioners, and it is impossible for us to say what the railroad companies will be able to do with them before next March at any rate. We should be up and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1295 about to see what has been given us by our National Congress is not taken away. Brothers, let each and everyone get busy and take this matter up individually, and if we will do this it will only be a matter of time before we will be as busy as a hive of bees, working, working together in a body as we never worked before on the greatest subject the Order of Railroad Telegraphers has had since its institution at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, June 9th, 1886. Have each division set aside one meeting night for discussing this subject, and I am sure it will prove a great drawing card. Now, boys, if you will adopt this plan I feel sure that our efforts will prove suc- cessful In this way every brother and sister has the opportunity to show our com- mittees just how they stand on this question. If you will urge your support and stick to what you say, our Grand officers will do their part to bring us through the storm successfully. This matter of sending your opinions to our Grand officers in St. Louis is very little trouble, and only a few min- utes extra work, which may prove bene- ficial to us all. I am sorry that I can not write more fully on this important subject, but here’s hoping some other brother will find all kinds of mistakes and take the matter up and do with it what I was unable to do. Wishing to find a big line-up on this ques- tion in our next issue, I remain, Cert. 177, Div. 52. THE EIGHT-HOUR LAW. Shall we reap the reward, or are we go- ing to be idle-doers and say nothing and allow the railroads to put up the petty ex- cuse, “We can’t get the men” to the Inter- state Commerce Commission, and allow the law to be laid aside as though it had never been passed? The national law-makers of our country, by reason of complaints from the public and from many lives lost, which have come to their own knowledge caused from wrecks due to over- worked operators account of the long and worrysome hours they are held on duty, have seen proper to pass the eight- hour law for the protection of the lives of the many travelers. In reading over the July number of The Telegrapher, I notice an article written by Cert. 886, Division 3 2, which expresses my sentiments on the eight-hour law, and that is if each and every operator in the United States, Canada and Mexico would step down and out on the fourth day of March, 1908, if the railroads will not sign a con- tract on that date that they will grant the eight-hour work-day without further con- troversy. If this is done then there will be settled once for all the question of the eight-hour work-day. Now, the next and all-important question arises, how are we to accomplish this end? Here are my ideas : That all members notify the head officials of our Order that it is our will and request that they appoint a committee consisting of the General Chairman of each division of the O. R. T.’s in the United States, Canada and Mexico, to meet with a committee of railroad officials representing each railroad line in the above- named countries on the fourth day of March, 1908, and state to this committee of railroad representatives that they (the O. R. T. committee) are sent there by their constituents to demand that the railroad officials get the men to fill the places needed and sign an agreement that telegraphers shall not be required to work more than eight hours, and if this agreement is not signed, go out and stay out until we win. How many are willing to sign a statement of this kind and hand it to our noble presi- dent and let him make the necessary ar- rangements and have everything ready by the fourth day of March, 1908? Let’s hear from you on this subject. Mark it, that unless this step or its equivalent is taken, the eight-hour law will all be a farce, and where we have it now it will be as easy to win this as it was to have the bill passed through both houses unanimously. What do you say, boys, shall we or shall we not have it? It’s all with us. As to that old howl of the railroad com- pany, “We can’t get the men,” is all bosh. There arc on an average of two operators idle or doing some other kind of work to one that is employed by a telegraph com- pany today, and they would be glad to return to pounding brass if there was a Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1296 The Railroad Telegrapher. living in It and an eight-hour work-day. How many are willing to put this plan in operation? Let's hear from you. Cert. 1224, Div. 93. WANT8 ACTION. I have read so much about the eight- hour law and $75.00 minimum in our jour- nal in the last year or, more that I’m tired of it. I am heartily in favor of an eight- hour day and- a $75.00 minimum, but think the subject has been pounded to pieces in our journal, and if there is nothing to be done but talk let us cut it out. I have for some time had a plan in mind whereby we might realize our wishes and desires, and am now going to lay it before the telegraphers for their approval or con- demnation. Every local chairman send a blank like the following to every telegraph operator, agent and telephone operator on his re- spective division : To all telegraph operators, agents and telephone operators : What duties are you required to perform at station ? How many hours in each twenty-four hours are you on duty? What compensation do you receive for performing these duties? What do you consider as just compensa- tion for performing said duties? Do you desire your General Committee to convene in city on March 1st, 1908, for the purpose of demanding (state demand here) from the management of the Railway Company? I11 case the Railway Company does not comply with your demand do you desire President H. B. Perham to declare a general strike on all organized railways, such strike to be in force until a satisfactory settlement has been made? (Signature) Operator. By adopting my plan every operator as well as agent will be affected and every road in the country will be tied up, and all we will have to do will be to stay at home and that only for a short time, as the Gov- ernment will not stand for this tie-up for any length of time. Have the General Com- mittee of every organized road in the coun- try meet, say, in Chicago on March 1st, 1908, and present our demands to the man- agers of all the roads collectively, and stick until the last dog is hung. Let no certain road resume doing business until all have signed the scale, as that was why the coal miners lost their strike a year ago. Let each and every local chairman send this blank out on the first day of January, 1908, and we will make the National law for telegraphers a reality. As President Per- ham says, at some future day we may dis- card the strike as a weapon, but not until the wage-earner has a firmer hold on the law-making power. We have got to have this hold on our law-making power before we can hope for laws which will be bene- ficial to the toiling millions of this land, and this must be accomplished with your ballot. Labor unions are a necessity under our present system, for had not men banded themselves together for mutual protection they would be today worse off than the black slave of the South before the war. The very fact that they were compelled to band themselves together to protect their own interests proves that there can never be peace between capital and labor, as the capitalist wants to make as much out of labor as possible, and labor forms unions to compel the employer to raise its wages. It is a notorious fact that wages were never so high in this country as they are today, thanks to the labor unions, but it is another notorious fact that the things you eat, wear, and the house you rent were never so high as they are today, so, since the capitalist owns all these things, it does not matter how much or how often we force them to raise our wages they will just that often raise the price of the necessaries of life, so that in the long run we are no better off. I have carried an O. R. T. card in my pocket for several years, and have been in- strumental in bringing many stray sheep into our fold, and expect to continue doing so until we are prepared to take a different course. I can find but one fault with the article in the June journal written by Cert. 140, of Division 59, and that is that he ad- vocates a $75.00 minimum on organized Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1297 roads only. Stop a minute, brother. You may lose out where you now work and be compelled to go down on that unorganized road for a job; if not you, someone else holding an O. R. T. card may. We must have them all, brother, and can get all as well as one. G. N. Hancock, in the June journal, places a non in the same class with a lobster. While this name may fit some men to a T, it is an injustice to many, as I know many very good men who do not belong to our Order and who will walk out in case of a strike as quick as the next one. I should be glad to hear from some one else in regard to this plan of mine. While I do not claim it to be perfect, I do think it a step in the right direction. Yours for a living wage. H. A. Scheeltz, Cert. 729, Div. 33. MU8T 8TAND TOGETHER. In looking back for the past five years I find we have made considerable progress in line of wages due to the efforts of the O. R. T., and this leads me to believe that we can do much in the next few years as an Order, and it is mostly up to us as individuals, for we can pay our dues promptly and inspire our officials with con- fidence that we are back of them to a man in whatever they undertake for the eleva- tion of the craft, and when they feel that way they can undertake projects with suc- cess assured that look pretty large now. I am afraid that we are going to have trouble getting our nine* hour law in effect next March, but think our Order can fix that up for us ff they feel confident of our support to a man, and think it would not be a bad idea if each one wrote to our presi- dent and assured him of our support, and told him to go ahead and see that tht nine- hour law was enforced, and we would stand back of him. I know there are enough operators that the railroad can get if they will pay the price; good men with years of experience, who have left telegraphy and operators that the railroads can get if they can make more "money. But the railroad companies will not pay $75 or $80 per if they can get men for less, and would not be surprised to hear that they had cut in one or two main line wires in some build- ing and got a few professors and were advertising for students to teach free and were offering them positions when com- petent to hold down “OS” jobs, and will use that as a cry that operators are so scarce that they were obliged to teach them themselves in order to get men. Cert. 409, in July number, meets with my hearty approval when he says let the rail- road companies pay thirty cents per hour if they want us to work over nine hours. Cert. 71, Div. 37. “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTA- TION/* You will all recall the great battles and wonderful victories fought and won by our forefathers in the war of 1775, as related to us in histories and books you have read ; at the same time look back with tears in your American eyes, with pity and sorrow for the soldiers and Washington at Valley Forge. Remember how they made tracks in snow with bare feet marking every step with blood. How many of my brother O. R. T.’s are ready and willing to sacrifice home, friends and all; to leave tracks of blood on their paths for the sake of your family and the uplifting of your fellow workmen to bring them from under the yoke of slavery to that of freemen, of good repute and well recom- mended? You, agents, who are not in the O. R. T., you who work under the schedule without a voice of what that schedule shall be ; you, who, if you had the least spark of the energy that fired our forefathers to - victories, that won Roosevelt his world fame, you would fight for representation and it would come to you quick. You can be a company man and an O. R. T. at the same time; the rules of one will not con- flict where justice and right predominate the acts of your superiors. Now, nons, come out like our forefathers and say, “I have been taxed but pay it not ; I have been forced into a contract binding me; I have been legislated for without my say or con- sent, and if I dare ask for favors above and beyond my contract from the superintend- ent be answered by the lash.” Agents with common sense, don’t you know that organi- Digitized by Google

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1298 The Railroad Telegrapher. zation is the life of all institutions and more especially ours? But for the benign outgrowth of organization life would be well nigh unendurable, /ou non-agent and fellow operators who received the benefits of the Order without having to pay for same, can not you see you are wrong and come and fight for a representation of your rights. You know the O. R. T. is a combination of employes to secure higher wages and better hours, and this is unquestionably lawful; a refusal by our united body to deal with or work for those who do not accept our conditions is also lawful; con- certed action by the O. R. T. to induce you to unite with us is again lawful; therefore, don’t wait until you are forced in, but volunteer your service for your fellow workmen, your family and yourself, and come join with us. Next March united we stand, divided we fall. Now, men, be men, and stand by what God has given you to judge your action by your conscience. A. M. R., Div. 130, Cert. 1384. 8HOULD ENFORCE LAW. I have read with much interest Cert. 886, Div. 32, in the last issue of The Teleg- rapher, in regard to the National Nine- Hour Law, which goes into effect next March. I think he is surely right about the railroads who will try to disregard our National Nine-Hour Law the same as they are now doing in some of the States which have the eight-hour law, claiming they can not get the operators, etc. If they succeed in bluffing the States, which it looks like they are going to do, we will have an awful fight next spring if we gain anything at all. The country is full of operators who would gladly go to telegraphing again if we had decent working hours and got paid what we earn. I am in favor of the eight-hour day and $75.00 minimum, and as we have a chance next spring to get our shorter working day, I think we should be pre- pared to enforce our demand for the nine- hour day, and if nothing but a general strike will do it, we should all go out and stay out until our rights are respected. Cert. 281, Div. 126. MORE ABOUT U. 8. MAIL8. The writer has many times threatened to himself that he would add his mite in the way of a contribution to The Telegrapher, and help push along some of the remedies proposed for existing evils; but as The Telegrapher is never lacking for well- written articles upon all subjects, he con- cluded to let well enough alone and has kept mum to the present time. My attention is called to the article in the July number, “Keep Pulling Together.” A great majority of railway agents have to carry Uncle Sam’s mail, and it is presumed that every one of them consider it an im- position. Mail handling time comes just when we are required to sell tickets, check baggage, bill out express, put tickets on milk cans and answer questions as to “how’s the train?” If the performance of these duties causes us to miss the mail sacks we are fined one dollar for each offense, and all the explana- tions we could make as to why we missed it would avail nothing towards the remit- tance of the fine. Our town postmaster receives $1,100 per year. This is more than the railway agent leceives. Why should not he carry the mail? Because the railroad company con- tracted with the government that their agents should do the carrying. Don’t yon think it is time we had a few things coming our way? In connection with this unjust system, let me relate a case in point. Agents on our line of railway e an agreement with the general manager that twelve hours, includ- ing noon hour, shall constitute a day’s work. My first train is due 6 a. m. At 6 p. m. then my work is done. The postmaster has been holding the midnight and early morn- ing mail until later than 8 p. m. This mail is left in the depot at night so that mail trains can get it I requested the postmaster to have this mail ready for us at 7 P- m. He reported my request to the post office superintendent, relating that it would cause inconvenience to the patrons. The post office boss proceeded at once to report my request to the railroad superintendent, with the information that I had no right to state to the postmaster when the mail should be Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1299 ready for me and that he had instructed tht postmaster to close up the mail sacks at 8:15 p. m. Presuming that other agents are similarly fixed, would like to ask what you think about the post office superintendent dictat- ing that our hours shall be two hours or more above that which is required by the railroad company. Probably we will be branded anarchists when the time comes for agitating these abuses. Let’s keep pulling together for our human rights. Cert. 887, Div. 130. 8UGGE8T8 AN A88E88MENT. I have read and re-read our brothers’ views in regard to tht future of our grand old Order, what we should and should not do, what we may and may not expect. But these writings are only a mere dream, soon to vanish until comes the next issue of our Telegrapher to revive our thoughts again to a blue heat, then simply die away for another month. I do not want to take Bro. Quick’s posi- tion from him. No, not for once, for in my opinion he is more capable of filling the position than myself. But I do want to impress upon your minds that dreams do not always come true. Let’s quit eating sour apple dumplings only to roll and tum- ble and dream all night. Can we win? Yes; well why not do it? But how? We have tried in most every way and in some few instances had to yield to some extent. Right here, my brothers, is where I want to score, then leave it to your judgmtnt. We are not working in the right direction. Let’s leave the railroads alone and saw wood. I am not satisfied to see the section foreman draw more monty than I do. No, not at all. But let’s don’t blame the rail- roads. You would do just the same as they do were you in their position. What I want to impress upon your mind is the im- portance of a solid O. R. T. Then is when we can make our demands that will be listentd to. Well, we have been trying and done, I think, exceedingly well. Yes, my brothers, that’s true, but how long in the drolesome old way is it going to take to land all the boys? Long years to come. Now, let’s do business, boys. I suggest that each division be assessed $1.00 per member each month, or enough that will place a good, live, up-to-date member on each and every division and leave him there until we succeed in placing every non into the Order. Now $1.00 per month is not much and it may not take that amount. We should be able to get a good brother for say $80.00 or $100.00 per month. What is that to all of us? In my opinion that is the quickest way to success. What there are of us we have done well, exceedingly well. But we can do, oh, so much better when we are Solid, and until we get to business, boys, it will only drag along in the same slow way of having our swett dreams to only vanish. Now, if you are a good, live member you want to see the Order succeed. Let’s hear from you, boys, in regard to this move, as I know Bro. Quick is interested in us all and will pub- lish our ideas cheerfully. Hert’s my dollar, take it and it is given for the good of the Order. Who’s next? Cert. 144, Div. 34. WHY NOT AFFILIATE? “In unity there is strength.” There never was a truer statement made, or any state- ment made, which is as easy to provt as this. Where would the strength of the steel trust, the oil combine, and all other trusts be if it wasn’t for the fact that they have united brains and capital to accom- plish the one result, keeping prices up and thereby increasing their earnings. The laboring man’s capital is what he can produce through his work, and why not let the laboring man unite his efforts with that of his co-workers for the purpose of keep- ing the price of his labor at the highest pos- sible standard. Why not let the telegraphers, trainmen, engineers, firemen and conductors form a federation. The agents would not be shut out beause under the amended constitution of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers they can be admitted to that body. Now if the conductors go out on a strike, the engineers say, “Put any kind of a man on the rear end and we can pull a train.” The con- ductors say, “Give us any kind of a man on the engine and we can go just the same, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1300 The Railroad Telegrapher. when the engineers are out.” In this man- ner they all help the companies in breaking up the strike, keeping wages down and de- feating the object for which the strike was called. If all of these organizations were united this difficulty would be overcome and there would be less likelihood of prolonged and expensive strikes. If this escapes the blue pencil and appears in print let some abler writer take this up where I left off. “Warm Potato.” WIND MILL8. I am with Cert. 1515, Div. 23, in June number about telegraphers not running gas- oline engines. That does not belong in our class. But what I think is far worse is running wind mills. Those of you who never had the experience will laugh, but stop to think for one minute — the wind mill must be oiled two or three times each week and they are all the way from 40 to 70 feet high, most of them 50 feet only. But is that any place for a telegrapher? There are several wind mills along the line; in fact, about every third station has one at the stock yards. I think this is imposing a great deal more on us than any work we have. What are we going to do about it? I hire a man to oil my mill, as I do not care to chance it that high in the air. Cert. 280, Div. 76. “AKIN IN THE CAMP” It is high time that the digestive appara- tus of our Order was given attention and the capacity of its diaphragm taken. There are people in the Order, telegraphers so- called, who are absolutely unworthy of its honors and are unqualified for the profes- sion, and for many there seems to be no possibility for improvement. In addition to this many are lacking in good moral character and are indifferent and irresponsible. Yet these people claim the social plane of the good man and boast that the salary they receive is just as much as his. How long is the Order willing to absorb this menacing element to our wel- fare? Shall we affirm that merit is a dead system? Let’s see. . When an optrator causes trouble is not there a satisfaction in the knowledge that he is not a union man. Of course, and we are proclaiming a high standard of excellence. Are we going to make good? It is just as important to say no as yes in the affairs of life and we must say no to these people. And when an Akin is discovered in the camp we must be able to show that he is there without the consent of our noble Order or suffer the penalty of a great sacrifice. There is another class which may be termed “good timber.” They can telegraph some and who are bright, willing workers, eligible to improvement and they will make a substantial addition to our Order. They must be taken care of. Some are lacking in education and the common principles of life. Inasmuch as the educated are to have ruling power and that intellect has proven to be the chief essential to the welfare of our Order, can not some method be improvised whereby the education of these young men may be stimulated while they work? Can we not put a book in each office to be ex- changed at their own discretion? What books shall be selected? With the introdution of books we also realize the importance and value of good periodicals, and one can not fail to observe that this subject has been neglected too long in our noble work. It is lamentable, but nevertheless true, that the limitations of our agreements are according to the brains we have at command. As with us so it is with other organizations. “What to Read and Why” is a subjtct worthy of a permanent place between the covers of our journal. Let us establish a list of the most worthy books and periodi- cals and I am sure our journal can quote them to us with a financial saving to all concerned. I want to say that in my ex- perience of eighteen years as an operator and having worked at many places, that the environments of the vocation are such that the so-called library is absolutely worthless as far as a railroad operator is individually concerned. Furthermore, were libraries available it is questionable whether an amateur would derive any benefit there- from on account of the dead books they often carry. As a rule the smart boys do not come from the shadow of libraries, but Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1303 Then, and not till then, will the public wake up to the facts, and take action. Second, have the head officials of the O. R. T. see to it that there are rigid eight- hour laws drawn up that will hold water, that can not be found “unconstitutional,” and have a committee appointed, say five good, responsible, active telegraphers, pre- sent them to every state for passage, to take effect at once. Then the grand division notify the division secretaries in every state to send a printed letter to every telegrapher in the state, requesting him to write his Senator personally, and get all his friends to sign a request for him to work for the law. There is not a single telegrapher that could not send in such a petition, signed by from 25 to 100 voters. Take every telegra- pher in the state sending in such a petition to his Senator, Mr. Senator would see he was up against the real thing, and if he wanted his fat office again he would have to be good. Public sentiment will do anything if prop- erly directed. This would take a little work, and some money, and stamps, but we are good for it. Then what is the consequence? With a state law in every state effective as soon as the bill is passed, and a national eight- hour law, Mr. Railroad will have to come up with the goods. If he can’t get men for $50.00 he will have to pay more, or go out of business. Then it is up to us to demand fair living wages in consideration of our services. While I am, on general principles, opposed to a strike, if it can be avoided; if it can not, and you go out, be men enough to fight for your principle till you are dead. A bullet in the breast hurts no worse than one in the back, and looks a whole lot bet- ter to the mourners. Fight like our ancestors in the war of 1812, in the civil war, at San Juan. I do not means with arms; but face the firing line. Don’t be a traitor and a coward, and sneak to the rear; stand up for what you consider right. Don’t brand yourself for life with the damnable stigma of traitor and scab, and disgrace your children and friends. If you can’t exist without that, borrow a gun and commit suicide in an honorable way, and make place in the world for some one that can stand up and face the world, friends or foe alike, and be able to knock any man down that calls you a scab; not have to sneak off and swallow it like a cur. When we make the American public know we appreciate and respect ourselves, then they will appreciate and respect us, but never before. Any one will kick a cur, but few will kick a bull dog. It is the kicker in this world (not the knocker) that gets the best of everything. If a thing is not worth kicking for yourself, don’t expect your friends to kick for it for you, for they won’t do it. Wake up; saw more wood; waste less hot-air. I would like to make the last two propositions a crusade of public education on the needs and responsibility of the teleg- rapher, through newspapers, leaflets, maga- zines, journals, etc. Also that the grand division officers have eight-hour laws drawn up to present to every state and territory in the United States; appoint committees to do it, and instruct every operator to send personal letters and petitions to his Senator to work for the passage of the bill, as a motion. Do I hear a second? This could all be done inside of a year, if every man went at it as his personal af- fair. What would the result be? There would be less chance for the railways to beat the law. It might be in a few states, but not when it was a state and national law. Wake up, Bill ; your pipe is out. You are sure an interested listener. Dynamiter. CONCERTED ACTION. 1 note with interest several letters in the July Telegrapher touching on plans for concerted action by all railroad telegraphers on all railroads March 4th, 1908. This is only the conclusion of my idea on this sub- ject, and is what I think should have been done at leart a year ago, but we are in much better shape for such a move now than any past time, and I heartily agree with the other brothers that a general move for what we need should be made and that Digitized by L^OOQle

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1304 The Railroad Telegrapher. at no very distant date. I know by my own wages and working conditions that we need better pay and shorter hours, and I know that the greater part of the operators and agents, especially at one-man stations, need more rest, but here again we arc hard up against a proposition. The National Nine-Hour Law gives very little relief to men at one-man stations, and they are a class of men that need the rest as much as at two-men stations, as the majority of them have two men’s work t > do, yet they work us twelve hours and sometimes more for the same money they are paying men for eight hours. For this reason and no other I would favor the “per hour” scale, with minimum of $75.00 per month, then if they work a man twelve hours, they will surely need him, otherwise he will get the needful rest. Cert. 403, Div. 130. THE PA88 QUE8TION. It is gratifying, indeed, to read of revised schedules in the East covering the pass question, whereby our brothers are allowed annuals, etc., after three years of service. But it is of the abuse of the pass privilege that I wish to write. On certain Western railroads telegraphers are hard to get and harder to keep, because of intense heat, desert country, poor pay in some cases, distance from water and food, etc. It has therefore been the habit, to a certain extent, for terminal officials to pass telegraphers to a chief dispatcher’s office out on the road, perhaps without examination or signing of application blanks. In fact, this has been the rule rather than the ex- ception, up to a short time ago.. While the acceptance of transportation to go to a dis- tant position really constitutes a moral ob- ligation to go to work, nevertheless there have been quite a number of the traveling fraternity who have taken advantage of this favor, and have never shown up where sent. This act, under the laws of interstate com- merce, places the person so using a pass, liable to a fine of $1,000. But this is not exactly what is bothering the more honor- able kind of telegraphers who are really looking for work, and who are willing to meet their obligations. The stealing of a pass in this manner not only harms the one who commits the crime, but harms every other operator in that section of the country, disappoints the official issuing the same, destroys the plans of the chief dis- patcher he is sent to; perhaps keeps a sick man on duty longer than expected, and in the end grossly abuses the pass privileges so that others who deserve a job and a pass can not get either. In one case two operators were after- wards forced to pay fare for the distance they used passes, before they could retain their positions with a commercial telegraph company, after they had ridden over the entire road. This took a good share of their first month’s pay. In another case an operator rode by his destination and had to pay about seven dollars fare, only to find that all the train- men and telegraphers on that part of the road were prepared to make him walk or pay fare. Men, this will not do. An important en- gagement was broken because of this lat- ter case, which would have netted many dollars and many members to a system division of the O. R. T. If you accept a pass and do not go to work, you may ex- pect the same treatment (walk or pay fare) almost anywhere in the West. It is too serious a question to be overlooked, ard we can not blame any official for becoming very bitter against it. Put yourself in his place and see how it looks to you. If you must travel and can not get a pass otherwise than to get to a position, then go without a pass, and no harm will be done. Cert. 66. THE KEY-NOTE. At last the key-note has been struck. The $75.00 minimum and the eight-hour work day are ours for the taking. An individual division can not, of course, enforce the de- mand, but when we, as a body, precent the alternative to railway managements all over America, on the same day, at the same hour, with the full power of the O. R. T. to back the stand, is there a rational man who can devise a means to thwart us? Concentrated action on our part can not fail to bring the desired result. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1305 If this statement seems too positive or sanguine, will some brother who takes ex- ception please endeavor to convince me by what means the railway managements of America, as a whole, or otherwise, can suc- cessfully combat the demand of approxi- mately 45,000 telegraphers? I am open to conviction, but “you gotta show me.” We are a brotherhood, unanimous in our desire to attain a particular goal ; then, as a brotherhood, pull for it. We don’t want it piecemeal, to get it only when we are gray and incapacitated for enjoying its results. No! We surely have had sufficient of that “by degrees” method referred to by Cert. 696, in the June Telegrapher. By that means we have secured in the past ten or twelvt years something like an increase of $15.00 per month, with an increast of more than 50 per cent of work and stress of con- ditions, kindly “thrown in” by the railway companies, to say nothing of increased cost of living, the increased demands of the pub- lic, the increased number of departments, with their attendant increase of officialism. I will leave the question for any old-timer to answer conscientiously to himself, whether or not he would prefer to railroad twelve years ago for $35 per month or now for $50? We have in no way kept pace with the times. If we had there would be no such a clamor now fo t the eight-hour day and the $75 per. Just revolve the comparison in your minds, “roll it under your tongue as a sweet morsel” and if you find it palatable, what the “by degrees” system has done for us, why — hang on to it by all means, if it docs not taste up to the standard, show your teeth. Coaxing and waiting are all right in their place, but, as the rhymer says : “All things come to he who waits, But there’s a way that’s slicker. He who goes after what he wants Gets it a blamed sight quicker.” The article “Opposes Government Owner- ship” by the author above referred to, also impels me to comment. The brother surely will have this move- ment to combat in the near future, if he re- mains unwise enough to maintain his oppo- sition to it. The man who makes a study of economics, or even reads casually, must know that government or collective owner- ship of railroads and many other public utilities is inevitable, pursuing the present line of progress. Whether it will prove a hardship or a boon to railway employes de- pends on whether a man prefers to work for an ungracious corporation or for him- self. There is no question of conditions; they would regulate themselves, where now they are made to order in an inflexible mold. ' We know railways are operated for pri- vate gain, pure and simple. Conditions are not made to further the service to the pub- lic, nor to improve the environments of the employe, more than is absolutely imperative, because the outlay would detract from the dividends, not that some railroad directors would not like to see both take place, but they are powerless ; it is the “soulless cor- poration” and will have its “pound of flesh.” On the other hand we have a government operated line, run solely for use, desiring only to pay expenses, with no thought of profit. We have the rates to the traveling public lowered to a normal figure, its safety assured by every device that the coffers of the present millionaire owners would pur- chase, and the employes paid what they by scientific calculation earn, with conditions such as any respectable human being would be proud to work under. Ninety per cent of the red tape would be relegated to oblivion by reason of the greater surety with which all kinds of work would be accomplished. Why? Because a “man” would have encouragement to do his work with precision and dispatch, while a “slave” will never do his best, even when lashed. While we are compelled to work under conditions unsuitable, and for wages in- adequate, we are naturally not content, and a man under unsatisfactory circumstances can not, however he may try and deceive himself and others into believing so, do the fair thing by himself or his employer. Thus we live a false life. Yet some of us would decry a reform that would place us in a position to live con- scientious, honorable lives, doing our best because we may and it is to our advantage to do so, with no lagging because of discon- Digitized by Google

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1306 The Railroad Telegrapher. tent with our lot, knowing that we are a part and parcel of the work we are doing. One of us pretends to a fear of being bossed by a negro. And why? If a black man be sufficiently capable and intelligent to win his way into the ranks of statesmen, are we white-livered enough to scorn him as a director because of his natural color? I cry, shame on such a sentiment! If that would lead one to oppose government ownership or any other advantageous re- form, that one deserves the worst the com- petitive grind has to offer. What matter if we should carry U. S. mail? I should much prefer to carry the mail of my own government, being hand- somely paid for it, than to carry that of an unconscionable private concern at less than half pay. Again let me ask the brother how did we secure the eight-hour day enactment; was it not by an appeal to government? Would an apeal to the railways bring the same result? Never. Does not this then prove us at least an item in that govern- ment under which it would be so baneful to be employed? What grander means of employment could the most patriotic con- trive than to work hand in hand, with and for one’s country, aided and abetted by one’s country? Arguments here are necessarily weakened on account of curtailment enforced by limited space. It is a subject worthy a wider scope. As it is I fear the goat will “butt in.” However, I will risk another paragraph, feeling sure if he eats it he can not hold it. Do you, Brother Cert. 696, imagine that this “tooth and nail” struggle we have kept up for years, is our inherent bequest from old Father Adam, or do you find something enjoyable in it, that you voice a sentiment to go on with it, in a give and take squab- ble, like two cats on a back fence? For myself, it bores me; the game is not worth the candle. We grow old and poor on the reward of fools, and yet we whine — yes. whine, for what is within our reach. How much better to come to the point with decisive action and prove whether we are men with rights or just — puppets. Cert. 1354, Div. 7. WATCH CONQRE88. After reading June journal and Cert. 676 will try and help matters along, as this is a good subject Let us bear in mind that another Congress meets before the 4th of March, 1908, and we may rest assured that the railroad companies “will make hay while the sun shines” and cause this nine- hour day law to be made undesirable if it is in their power to do so. Don’t let us get the idea in our heads that they are asleep. Far from it, and if we don’t keep our eyes open and watch they may spring some disagree- able surprise on us yet. Let us send some one to Washington when the next Congress meets to look after and protect our rights. Now, dear brother, let us each and every one work together, for we are all anxious for the nine-hour law and at the same time give the railroad officials to understand that we mean business and we mean to have the benefit of the nine-hour law just as it now stands. By being thoroughly organized we can demand more, and what is better still, receive it. We may rest assured that the railroad companies will make a bitter fight against this law from ever going into effect. Now let us be ready for them. Look at the con- ductors and engineers. They have no trouble, why? Because they stand perfectly organized. Now let us take the same step, for neither can the railway companies run trains without the operators. Now we have only about three hours out of twenty-four to spend with our loved ones at home. Go to work at 7 and off at 7 and by the time we reach home it is 7:30, and to get a good rest we retire at 9 or 9 :30. Now, what pleasure is this to us? Seven days in the week, 365 days in the year with no Sunday off and no extra pay for Sunday duty. This Sunday work should be called to the attention of our committee. I for one would suggest all divisions call a meet- ing before the time their committee leaves and each of us attend and file our com- plaints with the chairman and committee. Then they will know how we are situated and what we need. Now, if this escapes Bro. Quick’s waste basket will try and do better next time. Cert. 1184, Div. 59. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. ' 1307 18 THERE A 8H0RTAGE OF TELEGRA- PHERS? That is the absorbing question with the railroads to-day. Is this shortage real or only apparent? Thousands have left the service, going to other vocations in about the same manner as the Russians are leav- ing their country for America. Is there a reason? Yes, a thousand times. To make this reply explanatory, it will be necessary to go into details. I will outline these under three head, or from a constitutional stand- point, viz., life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Life, what does it mean, the best of health, a clear conscience and your duty to the Creator. Can you possibly have good health confined in a small office twelve hours daily the year around? Is your con- science clear? Are you doing your duty to God and man? Oh, no, the corporation tears the leaf out of the good Book whic1* says six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work. The Sunday school is forbidden you and when 6 p. m. rolls around do you feel much like going anywhere? Liberty — have you any? Yes, after twelve hours are served, but our instruc- tions are not to leave town without per- mission. We may need you any time. Are you paid for being on duty all the time? The last topic may be sub-divided. The pursuit of happiness. Did you ever get up on a Christmas morning and see your three little girls playing around the tree? Did you stay to be happy, no! You went to that dreary old office for your Christmas and was unhappy all day. Another pay day has come and gone. How did your cash hold out? No doubt you gave your wife a five-dollar bill just for pin money. The engineer did ; also the dis- patcher. who has sixty-six days annually off duty. Tell the truth, you married brothers, did you not have a hard time to make ends meet? I gave almost the last half dollar I owned to help the woman whose man was burned at the colliery. A machinist there said to me as long as you teach every Tom, Etick and Harry who comes along you will always be down. Tht writer is done on the student ques- tion. A dozen messengers would make no impression. Say, boys, did you ever think what fine workmen these kids would make who are strung over the division as mes- sengers? I have seen the bright and dark side of life and will close by saying that my telegraphic career ends March 4, 1908, un- less we get eight hours and same rate of pay as at present. Cert. 33. WHY HE JOINED. I have never been accused of being a writer or an orator, nevertheless I will tell you in my own way from practical experi- ence why I have been a member of the O. R. T. In the first place I can’t help it, for the reason that the O. R. T. has done wonders for the railroad telegrapher. Twenty-one years ago at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on June 9, ? little group of brass pounders guided by the grand old man, the father of the O. R. T., Bro. Thurston, the noble O. R. T. was instituted. Then operators were receiving the magnificent salary of from $20 to $40 per month, worked every day in the year and any attempt to ask the boss for conces- sions was met with a bluff such as You are only a figurehead, and were shown the door with threat of dismissal if such an attempt on yours part was again put in practice. It was common for a teltgrapher to hit a back door for food in order that he might obtain enough to keep body and soul together. Many trials and tribulations were endured too numerous to mention, but by persever- ance the O. R. T. has won out and has been the cause of railroad telegraphers securing living wages and good working conditions, as well as laws that are a benefit to them- selves and their families. Most of the railroads are not scheduled, and it is only a question of time when all roads will be in line with an O. R. T. schedule. It is up to those to join the O. R. T. who are not at this time enjoying a schedule whereby better wages and working condi- tions are the result of organization. One of the many good things that the O. R. T. has brought to bear and accom- plished is the eight-hour law affecting all railroad telegraphers in the United States, commencing March 4, 1908. All telegra- phers who are not within tht O. R. T. with an up-to-date card should wake up and join Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1308 The Railroad Telegrapher. the Order and help to still better their condi- tions both morally and financially. Individ- ual effort does not count ; a committee rep- resenting a majority of the boys always makes railroad management set up and lis- ten, and most of all consider and submit whereby the boys are granted what rightly belongs to them — justice. Mack. MORE ABOUT GOVERNMENT OWNER- SHIP. I have read with much interest Bro. Dun- can’s letter in opposition to government ownership, which was printed in the June number of The Telegrapher, and will say that I agree with him as far as he has gone into the subject. Our postal system is an example of gov- ernment ownership. Let us examine it briefly. The employes have the eight-hour day and their compensation is somewhat bet- ter -than ours. On the other hand, as I un- derstand it, postal employes are not allowed to organize, or to petition Congress for favorable legislation or increases in salary, therefore (notwithstanding that I firmly be- lieve that the government should own the principal means of production; distribution and exchange) I would not favor govern- ment ownership of railroads or the socializa- tion of any large industry unless we had some assurance that it would be democratic- ally managed; but if government owner- ship will bring about the democratic man- agement of those things that are public in their nature, I would be heartily in favor of it ; in other words, I would welcome social democracy, which would, I believe, be just what we want. Let us put aside our prejudices (which narrow our field of observation) and inves- tigate our economic and political status. Upon education, along these lines, depends whether or not we shall, in the near future, evolve into the narrow confines of state socialism, or into the broad field of social democracy. I would like to hear from others on this subject; it will be an issue within a few years, and we, united, should be prepared to deal with it intelligently. Investigation is not a crime. Amo» Munson, Cert. 273, Div, 42. PREFERS PER CENT INCREA8E. In reading over the different articles in the July Telegrapher in regard to eight- hours and increased wages, I agree with Cert. 344, Div. 2. I think it would be bet- ter to go after, say a 30 per cent increase, instead of a $75 minimum, for in that way all brothers would be benefited, but if we go after a $75 minimum there are some who would not be benefited at all. Take our own division for txample, a 30 per cent increase would make the mini- mum wage $70 and in so doing would give the few more important offices an increase according to the wages paid at present I am in favor of our making a united stand for eight hours and a 30 per cent in- crease in wages, but think we should be thoroughly organized so there can be no doubt as to our success. Would like to hear more from the brothers in regard to this. Yours for eight hours and a 30 per cent increase to all. Cert. 41, Div. 100. “PUMP8.” Cert. 1515, Div. 23, in his article in the June Telegrapher on gasoline engines, failed to mention steam engines, which are used at some water stations and which are much worse than the gasoline ones, and both are bad enough when forced on the telegraphers or agents. There is another class of pumps to come under this head and that is air pumps, used to control gates at street crossings and at some places controlled by cranks and pipe line and lever. For this service the rail- roads allow you the exercise and at a few places $5.00 per month, which is 16 2-3 cents per day. Think of it ! And this, too, at places where the telegrapher has an in- terlocker to handle and five or six wires with thirty scheduled trains besides switch engines, as these gates are generally situated in towns where they have yard engines in service. Where there is no telegrapher available and a regular watchman is sta- tioned they pay him from $1.15 to $1.50 per day. Look at the difference; he does one man’s work for $1.50 per day; we do two men’s work and for the second man’s work we receive the large sum of 16 2-3 cents per day. It gets down to such a fine point that Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1309 I am afraid to put in figures what it would bt per hour. Furthermore, it is keeping some poor cripppled man out of a job, of which no doubt the company have an over- stock. We should make this one of the strongest articles in our schedules through- out the United States, Canada and Mexico. Our motto should be, eliminate engines, pumps and crossing gates of all description. We ask for what we want ; nothing more ; no concessions go. Shiner, Div. 138. WANT8 TO MOVE FA8TER. In just a few short months the Federal nine-hour law will become effective; that is, if the railroad companies can not find some judge to declare the law unconstitu- tional. Now I don’t say they will try that, but they may and it is always well to be on the safe side. Our president should open negotiations with the General Managers’ Association, prepare a contract which should contain an eight-hour day provision, taking effect March 4, 1908, and a minimum of $3 per day to take effect the same date as the eight-hour day and anything that might be decided on that would be of great benefit to the organization. If the railroad companies were confronted by these conditions they would be compelled to give us our eight-hour day, also some- thing near what we should receive for our labor. You no doubt remember what a stir the trainmen caused when they massed their organization against half the railroads of the United States. Then think how much greater our power would be should we mass our entire membership against the railroads of this country just as the coal miners meet the coal operators. We would con- sider them very foolish if they conferred with each coal company separately, for when they would go to a company to get a ,wage increase they would be politely informed they were getting as much as other miners were receiving at other companies and they could not afford to pay more than other companies. Yet we do this very same thing. We go to each general manager separately and negotiate for an increase. The general manager holds his position by keeping down expenses and if a general manager of one railroad would grant his operators $75 while other roads were only paying $55 under the same conditions, it would not take the stock- holders long to decide to try some one else to keep down expenses the same as on other roads, where if we would go to the General Managers’ Association and we would get an increase all roads would be increased at the same time and would therefore be granted much more readily and we would havt a power to back up our demands that the railroad companies would be loath to meet in battle array. If you favor this legislation make out a letter asking your local chairman to take up with your general chairman, he in turn to ask President Perham to confer at once with the General Managers’ Association and open negotiations for the purpose here- inbefore mentioned. This will be very little trouble to you, and without your move it will be impossible to make it a success. Re- member that the greatest trouble with our organization is that it has not been progres- sive enough in its plans of attack ; that it is using the same ideas that it did when or- ganized or that it did before it had to con- tend with organized capital. Then we did not have to contend with the greatest enemy known to organized labor to-day, ‘The Labor Spy.” You may think that our or- ganization is free from these sneaking curs, but oh! how badly mistaken you are. It has been but a short time since a brother on this division was approached by a repre- sentative from one of these detective agen- cies and offered the position to become a labor spy. The method, as this representa- tive informed him. exactly coincided with Morris Friedman in his book entitled “The Pinkerton Labor Spy.” The only way we can meet organized capital is to meet them with our united strength and fight them upon equal footing; then it makes no difference if they have a copy of our plans ; it will avail them naught. Should we be compelled to strike and the entire membership walk out you can see the shape the railroads of this country would be in. .It would cause the greatest stagnation of business the world has ever seen. In strikes where there is but one com- pany engaged, they can gather up what Digitized by Google

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1310 The Railroad Telegrapher. scabs there is in the country and manage to keep things going until the effect has been killed, the strikers become disheartened and the strike is called off ; wherein if all companies were involved in the same strike it would be impossible for them to secure strike breakers enough to do us any detri- ment whatever and the efftct would be electrical. Did you ever stop to think that labor was the producer of all wealth and that labor is entitled to all the wealth it produces ? That labor receives but a very small per cent of the wealth it produces and that the capital- ist receives the largest per cent of the wealth you produce? Do you think this is right? Do you know that nine per cent of the population owns 70.5 per cent of the total wealth and that 70.1 per cent of the population owns 4.2 per cent of the wealth? That this 70.5 per cent of the poulation represents the wealth producers and they own 4.2 per cent of the wealth they pro- duce? Do you think this is right? Do you know the railroads are grinding the life out of their employes that they may pay dividends on $300,000,000 of watered stock? Have you seen or heard of any trusts being put out of commission? Do you think you ever will while money controls our courts or under the present system? Don’t you think if the workers were the owners of the railroads it would be better for the workers since it was the workers that built the rail- roads, and the workers that have been mak- ing the railroad produce wealth after they were built? They should then be the ones to own as well as to operate it. There has been volumes written on this subject by brilliant writers, but have never been read by the laboring class on account of their prejudice, and the workers will al- ways remain slaves until they throw off that prejudice and investigate for themselves. The best and only way to find out the evils of a system is to thoroughly study that sys- tem from a scientific point. We all know that graft and fraud abound everywhere and in every line of business under tht present system. That it might be well to investigate some other system occurs to me would be an intelligent move. Now if you favor a concentrated move bring it up at the next meeting and have it discussed and find out how the other brothers stand on the proposition. Put it in the form of a motion, push it, try and get things moving and don’t let things go to sleep until the desired end is rtached. Cert. 426, Div. 33. “DO IT NOW." I have just finished my July Telegrapher and find that we are still barking and that the bites are far between. Brothers, why can’t we get together and do something? Just think of the valuable time we are los- ing, and remember the' golden rule, “Do not put off until to-morrow that which can be done to-day,” and “Do unto others as they will do unto you, only do them first.” This is what the railroads are doing to us ; they are doing us first by holding us down to long hours and low wages. We can’t stand for this much longer, as the cost of living is increasing so rapidly that we will soon be in some county poor farm. . Of course, most of the boys get a small raise once a year, perhaps $2 or $3, but what is that in comparison to the increase of food and clothing? What other class of men work such long hours for such small salary? And what other class of men have so many lives in their hands as we? Now let’s go to work all of us to-day (not to-morrow), for that may be too late. Let’s all write Bro. Per- ham to take a vote on this matter. Get him to take a vote of all telegraphers in the United States, Mexico and Canada and if he is favorably supported to take action at once against all roads in these three coun- tries and ask for not less than $75 and tight hours per day, and have it to take effect at once; the delay is what hurts. If we wait until March 4, 1908, the railroads will get the law put off, just the same as they have in Arkansas and Missouri, but if we get a schedule to read that way there will be no backing out of it. We can never get anything by going up one at a time; we will be compelled to go all at one time and now is the time. Of course, they will fight hard, but we can fight too, and if necessary just walk out Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1311 and they will come on bended knees hunting us up, for they could not stand one day without us. By this way we can be working eight hours per day at $75 per month by Christmas, so don’t forget and “Do It Now." Old Korkeye, Cert. 894, Div. 32. GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP OF RAIL- WAYS. The subject of government ownership, or at least control of railway and telegraph lines, is receiving considerable space in the newspapers of late, and the indications are that legislation on the subject can not be far off ; yet how unprepared are the teleg- raphers to meet the issue. Few have given the matter any thought, though it is of greatest moment to all of us, and we should lose no time in gaining all possible information on the subject. While the bond question, the eight-hour law, license and other important matters are being ably handled by correspondents in the columns of The Telegrapher, little or nothing has been said on this most vital question. It is a subject about which much can be said, both for and against, and it ought to be carefully looked into from evtry side, and our minds made up as to our proper course to pursue, so that when the time comes for action, we may be solidly united one way or the other ; not undecided, wavering, and possibly, divided. Probably the most serious obstacles in the way of successful government ownership are politics, graft and false civil service. The writer was for several years inti- mately associated with one department of the U. S. Internal Revenue, supposed to be almost entirely under the civil service, and had ample opportunity for observing the means by which dishonest politicians defy the laws, evade or override the merit sys- tem, and use it for the very purposes that its adoption was supposed to defeat. As an instance of this, the collector of one Ken- tucky district, by reason of publishing a par- tisan political newspaper of large circulation and wide influence, holds his official position, paying a salary of several thousand dollars a year, which he makes little or no pre- tense of earning, devoting almost his entire time to private interests, including the man- agement of his newspaper. He dishes out civil service positions, not as a reward of merit or for the betterment of the service, as the law intends, but to his political henchmen, who, in their turn, openly violate their oaths, and make a farce of the laws they are sworn to uphold, while those who are worthy and well-qualified, and have given evidence of their proficiency are passed by, turned down and cast aside. By such tactics he has been able to hold his position and be reappointed, even in the face of the most serious and scandalous charges, published, reiterated and pushed by one of the factions of his own political party. With railways and telegraph lines in such hands, backed by the U. S. army to put down strikes and silence all protests of or- ganized labor, nothing less than a revolution could make a change, or retire a political party once in power. Therefore, before government ownership can become a success, there must be a radical change of existing conditions, and for this reason the matter should not be entered into hastily, or indeed at all, until the subject is fully understood and plans matured to insure the safety and perpetua- tion of labor unions and an honest civil service. Cert. 640. THE NINE-HOUR LAW. I note in The Telegrapher a whole lot of useless persiflage regarding the nine- hour law, effective March 4, 1908. • Have had quite a number of telegraphers and also others outside our profession ask me if I thought the nine-hour law would ever be obeyed by the railroads of the country. Seems that some of the brothers in writ- ing in The Telegrapher, as well as out- siders, think the railroads will beat this law. Now, brothers, I would like to ask, why was it ever necessary to enact a law where- by we lightning slingers get civilized hours of work? Why is it that some people are so thick pated that they can not see the easier and only way to better our condition? It was not necessary for our condition to be bettered by an act of Congress, al- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1312 The Railroad Telegrapher. though we should surely appreciate the in- terest shown in us at the last session of Congrtss. It is the fault of no one but the teleg- raphers of this country that they were not working under their own conditions years ago. If each and every telegrapher could have it impressed upon him (and I say again I can not conceive why any one that can master the art of telegraphy should be so dull as not to see without any convincing evidence being used), that if each member did his duty, we could command and labor under our own working conditions. If every telegrapher in this broad land would say, “I demand a $75-00 or $8000 minimum with an eight-hour day or I don’t work,” what would be the result? There could be but one issue, and that would be the granting of our demands. The railroads of this land are making enough profit today that they would not let the demands of the telegraphers shut them down, and if, as I stated before, each teleg- rapher could be made to see as they should, it's a case of comply with our demands or do no business, for is there a telegrapher in the land today who is not wise enough to know that railway traffic can not be handled without the telegraph system. Probably some may think they could use telephones, but I think this has been tried and proven a failure in more than one in- stance. So let us quit this worrying about whether the law is going to be obeyed or not, and get down to something besides slinging hot air and worrying, for, as I said before, we do not need the law, but strength in something that was started with this goal in sight long before a law to this effect was thought of. Let us get after those who still walk in darkness, and try and lead them to see the light, for, as we all know, there are still those who are unable to see as the edu- cated should see. Now, a few words in regard to our Order, and I think they apply to all secret orders as well. I would say, and reiterate strongly, that there is not enough care taken in selecting timber for an order; this not only applies to our order, but to all other orders as well : as being a member of other orders, I can assert these things. I have always been a great agitator for reform in our Order, for, brothers, I have always been convinced, and have always asserted that if we as an order were to get down and live up to the letter in regard to taking in new members, there would not be the fight existing between our Order and our employers that there is today. Does it not stand to reason that if our Order were composed only of temperate, upright, first-class men, the railroads would see where they were going to be benefited by employing only Order men, and instead of bucking 11s, would stand up for us? Let us hear from others on this matter. If not thrown out this time, will try and come again. “Brink." THE BOND QUESTION AGAIN. I agree with Bro. W. H. C. in regard to the bond question in the June issue of The Telegrapher, that something must be done but I hardly think that the O. R. T. wants to embark on a commercial career at pres- ent, at least. The Order has enough to look after in these questions without actually establishing new departments to cover them. If we can agree on some plan and get it started, let us do so; but the question is the plan. First, let me relate my own experience, to show how important this matter is. After doing some organizing on one of our scheduled roads, as there had been some civil strife on a certain district of the road. I being a new-comer there, found only 25 paid-up members out of something like 185 telegraphers. I proceeded to organize the division, and being on an organized and scheduled road, I did not take any pains to cover up my purpose, but sailed in open- handed and organized the division, having a total of 210 members, which, of course, in- cluded some telegraphers who were em- ployed in other departments, six months after beginning. I had at that time been bonded by a cer- tain surety company for several months on the same road, and prior to coming to that road had been bonded by the same surety Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1313 company for many years in different posi- tions. After organizing, I took up with the superintendent several matters in regard to the schedule, among them a matter of sev- eral positions where telegraphers had been working from thret to four hours more than the time calleS for by the schedule, without overtime pay. This matter had to go to the general manager’s office before the hours were finally reduced to those called for by the schedule. Shortly afterward a man stepped off the train and handed me a note, reading, “the general manager advises that the bond company has withdrawn from your bond; your services are no longtr required.” Upon going to the superintendent’s office to take the matter up, I was informed that there was nothing that office could take up for me. However, I was told by an active member of the superintendent’s office that he had learned that the superintendent had written to the general manager stating that I had been making a discontented feeling among the telegraphers, and that he would like to have me removed from the division, some time previous. On going to the General Chairman of the system with my grievance, he introduced me to the general agent of the bond com- pany, and there I made a statement. After some time, as no satisfaction was given at all, I again wrote the General Chairman, who in turn wrote a note to the general agent, and received a reply that a statement was wanted from me. The same thing oc- curred again and again, although each timt I made a statement. Upon writing to Bro. Perham, he sug- gested certain action o;i my part at that time, which I took with the following re- sults : I wrote for and received letters from bankers, lawyers, preachers, and others at each station I had been employed in during five years. %Each one gave me a good send- off, and stated that I was sober, honest, in- dustrious, etc., etc. These letters, about forty, all told, I took to the general agent of the bond company, and asked him to get them to the president of his company. He said that he doubted if the president would give the matter any consideration, but that he would try it. To end the story, in a surprisingly short time I was notified that my bond had been re- stored. However, not until a year had passed from the time it was withdrawn. Now, I would suggest that suggestions be made by our President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary and other writers in The Teleg- rapher, and that at the end of, say, three to six months, when the question has been thoroughly threshed out, and a large num- ber of suggestions made, that they he written out on a form to be printed by the O. R. T. and voted upon by the membership, and the suggestion receiving the most votes be taken in hand and plans made by the officers of the O. R. T. to carry it out in detail. Some suggestions follow ; who will add others to the list, and print with his article to The Telegrapher, all these together with his own suggestion? 1. That each schedule revised, and each schedule secured from a railroad contain the provision that : Telegraphers may secure bond from any reliable bond company, and same will be accepted by the company, or may give personal bond, of any kind that may be adjudged by a committee consisting of one railroad official, one O. R. T. mem- ber, and one other party, to be chosen by the former two, and all expense be paid by tht employer, provided that the company does not see fit to accept the bond without arbitration. 2. That telegraphers may be bonded by any reliable company. 3. That any bond may be accepted, pro- vided same is guaranteed by the O. R. T. Any of the above would have to be included in schedules. 4. Organize a bond company, separate from the O. R. T., but consisting of mem- bers of the O. R. T. 5 A provision in all schedules that whenever a telegrapher’s bond is withdrawn, he can not be discharged from the service, but may take his turn for non-bonded po- sitions, the schedule to state what positions are to be bonded according to valuables handled by said telegraphers in said posi- tions. Here is my suggestion. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1314 The Railroad Telegrapher. 6. All schedules renewed or secured by the O. R. T. will contain a provision that no bond will be required of any telegrapher holding membership in the Order of Rail- road Telegraphers, that no discrimination will be made in filling positions, and that the said Order of Railroad Telegraphers will help to punish any absconder who has been employed under those conditions, and will disbar him from further membership, and agrees to take any reasonable measures toward assisting in the capture of such ab- sconder. Any member dropping member- ship, or failing without great cause to pay his dues, may be reported to the company who employs him, as disbarred from this guaranty on receipt of this information. The objection may be made that the rail- road companies would refuse to employ members. Not so. If a schedule with this provision became effective, naturally, the road would have many members, and con- sequently no bond would be required from these members. A new man would not be asked if he was a member until after he had been employed, or if discrimination should be practiced in employing teleg- raphers, any member could take the matter up with the system division operating on said road and quickly have the matter stopped. I believe it is possible and very probable that in some future time the O. R. T. can demand a closed shop, and no bond. The O. R. T. would then guarantee all members, and any member violating his obligation, which will contain an agreement to protect the O. R. T., may be expelled. When we stop to think what the O. R. T. has accomplished, and what other organiz- ations have accomplished, it looks very reasonable. Yours for closed shop, honesty and no bond. Cert. 1103, Grand. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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FRATERNAL New Haven Division, No. 29. The regular July meeting of Division No. 29 was a perspiring event. The excessive heat made the evening anything but comfortable, even out of doors, but in the lodge room the temperature was withering to the feelings, and melted the “boiled” collars into unrecognizable shapes. Coatless and vestless individuals fanned the air with anything they could improvise into a fan in an endeavor to generate breeze enough to endure the torrid heat, and stuck it out with the grim determination of a stoker in the fiery pit of a vessers hold. In their mind’s eye were visions of what they were missing at Savin Rock; the ocean- cooled breezes seemed to be mocking them, and the innumerable thirst emporiums never seemed so attractive before; they imagined them deserted of anyone able to raise a real thirst, and despised so much those that didn’t appreciate the boun- ties provided by thirst-producing Nature on the one hand, and thirst-quenching concoctions on the other. The members who denied themselves the pleas- ures abounding on the outside for the discomforts on the inside that hot night are real thorough union men. This compliment is meant only for those in attendance that night, and should not be embezzled by any who were not present. While it is true that but a few can lay claim to it by virtue of their attendance, still it is rather a self- ish exhibition to not manifest a willingness to be “roasted” by the heat when many so uncomplain- ingly stand for a “roasting” by juggling the in- surmountable amount of work, and the un -get- away-from hours during their stipulated day’s work. It is not within the mental capacity of any one to suppose that because it is hot there will be “nothing doing” — I hope it will never be said of an O. R. T. meeting that there was “nothing doing” there was “something doing,” and of such an important nature that it was deemed advisable to defer its final discussion until a larger attend- ance so all could have a hand in the shaping of the arrangements, which are vital to the general and special welfare of every telegrapher on this large and prosperous system. As it was, enough ideas were disseminated to blaze the way for pro- visional beginnings, and if the members will turn out to the August meeting in warrantable numbers, the plans will be exploded, and, perhaps, adopted, which will put the affairs of the Order on the business-like basis that the best interests of the membership demands*, and warranted by the mul- titudinous work that is upon the General Chair- man and the General Secretary and Treasurer. They have and are encountering an incomprehen- sible amount of work; gratuity is a poor com- pensator, and recompense is persistently demand- ing a change in the present unbusiness-like methods. Appreciation is bountifully expressed from every one for the earnest and successful work of the General Committee, but appreciation has no pecuniary value; its only worth just now is to propel the thoughts, and direct the actions of the members to some arrangements whereby some permanency of salary will be forthcoming, and you are asked to consider seriously any proposition your judgment may dictate and express that at the proper place for the solving of this important and not to be dismissed without some settlement ques- tion. The reports of the several standing and special committees were received with grateful applause, and gave every assurance of successful culmina- tions. The Clam Bake Committee reported arrange- ments completed for the Fourth Annual Clam Bake and Sheep Barbecue, at Rivercliffe, Nauga- tuck Junction, on Sunday, August 4th. This is an exceptionally attractive and ideal place to hold a clam bake; the large, spacious grounds, sloping gently down to the beautiful, placid Housatonic river affords ample room for sports of all kinds; the numerous improvised “alcoves,” protected from the sun and the rain are especially adapted to the “congregating” around the “frenzied” board, where sports the elusive chips. Those that visited this farm last year know well that no better could be found. 'It is hoped that a large gathering will make glad the committee who are especially anxious that the financial success will eclipse any previous bake, and all that attend go home with a longing to come again. The Baseball Committee (self-styled) put out a tracer to locate last year’s “outfit;” it is thought that the defeated team of last year embezzled the “outfit” to have themselves another “trimming.” At this meeting it was said that there was rumored around the lobby at the Capitol in Hart- ford, encouraging reports concerning the Teleg- raphers’ Eight-Hqtur Bill. The Railroad Commit- tee had failed to agree on the original bill, so the majority of the committee drew up a bill affirming the provisions of the Federal Bill lately passed by Congress, however, with less certainty to the per- sons affected, and the hours prescribed. The minority report was an adherence to the original bill, with the provisions attached regulating the hours of one-man stations, and permitting sixteen hours in case of sickness or accidents. The minority report passed the House of Repre- sentatives by an overwhelming majority, and the majority report of the Railroad Committee was re- jected by a similar vote. The Senate passed the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1316 The Railroad Telegrapher. minority report by a vote of 31 to a; this was on Friday, July 19th. This large vote in favor of this bill was a startling surprise to all; even the Senators were surprised, and many of them could not explain the cause. It is better explained by the remarks of one Senator: “It shows,” said he, “that there has been a deal of hard work done, and some system to it.” The honor is large enough to go around, and every member should share in its distribution for the possibilities for future victories a ft even more astonishing than the winning of this signal one. Bro. M. W. Handy, our capable and energetic General Secretary and Treasurer, was hurriedly called from his official duties and daily grind to his home in East Berlin, N Y., by the illness of his father. In a few weeks, dame rumor had the report on wing that “Bill” was doing the spring planting, and later that there was some method to his “training;” this was given little or no cre- dence by the ones who “thought” they knew “Bill” best, but they had more “thinks” coming. The “training” was certainly systematic, and the best of all it was for a purpose, and the purpose was to temper his courage, and harden his deter- mination to propose to undertake responsibilities that he has side-stepped so long. The “Fluffy- Ruffles” prize is his; he heard the call of human- ity, and his ears were not deaf. Ere this it is hoped that all blessings are his, and that comfort sits upon a throne that can neither be encumbered nor transferred. Bro. O. S. Culver acted as General Secretary and Treasurer, and represented Bro. Handy on the General Committee while Bro. Handy was at his home in New York State. Bro. Culver says the job is too exacting for comfort; so much, in fact, that it is difficult to wear the countenance of dig- nity, as there are so many undignified and perplex- ing matters continually arising which to solve warps distinction's worthless mask, and renders it fit only for the insipid and presumptive Bro. E. J. Manion, our able General Chairman, we understand, is looking after the best interests of the Order in general; we hope to have some- thing definite to chronicle ere long that will he pleasing and gratifying to all who are unanimous, no doubt, in their expressions of best wishes for him Bro. E. W. Millarkey, who has been a staunch and hard worker for Division No. 29 for the past four years, has tired of New England attractions, and left his position in “HN” office to accept some- thing better with the N. Y. C. ; we understand it is a chief clerkship. Hope it materializes allright. He accompanied the representatives to Minneap- olis, and was much amused by the sign displayed over the door of a Chicago dispenser, “Mallickey Hogan.” How many more were tempted by the “curiosity” of that sign as they hurried through the Windy City? Bro. Johnny Jing Dodan, tiring of the insipid life of the college town, “jacked” the job, and hot-footed it for the “wild and wooly.” We un- derstand that the whirlwinds and cyclones of Lincoln, Neb., are scaring him, and, like the “tenderfoot,” he is skittish of every dangerous looking stranger Space forbids any more write-ups; next time will give honorable mention to all the worthy Div. Co*. Naugatuck Division — Brothers, what is the reason you can't get out to meetings? It certainly is not a matter of time or passes; get busy and make the next one a record-breaker Several offices have been closed, still the boys are all on the move, and no one can get a vacation, and I understand there is to be a couple of new Naugy jobs here soon. All are sorry to hear that Bro. Porter is having so much trouble with his eyes, and just when we need him, too. Bro. Walker, now happy, as it is reported that the work trains are to put up at Naugatuck, nights. Bro. Fuller was at Hartford, Sunday, looking at the high buildings. The double tracking on the Naugy is fast near- ing completion; then for some good jobs around Waterbury. Bro. Fay says he is slated for some- thing good at the new station. Want all the Brothers to drop something in for this column each month. Well, Brothers, all who can must get out for the bake. Until then, “73.” “RM.” Boston Division, No. 89. Providence Division — How fast the time flies; so fast that some of the Brothers overlooked the fact that it was meet- ing night, and failed to attend the first night in our new quarters, Pilgrim Hall. We were decidedly lonesome at first, but when business Started in earnest, a more enthusiastic bunch never congregated. Twelve applications were read and accepted, and one good brother was initiated. There is very little news to write up, as most of the boys are married to their jobs; those that are not married are engaged to them, so that makes news scarce. Bro. James Robinson has gone West to take a position on the G. T. Pacific. His position was filled by Bro. Withington, which leaves the third trick up for bid. Bro. Steffy enjoyed a week's vacation among the old folks at home. It was with much thankfulness we learned that Bro. Smalley’s wife passed safely through a pain- ful operation at Emerson Hospital. Mrs. Smal- ley is resting comfortably, and expects to go home by Wednesday, July 17. Bro. Hudson is very well satisfied with his change. I hope the telegraphers on the Providence Di- vision who do not belong, now that they have their raise in pay, will send their applications in for the next meeting. Digitized by LjOck e

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1317 Plymouth Division — Bros. Fenwick and Cushaway, of Framington, together with Bros. Ross of Walpole, and Mullen of Fitchburg, recently spent a day at Revere Beach. Framington received quite a shaking up in re- gards to positions going up for bid. By the time you read this, it is expected that every towerman on this division will be on the right side; can not the telegraphers give us the right to say the. same of them. Mr. Gallagher has been assigned to the night trick at Middleboro station. He has promised to send in his papers. Bro. Eugene Atkins, third trick at Swett St., has bid in second trick at Savin Hill. Bro. Jack Smith, second trick at Atlantic lands first trick at Savin Hill. Bro. Clifford, formerly agent at Avon, is cov- ering third trick at Savin Hill. Bro. Tommy Prince, night trick at Neponsit, has bid in third trick at Swett St. Mr. Teare has secured the assistant agency at Harrison Sg. We "13** that Mr. Teare is a mem- ber of the C. T. U. A., and has promised to join our Order. Bro. Frank Riley, third trick at South Bay, is spending a month’s vacation in “NH.” There seems to be something that attracts Frank each year to the Granite State. Mr. McNally, who has been covering the split trick, is relieving Bro. Riley. We have been waiting for an application from Mr. McNally, and we hope he will do the right thing. Bro. A. F. Smith, So. Braintree, attended a re- union of his school classmates, at Wakefield, R. I., July 4th. Bro.. Frank, of North Abington, has returned from his two weeks* trip, spent at Monson, Me. The levised schedule that took effect July 29th, last, was a very pleasant surprise to all, and has won many new members for the Order. There is no reason why the Plymouth Division should not be solid O. R. T. Any non receiving the increase and other benefits secured should not hesitate to file application for membership in the Order immediately. The increase in wages alone for one month almost pays a year’s dues. There should be no such a thing as “can’t afford’’ to join. We are glad to see Sister Parkinson back on her job at Falmouth, after a hard siege of sickness. Sister Smith, of Buzzard’s Bay, has taken a week off to rest at home. She is being relieved by Sister Burgess. Bro. Dugass, of Tremont, has resigned, to go firing, and we all wish him good luck. We are sorry to report Bro. Weaver, of Milton Junction, off on account of sickness, and hope to see him back again soon, healthy and happy as ever. Bro. Jack Gillis is back to his old job at Bridge- water. Bro. Bartelt, of So. Bay, has been filling in at “S’* office the past four months. Midland Division — At the July meeting of Division No. 89, the names of about fifteen members who failed to pay assessment No. 1, for $2, were read off, and sorry to say, several on the Midland Division were among them. Let us hope these are not cases of indifference, but merely forgetfulness. Of course, all such members stand suspended as per local statute 53. It now remains for some one of the suspended members to establish a precedent by coming for- ward with the required amount, and a good excuse why same was not paid sooner. This will pave the way for others of like disposition. Bro. R. D. Matthews, of the Milford Frt. House, just returned from an extended honeymoon, spent through the Northwest. Bro. Peterson, of “FB” tower, is sojourning with his parents in New Hampshire. Our worthy local chairman, Bro. Riley, is spend- ing a brief vacation with his father at Blackstone. Bro. Riley reports no grievances on the Midland Division. We are all glad to hear Bro. Burke, of Need- ham station, is back to work again, after a linger- ing illness. Bro. Cashen is substituting at Norwood Junc- tion tower while Bro. Hale is off. Div. Coa. Cresson ( Pa .) Division No. 109 — At a meeting of the telegraphers, linemen and levermen of the Pittsburg Division of the Penn- sylvania Railroad, from Altoona to Bolivar, and including the C. & C. Division, held on Thursday evening, July 18, 1907, in Brown’s Hall, at Cres- son, Pa., a new division of the Order was insti- tuted, to be known as the Cresson Division, No. 109, for the purpose of placing in closer touch with each other members of the Order who have been obliged hitherto to go to Pittsburg or Al- toona to attend meetings, and at the same time strengthen the membership which could not have been accomplished otherwise by reason of the great distance and disadvantages many of those would be confronted with who were desirous of becoming identified with the Order. Hence a new division was imperative. Great interest was manifested by all present, and the attendance large, there being forty-eight present, including visiting members from other divisions. Forty-two new being admitted in the new division, eleven of which were received by transfer frem other divisions. President Ferham, of St. Louis, Mo., and Or- ganizer Theodore E. Ellis, of Cincinnati, Ohio, were present on the occasion, and presided over the meeting. The following officers were elected to preside over the new division in question for the ensuing six months, viz.: Chief telegrapher, H. D. Border, of Portage. Secretary and treasurer, Louis Beiter, of Wil- more. ^ First vice-chief telegrapher, Charles E. Brown, of Cresson. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1318 The Railroad Telegrapher. Second vice-chief telegrapher, Clayton V. Pick- erill, of Conemaugh. Past chief telegrapher, John A. Fleck, of Cone- maugh. Marshal, C. V. Vaught, of Cresson. Inside sentinel, Earl C. Hollister, of Conemaugh. Outside sentinel, Orval Seaman, of Cresson. It is the intention to hold the sessions of the new division alternately at Cresson and Conemaugh, for a while at least, until all the nons are gath- ered in the fold, which we are glad to note can be counted on the fingers of one hand of your correspondent, and the recent conversions to the Order are doubtless attributed to the great activ- ity put forth by Organizer Theodore E. Ellis, who was among the boys for several days prior to the meeting. A general awakening of the boys seems to have struck the Pittsburg division; especially is this true among the telegraphers who are old in the service, and any non who may be halting between two opinions should read this, and let him con- sider that we, the O. R. T. are fast approaching that stage in thorough organization where, though he is a stumbling block in our pathway, he is a small one, and easily passed over, and to remain out certainly shows a lack of intelligence where constant persistence without a logical excuse is prevalent, and at the same time working detri- mental to his own personal interests. In conclusion, I might add that the outlook for increasing the membership of this new division is very encouraging, as several applications have been filed to be acted on at the next regular meet- ing. May the good work continue, and the Cres- son Division become the banner division. Correspondent. Sunbury Division, No. 12. S. & L. and M. & C. Branches — Bro. Cameron assigned to Burnham, days. Bro. Johnson to Hays tower, nights. Telegrapher Oplinger to Hays tower, days. Telegrapher Dyer to Milroy, days. At present the S. & L. and M. & C. branches have but four out of the fold, three of which have promised to be with us shortly. True one of these three has promised us for a long time, but we feel that he cannot with decency put us off much longer, especially if it be from a financial stand- point, as each month when he draws his check he must admit that if it were not for the Order it would be short by at least enough to pay the first installment for membership in the O. R. T. Come now, fellow telegraphers who are yet out in the cold, think this over, and hand in your appli- cations. The fourth one is in the position of the man with whom the spirit has ceased to thrive. Long years ago when wages were but little more than half what they are now, this “non” quit telegraphing because it was not remunerative enough, but he has not been asleep since then — simply waiting, as it were, until the Order should get the wages to a living basis, then he crawls back to the business again, reaps the benefit of all that the Order has done, and shows his appre- ciation (?) by doing all in his power detrimental to the Order. He has all that he desires now, he claims, and we do not think he can hurt the Order much unless it be through his ham factory. Cert. 3a. Branch Notes — We note with much satisfaction the progress we are making with Division No. ia. Let every one help and make this a banner division by March 4th next year. Our so-called messengers are not making much progress when the fact is proven that only two have been turned out since these so-called students have been installed. With the installing of the new rules of our block system, a greater responsibility is placed on the telegraphers. Now, Brothers, it is time we have shorter hours, and no cut in wages either, as we are not overpaid now. We are sorry to lose Pro. Diffenbach, who has been appointed manager of W. U. office at Ber- wich. Understand he is still carrying a card in Division No. 12. It is desired that as many of the Brothers as can attend as many meetings as possible in the next six months, as very important business will be transacted. Cert. No. 46. Williamsport Division, No. 24. Eastern and Susquehanna Divisions — Not having seen any notes from Division No. 24 for some time, will endeavor to write a few, as no doubt the members will be interested. At our regular meeting, held on July 13th, we had a remarkably large attendance, both from the Susquehanna and Eastern Division, and the Elmira Division as well. With Bro. J. I. Klingenberger in the chair the business was conducted with dis- patch. After the regular routine of business was over, our honorable president, H. B. Perham, and our genial vice-president, T. M. Pierson, were in- troduced, and both gave us a general talk, which was beneficial to all present, and their remarks were greeted with frequent applause. They were given a hearty welcome by all present, and we hope to soon see their return at some future meeting. At our regular meeting, held August 1st, while we did not have a large attendance as at our previous meeting, yet it was quite interesting, and business of importance was transacted. Wetzel, of “AQ” tower, and C. C. Bastian, of “BS” tower, were initiated, and were given the glad hand by all present. We were all glad to see them affiliate with our grand and noble order. The application of T. B. Williamson, of Antes Fort, was favorably acted on, and we will all be pleased to again see Bro. Williamson with us. Bros. J. H. Zerbe and C. A. Riland came in rather late, but not too late t® be at the best part of the meeting. We all missed Bro. Klingenberger, and hope he will be with us at the next meeting. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1319 Telegrapher Stanley is doing extra work in “GO*’ office. A new tower has been erected at east end of Aughenbaughs, which will be an interlocking plant, and I understand that Bro. W. E. Troutman has been assigned day telegraph position. Have not yet heard who the night man will be. A number of offices have been advertised lately. Among them are “BS/* days, Mr. — BG — RD — CF, nights, and a new office at Aughenbaughs, day and night. M. W. Coleman, of Lockhaven, who formerly telegraphed on the Lehigh Valley R. R., but re- cently employed on this road, has been working “SQ” nights. We hope to soon be able to call him Brother, as he expects to wear the button in the very near future. A new system of block signal rules has been in- augurated on this road yhich went into effect re- cently. While there are some changes, they are practically the same as before. Bros. T. M. Young, Wm. Nicely, J. I. Klingenberger and J. H. Zerbe assisted in instructing the telegraphers on the new book. Commencing August 4th, all freight trains must clear the block before a passenger train can enter the block, unless the passenger train has a special order to do so. This ruling will necessitate the telegraphers to promptly report their trains, and, if carried out as intended, will greatly minimize the accidents that have been so frequent through- out the country lately. The responsibility mostly lays with the telegrapher, and it is up to him to be on a constant look out as to when the signal is lowered. Bro. W. J. Penny, of Milton, has been doing some extra work in “GO** office. Brothers, let us stand nobly by the old ship, and do not allow any of the rippling waves to falter our steps in the least. We are in the field to win, and so long as right and justice are in the land we shall win. Be on the look out for breakers, and ever remember our watchword. A night messenger has been placed in “SQ” office at night to assist in throwing levers and office work, and to “learn telegraphy.** See the point? It hardly seems credible that the telegraphers are so poorly paid and over-worked as they are, but such is the case. The only way to overcome this is to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, and we shall yet see the day, and we trust in the not far distant future, when the shackles shall be thrown from our feet, as it were, and we shall be placed on a plane such as other men are now enjoying, and which was brought about by thorough organized labor. Some would have us tear down our noble Order and try to build up another one, but all such advice is but to retrace our steps for the worse, and which we shall never do. Do not be misled by any such theory, for the land is full of false prophets, who are seeking self glory, regardless of their fellow men. The O. R. T. is here to stay, and we shall very soon see such an awakening throughout the land such as has never been heard of before. When we once wake up and act as men, then we shall see the results of our labor. Let us try to help our brothers, and ever be willing to give them the glad hand of welcome, and show them that there is something in organ- ization that is worth far more than money or precious pearls — that of true friendship and loyalty to each other. Brothers, if any of you have not yet paid your dues for last half of 1907, do so at once, as this is very important. Do not allow yourselves to get in arrears. C*rtificate No. 25. Pittsburg Division, No. 52. Regular meeting of July 13th found about twenty of the faithful present. Twelve petitions for mem- bership were acted upon, including five from the Pittsburg Division P. R. R., three from the Alle- gheny Division P. R. R., two from the Conne- maugh Division P. R. R., one from the P. & L. E. R. R., and one from the Penna. lines west of Pitts- burg, which is about our average per month now. The more the merrier. Keep it up. Sick claims amounting to $42.00, one death claim, amount $50.00, and bills amounting to $71.50 were ordered paid; quite a neat little sum for one meeting. Meeting closed in harmony at 11.30 p. m. Not having received notes for this issue of The Telegrapher, I am once more compelled to in- form the members that Brothers Dalrymple, Camp- bell and Thompson, Local Chairmen on the P. & L. E., have not as yet overworked their pens in writing up notes of interest from their respective divisions. Their names will continue to appear in this column each and every month until they get busy. The Local Chairmen on the P. R. R., Brothers Kiger, Roberts and Courtney, have also failed to contribute this month. I understand that on July 13th a game of base- ball was played at Altoona between the “B” office, Altoona, and “OD'* office, Pittsburg, in which the “OD** boys came out victorious. Quite a few rooters acompanied the team to Altoona. Let all members who have not yet paid their dues for the current term, be reminded by this notice that sixty days in arrears makes you non- beneficial, and deprives you of all benefits. You have until August 30th to remit; after that you are non-ben eficial. Better do it now. Do not forget that your Local Chairman will be wanting some information in the near future. It will be to your own interest to respond promptly. Kling. The following resolution was adopted at our last meeting: “Whereas, It has pleased the Almighty God in His infinite wisdom to remove from our midst an honored Brother and member of our Division, No. 52, by death: Resolved, That we bow in humble submission to the act of the Divine Ruler of the universe, but, while so doing, cannot help expressing our sor- row over the death of our Bro. W. N. Smith; Digitized by ^.ooQle

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i3eo The Railroad Telegrapher. Resolved, That our sympathy be extended to the bereaved family of the deceased • Brother, and that our charter be draped for a period of sixty days; Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes, a copy handed to the bereaved family, and a copy forwarded to Thi Railroad Telegrapher for publication.” T. P. Irwin, H. A. Roberts, R. J. Beam, Committee. Wilmington Division, No. 58. Delaware Division — We had quite an interesting meeting in June, and a good many of the boys were present. Those who failed to attend missed a good thing. Bro. Frasher from the B. & O. gave us an in- teresting talk on current questions in O. R. T. circles, which was very interesting and highly ap- preciated. Bro. Russell is holding down message side at Clayton *‘C,” and Bro. Gafford from “C” is work- ing Bro. Russell’s job at “DV” until advertised. Bro. Gafford spent his day off with his sister, who is ill. Bro. Stevens at "FO” paid a visit to his old home, Millington, last week. There are several new men on the road “post- ing;” this is one of the thorns in our pillows. Bro. Whitlock and Bro. Gafford took in the cir- cus at Dover. The new “H” tower at Harrington goes into operation to-day, with Bro. Reese, day, and Mr. Lynch, night. From all accounts the boys spent the glorious fourth quietly, no doubt on account of the mistake the signers of the Declaration of Independence made in doing their patriotic act on the 4th, when Bro. Wise in the money wagon does his paying act on the 9th; so near and yet so far. The O. R. T. boys have furnished Bro. Jenks, our Local Chairman, with a nice typewriter. Bro. East, from “Z,” on sick list. X. Y. Z. Washington Division, No. 60. The regular July meeting of Washington Divis- ion, No. 60, was held at Typographical Temple, 423 G street, N. W. About half of the members were present. Am sure there were several more who could have attended. Bro. H. B. Trotter, of our sister Division, No. 125, was with us, and told the boys of some of the good things they have secured on their road, and there is no reason why we cannot have some of them, too. We want the overtime clause taken up with our General Committee when it next meets. Write your chairman your views, and what you want. Give him all the information you can to enable him to work intelligently. Get some life into your bones, and make things hum. Do not hold back and look on while others are doing all the work. Be active in soliciting new members. Two new member! is our record for July. There are several more in this vicinity who are eligible, and would make good members, and there is no better time for them to join us than now. Don't stand back and let others do all the work. Don't say I will do so and so if the rest will do so and so, but come in and get into the thick of the fight, and help push things along. I think the matter of a few dollars should not be a drawback to any one, as they are benefited by what the organiza- tion does for us all. It takes financial as well as personal support to win all battles, and ours is no exception. Send in your applications, and when you become a member, attend the meetings regu- larly, and learn what is going on. Preach your ideas in the division room, not on the streets. Help others to help you. Division Correspondent. Elmira Division, No. 100. Friday, July 19th was the day Division 100 came together, and the meeting was opened with eigh- teen members present. Our worthy President, Bro. H. B. Perham, hon- ored us with his presence, and made a short ad- dress, his remarks being cut rather short, on ac- count of being obliged to make a train. His words were few, but to the point, and we were all sorry to lose him so early. Bro. Dunn gave us a talk on organization, and his remarks were well received. We hope to profit by them. Two applications were read and accepted, those of Miss Harriet A. Kinney and Mr. Kyte. We certainly extend the hand of welcome to the appli- cants, and will call them Sister and Brother at our next meeting. Brothers Owens and Marsh, of the Erie R. R., were visitors, and were made to feel at home. Hope to see them, and more like them, at every meeting. Bro. Elliott will now have a typewriter to use on his extensive correspondence, having put in a bid for one, and having his request granted. Understand there is a ham factory at Watkins, with wires running around the town. Whether the students expect to enter the railroad service is a mystery, but a railroad telegrapher should be above teaching them the business, even if he is not obligated. Understand Messrs. Dale and Patterson have promised to come in and be good. We are sure after the applications, and they come easy after a little persuasion. Our success so far has been most gratifying, and we hope to go on getting the nons till we present a solid front Mr. Kinney, at Millport, has promised his pa- pers, and we hope to call him Brother in the very near future. Let the good work go on. Mr. Bristol, at Bellona, will have a new student about August 1st. This should be welcome news to the powers that be, and we should all feel very grateful to Mr. B. for providing us with telegraphers. The scarcity of telegraphers here has resulted in the discontinuation of our regular relief day “til further notice." Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1321 Minnequa tower is “manned” by two lady tele- phone operators, who, we understand, are privi- leged to learn telegraphy during their spare mo- ments. Wonder who is supposed to teach them? Coal Switch tower is likely to be made a tele- phone station, as it has been up for bid for some time, with no applications, so far as can be ascer- tained. Bros. Pettingill, Collins, and J. Brewer, from the South End, graced the gathering with their presence. We shall be more than glad to see the South End a little more in evidence. Bro. Utz has returned from his vacation, and is once more doing his stunt in “QC.” Dan looks happy, and with good reason. Haven't yet learned the lady's name. Mr. Getchell, third trick dispatcher, is off on vacation, Mr. Judd filling his place. New York State is now in line with an eight- hour law. Governor Hughes signed the bill, giving us a show for our white alley, and it is up to us now to see that it is not sidetracked before March i, 1908. Mr. Baker, nights at Hall, is away for a couple of weeks, and Mr. R. H. Holdridge is holding down Hall. Bro. Cayward, of Penn Yan nights, recently re- turned from a week’s sojourn in the country, and says he enjoyed the lay-off very much. A notice in the Rochester Post-Express, of re- cent issue, informs the railroads that they can find plenty of telegraphers by communicating with Bro. Per ham, and advancing salaries to a fair basis. There is no doubt but that telegraphers can be found, if working conditions are ameliorated. Bro. Tipton missed last meeting, having been sent as relief out on the Sodus branch. We missed him very much, and hope such a thing will not occur again. Bro. Hammond was stuck, too, and couldn't make the grade. Bro. Crosby, of Trout Run, just returned from twelve days’ vacation. He was relieved by Bros. Miller and Dunning. Bros. Pettingill and Baker, of Troy, have the right idea. Come again. Bro. Fox at Troy, relieving Chief Clerk Rock- well, and Mr. Jones. Bro. Owens, of Division No. 8, is on his vaca- tion to seashore. I “13” relieved by Bro. T. S. Blake, of “Q.” Tom at home, now. Gillette night office is a phone block station, and still they come. Two ladies at McKinney. Bro. Hays had his short vacation this month, relieved by Bro. Collins. Mr. Pettingill also took four days to himself, relieved by Bro. Dunning. Some missionary work is needed on both ends of the E. & C. Division, and it is up to Bro. Tip- ton to second the efforts of the men who are on the job. Some of the nons feel that an organizer is the only man to go after their applications, and won't hand them in to an ordinary member. Division No. 100 is getting there with both feet, and is out on the trail of all nons in its jurisdic- tion. The report that 1,154 new members came into the Order in June looks good, and we may well believe there is something doing all over the country. Div. Co*., Div. 100. Baltimore Divieion, No. 17. Division No. 17 recently had the pleasure of lis- tening to President H. B. Perham, who not only entertained us with an elaborate account of the recent convention, but informed us how he and others are now looking after the interests of the telegraphers, in behalf of the nine-hour law, which becomes effective March 4, 1908, notwithstanding the fact that there are some 80 railroads concen- trating their powers to ask for an extension of time, claiming that there are not a sufficient num- ber of telegraphers to meet the demands of the nine-hour law, it is earnestly requested that each Brother answer the letter recently received from the president as to the number of operators who are now engaged in other avocations, etc., so that when the proper time comes the executive of the O. R. T. may have at his command figures to prove that there is an abundance of telegraph oper- ators, and at a salary that would justify them to leave their present business, would most gladly re- enter the telegraphic profession. We all see the need of united co operation in this direction. Let us do all we possibly can in bringing this about, treating others as we would have them treat us. Bros. O. L. Bailey and John Kerl were recently honored in their native towns by acting as mar- shals in the grand memorial procession, and while Bro. Oscar leads the forces of his town, we hope he will be equally successful in leading many of the stragglers along the line into the ranks of the O. R. T. Bro. G. M. Smith has been compelled to take a vacation on account of ill health. We hope to see Bro. Smith at the key ere long. Bros. W. B. and J. T. Brenize have recently lost their father. We extend our sincere sympathy. Bro. H. W. Sutton has taken unto himself a better-half. We extend hearty congratulations, and trust that the days of Mr. and Mrs. Sutton may be many, etc. The latest plank on Division 17’s platform is a raffle for a fortune, the proceeds to be used for a permanent home of Division No. 17. How does it strike you ? Montebello. Kanawha d. Michigan Railway. As I never see any items from K. & M., will give a small write-up this month. It looks bad on our part to never see anything from the K. & M., and we hope some of the boys will take more in- terest, and send in some news. Hope by the time this comes out all members will have paid up their dues and received new cards. Bro. E. R. McKnight is now doing the owl trick at Pt. Pleasant, relieved at Runner by a new man. Bro. M. P. Hines, of Palos, was elected as our local chairman. He is a good man, and in the right place. Brothers, we should all give him our loyal support in the future in helping to secure new schedule. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1322 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. K. W. Thompson, at Langsville, will soon have a new depot to work in. Bro. F. P. Flack, nights at Runner, is off on account of sickness. We hope he will soon be able to resume duty. Bro. Frank Pickens, Runner, days, spent Thurs- day night with his mother at Buffalo. Bro. E. B. Nease is spending a week at Buffalo visiting his father. Bro. JoeMcLaughlin, of Red House, spent a few days in Cincinnati recently. He was relieved by Bro. Charles Robinson, of Sattes. Boys, don't let this $2.50 per keep us back on going ahead and paying up dues, and giving our brother chairman our loyal support. He can not do anything alone. Help him out all we can. By all means don’t forget our dues. Would like to hear from some one else next month. Carr. 21. Canadian Northern Railway. Fourth District — You have all received notice of what our com- mittee accomplished at their first meeting with the officials in Winnipeg, and guess the 2^ per cent increase on local express will help some. The boys are to meet the management again about July 15, regarding our new schedule, and from what we learn, it will be a good one, helping materially telegraphers as well as agents. You will, no doubt, have a copy of this schedule before this comes in print, when you can judge for your- selves the points gained. Let every member remit current dues promptly, and so help defray expenses of this schedule. The boys are to be congratulated in what they have done for us so far, and we are all looking for that back express commission. Have had no items of news contributed this month, so am sorry can not make this number in- teresting. Our popular chief, H. J. Parkhill, of North Bat- tlefords, has taken his family to the coast for a few weeks' well-earned vacation. Bro. W. A. Fal- low working a trick during his absence. Ballast trains are getting busy on this division. Expect the track will be in prime condition in a month or so, when it will not be necessary to ask how Nos. 1 and 2 are running. Now, boys, if you don’t send in a few news items you can’t expect an interesting write-up. Your correspondence should reach me by the 20th of each month. Coa. C. P. Railway. Central Division — One of the most enthuiastic meetings this dis- trict ever held, was held in Moose Jaw, Sunday, June 23, in the Trades and Labor Hall, thirty- five members responding to the call of the local chairman, Bro. T. C. Goulding, and I am sure that I can vouch for every one present that they were not disappointed in turning out I am sure Bro. Goulding must feel highly grat- ified to see so many present, and I hope and trust that the interest now aroused in members to at- tend meetings will not swerve one iota, and that each and every one who can possibly attend will do so in future. These meetings will be held the third Sunday of every month in Moose Jaw, so every one who can possibly attend do so. I would suggest that where two or more men are employed at one station that they agree amongst themselves to let either one or more go. Some may have other engagements fall due on that particular day, but let the engagement stand for the next Sunday following, and come to the meeting, boys. Do not forget the date. The third Sunday of every month, in Moose Jaw. Having been asked by Bro. Goulding to write up this district for The TkLECRAPHEa, I will try and do the best I can; also would ask the members of the Fifth District that any item of news on the main line, Broadview to South Current, Regina to Areola, Pasqua to North Portal, will be thank- fully received by me. Now, one more thing, and it is very important; in fact, so important that it will not pay you to forget it, and that is your dues. Do not say: Oh, I will settle that next month. Do it now, and it is done and off your mind. I always find it easier to pay the full amount beginning of the year, and then my mind is at ease, and I am sure that each and every member could do the same. Bro. Maynard, Mortlack, away on holidays, homesteading, I believe, for two weeks; relieved by relief agent, Bro. G. F. Guernsey. Before closing I wish to say a few words in regards to our chief, Mr. R. F. Chapman, for al- lowing so many men to be present at meeting, and also to Bros. D. M. Martin and J. E. Floyd in relieving the boys, and I am sure they all will heartily appreciate the kindness. Will now close, again asking the boys to mail me any item of news you may have. I will be glad to receive same so that I can have them in St. Louis before the 28th of the month. B. F. O'Toole, Local Correspondent. Indianapolis Southern Railway. Owing to being late with my last contribution it did not get into the June number, as I had in- tended, so the Brothers will get some very old news in the July number. Perhaps this is the rea- son, also, that I have received so few notes from the boys on the line. At any rate, my notes are very scarce this time. It would be a disappoint- ment to think that the cause of the scarcity of news was due to lack of interest. Perhaps it is my own inefficiency, but I won't consider that, it's too prominent. There has been a few changes during the last thirty days on the line, but for the most part I was unable to get the names, etc. Things look some better since our schedule, but we must still keep moving on. Soon we will be in the midst of a fight over the nine-hour law, and should pre- pare for it. There is a movement all over the country to put everything in readiness. It may Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 132 3 be that heroic measures will be necessary, and this makes it all the more important that the greatest interest is manifested, and 3S nearly as possible we should have things solid by the new year. The Indianapolis Southern is in good condition, and it is to be hoped that it will so remain. There has been a tendency along the line to handle grievances improperly. In all cases the best thing you can do when you have anything of this kind which you think should be adjusted, is to take it up with the local chairman. In this way better results will be had, and better rela* tions maintained between all concerned. A meeting was held some time ago for the Brothers on the west end. I was unable to learn how the attendance was. Let us hope it was a beneficial meeting. Bro. I. S. Draper is to be transferred from Sullivan to Bloomington agency. Bro. Wentworth, formerly of Edwards, is work- ing for the C., H. & D. at Oxford, Ohio. He was relieved by J. S. Milan from Robinson. Bro. A. H. Turney, formerly nights at Bloom- ington, is back, after a two weeks' vacation. At present he is working days at Bloomington Bro. G. P. Rutherford, days at “BN,” will take a thirty-day vacation, and while away will visit Colorado and California. G. D. Clements, cashier at Bloomington, goes to Oblong as agent. He is a non, but would make a good Order man. Dxv. Cor. 8t. Louis Southwestern Railway of Texas. I do not recollect of ever seeing a write-up from the Cotton Belt. Having recently come to this road, and not being thoroughly acquainted, it will be a poor effort, but probably a starter. We can have a write-up each month if every one having notes pertaining to the Order and its movements will send them in for publication. I don’t see why we can not make a showing. The nons who have respect for themselves, their families and their fellow craftsmen, should show their respect by joining the O. R. T., and becom- ing on: of its workers. The Cotton Belt is not in such bad shape, but there is a chance for improvement, since the third man has been put on. Let us try and secure the applications of all the nons near our respective stations, and get a per- centage on this road that will warrant sending a committee to have a conference with the officials. Any one wishing application blanks can secure same by writing Mr. J. W. LaFever, secretary and treasurer, Division No. 2, 3732 North Eleventh street, St. Louis, Mo, or notify H. V. Evans, Carrollton, Texas, who will gladly furnish them, and take charge of any notes to be placed in the journal. Surely you can spare $8 or $9 for a card in the organization that has done so much for us, and is in the position to secure many more bene- fits, if the present members will lend a helping hand, and the non-members will come into the fold to strengthen the organization. Mr. Short, from Lufkin, is working third trick at Grape Vine. He promises to join soon. Bro. C. E. Whitener, from Y. & M. V., holds second trick at Mt. Vernon, and carries a card in Frjsco Division. Bro. Pickard, from the main line, holding third trick at Wylie. Mr. C. C. Robertson, an ex-member, advises he is a little behind in dues, but will make good soon. Train orders were cut out at this station July la, to save putting on the third telegrapher. All trains now flag to North Fort Worth. Miss Ada B. Chambers, first trick at Carrollton, is enjoying a well-earned vacation among the mountains of Colorado; relieved by Bro. Evans, third trick telegrapher. Unable to say, at this writ- ing, who is on the third at present. Ev., Cert. 1371. M., St. P. A S. 8. M. Railway. Winnipeg Division — Our brother correspondent on the Minnesota Division handed us a bouquet for the month of June. Thanks. We must say he is second to none, and we are sorry to see him miss a month now and then, but there are few, except the writ- ers who realize the work necessary to get a write- up in shape. The boys on the east end are doing better, and we read their notes with interest. This is the time of the year when expenses have to be lowered, and, as usual, the telegraphers have to stand the most of it, and a man is taken off here and there until the force is considerably re- duced. Bro. Danielson has returned to his old stand at Oslo, and Bro. Abbott has gone to the Missouri River Division, locating at Garrison, we under- stand. Bro. Olson, nights at Adams, has gone to Con- way as agent. Agent Bangle, from Conway to Tolley, relieving Agent Glasford, who, we un- derstand, is leaving the service. Bro. Cannon, days at Adams, now on nights, and Bro. Oliver doing his own wire work. Under- stand Bro. Cannon is about to take a lay-off, which seems to be the order of the times, as every- one is asking for relief. Bro. Vergowe on vacation; relieved by Telegra- pher Lennon, of Thief River Falls, nights. Can not say who has taken that job. Reduction of the force at Mahnomen, leaving agent to do his own wire work. Bro. Boyce was relieved, but have not heard where he went. Bro. Dalton, of Halma, is on the sick list, and has been asking for relief for some time. Bros. Allison and Haulathe celebrated the Fourth with Bro. Dalton, of Halma, and report a good time. Understand there was some G. N. boys there, but as seems usual with the G. N. boys, they had no cards. We now have the new schedule, and expect to see some bumping going on until the boys get settled to the new conditions. Understand Bisbee was awarded to Bro. Cran- dell, who was the only applicant. Glad to see Digitized by CjOOQle

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1324 The Railroad Telegrapher. him get it, and hope he will like it better than his old position. Bro. Moon, of Eckman, been on a three weeks’ lay off; relieved by Mr. Garrison, whom, we un- derstand, lives in the country near there. Seems queer that farmers can relieve us, doesn’t it, and still the managements howl that they can not get men? I suppose you have all noticed that there has been no strike-breakers going to the coast to take the places of the commercial boys, who found it necessary to walk out. That has been made possi- ble by the treatment accorded the scab and by individual effort in elevating the profession. Let us hope the time will soon come when the scale of wages will keep pace with the cost of living, so we may enjoy our lives and be free from in- dustrial slavery. Div. Cor. C., R. I. & P. Railway. Minnesota and Cedar Rapids Division — Our regular monthly meeting was held at Cedar Rapids, July 19, with a fair attendance. Local Chairman Hicks was in command, and General Chairman W. T. Brown was also on hand. The Brothers all reported a good time, but sorry that more could not be there. No items received up to date, so will have to do the act myself. Local Chairman of C. R. Division, Bro. S. S. Worley, is at last enjoying his much needed vaca- tion; relieved by Mr. Brown, of general offices. Bro. McCue, of Clarksville, nights, is on the sick list; relieved by Telegrapher Church. Bro. Barton, Faribault, resigned. “13” he is located in Texas now. Mr. Featherstone doing the act at “BO” until vacancy is filled by bulle- tin. Bro. Richards, of Palo, got Manly Junction on bulletin. Mr. Monroe doubling up for a few days at “A” on account of no extra man. Bro. Furry, of Mt. Auburn, resigned, and is now located at Rocker, Mont., on N. P. We all regret to see him leave us, but understand he has landed something good out west. Mr. Ein- water, of Linn, relieved at Mt. Auburn, and Mr. Bailey is holding down Linn. Bro. J. R. McCue, of Clarks Grove, is back at his old stand, Inver Grove. Bro. McGrath is acting agent at Holland on account of no one to send there to relieve Bro. Wilmout, who has left us to accept a position with the N. P. at Spokane, Wash. Bro. Cross is now located at Gordonsville as agent on account of Mr. Resor resigning. Every one seems to be on the move around here just now, and it’s a hard proposition to try to get away for a little vacation. Our general chairman, W. T. Brown, has been lining-up this division for the past two weeks, and reports it in fine shape; only a few nons left, and most of these have promised to come in soon. Let us all come to the front and help out in this good work, and try to bring in some of the de- sirable ones, and make our division solid. Other- wise how can we expect to reach the $75 mark and eight hours per day? I remind you, one and all, again of our regular monthly meetings held in Federation of Labor Hall at Cedar Rapids, the third Friday of each month. Come join us there next meeting. You will be well repaid for your trouble. Morkie. St. Louis Division — Quite a number of changes the past month. Four new members initiated since our last letter, and we are working hard for that 100 per cent membership, and if the boys get busy, we should reach the goal soon. Bro. C. H. Koetting, of Gerald, is at last off for his vacation, with Bro. Louis Middleton, late from the O. S. L., relieving. Bro. J. E. Friend, late from Centaur, has left the line to accept a position with the Northern Pacific in the State of Washington. P. W. Radell, member of the commercial teleg- raphers, is doing the owl trick at Forsyth Junc- tion at this writing. Mr. Smith, late from Eldon owldom, has been doing the owl act at Belle the past week. H. R. Son, who was relieving at Union, nights, is now keeping the owls company at Belle. Bro. C. Hutchinson is again at his old post, nights, at Union, after a tour of the Sunny South. Bro. J. E. Son is back at his old stand chasing coal out of Bowen. Bro. W. L. Bonnett has bid in the agency at Nay. J. J. Flint, the Brother from Etterville, who seems to be having such hard lines to get his vacation wound up, took another trial at it the first of the present week, being relieved by Bro. Emmett Smith, who was obliged to return home on account of the illness of his wife. Glad to hear she is convalescing. A Mr. Neff, late from the Frisco, is doing the act at Henley. E. D. Gidinhagen is relieving Mr. H. E. Ncese, agent at Bland. Mr. Ncese has our sympathy in his great be- reavement; having had the misfortune of losing his wife. It has come to my notice that there is booze- fighting being carried on by a certain party on this line. Understand he was “full as a goose” at a Fourth of July picnic. It’s to be regretted that an agent will practice such degrading habits at home, but shows he has very little regard for his family in advertising himself in such a public manner when on a visit. No names need be men- tioned, but a “word” to the wise is, or should be, sufficient. Several agents have been discharged for drunkenness of late, and none too soon. The company has been entirely too lenient with this class, for they are a constant menace to the pub- lic safety, and the cause of much sorrow and hu- miliation to trusting and dependent wives and lit- tle ones. The habit is one of the most abominable and degrading in any one, and telegraphers who Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1325 are addicted to it should get out of the service; if they don’t, they should be put out. Your correspondent is expecting to take a vaca- tion of two weeks in the near future to recuper- ate from the debilitating effects of the extremely warm weather the past month. One word more: Read every word in the July Telegrapher; especially pages 1149 and 1150. Bro. W. E. Hinton writes from Puyallup, Washington, where he is in the employ of the Northern Pacific, that the shipment of fruit is on in full blast, several car-loads leaving that sta- tion under refrigeration daily. Bro. Hinton is very well pleased with the great Northwest. Cert. 480. Seventh and Eighth Districts , Missouri Division — Quite a few changes have taken place during the last month, but on account of the time on the bulletins not being out at this writing, I am un- able to say who will be interested in all changes. Mr. H. M. Bowers, agent at Edgerton, has re- signed. Understand that Bro. Handley, now of Udell, will take Edgerton. Mr. Bowers has ac- cepted a position with the Burlington in Color- ado. The agencies at County Line, Udell, Perlee and Buffalo are bulletined. These are all very good jobs, and it is hoped that they will be filled by good Order men. The agencies at Blake and Highland are new jobs, established when the block system went into effect. They are bulletined, and will pay $55 per month. Tindall, Purcell, Maysville, Weatherby and Gal- latin will have night telegraphers put on, which is also caused by the block system. There will also be night telegraphers at Blake and Highland. Bro. Paulson, who was working nights at Cam- eron Junction, resigned. Bro. Paulson did not know where he was going, only that he would take a month or so visiting at home. Man by the name of W. K. Parker relieved Bro. Paulson. Mr. Parker promises his applica- tion just as soon as he can get straightened out. Bro. Chinn, days at Beverly tower, was off a few days on account of a death in the family; Bro. Millen relieved Bro. Chinn. Bro. Gregg, agent and telegrapher at Altamont, having partially recovered from his serious ill- ness, went to Ohio on a visit with home folks. At this writing Bro. Gregg is back at work. Bro. Rouch worked Altamont during Bro. Gregg’s sick- ness. Upon Bro. Gregg’s return Bro. Rouch took a little vacation. Bro. Aines, of Plattsburg, has taken a thirty days* leave of absence, being relieved by his son. During the last month we have received some very good results from our work, and we are pre- paring to start in on the next month fighting still harder than ever to get the Eighth District solid. We have received the applications of agent Pringle, at Cameron, and Miss Elizabeth Jones, of Rushville. Miss Jones is not working at present. but will go to work in the near future. I wish to thank Bro. Cook, of Rushville, for Miss Jones’ application. There are still four or five non-members, but 1 believe that it is safe to say that by the time that this write-up is in print, that the most of them will have come out on our side. I wish that each of you Brothers would give us some help in this work, and whenever you get a chance put in a good word, and it will not be long before we can say that the Eighth District is solid to a man. We undertook to hold a meeting at Altamont the latter part of June, but some one got scared, and would not let the boys off. Your assistant local chairman was given to un- derstand that he was not to use the wires for the purpose of organizing, and that it looked as though he was taking too great an interest in this work for his own benefit. We are very thankful that Uncle Sam does not kick on our using the mails for organizing purposes, or the Order might suffer to some extent, as it is impossible to get off to do anything. There was not one word of news received from the Seventh District this month, consequently you will find nothing from those parts, besides the write-up will be cut some shorter than usual. You musj send me the news if you expect it to get in print, for I am not a very good guesser, and I have n6 wire running up that far. Before this is in print I presume that you will all have forwarded your information blanks to the local chairman. These blanks are very important, and top much care can not be taken in filling them out, as they contain all the information your com- mittee has to work on. Those of you who care- lessly filled this blank out and then want some- thing that you have not even put up to the com- mittee, can blame no one but yourselves. Before closing, I wish to inform you that I re- ceived the transfer of Bro. J. R. Condon, of Cam- eron City. Bro. Condon belonged to the Mis- souri Pacific Division. Cor. N ebraska Division — I guess that I will have to start in with my usual method of kicking because of the lack of proper interest in our meetings. What is the matter? Have you lost interest in them, or is it that they are not interesting enough for us to attend? I would like to hear from some of the Brothers as to their reasons for not coming, for, if there is something wrong, and there is any way that we can remedy it, I am sure that we would only be too glad to do so. At the meeting July 20, there were just eight showed up. This was the smallest attendance that there has been at any time, but we had a good meeting just the same, and it was decided that the next meeting, August 17, would be open to all who wish to at- tend. There will be several good speakers from the different departments, and I hope that every one who can possibly get away will come. I presume before this appears in print the mem- bers will have the information blanks, distributed Digitized by CjOOQle

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1326 The Railroad Telegrapher. by the local chairman, filled out and returned to him, and if there are any who have not returned them, I wish to ask that they do so at once, as it is not only a matter of importance to you, but to the general committee that they have these blanks at the earliest possible moment Do not procras- tinate another day, but send them in at once. Mr. E. G. Wolford, relief at Du Bois, is going to take out a card as soon as he has been in the business long enough to entitle him to one. He relieved Mr. Vining, who has quit the service to engage in other business. Night offices at Hallam and Sabetha cut out in order to cut down expenses. Bro. Lee Smith, who was at Sabetha, nights, relieved Bro. Gossert at Courtland for a tew days. A. Whitley, at Rokeby, has done the right thing and taken out the papers that entitles him to a card. We still have a few nons on the division, but with the exception of two or three, I think that they will all have cards before long. Bro. Green, at Jansen, says it is keeping him on the move nowadays to keep his work up, as his helper is sick with the malaria fever. The student question seems to be a heavy one on most of the roads at the present time. I under- stand that the C., B. & Q. is trying to get stu- dents in different offices, but most of the men say NO. Bro. Kennedy, at Bellaire, is back to work again, after his vacation. Bro. Sheck, at Belleville, expects to leave soon on his vacation; that is, as soon as they find some one to relieve him. I overheard a telegrapher say a short time ago that if his wages were not raised before spring that he was going to quit and go to braking. He said when any old kind of a man could draw a hundred per, that there wasn’t much induce- ment to keep a man working for $60. I made a few inquiries after overhearing this, and found that there are several of the same opinion, and that the company may lose several men in the telegraph department in the spring. CARD OP THANKS. Otego, Kans., June 25, 1907. Members and Officers of Belleville Lodge, Divis- ion 1 26 : Mrs. Lee and myself wish to thank all mem- bers of the Nebraska Division for the letter of sympathy and . the beautiful floral offering re- ceived at the time of the death of our beloved son, Robert Edward. Yours fraternally. Geo. D. Lee. IN MEMORIAL. Whereas, It has pleased God to call our worthy Bro. G. W. Barnes from his earthly home to his heavenly one above, removing from his wife a devoted husband, and from our midst a cherished Brother and friend; therefore, be it Resolved, That although we deeply mourn his loss, we will strive to emulate his good example as a true union man, also extend to his bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy in this sad afflic- tion, commending them to God for hope and com- fort; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the bereaved family, a copy be spread upon the records of the Belleville Lodge, Divis- ion 126, and a copy furnished The Telegrapher for publication. E. C. Green, C. E. Blauvelt, J. A. Merrill, Committee. Des Moines Valley Division — How about your dues? Are you up to date? If not, please send them in at once, and then get after the non or delinquent neighbor next door to you, and bring him into the fold. Inasmuch as our worthy local chairman has seen fit to appoint me division correspondent, and owing to my inability to get all of the items of interest to the Des Moines Valley Division mem- bers, I wish each and every one would make an effort to send me one or more items each month, and let’s have as good a write-up as other di- visions. Bro. Brady, of Farmington, has just returned from Clinton, where fie represented his home lodge at the grand lodge sessions of the Masonic Order, held recently in that place. Bro. Harry Failing, formerly Mo. St. L. agent, at Clare, Iowa, is doing the heavy stunts at Har- vey. Bulletin out advertising agency at Hartley and Harvey, also night positions at Evans and Ot- tumwa. The position of night telegrapher at Evans is being held by Bro. Worth Wade, lately of C., B. & Q., at Des Moines. Worth says the R. I. position he is now holding down is preferable to a combined telegraph and bill clerk position. Division relief agent, Bro. Gibson, transacted the business at Farmington during the absence of Bro. Brady. The High Line Brothers held a meeting at Sib- ley Saturday night, July 13, at the K. of P. Hall. Bro. Brokaw, our local chairman, called the meet- ing to order, introducing General Chairman Bro. W. T. Brown, who gave us a very interesting talk on various subjects pertaining to the good of our beloved O. R. T. Those who missed this meeting surely missed a treat, and here’s hoping there won’t be any “previous engagements,” “too busy,” etc., excuses offered next time, but let’s see all of your smil- ing faces at the next meeting when called. If Bros. Benning and Brokaw, at the extreme south end of this pike, can come, we surely can not trump up any excuse but what will look very flimsy. I understand Bro. J. S. Chinn expects to leave for the wild and woolly West in the near future. Bro. H. H. Hansberry, a member of C. & N. W. System Division, formerly located at Brad- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1327 gate, Iowa, is doing the owl act at the Ottumwa freight office. Bro. Hansberry states he has a better position in view with the C., M. & St. P., and will work for that company as soon as re- lieved at Ottumwa. I will make an extra effort next month to give you a more lengthy and newsy write-up. Cert. 695. Illinois Division — The Brothers arc slow getting notes to the cor- respondent. However, I will see what I can dig up that is of interest to us all. Have you noticed the number of new men on this division who are wearing the button? Here arc their names: W. J. Forrester, Wyoming, 111.; C. Knight, Ulah, 111.; O. G. Vale, Henry, 111.; C. H. Cor- nish, Dunlap, 111.; F. A. Smith, Galva, 111.; E. G. Freytag, Reynolds, 111.; H. H. Rhodarmer, Orion, 111.; C. F. Hill, Sparland, 111.; T. E. Adel- man, Princeville, 111.; J. C. Peterson, Morris, 111.; H. T. Coughlin, Seneca, 111. E. J. Koretz, Sen- eca, 111.; Louis Hockendoner, Tiskilwa, 111.; Robt. J. Swindell, Davenport, la.; O. W. Gillette, Depue, 111.; E. E. Reinhart, Peru, 111.; Walter Hood, Burr Oak, 111.; H. A. Thomas, Wyanet, 111.; C. H. Brown, Marquette, 111.; C. G. Wil- liams, Wyanet, 111.; J. J. Euard, Putnam, 111.; C. R. Olson, Cambridge, 111.; Louis Bast, Bureau, in.; F. H. Smith, Toulon, 111.; L. E. Wilson, Peoria, 111. This list is the direct result of the untiring efforts of our worthy local chairman, Bro. Teeters, of Rock Island, 111. I think, to say the least, he is entitled to a vote of thanks from the boys of the Illinois Division, and, in fact, the whole system. If he keeps on in the good work, we will soon be the banner division of the C., R. I. & P. Not very many changes on the division at pres- ent, owing, I think, to the lack of extra men. Our second trick dispatcher, Mr. Litten, just re- turned from his vacation, and Mr. Cassidy, of first trick, taking a well-earned vacation. Bro. Thayer is doing the extra work while dispatchers are taking their vacations. He is filling the place and handing out 19’s and 31’s like an old-timer. Bro. Lynch, Carbon Cliff, off for two weeks; relieved by Bro. Andrews. Bro. McCleary, Bureau, sent to Ottawa to re- lieve Bro. Keatting while he was taking his honey- moon trip; Mr. Philips relieving Bro. McCleary. Day telegrapher has been taken off at Mar- quette, which puts Bro. Andrews, nights, at Mo- kena. Bro. Wagner, nights at Joliet, relieved Bro. Kay, while the latter is off on wedding trip. Did not learn who relieved Bro. Wagner. Did you ever stop and consider the amount of work there is for the telegrapher at Rock Island in the afternoon about 4 o’clock, when he has to take the 37 and 38 car reports? These reports are something fierce, and we all ought to be on hand and take our turn promptly, thereby saving a lot of calling and expediting the work wonder- fully. Think it over, and let us all see if we can not be on hand and assist in the work every day. Business was seriously delayed on this division on the morning of July 9, by an extensive wash- out on the main line, between Bureau and Tis- kilwa, and one on the Bureau branch, between Bureau and Putnam. All passenger trains were delayed from one to seven hours, some of the Peoria trains being detoured via Rock Island. Several train-loads of ballast were required to re- pair the damage. How many of you have accustomed yourselves to the new two-cent fares? Thus far observations in this vicinity have shown an increase in ticket sales over corresponding previous periods. Let us hope that the increased volume of business will return greater dividends to all concerned than formerly, and that the new laws will result in much good, rather than retard the company’s busi- ness. Before I cut out, I wish to say that if you de- sire a write-up in the journal each month, please send me any notes you may have that would be of interest to us, and I will try to do the rest. Cert. 1314. Buffalo, Rochester A Pittsburg Railway. Middle Division — The meeting at Punxsutawney, July 5. was not very well attended, but suppose all will have an excuse that it was too soon after the Fourth. Several Brothers from B. & A. V., Division 52, were present, and a very pleasant as well as profitable evening was spent. Will say to Pittsburg Division boys that Bro. Trampton is a hard and willing worker, and the boys should make a special effort to attend meet- ings, and show him that his work is appreciated. A new block system has been put in service on single track between “WI” tower and Crayland, also between Newton and J. B. junction, which gives us four additional telegraphers. A new office has been opened, day and night, at Empire, also Forest Hill, night, and Boyer, nights. “XN” tower has been closed; also Idlewild, nights. Following changes since last month: Bro. Judd, Forest Hill, days, to “WI” tower, days. Bro. Keep, “WI” tower, nights, to Forest Hill, days. Mr. Brown, Rasselas, nights, to “WI” tower, nights. Bro. Sarsfield, “XN” tower, days, to Idewild, days. Bro. Williams, “XN” tower, nights, to Empire, nights. Mr. Carter, Idlewild, days, to Empire, days. Bro. Hassler, Idlewild, nights, to Boyer, nights. Bro. King, Howard, nights, to Riverside Junc- tion, nights. Bro. Harkness, Bingham, nights, to Newton, nights. Mr. Bloom, new man, at Rasselas, nights. Mr. Ion, new man, at Bingham, nights. Bro. Croker, Newton, nights, off on account of sprained ankle. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1328 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Shurwin, Croyland, days, away on vaca- tion; relieved by Bro. Sweet, regular night man. He, in turn, relieved by Bro. Williams. Mr. P. C. Lyon, who was painfully injured some time ago, while getting off a street car, has recovered, and returned to work at Forest Hill, nights. Cert. nt. C M. & St. P. Railway. Milwaukee Terminals — We are not dead; only in a trance, and will come out of it about the time the general com- mitte goes to Chicago, for then there will be some- thing to gain; otherwise we care nothing about the affairs of the Order in general, where there is no money in question. If any Brother believes the above sentiment to be rather strong, a few of us would be greatly obliged and elated, could the contrary be proven; however, we will leave this an open question. There is no place like a terminal point where the members could meet more frequently, but our fellows Jiere will not get out, and that iA the end of it. Why. we do not know. Each month we note a little news from all the other divisions in our Telegrapher, but with regret we must admit, not a line has been seen for months from the Milwaukee Terminals. Now, Brothers, I have taken the liberty to rep- rimand you a little, and hope it will result in some good. Pinch yourselves. Wake up, in or- der that we may be able to come to the front with the other divisions. No doubt you are all aware of the fact that the eight hour bill has passed both Houses, and is now up to the Governor for his signature, and before you read this, should have become a law, and then we will be able to live and enjoy a little of this life, as other men do. It has been a long time coming, but every- thing comes to him who waits, and it is up to us, Brothers, to make the best of it. A number of changes have taken place in the terminals, and will try and enumerate a few: Bro. Paul Schaefer, day telegrapher at Milwau- kee shops, office, has resigned, and now wears Uncle Sam’s uniform. He has been appointed a mail carrier in Milwaukee, and we wish him good luck in his undertaking. He secured his eight- hour job ahead of us. Bro. Chas. Griswold has also quit the business, and has taken up medicine. Bro. Chas. Shannon secured North Milwaukee day position on bulletin. He was taken sick shortly afterwards, and has not worked since. On account of the shortage of men Mr. Regan, the agent, has been doing most of his own telegraph- ing. Bro. Phillips, night owl at the Air Line switch, is also on the sick list, and his office has been closed temporarily. Bro. Kretlow has returned to the key; in fact, has been working for some time. He has retired and closed out his interests in the sewing machine business. We still have a number of nons in the termi- nals. First on the list comes our once esteemed Brother, Alfred Zepherin, who, in the past, held the high office of chief telegrapher, and also sec- retary and treasurer of old No. m before we be- came a system division. He has not held mem- bership for at least a year or more, and bear this in mind: no reasons for dropping out have ever been given. Mr. Cable and Mr. Hutchings, up to the present time, can not see their way clear to join us. Both in “GO” office. Mr. Houlehen, an old-timer, at Allis, will not come in because he can not keep a student, I ”13.” Mr. Regan, Mr. Rummell and Mr. McGrath, agents at North Milwaukee, North avenue and Stowell, not in line, for reasons unknown to the writer. Miss Geraghty, day telegrapher station master’s office, also a non. No reason. This about con- cludes the news known to me personally. We have no division correspondent that I know of, so have taken it upon myself to say a few words for our district’, just to advertise the fact to the other divisions that we are not all dead, and again place the Milwaukee Terminals on the map among the telegraphers. Old Timer. Minneapolis, Point and P. D. C. Divisions ■ — Don't forget to secure your up-to-date card. We are going to have some rousing meetings soon. They are going to be held for your interest, and we desire your presence. We should familiarize ourselves with the eight-hour bill which was passed for our benefit, discuss the matter with others, and come to an opinion as to how it can apply to our respective positions. Pay your dues promptly, and help to gather in the nons. There are a few eligible ones left, and don’t forget the ‘‘ham factory,” which one of our ex-members has started. See that he has an extra mail sack to carry every day. A great many of the boys are asking to lay off, and it is to be regretted that the company does not furnish the proper relief. The excuse invariably offered is that he has to depend upon the home product, and that we are not producing any more telegraphers. He, however, admits that he can get good experienced men, but that they will not work under existing conditions, and few for the present scale of wages. Therein lies the whole secret. There are enough telegraphers in the country to supply every position twice over if the company will but pay the salaries to which men of our profession are entitled. Two new members the past month. Let us try and do as well the next. Night off telegraph office at M. D. was bulle- tined on the 26th. We can not give much of a write-up this month, as very few items have been volunteered. Next month will try to do better, and get some of the Brothers to send in news regarding changes or Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1329 other matters of interest. Nothing new on the west end that we know of. Let us pull together now, and each and every one do all he can to advance the best interests of our collective body. Our union has already borne fruit in the good feeling that exists among our members. We should try to help each other in our daily tasks. We look forward to the time when we shall not be so much occupied with political matters, and can use more space and time in a discussion of our work and helpful ideas thereon. The writer has received many a helpful hint on station work from other agents, and feels that these should be passed around. But just now it is very important that we get into line awaiting developments that may mean our weal or woe for many years to come. This is no time for holding back; no time for letting up in our ef- forts for thorough organization, and let us ven- ture to say to the lapsed member, now is the time to at once take steps to be reinstated. It is worth something to have the hearty good will of all your fellows, so do your duty, and come back where you belong. Cor. Bro. O. E. White, from C., B. & Q., working nights at Ebner tower. “13” he has worked for “St. P.” before. He will, in the near future, move his family to Thomson, and we all wish him the best of luck in his new position. Bro. Pensicoff, formerly of Franklin Park, nights, is now working for C., G. W. Ry. at South Freeport. B. A. Carver, agent at Troy Center the past 25 years, resigned May n to engage in other busi- ness, being relieved by Bro. Roy Fredericks, night man from Elkhorn, Wis. He, in turn, being re- lieved June 19 by Bro. E. Herzog, from the C., B. & Q. All glad to see Bro. Herzog with us. Bro. Frederick went from Troy Center to Cor- liss to relieve day man in freight house for a few days. Bro. McElhaincy, agent at Fulton, down sick, and relieved by Bro. F. F. Johannscn, relief agent. Bro. F. F. Johannsen, from the Missouri Pa- cific, at Little Rock, Ark. The two-cent rate is giving Bro. S. Correll, our local chairman, lots of business, as all other points make Savanna their dumping grounds for Iowa points. Bro. Hoy, from Elgin, was off ior a few days’ vacation, being relieved by Bro. F. F. Johannsen. Mr. W. W. Sloan is back working nights at Leaf River. Bro. Rynelds, Savanna yards, off sick a few days, being relieved by Bro. F. F. Johannsen. Hope the boys will all join in and help me get news for next month’s Telegrapher. Cor. C. & C. B., Iowa Division — Bro. Jackson, nights at Manilla, laid off to take a trip to Excelsior Springs fo^ a rest; relieved by Bro. Kilcy. Bro. Fullerton transferred from Weston agency to Panama. Bro. Brown, days at Manilla, to Portsmouth agency; relieving P. J. Rogers, who went to Earl- ing. Hope to see “PJ” up to date again soon, also friend Disburg, of Manilla. Bro. McDowell returned to his job at Coon Rap- ids after a visit at Aippey to see his father, who was quite ill. Bro. Losey has been working a trick at Perry the past few months, or while Mr. Flanigan was off. Bro. Faila grabbed the Weston agency; relieved at Manning by Bro. Cashman. Bro. Kiley left Manilla for “RD,” Council Bluffs, night office, when Bro. Jackson returned from his vacation. Bro. Stuart, nights at “RD,” Council Bluffs, resigned. Didn’t hear where he went. Bro. Kiley left "RD,” Council Bluffs, to accept a job with the C., B. & Q. Telegrapher McManus working a few nights at "RD;” relieved at “WD” by Telegrapher Tath- well, of "BU.” (Also Council Bluffs.) Saw Bro. Olson headed for "RD,” Council Bluffs lately to work a few nights. Bro. McDowell his resigned at Coon Rapids to accept a good agency at Enterprise, Iowa, on the D. M., I. F. & N. Good luck to him. Bro. McDowell relieved at "Coon” by Telegra- pher Jones. We are pleased to note that our worthy super- intendent, Mr. J. H. Foster, has been climbing toward the top. He was relieved by Mr. W. B. Foster, who, the most of us, have formerly worked under when he was trainmaster. Every one seemS to have a good word for him. The meeting held in Perry the evening of June 26, was not well attended on account of passen- ger train service being so inconvenient since the change of time and trains. Bro. Soyster, of Cov- ington, and Bro. Bliss, of Council Bluffs, took the head of the class as coming the greater dis- tance. Many matters of future importance were discussed, and last, but not least, the matter of better attendance at meetings was taken up, and it was decided to hold meetings on Sunday after- noon hereafter, which will enable Brothers from the east to reach Perry on No. 3, and those from the west can go on No. 4. This will give us plenty of time to hold a good meeting and allow the west end boys to return on No. 11. Those for the east can take a dead freight out, which will be arranged for. This should give the Brothers at two-men stations no excuse for not attending. Those who could be present with but little inconvenience, and don’t, should be placed on a list not much better than the "Grab Club.” For the above arrangements wfe are greatly in- debted to Mr. Rozum, chief train dispatcher; so do not fail to show your appreciation of this favor by giving him the best service possible. Bro. Paul Kouba has been appointed agent at Vining. Bro. W. J. Hall landed the Maxwell night job. Bro. O. H. Huyck got Slater tower, days on bulletin. Bro. Thos. Peterman getting the side-table position, days, at Perry, dispatcher’s office. Digitized by Google

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1330 The Railroad Telegrapher. Agency at Haverhill and night offices Coun- cil Bluffs and Keystone still vacant. Too many excuses from different nons, like “short of money,” “expect to quit when it gets warmer,” etc. Yes, and if some of you who are handing out these chestnuts don’t get busy and line-up, it’s going to get “warm” for you mighty soon. Boys, don’t spend your money for booze and amusements, when you should put your shoul- ders to the wheel and help to elevate the craft, and keep it there. Bro. Gamelin, of Huxley, is about the only Brother on the Middle Division who makes an attempt to send me news, and he does his big share each month. Brothers, send him your news, and not say to yourselves: “Guess he’s heard that, so I won’t need to tell him.” “Nick.' Southern Minnesota — It's a pretty hard proposition to make news out of the meager items I have been able to gather. Wish some good and loyal O. R. T. man on the Mankato Line, and some one on the western end of the S. M. would think to send a note or two of the happenings out that way occa- sionally, and be sure and send communications early in the month. On the First Division every one seems to be plodding along in the same old rut, with no pros- pects whatever for any vacations, as there seems to be great scarcity in telegraphers and relief agents. Only one change noted on the First Di- vision: H. M. Berg resigned station at Isinours in favor of his brother, P. E. Berg, formerly nights at Wells. It is not a very desirable location on account of the poor accommodations for the inner man. Understand the agent has to be his own cook, and is four miles from anywhere. A few of the boys managed to get away for the Fourth of July. Don’t know where they cele- brated, but, personally, I know that a couple of O. R. T. men watched the nigger pitch the leather sphere and the balloon ascend at Spring Valley. The Second Division is still doing business in the same old way, but changes are few and far between. Aside from the wreck at Baroda, and a few cars ditched in Ramsey yard, and another at Winnebago, nothing serious has happened. Bro. Clayton is kept busy at Albert Lea keep- ing track of the stray cars on the alphabet. Al- bert Lea was bad enough before, but it is a pretty good run for the money now that the Hay Line runs in there. I “13” there has been no in- crease in the pay, but it will, no doubt, be reme- died next time the committee faces the music in Chicago. Bro. W. E. Campbell still holding down Alden while Bro. H. R. Laugen is enjoying a well-earned vacation. Did not learn where Hank is hiding himself. Wells, nights, made vacant by transfer of Pe- ter to Isinours, being held down by Bro. E. H. Leugen, relief man. Easton station bulletined some time ago, but as yet no notice of assignment has reached this office. Jas. Sheehy was off several days on account of the illness of his father, but is now back at work. A Mr. Stanley from off the Iowa Central, re- lieved Jim, and after the strenuous task of run- ning Welcome station for several days, Mr. Stan- ley has been resting on his oars before tackling some other of the hard jobs. At Sherburn Bro. T. J. Fogarty, formerly of Mapleton, Minn., and more recently Vetumed from Draper, S. D., on the White River Valley, holds forth, whilst Bro. O. A. Langen and family are out west. Glad to have the old-timers return to the flock. Now, Brothers, I have reached the end of my rope, for west of Jackson I am at sea, and what- ever news I hand you about the west end you will have to take with lots of faith, and if, perchance I should err, and my information be not strictly up to date, don’t throw down your journal and think hard things, but put your shoulder to the wheel and help out. Bro. F. L. Van Wie, who held down Madison, days, has broken loose from Sornie, and is work- ing at La Crosse ticket office. Bro. Seward, from Winfred, now day telegra- pher at Madison. Winfred assigned to Lucius Hurlbut. No doubt all the agents are tacking up the changes in tariffs, and carefully putting down the time-card ordered to comply with Minnesota laws. All the freight crew conductors are making out their little rest cure slip, and handing in at the end of the run. The 16-hour law makes them go some, especially when Austin yard is blocked. Don’t see how the boys will keep out of jail this fall when business opens up. Would like to suggest the plan of a good hot O. R. T. meeting at Austin in connection with I. & M. Brothers, before things get going with a rush of grain. Nearly all the Brothers from the east end could come in on No. 91 and go back on No. 68. Those from the west could come in on No. 8 very handily, and return on No. 71 or No. 1. Guess I will wind up my harangue for this time and get “25." Div. Co*. Lancaster Division, No. 9. The largest, * most interesting and enthusiastic meeting held at Lancaster for a number of years was called to order at eight o’clock p. m., Tuesday, June 18th, by our worthy chief, as the regular monthly meeting of this division. This being the first meeting since the return of our representative from the convention, all present looked forward with interest for his report, which was delivered in an able manner. • Considering that this was his first attempt on a mission of this kind, Bro. Kacy treated us with a well-prepared and detailed report, and in looking over the proceedings of the convention we find his votes always figured among the majority on all matters brought before Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1331 the convention, a matter we all feel justly proud of, and in recognition of the interest he has taken in behalf of this division Bro. Kacy was accorded a unanimous vote of thanks. The chief speaker of the evening was President Perham, who dropped in while in the East and took us all by surprise. Bro. Perham treated us with an able address, giving us and all the boys in the East much encouragement and good advice. He made special mention of the great success and victory won by the boys of Division 9 in building up such a large and healthy membership. This being his first visit here since this divison was organized, he was very much impressed by the good attendance and the .able manner in which our meetings are conducted. One of the chief features of this meeting was the admitting of the first “Miss” to membership in this division, and believe, we dare say, the first of the fair sex ever admitted here in the East as near as we can tell. We feel highly elated over this record and all of us predict this to be only the beginning of a successful campaign. For your information we refer you to a resolu- tion that was adopted unanimously at the Minne- apolis Convention, which will be strictly followed and adhered to by this division, which reads as follows: Whereas, It is publicly repeated that during the present session of this Grand Division certain ex- pelled former members of the Order and others have formed, or are attempting to form, an or- ganization of telegraphers inimical to the best interests and with the avowed purpose of an- tagonizing and disrupting the O. R. T.; therefore, be it Resolved, That no member of this Order shall bold membership in the above referred to alleged organization, and in case of violation of this reso- lution, upon conviction such member shall be expelled. The membership of this division, so far as we can learn, are perfectly satisfied with the action of the convention regarding the Marr and Dolphin cases and the charters of Nos. 4 and 30, believing our Grand officers acted in the best interests of our noble Order. At this time quite a number of the boys hold the “blue” up-to-date card, and by the time this journal reaches you 90 per cent of the membership of this division will have paid their dues to December 31st and hold an “up-to-date.” We want to state that this division numbers consid- erably over one hundred members. This does not look as if Division 9 will close out business in a month or two, as some disorganizes has pre- dicted of us. “Judge not lest ye be judged.” Boys, pay no attention to the predictions and the fortune-telling of these disorganizers, as we are built upon the solid rock of O. R. T. principles and No. 9 is here to stay. After doing duty the past eight years at the most important points on this (Philadelphia) divi- sion, Bro. B. T. Yearsley resigned on May 22 d as third trick telegrapher at “FZ,” Frazer, to accept a position with the Panama Railroad at $125 per (just doubling his salary) to start with. Together with Bro. D. J. Deasy, Jr., another mem- ber of this division, they set sail from New York for the Isthmus on June 7th. In a letter to the writer Bro. Yearsley states, “We will stick to No. 9 and the grand old Order, no matter how far from home. This is the kind of material we are made up of.” Bro. M. A. Ament, of “KI,” Kinzcr, days, was the highest bidder for the vacancy at “FZ,” and “KI” is now open for bid. A company of half a dozen telegraphers working on both roads entering Reading, Pa., and one out of “P,” postal office, Philadelphia, will leave in a’ few days for St. Paul, Minn., where they have accepted positions on the Northern Pacific, which road is advertising for men at a $75.00 minimum.* Other roads are handing out the goods and the boys being in the market for the coin, we can not blame them for making the change. It seems to be misunderstood, yet it is a fact, right here in the East there are plenty of good telegraphers who have left railroad work to engage in other pursuits, claiming they are making as much money as we are, half holiday Saturdays and every Sunday off. Many are getting wise on this thing day by day, finding out it is not all of life to live. Bro. E. S. Booth, “FN” days at Florin, is off duty at this writing with a spell of sickness. Bro. J. E. Hoover working days and Bro. F. S. Crouse filling in at night. Three good brothers of this division. Bro. C. B. Winters has been laid up several weeks with a spell of sickness, but we are glad to report him out again. NOTES OF THE MEETING. Tommy, our baseball magnate, had quite a time getting home from the meeting, going as far as the trolley would take him, thence by the “beast of burden” route the remainder of the distance. Quite a sacrifice but he got there just the same. Bro. J. B. Johnson came all the way from Norristown. And there, too, was “Steve,” from “PA,” who brought with him a new recruit; also “Shopey,” from “XN,” “he of convention fame.” Two extra good ones, one from each end of the division. Bro. Ed. Kauffman also got there, but had to walk six miles and miss his supper to be present. "K” is one of our corner-stones and is the busiest man on the job, all for the good of the Order, too. We must not forget the “UD” boys, who were in evidence. If any of you should be doubting us, just come to our meeting next time and we will show you that we have large crowds, whether the president is with us or not. Div. Cor. Our regular monthly meeting was called to order Tuesday evening, July 16th, and was the largest attended meeting in the history of this division. Each month brings out an increased attendance, Digitized by C,ooole

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1332 The Railroad Telegrapher. and we will let this matter rest with each one individually to think out what the cause of it all is. The convention being over we are now getting down to business, and quite a bulk of it was on hand for this meeting, which was successfully handled. Quite a number of new petitions for membership and the usual number of applications by transfer were voted on and admitted to membership. Bills to the amount of $10.13 were read and ordered paid, and after the regular order of business was gone over, nearly all present took their turn in addressing the division under good of the Order. Bro. Harry Kacy, of Pittsburg Division No. 5a, was present and gave us an interesting address, which was quite encouraging and stated that this division is looked upon as eventually , becoming the stronghold of the East. To the membership we would say it is our duty to keep it up to its highest possible standard. Many more took the floor and furnished us with neat speeches, among them were some from the extreme east end of this division, which ter- ritory has furnished us with many faithful ones. Bro. N. E. Stoner having just lately taken unto himself a bride, was present and brought good news from his territory. Bro. Stoner is at present working first trick at “MQ,” Enola, and is a regular attendant at meetings. Bros. J. J. Ryan and J. D. Banks, from “UD” office, Harrisburg, are at present enjoying their vacations, while Bros. A. H. Eppler and E. A. Hart wick, from “GI” and “DE” respectively, are filling in on these vacancies. Notwithstanding that this is the first attempt of these boys in the main office, we are glad to note that they are making good. Bro. J. F. McArthur, first trick at “WA,” White March Junction, has been on the sick list two weeks last month. Bros. J. B. Johnson and L. M. Rodebough were forced to double while “Mac” was off duty. The Trenton cut-off will be operated by ’phone after August 1st, with train dispatchers stationed at “WA,” when a few of our boys will be forced to step down and out, but by time this will take place most of them will be holding better jobs than before. The first to take time by the forelock was Bro. A. H. Valliere, of “XO” nights, twelve hours at $60.50, resigned, effective July 15th, and accepted quite a nice thing with the New York Central near New York, eight hours at $75.00 per month. We are sorry to lose him but would not wish him back. There are probably two or three others who will leave during next month. Bro. E. H. Kauffman, who has worked relief schedule on cut-off the past three months, has been assigned to “KI” nights. “K” is one of our corner-stones and is always on hand at the meetings. Bro. F. B. Handwork, extra agent on this divison the past two years, has been promoted to regular relief agent, and is at present assisting the newly-appointed agent at Steelton. The many friends of Bro. “H” are glad to hear of his well- earned promotion. Bros. W. F. Parthemer and L. K. Sandford, second and third tricks respectively at “ES,” Conestoga bridge, are both moved up account illness of first trick man. Bro. W. G. McCuen, middle trick at “GA,” Mountville, has also been covering first trick for past two months account same cause. A great demand has been made on our secretary the past month for application blanks, which looks as if our membership will be greatly boomed. These blanks will be furnished promptly upon application, and will furnish all assistance when- ever needed. At this writing three-fourths of our members have already paid dues for present term and carry up-to-dates. We are proud of this record, and so far we have every reason to believe that our membership will stick together almost to a man. Div. Coa. New York Division, No. 44. Meeting called -to order, Saturday, July 13, 1907. at 8.45 p. m., by Chief Van Nostrand. All of the regular officers present. Chairs filled as follows: Chief Telegrapher, Bro. Van Nostrand. First Vice, Bro. Surine. Second Vice, Bro. Breen. Secretary, Bro. Heller. Marshal, Bro. Hudson. Sentinel, Bro. Fuller. , Past Chief, Bro. Shields. Two candidates initiated. Short ceremony was used. Ten applications for membership, and two transfers acted upon favorably. Minutes of last regular meeting read and ap- proved. Standing Committees’ reports were next re- ceived. Bro. Surine, Chairman of the General Commit- tee, made a satisfactory report. Bro. Shields, Chairman of the Legislative Com- mittee, read his report and several papers bearing on the eight-hour question. On motion of Bro. Fuller, seconded by pretty nearly everyone, it was decided that the next meet- ing be an open meeting, and as this will be ladies' night, a good time is expected. Speaking, good music, refreshments, and cigan» will be a part of the program. The attendance was good, and the east end of the island was well represented. Among those present from that vicinity were: Bro. Hill, of Riverhead; Bro. Robinson, of Manor; and Bro. Robinson, of Bridgehampton. The west end was well represented, many of the old-timers being in evidence. Our honored guests, Bros. J. F. Dooley and Thos. F. Noon, of System Division, No. 8, drop- ped in just to see how we did business, or rather to see if we had forgotten how to run the thing properly. Both of these Brothers were members of No. 44, years ago, and they needed no introduction to Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1333 the old-timers, who were all glad to meet them, and extend the hand of good-fellowship. Both Bro. Dooley and Noon gave us a short talk which was interesting, and thoroughly enjoyed by all present. Every one wanted to extend the glad hand to Bro. Surine, and congratulate him on his recovery. He was quite shaky on his underpinning, and showed the effects of his recent illness very much, but all were glad to see him out once more, and to know that he is well on the road to recovery. Bro. Van Nostrand still walks with a cane. We were all glad to note that he is on the mend, and will soon be as good as new. Whenever Bro. Wagner, of Lynbrook, attends a meeting, he always starts something. If there is anything that he don’t quite understand, he has to be shown. He positively refuses to be a wall flower. That’s just what the meetings are for, and we wish that Bro. Wagner would find it convenient to come oftencr. Bro. A. S. Wells has resigned as agent at Stoney Brook to take a position as cashier in a bank in that beautiful little town. This division loses by reason of Bro. Wells being unable to serve as its local chairman, a position in the organization that he has long held with credit and honor. He has the best wishes of a host of friends, who hope for his success in his new field of labor. Sister Randall has accepted the Summer Agency at Rocky Point for the season 1907. She was agent at Shoreham for some time past, but was obliged to give that up on account of ill-health. Lineman Geyer went to Rocky Point a few days ago, and cut in No. 3. Our dear old friend, Mike Holleran, is at Man- hattan Beach again this summer with Bro. Van Nostrand, and will remain there until the DeWolf Hopper Co. again takes to the road. Relief Agent, Bro. Price, who has been acting agent at Westbury for some time past, has been relieved at that point by Bro. Collier, of F. B. Ave. ticket office. Bro. Price will soon leave for the West. His health for some time past has not been the best, and he hopes the change will benefit him. He has the best wishes of a host of friends. He is a mem- ber of Division No. 26. Bro. E. D. Kays, of the Grand Division, and formerly in the employ of the D. L. & W. R. R., has been checked into Valley Stream, as agent. He has accepted service as a regular relief agent. At this writing it is announoed that Rhoades, of Hicksville, has resigned, and the station is up for bid. There’s a soft spot for some one that likes long hours, hard work, and small pay. Bro. Armstrong of Division No. 35 is at Bay Side. Geo. Carnes is back again at Syossett. This makes things at that station look natural. Bro. H. H. Oliver, of Hempstead Turnpike, was promoted to Brushville, nights, recently. As Bros. Meaney and Hayes would say, it’s a matter of speculation, but by the time this gets in print we may have something to say in regard to finance. Members who attend the meetings will understand this. On July 20, Gov. Hughes signed the telegraph- ers’ eight-hour bill, introduced by Assemblyman Northrup, of Dutchess Co., N. Y., covering the railroad telegraphers of New York State, same to take effect October 1, 1907. Bro. Swann, who has been holding down the third trick at Morris Park, goes to tower “A.” Mr. John Reese having resigned to accept a posi- tion in the Queen's County Clerk’s office. Bro. Sprague, of Floral Park, has bid in the second trick at Rockaway Junction. Bro. Herbert, of Bushville, nights, goes to Queen’s nights. Bro. Doxsey, of Queen’s, days, goes to Bush- ville, days. Bro. Davis, from Stone House Curve, is hand- ling the wire work at Emman's Ave. days. Mr. Hay, from Stone House Curve, has been transferred to Manhattan Terrace, days. Bro. T. J. Connelly is now located at Seaside Junction. Bro. D. F. Malone, of “X” office, has resigned and accepted a position with the New York Cen- tral. Bro. Edwards, of “X” office, has resigned, and has accepted a position with the New Haven. Bro. J. H. Streaver is back in the dispatcher's office. Coe. Oskaloosa Division, No. 71. Haven’t seen a write-up from this division for several moons. Must be something wrong. Why not have the chairman get some one as regular cor- respondent, and have a write-up in the journal once in a while, and let other divisions know we are here. Nothing much doing on the la. C. just now. Telegraph office at Faulkner closed to “cut down expenses.’’ Bro. Holmes, formerly of Eleanor, now doing act at Steamboat Rock. Telegraph office at Dillon closed. “13“ Bros. Arnote, of Gilman, and Etzel, of Pickering, have resigned. Don’t know where they are going. Sorry to see them leave. New men at Faulkner, Maxon, Marsh, Morn- ing Sun, Elrick, Keithsburg, Little York, Cramers and Bartlett. Also “RN” Farmington days. Are they all lined up? Some of you cast end boys in- vestigate. Bro. Rockwell at Eleanor again. Glad to see him back. Have been holding meetings last three months to discuss the O. S. & D. business. Had officials and local conductors there to hear our complaints. Think we were all benefited by these meetings. Just now learned we have a new night man at Grinnell in the personage of W. E. Thackeray. Don’t know if up-to-date or not. Have several nons on the line. Let’s get after them and line ’em up. Now let’s hear from some one else. The North End Observer. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1334 The Railroad Telegrapher. Renovo Division, No. 110. The regular July meeting was held in the Odd Fellows* Hall, Emporium, Pa., Wednesday even- ing, July 17th, with the following members pres- ent: Bros. Blackwell, of Erie; Shea (CT), of Waterford; James, of Garland; Price, of Irving- ton; Ganey, of Wilcow; Edwards, of Johnson- burg; Me Mac kin and Johnson, of St. Mary’s; Goodwin (S. & T.), Getchell, Lee, and O’Leary, of Emporium; Sullivan, of Perry; and Russell, of Keating; Kane, of Olean (135), and last but not least, our esteemed President, Bro. H. B. Per- ham, of St. Louis. This was certainly a banner meeting in every sense of the word, and our only regret is that there were not more members in at- tendance to listen to the entertaining and instruc- tive discourse given by Bro. Perham. He held his audience interested from the start to the close, and imparted many useful and in- structive ideas, which will be helpful to us in the future. Come again, Bro. Perham, and we will have the keys ready next time. We are sorry to hear that Sister Floyd, of “KS,” Sinnemahoning, and Bro. Wells of “JN,” Em- porium, are on the sick list. We are pleased to announce that Messrs. Bech- told, of “MS,” Wistar, Huling, of *‘AD,” Ridg- way, and Morton, of Kane, are now full-fledged Brothers, and we extend our congratulations and fraternal courtesies to them. Bro. Griskcy, of Kane, has departed for the wilds of Potter County, to catch speckled beau- ties, and kill the festive mosquito. Bro. Tiffany is relieving. Bro. Jones, of Kane, has returned to duty after an illness of about ten days. Mrs. Geary, of Kane, is off on account of sick- ness, relieved by Bro. Edwards, of Johnsonburg, who in turn was relieved by Bro. Morton. Telegrapher Jacobson, of Ludlow, is on the sick list, relieved by Miss Hanley, of Warren. By the way, we expect their applications in time for next meeting. Telegrapher Buck (we hope it is Brother), of Clarendon, is again on duty after being off for some time on account of death in his family. Sheffield, nights, is held at present by Teleg- rapher Price, from Garland. We miss Bro. Vance there, but we can hear his fist on the wire from “RA.” We wish him success in his new position. The interlocking plants at “OW” and “VX” towers, are both being remodeled, and will be solid O. R. T. offices throughout. Bro. Hoffman, of “DT,” Ben zingers, is putting up a fine residence, and expects to occupy it in the near future. A new addition to our local board of adjust- ment has been made in the appointment of Bro. Russell, of Keating, to assist Bros. Price and Ed- wards in keeping our grievances before the offi- cials. Division No. no is equipped with a fine local board, and should receive the hearty support of all members. It is gratfying to note the activity of a num- ber of the members in securing new candidates for membership in the Order. They deserve great praise and encouragement in the good work. Our popular C. T. is especially active, and promises at least four new applications for next meeting. We had promises from several of the Brothers for a few notes to help us on the write-up, but the only one that materialized was Bro. Tiffany, and we thank him accordingly. The chicken crop promises to be good this season, and the Div. Cor. will offer a broiler as an inducement to each one who will contribute. Well, I am all out of material, so will cut out for this time. Here’s to our flag, the Stars and Stripes, Here’s to the land of the free. And here’s to good wages and shorter hours. Long life to our grand O. R. T. Div. Cot. Philadelphia Division, No. 102. The regular monthly meeting of Division No. 102 was held at the Windsor Hotel, Philadelphia, Pa., July 27, 1907. We were very agreeably sur- prised by President Perham being present at this meeting. Bro. Perham filled the Chief Telegrapher’s chair. An unusually large. P. Sc R. attendance; in fact, the largest for some time, was present. Bro. H. O. Mennig was elected Chief Teleg- rapher to finish out balance of term. After the close of a very interesting business meeting, President Perham gave some very inter- esting remarks, speaking of the progress of the Order in the past, and what he hopes to accom- plish in the future. Every Brother who was not present missed the chance of his lifetime. The talk was well worth traveling a long distance to hear, and every Brother present was more than pleased. Bro. McLaughlin also gave us an interesting talk on the good and welfare of the Order. Philadelphia Division, No. 102, of late has been making excellent progress. We have been taking in a great number of new members. They all seem to be made of the right kind of stuff. The best part of it is that they are coming right up with the necessary for the term ending December 31st. The old members arc doing the same, and everything points toward a prosperous year for the Division. We can kill two birds with one stone, or better yet, satisfy two obligations at one time if we de- sire. By that I mean our duty to ourselves and to our employers. Let us strive to give our best service to the management, and by so doing con- vince them that an O. R. T. man is the best kind of a man to have. Also that an O. R. T. man will live up to his promises and do the right thing every time. The principles of the O. R. T. demand a faith- ful performance of our duties, and the betterment of our social condition. Also a reasonable com- pensation for good services. To achieve these re- results we must have the co-operation of all Brothers in trying to keep up the good name of the Order. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1335 It has come to my notice in an indirect manner that there arc men who represent themselves as being O. R. T. men who even go so far as to wear the official button. I wish to warn the Brothers against these imposters, and demand to see the card every time. If a man cannot produce the card, have nothing to do with him. The card is the best, and, in fact, I think it is the only evi- dence that the bearer is O. K. Understand that Brother Dechant from Consho- hocken, nights, has taken unto himself a wife. Here is luck to the happy pair. Bro. Eckert acting as relief telegrapher on the Norristown branch. Bro. Lemuel Thurston met with a very painful accident about a month ago. We are pleased to see him around again. He was present at the last meeting. Brother McLaughlin has been securing quite a number of new members. We have been very busy taking in money for the company, and clearing the main track for specials during Elks* week. The Atlantic City R. R. Brothers have their hands full with the many specials running to At- lantic City, and other famous New Jersey summer resorts. Travel is. greater this year than ever be- fore. The Brothers would confer a great favor to the Secretary if they would send him any news that may turn up during the month to be inserted in The Telegrapher. “Chris." New York Division, No. 26. Am pleased to see the dues coming so readily, and by the time this article is published that part of the Secretary’s duties will be completed, we hope. The summer weather having arrived at last, it is noticeable how laay the boys are getting. A number of the boys on the “L” have been saving their money for the past few months, and are now enjoying their vacations — somewhere. I know they did an unwise thing in starting their vacations by going to Coney Island, as money does not last long there. They talk it right out of your pocket. Our worthy Secretary, Bro. MacBain, has been home three or four days sick, caused by a too jubilant time spent at the seashore. There have been a number of telegraphers lately to look over the style of work on the “L,” but they do not remain very long, as twelve hours a day seems to take the life out of them. We now have Bro. Munden, of the C. T. U. A., and we hope to keep him with us. We have changed our meeting place to No. 133 Edgecombe Ave., N. Y. City, one block west of Eighth Ave. and 14 1 St., and will meet there every second Sunday in month, at 3 p. m. Hope the Brothers will do their best to attend these meet- ings, and encourage your officers. Our meetings are interesting, as you will find. Must close now. Providence Division, No. 35. In our June letter we mentioned the fact that systematic effort was being made to round up the few remaining nons in the territory of Providence Division, and we confidently predicted “results.” At the July meeting 23 applications were read, which justifies the confidence placed in the mem- bers of the various committees appointed for the purpose. Four of the applications read were signed by members of the fair sex. This is doubly grati- fying. In 1897 or 1898, old Providence Division, No. 2 56, was famous for its “seven sisters.” who not only held membership, but attended the meet- ings, and we hope to see these four on hand early and often. Their example will go far towards bringing in the rest of the ladies, and may possi- bly stir up some of the confirmed “stay-aways” to a better attendance at meetings. The Taunton Division boys are entitled to great credit for getting out so persistently, considering distance, and train connections. Bro. Ross, Local Chairman of that Division, Bro. Walker, and several others are always in evi- dence. Visitors at July meeting: Bros. Dowd, McCor- mick, Bowler, and the ever-welcome “Stub” Cul- ver, of New Haven, No. 29, Bro. Hanan, of No. 337 » and Bros. Ross and McDermott, of Boston, No. 89. Bro. Culver expresses himself as well pleased with Providence, and placed himself on record as intending to come again. The heat was more than some of the fat men could stand, and wilted collars were much in evi- dence. Too bad Bro. Ray had to leave early to get his train; things were coming his way nicely (not) when his time expired. Division Correspondent. NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF DIV. No. 35. The members of Division No. 35 will confer a favor on the undersigned as well as aiding the cause, by filling out the blank which was sent at- tached to the notice of dues, dated July 15th, and returning to me at once. R. A. Brown, Secretary and Treasurer . Worcester Division — Bro. Toadvinc, of Valley Falls tower, has re- turned from a month’s vacation, spent down in Maryland mostly. Bro. Weeks officiated at “VY” meanwhile. Bro. Wells, of Valley Falls station, who was or- dered complete rest by the doctor, has gone down in Maine, Bert Gould, a new man, taking his place. The agency at Farnums bid in by Bro. Harry Harris. Henry Smith, the former agent, held it down for twenty-five years, which is too long for a man to stay in one place. Adamsdale Junction bid in by Bro. Gardiner, of Boston Switch. Bro. Gardiner bids that job in every summer, and bids out again as soon as he gets his crops out of the ground in the fall. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1336 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Aldrich, better known as “Olney Giggins,” is now located at Woonsocket tower, nights. Ol- ney is entitled to a long rest after a strenuous month down on the electrics at Warren. Bro. Williams, of Dexter St., just back from a trip to Washington, D. C. Cor. Taunton Division — Local Chairman, L. J. Ross, of the Taunton Division, called on Bro. Walker one day last week, and held a council of war, and formulated a plan of action whereby they could “show” a few re- maining nons between Fall River and Tiverton the manifold advantages of flying the union colors. They regaled themselves with war paint, and hit the trail for Bristol Ferry and Tiverton, these being the objective points of attack. When the smoke of battle had lifted, Mr. Wheeler, agent at Bristol Ferry, had surrendered, and at once filled out his application, and handed over the necessary “untainted,” and was willing to call himself one of us. Big Chief Ross, and his trusty brave, with the papers secured, then counted the ties to Tiverton, in order to show up their goods, and sign articles with the agent and assistant in the fishing town. Names pledged at this station for early member- ship was the best that could be obtained. Before this will greet the eyes of the old reliables, there will be three more delinquents into clear, as the result of earnest endeavor on the part of Bros. Ross and Walker. Bro. Pat Egan, for many years first trick man at south end Somerset drawbridge, has bid in Framingham tower, days. The men on the south end wish him luck. The draw is up for bid. Bro. Thurrett, of the Dispatcher’s office, was off a day recently, taking in the sights at Vanity Fair. Bro. E. B. Beaton, Somerset Junction tower, nights, took a wash in the surf at Revere Beach recently. Cor. Shore Line — East End — Over fifty Brothers in attendance at the July meeting, and only three from this end of the S. L. It is too bad that such a lack of interest should prevail. The news that New York and Connecticut have joined the ranks of States with eight-hour laws for telegraphers, is very gratifying. We wonder if something in this line could not be done in Rhode Island. Bro. Callahan, second trick man at East Green- wich tower, surprised his many friends during the latter part of June by disappearing for a week. On his return we all smoked in honor of his mar- riage to Miss Stacey, of Lafayette, R. I. Bros. Ray and Barden doubled during the ab- sence of the Brother. Cor. P. W. & B. Electric Branch — Bro. Thos. Fox, for the past two years agent at Warren, has severed his connection with the New Haven to enter the hotel business, having pur- chased the Goff House, in Warren. llis many friends regret his leaving the service, but wish him success in his new field. The telegraphers in Warren Cabin now get the monthly relief. Bro. Weeks, the genial relief lowerman, officiates on these auspicious occasions. Bro. Frank Chadwick, agent at West Barrington, who has been on the sick list for the past two or three months, is reported as improving. The boys will all be glad to see him in harness again. Cor. Chicago Division, No. 91. Well, Brothers, what is the trouble? Notwith- standing all members able to attend were notified of our last meeting, very few turned out. As a result every one present had to smoke four or five cigars, but thus far have heard of no fatalities. Try to do better. A good meeting means life to our Order; come and get acquainted. One of the results of our last meeting was the appointment of a Sick Committee, whose duty will be to visit any member of the Order in Chicago who is sick or in distress. We were deeply grieved to hear of the death of the wife of Bro. E. C. Thompson, Secretary of Division No. 1 27. While on his honeymoon his wife was taken sick in Chicago, and died after twb or three days in the hopsital. Bro. John A. Chawk, of this division, also had the misfortune to lose his baby girl, who was but three weeks of age, and overcome by the hot weather. We are in receipt of a clipping from the Erie Railroad Employes Magazine , showing that some of the officials of that company, located at Huntington, Ind., have taken it upon themselves to establish a telegraph school, ostensibly for amusement, but in reality to teach telegraphy to whoever desires to learn. Bro. Zimmerman, of Fair Oaks, Ind., is laying off for thirty days, trying to make up for his hard work. The Secretary had the pleasure of attending a meeting at Kankakee, also at Schneider, of the members on the C. I. & S. Both were very well attended, and a good deal of enthusiasm mani- fested, also a large amount of work accomplished. Although it meant a night up for all of the boys, they did not seem to mind it, although Kankakee is very dead after 10 p. m. Now, brothers, we must all remember that noth- ing can be accomplished unless we do it our- selves. Every man must try and keep up the per- centage of membership, as it is impossible for any one else to do it. When a change is made at a station, get after the newcomer. If he has a card, report his name and division number to the Secretary; if he has not, try and induce him to get one. I wish all the Brothers working on the C. I. & S., also the Indiana Harbor and Indiana Harbor Belt, who are not members of Division No. 91, would send their names and addresses, also their division and certificate number to the secretary, so he can transfer them into No. 91. Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1337 We expect to have something doing on the C. 1. & S. in a very 9hort time, and wish to get all the members in the one division in order to facili- tate communication. I also wish some Brother on the Indiana Harbor Belt, west of Hammond, would send me a line-up of that district up to and in- cluding Franklin Park. At least two members on the Monon are awake, for I have received two new applications from that road since the convention. Boys, aren’t you ashamed of yourselves? Are you going to be con- tent to rest where you are, or are you going to make another attempt to better your condition? If our members on the Monon would each get one application, we could schedule the road, for we would then be solid. Secretary. Wabash Railway. Moberly Division — On account of being so busy in June trying to get information about our delayed eight-hour law, we failed to get any items in the July Telegrapher from this district. The Order has been criticised by some of the younger members for not taking this matter* up and calling the men out to bring about the enforcement of the law. While this could have been done, it is a question as to whether this is the right thing to do until more peaceful methods have been tried and have failed to bring the desired result. As prosecuting attorneys in the different counties have filed informations against the railroads and also against several telegraphers, it is to be hoped that the railroads will decide to observe the law. Some of the non-members, and, I am sorry to say, that some of our members seem to think that there is a scarcity of telegraphers and are trying to increase the supply by taking students. Some give the excuse that their work is so heavy that they have to have a student to keep the work up. That is the poorest excuse a man could make. If the work is too heavy for one man to keep up, the company can hire additional help to do it. If the work is so unimportant that it can be done by some inexperienced boy working for nothing, it is not worth keeping up. There has been some complaint that some of the division officials are insisting that agents take students and teach them telegraphy. As the company owns the offices they may have the right to put students in the offices, but the general superintendent has promised your committee that no telegrapher would be required to teach telegraphy. If the students insist on staying, why not keep them busy scrub- bing, washing windows and other work of this kind, and they may change their minds about learning telegraphy in a few days. Don’t let any- one make you believe there is a shortage of teleg- raphers as long as the salaries are at the present low figures. If we were receiving $100.00 per month, as we should be, we would not hear so much about the scarcity of telegraphers. There would be a shortage of engineers and conductors if their salaries were the same as ours is now, but as they receive fair salaries we never hear of them being short of men. Bro. R. D. Bedgood began work at Moberly yard office after thirty days* vacation. Bro. J. E. McDannald has resumed work at Huntsville. Bro. McDannald visited several of the Western States and intends to leave the Banner Route in a few months and seek his fortune in the West. Bro. R. C. Winn, nights Clifton, celebrated th? Fourth by shooting himself through the right hand with a toy pistol. Relieved by Mr. J. R. Gilmore. Mr. Gilmore promises to get an up-to- date card when he has worked the required length of time. Bro. L. J. Burckhardt, days Salisbury, is away on his vacation and is taking a trip through Minnesota and North Dakota. Relieved by Mr. Harry Street. Bro. M. D. Bell has been promoted from agency at Glasgow to agency at Montgomery. Glasgow filled temporarily by Bro. C. E. Bobbitt. Keytesville agency is on bulletin, Mr. C. W. Cotter having resigned to accept position as teleg- rapher in Moberly dispatcher’s office. Lexington Junction is again solid O. R. T. Bro. F. D. Chadwick days and Bro. T. F. Curtis nights. Bro. Paul Gregory, agent Excelsior Springs Junction, is taking a thirty days’ vacation. Local Chairman. Decatur Division — Your old correspondent greets you again this issue, and will try and give you the gleanings of the past month. In a recent communication from Bro. Hefner, our esteemed local chairman, he gives the follow- ing of interest to all telegraphers on the Wabash: “I would like to make mention in The Teleg- rapher of my appreciation of the manner in which I was received by all the telegraphers, both mem- bers and non-members, many of whom I had never met before, but instead of getting acquainted, it really seemed like a visit with old-time friends, and the manner in which they responded when asked to affiliate with the organization, showed clearly they realized it their dutv as well as their privilege to do so. “With another trip over the road I would not consider it a great task to complete the thorough organization of the Decatur Division. “Of course, there are a few cases which look very discouraging, and I am very sorry to say that in a few instances where they have realized a $10.00 per month increase through the Order. "It is in cases of this nature that we note the difference of opinion and sometimes wonder how some faithful brothers remain faithful so long under adverse circumstances, while others can be so ungrateful as to fail to show their apprecia- tion of benefits already accrued to them.” Your correspondent takes the privilege to add that it is every member’s duty, with the nons included, to show to Bro. Ilefncr our esteem and Digitized by t^ooQle

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1338 The Railroad Telegrapher. appreciation of his work in behalf of the Order in securing these benefits and increases. It is no easy task to represent an entire division the size of the Decatur Divison, and face a stern management demanding increases and bene- fits for the telegraphers, many of whom are nons and who fail to appreciate such services and fail to affiliate with the Order. In a recent conversation with a telegrapher who failed to identify himself, your correspondent was told that the Order was no good and needed “backbone.*’ If the party would only consider it takes sup- port and energy to gain a cause, he would readily see where he was a back-slider, and that he lacked good judgment and the proper ability to compre- hend the situation pending. He does not realize that such men as he are a drawback and never succeed in any undertaking they may desire. Common sense tells that in “Union there is strength.” We must unite in force and work together, our object being to stand as one whole body and demand our rights, as no one man can undertake to adjust things properly alone through his individual efforts without the support of others. If the party who has such a poor opinion of the Order will talk to me and give attention, I will convince him and show him that he is at fault. Bro. Harte, of Bement, contributed for this writing. Although he fills the warmest telegra- pher’s position between St. Louis and Chicago, he has energy and interest enough to assist a worthy cause. He is a faithful employe and a staunch brother, and we are justly proud of him. In last month’s issue I entered a request to add new additions to the Order. I hope you all read this and will see the merits in gaining new members. This is an important undertaking and if every brother will assist our fold will be one that can not be divided between the non and member. Brothers, I do not feel justified in requesting contributions of you in every issue. It appears as if you expect one to gather all the items of the division. This is impossible and I again ask of you to forward any items you have to me at Raymond, 111. If you don’t know my name it is E. Hendricks. Now put that in your hat-band, where it can be found. We have met Bro. Hefner, our worthy local chairman, several times on his trips rounding up the boys. Glad to know he has met with good success; has succeeded in getting some ye olden timers that have for years been on the outside of the fold, including a number of exclusive agents, which we must say .speaks well for Bro. Hefner’s ability as a solicitor. We congratulate him, as well as the Order. Night telegrapher Yount, Dement, still on the list of enjoying the schedule benefits without any visible returns having been made as yet. We believe he is about the only non on the district. We have had his promise to “do the act,” but as yet, sorry to say, he still remains "without." We believe the Decatur Division can boast of being a banner division, practically solid O. R. T. What’s the matter with arranging for another meeting of this division in the near future? Say Decatur this time. It has been several months since last meeting, which was held at Bement April 17, and a royal good time we had; only one drawback, we did not get started in a business way early enough, hence our meeting was closed long before we were through. Nevertheless socially we enjoyed the time, each having an opportunity to meet others. ’Twas a very pleasant gathering. Let’s try it again. Agent Massock, at Blue Mound, was struck by No. 7 1 and both legs were so badly crushed amputation was necessary, but he being aged died before amputation was completed. The remains were laid to rest at Blue Mound under the di- rections of the Masonic fraternity. Mr. Massock was an old employe, and had acted as agent at Blue Mound for the past sixteen years. W. E. Rittenhouse, formerly night telegrapher at Edsville Jet., was drowned while bathing in a stream at that place. His remains were taken to Lovington by his father for burial. Bro. A. Logsdon filled Edsville Jet. nights for a time, but at present a Mr. R. Shugart, of Sullivan, is holding forth. We would like his application in the near future. Bro. J. Harry Custer and family, of Raymond, took in the big show (Ringling Bros.) at Litchfield. Bro. Giffin, of Harvel, reports the sale of 100 tickets, while Bro. Custer, of Raymond, sold 176 tickets to Litchfield account Ringling Bros. Circus. Train 51 was crowded from the baggage car to the air hose on the rear coach, besides a few who rode the head end and blinds. Bro. Berger has departed from Harvel to Brook- lyn, • Ind. Bro. Giffin compelled to double on night and Mr. Moore, of Raymond, also doubled Harvel. I wish to thank Bro. Harte, of Bement, 111., for his kindness in acting as Division Correspond- ent last month. This action was greatly appre- ciated and in future he may expect a similar request, as we are aware he can properly fill the "bill.” Adjust your grievances through Bro. Hefner. He will handle them properly. Bro. Logsdon, of Clarksdale, made a flying trip to Honey Bend on No. 53, returning on No. 50, and dropped off long enough to speak a few words to yours truly. Bro. E. J. Carroll, recently from Big Four, holding down Blue Mound nights. Bro. Baker has resigned the day telegrapher’s position at Blue Mound and will soon depart for Texas. Dispatcher Rogers is again filling the second trick on the 13th district, after holding down a chair on a foreign dist. One man killed and two seriously injured is the result of falling gravel at Blue Mound pit during the past month. The unfortunates were Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1339 caoght without warning before they had an op- portunity to escape. Sidney Legg holding down day position at Blue Mound until same is accepted by bulletin bid. We understand Bro. Messick, formerly with the Wabash, has been transferred by the Rock Island to Santa Rosa, N. Mcx. Mrs. Grenell, Granite City nights, made a trip to Chicago. Her husband, Bro. Grenell, doubled over. Bro. Jarner holding down Carpenter nights. Bro. B. L. Dunham, of Stonington, is acting as agent at Blue Mound, and is kept busy while on duty. Bro. Bandy was compelled to double Morrison- ville account telegrapher Puckett off account ill- ness of a relative. Bro. H. V. Evans, formerly of Ivesdale and a faithful contributor, has departed from the Wabash ranks and accepted a position with the S. A. & A. P. in Texas. Bro. Hendricks and wife, of Raymond, spent a day visiting in St. Louis. Brothers, notice the good • positions that were bulletined the past month. Our Order is to be thanked for our schedule demanding vacancies to be bulletined so as to give seniority rights to the deserving. Extend the fraternity hand to H. O. Folrath and H. S. Hecox, as they are full-fledged mem- bers of the Order now. Bro. Montgomery filling day telegrapher’s posi- tion at Stonington. While the sturdy farmer is harvesting his crops let us be harvesting the nons, who are a hindrance to the Order, but would be an assistance if members. Our thanks to Bro. Brakevane, of Ivesdale, for assistance rendered with last month’s write-up. Mr. A. Moore worked Morrisonville one night, returning to Raymond and resumed his regular position there days. A Mr. Wells is acting as agent at Morrisonvillfc until same is accepted by bid. Brisbane tower, Poag and Blue Mound day telegraphers’ positions up for bids. Homer, Morrisonville and Blue Mound agencies open for bids. All good paying positions and we congratulate the successful. J. A. King is holding down Winston tower nights. President F. A. Delano, Vice-President and General Manager H. Miller, Assistant Traffic Manager W. E. Maxwell and General Superin- tendent Cotter made a general inspection trip over the Wabash line. They left Kansas City and traveled east via Moberly, Hannibal and Decatur. i st No. 94 of July 23d was wrecked at Xameoki and delayed traffic several hours. Pas- senger and mail trains were detoured via Big Four Granite City to Mitchell. A. J. Hallihan, night man at Wing, has become weary working nights for the Wabash; has tend- ered his resignation, effective July 1st. Have not heard of his future intentions. A. C. Yates, night man at Saunemin, off few nights early part of July visiting home folks. Ex-dispatcher Swartzwalte, at Decatur, still un- decided as to location best fitted to his likes; has several offers in view, one of extra dispatcher and other of ordinary “OS”-ing. Dispatcher Lumison, who has been off duty ten days account vacation, has returned after spend- ing time visiting various points in Illinois and Michigan. Agent Powers has been transferred from Horner to Sullivan, vice extra man Horner being tempo- rarily handled by Bro. Kurtz at Sidney. Pay your dues and be a staunch member, always working for something that will be of material benefit to you and the Order. Div. Cor. Chicago-Dctroit Division, Third District — Mrs. J. Holliday, at “KA,” Oakwood, days, has been off for ten days; relieved by Bro. R. L. Neal, a new man from C., R., I. & P. Bro. Neal resigned after working nine days, going back to his old road. Mr. F. M. Barry, Oakwood nights, got Pine nights on last bulletin, but has not been relieved as yet. Mr. M. A. Mahoney, a new man on Wabash, at Delray nights. He has promised to join us in the near future. Telegraphers F. M. Barry, Oakwood nights, and A. W. Bailey, Rouge River nights, have filled out application blanks and we can soon call them brothers. Telegrapher Bailey spent Sunday in Toledo re- cently. Bro. W. J. Clark, agent Britton, and son, Bro. Geo. Clark, day telegrapher same place, off on vacation. Bro. W. H. Sellers, from Romulus, fill- ing the agency while Bro. Roy Vannest, Britton nights, on days and Bro. Frank Beatty on nights. Bro. W. C. Curry, Romulus nights, on days, and Mr. G. H. Shannon, a new man on Wabash, on nights. Mr. Shannon says he will have a brand new card in few days. Bro. Jesse Edson, formerly at Hand nights, resigned and has gone to the B. & O. Mr. Kum- neck, from west end, got Hand nights on last bulletin. Bro. John Bloom, Holloway nights, spent Sun- day, July 21, with his parents at Montpelier. Miss Jennie Wiley, agent at Cone, off on vaca- tion. Bro. C. W. Shoup, night man, relieving, while Mr. D. B. Ferguson, a new man on Wabash, is working nights. Your correspondent spent a few weeks in July with his parents near Colorado Springs, Colo. Also spent a day at Portland, Colo., with our old friend Bro. W. F. Domka, a former Wabash boy. He is working for the D. & R. G. and Santa Fe at Portland. Fourth District — Bro. Carl Smith, who has been working at gravel pit, has returned to his former position as day telegrapher at Gary. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1340 The Railroad Telegrapher. Mr. F. Stage has resumed work at Foraker nights. He was formerly at Ashley yard days. Bro. Todd, Gary, has resigned and intends going to some other road. His position at Stony Creek days has been taken by night telegrapher J. Dwenger. Mr. Kumneck relieving Mr. Dwenger. Bro. (?) F. Gibson at Topeka nights regular. Sister L. Huntington entertained her sister Miss Laura, of Edgerton, O., over the Fourth. Miss Olga George, a new telegrapher on Wabash, at Morris days; will become a. sister in the near future. Bro. C. A. Pillman, formerly at Crocker days, has left the banner route and is at present working for the U. P. at Lincoln, Neb. Div. Cor. Peru Division — The following new members on our division in July, which may not be all as Ihere are several precincts to hear from: S. L. House, A. A. Weber, Buck Creek; P. J. Bakle, Antwerp; O. L. Dutjwoody, Newell ; P. McCarthy, R. Weaver, Cecil; J. A. Fullen, Okolona; Theo. Litchestin, New Haven, and Geo. Pickering. This don’t look so bad; it certainly must look good to our chairman to see these older men in the service on the Peru Division giving him their support and confidence, but there are a few of the old heads to come to the front yet. Come in with us and be represented with the rest of us when our committee again meets at St. Louis. One of our good brothers is inflicted with students, one at a time, sent there by the company to finish up in the noble profession they have chosen, but we have as yet to hear of a graduate from that particular station. Telegrapher Ramsey, of Hugo nights, was laid up a few weeks in July account of having an accident while riding a bicycle resulting in a broken nose and several teeth knocked out. W. S. Avey relieved him. Avey now working Ft. Wayne “C” office days while Sister Schotemeyer is taking a well-earned vacation. Bro. Hell wig now doing stunts at several differ- ent stations on the west end after having been at Butler nights for some time. Following jobs made vacant in July: Toledo yard nights, Bro. Raddatz resigned to accept position with the W. U. at Toledo, Bro. Bandy at “JH” at present; Defiance days, Bro. Metsker resigned, Bro. A. A. Hein doing the day stunt now with Bro. Dickman nights; Bro. Metz be- coming dissatisfied at New Haven nights has taken the night “pension” at Wauseon, Bro. Tabler, now at West Peru nights, Bro. Demuth having resigned to return to the farm for the summer months at least. Mr. Kyle, of Blakesley nights, promises to be- come a brother this month if the mortgage on the old homestead is sufficiently reduced. Would be pleased to have some items from the brothers along the line. Help me make a good write-up next month. Div. Cor. Springfield Division — News from this division of the Banner Route does not show up in our journal as often as it should be, and so, to let the boys know that we are not dead, we will try and turn in a few items. We have heard of Bro. Hefner’s great success on the Decatur Division, going out and rounding up over forty nons in one jump. Nons on the other divisions of this “pike” should take a hint and see how anxious those boys are to get into the Order, because they know it’s a good thing for them. The O. R. T. is the only thing that can better your conditions. Look back for a minute and see what benefits you have derived from it. Better pay secured, working conditions made more satisfactory and chances for advancement more favorable than before. Now, boys, you who are not members, what have you done to help bring about these better conditions? Wake up and see where you are in these days. A young lady, who graduated from a telegraph school in Springfiefld, was out a few weeks ago to see your chairman about getting a chance to finish up in his office; said she was very anxious to finish and would do all she could. She was told she could not be admitted in his office, where- upon she applied to Bro. Haste, who commanded the fort at Dawson, but he acted likewise. She tried several offices close in and around Spring- field, but we learn she was not successful. Bro. Foutch, agent Bates, contemplates going to Niagara Falls on our annual excursion next month. Hope he has an enjoyable time. Mr. Hatfield, of “JN” office, Springfield, is taking a ten-day vacation, being relieved by Bro. Anderson, from Springfield shops. Mr. Gilmore, our first trick dispatcher, is away on a vacation. Mr. Driscoll is holding down first trick, Mr. Sanders second and Mr. Potter third. Conductor J. W. Redman has returned to work after a ten -days’ vacation in Wisconsin. Boys, we should help our dispatchers in every way toward getting trains over the road, as by doing this we can show the company that we are working for their welfare. Don’t know what to think about the nons. Wish each one of them could see The Teleg- rapher for July and see how the Decatur Division is bringing them into the fold. I heard a non the other day make the remark on the wire that he could not afford it, but would come in just as soon as he could get out of debt. Now, that is the same old excuse every month, still if it was not for the O. R. T. this same non would he working for $40.00 per month and putting in fifteen hours per day. Why can’t you open your eyes and come from darkness to light and help us in our endeavors to better our conditions? Everyone who stays out is blocking our way to a a certain extent. You should not accept the bene- fits that you are getting through the O. R. T. unless you are willing to help pay for them. Don’t take something that does not belong to you. W’c would be glad to have each one come in so Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1341 that when our committee goes to St. Louis again we will be solid. Bro. B. N. Dunham, of the 13th District, was successful in getting a month’s vacation, and to- gether with his wife, visited relatives and friends at New Salem in June. They also spent a part of the time at Green Ridge, Mo., with Mrs. Dunham’s parents. Bert has been day telegrapher at Stonington for several years, but we understand at this writing is located at Blue Mound as agent, and has a good chance of securing it permanently. Guess he can stand the increase all right. Bro. Tomlinson is working dispatcher Hatfield’s trick on 11th and 12th District wires for a short time, and Bro. Anderson, of C. T. shops, is handling messages and car reports at “JN” office. Understand night man at “CT” now working days, but have not yet learned his name. Hope he is O. K. Mr. Walter P. Potter, the former time-keeper in superintendent’s office, but now extra dispatcher, was over the west end of the 10th District not long ago. As he rode the local freights he prob- ably wished to meet some of the boys and get acquainted. Seems like a nice man and we hope the boys will help him out. Bro. W. N. Dean has Baylis nights regular. Hope our schedule can be kept up to such a standard that the men will be satisfied. A strong membership is essential to enable our committee to secure a good working agreement. Mr. Fesler, night telegrapher Griggsville, was off for a few nights a few weeks ago to attend the funeral of his brother-in-law, J. W. Patterson, who was agent at Sullivan on Eighth District. Mr. Patterson will probably be remembered by some of our Tenth District men, as he was for a number of years agent at Griggsville prior to his transfer to Sullivan. Guess that $50.00 minimum of ours punches a little somewhere. The wires have been taken out of depot at Chatton on Twelfth District and that station abolished. There is some talk of Bro. Edwards going to Camp Point or Dawson as agent. Mr. A. A. Curry, agent Mt. Sterling, has prom- ised to do right thing soon; also Mr. Bean, at Clayton, is going to join. H. M. Todd, agent Bowen, seems to be a great believer in having a student; claims he can’t get along without one. Bro. A. M. Zimmerman, the hustling young agent at Orleans, has been trying for several weeks past to get a relief so he can take his vacation, but chief tells him no relief in sight. Mr. R. D. Omer, formerly agent for Banner Route, is now joint agent for C., B. & Q. & Wabash at Chapin. Bro. Gamble working nights at Berlin. Mr. Driscoll, nights Kinderhook, Mr. Doyle, nights Barry, and A. A. Coulter, nights Jacksonville, promise to do right thing soon. Now, boys, try and live up to those promises, and don’t fall down when the papers are handed you to fill out. Bro. S. Foutch doing the owls’ act at Bluffs. Bro. Henderson, days Bluffs. Our first trick dispatcher, Mr. Gilmore, took in the big doings at Naples and reported a fine time. Quite a few we have to call “Mr.,” when it would sound much better if we could call them “Bro.” Chapin is now joint office with the C., B. & Q., and under “Q” management the force there are all former Wabash men. Operator Mills, of “NY,” East Hannibal, has been taking a two weeks’ vacation, spending same on his farm, being relieved by Bro. Noonan, the regular night man at that point. Bro. H. W. Frederick, day man at lies, was at Kansas City three days last week renewing old acquaintances. This is about all the news we have for this time. Am indebted to several of our good broth- ers for items this month, but as they are very cheerful about giving them will call on them again. Local Chairman. Sixteenth District — I had the pleasure of meeting a number of the boys on this end one day last week, and among those I met not one was without a card. They seemed pleased with the progress that has been made toward bettering conditions on this branch, but there is much more yet to be accomplished, and they all realize the only way to do it is to keep in line. Several bulletins showing openings on the main line have been received here, but none of the boys so far as I can hear have bid in any of these stations. The strenuous block does not seem to be very popular, especially where one has to be on the platform and at the key the same time. The thought of two men’s work for one man’s pay does not strike them favorably. Bro. H. A. Trimble, of Howell, is taking a well- earned lay-off, and is at the Jamestown Expositoir? letting loose the stacks of coin that accumulated on his hands while working in the woods. Bro. G. M. Clark, holding a new pasteboard, is relieving Trimble. Cert. 562. St. Louis Division — I received a letter from a member recently who is located on the north end, in which he said he was going to drop out of the organization for the reason that he “did not feel like paying in $10.00 yearly and receive no benefit,” and again, “several offices near him had students and if they were going to keep that business up there was no use in trying to accomplish any- thing.” As to the statement of receiving no benefits which the brother made, I believe if he will ex- amine things closely he will find he is mistaken. I am not very well posted as to the conditions on that division, but I am pretty well acquainted with the conditions on the Fourteenth District, where I am working, and I know many agencies have been increased from $2.50 to $15.00 per month through the Order. Now, then, if all of us looked at things like this brother, blame the organization for the actions of some few, what Digitized by c,ooQle

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1342 The Railroad Telegrapher. would we have here today? In the first place we would have no organization and our salaries would be $38.00 to $45.00. You all remember well that is what you drew before the advent of the O. R. T. You would be buying two suits of tailor-made uniforms per year, each costing you $25.00; you would be paying a man $5.00 per month to take care of your switch lamps or carrying them out yourself after hours; you would be cleaning ten to eighteen cells of battery jars once a month; you would be working twelve to twenty-four hours per day for glory, no over- time; you would be eating your dinner each day in your office and no meal hour; you would be working at the same station where you started in as a student, no matter how many vacancies occurred; you would, perhaps, make application for one of them, and be told that the superintend- ent had already appointed a new-comer on the road to that station. What is the situation now? A man who is so unfortunate to be located at a station that has not been benefited by the Order (if such a station exists), has many chances to get out, which was not the case before, so when the assertion is made that the Order has not brought some relief we are ready to contradict it with the above facts. Now, as to the student question. We agree with the brother that this is discouraging, to say the least, and we only wish we could impress upon these men who persist in keeping students the great injury they are working on us and them- selves. However, I would not recommend that we all abandon the Order for the sake of a few students and their teachers, as this would be self- destruction to all of us. In the case of two evils I would say “choose the least.” There have always been traitors to every cause, and I consider a man who will give away his profession the way things are today, instead of protecting it, is worse than a traitor and deserving the courtesy accorded a dog. Until some other plan is invented and adopted calculated for our betterment, we should continue along the line of unionism, and not allow ourselves to be misled by the actions of some few, who work against us for selfish purposes. Bro. Beard, of Ferguson, relieved agent at Vandeventer some three weeks. Bro. Seymour worked day trick at Ferguson in the absence of Bro. Beard. Bro. M. L. Thomas, of Ferguson, has resigned and accepted a position with a road in Colorado. Bro. Dale Kimes, of Luther, also got the “Greeley” fever and hiked out for the land of opportunities, the West. Bro. S. A. Lusby, of Page Avenue nights, took his annual outing and put it in visiting relatives at Wentzville. Sister Lizzie Schats, of Kinloch Park, writes us from Colorado Springs, Colo., that she is hav- ing “a delightful time,” and wants to be put on record as in favor of the eight-hour law. She will return August 1st. Bro. S. S. McCoy, of Bridgeton, is relieving the agent at Wentzville for a month; Bro. F. Krome, nights of St. Charles, is acting as agent at Bridgeton. Bro. Pemberton, of Pendleton, is attending court at Montgomery on behalf of the company. He is relieved by Mr. F. Vance, a new beginner. Bro. £. R. Banks, late of High Hill, is now with the Burlington at Hawk Point, Mo., working nights. He says they have a minimum salary there of $59.50. Compare your minimum to that and then take in another student and continue whining about poor wages. A man with a head on him as big as a tack can see the cause. Bro. C. W. Gold, nights of High Hill, is taking a vacation; relieved by Bro. C. W. Brownell, from C. & N. W. Mr. Carnahan, for years agent at Montgomery, was appointed agent at Delmar recently. Bro. M. D. Bell secured the agency at Montgomery. Bro. G. Beck, of the St. L. & H. dispatching force at Hannibal, Mo, paid us a very interesting visit recently. Several vacancies in agencies are now bulletined, among them are Blanchard, la., Glasgow, Keytes- ville and Excello, Mo. Some of these rank among the best paying stations on the road. There is no excuse for a man now who is dissatisfied with his present position remaining there. In times gone by it was different. One had no choice; now these places are offered to you. Do you want to return to the old method? If you do the quickest way is to drop your organization. We are still at sea regarding the final outcome of the eight-hour law. As you are aware a canvas is being taken among all the telegraphers in order to arrive at the true sentiment of the men. One brother wrote me that a canvass was not nec- essary, that the officials of the Order should have gone ahead with the matter. It should be re- membered we are tied up with a schedule that holds good until the first of the year. Again, the majority rules in all cases, and it is necessary that all have a chance to express themselves. I understand a similar poll is being taken on all roads in the State, and when this is concluded the matter will be turned over to the officials of the Order for further action. Local Chairman. G. 3. & F. Railway. I am going to endeavor to give the Georgia Southern a brief write-up each month, and re- quest the members to drop me a few lines each month, giving me changes and other items of in- terest If you make a change, just drop me a note stating the fact and advise who your suc- cessor is, and where you will next hand your coat and hat. You must bear in mind that we do not and must not leave a stone unturned within the next 18 months. There are going to be many calls for telegraphers with the next nine months, but there will be but few to respond at a $50 salary. Keep cool and solicit every desirable non with whom you come in contact. Deal a powerful blow to the ham factories. Show the “professors” that the “way of the transgressor is hard.” Don't be at Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1343 all surprised if you get a cordial invitation to take some bright lad in and teach him our pro- fession. To this invitation say: Nay; verily, nay! No doubt but the officials on some of the roads will picture to you a mammoth graveyard where the telegraphers have been laid to rest, after serv- ing a most profitable life in their profession, leav- ing no one behind to carry on the grand and glo- rious work. Now, there is nothing real about this. It is only imaginary, and prompted by per- sonal motives. To clear your conscience of the possible misgivings you might have should you see fit to refuse to teach your profession, will ask the question : What were you told when on your bended knees you asked for a few additional pal- try dollars that you might fulfill the promise made to provide for your loved ones? You were given a smile and “I wish I could, but at present we can't offer any more.” Do you know why? There were enough of us running "ham factories” to place the supply in excess of the demand. Now learn a lesson from the past. Let students severely alone. I will now endeavor to give you a few dots in regard to our meeting held at Tifton, July 21, 1907: In absence of Bro. Watson Bro. C. J. N. Clark was appointed to take down the minutes of the meeting. Members present: Bros. J. L. Roberts, Lenox; W. O. Wilson, of Vienna; A. J. Roberts, Valdosta; R. C. Mellett, Grandin; W. R. Hayes, Lake City; C. E. McHon, Unadilla; A. A. Fussell. Tifton; B. D. Harrell, Tifton; E. O. O’Quin, Tifton; L. D. Hamilton, Tifton, C. J. N. Clark, Wellston. I am glad to advise that the meeting was a suc- cess, although there were but few attended. Ow- ing to the inability of Bro. O. H. Watson to at- tend on account of his serious illness, the financial standing of the division was not discussed. Bros. Harrell and F. H. Fussell asked to be transferred from A. C. L. Division 132 to the G. S. and F. Division. We all welcome these two worthy Brothers into our division. F. W. Rudisill relieved McWhorter, Adee; Mc- Whorter relieved Redding at Cecil. Huff from A B. & A., doing the act at Hahina. Mclntire, from A. B. & A., days, at Tifton “FM” office. Bro. M. C. Fuller resigned Unadilla, and has gone to Montana. Bro. Mahon succeeds Bro. Fuller, days; S. E. Turner succeeds Bro. Mahon, nights. "13” that Bro. Turner holds a C. T. U. A. card. Bro. E. 0. O'Quin, nights, “FN,” Tifton, leaves for Texas to spend a short vacation. We wish him a pleasant trip. Bro. J. N. Horn sent his excuse up to the lodge room regretting his inability to attend the meet- ing Bro. O. H. Watson, secretary and treasurer, who was very ill in the hospital in Macon, was made known, and all members expressed regret on learning of Bro. Watson’s illness, and wish him a speedy recovery. "Red.” Camden Division, No. 84. On account of the neglect of our Brothers on Division 84, we have failed to see items in our journal for some time past. This looks very bad, and we should be represented each month. There has been a new telegraph tower erected at Switch No. 7, Hightstown Junction. Bro. A. Robbins, Jr., .nights, and Bro. J. W. Walker, days. The call is “K.” This office is solid O. R. T. The Order has secured division passes for the telegraphers and agents, which I am sure we will all appreciate, and yet there are a few nons along this pike who, if you talk O. R. T. to them, will admit that the O. R. T. is a fine thing, and or- ganized labor is a help to the working class of men. Yet these nons will lay back and be bene- fited by a raise and passes and not make an ef- fort to help the good cause along. I notice, how- ever, they are always ready to grab all that is coming their way. Did the nons ever stop to think what were the conditions of wages for teleg- raphers and agents before the O. R. T. existed, and the system of promotion in vogue? I am sure we have been greatly benefited in the past several years, and I am equally sure we are not overpaid at the present time. Let’s get busy and make these divisions solid, for in “unity there is strength.” If there are any nons, let’s try and secure their applications, show them where they are standing, and that we are getting insufficient salaries. C ''R. Shamokin Division, No. 117. I don’t suppose there is a member of Division 1 17 but what looks forward for his Telegrapher and eagerly scans its pages to see what is doing along this division. I know that is what I have been doing every month, but as yet have seen very little. Now, Brothers, there is no reason why Shamo- kin Division 117 can not be represented in every issue of The Telegrapher. At our last meeting, held at Catawissa, June 22, I was appointed to represent Division 117, and give a write-up, but would like the Brothers to help me out by sending me a few notes, as there may be some changes along the road that I know nothing about, and also something that will in- terest us all. The conditions along the line are not what they should be, as there are several “nons” that we should get after, and also a few “ham” factories. I think, Brothers, if we get after these in the right way we may be able to get them in the ranks. Let each and every Brother try and get at least one application for our next meeting night. I know they offer all kinds of excuses for not being with us, such as “next pay day,” “it don’t do me no good, as I expect to quit,” and numerous other excuses; but do not let that deter you from keeping at them. 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1344 The Railroad Telegrapher. and evening, some of the boys were prevented from being present. Everything went off smoothly. After transacting all business Bro. Faust gave us an interesting talk on his trip through the West and Southwest. Bro. Craine, days at Rupert, is again on duty, after being off some time with a sprained ankle. Bro. Fisher, Rupert, nights, worked days in Bro. Craine’s place, and Bro. Sheats did the stunt at night. Mr. Houck, an ex-member, is again doing extra work along the line. I understand he expects to be with us soon. Bro. Stadler took in the sights at Brandonville a few days. Bro. Jimmy Carr, formerly telegrapher at “CU,” days, is now yardmaster at that point, in Chas. Moser’s place. Mr. Moser went braking on a coal train for the good of his health. Bro. Reinbold has left the P. & R., and is now working for the Pennsylvania Railroad. We had one to ride the bucking bronco and bal- loted on four more at last meeting. Brothers, if you have any notes to spare float them this way. Bro. Michael can tell you where to send them, or you can send them to him. I will get them all right, and in the meantime nail every “non” that comes your way. Cert. 15. Missouri Pacific Railway. Sedalia District - Considerable changing about on this division lately. Bro. F. L. True, “DA” office, resigned, and Bro. B. B. McVey is holding down the job until regular man is selected. Bro. H. D. Lessell, night telegrapher at Morri- son, is relieving Agent Phillips at Hermann. Bro. Hogue w'as off a few days; relieved by J. R. Ellinger. Bro. C. E. Taylor, night man at Lamonte, was off duty a couple of weeks on account of the death of a sister. Bro. Campbell, Cole Junction, was off a few days in June on account of sickness in the family. Bro. J. D. Jones, S. W. Junction, transferred to Division 31. Bro. G. E. Cromer, night man at Pacific, was off a few days in June. Bro. W. T. Clifford is relieving Bro. Davis a few days at Little Blue. Davis being on the sick list. Bro. C. A. Wetizel, Pleasant Hill, also on the sick list, being relieved by Bro. Gunn. Miss Minnie Robinson, night telegrapher at Gasconade, resigned; relieved by Bro. W. H. Davis, who was in turn relieved at Cole Junction by Bro. Glynn. Bro. Jas. Waters, telegrapher S. W. Junction, was off a few days in June; relieved by Telegra- pher Smith. Bro. B. W. Vaughan checked in at Lupus as agent; relieving L. O. Kennedy, who went to Knob Noster. Bro. T. D. Walkley, day man at Washington, was visiting home folks near Garden City, a few days in June. Bro. Pelstring worked Bro. True’s job a few weeks, but has returned to Lees Summit. Bro. Dugan, night man at Independence, was off a few nights, being relieved by Bro. Clifford. Bro. H. W. Dore is relieving Bro. Symth at Warrensburg, while Smyth is touring Ireland. Bro. Lampkin and wife, of Jeff City, took in Colorado Springs for a week. Bro. Lampkin was relieved at Jeff by M. H. Cook. Bro. J. E. Farrell, night man at Boonville, lay- ing off a few nights. I failed to get any news from the east end this month, and suppose Bro. Wood was too busy to look it up. Three night offices have recently been closed on this division, viz.: Strasburg, Knob Noster and Dresden. New office opened in Sedalia yards, and is be- ing held down by Bro. W. D. Canfield. W. L. W. L. & S. and N. & M. Divisions — Quite a number of changes going on. New man by the name of Lyle at Foster, wants applica- tion blanks, which we forward cheerfully. Bro. J. S. McNamara being relieved at Adrian by Bro. R. E. Patterson, from Fleming, goes to Mound City. Bro. F. M. Curry goes to Butler from Harri- son ville; relieved by a Mr. Whiffle. Bro. C. M. Wood resigned at Sheldon to go with the Colorado Southern at Fort Russell, Wyo., but the Missouri Pacific held on to him until the Colorado Southern got some one else, and Bro. Wood had to stay. Bro. C. H. Walls, days at Carthage, took a short vacation, spending it in the mountains of Colorado. Bro. Musgrave relieved him. Mus- grave is a C. T. U. man, and has an up-to-date. Says he thinks he will go back to the Postal, where they don’t have to work 12 hours. Bro. R. S. Beall takes the night job at Lamar. Says an agent has too many “griefs” to suit him. Bro. Kuhne, days at Webb City, is off for a few weeks, being relieved by Bro. Bambridge, from the Iron Mountain. Carthage, nights, is get- ting to be a regular hoodoo; four men there in the past two weeks. Hard to get a man to stay there since Bro. Crutchfield left. Bro. J. W. Livesay goes to Panama for a few nights to relieve Telegrapher Allen, who is sick. By the time this gets into print our attorney- general, Mr. Hadley, will have returned from his Colorado vacation refreshed and rested up, and we expect to see him fly into the railroads and compel them to obey our eight and twelve-hour law. The boys are getting restless, and who can blame them. We have been waiting and looking forward to the time when we will oply work eight hours, and now we have the law, let’s have it enforced. Mr. Hadley has promised to do it, and we hope he will. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1345 Doings on the N. & M. Division— Bro. R. E. Patterson, now agent at Fleming, has bid in the agency at Adrain. Do not know who is to be the lucky man for Fleming. The boys do not go after that job very fast, as it is somewhat of a roast. Fleming has been opened up as a night office, and a man by the name of Noble is doing that “stunt” in a proficient manner. Can boast of but only one “non” on the divis- ion, and no students that we can learn of. How many other divisions can say this? A Mr. Fennell is the new agent at Liberal. If any of the boys on the M. & N. need any application blanks just call up “B” and tell him to send you a triai package, and a list of testimon- ials, and your needs will be looked after immedi- ately. C. V. R. C., St. P., M. & O. Railway. Wisconsin Division, Northern District — Owing to the scarcity of telegraphers on this district, it is well nigh impossible to keep any record of the movements made by telegraphers. Offices are closed and re-opened between two or three days so that items a month old are obsolete. However, here are a few of the present-day events: Lakeside has been closed temporarily to allow Bro. Berg to go to Bayfield to relieve Bro. Mills, who is on the sick list. Now Bro. Berg is ill and has been relieved at Bayfield by Bro. A. W. Nordholm, from South Range, the latter place closed days. C. G. Anderson, from the N. P., is at Com- stock nights. Bro. Crocker has resigned and gone to the D. & I. R. Ry. Rice Lake nights was drawn by Bro. W. E. Craig and New Richmond nights by Bro. Crowell. Telegrapher Jones did relief work at Duluth freight office during the absence of Bro. Bergh, who was off for a few days in June. G. M. Funne, a new man, holding down Clear Lake nights. This office had been closed for a short time. The well-known non, J. VV. Quinn, is relieving Bro. F. D. Sinclear at Trego ^or a week or two. New man at Turtle Lake nights. No reason why he should not make a good Order man if he remains in the atmosphere of that crossing. Joe Postemock, nights at Solon Springs; Bro. Wilkins, former night man there, to Mondovi days. Bro. Kavorik, Boardman, is off on a short vacation to his home at Montgomery, Minn.; Bro. Kleeman doing the necessary. Bro. Kleeman worked a few days at New Richmond previous to the coming of Bro. Apel- quist, who now holds down New Richmond regular. The O. R. T. eight-hour bill, as passed by the Senate, is printed in full in the Social Democratic Herald , of Milwaukee, July 13, No. 467. Mr. Dimock, of Koll, was off for a month recently and Bro. Kleeman handled the reins. Bro. Ainsworth, of Chetek, spent a few weeks at Rochester, Minn., but is back to work again; during his absence A. W. Carey performed, then to Baldwin. Bro. H. J. Pope has left Norma and is stationed at Knapp nights regular. Bro. A. H. Fisher went to Norma. D. C. Fahey, after a few days* work at Bay- field, has gone to New Auburn to relieve the regular night man. Bro. H. L. Tinker, of Holcombe, stole out of the woods long enough to take in a circus at Eau Claire early in July. Bro. Marquette did not send us full particulars, but it is known that he was married on July 16th and passed the cigars. Shell Lake agency is being looked after by Mr. Barlow. B;o. H. B. Wilson, at Hawthorne, is providing for the future by having purchased a farm near Hawthorne. Bro. Manske, of Nettleton Ave., is enjoying a short vacation and his chair is being filled by Bro. J. D. touts. South Range closed owing to the illness of O. E. Bradley. New man at Cable nights, Mr. Kropter. Following changes in membership list: Drop Nos. lo-iai and 159. Add to list of nons: A. C. Dimock, J. E. Gibson and R. F. Bigger. Erase W. H. Dun from list of nons and add to list of members No. 220, W. H. Dunn. Erase from non list T. Foss, G. J. Peterson, A. Hoffman. The new seniority list is out and all teleg- raphers in service on July 1st are shown; nearly all the men have moved up several points and those now shown on the printed list without num- bers have been given seniority in the July list. The Milwaukee sent a few trains over the main line the latter part of July owing to wash-outs on their own line. The Soo sent two passenger trains over the line between St. Paul and Turtle Lake during July, owing to wash-outs west of Turtle Lake. Between other line trains, circus trains, log hnd work trains and the usual run of extras and excursion trains, there is something doing all the time on the Omaha. Understand that G. L. Cray has resigned the agent-telegrapher position at Comstock, and has been replaced by C. G. Carlson. E. W. Quinn, at Rockmont. We have a couple members who have not as yet paid the speical assessment. Wonder what they are waiting for? Can’t be that they expect to see the next committee go in and live on air to try to secure that $75.00 minimum. Will these delin- quents accept a raise? Oh, my, no! We expect that Bro. Tom Bergh, of Duluth freight, will be manipulating in the Eau Claire office by the time this appears in print. If you have not yet arranged to possess one of the new cards, isn’t it about time you were performing that duty? The majority of nons on the Omaha are wise men; why don’t you do this? why don’t you do that? they ask us. The great reason is, they, as Digitized by c.ooQle

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1346 The Railroad Telegrapher. nous, arc the principal stumbling-blocks to the success which we a :c resiling for. Div. Cor. Wisconsin Division, East Distn t - The “dope fiends” all went under this month, and so the news items are somewhat scarce. Mr. J. B. Elliott has returned from his visit to the old home in Canada. Quite a number of the boys are enjoying a few days’ vacation. Bro. L. N. Judge is at Hcrsey relieving Bro. Bailey, who is on his farm near Hersey trying to regain his health. We all hope for a sure and speedy recovery. Bro. H. J. Pope drew Knopp night job on June bulletin, relieving Bro. J. D. Fouts. Don’t know where J. D. went to. Bro. J. J. Gaffney drew Mellston nights. Bro. W. E. Craig drew Rice Lake nights and Bro. A. B. Crowell drew “NR” nights on June bulletin. R. D. Morton, telegrapher Ellsworth, has sent in his papers and is now one of the good. Glad to greet him and may he always be one of us. J. M. Locke, agent Beldenville, has promised to come in this month, but up to the present writing his papers have not been received. We have an apology to make to Bro. W. H. Dunn for the mistake in classing him among the heathens. Bro. Dunn is, and has been for a long time, a member in good standing, and we humbly apologize for the error. Bro. J. F. Valek, of Stillwater, was off for a few days the first of the month attending the funeral of his mother, who died June 26th after an all-winter’s illness. Bro. Valek has our heart- felt sympathy. All members should correct their books to read: Add to list of members W. C. Neitzee, W. H. Dunn, No. 220; W. D. Morton, Sen. No. 86; L. McFulane. Correct Seniority No. 61 to read P. R. Anderson instead of E. R. Cross; W. H. Dunn off non- member list; add to non list G. Tower, li. W. Pace, F. A. Brown, R. F. North, A. C. Dimacic No. 121; J. E. Gibson, No. 10, and R. F. Biggar, No 159. Latter three should be crossed off mem- ber list, dropped from the list account non- payment of dues. Bro. W. C. Neitzee was transferred from Divi- sion 23 to 76 recently. The two vacancies in “A” office were drawn by Bro. H. L. Glick, of Org, Minn., and Mr. S. T. Sutliff. The Wisconsin eight-hour bill has passed and been signed by the Governor and becomes effective January 1, 1908. It should be evident to you fellows that in order to get any kind of a write-up you should send in some items, and unless you do I am afraid your write up’s going to be small. If you have any nons around your station make them join or brain them. Don’t forget. Cert. 1405. Minnesota and Ioua Divisions — Bro. A. E. Ayers, of Magnolia, is enjoying a leave of absence this month. Unable to learn who is relieving him. C. E. Anderson, of Blue Earth, relieves Bro. E. J. Cosgrove at Blakely account of sickness of latter. Bro. F. L. Lapacheck is now doing his twelve- hour night stunt at Worthington, having been moved to that position the first of the month. Bro. G. W. Welch, who was at Worthington pending the assignment on bulletin, has gone to Hartford days. A. R. Mann, who for the past year has worked at several of our non-train order stations while waiting for Father Time to bring him within the required age limit, has at last reached his 18th milestone and is now a full-fledged and duly qualified iclegrapher. He is at present working nights at Lrke Crystal, where Bro. Tenney is tenderly teaching him the ways of unions and unionism, and we are pleased to say that Ray is only waiting for pay-day to join the ranks. We understand that Bros. H. G. Stumm, of Heron Lake days, and II. L. Glick, of Org days, have been assigned to positions at the general office in St. Paul. It truly looks good to us to see two such staunch O. R. T. boys going into that office, and we are satisfied that they are qualified to do the M. & 1. Division honor in the new positions. The hoys on both branches will miss their old familiar lists, but we on the main line can still be in touch with them. Heir’s wishing them success, and may they never forge; their friends down the M. & 1. Bro. Burdick, of Madclia, returns to his duties much refreshed after his vacation. Mr. E. A. Strande, car distributer at St. James, has enjoyed a three-weeks’ vacation this momli. and Bro. J. B. Head again held sway over that office doing the work in his usual good-natured style. Upon return of Bro. Jansen, at Madelia, Bro. F. W. Larson went to Lake Crystal to allow Bro. Tenney an opportunity to get out on the line and punch up a few of the nons and to cheer the brethren on. We look to sec that non list reduced to a few of the old-time spongers who are noted for their disposition to allow others to pay their w-ay. Our only hope lies in their losing out on this line before we lose patience with them. Bro. H. L. Nicols, who relieved Bro. McGinty at Western Ave. nights, is now working days in St. Paul general office of the Omaha. While Bro. J. B. Funk was absent, Bro. Zim- merman, of Shakopee, did the night duty at Mankato. Bro. Wagner, of Garden City, Sundayed at Minneapolis on 14th inst. Have you one of the new cards with the dark blue background? C. H. Hurlburt. formerly night telegrapher at SI iff. is now employed in the train service. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1347 Bro. R. E. Casey, of Butterfield, was in St. Janes the 7th inst. preparing for his third degree in Masonry. Dispatcher J. J. Hannon enjoyed a two wetdcs’ vacation the forepart of the month. Dispatcher J. W. Pepple is now endeavoring to forget the looks of a train sheet while he takes his two weeks off. Bro. G. R. McGinty, of Western Ave. nights, was at St. James nights the last of June, and from there went on a long-sought for vacation, returning to Western Ave. about the 10th inst. Bro. H. L. Glick and family, of Org, viidted relatives and friends at Madelia the 14th. Bro. Tenney has been our only salvation this month assisting in our search for items. Two or three of the boys promised us last month that they would come up to the rack this month with something, but thus far we have seen nothing of their letters. Do you ever turn to the M. & I. Division items when you receive your Telegrapher ? How would you like to see noth- ing there? Then remember that we need all the help we can get to place these items v/here all can see them and try and send at least one item each month. If you don’t know where else to send them Bro. Tenney will care for them and see that they reach me in due season. Now please try and help us out next month, if only a little. Div. Cor. Nebraska Division — Another month has rolled around and brought with it plenty of work for the telegraphers on this division. Lack of power and men to handle more trains is all that prevents business being still better. Telegraphers are scarce, and it’s next to impossible to get away for even a day or two without someone doubling up. Several new men recently came to the division, am©ng them being L. J. Ferstle, who bid in night job at Coburn; F. E. Strauss, who bid in day job at Crofton, and several new beginners “manufactured” on the division. Understand Mr. Strauss came from the C. G. W. and we hope he has the “up-to-date” in his jeans. If not, it’s an awful good thing to have, and he better get one at once. Do not know where Mr. Ferstle came from. R. A. Coyle bid in the agency at Florence, and will settle down there as he has a brother or two working in “OM” office, and understand they and their parents will make their home in Florence or near there. It will be a very nice arrangement for the boys. P. P. Hayes, who recently tooic examination and passed, is working days at Bancroft. A little experience and he will be turning out the goods all right He has signified his intention of joining the Order as soon as old enough in the service. That’s the way to do, get in early and help the wagon along; no one should be willing to enjoy the fruits of our efforts without bearing their share of the expense. Mr. R. R. Larson, another young addition to our ranks, is relieving Bro. Candor at Carroll for a few days, and also says he will be with us soon. Mr. Larson also relieved Bro. Caywood at Concord a few days. Mr. F. W. Germain, agent at Hartington, ac- companied by his wife, left on the 19th for an extended trip through the South, going first to Oklahoma on a business trip. He will visit several places of interest, and on his return will spend some time with relatives in St. Paul, Minn. He is being relieved by Bro. F. O. Heyer, the efficient and accommodating day telegrapher at that point, and he in turn is relieved by Mr. Carl Ferber, from Ponca, who recently took examination and passed creditably — another young recruit who will, no doubt, make a good O. R. T. member in a short time. Bro. Heyer relieved Bro. Petersen, agent at Laurel, for one day while latter went to Sioux City on business. Bro. H. also made a trip to Omaha recently to take in the Omaha-Sioux City ball game, and reported some fine work by thosd teams. Bro. Caywood, agent Concord, took a short vaca- tion visiting with friends at Lincoln. Telegrapher Gibson, of Crofton, was recently called in on account of some disagreement between him and agent Gibson. We understand he was compelled to leave the service. He is now em- ployed by the Milwaukee at Mapleton, Iowa. New man from Michigan did the telegrapher act at Crofton until regular man was assigned. Bro. C. P. Wilson recently telegrapher Bancroft, has hied himself to a South Dakota location, we understand, and will take up a claim for himself. We are glad to learn that the wife of Bro. Owens, of Magnet, who has been very sick, is recovering nicely, and will soon be entirely well again. Bro. Frost, agent Craig, went to Hubbard on the 25th to attend the funeral of his sister-in-law Miss Rooney, who died of consumption. He was relieved by “Kip” Hamblin, who at present has the night trick at Oakland. Bro. O. B. Bubb, recently agent at Florence, bid in day telegrapher position at Wakefield. Bro. G. F. Hayes, day telegrapher Wayne, is enjoying a month’s leave of absence. Relieved by P. N. Peterson, who is already well known on this road. Believe he also made the acquaintance of the G. N. officials at a critical time about a couple or three years ago. Nuf said. Wish the brothers would drop me a line when- ever they take a few days off, and let me know where they go and who relieves them. In that way an interesting letter might be gotten up each month; as it now stands we have nothing to go by, except what we pick up whenever we happen to hear of anything going on. Don’t get slighted if your name does not appear in The Telegrapher when you lay off, if you do not take any trouble yourself to inform me. I have to work twelve hours a day same as you, and have more to do than a great many of you, so please help me out in this matter if you can. We are indebted to Bro. Heyer for a nice bunch of items this month, for which we extend thanks. Come again, old man. Div. Cor. Digitized by t^ooole

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1348 The Railroad Telegrapher. N. Y. C. & St. Ls Railway. Fourth District — The days of influence are gone. Action is necessary. Noble acts are the ones that win. btand shoulder to shoulder with your fellow men. Hide your selfishness and be able to realize that you are one of the ones struggling for better conditions. If you will sacrifice to do these things you have done a noble act. Don’t call a man a “ham,” but instead show him you are willing to be reasonable to any extent. The Chicago, Indiana & Southern telegraphers, agents and towermen held a meeting at Schneider, July 19th. This line connects with us at two points, Knox and Osborn. Anything you can do to strengthen them will be greatly appreciated, as great results are expected, and hard work is necessary to get a 90 per cent. This can be done if brothers at connecting point will get after the nons. What improvements in condition for telegraphers have been accomplished through organization on the N. Y., C & St. L. ? Take a backward look to only a few years. A glance will be sufficient to convince anyone out. Many temporary changes in dispatchers this month, owing to vacations. There seems to be but little trouble taking a vacation where three tricks are worked. This should at least convince those who are wavering that better times for the poor over- worked telegraphers are coming if they but join the movement. There are a great many O. R. T. members ask- ing to double. Sorry to say this, boys. Give the matter due consideration; remember the day lost is work for an extra man and by keeping true to the principle you are building up instead of tearing down. Bro. Brunner took a short vacation. Bro. B. W. Davis, an ex-telegrapher of the N. Y., C. & Sl L., is back again for a while, and is now working Maple Grove nights. Secretary Bro. Smith is very busy receipting for dues, which is very encouraging news. Glen Park has been opened for the handling of less than carload freight. More work for the brother now. Several names of stations have been changed recently. The June issue of Telegrapher gives pretty good figures of the O. R. T. for the first six months of the present year. What will the latter half of the year be? The condition of this end is best in years, and we are daily gaining new members. A word to the wise will be sufficient. Get in the game to stay. Don’t allow yourself to indulge in false ideas, for there is only two ways, right and wrong. “Nick." Erie Railway. Susquehanna Division — Susquehanna Division held a very interesting meeting at Elmira, N. Y., July 18th, there being a good attendance and plenty of interesting topics for discussion. The same lack of interest was shown by non- attendance of the West, but the enthusiasm of the East more than made up the deficiency. However, the brothers of the west end will find a welcome awaiting them should they turn out. The week of July 18th was known as O. R. T. week in this section, there being a meeting of Division 8 at Corning, N. Y., the 16th, Division 42 at Elmira the 18th, and Division too the 19th. Through the assistance of a good brother your correspondent was able to attend all named meet- ings and, while we lost some good sleeps some knowledge was gained pertaining to the question of the hour, the eight-hour day. Division 100 was honored by the presence of President H. B. Perham, and as a new division received many congratulations for the manner in which they conducted their meetings. We were assured by Secretary Elliott that brothers of Divi- sion 4 2 would be welcome at any time to attend their local, and I assure you that you will meet a staunch lot of brothers. The eight-hour law — what do you know about that? Will you confess that two years ago you had no idea of ever gaining such a concession? Why was the bill enacted? Less than a year ago it was the general opinion that an eight-hour law in New York State was an impossibility. To pass such a bill would be out of question, yet it has been done in so short a time, and October 1st we are to know its effect. A great deal can be written regarding the pas- sage of this bill, and no doubt will be for your benefit in other columns of The Telegrapher. It is sufficient for me to say that it did not come without hardships to some and ’tis well that we remember those who labored for our interests. It is with regret that we mention the sad and untimely death of Bro. Williard Preston, who formerly worked on this division and whose home was at Canisteo, N. Y. Bro. Preston left the service of the Erie last spring and took a position with the N. C., later being transferred to the Rochester Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, where he met bis death while making his first trip as brakeman. The death is particularly said, and the parents and relatives have the sincere sympathy of all. Bro. Preston was a young man of great promise. Starting as a telegrapher early in life, being but eighteen at the time of his death, he had held many positions of responsibility and seemingly a bright future was his. He was a member of the Presbyterian Sunday-school of Canisteo, also a member of Division 42, O. R. T. Bro. Preston was an only son, an only grand- son, and held the highest respect and confidence of his associates. The funeral was held at the residence of his father, J. N. Preston, at Canisteo, July 24th, at two p. m., and was largely attended. Many beautiful flowers were in evidence, in- cluding a floral offering from telegraphers of this division consisting of a sectibn of telegraph line with a broken wire. It being the wish of the parents, six O. R. T. men, Bros. C. Jackson, R. W. Morelcy, V. E. Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1349 Hadley, A. W. Barkalow, V. W. Goff and F. E. Hall acted as bearers. Preparations are being made to re-open “JD” tower at a point about two miles west of Waverly. Bro. F. S. Johnson, of Cameron Mills, was re- lieved by Bro. Chichester ten days and worked nights at Corning ticket office, after which he called at his home in A mot. Bro. E. I. Kelly was absent a few days to sing in the Episcopal choir at Millport, his old home. Relieved by Bro. Hadly. Waldridge took a few days’ enforced vacation after working at “AQ.” J. P. Conroy has been regularly assigned to "XY” nights. We expect he will soon make good. Two vacancies, first trick “V” Homell nights and “K,” Gt. Bend, days, advertised after being open nearly a month and but one complaint made. Gov. Charles Evans Hughes signed the teleg- raphers’ eight -hour bill July 19th. A shake-up has taken place in the signal gang; Hugh Cannon, foreman, resigned, and succeeded by John Sullivan. Several other members of the force resigned and took positions with better salaries on the L. & N. Bros. Owen and Ambrose worked a week about during June and July. Owen is now at “YA,” New York. Bro. Spencer worked days at “S,” Painted Post, during the absence of Jerry Dee, who took vaca- tion. Malone became sick of “XU” nights and took a better paying position on the N. C. We hope the missionaries will get him. At this writing Bro. D. E. Murphy, of “GJ,” Chemung Jet., is absent account of having a rheumatic stroke the first of the month. Bro. Murphy is getting along as nicely as expected, and hope he may soon be able to return to work. He is relieved by dispatcher Degroat and Bro. Malloy, of “VO” tower. J. D. Collins and Bro. Condon are holding “VO.” Understand Ackerman has a permanent position in the signal gang. Bro. Blizard was called to “V”’ office and Tucker worked at “FD,” Coming freight house. Bro. J. S. Stevens was absent four days; re- lieved by Seth Palmer, at Tioga Jet. Bro. Sheldon, of “NI,” Canisteo, was absent July 24; relieved by P. J. Donnellan. Bro. G. H. Treadwell was absent five days; relieved by Bro. V. E. Hadly. There is one question or point not thoroughly understood by all. Your agreement and wage scale is made for you through your member of the General Committee or local chairman; there- fore, when it comes to living up to this agreement, why not refer all matters to your representative. In other words, do not make an agreement with a representative of a railroad to work eight hours for thirty dollars and then ask your committeeman to get you eighty dollars with eight hours. If you are wise I do not think you will discuss these matters with others than those deeply con- cerned. Div. Cor. Chicago and Lima Divisions — We hear a new fist every few days at “MJ” tower. Did not hear where Bro. Sutton has gone, but understand he has been transferred to Cin- cinnati Division. Bro. Latham, of “KN” tower, transferred to “SC,” Chicago. Extra telegrapher Roe at “KN” until regular man is assigned. Bro. J. F. McKenna, of Wren, has just resumed work after a two weeks* vacation. Bro. C. W. Bresick, of Bolivar, has been work- ing as extra agent at Preble for past three weeks. Bro. Bresick just returned to his regular job at “BO” and Mr. Sparks, Jr., from Markle, will try Preble a while. Bro. Shipley, of Rochester, has just finished his vacation, secured after a long struggle. Brothers, don’t neglect to keep in line with the up-to-date card until we get those eight-hour tricks properly established. The section men re- cently got a raise of eight per cent or more, so if we keep solid we may do still better. “HY” tower advertised again days. Seems no one wants the job. “SC,” Chicago, was recently closed a week or more. Bro. Hamilton is taking a vacation; relieved by Bro. Witt, at “JO” tower. Bro. E. M. Adams has just resumed duty after a short vacation. Bro. Wm. Knott, agent DeLong, is in line for sixty days’ vacation. He will attend the James- town Exposition, visit Boston, New York and Niagara Falls. We wish him a pleasant time. Bro. R. L. Quinn transferred from Ora nights to Akron. Look out for a meeting at Huntington Tuesday evening, August 27th, usual place. Will have ice cream and peanuts during recess if plans work out, so don’t fail to attend. . Bro. Nelson, of Disko, recently took a short vacation. Also Bro. Taylor, of "BO.” This keeps the extra telegraphers busy and satisfied. Agent Mr. P. O’Brien, of Griffith, was re- cently appointed milk agent Chicago Divison. Cert. 9. Third Division — It has been so long since items have appeared in the journal from this end of the line that many wonder what has become of all the old standbys, but this is to inform you that we are still in the land of the living, and are ready to do our share toward the upbuilding of our craft. The first duty of a workman is to joyi the union that represents his craft, for in union there is strength, and if we did not all stand together and fight for our rights we would all go to pieces on the rocks of corporate greed. I had hoped for some time that the scribe’s mantle would fall on some brother more able to do justice to the position than myself, but no one seems to want the place and so I will have to break into print again. There have been a great many changes on this end since the last notes appeared, some of the Digitized by CjOOQle

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1350 The Railroad Telegrapher. positions arc filled by worthy brothers and some are, I am sorry to say, filled by the parasites that are usually found in the country at large, men who are willing that you and I should go down in our pocket and dig up the money to support the committee that they may get their share, without costing them one cent; but after all we must expect such, as we find them among all trades unions, and will as long as the world exists. Telegrapher Russel has been transferred to the ticket department at Akron, and a not over- promising man has been installed in his place. Bro. Forwood, of Barberton days, has left the service, and took service with a manufacturing plant at Canton. Some new man bid in his place, to which he is perfectly welcome so far as the most of the brothers are concerned. Bro. Norris has bid in Milton days and will move there some time this fall. Beats working nights all to pieces. Bro. Zimmerman, of Milton, will go to Ashland nights. Bro. Danny Barr is back with us once again. Hope he will make up his mind to stay with us this time. Bro. A. A. Shriner now sports an up-to-date card and is entitled to all that is due him as a brother. Telegrapher Brady bid in Summit nights. Bro. Bowie, of “BO’* tower, Mansfield, was called home account of serious illness of his aged mother. Conden tower is now manned by Sweet and Jones. Bro. Ryan, of the yard office Gabon, paid us a short visit some time ago. We are pleased to learn that telegrapher Chas. Cassidy, who worked the side wires in the Gabon office, is making good as a dispatcher on the Wabash. Bro. Murphy, of Claiborne, has a boy who is now entering the service; has been employed at Richwood as clerk for few weeks. This is the time of the year when block men should be getting their vacations. How many have asked for it? It is hoped that all will take it, as it is too good a thing to kill by not taking it when it belongs to you. We desire a full attendance at the next regular meeting, as it will be held so all can be there, if they only think so, so try and arrange. Cert. 216. Mahoning Division — The joint meeting held at Youngstown on Sat- urday night, July 20th, was a grand success. Telegraphers from all systems entering Youngs- town were present. The P. & L. E., L. S. & M. S., B. & O. and Erie were represented by their General Chairmen. Talks on various subjects were given by all the General Chairmen. Meeting closed at eleven o'clock p. m. , and all were well pleased on ac- count of having been there. W. D. Parker, of New Castle, attended staff meeting at Youngstown. J. R. Meek, of Pulaski, was off attending funeral of an uncle at Cortland. Meek was re- lieved by Davidson, his night man. De Forest nights advertised and F. E. Brooks working there at present. Wood Lawn Hills tower days advertised and bid in by R. G. Limis, of Randall nights. C. F. Lewis, agent Randall, off sick; relieved by his brother, R. G. Lewis, of Randall nights. H. R. Myers on night at Randall. J. Finnegan gets “BR”’ tower East End Brier Hill yard days, J. L. Johnson going from “BR” days across the river to tower on B. & O. R. R. at Ohio Jet. Now, it might be well for you to cut this out and paste it in your hat or some other conspicuous place. A joint meeting of Mahoning and Mead- ville Divisions is held the last Saturday night of each and every month at Warren, O., in the K. of G. E. Hall over the Union National Bank, corner of Park Ave. and Market Street. Every- body come. Div. Coa. Buffalo Division — We are pleased to report a large attendance at the Buffalo meeting called on the 6th inst., although several of the brothers were unable to attend account of the inconvenience of train ser- vice and the scarcity of relief men; nevertheless we had a very enthusiastic gathering and several matters of interest were discussed. Among the ones present were Bro. F. N. Hall, General Chairman Erie System Division No. 42; Bro. A. E. Marsh, Assistant General Chairman; Bro. R. H. Fuller, General Chairman B. R. & P., Warsaw, N. Y. ; Bro Campbell, of the L. V. Ex. Local Chairman Local Board of Adjustment, Erie System Division No. 42, Buffalo Division. After the business of the evening Bro. F. N. Hall, General Chairman, took the floor and gave a thorough explanation of the situation as it exists at the present time, which was very inter- esting, and looks very encouraging, after which our attention was directed to the remarks of the other brothers above mentioned. Brothers, you are aware of the fact that the National Nine-Hour Bill has been passed, to take effect March 4th, 1908. Now, we are pleased to inform you that the New York State eight-hour bill has been passed and signed by the Governor, Hon. Charles E. Hughes, to whom the O. R. T. should extend their hearty congratulations and appreciation. I think now with this fact in view we should have no difficulty in landing every eligible teleg- rapher on the Erie Ry. So get after them one and all, and make this half of 1907 the sweepstake winner. While a couple of the brothers have seen fit to allow their membership to lapse the past semi- annual period, I sincerely trust that they will reconsider their move and ask to be reinstated, and stand as heroes toward the organization to whom they owe the credit of privileges which they are now enjoying. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1351 Account of the busy season and shortage of telegraphers, shifts are made along the division to relieve dispatchers and others as follows: Bro. M. P. Dundon, of “AF,” Buffalo freight office, doing the owl racket at “BX,” superintend- ent’s office. Night man Kennedy takes the day job, in place of -H. P. Welsh, Welsh doing the relief dispatching; Bro. Brookmeier holding the MAF,” Buffalo freight house while Bro. Dundon is at “BX.” Bro. Eddy, of “DF,” International Jet., has been on the sick list for the past three weeks. Hope to see him back on the job soon. Bro. J. B. Moore, of ’*TW,” North Tonawanda, is taking a short vacation at Silver Lake, bathing with old chums of Darien. The following is a clipping from the Warsaw weekly: Mr. Edward A. Baird left Binghamton, N. Y., last Friday, July 12th, for San Francisco. He joined a party to work in the city during the strike of the telegraphers. The party, twenty in number, traveled in private Pullman cars. Mr. Baird was formerly manager of the V»estern Union office of that place, when later he accepted the position as manager at Binghampton, N. Y. This car of scabs should have been loaded in the proper equipment, viz., a single deck stock car, and routed over some scab line. Brothers, keep your eyes on them and give them a cold shoulder when the opportunity presents itself. Such men may stand high in shoes, but the very lowest in principle. The ham factories along the division are not crowded at the present time, and we trust that when the present supply of material is consumed that the professor will take a tumble to himself and his surroundings, discontinue the “profession,” and line up in the O. R. T. as a true and noble citizen, with an up-to-date card in his pocket. Cert. 201. L. E. & W. Railway. Peoria Divison — Bro. J. F. Harrs resigned the agency at Ells- worth and Mr. N. Stillwell (non), from Padua, was checked in. Mr. A. Zerbe (student from M. C. Division) was placed at Padua. Mr. J. Hodgson having held down position as cashier at Frankfort has been transferred to Kempton as agent. Although he is not one of the boys, we hope to take him in in the near future. Bro. F. T. Blystone, formerly agent at Boyles- ton, has been transferred to Frankfort as cashier. Bro. J. F. Stroup transferred from Kempton to Goldsmith. Bro. A. E. Warner transferred from Goldsmith to Boyleston. Bro. R. C. Bates, formerly of the L. E. & W., is back from the West, where he has been work- ing for the past year and has again entered the service at Frankfort as day telegrapher. Bro. F. C. Hannagan, who has been working at the intermediate block station at the gravel pit, has been transferred to the temporary block sta- tion at Indian Creek. The company has installed telephone service at the gravel pit and reduced salary to forty dollars per month. After a few days’ vacation, Bro. A. W. Whit- comb, formerly of Lafayette, has resumed work at Bloomington. Bro. Whitcomb was relived at Lafayette by Mr. Boydston, night telegrapher, who in turn was re- lieved by Mr. W. L. Niswander, a new man on the road. Mr. Ed. Shorr, of Summit nights, who left the service June 9th, was relieved by Bro. C. W. Fondray, from Division 138. The company is arranging to operate the west switch at gravel pit from Summit tower. Bro. O. E. Briscoe and family visited relatives near Danvers recently. After being on the committee for some time, Bro. Murphy is back at “G.” Have you seen the new schedule? THE LIGHTNING SLINGER. At the rough shelf called a table, He does the twelve-hour trick. Bearing heavy burdens on meager pay, Yet to the key he will stick. Fifty-five per month scarce suffices For wife and little brood; They can seldom have more Than raiment, shelter and food. To those who direct at headquarters, He makes an energetic kick; For a minimum of seventy-five And only eight-hour tricks. Responsibilities piled on him. And yet he never whineth, But keeps throwing lightning Till he goes where the woodbine twineth. Brain Storm. Pennsylvania Lines West of Pittsburg. Louisville Division — Think the Brothers were all glad to see Louisville Division represented in the last issue of The Telegrapher, and believe this should be contin- ued. They can then keep in touch with what is taking place on the Louisville Division, and learn who are and who are not with us. Think we should go after the “nons,” and stay with them until they are landed, and I think most of them can be landed, if each of us makes it his duty to write to or talk with each “non.” Bro. R. H. Judd off on a ten days’ vacation; Bro. King doing his trick. Bro. King has resumed work. Another “ham factory” started. “Owl” at Chestnut Ridge has a student. Bro. Carr off for 30 days. Understand he went to the coast. Telegrapher U. G. Sweet tak- ing his place. Bro. McClellan, who left us a few months ago, passed through with Bro. Carr en route for the Digitized by CjOOQle

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1352 The Railroad Telegrapher. # coast. He has been holding position at Beaver Dam, Ky. Bro. C. A. Guernsey is now located at Spring Valley, Wyo., with the Union Pacific. Bro. E. T. Wade is now with the R. G. W. at Green River, Utah. Bro. C. H. Prather is now with the C., H. & D. at Springfield, 111. 'Telegrapher Farris is still numbered with the “nons,” but have hopes of him. Bro. Judd, Harland, nights, asked for transfer, and was placed at Waynesville, nights. A Mr. Peck relieved him. Mr. King, Waynesville, days, on growing tired of being classed with the nons, invested in an up-to-date card, and is now a full-fledged Brother. Welcome to the ranks. Each member help in the write-up by sending items to Bro. Wells, Harland, or Bro. Farr, Green- wood; getting the items to them by the 22d of each month. Telegrapher White, Rowe, nights, on the sick list; relieved by Extra Telegrapher Hudson. Can’t say whether Hudson carries a card or not. Telegrapher Coons, Cornbrock, nights, on sick list; relieved by Extra Telegrapher Thompson. Let each member, after reading his Telegra- pher, send it to some non. From the looks of things several of the nons are not aware there is such an organization as the O. R. T. Help them to get wise. Div. Cor. New York Central Railway. Hudson Division — Our regular meeting was held July 16, at Pough- keepsie. It is very gratifying to see the interest the Brothers are taking in division meetings. It is the life of the organization. It is the school of instruction, where we exchange ideas and offer suggestions for the advancement of our Order. At our meeting we had a very representative gathering. Our general chairman, Bro. Wooley, Chairman, Bro. Kemp, from Division 78, and Chairman Bro. Wheeler, from Division 29, being present. After the regular routine of business, we had the pleasure of being addressed by the above Brothers. One of the important subjects discussed was the advisability of having a ball this coming fall in conjunction with Brothers on the C. N. E., Division 29. This will be decided definitely at the August meeting. If it is decided to have one, we hope to see every Brother do all possible to make this a success. We certainly are very much alive at present, and I think with a little effort, we could run a ball off that would shock our electric brothers. A few words to those who are still on the fence, with a cloud hanging over them: Some of you I have written once; some twice, and others oftener. The replies are varied, and mostly encouraging; but, boys, promises are not very productive, espe- cially. those veiled ones. It’s money that talks. I expect before this reaches you the Governor will have signed the eight-hour bill, which places you on an eight-hour basis. Can you any longer turn your back on the Order that is always work- ing for your interest. Your eight-hour national law was secured after a hard and expensive fight by this Order. Show your appreciation of this by getting a card of honor, and get out of the ranks of the mollycoddles. Do not be one of the last to fall in line, and you must hurry, for nons are getting scarce on the Hudson Division. I also wish to ask our entire membership for their own individual welfare, and for the welfare of our organization, to make a special effort to •give our employers the best possible service. Let your card be a card of merit, and with each of us having this in view, your general committee will have an easier road to travel when they meet the management each year. Mr. Bently, second trick at 58, has sought new fields, and his friends at New Hamburg regret his sudden departure. Brothers a short distance from Poughkeepsie should be able to attend the meetings. We have Brothers from the extreme north end, B. S. 99 and 98, and all the way down the line who lose a night’s sleep to be present. Miss Considine, telegrapher at Yonkers depot, is reported as having a student. Miss Considine refuses to talk, which might be taken as evidence of guilt. A similar report comes from the agent at Barrytown. Do they consider this an honor; the distinction of being a ham factory professor? Bro. Heidel, B. S. 58 y2> is back on the job again, after an exxtended trip through the western part of the Empire State, taking in Niagara Falls and points of interest in Canada. We extend our sympathy to Bro. Cahile in the protracted sickness of his daughter, one of Pough- keepsie’s most popular stenographers. Mr. E. O’Niel, one of the efficient trio at B. S. 59, just returned to work after a ten days’ vaca- tion. He reports prospects of good crops through- out the state, having visited Staatsburgh, Wap- pingers Falls and CameloL Again I will say a few words to Brother mem- bers: You owe more to the Order than simply paying your dues. It is your duty to become ac- tive. If there is a non within reach of you, use every honorable means to get him in line, and with our entire membership working on these lines our success is assured. And I will also urge you to attend division meetings, learn what is going on, get acquainted with the Brothers out on the line. J. B. W. Pennsylvania Division — Understand Mr. McIntyre, of Himrods Junc- tion, nights, has obtained employment elsewhere. Pleased to note the factory at Watkins has closed indefinitely. Bros. Fennell, Hilderbrandt, Vandeventer, Louk and Dee have enjoyed vacations recently. Office at “AG” tower discontinued, office opened at “HO” tower and “JU” tower. Bro. Steele filling in at “HO” tower, and Bro. Harvey at “JU” tower. S. McAvoy, at Louisville, on vacation. Some offices were not represented last meeting. No reason why one from each office should not Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1353 attend. Brothers who do not attend can not keep in touch with what the Order is doing for them. Get the habit of attending. Come once, and you will always come. Bro. M. T. Pettibone spent a week with his pa- rents in Ramulius last week. Wish some of the Brothers from the C. V. branch would try and attend our next meeting. No reason why two or three from that branch could not attend. Our last meeting was well at- tended, and every one had something to say. Col- lection was taken up to pay for flowers sent to the late Bro. Bennett's funeral, and every one con- tributed liberally. It is the desire of this divis- ion to start a floral fund; each one to throw in 5 or 10 cents at each meeting, and it would not take long to have $25 or $30 to our credit in the treasury for this purpose. This will save the prac- tice of some Brother going down in his pocket for $5 or $10 to buy flowers, and then have to wait from 15 to 30 days to get his pay, also will save a lot of trouble by having the money on hand. Let every one turn out to our next meet- ing, and let us have your idea as to collecting the money. Wish some Brother from the south end would send me a few notes as to changes, etc. At the regular meeting, July 16, the following resolutions were adopted: IN MEMORIAL. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to take from our midst our Bro. Lee Bennett, and while we bow in submission to the Divine will, and realize that our Brother has received an inestim- able promotion, each member of our organization can but feel a deep sense of personal loss; and, Whebeas, We desire to show our respect for, and appreciation of, the high character and princi- ples of the departed; be it therefore Resolved, That as an organization we tender to the bereaved relatives our sincere sympathy in this, their sorrow, which is also our own; and be it further Resolved, That these' resolutions be entered on the minutes of this meeting and printed in the official organ of the Order, and a copy sent to the family of the deceased. G. S. North bop, T. A. Miller, J. M. Hovey, Committee. Beech Creek District , Pennsylvania Division — Your correspondent sent in no items from this division last month, but, remember, he is not traveling over the road, and if you wish to read the news in the journal, it is up to you to supply him with the same. Bro. Long, of Lock Haven, and Bro. Graham, of Clearfield, have started life anew. They have both taken themselves a wife, and have the good wishes of the fraternity. We join in wishing them many joys and happy days. The eagle screamed at Jersey Shore on the Fourth in the good old-fashioned way. There was a good celebration, and a grand parade, with many beautiful floats. Among them was one gotten up by the telegraphers, which was admired by all. Bro. Landsberry deserves much credit and praise for the novel way he demonstrated his skill. The float had a full-equipped telegraph office, with men working at the key; the automatic signal and mechanical semaphore, all working; the electric signal bell, and other equipment made one think he was looking direct at one of the modern tele- graph offices on the road. Even the busy agent was not forgotten. He was there in all his glory, and as busy as he could be, hustling the U. S. mail, looking over the numerous baby carriages, check- ing baggage, and trying to answer the thousand and one questions an inquisitive public asks at this time; and of this man some were wanting tickets, others wanted to send telegrams, while a few were willing to give the busy man time to get his breath. Quite a number of the telegraphers and agents were seen at the parade and fireworks. We were glad to see them, but if they would put forth the same energy to come to our meetings, what a good time and turn-out we would have. We are completing a solid division. Only a few more links yet, and then we have a solid chain on the Beech Creek. How strong, remains for the members to say, as no chain is stronger than its weakest link, and I hope every member will believe himself to be the strongest link. Business is about normal on the road at this end, and not many changes. Some few are leav- ing; going to the Pennsylvania Railroad, where salaries are* somewhat better than on the Central. Many more boys are contemplating on going to the Pennsylvania, but will wait until the commit- tee returns before making the change. Your correspondent attended a very interesting meeting at Corning last month, held by Bro. Mc- Inroy, local chaiiman of the F. B. There were some very interesting things brought to the atten- tion of the Brothers present, and they were handled without gloves. The manner in which things were discussed shows the F. B. boys are very much alive to their interests, and under the leadership of Bro. Mclnroy, I predict success. Hickory. Mohawk Division — The boys along the Mohawk are greatly pleased to learn that Governor Hughes signed the bill July 22, restricting the working day of the rail- road telegraphers in the State of New York to eight hours. Some desirable positions will be cre- ated as a result. It takes effect October 1. You perhaps remember of a certain document some years ago, which said that “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness shall be every man’s un- alienable right." Working as a railroad telegra- pher from 1 2 to 36 hours deprives him of that right which, no doubt, will soon be restored to him. Sister Gorman, “DW” office, DeWitt, is work ing the day trick at the passenger station, Sara nac Lake, M. & M. Reports are that she is much Digitized by Ljooole

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1354 The Railroad Telegrapher. improved in health. Her friends are all glad to hear this, and hope to see her back at her old position in the fall in perfect health. Effective July 15, the West Shore wires were cut at Utica, and dispatchers placed at that point to cover the section, Utica to Syracuse. This to take care of the new electrified section. Among the telegraphers affected by this change are Bro. T. P. Hart, from “UT” to M. & M. office, as copier, and Mr. T. O’Brien, formerly general yardmaster at Utica, to night copier in the same office. Mr. J. H. Howard, of Kingston, N. Y., has been located at Utica yard office the past two months. This position has now been bid in by Mr. R. W. Van Allen. Bro. R. C. Bennett has bid in and been as- signed night trick at “BS” 28, Frankfort. Bro. C. E. Bracey to “BS” 32, nights, from extra work. Bro. C. A. Hawkins, “BS” 31, has returned from a two weeks' vacation. Bro. C. F. Loring, our genial chief telegrapher, has been appointed local chairman to represent the signalmen. The boys can count on Charlie to handle their grievances to the best of his ability, former Bro. Chairman Prevost having resigned. We are sorry to lose him, but wish him success in whatever he undertakes. He has a good offer from the Central of New Jersey. Div. Cor. C., B. & Q. Railway. The happiness of every home is based to a greater or less extent upon contentment. For a man to be contented he must receive a reasonable competence for his labor. The point where em- ployer and employe disagree is as to what a fair competence is. Generally speaking any man who makes a living, that is, makes just enough to keep soul and body together, is in the eyes of most cor- porations getting all he deserves. Nothing appeals more to me than thousands and thousands of poor laborers who live in the tenement houses of our cities, and are only able to eke out a miserable existence for the reason that the salaries paid them are so small that it barely pays for what they eat. They wear just what is absolutely necessary to cover nakedness, for the reason they have not sufficient money to buy with. The poor telegrapher is not quite so badly situated as the poor you find in the tenements, but it is unquestionably a fact that none of them are able to put by but a very few dollars. The in- crease in living, rent, etc., for the past few years has been very large, and the raise in wages has been far below proportionate to the increase in living expenses; for all this we are told we are being paid very good salaries; it matters not much what we are getting, whether it is $25 or $100 per month, if we have to pay it all out for living expenses. Every man, if he is going to follow any par- ticular line of work, should select something that will pay him enough to allow him to save some- thing for a “rainy day,” as we often say. We should not be expected to work 25 or 30 years for a corporation, and at the end of that time be com- pelled through declining years and broken health to retire to the public almshouses. I often think this is the way that corporations look upon the men who make their wealth. Some people say a man is a sort of a machine, when he becomes old and worn out, throw him in the scrap heap. I do not look at it in this light. Any man who works hard for a number of years for merely a living, has in one sense had a miserable time. He has been living, that is true, but what enjoyment has he had? When an individual or a corporation takes a con- tract to do a certain piece of work, they expect to make a profit on the work performed; if he or they do not, they do not want the job. Is there any plausible reason why a telegrapher when he hires out to a railroad company should not expect to make a fair profit for the work he performs? In other words, if we cannot lay aside a little money for old age, there is mighty little consola- tion in this life. Railroad companies that are making from 8 to 14 per cent on their money surely ought to pay better wages to their telegraphers and agents; if they cannot do it, then they ought to quit the business. There are two sides to a story, to be sure, and railroads say we would not be contented if we were getting $500 per month. In reply to this I will say, just try us; but this is not the question. If $50 or $60 per month is so mighty good, why don’t some of the heads of the departments peti- tion to have their wages cut. I have never heard of any of them doing it. There is another side to this, however, and that is this: As long as a man has no money he is de- pendent, and when he has plenty of money be is independent. When he is dependent he will take whatever comes, and when independent he will not. Now, I do not believe in grumbling and growling all the time, neither do I believe in building castles in the air; it is much better to build a substan- tial building on a solid foundation. By this I mean it is not always proper to keep up an agi* tation for years unless that is all you ever look for. It is sometimes well to agitate a question, but agitation quite often goes too far, and nothing is accomplished from it; for this reason I believe if some of our Brothers would stop their agitation and get down to the roots of the tree, and go to digging, they would do more towards uprooting the tree. In my mind, the proper thing to do is to start something, then get right into the harness and push it along; do not keep up the agitation alone. I might start a good thing with a lot of hard work, but if I dropped it and commenced talking to men, and telling them how to do it, and did not push ahead myself, I am frank to say that I be- lieve the whole thing would be a fizzle. This $75 minimum talk makes me tired. It is the same old story wc have heard so long. Why not take some other figure, and have something new; make it $ioo. I want a $100 minimum, but in order to get it, I am not going to keep agitating Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1355 it for the next fifty years. I propose to work for it, and work mighty hard, too. If a conductor who can scarcely write his name is worth to a railroad company $165 per month, is it not certain that a telegrapher who has a good common school education is worth more than $75 per month? Then why cry “$75 minimum?” Let us lay aside that old manner of doing things; get out of the old rut into the present day civi- lization, and move according to the times. A great many old men learned their trades years ago, and they have learned nothing since. They do not read, they do not try to keep pace with the ad- vancing years, and they finally die, believing they knew all there was to be learned. Why not look about you, and see what strides others are making, and keep in the band wagon yourself? At present there seems to be a shortage of men on the Burlington, but our records seem to indi- cate there are plenty of men to be had whenever they can be assured of wages that are reasonable. There are not so many floaters in this section as there has been; think, perhaps, they have got into another current and floated away. An unusually large number of grievances are being filed with me; more, in fact, than ever be- fore, and I presume that any attempt by the com- pany to put the men on an eight-hour day, with a reduction in wages, will cover me up with griev- ances. I understand that men on other systems will not work if a cut is made, and I do not see bow he can be expected to. I hope the Brothers on all divisions will see to it that a write-up shows up in The Telegeaphei each month from their division. Brothers, do not fail to pay your dues promptly; always keep an up-to-date card, and save yourself that far-away look that a non has. Do your work well at all times, and your chances for promotion and better pay will be much greater. M. J. Johnson, G. C Alliance Division — Last month when our journal came out, no doubt several of the Brothers looked through the correspondence columns, and made a small “roar” because the Alliance Division was not represented, but how many of you, after noting the division write-up was conspicuous by its absence consid- ered for a half second why — more than to think, well, the Local Chairman ought to have written up the changes, anyway. If you think it's a snap to write this up each month, take an hour off some day, and undertake to write up what immediate changes you know of, then think how small what you have written will look in type. But if each Brother knowing of a change would mail a postal card to his Local Chairman, it would surprise you wbat a lengthy write-up we would have each month. I am sure each and every man is interested in knowing who are holding the different positions, but all seem to be too indolent to take the trouble of assisting in this work. Perhaps yon are under the impres- sion the Local Chairman draws a munificent salary for doing this work, and you believe in each man earning his money. But if you are laboring under such an illusion, “Go blind for a minute and let it alone,” because he gets no more out of it than you do, except the extra work. If each Brother would just now drop a card, stating where he is located, and who is working with him at the present time, it will make a ban- ner write-up. Don’t say I’ll do that tomorrow, but do it to-day. If you can't take the time to do that much, how do you expect a man who has no means of knowing of the changes only from what he hears through others to do this for each of you? So, Brothers, let us all turn in and help the Local Chairman out with this much of his work, anyway. How many have paid dues for the current term and received new cards? Brother Powell, at Broken Bow, days, with Bro. Jordan holding the night job. Bro. Fountain working as relief agent, now at Hill City, waiting for some one to be permanently assigned to that station. Bro. Donegan has been promoted to Spearfish, and Bro. Clary from Spear- fish to Dead wood. Bro. Armstrong now working the day telegraph job at Edgeraont. Bro. V. R. F. Herncall who was formerly agent at West Nehant, and went south, now back with us as agent at Ellsworth, relieving Bro. O. W. Low, who is located at York. Bro. Whitlock, formerly nights at Thedford, working nights at Gretna, Neb. Bro. Johnson, former night telegrapher on this division, working nights at Seward. Bro. Hancock working nights at Seneca with Bro. Gordon as agent. They ought to make a good team, both big and husky. Bro. Gordon just re- turned from his vacation, which was spent with the “Japs.” Bro. Callender, who was with us a good many years, is now working for the Western Union Company in Denver. All the Brothers should be pleased with the in- crease in the check they will get this pay-day. More reasons why what few nons we have should join; they will get enough increase in two months to more than pay their expenses for joining. Bro. Darrow, of Mason, laying off, relieved by extra agent Triplett Bro. Trego returned from his vacation; he was relieved by his night man Brother Kirkpatrick. Our attention has been called to the fact there are several “ham factories” being run on the Alliance Division; we will not at the present writ- ing mention any names, but, Brothers, remember your obligation and cut it out. If it is a matter of having more work than you can do, I firmly believe that your “handy boy” will make enough mistakes and cause you more work rectifying them than the work would without his assistance. L. C. Wymore Division — Been pretty hot for chasing nons, but, neverthe- less, some of the boys have been doing pretty good sprinting from the way new applications are roll- ing in. Keep it up, boys, and the old “Q” will Digitized by L,OOQle

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1356 The Railroad Telegrapher. soon stand at the head for membership. Some of the old hard shells are getting wise at a rapid rate, and are lining up in good shape. Let us "whoop er up" for the next sixty days, or until there are no more nons. If you know of a non, write him, and also send his name and address to Bro. Quick, and to our Local Chairman. Hickman, nights, closed. Bro. Weatherhogg is now monarch of all he surveys. Telegrapher Shandy recently opened new office at Lancaster. Bro. C. D. Wyatt, an old-time Wymore Division boy, is again with us, recently relieving agent at Lawrence. Mr. M. D. Allen, agent Ohiowa, is the proud possessor of a student. We presume he is still wondering why the raise was no greater. Is it hard to guess? Harry Reneau is again with us, doing the night stunt at Tecumseh. Bro. Golden, off the P. R. R., is one of the latest arrivals. Is there anything more to be despised than a non who will try and make the Brothers believe he carries an up-to-date card? Boys, make them produce the goods or turn them down. A Mr. Pratt, reported to be from the Katy, worked a few nights at Preston recently, but did not find this a healthy climate, so resigned. Was relieved by Bro. C. B. Johnson, from the U. P. Bro. C. F. Wahl, of Division No. 126, has trans- ferred to this division, and is holding down Salem nights. Bro. C. C. Vaughn, nights Falls City, is enjoy- ing a vacation. It is rumored that Humboldt is to have a new passenger depot; they certainly need it. Bro. L. O. Nash has left the service. Lee was a good Indian, and we dislike to lose him. Mr. Workman, agent Strang, on vacation; re- lieved by Bro. A. F. Heskett. Bro. H. G. Pennington transferred from nights Fortescue to nights Liberty. Bro. H. B. Hadsell doing the night stunt at Fortescue. Mr. Workman, agent Strang, does not seem to be able to deliver the goods in the form of an application, which he has promised for a long time. Presume that raise looks good to him, though. J. C. Martin, agent Wayne, has filed his appli- cation, and will be riding in the band wagon before this appears. Bro. Sheeley, nights Endicott, has been reliev- ing Mr. Majors, the agent, while Tom is away spending accumulated increases. Better drop a little of it on a set of application blanks. Drv. Co*. Sterling Division — Don’t be a knocker. You can’t saw wood with a hammer. Have you helped to secure any new members this month? Bro. Pollard, formerly at Sterling, is now doing the act in McCook relay office. Bro. Kramer has resumed duties as agent at El wood. Bro. Banister returns to his old position at Haxtun. Bro. Winger, agent Loomis, is now a member of Division No. 130. If any one on the Sterling Division is not up-to-date, you will do us a favor by advising name and address. To be a union man does not mean to oppose your employers’ interests, but rather to uphold them, and stand for your rights, and for all that is due the company. Bro. Morrow, formerly agent Angora, now re- ports from Manderson, Wyo., after a brief trial under the eight-hour law in Missouri, where he was "shown" that there were worse places than on the "Q." Understand Bro. Ziegler, at Grover, failed to benefit by the recent raise. This is said to be owing to no information blanks being received from there. Hope this will be remedied next time. Bro. R. E. Cozard, formerly agent Farnam, is now doing the car distributing act at Sterling, and some day we hope will do a trick dispatching. Bro. Ravenscraft has quit the service, and so far has failed to send us a destination report Hope he may land on some good thing as he de- serves. Now with our good-natured friend, Bro. Dela- hoyd at the key in Sterling, let us try and be prompt with our car reports, and help in every way we can to make his work lighter. There are several changes I am compelled to overlook this time, owing to the fact that I have not been given all particulars. J. T. Maddox. Brookfield Division — This division has been without a write-up for two or three months, but from this time on it will not occur again. The past few months have been strenuous ones for us. After a hard fight we se- cured a new schedule which gave us a fair in- crease, and it was placed on the positions where the responsibility was greatest, and where the most work was performed. Am sorry to say that a few of the smaller jobs received no increase, but as they are and have been paying the minimum, it is no more than right for the places where a man has to work for twelve hours should pay more than the smaller ones, where there is practically nothing to do but block trains, and copy an order or two. The eight-hour law caused some little commotion. A few of the faithful stopped when their hours were up, but the company refused to put on the third man. So it was decided to take it up as a grievance, and is now in the hands of the general committee for adjustment The changes on this division come so fast that it takes two men and a boy to keep track of them, and if they are not all shown in this write-up, just lay it to the ignorance of the correspondent. Telegrapher Clifford leaves Brookfield to accept Chillicothe, days, Turner having accepted the posi- tion as ticket agent at that place. L. R. Howe, who has been working extra days at Chillicothe, has taken back the night job, while J. H. Peck returns to his regular job at Macon, nights. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1357 Telegrapher Edsall got Laclede nights on the bulletin. W. Q. Gresham, agent Mooresville, was off sev- eral days on account of sickness and death of his father. He has the sympathy of all the Brothers. Phillips, days at Breckenridge, laying off; Car- nahan, the night man, working days, and R. R. Story an extra man working nights. E. B. McCulloch is now working for Rock Island at Muscatine, Iowa. The only way, for a corporation as well as a private concern, to keep good employes is to treat them right. A. E. Young is off for 30 days visiting home folks in Canada. A. B. Roof taking a three weeks’ vacation to visit the Jamestown Exposition. C. W. McIntosh the night man relieving him. N. J. Miller working nights. Me. is going to take his vacation in the West as soon as Roof gets back. The "ham factory” of world wide reputation is just now out of biz., account "boss” being sick. McCoy, at Callao nights, is taking his vacation, but cannot learn who is relieving him. Thos. O’Neill is laying off, L. W. O’Neill reliev- ing him, and T. R. Crandall working nights. Some of the boys are holding back on their dues; for what reason I do not know, but if they ever expect to reach the eight-hour day and $75 minimum, they must stay in line. We cannot be held responsible for the companies of the State ignoring the law, and if the authorities will not see that its laws are enforced, then to be in line is the best place. Let us be men and do our work well, as long as we work, and show that we are obeying the law as well as the schedule, even if they are not A statement was made not long ago by an official that the O. R. T. men were not as loyal to the company’s interests as were the nons, but he could not bear out the statement. I wish to impress it upon the minds of the Order men of this system that the eyes of the officials are forever upon us, watching to get something by which they can back up this statement. Let us be very careful and do our work so it cannot be said that the nons are ahead of us. Cor. La Crosse Division — I notice in the last month's journal that the Quincy branch is waking up, and having meetings. Now that's business. This will without a doubt tend to liven the boys up, and do more good than can be readily imagined. This certainly would be a good idea to put in effect all over the system, like the other lines. If they can have meetings there is absolutely no reason why we can’t. Now get busy and talk this matter over with your neigh- bor. I have read numerous articles in The Teleg- rafheb about the proposed $75 minimum. Get busy and lay away a little of that pay check each month, for we may find use for a little ready cash about March 4, 1908. There’s nothing like being prepared. As I am an "old” head in the business, would like to put some of the Brothers next to one thing in regard to sending in items from their divisions. It is this, be sure and show what road you are from. When a telegrapher asks favors, be sure and take a look at his card. Yours truly spent Saturday and Sunday in Rock Island. Saw some of the boys, but missed H. W. K., as he was visiting in Albany. Telegrapher Frank Seward, 17th Street, Rock Island, is now a good Brother, and wears the thousand mile uni- form. And still they come. Bro. Ned Brodt, of Savanna, days, was a visitor in Dubuque not long since. Bro. Riesc holding the fort at Cassville, days, once more. He has been working nights for some time on account of being short-handed. The washout at Victory, which was three miles long, and eighteen feet deep, made the boys hum some handling the work extras and other miscel- laneous tribulations. It is hoped that some of the Brothers will come across with some notes next month. Local Chairman H. Miller has been on a two weeks’ vacation calling on all the boys on the north end, and certainly had a good time. Also showed some where they were wrong. The north end will be solid before this appears in print Bro. Miller was relieved by Bro. M. J. Duffy, who in turn relieves Mr. Milto, of Hager, for two weeks. Bro. J. R. Garber has been promoted to Agency at East Winona. Mr. T. Lally, doing the miscellaneous nights, will be with us before long. Bro. A. Scholmeier hats returned from East Winona nights to Fountain City nights. It must be great to be in the same station with our Local Chairman. Bro. Tom Artery night mogul. Alma is off for a month’s vacation. Last heard of him he was headed for Seattle, Wash. Mr. "Bud” Paul, relay man in La Crosse dis- patcher’s office, is off for a month’s vacation. Bro. C. E. Dodge has been working the day job at North Yard, St. Paul. Mr. F. Desmond, from Galena, is doing the necessary nights at Cochrane, and has promised to line up soon. This is Mr. Desmond’s first job. The general condition of the north end is good, with the exception of two agents having students. They must certainly need the money. It seems the late schedule did not bring these fellows enough. Now every one get a "move on.” I’m not writ- ing this merely to see how it will look in print, but would like to see you get down to business and line your neighbor up. If you’re not lined up, why do so at once. Your Local Chairman is with- out a doubt doing his full part, and there’s no reason why all of us shouldn’t do our very best. Don’t sit back and think, oh, we have a local chairman to look after these matters, but boost All together boost. High pockets. Aurora & Chicago Division — It is an exceedingly difficult task to get the boys to send notes. Have written several of the Brothers, but get no answer. Maybe they are too Digitized by Google

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1358 The Railroad Telegrapher. busy, but they ought not to be, as they haven’t those switch lights to take care of any more. They can use those extra minutes in sending notes for The Telegrapher. Get busy and get after that non working at the next station. We will not expect as much from you as Bro. Ranger accom- plished last month. He was out doing a little evangelistic work, and converted eight nons, who all have up-to-date cards now. See if some of the rest of the Brothers can’t get a few, and try and make the Aurora and Chicago divisions solid. Mr. G. W. Davis relieved Bro. Todd a few days last month. He is now working at Rochelle, nights. Ex-Bro. Hull, of Mendota, days, has been trans- ferred to Aurora relay office. Mr. Wilsey took his place at Mendota. We hear there is to be quite a change in the next few days. Bro. Nuckley, of Plano, days, goes to Mendota, days. Bro. Kauffman, nights, at Plano, takes the day position left vacant by Bro. Nuckley. Bro. Noack, of Hinckley, nights, gets the night job at Plano. Don’t know where Mr. Wisley goes from Mendota. Bro. Sawyer, of Earlville tower, nights, spent the fourth at Sandwich. Bro. Bill Dillon, of Leland, nights, visited his folks at Hillsdale over Sunday. All the agents got busy the other day they were notified that Spl. 425 would make each of them a visit. Bro. Stroud’s house at Lemoille, was struck by lightning, but not much damage done. Bro. Pratt, agent, at Sandwich, is a very busy man; lots doing in the factories in his town. About ten cars leave his station daily loaded with hay presses and hay loaders. Bro. Stroud and Bro. Stoneburg, of Somonauk Cabin, have been cut out of overtime for their meal hour. It has been taken up, and expect to hear from it in a few days. Bro. Swanstrom, Kewanee Cabin, off for a short time visiting his folks. Don’t know who is re- lieving him. Bro. Butler, night telegrapher, Wyanet, attended the wedding of his brother, Archer, at Mendota, yesterday, June 19th. Bro. Ranger, of Sandwich, days, was visiting Bro. Todd and Bro. Sexton, June 21st. Congratulate Bro. Todd on being appointed Local Chairman of this division. We have heard that Bro. Todd is going to take a week off the latter part of this month. “WD.” Aurora Division No. 130 — Whereas, It has pleased our Almighty Father to remove from our midst our worthy Brother, John H. Elliott, an esteemed member of Aurora Division 130; and, Whereas, It is proper that we should give ex- pression to the profound sense of bereavement that we entertain; therefore, be it — Resolved, That Aurora Division, No. 130. O. R. 'I'., in death of Bro. Elliott, has lost a devoted and worthy member. Resolved, That in respect to his memory the fra- ternity extend to his widow and mother our heart- felt sympathy; also that a copy of these resolu- tions be entered upon the minutes of Aurora Di- vision 130, published in The Railroad Teleg- rapher, and a copy of same be sent to the widow and mother of our deceased Brother. E. F. Todd, Local Chairman . Sheridan Division — T. Sharpe, formerly dispatcher on the Alliance division, now working the first trick East End. Bro. C. F. Redman, Alger to Lodge Grass. Bro. C. B. Chester at Deits nights. Bro. Patterson, at Dewey, has resigned, and has gone to Canada. I “13” a Mr. Forbes, nights, at Dewey. Fifteen new members in the month of June. Never had an idea there was that many nons on this division. We have the honor of having more sister teleg- raphers on the “SA” division than on any other division on “Q” system. Everyone who belongs to any other system than the C. B. & Q. should advise their Local Chair- man certificate and division number, so he can have him transferred to Division No. 130. Bro. J. H. Vacek, cashier at Gillette, spent Sun- day, July 6th, with Bro. R. P. Ross and family. Bro. Barnes, telegrapher at Frannie, gave up his position, and left for the East, July 2d. Relieved by extra agent A. E. Engstrom. Understand Agent Honald, of Lovell, has re- signed. Will be relieved by extra agent A. E. Engstrom. Hope some good brother will be ap- pointed to hold this position in this Mormon city. Bro. W. A. Parsons has returned from his leave of absence, and is at bis old stand at Frannie. Bro. E. E. Law, of Basin, has resigned and gone into business there. Bro. R. P. Ross, former agent at Crow agency, relieved him, with Sister Zada Norton, of Garland, as cashier, relieving former cashier C. D. Schenk, who now is enjoying moun- tain scenery. Bro. Victor Mason has been enjoying a visit from his father. Bro. C. W. Graham has recovered from bis sick- ness, and is back at his old post at Manderson. Bro. Vacek, cashier Gillette, is away on a well- earned vacation, visiting in Missouri. The glorious Fourth has passed, and most every one has recuperated from the “jollification.” Bro. Kesinger and wife, and Sister Shaughnessy, of Rozet, and Bro. Hazlett, of Moorcroft, were Fourth of July visitors at Gillette. Bro. Lempke relieved Bro. Vacek as cashier at Gillette. A train set fire to the depot at Dewey and burned it down. I “13” they have the office in a store near the tracks. Telegrapher Forbes, from Newcastle, nights, to Dewey as agent. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1359 I understand Sister Thompson, Upton days, has left us, but not aware of the reasons. Jone, from Arvada, nights now at Upton. I have been told that there are some Brothers along the line who are teaching students. Now this business will not go on this division, and if it is a fact, as reported, charges will be preferred at once. Don*t think that this will be countenanced, unless authority is received in the regular manner as prescribed by our constitution. I want to make another appeal to the members on the Sheridan division in regard to meetings. Will you please drop Bro. Meehan a line or two expressing your views on the matter, and sug- gestions you can make as to times and place most suitable for meetings. It will help all to attend who can get away. I think we ought to be able to meet at least once a month. Now get busy; it will only cost you two cents and about five min- utes time. Those extra dollars “looked good to us” when we received our June check. I am sure all appre- ciated it, and we will hope for more the next time. Mr. Ralph Maris is cashier at Newcastle, with Bro. Smith, former cashier, at the key nights. Mr. Maris is not a telegrapher. Bro. Byerly, days, at Wyola, has resigned and accepted a position in Helena, Mont., with Bro. Hunter, former manager of Sheridan Western Union office. Div. Coa. West End Aurora Division Just because this end of the Aurora Division has never before been represented in these colunms, you must not get the idea that we are all dead ones along here. The new schedule woke them all up, and a non will soon be a scarce article in this territory. At most all stations, the increase secured will pay for a card in one or two months; therefore, excuses for not coming in are rather hard to find. We want a membership of at least 95 per cent by the first of the year, and the indi- cations at present are very favorable. Mr. Ericson, of Center Point, days, has left the service. Position is now held by Bro. Cleary. Mr. Arthur Ely, who has been holding the night job at Center Point, has also left the service. Re- lieved by Bro. Van Alstine. E. O. Swanstrom, of Wataga, nights, is wearing the smile that won't come off, also the official em- blem, having received his card some time ago. Bro. Hedberg transferred from Galva tower nights to Galva Station nights. Mr. C. W. Piper is the new man at the tower. Bro. E. N. Swanstrom, of Kewanee Cabin nights, has just returned from a vacation of several weeks, part of which was spent in Colorado and the West. Bro. Chas. Saling, late of the Ottumwa Division, relieved him. Mr. C. E. Dove, late with the C. I. & S., is the new man at Kewanee station nights. There are still a few men (?) left on this divis- ion who have been accepting benefits secured by the O. R. T., but have steadily refused to contri- bute in any way towards obtaining same. As peaceful arguments and inducements have no effect on them, is it not time to put the “No card, no favors” rule into effect in such a way as will convince them of the error of their ways. If a few meetings could be arranged so that the boys could get together once in a while and talk matters over, it would be one of the best moves we could make. Galesburg would make a good meeting point. It would be handy for those on the main line from Burlington to Mendota, and for the Quincy, Peoria, Stormy and other Galesburg division branches. Aurora would make a good point for all east of Mendota. Wish a few of us could get together and see if we could not arrange to carry out some such plan. What do you think about it? How many students are you going to take, as per recent inquiry sent out from superintendent’s office ? Cbrt. 73. Ashland Division — Understand Bro. Reasoner is able to be about. Glad to hear it. Mr. Dunham Lyons is laying off a few days, re- lieved by man named Johnston. Bro. Yocum, Uehling, has been out of town but one day in the last year. Bro. McGowan, Oakland, left service. Under- stand he is now located on So. Pac. in California. It is now Bro. J. T. Karn, at Oakland. Bro. Hubbell, Yutan, evidently struck it rich, as he is building a fine cement block house. How do you like it since you don’t have to call “NI” until your arm aches? New wire is fine, ch? It is reported that the gang will bring a W. U. wire from Sioux City to Omaha when they come back. Don’t think it will hurt anybody’s feelings. Who said “students?” “RK.” St. Joseph Division — Following new members on this division for month of July: W. C. Elder, Albany, Mo.; M. D. Sbamblin, Bethany, Mo.; Wm. T. Walton, Blythe- dale. Mo.; Edw. D. Boyd, Curzon, Mo.; T. J. Cadagan, King City, Mo,; and W. A. Armstrong, Nodaway, Mo. This is a record breaker for our division, and shows what may be accomplished when we work together. There has been greater interest shown in the last two or three months than we have ever had, and we must keep it up. Every member should be able to get one application during the rest of the present year, and if we would all make an effort along this line, there should be but a few nons left at the close of 1907. Our General Secretary and Treasurer reports the members are not paying up as promptly as they should, and I hope you will all see that your re- mittance goes forward without any further delay. It costs no more to pay up promptly than it does to hang back and wait until the last minute. We are gaining in membership very rapidly, and if the members will keep in line, the matter of organiza- tion will soon be completed. I hope every member reading this who has not sent his remittance to Bro. W. A. Henry, at Eric- Digitized by c^ooQle

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1360 The Railroad Telegrapher. son, Neb., will do so at once, and don’t forget to remit your insurance to Bro. L. W. Quick, at St. Louis at the same time. As announced in our last journal, we held a meeting at Forest City, Saturday evening, July 13th, but not as many present as we would liked to have seen; while the weather was anything but comfortable, we think more could have stood it if they had only tried. We have decided not to hold the next meeting until it gets cooler, and then we hope to see a full house every meeting. Notices of the next date will be mailed you in plenty time to enable you to get transportation. As the fish- ing season will be over then, we might add that we will assure you our worthy Secretary and Treasurer will be on hand to perform his duties. Following are a few items we have managed to pick up as we went along: Mr. and Mrs. C. H. York, having tired of Island Park, decided they would try their luck on the Katy. Mr. W. E. Brown, from Nodaway nights, bid in the day job at Island Park, and Mr. G. L. Robin- son is holding the night trick. Mr. Threlkil now doing the night work at Nod- away. We have furnished applications to Mr. Mathis, at Nishnabotna; G. L. Robinson, at Island Park; Mr. Parker, at Bartlett; and Threlkil, at Nodaway; We hope to have them fixed out by the time this is in print. In addition to the new members mentioned above, we also transferred to this division Bro. Thos. Dehoney, of Division No. 57, who is now working nights at East Leavenworth. If any of you know of any foreign members, don’t fail to report them to us at once. Bro. J. J. Branaham, day telegrapher at Albany, has bid in and has been transferred to Kellerton, relieving Bro. D. W. Cadagan, who has accepted service with the K. C. S. Ry., at Pittsburg, Kan. Bro. Branaham was relieved by Mr. H. E. Camp- bell. Mr. McBride relieved Bro. Williams, at Curzons, a few days, account sickness. Our write-up is not a very lengthy one, as you will note, but there would have been more of it if I had received some assistance. See if you can’t help out some next time. Correspondent. Boston Division, No. 41. Judging from the very slim attendance at the July meeting of Division No. 41, one would say that the members are getting very careless in re- gard to the monthly meetings. I would not want to say they are losing interest, but simply getting careless, and even if they come to town they for- get where the division rooms are, and go to the beach instead. Of course, this is an attraction on a warm summer night, but an hour spent in the division rooms once a month seems little enough. The slim attendance cannot be laid to the train service, as the service is exceptionally good on all four divisions running out of Boston up to 11.30 p. m., io they can all easily get home at a reason- able hour. But for the past year the attendance has not been what it should, even when officers were elected there were only about 50 present, and when some thing in the way of an entertainment was gotten up to try and bring the members out, only about 45 put in an appearance. Now this is all wrong, dead wrong. Within a radius of 40 miles from Boston we have approximately 150 members, and the aver- age attendance is about 20 or 25. You see the same faces all the time, and these are about equally divided between the four divisions run- ning out of the Hub. These few members tran- sact all the business of the division, elect and in- stall officers, appropriate money for running ex- penses, pay bills, etc.; in fact, do all the work for 250 members of the division, and the others should take interest enough to see what is being done occasionally. There is nothing to prevent these few members from appropriating all the money in the treasury for a junket for them- selves to the Jamestown exposition, and the other members would not know anything about it until it was all over, and the treasury empty. Some of the regular attendants put themselves out to get to the meetings. One in particular I have in mind, has to go home over a foreign road, this being one case where train service don’t fit, and the only one I know of. The day men could work a few hours and let the night man come in if they don’t care to come themselves. By so doing, the attendance would be increased, and there should never be less than 75 present. Now, brothers, think this over a little, and see if things are not about as I have stated, and get busy. I don’t want to start in by scolding (I might lose my job), but if this will set some mem- bers to thinking, and serve to increase the attend- ance, it will have served its purpose. When you come to town, come at once to division rooms. Bro. Chase will start and hustle things right along, and at 9.15 or 9.30 the meeting will close. You will have about two hours to buy your gro- ceries (wet and dry), and get home to the bosom of your families, if you have any, by midnight, which is not bad for once a month. The meeting was called to order at 8.30, Chief Chase in the chair. We were all pleared to see the worthy chief in his accustomed place, and to learn that his family had passed the crisis in the long siege of sickness, and were on the road to recovery. Bro. Quilty acted as warden, looking resplendent in a brand new Panama, all ready for his vacation. Bro. Mickle brought a box of fine smokes, but it was noticed Bro. Quilty had them, box and all. shortly afterward. Bro. Savage, from Clinton Junction, also pres- ent, smiling as ever, and ready for any argument that might come up. Bro. Cole, of Arlington, was not present. The principal question of the evening was that of an outing by the division at a time to be de- cided upon later. A committee of ten was ap- pointed to canvass the different sections, and re- port at next meeting as to probable number that Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1361 could be figured upon in their respective sections. We hope that at the August meeting the reports will be favorable as to numbers, so arrangements can be. made for a sail down the harbor. The division has never had anything of the kind, and it would be a grand plan to get the Brothers and Sisters acquainted, and have an enjoyable time. Nothing more can be said on this now, as all de- pends on the reports made by the committee next meeting. Let’s hope it will be a favorable one. Among the vacancies posted are North Chelms- ford, Mass., Raymond, N. H., and Grassmere, N. H., agents, and Wayland, Mass., assistant agent, all good jobs. E. G. Robinson of East Cambridge shop, has bid in the vacancy in “GM” office. Robbie is a good O. R. T. man, and “GM” is still practically solid O. R. T. Franklin B. Gray was the successful bidder on the new job in “AO” office. This is all for this time, except to remind you to pay your dues to Bro. Tuck. Now is the time, and it is as easy to pay now as in a month or two. Get them in early; save him lots of writing, and make your minds easier. Jay. The delegates of Division No. 41 take this means of thanking the commercial telegraphers of Chi- cago Division No. 91, and the Twin City Club, of Minneapolis, for their royal entertainments, and the many courtesies extended to them. They were indeed hospitable hosts. We commenced to think we were somebody when on arrival at Chicago white badged men, spot- ting our buttons, reached for our “good right,” with one hand, 2nd our dress suit case with the other, and told us to follow them to where there wash much meat and drink. Some of our New Hampshire and other rural delegates remonstrated at this seeming familiarity, thinking it was another case of welcoming “Uncle Hiram” to the city. Others thought they were pinched. But a word from those of Boston quieted their fears, and on they marched, now proud, now doubtful, as they dodged a street car or stubbed their toe, as with head in the air, and with open- mouthed awe they stared at Chicago’s high build- ings. Yet withal a credit to themselves and an honor to their division, as they beat it on to head- quarters. There nothing was wanting, for here was good- fellowship, and promise of much entertainment on the morrow. And we got it. Chicago was ours. We could see its frivolous or serious side; view its commercial or artistic life. Guides were to show us all this, and they did. We were taken to the stock yards, where they stick a pig every 15 seconds; shown her largest stores; taken to the wheat pit; led to the lake front, and permitted to gaze upon the city’s elite, as they went the pace that only those of Chicago can make, go whizzing by in their autos along her most fashionable thoroughfare; and then to the madhouse: a portion of the Western Union tele- graph office, where they send so fast, and do so much that telegraphers go mad. Oh, that I am nothing but an humble “OS” man. Yet for all this fete nothing was charged. But they went further yet. A ball was given in our honor, and to those who danced (I lamented my inability to practice the art), it was indeed sipping the sweets from this overfull, joyous occasion, floating through the dizzy maize of the dance to the strains of sweetest music. It was upon such scenes, upon such goodfellow- ship, Brothers of Chicago, we turned our backs, and we were loath to leave, but the stern finger of duty pointed to that great Northwestern country, where on the morrow was to be held a convention. It was the voice of O. R. T. which said “On to Minneapolis!” We went. Through Milwaukee into the great wheat fields, on, on to the Mississippi. And now our thoughts were not of men and their devices, but of Nature and her works. Be- neath the not yet full moon the majestic sweep of the now clear waters of this mighty river beck- oned us on. Projecting rocks from out of the gloom of its stony bluffs, now close to our side, stretched out weirdly towards us. But all things end, and so with our journey. Minneapolis was reached. And now it was a hustle. All began to leg it, for we were after a desirable room at the “West.” With “Tom” Pierson in the lead, and Casey a close second, we booted it up the street. The pace was a hot one. We young fellows, of course, could stand it, but oh, the old fellows! My heart even now goes out in sympathy as I think of our New York delegates, with many a shift of his suit case, and much hard puffing, trying to keep the pace. But we got there, and your hospitality, “Twin City Club,” will never be forgotten, and should you come to Boston, and we pray you may, let us receive you. Your hand may be placed upon Bunker Hill monument; we will lead you to stand reverently before the graves of Emerson and Haw- thorne; permit you to walk the streets trod by the illustrious John L. Sullivan, and feel the chilliness of our Boston culture. Maine Central Railway. This is, I think, the second or third time that the Maine Central has been able to reach The Telegrapher, but we are going to do better in the future. New schedule in effect July 1. A few of the agents received slight increases. The new ar- rangement for Sunday work is a big improvement over last year’s arrangement. Agent Tripp, of Nicolin, is doing spare work on the main line. D. Foster, from Ellsworth Falls, is acting agent at B. K. Potter, of Passadumkeag, is holding down part of the wharf at Mt. Desert Ferry. Maloy is relieving Agent Hobbs, at Matta- wamkeag, for two weeks. Hobbs spent his two weeks’ vacation at Portland. Orono owl job closed. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1362 The Railroad Telegrapher. Robinson, owl, Danforth, made a trip to Vance- boro recently. Leach, owl at Kingman, reported for two weeks at Mattawamkeag. Bro. Percy H. Williams, night telegrapher at Pittsfield, is doing relief work this summer. He relieved Bro. H. G. Adams, agent at Cumberland Junction, for two weeks, while Bro. Adams was with the General Committee, revising our sched- ule. He then relieved Agent Files, at Brooks, for one week, and is at present at Bowdoinham, working for Agent E. Roundy, while he takes a vacation. Night Telegrapher Monahan, who has been working at Burnham Junction for several months, has completed his work there, and has left the employ of the Maine Central Railroad. Bro. C. S. Harris, agent at Etna, is entering upon his busy season in the express line. Etna is the banner station for shipping green peas to the Boston market, about ten thousand bushels having been shipped last year, and Bro. Harris expects fully as many this year. Mr. L. E. Christie is doing the night work at Etna. Understand that Mr. Christie is now one of the boys. F. A. Clark, who has been working at Farm- ington, and later relieving the night man at Brunswick, is at present acting as night teleg- rapher at Pittsfield. We have received notice that Unity station is up for bid. This is a good job for some one, as the express pays quite a good commission there. Geo. H. Wedge, formerly agent at Iceboro, is doing the night work at Burnham Junction. Bro. Crabtree is taking an extended vacation. Last heard from at Crandon, Wis. Bro. H. A. Prouty, agent at Wytopitlock, re- lieved for two weeks. Understand McKeene, So. Brewer, has resigned; also agent at So. Orrington. We are glad to see Crane, at Bucksport, wear- ing a button. A number of the boys want to take vacations, but find it impossible on account of the scarcity of telegraphers to fill places. An advance in price of this commodity would, however, solve the prob- lem and furnish a supply of good men. Div. Cor. C. & E. 1. Railway. Chicago Division — Our General Chairman, Bro. J. V. Phillips, who was a Representative to the convention at Minneapolis from Division 34, returned home about May 29, and • reports an enjoyable time. After returning home he made a trip over the road and did much good for the Order by getting sev- eral new members. He also secured the transfer of several members to our division. As the com- pany was short of men Bro. Phillips returned to work much sooner than he intended to in the first place, and did not get around to see all the boys. Keep after the nons. Brothers, and continue to send in items and let’s see if we can’t have a write-up every month. Chicago Division — Bro. W. Mangram, agent at Pittwood, has been transferred to Woodland. Bro. P. A. Hubble, agent at Woodland, has been transferred to Grant Park. Bro. Eckerty, of "WA” tower, nights, has re- signed and is going to the C., I. & S. Position filled by a non, who has been working extra at Goodwine as agent. Mr. Anderson, nights at S. Thune, has resigned, and is going on a tour over the country with an independent ball team, as pitcher. Bro. J. H. Toler, working days at Goodwine, block office. He is from the I. C. A meeting of Division No. 34 was held at Salem, 111., Sunday, July 14. The attendance was small on account of so many being unable to get away from their stations, but all who were there enjoyed themselves and had a good meeting. Div. Cor. Illinois Division — In the past two weeks we have had several changes on the north end of the Illinois Division. Bro. Kelley, from Sullivan, nights, to “OW" (Salem). Mr. W. F. Shaffer, “TY” tower, nights, to Sullivan, days. Bro. Carpenter, lately from the M. O. P., to “TY” tower, nights, carries the necessary. Bro. O. M. Walk, from “VE” tower, days, to Sullivan, days. Mr. W. F. Shaffer, Sullivan days, back to “TY” tower, nights. Bro. R. H. Downs, “VE” tower, nights, takes the day trick. Cut that student business out and get on the inside and help pay for what benefits you are getting in overtime and the raise you got some time ago. You will not only think more of your- selves, but you can honestly say that you are not living off of the hard work and money of others. After you have become members, and there is no doubt but that you will some time, you will say that you blame yourself for not going in sooner. If you wish to travel you are treated like a friend and Brother, and if you are in trouble you have friends to help and cheer you. Do your duty in all things and when we ask for that lit: le raise the officials can not say that we fell down and give our committee the worst end of it. Treat the company like you wish them to treat you, and then we will know where the fault lays if they refuse to give us our just dues. Cor. MAN WANTED. Oh, for a man who can copy an order. Who can stay awake nights and let the trains over. One who knows bow to handle the block. And can do the business without a balk; Who will do his part of the work each day. And will wait ’till the 16th to get his pay. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1363 Oh, for a man who is not a boomer, Who will not get drunk the first night or sooner, Who is not always broke and without decent clothes, And begging a hand-out wherever he goes. The Union’s all right, but he hasn’t the time To lend us a hand and drop in his dime; For winter is coming, he thinks it a sin, So ht picks up his bundle and starts South “agin.” Oh, for a man, not a cigarette fiend, With fingers turned brown from the nicotine; With barely energy to answer his call; He hasn’t the strength to hit the ball. With weakened body and thin, pale face, He is going fast to another place. Oh, for a man who is not a “stoodent,” Who says he can copy “18 words per minet;” You give him a message, he hollers “send stow.” You work half an hour, but can’t make it go, Then with capital letters you print off a line, He breaks, sends you back to D. C., all fine. The dispatcher then calls this man at “NJ,” And asks, in big letters, “Is extra nth cmlg;” He answers “OK” and thinks he is great. Soon you hear him “I. S. exa by as twelve eight.” If you should tell him to go light his block light He would look down the track and reply, “Not in site.” There are various freaks this “pam” will do, But I will cut out by naming these few. Oh, for a man who carries a card, If you run across him send him ’round to your pard. An up-to-date card means the same as “big stick.” If the card’s countersigned by Perham and Quick It’s proof that the owner’s a first-class man. We need him right here; send him around if you can. So boys if you want a job that is fine, Get one of ’em cards and drop me a line, For the only Op. that looks good to me Has a card in the Union, the O. R. T. Cert, to, Div. 34. Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Railway. Everybody seems to be wide-awake on the Straight Line, and patiently waiting for the sched- ule to take effect. It is very gratifying to see the interest the boys have taken, and I only hope the good work will continue. On account of there having been so many changes made we have to keep hustling to keep the new men in line, but I am glad to say several have landed with up-to-date cards. Bro. Younglove, who was recently Local Chair- man on the south end, advised he was unable to take care of things on that end on account of sickness, so we have put Bro. W. H. Stoltz, of Economy, in, and he is proving to be the right man in the right place. Want to ask the boys not to get discouraged because things are not as far along as they think they should be, as we have all kinds of delays and. considering circumstances, things are in good shape. Let every member watch out for the few and scattered nons along the line and try .to get the gaps closed. Do not expect the General and Local Chairman and your Secretary and Treasurer to do it all, as they have their hands full at present. What few nons are left have but little com- pany any more, and they certainly have begun to feci lonesome. Bro. Johnson, General Chairman at “SA,” is hustling for all that is in it. “13” Bro. Kamimsky has resigned and accepted a position as telegrapher in the general office at Chicago on the Wisconsin Central. I hope to see a write-up from the south end this month representing all the boys. It is somewhat out of my jurisdiction and I have cut out on account of not being posted on the moves down that way. Let some worthy Brother wake up down that way and keep busy each month. C. M. M. Central of Georgia Railway. Savannah Division Had a good, jolly crowd at our June meeting, which was held at Bartow, and all who attended did not regret their trip. While the crowd was small, it showed that a few are interested in the meetings. I ran upon one Brother, who was go- ing to a near-by town to spend the day, and asked him what was the reason he wasn’t going on to the meeting, and the answer was: “I forgot to get a pass.” Very poor excuse to offer, indeed. What is the use to send out notices of meetings if the members are so forgetful. Notices are mailed out so that you can make arrangements to get off. Recently I happened to hear a certain Brother engaging a telegrapher to relieve him the Sunday before our meeting, in order that he could go down and take a plunge in the surf at Tybee. I expect it would pay the Brother to take his bath in an old-fashioned foot-tub and shpw a little more interest in meetings. How do we expect to know what’s doing by going off on pleasure trips instead of taking some interest in our own wel- fare? Perhaps they think “Well, the other man will look out after that part. I needn’t worry about it.” If all the Brothers were of the same opinion, what do you think would be the result? Mr. Jerome Kennedy, who, for some time has been conducting the noted telegraph school at Milledgevillc, has decided there is more money in working on a scheduled road, and has come over to our line to reap the benefits secured by the Order. Bro. D. A. Warren, from A. C. L., to one mile- post, nights. Haven’t learned destination of Bro. Lemons. Bro. Parr relieved Bro. Armstrong at Dover, nights, who goes to Guyton as clerk and telegra- pher. Bro. Parr only at Dover until regular man is assigned. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1364 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Trapnell, Metter, off a few days this month attending court at Statesboro; relieved by Mr. Jerome Kennedy of Davisboro. Mr. G. B. Dawson, at Statesboro, days, reliev- ing Sister Horne, who, understand, is taking in several cities of interest, among which is New York, Philadelphia, Jamestown, etc. Bro. H. B. Meyers, back with us to stay, at his old hang-out, Dover, nights. He has moved his family this time. He relieved Bro. Parr, who goes to Wadley, nights, relieving a Mr. Herring- ton. Bro. J. H. Burke, of Midville, days, made a fly- ing trip to attend court at Stillmore during this month. Bro. C. G. Rogers assigned the Stillmore agency, relieving Bro. W. P. Dozier, who goes to the M., D. & S. at same place. Mr. O. W. Horne, agent at Statesboro, off on vacation; relieved by Miss Lillie Olliff and Mr. Haines. Bro. G. B. Shearhouse, Gordon, days, has done the right thing. Glad he has seen the importance of coming in at last. Looks like Mr. Fennell, at Millen, would also be generous and come across. He has made enough out of the increase since April to pay his dues in the Order for several years. Seems Southwestern, Chattanooga and Savan- nah Divisions are the only ones having news, as never hear from Cols and Macon Divisions. Looks like some of the good Brothers could let the sister divisions see if they are still on the map. Millen agency open for bids. Bro. Myers sent to Millen nights until regular man can be secured. Cert. 3. Mobile & Ohio Railway. To start the ball rolling I will send in a write- up for the St. Louis Division. This division, no doubt, has been represented in The Telegrapher lately, and some of its members will, no doubt, be surprised, if not all of them, when a few words from this line appear. We should appoint a division correspondent and have him, with our assistance, send in items each month, as no doubt all of us would enjoy reading them. Our first and present schedule went into effect April 1, 1907. It might not please all of us, but we can not always have things like we want them from the beginning. It won’t be long before we are working shorter hours, which means more rest and enjoyment. We are very nearly solid now, having only four or five nons. I think two of these will line up soon. If every member would induce some non to join it would not be long before we would be near 100 per cent. When an eligible non comes to your station, or if you hear of any near you, do not wait for the others to find it out, but get busy and see if you can not secure him. You will be doing the Order a good turn and will also put yourself in line for one of the prizes. You owls who work the midnight hour, don’t forget your overtime slips. Some of the boys along the line have been doing some sleeping. Better cut it out, we have a good set of dispatch- ers and we ought to try and do them a favor by keeping awake. They work under a great dis- advantage when the boys along the line lay down on them. On account of the scarcity of telegraph opera- tors two students have been pressed into the ser- vice lately. These men should be lined up when eligible. Bro. W. B. McMurtrie will take thirty days’ leave the 1st of August. Understand he will spend his vacation in Colorado. We all wish him a pleasant time. This is my first attempt at a write-up, and not securing any items I believe some of the older members can do better. H. B. L., V. & T. Railway. Perhaps the first letter from this important little road was sent in for publication last month. Let us see that we are represented in The Teleg- rapher every month, as no doubt the items are read with interest. Recent changes on this road have made the membership almost one hundred per cent solid, but as there are so few telegraphers employed a chartered system division is far in the misty future. Our more fortunate brothers on the S. P. L. A. & S. L. have launched a healthy division, and their future is bright. Nons are so scarce they all seem to be trucking freight or building tele- graph line. Construction work is being carried on rapidly west of Beatty and it is confidently expected that the road will be finished to Goldfield by Septem- ber 15th. M. C. Kidder, formerly with the Salt Lake route as telegrapher, has been appointed as express agent Rhyolite. Congratulations. H. G. Foster, of the telegraph department, is off on an extended vacation at the seashore. G. F. Knight, former agent at Rhyolite, has been recently appointed general agent for the Goi afield District, with headquarters at Goldfield. A. F. Dean, former cashier at Rhyolite, suc- ceeds Mr. Knight. J. F. Williams has been appointed cashier vice Mr. Dean. E. H. Shafer, telegrapher at Amargosa, is off on an extended trip to his former home in Wyom- ing. Mr. and Mrs. Shafer are well known and popular young people, and we hope to see them return. C. H. Smith, agent at Amargosa, has recently returned from a vacation in Salt Lake City. L. M. Miller, formerly on the Salt Lake route, is relieving H. G. Foster at “RY.” The dispatcher’s force at Las Vegas has recently been increased and W. N. Hickman, formerly wire chief at that point for the Salt Lake, has been appointed second trick dispatcher. W. N. H. is well known and a thorough railroad man. We extend the hand of welcome. There is only one non-member to be found on this road. Local Coa. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1365 Vandalia Railway. Middie Division — . There was no write-up in last month’s Teleg- rapher from the Middle or West Divisions, but it seems like the east end man can find plenty of news each month. I don’t think we have any regular correspondent over here, if so he is laying off during the hot months. Bro. J. L. Brown, Jewett days, has been spend- ing his vacation on the Michigan lakes. Telegrapher Clark has returned to Caiey. Bro. W. A. Smith, Vevy Park days, has been off on his vacation; returned this week. Bro. Watts resumed nights. Telegrapher Stansburry returned to headquarters. Bro. Eves McKeen, days, was at Terre Haute last week. Bro. Benson relieved him. Bro. W. P. Hiner, Schayer days, visited Indi- anapolis, returning Monday. We regret to lose Bro. H. C Whitener, extra agent and telegrapher. He has accepted a posi- tion as agent for the Frisco at Commerce, Mo. Our chief, Mr. Hillinin, made a few flying trips over the division this month. Seems to be in good spirits. How about the nons? Seems like it is still “next pay day” with them. Keep after them. We stand at a good per cent and let us keep it up to a high standard. I ”13” that a Brother1 on this division has for- gotten the obligation he took when joining our Order and is teaching students. We should look after this and either induce him to cease teaching or proceed in the matter as provided in the Con- stitution. Bro. Andersen, Farrington, days, is off for awhile. Bro. Fuller, from Liggett, days, is re- lieving him. ”13” Bro. Wilson, Smith boro, has been ap- pointed as Temporary Local Chairman on account of Bro. Armstrong leaving the service and re- signing. Telegrapher Clark, from Oak Leaf, has been called to Harmony to work nights for awhile. Bro. Booker, Montrose days, is off on vacation, Telegrapher Clark working nights. Have a talk with your agent and get him to come and help us, if he does not already hold a card. Cert. 105. East Sub-Division of St. Louis Division — The nons are getting harder to find every day. New interlock towers have been built at “SF,” Indianapolis: ”BD,” Ben Davis, and ”KV,” Knightsville, and we understand from good au- thority one is also to be built at “SV,” Seelyvillc, some time in the near future. All will have from thirty-two to forty-five levers, taking the places of the former block towers, and are expected to be in operation ’ere the snow flies. Boy*, get busy and help get out a good write- up each month from the east end by sending in your notes with reference to changes, etc., to the division correspondent. I am satisfied all of you like to see some news each month in The Teleg- rapher from this end of the Van, and it is pretty hard to keep track of the changes in from twenty- five to twenty-six day and night offices between Terre Haute and Indianapolis. Even if only five or six contribute it helps to get out a write- up that is of general interest to all. We are glad, indeed, to refer to the day man at “HN,” Harmony, as Bro. J. T. Colburn. Bro. Y. Alexander, of *‘WA," Watson, days, has been off for a short time; relieved by Bro. C. A. Wilson, the night man; Bro. Wilson being relieved by Extra Telegrapher Mr. F. I. S tan- berry, of Casey, who promises to become one of us as soon as he has worked the required length ot time. Bro. H. L. Hearn, of "KV,” Knightsville, nights, is spending thirty days with relatives in Illinois; relieved by Extra Telegrapher Mr. H. S. Miller. It is our understanding that Mr. Miller has his application in. Bro. D. R. Ransburg, of ”GA,” Eagles, days, is visiting at his home in Illinois, and will visit the Jamestown Exposition before returning to work. Bro. J. T. Hill, night man, relieved Bro. Ransburg; Bro. O. O. Scanlon doing the night stunt at Eagles. Bro. W. A. Vaughn, of “NE,” Greencastlc, days, laying off, being relieved by Mr. B. H. Byrd. Bro. Woodard, of “NE,” nights, off, relieved by Bro. F. A. Goodwin. Bro. C. N. Jones, of “KV,” Knightsvilc, days, was relieved for a few days by Bro. G. T. Beaver, of St. Elmo. Bro. Jones is spending a few days at Murphysboro, 111. Mr. A. Leachman, agent at *‘KN,” Knightsville, visited relatives at Greencastle the other Sun- day. Bro. Kelly, late of the Southern Pacific, has been visiting at Harmony and Knightsville. Relief Agent Mr. C. O. Morgan, of Jewett, has been working at "AM,” Amo, relieving Bro. C. C. Orrell. Wonder what’s wrong with the west end? We failed to see any write-up in the June Teleg- rapher from there, but the middle division was represented. Bro. G. Stevens, of “GN,” Greencastle, days, was off for a couple of days; relieved by Bro. O. O. Scanlon, of Terre Haute. Four more nons joined the ranks since last writ- ing. Keep the good work going, boys, and we will soon be solid. We sincerely hope that every Brother by this time has his semi-annual dues paid up and his assessments also until December 31, and the neces- sary pasteboard in his possession. A great deal of construction wrork is being done on this end of the Van. this summer. From six to eight work trains have been in service all the season double tracking, laying tracks for yards, etc. We notice a good many sending machines being tried by the boys along the line. Second Trick Dispatcher Craver is using one altogether on ac- count of his arm having given out. Mr. E. E. Pasley, of “KR,” Terre Haute, days, was off for a day or two; relieved by Bro. H. C. Digitized by Google

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1366 The Railroad Telegrapher. Barnes, the night man. Bro. Barnes was relieved by Bro. F. A. Goodwin. Bro. J. W. McCullogh bid in the night job at “HN,” Harmony, relieving Bro. I. S. Hixon, who goes to “MD," Almcda, nights. Bro. H. L. Sears is back shaking hands with old friends on the Vandalia. Bro. Sears now holds a good position with the Michigan Central. Bro. F. A. Goodwin, who left the Van some time ago to enter the service of the Ohio Oil Company, is back with us we are pleased to state. Bro. D. F. Wilson, of “BR,” Brazil, nights, off two or three nights on account of sickness; re- lieved by Bro. C. A. Wilson, of “WA,” Watson, nights. Extra Telegrapher Mr. B. H. Byrd, who has been doing the extra work at “NE,” Greencastle, has gone to the west end to work nights at “GV,” Greenville, 111. Mr. O. R. Ball, extra telegrapher, who relieved Mr. H. S. Miller at “KV,” Knightsville, nights, has returned to his home at Montrose. Mr. Ball has in his application. Cmt. 15a. Union Pacific Railway. Eastern District, Nebraska Division — Bro. A. B. Cady, agent Benton, off on a trip to the West; relieved by Bro. D. D. Lawton, from Valparaiso. Bro. C. A. Gardiner, agent Cortland, called to his home account sickness of his father. Bro. F. A. Roach, agent Brainard, just returned from leave of absence. Bro. J. E. McDaniel, agent Polk, Neb., has left the service to go in business at Polk. We wish Bro. McDaniel success. Bro. W. O. Clark is relieving agent F. H. Lenz, who is in the East attending the Jamestown Ex- position. Bro. W. O. Howland, of Central City, is taking an extended trip; it is reported he is on his honey- moon; details are lacking. The boys on the divis- ion join in extending the happy couple a long, prosperous and happy life. Bro. M. J. Walker, from C. & N. W. 76, new arrival at Duncan, is of the right material and welcomed by all the boys. Bro. W. Hainquest, new man at Valparaiso, hails from the Erie. Bro. J. A. Ownby relieving at Silver Creek in place of Bro. F. C. Shumaker, who is enjoying a leave of absence. Bro. Roy Dooley landed Valley nights on bul- letin. A very important change is about to be made in the position of general agent at Columbus. Bro. E. G. Brown, from Humphrey, has been appointed to the honored position in place of W. H. Benham, who has been promoted to traveling freight agent, with headquarters at Columbus. Bro. W. C. Henigan, of Columbus, is anxiously awaiting relief in order he may take his long planned trip to the East. Bro. J. D. Henderson is a new arrival at Columbus. Bro. J. L. Stuart acting as relief agent at Ames in place of Bro. F. C. Terry, who, we are sorry to report, is on the sick list. Bro. W. W. Ladd is the successful applicant to North Bend station. Bro. M. M. Kerr, agent Elkhorn, just returned from an extended trip in the West, and also took in the Fitzsimmons- Johnson fight, and says it lasted too quick to suit him. Cut. 155. Wyoming Division, Western District — Bro. T. F. Tighe has returned from his vacation. Bro. L. E. Klien, nights at Dana, has returned from his vacation in New York; reports a good time. Bros. Brakley and Klien, of Dana, were homeless a couple of days last week, their depot having burned .at that point. They are now happily lo- cated in one of those noted outfit cars. Bro. Chas. Hansen, we understand, has left his old berth at Walcott and gone with the new line out of that place, somewhere around Saratoga or Encampment. A new man on the road relieved him, Mr. Chism. Glad to note he has come up with the necessary, and we can prefix brother to his name ere this goes to print. Some new men along the line do not seem to want to transfer to our division. Some of t*-e excuses set forth are amusing and at the same time quite exasperating. We hope to have “something doing” some time in the near future in the nature of a raised wage scale and general betterment of conditions. Bro. Grimshaw wrote us a few days ago ad- vising us that he has left the telegraph service and is engaged in the real estate, loan and insur- ance business in Walla Walla, Washington. Suc- cess to him. Bro. Crandall Riner, days, transferred to Ne- braska Division near Ogallala; unable to learn exact location. Bro. Gilbert transferred Latham days to Roscoe days, he having been assigned that job on bulle- tin. Bro. S. F. Anderson, Crcston nights, from some Eastern road. Bro. Tipton, we are pleased to note, has re- turned from his vacation in old Missouri and accepted Latham days on bulletin. We have a non at Latham nights, Mr. E. H. Smith, a medical student from the Omaha Medical College; says he don’t care to join our ranks be- cause he is going back to school shortly. We note, however, that he did care to come out where we are well organized and reap the benefits of our organization instead of engaging with some Eastern road, whose schedule is not up to ours. We wish to thank Bro. S. A. Prentice for the way he came over with his foreign division card and transferred to Six. this is the right spirit to manifest. If some of the others, new men on the road but old O. R. T. men, holding cards in foreign divisions, would follow the brother’s lead it would greatly enhance our financial standing and save our local chairman a great many letters. Remember, brothers, the chairman’s job does not Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1367 pay a salary for his services, and anything that you can do to further our interests and lessen his work will be duly appreciated. Bro. F. C. Ablard was the lucky applicant for the agency at Superior, transfer being made July 22d. Retiring, agent called to Green River. Unable to learn his fate at present writing. Bro. Burch reports that Mr. Long, Tipton nights, and Mr. Snyder, Wamsutter, promise to come in this pay-day. New man at Bitter Creek, Mr. Duffy, having re- lived Bro. Ablard. Mr. Duffy is an old-time member of our fraternity, but owing to reverses is not up-to-date. We trust he will do the right thing pay-day. Bro. E. T. Taylor transferred Blairtown nights to Riner nights. Bro. Littlemiller, from the C. & E. I., relieving Bro. Taylor at Blairtown. The interlocking plant has been put in service at this point, and it takes a good man, physically as well as a good teleg- rapher, to operate the plant. That’s where Bro. Burkart*s 200 pounds stands him in good stead. Bro. Prentice transferred Riner nights to Green River nights. Sister Cummings, of Black Buttes, spending her vacation in Colorado. Bro. Crigler transferred Point of Rocks nights to Thayer Jet. nights. When the committee calls on you for a line-up of the duties exacted of you from the railroad company, please be prompt and explicit in answer- ing, as this information is what the committee places their demands for an increased salary and working conditions on. They represent the mem- bership in so far as we give them the necessary data to work on, so when this information is called for let us be prompt and explicit in answer- ing. Bro. Leahy was called to Minneapolis account the death of his brother of pneumonia. We all tender our sympathy to the brother in his late bereavement. Bro. Leahy was relieved by Mr. Cron, night telegrapher, who has since left the service. Bro. Crandall relieving Mr. Cron, who was in turn relieved by Bro. Allen, who has also left the telegraph service and has gone breaking on this district. Bro. Allen relieved by Bro. Prentice, who has since transferred to Green River; relieved by Bro. Taylor. We were advised recently that there was a branch office of the Janesville “ham factory” on the Sixth District. Although we are short of telegraphers we can not jeapordize our own posi- tions by manufacturing men to fill our places, and would suggest that the professor take the necessary steps with President Perham to legalize his actions. Would request that you all make a note of any news items and send them to Bro. Burch, Foster or Yantiss at any time during the month. This will insure at least a feeble write-up in next issue. Cebt. 410. Wyoming Division, Eastern District — Bro. Dearborn is back at North Platte “NO” office. Bro. R. C. Young resigned and is going East. New man there by name of Johnson; am unable to say where from. Rest of force same as last month. Birdwood was closed for a few weeks, but re- opened a few days ago, with Bro. F. L. Murphy days and Bro. M. J. Harrington nights. Bro. Harrington is from B. R. & P. in Pennsylvania. Bro. Murphy says he stands “first out” for the work train telegrapher when operation commences on North Platte Valley branch again, which will be very soon, and the reports are that the officials expect to have a mixed train running as far as Lewellyn within the next thirty days. Bro. Howard, days and Bro. Bane nights at Hershey. Bro. Hostetter, at Sutherland days. Bro. Stout transferred to Julesburg nights and Bro. Ellis, from Chicago, who has been working extra at Ogallala nights, comes to Sutherland nights, and Bro. J. Milton, from the Rock Island, goes to Ogallala nights. Bro. P. C. Spencer bid In agency at Paxton and was relieved at Ogallala days by Bro. J. B. Reynolds, from Big Springs nights. Bro. Roy Deffenbaugh, nights at Paxton, has resigned. We are sorry to see him go, as he has been a faithful employe and a good worker. Bro. E. E. Kitchen, days and Bro. F. Davis, from the Wabash, nights at Roscoc. Bro. R. D. Chamberlain, formerly nights at Ogallala, has resigned and we understand intends to go East. Bro. Seibert, days at Brule, and Bro. W. Z. Hall (instead of Hamm, as reported in error in July issue) nights, Bro. Holst having resigned and went back to Chicago. Bro. Pat Maloney, who worked at Roscoe days, resigned and went to Chicago. Bro. Gilley, from N. & W. in Virginia nights, at Big Springs. Bro. C. W. Simons, who has been days at Julesburg for some time, bid in agency at Chappel, and at the time of this writing is just going there to commence work. Bros. Stout and Burris and Mr. Kreinbing are doing the work at Jules- burg by doubling. Understand Bro. C. F. Wheeler, who has been working as agent at Chappel, will commence nights there and Mr. Gray, the persistent non, will go to Julesburg when Bro. Simons commences at Chappel days. Bro. Carey days and Bro. Halstead nights at Logge Pole. Bro. Black days at Colton and Bro. Best, a new-comer, nights. Understand Bro. G. D. Adams, at Sidney, is going to Cheyenne “N” office. Mr. Ridge, former agent Chappel, resigned to go into business for himself. Hope he will learn to run a “union shop,” as he never believed that way in his railroad career. Arrangements are being made to prepare a new schedule or revise our old one, and every member Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1368 The Railroad Telegrapher. should support it with all of his power, as now is the time to gain our point if we ever do. Make the poor old Pacific Express pay us for our work. They are practically the only company that does not pay commissions on prepaid received, and the night telegraphers who handle their cans of cream and are responsible for the safety of all kinds of valuables, should have some com- pensation for it. What do we receive? Nothing, absolutely nothing. We are not performing any duties of the railroad company; the officials o. the railroad deny that they have anything to do with the express company so far as paying for the work is concerned, so why do we do their work gratis? Because it has been the custom in the past and we are like the slave that does not realize that he could as well throw off the yoke as to serve as he does. What would the express company do if we refused to handle their shipments? They can not possibly get an “up-town” agent to meet these late trains and run the business on a paying basis, but they can pay us something, say three to five per cent, and then if we had to pay for a breakage, as we may at any time, wouldn’t you feel more like they were entitled to the damage? Few telegraphers, I dare say, ever give this a thought and go on doing all this work for nothing, not even thanks. We might as well be getting pay for it, as they can not do without us, and the railroad company will not back them up in refusing to pay us. Another thing, we are allowed only two passes a year while every signal main- tainer has an annual pass over the division, and they do not have any more use for it than you or I. We must either get something of the kind or cut out the limit to passes, as two passes a year is not enough. If you happen to live in a small town and most all these in this country are small, your wife will need to go to some larger place to do her shopping once in awhile, then you must dig up the coin and turn it loose to the company while they would be giving every stock shipper, newspaper man or anybody else all the passes they could use if only the law would allow it. Such work as this is driving telegraphers away from this road faster than the superintendent of telegraph can hire them, and will always be that way under such conditions. To ask for a schedule providing transportation whenever asked for would be a very slight favor to ask of the management, and would be a great favor to us. Cert. 616. Kansas Divison, Eastern District — Sister M. I. Nixon bid in “FY” office, Kansas City. Bro. C. C. Edgar, Muncie, was compelled to take his baby boy to Lawrence in order to be near a doctor. Bro. C. M. Owens, formerly of this division but now holding down a warm job on the K. C. S., relieved Bro. Edgar. Bro. C. A. Smith, Loring, was furnished an- other helper during the potato rush. Mr. Phillip Pearson, who worked at Linwood long enough to touch the office, was given eight months on the rock pile in Kansas City. During the trial the fact was brought out that he had skipped several board bills, been arrested for burglary and had been at one time confined in a lunatic asylum. If you will aig deep enough you will usually find a reason when a man is shy a card. Mr. McIntosh, agent Tonganoxie, resigned his position and will engage in business at Garnett, Kans. Mr. Wm. Dunaway and Mr. Lunger, Rossville and Emmett, are the two new brothers this month, and to Bros. Alexander and Davis belong the credit. If a few more would follow their example we would soon have those four who are still hang- ing back. Bro. H. W. Batchelor bid in managership at Manhattan. Bro. Leger extra nights. Bro. B. W. Doyle, who left us last month to try the Santa Fe, is home again, relieving Bro. Hughey at Junction City. Mr. H. M. Gemeny, day telegrapher Ft. Riley, bid in west end relief. Bro. Cornwell, Blue Rapids days, transferred from M. P. 31 to 6. Bro. C. R. Allen, of Burlington 130, who in company with his brother, has been spending his vacation in the Kansas wheat fields getting a thick coat of tan and two or three freckles, stopped off at Linwood to try his hand at picking “spuds.” Bro. Denison, of Detroit, one of the workers, furnishes the write-up from the west end this month. Several of the brothers remembered the Katy in routing their spuds. Fine business, boys; al- ways remember your friends. Only four telegraphers and two exclusive agents left on the outside: McKee, Hooven, Folsomc and Morrel. Everybody pull now; let's get solid. “HO.” Kansas Division, Western District — R. H. Tilton; Wilson, now holds an up-to-date card. G. W. Husted bid in the agency at Nmtoma; understand Mr. Husted has been furnished the necessary blanks and will soon be one of us. Bro. Price has returned to his regular position as night telegrapher Chapman. Bro. S. H. Paul, from “Ft" office, Kansas City, has been checked in as agent Abilene. Glad to see good O. R. T. men file in these responsible positions. Bro. G. C. Gregory and wife are at present taking a vacation. Understand they are going to Chicago and from there East; expect to be gone several weeks. Telegrapher Red ford, of Lindsborg, has re- turned from a month’s vacation. He has been visiting his folks back in old Missouri. Bro. W. V. Neighbors has been assigned the position of night telegrapher and clerk at Salina. Bro. Neighbors has been off last couple months account sickness, his last regular position being agent at Natoma. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1369 Mr. Arnold, from nights Chapman to days Plainville. Being m new man on this district, I was unable to dig up much news. It looks bad to see this district without m write-up every month. Why should we not have it? We must have it, we will have it. It is very hard for one person to get the news from all over the district, and in order for us to have an intelligent write-up we must have assistance. Anyone on this district can furnish at least one or two items; if no more than this, why let's have them and be represented every month. Boys, let us all push the work of organization along. This is the only way in which we will ever gain anything. We are gain- ing ground every day, and now is the time to help ourselves. It is only a short time until we will be reaping the benefit of our National Nine-hour Law, in which thousands of our brothers will be benefited by this decrease in the working hours. I hear some of the boys say that the company will cut our salaries when this law goes into effect. This is the wrong idea to get into your pate, brother. We will not stand for anything like that. I for one, and I feel sure there are ninety-nine per cent of the boys all over the land who would be ready to walk out just at the first hint of any- thing of this nature. On the Eastern District there are four non- telegraphers and two agents. On this district there are too many. Look to your neighbor or may be it’s your working partner. Is he up-to-date? Find out who they are and what’s the matter. Try a little individual effort on your part. Waste a postage stamp, if necessary; it will come back to you a thousand fold. Get in the game with both feet and let’s get solid. “Q.” Santa Fe Railway. This heading may startle some readers, but there is no cause for alarm. They can not “fire” us all at one time for writing this letter. The situation on the Santa Fe should be of interest to all. East and West, members or nons. Here is a road that has waged an incessant battle against the O. R. T. for years, even dismissing their most valued and expert employes in the telegraph department to keep the road stocked with non-members. It is a useless battle, well known to most of us, as the majority of the teleg- raphers west of Kansas belong to the O. R. T. To those in the East, who do not know what desperate methods this road used to secure men, they have but to read any big eastern newspapers and they will find an ad. for telegraphers, saying there is no labor trouble, free passes given, regular positions, etc. If they are acceptable they will be passed from almost any point in the United States to Needles, Cal., or west of there, and used to displace some O. R. T. man. As 9 out of 10 men hired are already O. R. T. men, it is only a question of thirty days til) a new-comer displaces him, too, and so the ball keeps rolling. I met a man this morning who was dismissed without reason, and refused a pass even out of the town in California, where he had been working. Now, men, before coming West to get those good jobs advertised, stop and consider whether $8o on the desert in a batching job is any better than you can get right at home. Eastern roads pay well now, and many Western telegraphers are leaving for east of the Mississippi, where one can get something to eat besides canned goods. If you belong to the O. R. T. or have ever belonged to it, your job on the Santa Fe is not worth coming after. 66. Baltimore & Ohio Railway. River District — Pittsburg Division — Our July meeting in Pittsburg was quite a dis- appointing affair, owing to the fact that neither our General or Local Chairman (both of whom were in the city during the day), could be present. General Chairman, Bro. Van Atta had an import- ant engagement in Youngstown, while unexpected developments on the “Pike” made it necessary for Chairman Bro. Will Carr to return to West Alex- ander without delay. Acting Chairman Bro. O. B. Handy, from Wheeling Junction, opened the meeting with apol- ogies for the non appearance of the regular Chair- man. With the postponement of all business for August meeting, the boys proceeded to make the most of the situation, and while much disappoint- ment was expressed because of Chairman Carr’s absence, it seems that the meeting was, socially, a “howling” success after all. Brothers present as follows: I. F. Zimmerman, From Layton tower. Chas. Faupel, from Layton. W. C. Safford, from Ellrod tower. E. M. Brown, from Versailles. Chas. Paul, relief, from Versailles. C. A. Capehart, from Dennison. O. B. Handy. G. D. O’Connor, and S. C. Downin, from Wheeling Junction. Eugene Murray, from Hazelwood. W\ H. Carruthcrs, from Rand. J. T. Williams, from Downieville. E. E. Evans, copier, from “GX" Pgh. We regret very much, especially account of those who came so far, the disappointment occa- sioned by inevitable happenings. Quite a number of nons on the “River” yet, though mostly new comers. Of the regular men, our percentage is good. Several additions prom- ised for the coming month. Conditions have at last reached a stage where the non has practically no excuse. Bro. Johnny Burrows, of Marion Junction, spending a well-deserved vacation in the far West, relieved by Bro. W. G. Fitzgibbons, of Hazelwood. Bro. R. F. Shugert, from N. & W., at Hazel- wood nights. Bro. J. Yeager, Jr., of Wheeling Junction, work- ing second trick, Laughlin Junction, temporarily. Relieved by Bro. G. D. O’Connor, extra, from dis- patcher’s office, Parkersburg, Digitized by L^OOQle

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1370 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Jas. McDonald, of Wheeling Junction, off few days, visiting relatives in Dawson, Pa., re- lieved by Bro. S. C. Downin, extra. Bro. G. W. Dickenson, of Wheeling Junction, off few nights, account death of his father. Bro, Dickenson has our sympathy in this sad bereave- ment. Mr. Darling filling his place nights. Bro. E. E. Evans, of Bruceton, promoted to dispatcher’s copier, Pgh. Dernier, days, made vacant by Bro. Wm. Tomp- kins leaving the service, bid in by Bro. B. Wil- lings, from Hickman Run. Good men, it will be noticed, keep moving right along up, in turn, to the best places. Bro. S. S. McCullough, from C. & O., assigned to Robbins, days. Miss Grace Reilly, of Banning, days, is one of the true blue. She should come out to the meet- ings. Bro. and Mrs. Harry W. Mason have returned from their extended wedding trip, and the old familiar “MN” may again be heard from “DS,” Pittsburg relay office. The Brothers all join in hearty congratulations. Remember the meeting, third Saturday night each month, Hotel Wilson, No. 10 Smithfield Street, Pittsburg. Jack Lee. Newark Diinsion — Yielding to a general clamor for the represen- tation of the Newark division in The Telegrapher, I have essayed the role of scribe, pro tern. There is no dearth of fraternal news in this region, where the non flourisheth not, and the zeal of the prose- lytist is not abated, but my facilities for news- gathering are not as complete as are those of the Associated Press, or the average village sewing circle, and you will, therefore, pardon me, Brothers and Sisters, if I omit any important items con- cerning you or your friends. L. E. White, agent and telegrapher at Sundale, is enjoying a vacation among friends in Minne- sota. E. F. McCullough, who has rendered several years of faithful and efficient service to the B. & O., has accepted an eight-hour position with the Pennsy. J. W. McConnell, a former B. & O. relief teleg- rapher, is now located at Carnegie, in an eight- hour position. L. A. Bowman, has re-entered the service of the B. & O. after an absence of six years. He is at present employed as relief agent and telegrapher at Sundale. Our new division operator, Mr. Kimball, evinces unusual but commendable interest in the personal affairs of his subordinates. When a telegrapher requests relief on account of sickness, he gets re- lief promptly — and a visit from his chief. C. J. Feik has returned from the Santa Fe and resumed duty at Lore City. He was absent on a furlough. He prefers the Buckeye State to the wild and woolly West. Miss Ellen Becker, whose health required a change of vocation, obtained a furlongh, and em- barked in mercantile pursuits a few months ago, but she has disposed of her business interests, and resumed her duties as agent and telegrapher at Lowell. W. F. Crawmer, our genial lineman and loyal Brother, has obtained a furlough, and entered the service of an electric light plant at Newark, Ohio. As he has removed his family and household ef- fects from Cambridge, we presume we shall never again enjoy an opportunity to fill his tool-bag with coupling pins and ballast. Symptoms of an early uprising among the Cam- bridge braves are manifest. The “big four** are solemnly deliberating over the offer of eight-hour jobs and better salaries by the Pensy, and unless the B. & O. soon becomes infected with the eight- hour microbe, our force in general will likely be reduced to hams and has-beens. A. G. Youst, the well-known and popular “peli- can” of Kickapoo Lake, has returned from Cali- fornia, whither he went a few months ago, on ac- count of ill-health. He is much improved in health, and has resumed his duties at Glover Gap, W. Va. Brother Youst was formerly a member of the gen- eral committee, and he has a host of friends who will rejoice to know that he is again in business at the old stand. George Colvin, after an absence of twelve years from the B. & O. fold, has returned to the key, and is studying the intricacies of the block system at Sundale. Mr. J. P. Decker, regular night telegrapher at Sundale. has deserted the key. and is now wielding the punch as a train auditor on the Wheeling di- vision. O. M. Varner, of Coal Dale, and Earl Starret, of “BZ.” Zanesville, are exulting over the four days’ relief which they both received last month. J. H. Galligher, of “QN,” Zanesville, is enjoy- ing a well-earned vacation, while relief telegrapher C. E. Schultz is working the eight-hour trick in his place. “Dad” Rimer is back with us once more after one of his periodical trips “down East.” Wm. Linton and wife, of Salesville, spent the Fourth at Cambridge with relatives. S. H. Haight, dispatcher on East End, has re- sumed duty after spending his vacation in Penna. R. R. Perry, night owl at Mineral Siding, is on the sick list. Mr. Glidden, from Bailey’s Mill, is working nights at Mineral Siding, during absence of Bro. Perry. Each telegrapher is requested to become “re- porter,” and send news to the correspondent, so that we can have the Newark division represented in the journal every month. Cert. 248. Cl ex' eland Division — Not that I feel myself well qualified for this position, but because I do not want to see the mat- ter lapse into nothing, I send the journal another communication, with the kind assistance of Bro. Blank and Bro. Darland, who, it seems, are the only Brothers who realize that news cannot be gathered and compiled by one man for the whole Cleveland division. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1371 Each Brother should arrange in the future to send Bro. G. H. McCoy, Local Chairman, 92 Wooster ^Street, Massillon, Ohio, items of interest for our write-up before the 20th of each month. No matter if it is only one little item, think how much that would amount to if each would take an interest in this matter and follow it up, or even if a dozen or so would do this each time what a help it would be. Not many attended the meeting at Massillon, Friday night, the iQth. The weather was not very favorable for one thing, and train No. 15 on the C. L. & W. was late, account of some trouble on the line. We were looking for quite a delegation from that end of the line, which would probably have been the case had it not been for the circum- stances at that time. Watch for the next meeting, and be on hand, and we will make up for this. We were glad to see the face of Bro. Harris, Sandyville, at the meeting. Bro. Blank was unable to attend, account of being on duty until the arrival of No. 15. We should have a large attendance at our next meeting, as there will be matters of very great importance to be discussed. Do not fail to be on hand when you get your notice. You cannot expect to better your condition without making some effort. You ought to be will- ing to make a big effort when it is to benefit your- selves. Look into this matter deeper than you have been in the habit of doing. Do not think that it is only the matter of going to Massillon, and that you might get wet or be very tired before you get home. Do it for the cause — for yourselves and the O. R. T. in general. We will look for you there next time. Telegrapher Schott, from East Akron, is work- ing nights at “CS,” Cleveland. Telegrapher Jackson working days on through wire, Cleveland. Henry Brown, student at East Akron, now hold- ing down place left vacant by Schott. Bro. Darland working C. L. & W. local wire at Geveland office. B«- \ Blythe copying on C. L. & W., East End. Relieved at Cleveland by Bro. Darland, having held No. 51 side wire for two years. Well de- serves the promotion. Bro. Booker working second trick dispatching on the Valley side. Bro. Blythe taking his place on C. L. We find a new man at Lorain nights. Under- stand that he carries a card, but unable to give his name. Bro. Reed Lucas, clerk to night chief, promoted to night copier East End, C. L. & W. Bro. Shafer, “ND” tower, days, relieving him for a few days. Shafer says he did not like the clerk’s work, and now you will find him back at “ND” tower. Telegrapher Hill taking Mr. Bigelow’s place, while Bigelow, car distributor is off on vacation. Understand he goes to Newburg as soon as Bige- low comes back. Bro. McCoy bid in Bridge 80 days. Solid O. R. T. is the yell from now on. No card, no favors. Therefore, if you are not an O, R. T. man, do not go asking favors until you get a card, then “GA.” Bro. Chas. Richards, formerly first trick dis- patcher, Valley side, promoted to relief dispatcher, new office ju9t created. Bro. Griffiths promoted from second trick to first, and Bro. Booker to ad trick. Bro. Tritsch still holding down third trick. Bro. Griffith been off the road for number of years. Understand he was proprietor of a grocery store in Akron, but could not leave the railroad alone, coming back to a better position than when he left us. At the time of his resignation prior to going into busi- ness for himself, he was third trick dispatcher here, coming back to second, and now is first, and is well able to “hold 'er down.” Telegrapher Luke took a few days’ vacation. Night Chief, “CS,” Geveland, took a few days* vacation, being relieved by Bro. Shafer. Relief dispatcher Bro. Richards working third trick West End C. L. & W. Telegrapher Ellett now holding down agency at Brecksville. Bro. Boyer, Krumroy, sick, and Telegrapher Lampe, clerk from Aultman, taking his place for the present. Bro. Lengs, North Industry, off on vacation for few weeks. Taking in the Jamestown Exposition and other Eastern places of interest. N. Baul, clerk from Mineral City, taking his place. Bro. Davis resigned here, account of being troubled with catarrh to such an extent that his hearing was affected, making it difficult to hear the instruments. He has not decided definitely what he will take up, but we hope he will not be out of the profession very long. This makes Bro. McCoy a better position than where he was located (Columbus), at it is nearer to his home. Bro. Landis, from nights at Columbia, days, and Bro. Baumgardner, from Bridge 80 nights, to Columbia nights. J. D. Lee, new man on the line, takes “KN** tower nights. Bro. Goodrich is one of the very few fortunate to get relief. He was off 15 days doing Chicago, and visiting relatives. We understand that Mr. Heaton, our division operator, has several extra men at the present time, and can let the boys off for summer vacation. We hope this is not a dream. Bro. E. Rastus Ott, former clerk and teleg- rapher, freight and ticket office, Massillon, left the service, accepting a clerical position with the Rep. Iron and Steel Co., that city. We are sorry to see him leave us, but congratulate him on the good position he succeeded in getting. Bro. J. W. Powell, from the A. C. L. Ry., re- lieves Bro. Ott. Bro. Hilyer, Freeport, nights, taking short vaca- tion. Being relieved by Bro. Betton. Bro. Bet- ton goes to Beach City nights regular as soon as Bro. Hilyer resumes duty. Bro. Marlow, Aultman, on the sick list. Un- able to do duty account of straining his back. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1372 The Railroad Telegrapher. His son, Harry, holding down the job in the meantime. Mr. Mong is now holding down the Canton ,Yard office, left vacant by Bro. Darland’s promo- tion to "CS” (Cleveland) office. How many studied the circular issued by Bro. Perham short time ago? Hope that you did not neglect to answer the questions thereon. This is an important matter, and should be attended to. Do not simply glance at it and put it to one side and never think of it again. Let it soak in to a proper depth. Study up your pass words and other credentials of the Order, so that you may be able to respond to a challenge from any Brother you chance to meet. It is surprising how many are slack on this score. Do not forget to send your journal to some non along the line as soon as you are through with it, marking the impressive points with a blue pencil. Bro. George, Freeport, days, has just returned from a trip to Jamestown, Baltimore and Wash- ington, and reports a fine time visiting the Expo- sition, the B. & O. general offices at Baltimore, and various places of interest at our capital. Bro. Battin relieved Bro. George during his ab- sence. Bro. Harris, Sandyville, spent the Fourth at Tippecanoe. Bao. Si. Newcastle Division — The eight-hour position advertised in June bul- letin were canceled in July. It seems there was a slip in the machinery that runs the railroad. We surely need eight-hour positions, and that before long, or we are going to lose some of our best men. Many of them have set August ist as their time of leaving unless there are prospects of im- provement along the line of shorter hours. The Penna. Co. is paying more money for eight hours than the B. & O. for twelve, and it is not a very long jump to the Penna. We are glad to learn that the dispatchers on the system are gradually coming into the fold. We hope to call the dispatchers at Newcastle Brothers in the near future. Show the company that it is not necessary for the dispatchers to hold a big stick over the teleg- raphers, but that a little fraternal courtesy will do much more good, but do not get the impression that because the dispatchers are members of the same Order that you are that you can impose on them: they are there to do their work, and we must help them. There was a joint meeting of Erie, L. S. & M. S., P. & L. E., and B. & O. system divisions in Finn’s Hall, Youngstown, evening of July 20th, with a good attendance from all roads but the B. & O. Members living in Youngstown and vicinity failed to attend, Bros. Strohm, Davis and Shriver being the only ones there from near Youngstown. Bro. Hunter came up from West Pittsburg, and Bro. Lanning from Pittsburg division. It being an open meeting, Mr. Atkinson, from P. Y. & A. attended. The object of the meeting was to devise plans for obtaining the eight-hour day and increased wages, which we need so much. All General Chair- men from above roads were present, and the sub- ject was ably discussed, but if you wish -to know what was decided upon, come to meetings and find out; you cannot expect a General Committee to get these sugar plums for you unless you lend them your support, and the best place to tell what you want is at the meeting. There will likely be a joint meeting called in Akron in the near future, and we hope to see a better showing from the B. & O. Of course it was impossible for the teleg- raphers west of Akron to attend the Youngstown meeting. These Brothers have been very faithful in attending meetings, and this criticism does not apply to them. Bro. Browning, of Middlefield, is asking for a few sets of application papers. Hope he has big game treed. Bro. B. appreciates not having to work Sundays since the office has been opened at Summit. Miss Vera Hammon is now doing most of the wire work at West Farmington, days. Understand Mr. Cassell is working days at State Road, while Bro. Clewell is taking a lay-off. It is reported that Bro. Childs, at Warren, is to have an addition to his depot, which is badly needed. Bro. Frank Lawrence, from dispatcher’s office, Newcastle, is taking a fifteen days’ vacation, visit- ing his mother at Burton. Also expects to visit Chicago, Cedar Point, and other places of interest before returning to duty. Bro. Robinson, N. C. June., is taking a three weeks’ lay-off fishing in. Canada, which accounts for his absence from meeting the 20th. Bro. Mike Ryan has left the service to work for the Standard Oil Co. Mr. Post, formerly agent at Newton Falls, now doing the billing at Warren, Bro. Smith going from Lowellville to Newton Falls. Relief agent Mr. Young at Lowellville. Block relief telegrapher Bro. McFall having left the service, Mr. McCarty, from “FS” tower, is doing relief work at present. We hope to see every member up-to-date the coming pay day. It costs no more one time than another. You should not risk the chance of being suspended in the M. B. D. for non-payment of as- sessments. You must be up-to-date with both dues and assessments to make your insurance good. We will have to skip the division west of Akron, as no items have been furnished this month. Send your items to the Local Chairman, who will see that the correspondent gets them. Uncle Tom. All Members O. R. T., Wheeling Division — I wish to thank the Brothers of Wheeling Di- vision through the columns of our journal for their loyal support and assistance in upbuild- ing the membership of Wheeling Division during my term of office. While I feel that I was not able to do much for you while acting as your Local Chairman, yet I appreciate the confidence placed in me, and trust you do not consider it wholly misplaced. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1373 And as 1 lay aside the robe of office, and as- sume the garb of a lay member, I do so feeling that I have done my best to conduct a fair and impartial administration, and have served the members of Wheeling Division to the best of my ability. We have during the past year made great strides towards the ioo per cent mark, yet there is much for us to do, and I trust that willing bands to do will not be found wanting. Let each individual member put his shoulder to the wheel, and assist our worthy Local Chairman to push Wheeling Division to the front. Get after each non-member, talk to him in a brotherly way, strive to show him the error of his way, and endeavor to persuade him to cast his lot with us in our fight for right and justice against wrong and oppression. Advise your L. C. of any new arrivals, be they friend or foe, and when possible attend the division meet- ings, thereby encouraging our L. C. in his efforts in our behalf. Again thanking you for your loyal support, and wishing you great success, and trusting that you will give to my successor the same loyal support that was tendered me, I remain. Yours fraternally, Chas. E. Miller, Ex. L. C. All Members O. R. T., Wheeling Division — Having been elected to the position of Local Chairman for the Wheeling Division, to fill the unexpired term of Bro. Miller, resigned, I take this method of thanking you for the confidence reposed in me by electing me to this position. My supply of lemons were exhausted when I retired from this office over a year ago, account ill-health, and hope that the lemon tree has been killed out by the onslaught of O. R. T. bugs, dur- ing the past year, and that nothing but the choic- est of fruit will be produced from our fields in the future. With your co-operation, I hope to make Wheeling Division the banner division on the sys- tem. Don’t fail to give me the tip when a non shows up, or when a Brother from another division comes along; be sure to give me his name and address, same as you would a non. By doing this we can keep posted, and work to a much better advantage. Again thanking you, and soliciting your further co-operation, I am. Yours fraternally, A. G. You st, L. C. Chicago Division — East End. Regular meeting held in Rcdmen’s Hall, De- fiance. Ohio, Friday evening, July 19th, attendance very small, account of some of the boys not get- ting there in time, also account rain preventing the boys from the west driving in. The Brothers should order their passes early, say about a week before meeting night. Bro. Weaver (Peggy), of Cromwell, Ind., is taking a much-needed rest, being relieved by Bro. Durk. Bro. W. TD. Walters, formerly a trick man for the Nickel Plate, at Fort Wayne, is copying extra days at Garrett dispatcher’s office, and Bro. C. J. Coughlin copying nights. Dispatchers B. E. Shultz and J. Ansbro are tak- ing their annual vacations, Mr. Shultz going to Denver, Colorado Springs, and several other West- ern points, Mr. Ansbro going to St. Paul. Mr. J. L. Gandt is working nights at Chicago Junction with Bro. R. A. Mason. Bro. C. S. Shoultz is doing the day stunt at North Baltimore during the absence of Bro. Minard, who is enjoying his honeymoon. Bro. Shuman, at Holgate, is off duty, account of being sick. Relieved by Bro. Magill, regular night man, Magill being relieved by Bro. P. M. Geer. Telegrapher Alwine working nights at Deshler. Understand he has promised several of the boys to get in line, but nothing doing yet. He has no good reasons to offer for not joining, and we would like to see him make a move soon. Bro. Stafford, at Galatea, off account of being sick. Relieved by Bro. Spencer. Unable to say who is working nights. Dispatcher G. P. Chew, first trick East End. took unto himself a wife during his vacation. Congratulations. Bro. J. J. Fleck, who has been working third trick for the C. N. Ry., at Van Wert, Ohio, for the past eight months, has again returned to the B. & O. He is working nights at Chicago "GS” office. There have been several changes made on the division in the past month, which we are unahle to give correct account of, therefore will omit them at this writing. We would like to have the boys send your humble correspondent all the notes of this character, and anything else of importance, and not rely upon him to find out everything that is going on. There have been several births and marriages, which we would be glad to make note of in the columns of the journal, if they will only be reported so we can get them. If the boys will assist in sending notes to the correspondent, there will be no reason why this division can not have a nice little write up each month. Cert. 88a. C onnclhville Division — Bro. “Jack” Kuhn made a flying trip to James- town for a few days' recreation. Bro. and Mrs. Ellis, Garrett, days, visiting at the former’s parents for two weeks. Bro. Baxter, of Division 33, relieving. Bro. Eiholtz, Smithfield, nights, spent a month “down on the farm” with his parents, near Bed- ford, Pa. Mrs. Eiholtz accompanied him. Bro. Underwood, Green Junction, nights, just returned from two weeks’ visit to his relatives in Ohio. Bro. Enold is no longer heard at Mt. Braddock. “Wabash” said it was too fast to be confined to the “Sheepskin Division,” and he is now very con- tentedly settled at Greene Junction, days. A knight of the dark lamp and jimmy is not credited with much business ability or judgment when he tackles a telegrapher’s domicile for plun- Digitized by Google

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1374 The Railroad Telegrapher. der purposes, but the one who paid Bro. Gates, of Somerset, a midnight call, didn’t fare so badly — $54 in cash and a diamond ring was what be reaped. A Brother recently remarked to the writer that he was unable to understand why the Lodge treas- ury should be short. When it is shown that this particular Brother has paid exactly 25 cents into the treasurer’s hands in the past seven or eight months, and that this is just 25 cents more than a great number of Brothers have contributed in the past year, it is not so difficult to see why the treasury is somewhat depleted. Bro. Charles Show, agent’s office Confluence, off for couple weeks’ vacation. Bro. Cunningham, Confluence tower nights, relieving. Bro. Prince, Brook days, off account sickness. Bro. Dion, from Division No. 64, relieving him. Bro. Nabors, formerly of Mt. Braddock, nights, is now a member of a prosperous house painting firm, with headquarters at Uniontown, Pa. Bro. Burns, formerly with the Western Mary- land, is a new face located at Mt. Braddock, days, temporarily. An error was made in last month’s write-up in calling Mr. Shcrrick a Brother. This gentleman is and has been for the past four months working a side wire position in “DC,” Connellsville, which was increased in salary to the extent of $7.50 by our last agreement, but as yet he has been unable to get enough of this increase together to secure a card. We are certainly pleased to see and hear Bro. C. M. Stone back at Everson once more. Div. Cor. Philadelphia Division — Another month has gone and still no meetings on the Philadelphia or Baltimore Divisions of the B. & O., and none reported in June Telegrapher from Maryland or West Virginia, and according to Cert. 806, meetings on the C. & N. division are an unheard of thing. The question now is, how long will this last. Last April it was decided by the telegraphers of Maryland that their Legislative Committee should be continued. It was this committee (then com- posed of but two Brothers, Sullivan and Dr. Le Bastian), that had such strenuous times in the last three years trying to get an eight-hour law passed in Maryland. They overcame opposition on all sides, from within and without, and finally suc- ceeded. They have been the target for all sorts of attacks ever since, but they have come out of it all with clean records, and a law beneficial to the telegraphers of Maryland, and starting from this, eight-hour laws have spread all over this country, and even a National law (the nine-hour law), passed by Congress. As time goes on, and it becomes more generally known what this first legislative committee had to contend with, and the extreme hard work they had to do, being threatened in different ways, all sorts of traps being laid for them to walk into, and accused of things calculated to injure their char- acter by friends of the railroads, the telegraphers everywhere will hasten to honor them more and more. But it must first become known what they actually did, and the opposition overcome, and the history of it will reveal it all. The telegraphers of Maryland decided to have this committee reap- pointed. So by the time this appears in print, it is likely this committee will be a reality, as a meet- ing is called for this purpose in Balto, July 30, 1907. In addition to this committee it will try an ex- periment, and that is to have an attorney to the board. Bro. Hartman has been nominated for this position, and a more able Brother could not be found in this part of the country. It is hoped that a similar committee will be formed in each State in this country, and they will look out for all bills beneficial to telegraphers in their respective States. Don’t put too much dependence in National laws. They are all right, of course, but it is far easier for the railroads to knock out one law than to knock out this same law in 45 States. We must have an eight-hour law on the statute books of every State, and also laws regulating relief days. This should be started at once. It is wonderful to see the agitation among the telegraphers of the country over this eight-hour law, and it shows they have made up their minds at last that eight hours is a day’s work. There seems to be a scarcity of telegraphers al- most everywhere, but that saying should now be changed to “The low wages for telegraphers is driving them to other callings.” Cert. 421. C. & N. Division — I must congratulate Cert. 806 on his effort in the July Telegrapher, and would like for him to come again. I certainly like to see these write-ups from our own division, as it makes one feel he has a Brother at his elbow who means business. I heart- ily coincide with our Brother in his suggestion as to having meetings. It certainly is a shame we do not have them more frequently. In the way of a suggestion, bow would it suit if it could be ar- ranged for us to have a meeting every month at some intermediate point on each of the Ohio di- visions, and our Asst. Local Chairman preside, and extend a cordial invitation to all of the mem- bers to attend. We certainly could get personally acquainted. That in itself might be worth the while of our trying it once anyway. Then, say every three months, hold a general meeting at Newark, and every Brother from the various divisions attend. This is merely a suggestion. Let’s see how the balance of the Brothers feel about this. You may say to yourself, “I can’t write.” Now, Brother, I cannot, either, but am willing to make the effort. Is there not another willing to do as much? There certainly must be. We have plenty of talent on this division, if you would but only exercise it. Now, what is being done towards organization of the non-members here? Are you Brothers all lay- ing back waiting on the other fellow to do this im- portant work? If you are, shame on you. It looks to me like this, “Many can help one, where one cannot help many." Would you be so un- kind and so unbrotherly to impose all of this work Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1375 on our Assistant Local Chairman? I for one say No! Most emphatically, Not Now, how many of you are with me to make the C. & N. Division the banner division of 33? Arouse yourselves, and say it must be done, and I for one am going to do my best to assist our Brother Assistant Local Chairman to bring these results about. They say “Nothing succeeds like success.” Now, Brothers, put your shoulder to the wheel, and let's make a success of it. I have no doubt this can be done if all do their duty. Let us have a word from every Brother along this line of thought It might be the ideas I have advanced could be carried out, if it’s demonstrated that it would be practicable. Advise your Assistant Local Chairman, and get his views on this subject, and let us have a clear understanding in this matter. I wonder if all of you have the new password and card, showing you are in good standing to January 1, 1908. If not, get in line at once Do not allow your policy to lapse. There is too much at stake for that. Cert. 813. Monongahela Division — Several changes have been made in the past few weeks. A new division operator, Mr. M. F. Greene, has taken Mr. P. Judge's place, and Mr. Judge is the new chief train dispatcher. Mr. Greene is an old-time telegrapher, having run trains in Grafton for a good many years. We wish them success. A good many new arrivals on this end of the division in the last month or so. Am unable to furnish names, but hear they are all up-to-date. Mr. M. E. Price and wife are going to start to Jamestown about the 16th for a vacation. Wish them a pleasant journey. Mr. Atkins, working days at Glen Falls. Don’t know whether he is up-to-date or not, but expect to call on him and find out Bro. McDowell working nights, Chieftain, re- lieving Bro. Whitman, who resigned to accept a position with the C. & O. R. R. Bro. R. V. Smith, working Jayenn, days, reliev- ing Bro. Bettis. Mr. Hammond working nights at Jayenn, reliev- ing Bro. Farlow, who has gone home to visit his mother. He is accompanied by his Bro. Harry, who has been working at Hacker’s Junction. Mr. Arnett has resumed duty at Monon- gah. after a short vacation. Learn he went to Point Marion, Pa., on a fishing trip in his motor boat. Mr. Law is working nights at Gypsy, relieving Bro. Waters, who has resigned. We don’t know where Mike went, or what he is doing, but wish him success. Bro. M. E. Price is holding down Fairmont Passenger Station at present. Bro. Price was formerly from the Balto. Division. Bro. Fuqua, train dispatcher, Fairmont, expects to take his vacation about the 16th. He will visit his mother at Fork Union, Va., and also his Brother at Richmond, Va. He will be relieved by Bro. Willey, from Gaston Junction. Ckrt. 1198. Norfolk & Western Railway. Radford Division — Again we were all very much disappointed at not finding something in our July journal from at least one of the divisions of the N. & W.; presume it was due to the same old cause, “one waiting on the other,” and with the usual result, nothing from any one on one of the best-organized roads in the country. What is everybody’s busi- ness is nobody’s business, but it is to be hoped that this will not be the conditions long. Some provision should be made so that we would have something every month. It should be some one’s business to see that this is done, and show the Brothers on other roads that we are still alive and very much so. We have a fine lot of O. R. T. boys on the N. & W. This is clearly shown by the very few accidents of a serious nature occurring on our road. We are all very proud of the record the N. & W. has made for safe and rapid travel, and this is something that is getting to be very much considered by any one contem- plating a trip of any kind. What route will be the safest? is always the question asked, and any Brother on foreign lines can always advise them to go via the N. & W. to avoid accidents caused by careless and indifferent telegraphers or train- men. We feel that in a great measure this is due to an efficient and up-to-date telegraph de- partment. If you will show me a railroad where the officials prefer experienced Order men to scabs and boys in the telegraph department, treat them fairly and pay them living wages, I will show you a road that has very few accidents and has the confidence of the traveling public. We are not boasting, but we simply want the men on other roads to know that we are proud of our agreement, and of the splendid men who are offi- cials of our line, who at all times are willing to live up to the agreement we have, which is so different from a great many roads, where the lower officials seem to take a great delight in try- ing to pick some kind of a flaw, or find some way whereby they can get around some of the laws our general managers agree that we shall abide by. On account of our good agreement and the way we are treated by our superior officers we have been able to draw the good men /rom al- most all the roads with which we connect, and while other lines have been crying “telegraphers scarce,” and having a great deal of trouble induc- ing good men to accept positions with them, we almost always have plenty of good men for such positions as are vacant from time to time. Still we would not have our general managers think for one moment that we are satisfied with our present conditions and salaries. We are (as I have already said) very proud of our agreement and the advancement we have made, but we have just begun to advance to the position we should occupy among railroad employes. Every man who is competent to block a train and worthy of such great responsibility, carrying in his hands the lives of all trainmen and the traveling public, should not receive less than $100 per month for the responsibility he carries, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1376 The Railroad Telegrapher. and be relieved after eight hours of such work. This would be a reasonable salary for block men and all other positions should be paid accordingly. We are a professional class and doing a kind of work where brains and efficiency are mostly re- quired, as compared with other kinds of railroad work, then why should the salary paid for such work not be in proportion? Unless present indica- tions are very misleading, it will not be long be- fore our men will learn that they no longer have to work out their existence in this life for their board and clothes, which has been the case with some of us, and even with the most prosperous times our country has ever experienced very few are paid enough to enable them to save a little for the rainy day, which surely will come. In my judgment there is only two things neces- sary to our advancement, supported by thorough organization on every railroad. The first and most important (if one can be of more importance than the other) is to give to our company first- class service in every respect, answer your dis- patcher the first time he calls you, be on the lookout to save your company money in every way, see positively that you do nothing that will in- volve in any kind of law suits or invite claims of any kind, also see that the trains are not unnecessarily delayed at your stations. When a passenger train blows for your station get your passengers out and at the place for boarding trams so that they can be taken off and on quickly. This is a very important matter and I am sorry to see something that our men do not look after as they should, especially some of the night men Nothing speaks better for a railroad than for its trains to be on time, and if the men in our department will take a little more interest I feel sure a vast improvement can be made, and that our officials will be glad to express their appre- ciation in a very substantial way when we call on them again. The other question that is of so great importance to our advancement is the “ever present” student. I do not think it necessary to take up space with this question, as all of you know that the law of supply and demand governs prices of everything, and as long as you keep a surplus of “supply” wages will be offered accordingly. There is at present no scarcity of telegraphers, but there is a scarcity of good men who will telegraph at the salaries offered. We are very sorry that the bond applications recently sent you by the Southern Express Co., were unsatisfactory to some of the Brothers. In my opinion, this arrangement for bond will be a great improvement over our former bond com- pany, and we should only be to glad to make the change. We have in the past had some trouble in making adjustments of questions of bond for our men, and these misunderstandings are very hard to have properly and speedily arranged with the present bond company, but since the express company has arranged to bond us we have our bond company at home, and where we can get a conference in regard to such matters and un- doubtedly get much more satisfactory adjustments of any matters that might come up. However, it is our hope that there will be nothing to adjust and that bond with the express company will be entirely satisfactory to the membership. All who missed the Bluefield meeting missed a treat. We bad a splendid crowd and a very en- thusiastic meeting, many new faces among those present, which, of course, was very encouraging. Some of the Brothers, and especially those work- ing eight-hour tricks, have failed to show their appreciation of what the Order has accomplished for them. Every one working first trick on an eight-hour job could have gone to the Roanoke and Bluefields meetings, and you are certainly not doing your duty when you do not attend. It is your duty to go and should be a pleasure. We find the greatest trouble in getting the men started. After they go once or twice they become inter- ested to a greater extent, and are always present. This division made a decided improvement in attendance at Bluefield, and we hope to break the record at Crewe in September. We are very anxious to have a big crowd from Radford at Crewe and all who can possibly make the arrangement are requested to attend. We can go east on trains 14 and 18, and return on 15 and 29, which will only keep us away from our work from 16 to 18 hours. Please do not overlook this and make special effort to go. The General Committee was called to Roanoke on July 2: to meet the management in connection with Bro. Steel’s case. Have not heard the re- sults of their conference. Bro. S. H. Smith, of Bristol, has been spending his vacation at Price, N. C., and Martinsville, Va. Bros. Rector, of Chilhowie, Va., and Humph- reys, of Rural Retreat, have been spending their vacations at White Top. Understand they also took in the Jamestown Exposition before resuming duty. Presume they overlooked the fact that there was a meeting held at Bluefield. Apologies are in order. The non list on our last minutes looked as if it was about ready to butcher. Now, Brothers, let’s apply that wonderful “individual effort” to this list and see if we can’t get rid of all who are desirable. There are a few scabs on this list that wc do not want, and do not need to run our “biz.” I am sure if these fellows who are on this list would just stand back and take a look at the crowd they are with they would pull out. You can’t afford to be published in this gang. Think about it and see if you don’t agree with me. We regret to learn that some of the Brothers are so slow in sending in dues; this is very im- portant. Brothers, we need the money, that’s all there is to it. It takes money to run this o g:n* ization, just the same as it dots to run any other kind of business, and the more ready c:sh we have the more successtul our business will be run. Now you know this as well as anyone else, so just send your dues in. Now, you fellows who are about to be dropped on account of non payment of dues, I want to advise you not to let this thing happen to you. Digitized by Cjooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1377 The organization needs your help, needs your money and membership and on the other hand you need the organization. You can’t afford to be without the protection it gives. You can’t plead poverty this time, that old thing has played out. If you have to give an excuse don’t give that; give a new one, and surely you can not be so void of appreciation as to take the benefits without assisting in the maintenance of our organization; in fact, to be right plain, there is only one way for you to act honorably about the thing, that is to pay your money and get all you can from it. So come across without the General Chairman having to write to you for your dues. Another set of dispatchers were put on at Roan- oke, July io, which was very badly needed to keep the traffic moving. This will give several of our worthy Brotherj well-merited advancement. Some of the road men will also have an oppor- tunity of getting into the dispatcher’s office with- out working through all of the tricks. Have not heard who bid the jobs in. Very few changes on the division. All the boys are working regular and holding onto their old positions. I want to again call your attention to the im- portance of coming out to the meetings, and let it be known what you want next time. It will not be long before our committee will go in and unless you make known just what you want you may be overlooked. The meetings will grow in interest from now until the General Committee convenes, and if you only come once you can not be induced to stay away. Cert. 177. Scioto Division — I hardly know whether we are entitled to space, as we have been silent so many months. I hoped and looked carefully each month for something from the Scioto Division, but all in vain. We are very much pleased with the new su- perintendent, Mr. E. A. Blake. We know the Shenandoah boys hated to see him leave there. Let’s get busy and show him we can do the work in a satisfactory manner. We are also glad to know of Mr. Johnson’s promotion. There was a rumor that we were to lose Mr Davis as our chief. Of course we would like to see him promoted, but are glad he is still with us, as we do not believe it would be an easy thing to get a man to fill that position just like he does. Would like to give you a line-up of the boys, but they move about so much it wou'd be a matter of impossibility to do such a thing, for when you go home at night you don’t know who is going to ask you for “B 37” next morning. Anyway, they are all true blue. Every man right up-to-date. So, Brothers, when you read the “non” list and see the name of a man on there that has been telegraphing as long as one year, unless it’* an error in print, that man is not the right kind of stuff and does not belong because we don’t want him and won’t take him. Bro. S. E. Klien was reported on this list, an error which has been corrected. If you tell us there are any students on the Scioto Division we will say that we are from Missouri. But we have plenty of good telegraphers on this division engaged in other business who, as soon as the hours are made short and the rate of pay put at a living scale, will be glad to return to railroad service, as we all have a longing for the key. I hope some good Brother will take it upon himself to keep the “ball rolling” hereafter, and forward items from this division for publication in the journal. Let us all go to the meeting at Portsmouth, third Saturday night in August. I know all the Broth- ers will be glad to see our worthy and much- beloved Bro. Layman and he will be there sure. So let’s make it “Standing room only.” “KY.” B. & L. E. Railway. As it is nearly time to send notes to The Teleg- rapher I will get busy and try and give a short write-up. Will start with the south end, as they arc always foremost with notes for the journal. Everything is progressing satisfactorily on the south end, nons are coming in. Bro. Moffitt has the promise of three for pay day. Bro. Moffitt is taking a ten-day vacation with relatives in Franklin, Pa. Bro. Bond, who left the service about a month ago, is back again. Bro. J. H. Brooks, of Plum Creek, who was off for a few weeks, is back at the key. Bro. E. G. Resinger, of Center avenue, took a trip over the north end on motor car, and also took in the sights at Conneaut Lake. Bro. Long, from the B. & O., is working second trick at “XB.” After three months’ vacation, spent mostly in the West, Bro. J. C. Simmons has returned to his old stand at Frazier, days. This puts Bro. Z. E. Campbell back to night trick at Frazier. Bro. Bowman, of Russellton, who, with his wife, was off on a two months’ vacation through the West, has returned and reports a fine time. Mr. F. Cochran, at North Bessemer, has left the road for parts unknown. Bro. Miller, of Meharg, days, transferred to “AU” tower, days, when it was opened up. This leaves Mr. L. V. Thayer, night man, working days. Mr. Jenkins, Culmerville nights, left the service; relieved by Mr. W. B. Miller. Houseville was opened up July 12, with Mr. Lassinger, days. Mr. John Hogue, who worked for this road a few years ago, is back and working the night trick at “HX" tower until his school starts again. Bro. C. E. Vandusen, of “KO” Junction, is copying second trick in dispatcher’s office on the middle division. Digitized by Google

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1378 The Railroad Telegrapher. On account of the weather being so warm and business on the road so heavy, it has been de- cided to discontinue our meetings until October, at which time you will get notice from our Secre- tary and Treasurer. I wish to announce that I had some great prom- ises from some of the boys on the north end that they would send me notes, so we could have some idea of what was transpiring on the north end, but up to the present time I have failed to receive a single note. Forms for daily interlocking reports have been sent to all interlocking jobs. What will be next in the line of trouble? Dxv. Coe. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased an all-wise Providence to remove from our midst our brother and friend, F. D. Lyman, and while we bow in humble sub- mission to the will of the Most High, who doeth all things well. Whereas, We, as an organization, feel that we have lost a most trusted friend and an esteemed Brother, the community an exemplary citizen, and the wife a devoted husband, and while his words of counsel, his cheerful presence, and his untiring devotion to the welfare of the people will be sadly missed, we feel that our loss is his eternal gain. To the sorrowing widow we tender our heart- felt sympathy and consolation, and pray for the Comforter of the weary to give her strength and courage to fulfill her mission well. The absence of our Brother at our meetings shall ever tend to impress on us that we too must be numbered among the absent, and we hope for a reunited meeting on the farther shore. Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread on the minutes of our division, and a copy be published in The Telegrapher, and that a copy be sent to the- family of our deceased Brother. R. R. Snyder, W. B. Bisby, C. P. Patton, Committee. C., C., C. & St. L. Railway. St. Louis Division , East — It is certainly amusing to see how prompt the nons are about asking to S. F. D., and how prompt they are about sending in overtime slip. They never think about sending in their applica- tions to help us brothers out. Same old story, “Ain’t got the money.” They are the first to say “that is not according to the schedule.” What does it matter to you whether it is or not? You did not help get it. So keep still until you can show an up-to-date card. We are solid with the exception of four or five hard shells located between Mt. Jackson and Oakalla. Bro. C. C. Brown, at Sunnyside, who has been sick for quite awhile, is reported much better. Bro. Rumple, on days at Sunnyside, and teleg- rapher Magee on nights. It’s about time Magee was getting a card. Bro. O. A. Hurin, at Danville, off on vacation; relieved by Bro. W. O. Setty, at Danville nights. Bro. R. N. May working days at Hadley, teleg- rapher Reichard on nights. Wonder why Rcichard don’t get a card? Bro. F. T. McCaninch, of Division 27, is now the night man at Delmar. Bro. R. A. Confer, who has been copier in dispatcher’s office at Terre Haute, has returned to his old stand, Green Castle, nights. We see by the newspapers that the poor old Katy still has her troubles. Recently four suits were filed against her for violations of the teleg- raphers’ eight-hour law. Bro. J. J. Reynolds, of “CB,” has left the service; relieved by Bro. O. E. Roach. Under- stand he will be relief agent on the C. & E. L for present. Fern, days, closed; Bro. Connett transferred to “JB” days; Mr. Sawyer took the night trick. Bro. L. C. Adams has left the service; did not learn where he went. Telegrapher Mewhenney got Duane nights on bulletin; can not say whether he has a card or not. Bro. R. C. Withers, of Perth, was off sick a few days; relieved by Mr. H. D. Allen, from Coal Bluff. Perth nights now open with H. D. Allen in charge. Bro. Inman, of “GM” days, has resigned and left the service; relieved by Bro. Wilson, of Paris nights. Bro. Wilson relieved Bro. Cowper. Cert. a$8. Sandusky Division — Bro. Rench, the day man at Silver Creek, is doing the owl trick this week at that office for a change. Bro. Shoemaker, the night owl, is work- ing the day trick, also for the benefit of the change. The night owls and the third trick dispatcher were kept pretty busy last Friday night and Sat- urday a. m., owing to the movement of “Ringling Bros.” Four large circus trains over the division from Tiffin to Kenton; traffic was heavy but dis- patcher Burch and his owls got the trains over in good shape. Business has been rather brisk on the Sandusky Division the last few weeks, as we have been hav- ing several gravel trains each day. Bro. E. W. Utz, day man at “GA,” doubled the trick last Friday and Friday night while night man Bro. J. E. Audritch was taking in the circus at Tiffin. Bro. Utz then took in the circus at Kenton on Saturday. Bro. Herrcn, agent Lilly Chapel, spent two weeks’ vacation visiting his parents at Huntsville and other relatives in Cleveland. He also called on Bro. Carter, night man at Tiffin, while on this end of the pike. Telegrapher Claude Kerans, Urban a nights, and his brother, who is driver for American Express Digitized by u.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1379 Co. same place, and their lady friends spent the Fourth fishing at Lewistown reservoir. By the time this is in print you should possess one of the new cards. If anyone has forgotten about their dues use this as a reminder and start a money order without delay. The cards are daisies and a valuable piece of pasteboard to have in the pocket. Bro. H. L. Dunson, formerly with the Big Four, but now with the B. & O. at Newark, O., was seen passing over the line Saturday enroute to his borne at Huntsville for a short visit. Bro. Dunson is copier in dispatcher’s office at Newark and rapidly getting to the front, yet be wears the proper button. The man with it is the one that generally gets there. Cert. 364. Cincinnati Division — The meeting held at Dayton, Sunday, June 16th, at 2 o’clock p. m., was poorly attended, there being but eight members present, but considering every- thing, a very interesting gathering was held, local chairman Justice filling the chair. These meetings, beyond a doubt, could be attended by a larger per cent of the members, by making some indi- vidual effort, if they would only do so. Various excuses are offered for not being able to attend. Now, brothers, “come out of it.” You all re- ceived notice of these meetings in due time to make ample arrangements. Why not make an effort to attend and keep the ball rolling? There seems to be a tendency upon a part of the membership to depend too much upon the officers, and if things do not pan out satisfactorily those who never make any effort toward helping are the first to criticise. It is utterly impossible for the local chairman to handle the affairs of the division properly without your co-operation. Do not get the idea that there is nothing for you to do; the sooner you relieve yourself of this idea the sooner we will better our working condition; and that does not mean that only the officers should be active, but that every member on the division should be active, and that we should not lose time in reflecting upon what we have not done in the past, but what can be accomplished in the future, which can only be obtained with united effort. There are many ways in which you can assist your officers in this work; for instance, see that our schedule is being lived up to, and that our rights are not being infringed upon, and when you find a non working next to you get acquainted and insist upon him joining the Order. Write your local chairman and keep him posted on all such matters, as it will do him good to know that you are taking an interest in the welfare of the Order. 1 happened to drop into a conver- sation with a brother station agent recently, and he took up the discussion of abolishing the com- missions, and the station agents put on a straight salary basis. Here is a chance some of our station agent brothers to profit by attending meetings and discussing subjects which pertains to their interests. Get your nearest brother interested and bring him to the meeting. V* e have lost a number of our staunch brothers in the last month, Bros. McNutt, Shugert and Bryan, who have accepted positions with the B. & O., where there seems to be quite a demand for telegraphers. Wish them success. Extra operator Bellingsha, who has been doing extra work at “WM” for the past three weeks, has gone to Franklin Jet. nights account Bro. £>.iugert resigning. Bro. Beatel has again resumed work, having been absent three weeks account of sickness. Bro. O. C. Taylor, days at ”W,” Carrollton, is off taking his annual vacation, being relieved by night man, Bro. Slevicb, who in turn by Bro. Hayes as night man temporarily. There were three or four vacancies about Middle- town during the past month that have not yet been advertised, but which will probably be done before this appears. We are now getting a line on the nons. They are tottering and falling to our side. The ham factory at “VI” is closed, which is highly appreciated. The professor, I understand, went to West Carrollton, and could not make good. The boys are all looking forward to the eight- hour tricks with interest. Now, every brother appoint himself a committee of one to look after nons, and with a mighty effort we will win them to the cause. Forward all applications to the local chairman, and if you need any applications or stamps just say the word and he is there with the goods. We are ninety per cent on the Cincinnati and Colorado branch now; let’s make it a hundred before Sep- tember 1st, and with a round 95 per cent over the system we can talk business to the company next fall. Bro. Herrin, of Lilly Chapel, was off a week on his annual vacation; Bro. Dickinson, the night owl, performed the day stunt. Georgeville nights bulletined closed. Mrs. Frank Brown, of West Virginia, has been the guest of Bro. Brown at Brooks for couple of weeks. Our third trick dispatcher, Mr. Haley, has been off a couple of weeks on vacation. Extra dis- patcher Crain been the relief. On account of error in the postoffice address of the General Correspondent of items for the system, the items of this division has not been appearing in the journal. Mr. Wm. Sautter, of Delaware, bid in the gravel pit job at Catawba. Franklin Jet. nights and Lockland nights bui.e- tined open July 6th. Bro. Rodgers and Bro. Loughey were off a few days, being relieved by Bro. Shugart, a new man at South Siding; “13” he has a card. Div. Co*. Cairo Division, North End — Several changes on divison this month, but can only give few of them. Bro. Kilgore goes to “OD” town, Lyons days. June 29th. Interlocker there goes in service that date. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1380 The Railroad Telegrapher. Mr. Kerns, at Union, laying off; relieved by Mr. Bassett, day telegrapher from St. Francisville. Bro. Ball, nights St Francisville, taking fifteen days off; don't know who relieves him. Bro. Wood succeeded Mr. Carter as day teleg- rapher at “DG," Mt. Carmel. Do not know whether Mr. Carter is member or not. Interlocker at Union put in service this month. Interlocker at Marshall will be put in service at Marshall soon as move in new depot, which will be in few days. Boys, send in your $4.50 and get one of those new cards: they are daisies. I have mine, it is a blue one. I don't know of any ham factories on this end. Glad we have none and we are pretty solid. We have a few nons. Let's get after them; they are good fellows and will make good mem- bers; all we have to do is show them the right way. Why can’t we get busy and have a meeting on Cairo Division, so we can talk things over? St. Louis Division boys had one at Paris May 28th, which I attended; there were eleven members in all present. All members on Cairo Division were invited and only two there from this division. I think this a shame. Let's have one at Mt. Carmel or some other point. I promise to come or send night man. I notice some of the boys asking off for dinner second time and sometimes as late as 12:55 and 1:00 and 1:10. Now, I do not know if they put in their overtime for this or not, but we are allowed 45 minutes between 11:30 and 1:30; that means 45 minutes commencing 11:30 or after and ending at or before 1 130, and we should only ask once and when he says stay why stay and put in your time for it unless he calls you and tells you you can go and you must have time for the 45 minutes to end by 1 :30 p. m. This is the way I understand it and I have reasons to believe some are not getting their meal hours as they should. Bro. Graham is new night man at “OD” tower, Lyons. Do not know where he is from. Mr. Wycoff, from Southern, is new night man Marshall. He promises to come in first pay-day. Cert. 204. Michigan Divison — I think it would be a good idea for these back- ward nons on our divison to spend some time studying the cartoon in the June number of our journal. Here, boys, we can see the picture of an overworked man, and just such a picture as we can see on the Big Four most any place one wants to look, and I think if we had a few more dead beats on this division we would be just like the cartoon, only we would have two trucks instead of one. It is really too bad that such fellows are allowed to run loose; they have been asked time and again by some brother or other to line up, but it seems impossible for them to do the right thing. Credit must be given to all members, for 1 can assure you they are all wide awake, but it is hard to work on a mere nothing. We have on this divison a number of teleg- graphers well up in years and working for only enough to keep themselves and familiies by very economical living. Some of these old heads are “Johnny Wise" and are doing all they can to better conditions and increase wages by casting their lot with us, but some are still pounding the key and doing nothing to increase their income so they can lay a few dollars aside for that day, which is bound to come to any man in the em- ploy of a railroad company. I mean the day when he is no longer useful to them. I have in mind a non, a very fine fellow, too, in every other respect, who has traveled a considerable distance toward that fatal day, and yet he is making no effort whatever to lay up for the future by trying to secure from his employer what his services are actually worth. Only a few weks ago one of the best conductors on this division, together with two or three of the oldest engineers, were advised by the management that they had reached that point when their services were no longer satis- factory in their present capacity, but were given the privilege of being assigned to yard work. So the question arises, what are they going to do with the old telegraphers when they reach this same stage? Put them to flagging street-car cross- ings at about $20 per, I suppose, or let him go to the poorhouse. For my part I would prefer the latter because at the poorhouse they are compelled by the State to keep you while the railroad com- pany will keep you only if they so sec fit. These engineers and conductors have been getting from $125 to $180 per and so have enough to keep them during their declining years, but we get $45 to $55 and it takes all of it to keep us without laying up a dollar for the day that must come to each of us and very shortly, too, to some of us. Only our united action can keep up our high percentage of membership, and this must be done at any cost. Boys, get busy; try and hold the good O. R. T. men on the line. Remember, that one union man dropped off the road and his place filled by a non reduces our percentage very materially, and as it is as low now as we care to have it, let each appoint himself a committee of one to see that the brothers are kept in line. I “13" Bro. Thomas, who resigned about two months ago and went on the C. & N. W., is back with us. He could not stand the climate out there. Bro. W. E. Moreland is now on the M. C. Ry. It’s too bad that we fellows can’t take our nice little two weeks’ vacation as other laboring men do, but as a rule, we can not afford it; got too many dead ones holding us back and keeping us down at a mere living to get away. Don’t forget your dues, which are $4.50. New cards are out, and are beauties, too. Keep after the nons. Yours for a $75 minimum and eight hours per day. E. M. Indianapolis Division — Nothing from the Indianapolis Division in our last number. Do we want our brothers on other divisions to think we are all dead ones? I am Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1381 sure I want them to know we are up and doing over on this end of the pike. A few words from us will carry considerable weight with the few nons over here, especially when they see we are gaining ground. They being the ones we must work on, mail your journal to some of them. I know a nice stack of journals make a nice pillow, but they will do more good if sent to some non. We must be up and doing and ready for the 4th of March, 1908, if we wish to stand up for our rights. But it is up to you. This is a chance we have never had before; let us go after it with a vim then wc will be sure to make good. The eight-hour day and the money will find the men. There is enough to supply the demand and a surplus. The railroads complain of a shortage of telegraphers, but all that is needed is the price and then the boys will do the rest. So let us all get in line and show them we are live ones and ready to do our duty. Blondie. Southern Railway. Chattanooga Division — Our division is in fine shape now because every- body is living right up to the agreement. Our new chief, Mr. D. O. Hahn, is with the boys so far as the recognition of the schedule is concerned. When a can comes to this division for work our chief tells him that everything is O. R. T. and that he will have to go on the extra list and take his chances and makes them no promises, which is entirely fair and just, and as long as we have a C. D. like this we will experience no trouble or unjust treatment, and this will not be the cause of any dissatisfaction. Vacancies are being bulletined and the boys are putting in their bids. Everything going along smoothly and men seem to be well pleased with the condition of affairs on this division. Now, let every man get down to business and show apprecia- tion by giving good service. No matter how pro- ficient a chief is he can not make a success unless he has the co-operation of the telegraphers on the division, and we should assist him all we can to bring the division up to the standard. He expects this of each and every man and it is but right. This is the way things move along on other well-organized roads, and this is the way it was brought about. Bro. J. G. Williams, from the P. R. R., work- ing few nights at Charleston, Tenn., relieving Bro. Stan berry. His wife is also a telegrapher and carries the up-to-date card. Bro. Kirby, formerly of the Q. & C., is now working at Coile days. He, too, has a wife that carries the little pasteboard, and I "13” is an operator of much ability. The Southern System is coming right to the front after years of being down at the bottom. The men were working for a pitiful mite, barely sufficient to keep soul and body together, no over- time, no seniority rights and no meal hour. A person never knew when some one was going to step off the train and say, **I have come to re- lieve you,” notwithstanding one’s reliability or good service in the past. These things were over- looked. It is quite different today. The organi- zation is recognized. We have a fair schedule, overtime, meal hours for night and day men, extra compensation for extra work, and above all. are the bulletins and the seniority clause. Now a man has some hopes of making a change if he desires it. All of the above was unheard of two years ago, and we should take some interest in the organization that secured the concessions for us. At any time the agreement is violated take it up with your local chairman and he will handle it for you. This is the way you will get what’s coming and not before. Remember, don’t leave everything to your local chairman. He may be full of business or some other reason, and you should punch him up once and awhile. Study the contract and always contend for what it gives you. Be a union man by contending for every- thing that is yours in accordance with our agree- ment. Bro. Cord, our local chairman, has been working unceasingly for the boys on the Chattanooga Division. He has been kept busy handling griev- ances with the chief dispatcher and superintendent, besides working pretty regular, and he is now off on vacation for thirty days, I understand, camping with his family at Benton Springs for his health. Hope he will return feeling much better. You brothers must stand by him in everything that is right and just, and help him to bring the division up to where it should be. He can't do all of the work alone and it’s up to you, brothers, to assist him in every way possible. Our first trick dispatcher, Mr. Goodwin, let the boys off Sunday, July 7th. There was nothing doing and he called every office between Chatta- nooga and Knoxville and let the boys go from two to four hours each. This is very nice and should be appreciated. When he left you out on Sunday be careful to be back at the proper time and don’t cause any delay to trains. Understand that Bro. Wetmore has been as- signed to Citico nights on bulletin. Can’t say what became of Bro. Thomas. Bro. Bradford, Sandford days, off on vacation for thirty days. Bro. Stalcup, nigbt man, reliev- ing him and new man working nights. How many of the brothers have taken students? Don’t forget your obligation. There may be a few nons take them, but I hardly think we have any Order man who will do so. Understand that Bro. Daly, formerly of Reagan nights, is now working on the Coster Division; luck to him. The thing to do is to stick together, help one another along; keep on the safe side at all times, but let the nons look out for themselves, es- pecially those who have repeatedly turned us down. Don’t lend them any assistance in any respect; a man that won’t come across and help at this day and time, when the chances are so good to better his condition by a little effort on his part, should not have any sympathy from the union men. Digitized by c,ooQle

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1382 The Railroad Telegrapher. I would caution the brothers regarding the im- portance of living up to the block rules, and in fact, all rules. Don’t allow the trainmen to per- suade you to disobey the block rules and run the risk of losing your position. Understand that our first trick dispatcher, Good- win, had left us. Don’t know who gets first trick, but Mr. Hahn is working in that capacity at the present time. Bro. H. A. Henderson is working agency at Hiram, Ga., relieving Bro. Rawling, who is work- ing extra at Dalton. Several vacancies existing between Ooltewah Jet. and Austell, but no bulletins as yet. The owls are taking their full sixty minutes for lunch or 25 cents. That’s right, boys, we don’t get enough at best. No students on this pike, although we have several non offices. Our future salaries depend largely upon this question: Be awake and refrain from teaching students. How many have new cards? If you have not as yet fixed yourself, get in line at once. The last card is a beauty. Get it. Div. Coa. Charlotte Division — The student question and wire trouble are two hard propositions on the south end of Charlotte Division at present. I feel sure that the organization is making every effort to better conditions. It is a mistake for the officials to think we uphold the serious wire trouble we have been having, and while we are trying to locate the trouble and clear it up I think they should assist us in clearing up two or three “ham factories’’ on the division rather than en- courage it. It is a hard fight for us to make to endeavor to clear up this trouble while two ot three of the nons on the line are being paid by the company to take students and finish them up. I passed a certain block office some days ago, which is in size about 8x10 feet, where there were no less than six boys, apparently just out of some river swamp, who were sitting around on the telegraph table playing with the semaphore board and raising “Cain” in general. As long as this is allowed it appears to me that question of wire trouble is an easy problem. Mr. C. A. Mclntire, second trick dispatcher, was the honored guest at the after meeting July 7th. His talk on the above subject was clear and forceful. Every telegrapher on the division should have been present to hear the remarks. I think our meetings can be improved. There are always a good number present, but I see no reason why every station on the division can not be represented at every meeting. It will do any of the members good to attend the meetings. There are several on the division who have not been in attendance at any meeting since we or- ganized. If they will make one trip they will always make an extra effort to be present at every meeting. Sorry that Sister Smith was indisposed last Sunday. She was scarcely able to be up. How- ever, she took her usual active part in the meet- ings. She will soon be better. Bro. Stuck has been off for a few days’ rest; relieved by Mr. J. L. Haralson, from F. E. C. He promises to be with us soon. Mr. English, from C. of Ga., is with us at “RA.” Understand he’s up to date. Hope to see him at Gainesville occasionally. Messrs. Eubank and Wilson were in attendance last Sunday with their wives and children. If more of the brothers would bring their wives it would be a great addition to the after meeting. There has been some talk of the ladies banding themselves in a ladies’ auxiliary. Hope they will not let it drop, but that more of the ladies will be at the next meeting and discuss the matter. Sister Smith kindly offers her apartments at' the Arlington to the ladies. Understand Bro. Tapp is off on his bridal tour through the East; haven’t heard the lady’s name. They have our heartiest congratulations. Boys, don’t forget the meeting day and do your best to be present. Div. Coe. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Death has visited the home of our esteemed Bro. F. Traber and removed therefrom his devoted and affectionate wife; be it Resolved, That we deeply regret her untimely demise, realizing the aching heart of our beloved brother; we, the fraternity, extend to him our heartfelt sympathy; be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes, a copy forwarded our brother, and also The Telegrapher for publica- tion. J. W. Ayers, Mrs. E. B. Smith, Committee. Macon Division — As our Division Correspondent was sick and unable to be with us last Sunday, it is up to some of us to say a few words in behalf of our meeting, which was called to order at Flovilla, Ga., July 22, at four o’clock. Though our at- tendance was small we had a very enthusiastic meeting. Many subjects of importance was dis- cussed. It don’t seem to me like the boys are taking the interest in these meetings they should. I mean the most of them, for we have a few very faithful members, and as your local chairman, I wish to thank the few who are manifesting so much in- terest in the meetings. I trust that the time is not far distant when we will see the result. I learn there are some of the boys behind with their dues. Let’s try to meet those little payments and stay in line, and you will see that this will have it weight with the nons. Just as long as they see members falling behind with their dues they get the less interested; so let’s all pay up now. Come to the meetings and help those who are trying to help themselves. We all know that a few can’t do it all, and for this reason we sincerely trust that our membership will increase as it never has before. It seems to me that if the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1383 nons would just stop and think for one minute who is paying for the little raise that we get once in awhile, and see how nice it comes in, that they would come out and help us. Now, I don't think that Bro. Cason, our Divis- ion Correspondent, will feel offended at me taking the liberty of writing these few words, and I hope to see him out at the next meeting. Local Chairman. Atlanta Division — Everything looking well, membership increasing rapidly. The best of feeling seems to exist over the entire division; practically all the boys are doing all within their power to render that class of service so common among an organized body of employes "the best.” Safe to say a majority of those who have not as yet associated them- selves with ours, one of the greatest organizations of it’s kind in existence, will be found doing sp within a short time. I desire to thank the boys along the line who are furnishing valuable in- formation and assisting me otherwise in my effort to perform the duties of the office assigned me. I would like very much to have each member of Atlanta Division furnish me their names and post- office addresses. Best wishes to all. Fraternally, C. E. Moss, L. C. Knoxville Division, Between Bristol and Knoxville — The following changes have been made since the last write-up: Bro. Sinclair, who has been working at Morris- town for the past few months, has resigned and is now manager for the Western Union at that places relieved by Bro. Daily. Bro. Anderson, Mohawk, off on vacation for few days; relieved by Mr. Mitchell. Bro. Shoemaker, Caswell nights. Bro. Jones, Newmarket days, and Bro. Porter, Alpha days, attended the Jamestown Exposition this month. Mr. Winfrey, Caswell days, off on vacation. Bro. Porter, Nascet days, who has been off for some time on vacation, is back at work. Night man at Broad Street, Knoxville, working in “K” message office while Bro. Lewis is in dispatcher's office. Telegrapher Duggan, from “GD” office at Broad Street, and telegrapher Murphy, at "CD” office, Newmarket hill. When we get after the nons they tell us they are "coming soon.” This is "OK” if they will do what they say. The students are scarce at this end; they are almost a thing of the past We are trying our best to make the nons scarcer, too. Dxv. Coa. Murphy Division — Upon receipt of the journal each month I look to see what is transpiring on Division 59, and I note with pride that some of the other divisions are giving some nice write-ups, but I am sorry to say that the Murphy Division has only been represented once in the six months of its existence, and that was by your humble servant. Come, now, brothers, don't let one man do all the work; it's your Order as much as it is mine, and you should take an interest in it. If some man would offer you a dollar for a few minutes' work you would do it, and by exerting yourself a few min- utes occasionally for the good of the Order you can make more than a dollar by being instrumental in securing a raise in salary, as well as securing better working conditions. Your writing will look as good in print as mine. Brothers, think, and after you think, act. There are several nons along the line; can’t you help get them in the fold? Mr. West, at Clyde, Mr. Bailey, at Canton (brother of the C. D.), Mr. Perry, at Balsam, Mr. Kincaid, at Dillsboro, Messrs. Curtis and Tabor, at Bryson, Mr. Ward, at Almond, and Mr. Fisher, at Andrews, are, I think, all out in the cold. I am almost ashamed to let the other divisions know that we are so weak over here. Come, now, let's all work together and see if we can not be the banner division. Our local chairman wants each and every one of you to write him, expressing your views on the eight-hour day and the $7 5.00 minimum. Please do this; it's to your interest. Cert. 718. General Office, Washington, D. C. — It is "sad but true” that this end of the system has not been heard from for several months. The writer, therefore, takes the liberty of reporting proceedings, so far as they have come to hand. Let it be stated, however, that information is ex- tremely limited, owing to the impossibility to attend meetings from this end. The last time "GM” bad a write-up I believe there were fourteen members. Wc now have thir- teen up-to-dates, with a promise of several more "soon as they get the money.” Taking everything into consideration, I believe this to be a fairly good average, out of a total of 20 to 22. In an office like this, where men come and go almost daily, it is next to impossible to keep anything like solid. But we should not let this discourage us; keep the good work up; never say stop. When a new man comes in find out how he stands, present him with application blanks, show him the good and necessity of the Order, and nine times out of ten he will join. I have found it to be true that you have to deal with nearly every man differently. Some require coaxing, while some will not stand for it. Some, who are hard to deal with, and "can’t see no good in it,” require constant hammering at. Therefore, before we attempt to do business with a new man, it is necessary to become acquainted with his taste and style and proceed accordingly. Among the number that have lately gone out of our midst is Bro. C. G. Whitworth, Jr., who, owing to the death of his father, Bro. C. G. Whitworth, of Bon Air, Va., has gone there to fill his father's place as agent. "CG” is young and efficient, as well as a staunch Order man, and consequently we look forward to great things from him. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1384 The Railroad Telegrapher. Mr. O. G. Balthis, our late wire chief, died at his home in Strasburg, Va., a few weeks ago. His brother, Mr. W. E. Balthis, who is also an old “GM” boy, is working at Spencer, N. C. Understand Bro. E. A. Foster, one of our first organizers, is working relief on the R. F. & P. Bros. A. T. Mason and W. E. Shea are off on the sick list. Bro. Mason has gone West for his health; expects to return in a few weeks. Bro. Shea is now in Northern New York. Cert. 3857. Chicago & Northwestern Railway. Black Hills District — It has been many moons since our district has been represented in The Telegrapher. Bro. Bolte, for a long time at Johnstown, has left the service. Mr. Montgomery takes the sta- tion. Bro. Brandon, at Fairburn, enjoyed a six weeks’ vacation. He was relieved by Bro. Smith. Cody and Merriman have been blessed with night men. Changes have been so rapid we did not get a record at present. Bro. Wolfe at Cody and Mr. Bradley at Merriman. Bro. Perrin, nights at Gordon, has been in the hospital for a couple of weeks. Bro. C. H. North- rop did the owl act. Bro. Hawley, agent at Merriman, has been visit- ing with his wife’s folks. Bro. Joice relieved him. Bro. Hoffer, for many years agent at Sturgis, has resigned. We have a few nons on this division that need looking after. Keep them moving. Cert. 1:94- Dakota Division — This month finds us with a very meagre amount of news, but will do the best we can with what we have. Mr. Blodgett, of Chicago, made an inspection of the division the week of July 24. He reports things as running smooth. He says that Chas. Lane, at Aurora, keeps a fine block sheet. We do not suppose that you all have forgotten the valuable advice given by Mr. Stewart in re- gard to signals. Don’t forget it, as it is now com- ing fall and a vast amount of business to take care of. A washout at Sparta was the cause of great delay to No. 503 on the 23d of July. It was necessary to send passengers via Elroy and St. Paul for points in this direction. Bro. Zollar, of Balaton, went up into North Dakota investigating a bank job, and has returned with prospects of quitting the railroad business. He says that the woods are full of jobs in that country. Bro. Watschki relieved Bro. Zollar at Balaton, and was to have opened Burchard on July 25, hut was called to Huron to fill rush relief job. Bro. Carpenter, of Redfield, days, received a telegram from Chicago announcing that his baby was dying. He went to Chicago as soon as re- lieved. Bro. Wagler, of Raymond, was obliged to close his station and get to his home on account of his brother having been drowned. Both of the above Brothers have this division’s heartfelt sympathy. Bro. J. E. Noe, of Arlington, took a lay-off of a few days on account of sickness, the night office being closed during his absence. If each member will make a special effort to go after and get one non this month our division will be close to the 100 per cent mark very soon. Send your old Telegraphers to nons and keep after them. One non on this division did not know the nine-hour law was passed until quite recently. Bro. Finnerty is thinking of taking another va- cation on account of sickness. It seems that the first operation was not entirely satisfactory and it may be necessary for him to be operated on again. Bro. G. R. Carlow, of Lake Benton, is taking a vacation and visiting in North Dakota. Bro. W. L. Boughner is relieving him. L. V. Smith is the new man at Tracy, nights. Can not say whether he is up-to-date or not. He is a W. U. man and has worked a trick on the C. P. Ry. at Winnipeg. Bro. E. H. Zollar, of Balaton, is lucky enough to get a vacation, being relieved by Bro. Watschke. Watschke hit Balaton at just the right time to get a little overtime on account of the opening up of the sand pit at that place. Bro. J. E. Noe went to Tyler, nights, to relieve Bro. Daugaard, who relieved Bro. Walters at Brookings, nights, Walters taking Brookings, days, and Kendall, of Brookings, days, taking a lay-off. A. W. T. Iorva Division — IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Death has removed from among us our Brother, Geo. H. Kendall, a faithful member of our Order; therefoVe, be it Resolved , By Division No. 76, O. R. T., that in the death of Bro. Kendall we have lost one of our most worthy members, the railway company a faithful employe and bis family an affectionate and devoted son and Brother, and be it further Resolved , That we extend to the bereaved fam- ily our profound sympathy in this hour of sorrow, and that these resolutions be printed in the cur- rent issue of The Railroad Telegrapher, and a copy sent to the bereaved family. W. A. Matlack, J. H. Brennan, J. D. Henry, Committee. Lake Shore Division — The first meeting on the Lake Shore Division after segregation frori Ashland Division, was held at Sheboygan, July 12, with a fair attendance. Division officers were elected and general rou- tine of business transacted. Bro. I. W. Hackett, our Local Chairman, was elected First Chief Telegrapher; Bro. P. E. John- Digitized by kjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1385 son. Second Vice-Chief Telegrapher, and Bro. F. Fassbender, Third Vice-Chief Telegrapher. Bro. F. C. Sc hi meek was elected to the office of Secre- tary and Treasurer. Topics of an interesting nature were brought up and discussed, and not a few of the members present found enlightenment in their arguments. We missed a few familiar faces at the meeting who have, heretofore, been in regular attendance. However it is to be realized that in some cases they were handicapped by trains, such as way freights not being in, etc. In future it is hoped a larger number of the boys will strain every effort to attend these meetings. Surely your pres- ence will help a great deal, and am sure we all will be greatly benefited. Please bear in mind the south end boys have a better chance to attend meetings, the facilities for getting to and from Sheboygan are better, while the district north of Green Bay at present affords no chance at all, therefore it is up to the south end men for attendance at these meetings. We will have another in the course of two months and would like to see a good rousing crowd, the more the merrier. Each member figure on it right now, and if you have an idea, surely a good resolution has been made, and don’t spoil it. Remember it is our co-operation that counts, and we get it at these meetings. A good-sized hall has been rented for the entire year, and a union labor one at that, which is always at our disposal Come one, come all. Bro. L. F. Bunge has taken the station at Dun- das and has moved there with his family. Bra Kilsdouk has been transferred to the Ash- land Division. Is working days at Kimberly, the position of day telegrapher having been opened there recently. Night Telegrapher E. A. Sohre, working at South Yard, has filled out the application papers and we can now call him Brother, through the efforts of Bros. F. Fassbender and F. C. Shineck. Bro. Sechriest, agent, was relieved last week on account of sickness. We are advised that he is going home to Pennsylvania and may not re- turn. He has the sympathy of all the Brothers on this division, and we will surely miss him. We extend him our best wishes. A Mr. Sterling is relief. A new man checked in at Belquin recently, Mr. Lewis. Understand now he has resigned to ac- cept position on N. P. Understand night man Brillior and helper quit last week on short notice. Took it into their heads to go West Left Bro. Pronof alone, and understand he has not been given any help up to date. No news up-to-date from the north end for this issue. Will have to dispense with it this time as our correspondent, perhaps, has not had ample time to collect same since last meeting at She* boygan. Don’t forget your dues. Have you all received the new cards? Certainly we all want to be up- to-date. Hope by next issue all will be square with the board. Cut. 6oa. Ashland Division , North End — Bro. J. L. Green received Monico Junction agency on bulletin, Bro. J. A. Ross leaving the service to work for the Western Express Co. Bro. Ross wil be missed by all Brothers on the Ash- land Division. Bro. J. S. Phillips refused Gogebic agency and has Woodruff nights. Mr. F. A. Emmett, off the G., B. & W., took Gogebic and has asked for application blanks, which have been sent, and hope be will be a Brother soon. Mr. Rasmussen, at Woodruff days, temporarily. A young telegrapher. J. R. Carmany received State Line station on bulletin, coming back from Marathon City. Bro. C. F. Penney, at Rhinelander nights, is all to the good now. He has been relieved of the U. S. mail and baggage, rented a new home and settled down. Bro. H. M. Prechal, who has held down Hurley days for several years, left the service to take up a homestead out West. Our best wishes go with him. Bro. P. J. Meredith captured Hurley days by bulletin. Bro. T. H. Schaefer is now holding down Saxon days, while J. R. Schilleman is doing the owl act. J. B. Duval doing the clip work in dispatcher’s office nights. Miss Marie Stromberg got Wakefield, days, by bulletin. Temporary telegraph office at Turtle closed, and new one opened at Dunham, with Telegrapher C. V. Fletcher on duty. Cur. 409. Northern IVisconsin Division — Bro. W. H. Ward, formerly of Division No. 23, has been transferred to this division. He has been doing relief work at Kaukauna and Wrights- town. Bro. Luther has been enjoying a two weeks’ va- cation. Bro. Wra. Jaehnke is taking a few weeks* va- cation; relieved by Bro. Fisher, of Jefferson, who was relieved by Telegrapher McIntyre. The lat- ter should get in line and help to support the Order. Telegrapher R. J. Sund should also show his appreciation for what benefits he has received from the Order, by filling out blanks. We have nons at the following stations: Milton Junction, Johnsons Creek, Oakfield, Juneau, and Sheboygan Falls, and in addition to these the agents at all stations are eligible to membership in the Order, and all Brothers should try and induce them to join. The more solid our organ- ization is the better results we can obtain. One of the officers of this line spoke as follows: “The first duty a telegrapher owes himself is that he be a member of the Order of Railroad Telegra- phers.’’ Our next meeting will, no doubt, be held at Fon du Lac, but Appleton has proven to be the best place for meetings, as the north end men at the one-man stations can attend, and the south end men can reach Appleton and get home in Digitized by t^ooQle

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1386 The Railroad Telegrapher. better shape than from any other place. Would suggest the members write Local Chairman Hack- bert as to what we can do toward having the picnic and outing we mentioned at our spring meeting. The ladies can there form their auxiliary to the O. R. T. Please give suggestions, so we can determine a place and appoint a committee on arrangements at our next meeting. Let every member interest himself in this, so it will prove a success. Bro. Learned has taken the agency at Princeton and Mess Conner the same at Juneau. We have but two delinquents on the division. One failed to pay back dues and special assess- ment, and the other the assessment alone. Let us hope these members will do the necessary this coming month. Let every member pay the semi- annual dues promptly. Our committee will, no doubt, be in session for a longer period than ever before, and we want our treasury in the best possible shape, to hold out if it comes to a long drawn out affair. We also want our Chairman to .visit all places where men can not attend meet- ings. Let us have more interest than before, and have more business at our meetings, and do our business in a business-like manner. We have much to do within the next few months, as the eight-hour law takes effect in a few months and our schedule will have to be revised, and we should discuss these matters to the best advan- tage to all members. We were all disappointed at not having General Chairman Troy with us at the last meeting, but hope to have him at our next. The attendance at our last three meetings has been very encouraging to the Local Chairman, and he feels that he is receiving the right kind of sup- port. Let us see more of the south end men at out next meeting. It will prove an entertaining one and every member should attend. Bro. Noyes, of Appleton Junction, is going to take a vacation soon. Telegrapher W. Abbs relieved Bro. J. O. Sund at Juneau nights, while Bro. Sund at Minnesota Junction a few days. Local Chairman Bro. Bitz, of the Wisconsin Division, and Local Chairman Bro. Mooney, of the Pennsylvania Division, were at the Appleton meeting, and gave us a very interesting talk on conditions on their respective divisions. Bro. Schimick, from the Lake Shore Division; Bro. Flansburg, of Ashland Division; Bro. Falleck, of C., M. & St. P. Ry., and a Brother from She- boygan yard were the other visitors at the meet- ing. I wish every member would try and send a few news items each month to Local Chairman Hack- bert or direct to me at State Hospital. It takes but a few minutes and goes to show that we take an interest in the Order, especially the news from the Marshfield and Sheboygan lines. Want to thank the Brothers for the items sent me this month, and hope you will come again. All were pleased to “shake” with Bro. Evenson, of Grand Rapids, at our meeting the other night. Div. Co*. 1. & M. Division — There hasn’t been a write-up from the Iowa 4 Minnesota division for a long time. Seems as if the boys are afraid they might say something out of the way. A few changes are being made, on account of resignations. Bro. Campbell, of Dumont, left the service, and was relieved by Bro. Perkins until regular man appointed. Bro. Harding, of Guernsey, was the lucky bid- der. Guernsey now on the bulletin, but no appoint- ment made as yet. Bro. Perkins now temporarily at that point. Bro. M. R. Erwin got the agent’s position at Lakonta; day telegrapher’s position now on bul- letin. Bro. Johnson, of Wright, sent in his resignation. Bro. Sutton, night man at What Cheer, was sent down to do the work until the arrival of J. H. Burns. Traer, nights, has been on bulletin for a long time, but was finally given to O. E. Perkins. “OM” tower was closed for some time, on ac- count of shortage of men. Regular man Thiel had to go to Butterfield to relieve Bro. Casey, who had to act as agent while Batchelder took a vaca- tion. Parkersburg, nights, on bulletin. Holbrook was relieved by Bro. R. E. Holbrook, who afterwards quit the I. & M., and went to work on the Dak. division. Well, boys, let us hear from some one else, and show the Brothers we are interested in the O. R. T- work. Ce«t. 1891. Eastern Division — Lines West of Missouri River — Bro. H. W. Bingham, formerly nights at Bone- steel, got Wisner nights by bid. Bro. Nelson, nights, got Davey station by bid. Bro. Saurs, from O’Neill, nights, at Hooper, nights, by bid. Bro. R. E. Cheeney, an old-timer on this pike at east end by bid. At present Bro. Cheeney is working in “FY” office nights. Bro. J. B. Bailey is relieving Mr. Rizer, at Nickerson. Mr. Rizer is taking in the sights in New York and other Eastern cities. “13” that we will be able to call Mr. Rizer Brother soon. We had about ta or 13 vacancies, on account of ai-year old law on this pike. The following vacancies are bulletined: Agent, Anoka; agent, Inman; agent, Schickley; agent, Dwight; day telegrapher, Scribner; day teleg- rapher, Dodge Street Night telegraphers as fol- lows: Rattle Creek, O’Neill, South Omaha Frt. Yard, Bonesteel, Norfolk Junction, Frt. Yard and Fremont dispatcher’s office. By bulletin, No. A13, July 10th. Bro. W. J. Thomas, from Atkinson, relieved agent at Stanton, from July 12th to August 1st Bro. Anderson, cashier and telegrapher at Hast- ings, has resigned to take effect July 15th. “13” that Bro. Anderson is going firing on the road. Mr. Kempster, agent Harvard, who had the mis- fortune to have his foot mashed a couple of Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1387 months ago by a piano falling on it, is getting along nicely. Mr. Palmer, agent Henderson, expects to move back into the depot living rooms soon. Bro. Edmiston, Morse Bluffs, expects to secure a vacation some time in August, and will take a trip back East. F. J. Taylor is doing the owl act at Linwood. "13” that Mr. Taylor is going to get in line just as soon as he gets on his feet. Glad to hear it. Bro. A. R. Hall is holding down David City, days. “13° that Mr. Zeack quit. Brothers, don’t forget to send in your dues, and those we can't call Brothers, please don't forget to fill out that application, and send it to Bro. C. M. Wurzbacher, Local Chairman, Tilden, Neb. We are going to give the nons a chance to get in line. .Bro. J. B. Bailey is relieving Bro. Bartlett while he is away on his wedding trip. **13” that the Yard office at South Omaha was closed for some time on account telegraphers being scarce. Mr. Beeson is doing the relief act at Anoka un- til the place is bulletined. Mr. Sherman, former agent of that place was successful in getting Gregory.. Mr. C. B. Vestil, of Dwight, was successful in getting Burke. Mr. Fowler, of Stuart, is working as telegrapher at that place now. New depot at St. Charles just completed. Mr. Glaser, day telegrapher at Herrick, has ac- cepted a position in a bank at that place. Mr. Spider, of Ewing, is working nights at Bonesteel now. Understand that Mr. C. A. Bartlett, of Vcrdel, has purchased an interest in a general store at that place, but will still remain in the service of the company. Mr. Lewis, of Monowi, was seen in the Rosebud country on July 4th. We are sorry to hear of Mr. Boiles, of Lynch, being confined to bis bed for so long, but hope he will soon be able to be with us again. Unable to learn who is doing the relief stunt during Mr. Boiles' sickness. Mr. Gooddel, of Spencer, was called to Beemer, account of some of his folks being sick. Unable to learn whether it is anything serious, but we hope not. Bro. Huff, who worked at Washington for some time, nights, is doing the owl act at East End. Chas. Willard is relieving Mr. De La Hunt at East End, days, Mr. De La Hunt going home on account of sickness of his mother. Bro. Winters teen has been laying off on account of sore eyes, and has been visiting with his cous- ins. and taking in the sights in Chicago. We have been appointed correspondent, but that does not mean we are the whole cheese by a long shot, therefore I expect the Brothers to co operate with me in getting up news for this division. Please be sure and send me the news every month to reach me not later than the 23d. Let us show the other divisions on this system that we are up and a-coming. Foster D. Lamphere is the new night owl at Scribner. Bro. Busch, who has been working nights at Scribner for some time, is bolding down the day job there now. Bro. Fletcher, who used to work nights at East End, is back at work again, holding down Arling- ton, nights. Bro. Gregerson, who worked at Hooper, nights, for about two months, is working days at Atkin- son, relieving Bro. Thomas for two weeks. By the time this gets in print, the meetings in Fremont and Norfolk will have passed and gone, but we hope not forgotten. A full write-up ©f these meetings will appear in the September jour- nal. E. R. Polster is working nights Blair. “13" that he is going to quit soon. We understand that Bro. Hans Jensen, of West End, Fremont, has been appointed correspondent. Brothers, if you can gather up any news, send it to him, Box 216, Fremont, Neb. It will be greatly appreciated. Have you got your new card? We have ours, and it's a beaut. Bro. Campion, day man Hooper, is working in Norfolk dispatcher's office as day telegrapher. There is a day telegrapher on this pike who is drawing his little seventy plunks every pay day, and still he does not appreciate the fact that if it was not for the O. R. T. he would be working for about forty-five dollars. It seems queer that a man has got the gall to receive all the benefits from the Order, and still not help support it. You can easily figure out who he is. Did you know Fremont had a ham factory? The name of it is Western ynion Telegraph Co. Bro. Wintersteen is back from his Windy City trip, and went to work in the dispatcher's office, Fremont, days. Fred. Hall worked as first trick dispatcher, Fre- mont, on the South Platte district for a few days, Dispatcher Dussendorf being laid up for re- pairs. Dispatchers Smitty and Gibbons, Fremont, ex- changed tricks for two weeks. Understand that Bro. Hoyt, Local Chairman of the Black Hills Division, has resigned his position as agent at Belle Fourche, S. D. We knew Bro. Hoyt when he worked on the Northern Iowa Di- vision in 1894. We are unable to learn where he intends to locate, but here is success to him wherever he may go. Night Chief Reynolds, Norfolk, has been on a two weeks’ bunting trip. Anton Larson, Norfolk, held down the Night Chiefs chair for a couple of weeks, while Mr. Reynolds was away. Bro. Saurs is at present working days at Hooper. Bro. Busch had the misfortune to have a trunk fall on his foot, and was laid up for a few days. Bro. Lister is at present relieving Bro. Durham as agent at Elgin. Bro. Durham is off for a few days on account of his sister’s illness. Don't know who fills Bro. Lister’s place at Oakdale. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1388 The Railroad Telegrapher. Only three nons on Albion line, but that is just three too many. Get busy, boys, and get them in line. Bro. Nicholas, of Petersburg, off on account of his mother’s sickness. Relieved by telegrapher Crocker, from O’Neill, nights. Bro. Zacek, who has been doing relief work at David City, was up in this neck of the woods the 4th. The ham factory business seems to be on the decline nowadays, as we never hear any of them on the wires any more. Guess they have all con- cluded to wait until they become of age before they finish learning. O’Neill and Washington, night offices, have been closed for some time. South Omaha stock exchange office has been closed nights for some time. Telegrapher from ex- change office to South Omaha freight yard, nights. Newport, nights, has been closed for some time. It is with deep sorrow we announce the death of Mrs. De La Hunt, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, mother of Mr. De La Hunt, operator at East End. Mr. and Mrs. De La Hunt left for Cedar Rapids, Monday, July aad, to attend the funeral. They have our sympathy in their great sorrow. Bro. Willard has been on a vacation. Visiting with his father and mother at Platte River, also with friends at Plainview. We noticed in last month’s journal that Bro. Wornstaff is working for the Burlington, at Hin- ton. Bro. Wornstaff formerly worked at Hooper, nights. Bro. W. Earp is now working from 10 p. m. until 10 a. m. at Fremont Yard, account Bro. Winterstein working days at East End during Mr. De La Hunt’s absence. Bro. Boyles, agent at Lynch, is just recovering from an attack of typhoid fever. Understand he is going to Hot Springs and Deadwood, S. D., when able to travel. J. Mahney is doing the “chores” around Lynch while Bro. Boyles is laid up. “13” there are only two nons on the Superior line. Say, Brothers, get after those two and get them lined up. Nels. Johnson has resigned his position as day telegrapher, Norfolk dispatcher’s office, and goes to work for the Union Pacific at North Platte. Last, but not least, Brothers, don’t forget to send news for next month’s journal, to reach me not later than the 23d. Correspondent. Atlantic Coast Line Railway. Columbia District Effective August 1st, several changes will be made in Florence offices. General Superintendent A. W. Anderson comes there from Wilmington, as superintendent first division. Other officials move to different places. We understand a dispatcher’s office, embracing Darlington and Columbia districts will be inaugurated about same time. A new pas- senger depot is in course of construction at Flor- ence, being equipped with offices on second floor for use of present and newly appointed officers. This will be quite an improvement over the old passenger station. Mr. Mooneyhan has been appointed agent at Elliott, S. C., vice Mr. C. R. Craig, transferred to Tatum, S. C. Mr. W. P. Woodard, agent at Hartsville, S. C., has filed his application for membership in the Order. We are glad to welcome him. Messrs. Ballard, of Society Hill, and Toon, of Red Springs, appear to think they can get along without the Order, and have let their dues since January 1st lapse. We are sorry to lose them. We were unable to get replies from them regard- ing the matter. Bro. Renfrow, at Hartsville, was married a few weeks since. Our best wishes are for them. Bro. Brass well, agent at McFarlan, N. C., con- tinues unable for duty, having not yet recovered from attack of typhoid fever. Owing to business being unusually heavy, we have not been able to furnish much in way of a write-up this month. Will endeavor to atone for it later. Cert. 248. Montgomery District — I have been on Montgomery district for five months, and the first thing I look for upon re- ceiving my journal is news from this district, but up to the present time I have been disappointed. I am very sorry to see so little interest taken in matters that arc of such vital importance to us. How do you expect to prosper uxless you get down to business. Presume one is waiting for the other to send in fraternal notes. So long as you wait for the other man, you will never prosper. Get out and hustle. Speak to nons near you. Tell them what the O. R. T. has done for you. Have him put his thinking cap on, and if he is the right kind of stuff he will soon come across. If he isn’t, we don’t want him. We still have a few nons over here. I think four will cover the Montgomery district. That shows well for Bro. Walker, our Local Chairman. Am sure he did it, for everybody else is sleeping. Wake up, get busy. Several of the boys are getting vacations. Bro. Y. A. Wilkerson, agent at Luverne, has just returned to work after a three weeks’ wed- ding tour. Was relieved by E. L. Hardin.* Har- din had been out of business for some time, and says will have a new card soon. Bro. Doc. Pauncey, telegrapher Brundidge, has just returned from Richmond. Bro. Thames, of Waterford, is off for a few days. Bro. Brantley working for him. Bro. Mathis, of La Pin, has just returned from a visit to his home in Headland, Ala. Bro. A. A. Mixon has just been transferred from Dalevillc to Ramer. Hope t* see something from some other Brother next issue. ClRT. 768. Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1389 Lakeland District — Following changes noted on this district for June: Bro. W. Brantley, Local Chairman, is off for a month’s vacation. Will visit his old home at Grandin, Fla., and then go to Hot Springs, Ark., for some time. He is being relieved by Bro. T. C. Howell, the night man, who, in turn, is being re- lieved by Mr. Griffis. Mr. Griffis has been out of the service for some time, and just returned. We expect to have him with us by the time Bro. Brantley returns. Bro. J. E. Beville, agent at Croom, is off for a vacation, and is being relieved by Mr. Clark. Agencies at Homosassa, Crystal and Leroy, are open. Bids are not coming in very fast now. Guess Bro. Belcher’s experience at Crystal has made every one afraid of that place. As this is our dull season, and news light, I will cut out. Cracker. Savannah District — Only one new member this month so far as I have been able to learn, Mr. J. W. Currie, of Race Pond, Ga., who is now entitled to wear the wreath and sounder, and boast of an up-to-date. We ex- tend the glad hand, and only wish others could have seen the light. Bro. B. W. Harris, formerly of Screven, is off on a vacation, visiting his home. Bro. English, of Nicholls, relieving him at Douglas. In last month’s notes we reported Mr. R. B. Cassels and Mr. Lew Manning as having joined the “elect/* but, to our surprise, we learned that after filling out their papers, and making all ar- rangements for sending them to Bro. Highsmith, they failed to forward them. We have not been able to learn what caused the delay, but hope they will be able to get them in in the immediate future. Bro. Ila Smith, who was off on a vacation, has resumed duty, and Mr. M. W. Morris, who was re- lieving him, at Offerman was transferred to Savannah. Bro. J. L. Rew'is, formerly agent for the A. B. A A., at Ambrose, has resigned his position with that company to accept his old position as billing clerk with Bro. E. F. Hull, at Offerman. Glad to see him back. Bro. C. C. Easterlin, of Fleming, has resigned his position as night telegrapher at that point, and left for parts unknown. Bro. Thomas Sasser was in Savannah recently, adjusting grievances for his district. Bro. Sasser is one of our hustlers, and has been reaching over on Savannah district to pull in a few of our nons. This won’t do, boys; we should not let such openings lay around loose waiting for the Waycross pushers to pick up. Several changes on the north and south ends, but as I was unable to get any replies to my call for notes, I will try and reach them next month. Cracker Joe. Northern Pacific Railway. Yellowstone Diwsion — Last month we failed to make connections on account of no one sending in a single note, myself being too busy to write up anything. This month I have received help from Bro. Williamson for First and Second Districts. Will be glad when Bro. Smoot returns, then with a little help he should be able to have a write-up for the journal each month. Your correspondent for the Second District sent out a note to each office for news and only about three paid any attention to it. Whether most of the offices are filled with nons or they are too busy I can not say, but Brothers you are not taking the interest in this matter that you should. One Brother on the First District contributed some items, and as Bro. Smoot is not back yet, I will include them with this district's news. My attention has been called to the fact that the W. U. Co. does not allow any commission on C. N. D. reports, which would amount to quite a sum to our First District Brothers. The writer can not see why there is no commission paid on these reports, the same as any other W. U. busi- ness. I think this should be looked into by our Local Chairman and try and have this corrected in our revised schedule. A little line-up as follows may interest the boys: Bro. Timby, Richardton, nights, was a pleasant caller at Gladstone recently. Understand Bro. Hesser, Glen Ullen, nights, is slated for the agency at Almont when the new depot is built. Ira Hatfield, days at Richardton, was among the merrymakers to Dickinson to see the great circus. Bro. Griffin, Taylor, nights, and Mr. Larson, Gladstone, nights, also visited Dickinson. Bro. Bixby, day telegrapher, relieved Mr. Cooper as agent at Beach for a few days. Bro. Schuett, night telegrapher, was East visiting relatives. Re- lieved by Bro. Hendricks. We have some wide-awake Brothers on this dis- trict and I would suggest that they try and land all desirable nons on our district and get things up in good style. Bro. Riggins did good work while here, yet there is plenty for us members to do in this line, and we should not be content with just being the possessor of a card. .Bro. Williamson, our correspondent for the Fourth District, has left the division, and is now working at Pasco. There have been a number of changes lately, but have been too busy to keep up with them. Former Bro. Hartley was at Terry a short time and now transferred to Glen Ullen, nights. Bro. John Reilly back on the night shift at Terry. Bro. Youell transferred from Forsythe to Glen- dive. Bro. Hendricks from Miles City to Glendive in place of Mr. Boswell, who has left the road. Bro. Amey, days at Miles City, back in the har- ness after a month’s vacation. Digitized by Google

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1390 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Hiers back on the night trick. Bro. Crane, from Rosebud, held down the C. S. clerk's place in Glendive while Mr. Gallagher was absent. H. Dakota Division — Only one write-up from this division during the past year and that from a Brother who had been on the N. P. only a few weeks. Our Broth- ers on the Yellowstone have a good write-up each month, and we can do as well. If each one will send in items to Bro. A. F. Sundermeyer, our Local Chairman, Menoken, N. D., wc can have something in The Telegrapher each month. Changes have been of such frequent occurrence that it is almost impossible to keep track of them. Bro. H. J. Ward, Bernier, nights, is relieving Bro. W. C. Rhodes while the latter is away on vacation. The block system is now in operation between Jamestown and Dawson. This keeps the boys on the east end busy getting "block.'' A day telegrapher has been put on at Cleveland, making it easier for Bro. W. G. Jones, agent, and more pleasant for Bro. T. F. Christenson, who gets the day job. Relieved nights by W. H. Hein* eck, a new man at the business. Mr. La Tourelle, nights at Burleigh, was called Fast by the sudden death of his grandfather. He has resigned and gone into other business. He was relieved by F. A. Miller, a new man. Bro. Sundermeyer, days at Burleigh, got relief for two days and made a flying trip to St. Paul. We "13" Bro. I. B. Miles, agent at Medina, is going to Rankin block office when it opens. Bro. F. F. Frost, of Windsor, drew Medina agency on bulletin. Bro. L. E. Baker, of Driscoll, drew McCluskey agency. Bro. C. H. Baker, Eldridge, days, went to Me- dina, nights. He was relieved by Bro. James Mc- Dovlrell. Agencies at Eldridge, Burleigh and Windsor bulletined. Have not learned who was assigned to them. Bro. H. Dyer, formerly days at Buchanan, to days at Oswego. Bro. H. A. Norman, days at Barlow, relieved J. W. Holmes, a Katy scab. Bro. L. A. Potter, nights at Don, was called to his home in Indiana by the serious illness of his mother. He was relieved by A. J. Conrey, a new man at the business. Bro. M. K. Thayer, Steele, days, has gone South. I think we should be a little more sociable and get together once in a while and have a meeting, so the boys can get acquainted and get each other’s views and all pull together. We would then make more progress in the betterment of our conditions. Other roads do so, why can’t we? Write your Local Chairman about it, also suggest the best time and place to hold them. Some think when they have paid their dues they have done their full duty to the O. R. T. They have another "think” coming. If you are working with a non, get his application. If a change is made advise the local chairman, or as- sistant local chairman in your district, and if new man is a member of some other division get his name, initials, certificate number and what division, so he will be transferred to No. 54. All applications should be sent to your Local Chairman or to Bro. J. A. Youngman, Assistant Chairman for the branches, at Dickey, N. D. I wish to thank Bro. Youngman for the items he contributed. Cert. 585. D., 8. 8. & A. Railway. Houghton Division — Bro. Britsman, Humboldt, was called to North Branch, Michigan, on June 25th, to attend the funeral of his mother, and he had barely time enough to make it, returning to work July 2. Mr. Saunders, from Winthrop Jet., relieved him. Bro. Blair, who was at Ishpeming nights, has been sent to Wetmore nights. I "13” our old friend, Bro. Holmes, Munsing Jet., has been tendered the position of agent Trout Lake. We had a short call from Bro. Freid, who was telegrapher at Creighton a few years ago. Bro. Freid is now located on C., M. & St. P. some- where in Minnesota. No notes or items from Mackinaw Division. Now, boys, get busy; I am not a mind-reader. I used to know quite a number on that division personally, but so many changes have taken place it is hard to keep track of them. Cert. ai. Western Division — Bro. E. G. Berseth, of Bergland, is taking a few days’ vacation. Bro. W. E. Johnson, formerly of Lake Gogebic, relieving him. Bro. H. A. Lawrence, agent Lake Gogebic, new man on the road. Bros. W. J. Nichols, of Bibon, and M. J. Clossey, of Trout Creek, were the only two who could spare time to attend the meeting at Hough- ton Sunday, June 23. Some of the brothers went fishing instead. Some have never attended a meeting since the road was organized. There is more for us to do than pay our dues. Ke~p after the nons, as we need them in our business. They need us just as bad as we need them. There are about six on Western Division and one has promised to join soon, but remember the old saying, "Promises are like pie-crust, easily broken.” Bro. Ayers of Thomaston now in place of Mr. Russell, who left "MS” to go to work for the W. U. at Duluth. Bro. Shafer, day telegrapher at Saxton, but can’t say who has the owl job. Mineral Range — Bro. Gibson back at Calumet yard after being in the hospital nearly two months. "13” Bro. King, who was relieving Bro. G., has gone to Dollar Bay to relieve telegrapher Woodruff, who has been called to Detroit on business. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1391 Don't believe there ia a non on the line from Nestoria to Calumet, unless it be the man at Osceola. Wonder why he can’t see the error of his ways. Bro. Webb has resigned the agency at Dollar Bay account of serious illness of his father. Have not heard who gets the Bay position. Bro. F. E. Egan, Kearsarge, also Bro. Reif, Lake Linden, took in the sights at Houghton Sunday, June 23d. We “13" “UX” ticket office, Calumet, has been dropped from the schedule, as the last transfer was made without the office being bulletined. A Mr. Marlen, formerly at the freight office, now handles the pasteboards and coupons. Div. Cor. Boston & Maine Railway. It seems to be the opinion of the General Com- mittee that few men know everything, but that all men know something. Men learn through practice and experience, and accomplish with energy and confidence. Yet sometimes those too closely connected, or long associated with a movement are, simply by the law of habit, unable to see anything of value, however much virtue it may contain, outside of their fixed custom of handling affairs. This, of course, does not by any means always follow. Yet it is a fact that one man will see things that another overlooks. The teacher learns ideas from his pupils, the leader from his followers, or opponents, and with energy and confidence may accomplish something. We are looking for ideas. New ideas for the membership. You — who are now reading this — can you tell us anything whereby this Order will yield you a greater net income — morally and finan- cially? Can you tell us how we can make members who simply join, pay dues, and either through modesty or indifference, take no further interest in the Order, wake up and do something? And get out and hustle for new members? How can we make you more wideawake and active? How can you wake up? How can we do this? How can we make them realize that strengthening the Order but strengthens themselves? What would you substi- tute for a strong organization — a weak one? And there is still another side. It has been said that it is as easy to earn money as to keep it. Now that's just our position on the railroads. Sup- posing some of the roads should decide to do some cutting in salary when the nine-hour law goes into effect. How could the members hope for protec- tion if they were not strongly organized? Grievances. These are the things that show a chairman how slick some superintendents can be, and how little of a lawyer he is. Great mental practice, though. Sometimes you get out of bed to put down a scrap of argument before you forget it, to be used against the other fellow. Much as a poet jots down on his cuff “ere the inspiration goeth.” Members don't know much about grievances, for usually only the parties interested hear of them. But we have had them, lots of them, and every one threshed out. Some go no further than the superintendent's office, some higher. Two went to the President. The decisions were favorable to us. In the neighborhood of twenty-five during the past two years were taken up with the manage- ment. We were successful in eighteen or nine- teen of these. Some were lost because it was a toss up which was right, we or the superintendents. Others were decided against us, which we thought unjustly so, but there was the ruling — may be technically right, but morally wrong. The aggrieved person can help his case a lot by stating it clear, and by giving the facts only. For if one goes up with a flimsy grievance, they are going to punch holes through it, and if you hedge around from this to that, just for the sake of winning, some time when you have a real grievance no one will believe you. On the other hand the road has adjusted many matters which they were not legally bound to do. But viewing it from a moral standpoint, they have heeded our petitions, and have reinstated men. granted (avors, and overlooked errors; acted first- rate for a railroad. Throw them into the scales and they weigh out pretty fair. If any one has a grievance, send it along. You know our address. Concessions and Increases. I suppose the concessions and increases granted might be termed the net earnings of the Order, and, of course, unless organizations had net earn- ings they would be worthless, for unless they pro- duce or protect results they are dead ones. But don’t conflict individual increases with re- sults. When free books were first agitated for the pub- lic schools, some of our venerable citizens opposed it upon the grounds that, as they were past the school age, and had no children within it, and had always bought their own books, the movement was good for nothing. That was selfishness. They thought maybe their taxes might be raised in con- sequence of a movement which placed knowledge free of charge before thousands of poor children. Now don’t you stand in the same relation to these “farmers” by saying a movement is no good because personally you may not happen to get an increase every year. If you do, you will be ashamed of yourselves, as those “farmers” now arc. But, on the other hand, don’t be buncoed. For how foolish to join an Order just for the sake of joining. About two years ago a crowd of teleg- raphers and agents handed some of you men a lemon. They started a new organization, as they termed it, and deceived some of you into joining, got your money, and put out an assessment. Then they called upon the management, and were told that they could not represent you because you were already covered by the O. R. T. (Read Article I of Schedule.) Digitized by t^ooQle

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1392 The Railroad Telegrapher, Now, these men knew this when they went for your money — at least common sense should have told them so. If you had thrown them a dollar or two just for charity, to help out those agents that didn’t telegraph, that would have been O.K. But don’t you see they tried to make you believe that an Order could represent you when it could not. Wouldn’t it make you mad if some slick men, who couldn’t represent anyone who telegraphs, came around and told you they would get you $10 for every $i you paid them, and you bit, paid up, and dreamed that you would buy a diamond ring, and then woke up and found out that they had called on the management, and the manage- ment had cried out, “Begone, false prophets, be- gone! The O. R. T. represents these men.’* General Committee Correspondent. D. & R. G. Railway. First Division — First District — Quite a few changes have taken place on the First Division in past month. Sedalia, Kelker and Eden, nights, have been closed for lack of men, and there are some who still wonder why the D. & R. G. can’t get men. Perhaps there is some- thing wrong at the head end, where they are hired; a little investigation might develop a few interest- ing figures as to the number of men that have been turned down, simply because they were not loaded down with service letters, and clothed in fine rai- ment. It’s reported a tab is being kept, and inter- esting features will no doubt develop later in re- gard to this matter. Bro. J. L. Stearns is doing the night stunt at “DN’’ Denver Union Depot now that Mr Culp has partaken his fill of that job. “HJ” was cer- tainly an “Ai” man, but a good man don’t have to be a slave in a position like this, and frequent changes are the result. Bro. Hayton, at Littleton, has left the service, and Billy Cuthbert is holding down the agency at that point, pending the appointment of the oldest qualified applicant for the position. Sister Mur- phy is casting her eyes that way, and as she is well up on the seniority list, stands a good show to land the plum. Bro. Bobbit called east by sudden illness of his little daughter, reports the baby improving, but not yet out of danger. Bro. S. Dye is acting as agent at Sedalia during Bro. Bobbit’s absence. A new face at Sedalia, nights; have not yet learned his name, but “13” he is up-to-date. Sister Murphy, at Larkspur, still doing 16 and 18 hour stunts. It’s cheaper to compel her to work such hours than to put on a night man. This is something for our General Committee to look after when they meet again, which we understand is at no distant date. Bro. Stone still doing two men’s work at Pal- mer Lake, after having asked for help. Isn’t it wonderful at the chances that are taken by those in charge in order to save a few dollars, and “make a showing on reduced expenses as against previous years.’’ Such cheapness will be paid for most dearly some day, and then who will be blamed. Bro. Wilson, at Monument, off for sixty days, relieved by Bro. C. M. Bowen, who we are glad to see improved in health, and again able to be with us. Bros. Hoffman and Kelly, at Husted, are hold- ing out in a typical south end depot (box car), since the fire at that place, but will no doubt have a new depot some day soon. Bro. Dobberteen, at Colo. Springs, nights, drew Florence, days, and was transferred to that posi- tion on July 15th. Bro. Brennan, from Buttes, nights, at Colo. Springs, temporarily, seems to be giving good sat- isfaction, as no complaints are heard. Bro. I. E. Clayton, at Kelker, nights, off at the present writing with bad case of rheumatism. Bro. Duncan, at Eden, nights, off at present at- tending to some urgent business, relieved by Bro. Roy Grate. Bros. Moore, Lutz and Ewing in. “SB” office, are swapping hours on Sundays, in order to enjoy a full day off occasionally. It’s a shame we can’t all have a half day off on Sundays and holidays. Is our General Committee going to do anything with this matter soon? It’s about time some kind of a forward movement was made in this direc- tion. So many changes on the south end a man can scarcely keep track of them. Takes Assistant Local Chairman Brown and the General Secretary and Treasurer to keep tab on them. These Brothers certainly have an eye out all the time. Bro. F. M. Jones, at Verde, off for 90 days. Bro. Daugherty, from the Rock Island, relieving him. New man, nights, from the I. C. Don’t know his name, but he wears the button, and is up-to-date. Bro. A. S. Prcttyman, at Salt Creek, off sick a few days, but O. K. now. He is figuring on a trip to Portland to recuperate as soon as he can get relief. Bro. Shorty Edson, at Larimer, days, off on a vacation for 60 days, relieved by Bro. Park. Bro. Helber, from Huerfano, nights, took in the circus at Pueblo, a few days ago, accompanied by Bro. Lutz, from “SB” office. Bro. Melcher was also in town that date, trans- ferring to Texas Creek, nights, but he lost Bros. Lutz and Helber early in the day. Says they were too swift for him. Bro. Jenkins, from Apache, nights, was a visitor in Pueblo last week accompanied by his wife, and mother-in-law. Reports a very enjoyable evening in the Smoky City. Bro. H. D. Marquis, promoted to agency at El Moro. Bro. Geo. Fleishman, at Trinidad, days, off for a few days, relieved by Mr. Sweitzer. In conclusion, like one of our Past Grand Offi- cers, just one more word and I am done: Some move must soon be made in the direction of an increased express commission. Think of handling almost a thousand pounds of express to earn a five cent piece in commissions, yet this is what the man at Sedalia is obliged io do, and Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1393 there are numerous places of a similar nature. Also we want a commission on W. U. business, and we want our General Committee to get after it at once. The time is certainly ripe just at present for such a move. The membership must keep forging ahead if we expect to accomplish anything in the near future that will in any manner be a benefit to our craft on this system. We are very reliably informed that while your General Committee was in session securing the last schedule, that they were advised by the officials that in event a law was passed, reducing our hours of labor, a corresponding cut would be made in our salaries. How many of you are going to stand for a move of that kind on the fourth day of next March? The writer has visions of men falling over each other in order to secure a forty dollar job on this pike, where at our present rate of pay we are barely able to make a decent living, and enjoy a few luxuries. It’s time the membership woke up and got to- gether solid on this question, and advise our Gen- eral Committee what action you would wish them to take if this proposition was submitted to them. Get busy, boys; take a few minutes, and drop your G. S. & T. a line. It’s not too early to begin. Telegraphers are plentiful if the price is paid for their services. The cry of no men to fill the offices when shorter hours go into effect will fall flat, if you will but give our worthy President. Bro. Perham, the information he asks for in his circular letter of recent date. On the information we give him will largely rest the application of this law, without an extension of time to the railroads, in which to put it into effect. Get busy and keep busy helping your G. S. & T. to keep tab on new arrivals, and advising your Local Chairmen of matters that may in any way have an effect on our interests. In conclusion, be advised that strenuous efforts are being made to cut down telegraphers' overtime to a minimum, and ask for your meal hours, whether you care to be gone a full hour or not. Recently office hours have been changed so that they conflict with the meal hours, namely at Toluca and Sedalia. Brothers at these points and elsewhere should be alive to their interests, and demand what’s com- ing to them under the schedule, regardless of what others may think in regard to this matter. Cert. 70. To Members of Division No. 49 — Please pay your dues for the current term; let’s make a record. Give me that member’s name and Division num- ber, so I can transfer him to No. 49. It is for your interest to do this. Please don’t wait for me to ask. You have a set of application blanks. Hang on to them till a nor shows up, then commence to do business with him at once. Don’t let the other fellow get the best of you on this score. Always keep just one ahead of the other fellow. Don’t overlook the fact that exclusive agents are eligible to membership. We have quite a num- ber of them. To make a long story short, get right down to business, and do business for yourself; when you do what I am asking you to do, you are not doing anything else. This is a personal talk to you if you are a mem- ber of No. 49. It will pay you to pay strict attention to our correspondents from now on. We are getting some good ones, and they are up-to-date. They are going to stay with us, too. Yours fraternally, F. W. Aiken, G. S. & T. Rio Grande Western Lines — Second District — Quite a number of changes have taken place since the last issue of Thk Telegrapher, and I will make an attempt to give you a few of them. Bro. H. G. Henery, who has been doing the owl stunt at Green River, resigned, relieved by Bro. J. P. Dozier, who comes well prepared with an up-to-date card in I. C. Division, No. 93. Bro. A. R. Burge, from Woodside, nights, to Helper, relieved by Bro. E. L. Turner, also from I. C. Division, No. 93. Bro. J. A. Stookey, agent. Woodside, contem- plates going on a vacation about the 15th, and I ”13” himself and wife will enjoy a trip to Nevada. Mr. Reynolds relieved Mr. Welsh as agent at Green River, on account of Mr. Welsh spraining b«s ankle by jumping from the burning depot on the morning, of June 13th. Mr. Welsh comes back to work the aid. I understand Mrs. Welsh was visiting in Salt Lake, and escaped the possibility of injury in escaping from the burning building. Bro. H. -T. Sullivan, days at Helper, and Bro. H. G. Henery, telegrapher at Green River, left for Denver on No. a, the 13th, where I “13” Bro. Sullivan intends to spend a few days, while Bro. Henery is going to Topeka, Kan., to visit home folks. Bro. Rounds, back to Westwater, nights, after a vacation of about a month. Mr. Jones, to Fruita, nights, Bro. Miller to Thompsons, nights. Am sorry, but at the present time am unable to say whether the prefix should be Mr. or Bro. in the case of Jones. Will let you know -next time. Bro. McDonald, as agent at Mounds, after quite a stay with the Coal Co., at Sunnyside. Bro. Bradley, at Grand Junction, nights, extra. I would like very much to tell you about the fire that resulted in the total loss of the depot and considerable freight at Green River on the morn- ing of June 13th, but am not familiar with all the facts myself. Cert. 337. R. G. W. Lines— As several of the boys along the Rio Grande Western are reported to have injured their eyes looking for a write-up of this road, we volunteer to do our best in relieving the strain. Bro. Van Noy, of Salt Lake “UN” office, is said to have once more severed his connection with this Digitized by CjOOQle

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1394 The Railroad Telegrapher. company. Unable to say where he has gone. Was telieved by Bro. Connelly, a new man on the road. Bro. Mann, of the same office, has voluntarily taken the “Dead Man's Trick." He is fully en- titled to his own opinion, but some of the boys think he is having a brain storm. Mill Fork is growing to be quite an important point, on account of the number of General Man- ager's specials being run over the division. It is with some regret that we announce that our “Katy scab," Mr. Cooke, has left Soldier Sum- mit, as he afforded no small amount of amusement for the boys working nights. It is reported that he had some little trouble in getting his U. S. mail from Tucker. The boys did not seem to fully appreciate his “Tnx." “13" he is now work- ing at Biwaubie, on the San Pedro, and the Brothers on the L. A. will do well to look out for him. Bro. Owens, of Colton, has either layed off or resigned; no one seems to know which. He has departed for Denver, and by this time is probably having one continual round of pleasure. Bro. Fillmore, the former night man is now enjoying the delights of working twelve hours in daylight. He was recently seen speeding over the division on the roadmaster’s gasoline car. Bro. Mcrgens, from the O. R. & N. Co., is the latest arrival working, nights, but the high altitude does not seem to agree with him, and he has fallen into the habit of resigning two or three times a week. Bro. Rasmusson, the worthy agent, is dividing his time between wrestling freight and teaching his new white bulldog to fight. Bro. Swartzfager, of Kyune, has fallen heir to the day job, and is now monarch of all he surveys. Bro. Lynas has left us for other fields to conquer. Bro. O’Brien is the new night man. Bro. Burge, from we know not whither, is work- ing at Helper, and living on fresh air and scenery. Bro. Sutherland is leaving payday for Denver. As space in The Telegrapher is getting to be at a premium, suppose we had better tie up for rest before it is too late. The nona are getting to be such scarce articles that we are falling into the habit of not asking a new telegrapher whether he is a man or whether he is a walking imitation. Things are surely coming our way now, and soon we will all be smoking the gold band perfectos — all cx*;pt the lady members. This will positively have to be all. With best wishes for all who carry the up-to- date card. Volunteer. 8. P.y L. A. 6 8. L. Railway. First and San Pedro Districts — Who said we were dead? True it is we have been sleeping for some time, but, now that we are awake to our own interests, let us remain so, and let every one put his shoul- der to the wheel and assist in thoroughly organiz- ing this road. The nons are geting very scarce, and if every member would do his part, the nons would soon be an unheard of proposition on this line. We have one Katy scab in our midst, but under- stand he is leaving for other parts, which will be a relief to many of us, as his services are about as rank as bis general make-up, and he has very few friends here. A system division of the Order will have been formed on this road before this appears in print, and when the time comes for electing division offi- cers, make it a point to see that you elect men of honesty, ability and nerve, and then look around you and see if you cannot discover some means of assisting them in securing better condi- ditions for the telegraphers. Give the company the best service you possibly can, which will be of great assistance to your com- mittee when legislating for improved conditions in this department. It is true that we have a just cause for a kick, as the minimum salaries for agents in this dis- trict is twenty dollars per month less than the minimum of the same class of employes on the Sou. Pac. Our allowance for overtime is also far below the standard of the Southern Pacific in the same districts. We had quite a hot spell during the berry sea- son, and a few of the members had more than their share of work looking after the crop. The same men will be severely worked during the to- mato season. Bro. H. M. Gill, of Ontario, is laying off on a ninety-day leave of absence at this writing. Bro. Geo. W. Doty, of Division No. 49. filling in nights, account Bro. Gill being away. Bro. W. H. Hiller holds down day trick at Ontario, but “13" he figures on leaving us soon. Ike. Southern Pacific Railway. Salt Lake Division — I have been looking for a write-up from the west end. Surely there has been plenty doing in the past few months that would interest every member. Do not wait for others to make the start. Every telegrapher’s support is needed and asked for. Active individual effort toward a common point is going to bring results. Would you confess that it is necessary to connect you with the business end of a bumble bee to bring out some active principles. Our work is never done. Onward and upward is the cry- Have you read the proceedings of the last reg- ular session, held at Minneapolis, Minn.? Look it over. It accounts for every cent of money taken in and itemizes the expenditures. I have heard members ask: Where does all this money go? The explanation is full and do not forget to note the steady increase in the finances. The Local Chairman asks for your support. Are you giving it? If there are any changes at your station find out if the recent arrival is a member and get him transferred to this division if not already in. It costs nothing to make the trans- fer. If a non, give his name to the Local Chair- man, also to G. S. and T. Bra L. W. Quick at St. Louis. This will start them coming at him Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1395 from several different directions at once with no chance for escape. We had two special assessments, amounting to *6, to defray the expenses of a committee to get a new schedule. If you think this too much just ask the next trainman who comes in the office what his special assessments were in meeting the expenses of their General Committee. Four times six and then some. The trainmen are reaping the results every month, while we write the same old figures on the time roll. What has become of that appeal to the four clauses? Is it pigeon- holed, quarantined or what? Bring it out and settle the question, it has been hanging fire long enough. Do you exercise your rights under the old schedule? Your hours of work are eleven. If you do not get the meal hour make out an over time slip and send it in to the chief dispatcher of your district. The company will pay this over- time without any words if you are entitled to it. Brakemen will average in the neighborhood of $125 per month. Are your services worth less? Thorough organization is the key note. Would there be a shortage of telegraphers if the mini- mum were $100 per month. A seniority list would fce welcomed by all of the telegraphers of this division. Midlake, day and night, should be on the next bulletin. Those wanting salt water baths handy bid in. The Montello force is now complete. H. E. Bell, chief; McBean, from the R. G. W., first trick; Leahy, second trick, and Peek, third trick. The latter two home made. We like to see dis- patchers come up from the ranks at home. A Miss Phillips at Fenelon. C. L. Munger, at Moor, off on one of his annual trips. Do not know the relief man. Bro. J. J. Cullen at Wells agency. Will look for a write-up from the west end within the next few months. Mail it so that it will reach St. Louis not later than the 25th of the month, so it will appear in the next issue. Cert. 410. San Joaquin Division — A few changes have taken place since the last write-up appeared, but am unable to give them ill. Bro. W. Mitchen, of Oxnard, has bid in Santa Barbara nights. Bro. J. T. Oakley now working the night trick at Santa Barbara. Bro. M. M. Cecil, Santa Barbara days, has re- turned from a vacation which he spent mostly on the mountain district. There is a new man working nights at Oxnard. Don't know his name or whether he is a member, but if he is not he should arrange to come across. Mr. J. D. Vardell, nights at Lancaster. Bro. Ford, fifth trick Mojave, is in a Los An- geles hospital. Can not say what the trouble is. Bro. G. W. Northainer, of Santa Barbara, now working a trick in Mojave, also Bro. Speer, late of Long Island Ry., N. Y., working a trick in Mojave. As this is all that I have been able to learn I will depend upon some other Brother to help lengthen the list of doings. Com. Louisiana Western Division — When we stop and think that only twice in the past two or three years have we given the journal a write-up, that only twice have we been represented out of a publication of possibly thirty- six issues, should we not hide behind our electric fans and blush for shame? A division as well organized as ours should be represented with at least one full page in every issue of the journal. There are more happenings, changes and interesting events taking place every day on our division than takes place on most other divisions in a month of Sundays. Mr. Meyers has just returned from Boston, Mass., where he has been attending the train dis- patchers’ convention, and the lay-off seems to have done him good. A good many offices have been closed this spring on account of slack business, but at the present writing business is picking up, more trains run- ning and the Jennings oil field is producing more oil than it has for the past six months, necessi- tating the running of many turn-arounds. S. H. Simpson and H. A. White are doing the telegraph stunts at Jennings, with H. L. Davis, agent. Our friend and Brother, J. E. Buerlot, Crowlev nights, has resigned, but owing to scarcity of telegraphers in this section has, as yet, been un- able to get away. It is rumored that he con- templates launching forth upon the sea of mat- rimony. Bro. Tom Cochran, “CN,” Crowley, days, is at Mineral Wells on a thirty days’ leave of absence; relieved by a non, Mrs. O’Flynn. Bro. Landry is still agent at Scott, and has built a little home there. D. L. Caffery, a man who worked as a clerk at Lafayette during clerks' strike, is now doing agency work at Rayne, relieving the regular agent. J. V. Leblanc, a non, is agent at Crowley. L. E. Stafford, agent at Midland, is enjoying a thirty days’ leave of absence; relieved by Bro. C. R. Roberts. G. L. Walker is the assigned agent at Mermentau. Bro. Hobbie, agent at Iowa Station, off on a thirty days’ vacation; relieved by Bro. Tremaux. Bros. Briggs and Chase are holding down “CK” office, Lake Charles. Most of the old boys are inclined to think they need a change of climate now, since the eight- hour law went into effect in Texas and they can’t be blamed, as the better conditions across the State line creates a temptation that is a hard one to resist. Cert. 2817. M., L. and T. and L. W. Divisions — It is very seldom that we see anything from this division in The Telegrapher, and I think it is time we were waking up and giving an account of ourselves every month. Digitized by Google

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1396 The Railroad Telegrapher. I have been on these divisions two years and have seen only one or two articles from them, and I do not believe they were from our regular correspondent. There has been very few changes made in bulletin positions on these divisions dur- ing the last six months, although about five of our best jobs are still hanging fire, one filled by a scab clerk, who is not even a telegrapher, and others by extra men whom the company picks up from time to time. We have had quite a few changes in non-bulle- tin positions. Mr. Charles Fahey, formerly divi- sion freight and passenger agent for this company at San Antonio, Tex., has been appointed ter- minal agent at New Orleans, La., having jurisdic- tion over all offices in New Orleans, Algiers and Avondale, La., which reduces the former agents to assistant agents only. This, of course, does not hurt us, as these positions are filled by per- sonal friends of the parties in power. Brothers, what good excuse can any of you offer for quietly sitting down and letting things go as they have? You certainly ought to know that we are in a dangerous position just now, and if we don’t wake up and that at once we will be ignored completely. I understand the com pany, under the plea of scarcity of men, has been holding us out of positions that we have been regularly assigned to. In the meanwhile they seem to have no trouble in picking up extra men to fill the positions that are justly ours by right of seniority, and hold us in the ones we have bulletined out of. Section 2 of our contract pro- vides for such cases as these, and if you will be men and stand up for your rights, which are just, there can be nothing wrong, and I am sure the officials will think the more of you for being men. On the other hand, if you do not want the places after they have been assigned you turn them loose and give some other good Brother a show. I think it would be well for our Local Chairman to make a trip over the lines and see just what is the trouble with us and instill a little more enthusiasm in the Brothers by his presence, and look out for the nons along the line. I will cut out now, hoping our regular corres- pondent will be more regular in future, and give us a good write-up next month. Ce*t. 1469. Western Division — It has been so long since I have seen “Western Division” in print in our beloved journal that it ought to be photographed and hung in every office when it comes out, if it escapes the editor’s blue pencil. It seems like this division is sadly in need of a correspondent. Why can’t the boys get busy and appoint a division correspondent, and keep him posted on all the news, and have a bright, newsy article every month? It is enough to make a man “say things” when he looks forward to the com- ing of our journal every month, hunt up “South- ern Pacific,” and don’t find anything but a few scattering notes from so great a system, and month after mpnth goes by and we never see the “Western.” Come, wake up! We have been asleep long enough. Let our Eastern Brothers know there is a Western Division on the Southern Pacific. Let them know we are alive in this land of sunshine and flowers. Let us have something to look forward to each month. It helps to lighten our work. Life is only a short dream, so let us make it a pleasant dream for one and all. Let us all work together in unionism. Now some- one else get busy. Don’t let this be the last write- up in our journal. Let us all help bear the trou- bles of our Brothers, far or near. Wake up, boys, take an interest. Keep the ball rolling, now that I have started it. Poor, dear old stricken San Francisco! Earth- quakes, fires and strikes. To top it all off, our brothers-in-law, the C. T. U., have gone out there and in Oakland. We all join in wishing them success, and they should have our support, for if anybody deserves better wages and working conditions they surely do. The following is taken from a letter I received from our Secretary, Bro. D. W. Koppikus: “The strike of the C. T. U. in Oakland and San Francisco is a just and legitimate one and it appeals to every member of the O. R. T. to assist them so far as they can do so legitimately, but they are to render the Southern Pacific Co. the same service as before the strike, and not do anything that would have a tendency to con- flict with our agreement with the company. I am informed from a reliable source that at our headquarters they have received a large quantity of letters from our members from all over the system expressing their sympathy to the C. T. U., and not only sympathising, but extending half their pocketbooks, if necessary. “The C. T. U. are in this strike to win, and if loyalty, endurance and good judgment counts for anything they are bound to come out victors, notwithstanding the fact that the W. U. and Postal say there is a surplus of telegraphers, and they have their wants supplied. If anyone has been keeping tab on the commercial and railroad telegraphers they will see the absurdity of such a statement, and fully understand why they were made. It is true a great many telegraphers have left the service simply because they could com- mand more money at something else, and when the telegraph and railroad companies realize this fact, and will pay a just and reasonable compen- sation for services rendered, the men will return to the profession they love so well, and it is very probable that the scarcity will not be so great. “The grand ball in Oakland, June a8, given for the benefit of the C. T. U., was largely attended by the fraternity and others, and was one of the grandest affairs of the season, both socially and financially, net proceeds being over $1,000. “We have a few delinquents on the Western Division who have not even paid the two assess- ments of $3 each, let alone the dues for the pres- ent term, and the only excuse they offer is that they are waiting to hear the decision of the judge on our arbitration board. In my opinion arbi- tration is a farce, and Division No. 53 is getting Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1397 the full benefit of it This is our first experience and we will know better next time. We are all waiting anxiously for this decision, but the judge is silent. However, whatever his decision may be, we will have the best schedule in the world, and the members should be content until they can better themselves. “Now, boys, put your shoulder to the wheel and show by your conduct that you are loyal and true members, and above all pay up your dues, and pay them as far in advance as you can, and then you will not have to be dunned for something you should always cheerfully pay.’* Boys, I am surprised. Why should we not pay our dues? We have learned a lesson, and I hope all Brothers will profit by it, but that is no reason why we should let our dues run behind. We have to learn some time. Take my advice, pay up at once. Don’t let your names drop from the roll of honor. In our next write-up we are going to publish the names of all nons, in order that our mem- bers may know who they arc working with. It would be a good idea, too, to publish a list of delinquents, and, should we decide to do it, I hope there will be none to publish by the time we send our matter to the press, by August 15. As it is now there is a long list of names. That will never do. See what we would be working for now if it wasn’t for our noble Order. Fifty dollars per month would be the best we could get. Come, pay your dues cheerfully and without hav- ing to be asked for them. Keep in mind, too, our motto: “No card, no favors,” and when your last card is six months' old you will begin to. think about something, so don’t let your cards expire. Bro. A. M. Schiveley, agent at Richmond, has been appointed Local Chairman. He will, also, look after the nons and delinquent Brothers from Richmond to Sacramento via the Cal. P. and the Cal. P. branches. Bro. L. J. Chase, agent Farmington, has been appointed committeeman, and will send the “gentle reminders” to nons and delinquents in territory from Lathrop to Fresno, and Lathrop to Sacra- mento via Stockton, also the Stockton, Lodi and lone branches. Bro. “Kop” says he will look after the rest of the bunch on the division. Any news notes, marriages, births, deaths, any and all matter good for the Order, social and other- wise, forwarded to any of the above named, will find its way into our “news notes.” Wake up, boys, everything you see or hear write a note and mail it. By doing this we will have bright, newsy articles every month. Besides this, let’s see something in The Telegrapher from someone else. Don’t put it off with the feeling that some one else will write. If you do it is liable to be two years again before we see the “Western” in print. If you are not disposed to write yourself, do as I suggested above, keep notes. The steamer Solano, the largest ferryboat in the world, ferrying trains over the straits of Car- quinez, between Port Costa and Benicia, is out of commission and all trains are running via Stockton. This relieves the strain for the Cal. P. boys, but gives the boys on the “long stretch” a little overtime. Mr. Julius Kruttschnitt, director of maintenance and operation of Harriman lines, paid us a visit (from the rotunda of his car). He was accom- panied by other officials, from General Manager Calvin down. He traveled only in daylight, and as the notion took him. His tour of inspection covers the system. From this division he went south to Los Angeles and to the Colorado River. It is rumored that Mr. Harriman • intends to improve Point Pinole, near Rodeo, and ferry trains from Rodeo to South Vallejo, and run trains across the hills via American canyon to Suisun, thus avoiding the sinks between Suisun and Beni- cia. New time card No. 112 adds a new train. Nos. 29 and 30, Santa Cruz passenger; runs from Sac- ramento to Santa Cruz, and return via Stockton, Tracy and Niles. This is a fast train and makes few stops. A local is put on from Vallejo, Sui- sun to Sacramento and return, thus taking the local work off Nos. 19 and 20. Anybody who thinks we don’t need increased wages are away off. How is this for prices: Flour, $1.50 sack; sugar, $5 75 per sack; ham, 25c a pound; bacon, 26c pound; lard, 5-pound tin, 75c canned vegetables and salmon, 15c per can straight; dry beans, 5c pound, and potatoes $3 per sack. Klondike ain’t in it. Wonder how they expect a man with a family to keep out of debt on the wages they pay? All the section foremen got a raise of $5 to $8 per month. Why can’t we get something, too? But let’s not get discouraged. Let’s persevere. When the new law goes into effect, limiting the hours of labor in telegraph service, it will so greatly increase the demand for operators that the railroads will be willing to pay any price. Then there will be some pleasure in railroading. Here is another thing, boys. I am a reader of The Railroad Man's Magazine , and every month they issue problems to be solved, both in train service and telegraph service. Why can’t we have a technical page? How interesting it would be. We could have a page devoted to the giving and answering of questions, and articles on the tech- nical knowledge in connection with telegraphy. I don’t know anything technical myself, and I’ll venture to say that 75 per cent of the average railroad telegraphers do not. Bro. L. M. Delmas, agent at Peters, has been on the sick list, but is O. K. now. Bro. E. C. Crawford still holds down the agency at Oakdale. He has been there since the year 1901. Bro. P. E. Grady has been doing second trick stunts in Stockton. He is now holding first trick in Stockton in place of Bro. McNamara, resigned for new fields of business. “13” he goes to Mar- tinez. Bro. Grady’s regular job is night operator at Dixon. 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1398 The Railroad Telegrapher. “13" Bro. W. B. Johnson got “hooked up” while in Pleasanton. I notice on bulletin just out he secured second trick Stockton. Bro. A. D. Cowden, agent at Waterford, is a proud papa. “13” it was a 10-pound boy. Wonder how Bro. O. L. Gibbs likes his night job at Lathrop. All trains have to stop to register anyhow. Bro. H. S. Pedrick, agent at Batavia, wants to bid out on a branch job. He won’t get it on this bulletin. Bro. “Fritz” Hanson is still agent at Alameda, Park St., with the girls. Wonder' what Mr. Siebe is going to do with that lounge he got last Christmas while at San Pablo? Don’t think “JE” can use it much at Suisun now, too much work for him to check up the cars. It is a wonder, too, he wouldn’t make out a new application to the O. R. T. He has no excuse, he has the “dough.” Boys, get after him. Mr. J. Robinson bid back to Ceres. This leaves Byron open; temporarily held by Bro. P. Holway. Bro. Burris has given up the agency at New- man. Temporarily held by Mr. F. M. Bailey. Agency at Bay Point open again. Temporarily held by Mr. C. W. Fuller. The new agency at Elmhurst is bulletined. Tem- porarily held by Mr. S. Grady. The following positions are open on last bulle- tin, besides agencies mentioned above, and tem- porarily held by: Assistant agent, Modesto, Mr. P. R. Good. Assistant agent, Pleasanton, Mr. C. E. Ray. Assistant agent, Lodi, Mr. J. M. Marker. Night operator, Modesto, Mr. B. V. Harmon. Night operator, Lodi, Bro. L. W. McCarthy. Night operator, Westley, Mr. H. P. Fish. Night operator, San Pablo, Mr. J. H. Siebe. Night operator, Elmhurst, Mr. Clarence Thome. Night operator, Firebaugh, Mr. B. G. Coons. Night operator, Los Banos, Bro. A. Z. Rose. Night operator, Elmira, temporarily closed. Night operator, Webster, closed temporarily. Night operator, Brighton, Bro. R. Hebard. Third trick, Niles, Mr. H. Stallmaker. Third trick, Benicia, closed temporarily. Third trick, Tracy, Bro. Lee Dyer. Second trick, Niles, Mr. F. Montgomery. First trick, Stockton, Bro. P. E. Grady. Bro. R. Hebard secured the agency at Mt. Eden on last bulletin. Mr. G. W. Harrison went back to Alvarado. Pleasanton is one of the starred stations and will not likely be bulletined. Don’t know who is there. Bro. G. R. Patterson secured the agency at Dos Palos. Bro. R. E. Denehy, second trick, Tracy. Bro. A. Z. Rose goes to Davis as day operator. Bro. A. Macintosh, days, Webster. Mr. Siebe, nights Suisun. If anyone whose name is mentioned in above and is a member of some other, or Grand Divi- sion, and is not prefixed by “Bro.,” will please communicate with Bro. D. W. Koppikus, East Oakland, his name will be enrolled as a Brother. I urge also that he transfer to Division 53. We have no means of knowing if a man is a member of an outside division or not. “73” ^ all. Cert. 7323, Div. 53. Pennsylvania Railway. Allegheny Division — Your correspondent has just returned from a three weeks’ vacation to his old home in Wiscon- sin, and has not had time to get in touch with the situation, hence this article will not contain much news. Bro. W. P. Burns, who has been laid up with typhoid fever for several weeks, is gaining strength rapidly and will soon be back at work. Bro. J. J. Burns spent several weeks at Atlantic City lately. He reports having had a splendid time and feels like a new man. The meeting held at Foxburg recently was a huge success, the attendance was not as large as anticipated, but what we lacked in numbers was more than made up in enthusiasm. Bro. George, from Emlenton, was compelled to walk home, a distance of four miles, in order to report for duty on time. When a member will do that it 9hows beyond a doubt that he has the welfare of the organization at heart. Bro. Arendt worked hard to make the meeting a pleasant one and to him is due much of the credit for its success. We hope to have many more such meetings in the near future, and the result can not help but be beneficial to all con- cerned. Applications continue coming in at a satisfactory rate, and I want to repeat what I have said a great many times, such a result would be impossi- ble were it not for the interest manifested by the “rank and file,” and I want to again congratulate the membership on this division for the fine show- ing they have made. I predict that in the near future a non will be as scarce as an honest poli- tician. Let us all unite in our efforts to make the “Valley” solid. We are leading the proces- sion at the present time. Let every member feel that it is his or her duty to retain that position and the final result will never be in doubt. Re- member we have a hard proposition before us which must be met and disposed of within the year, and our success or failure rests absolutely with us; therefore, it behooves us all to redouble our efforts and never let up a minute. More anon. Brigham. Conemaugh Division — Since the last issue of The Telegrapher we learn that “J,” Kiski Junction, on the south end, has been made an eight-hour office. This is another step in the right direction. There are several other offices on the Conemaugh Division that should be made eight-hour offices, but it is not probable that the railroad company will do anything before the nine-hour law goes into effect next March. This law should affect all block offi- ces on this division. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1399 Slow progress is being made on the new tower at Bennett. From the appearance of the work al- ready done the boys at “BN” are going to have the finest tower on the Conemaugh Division, and an office that they will not only be proud of, but one that it will be a satisfaction to work in. Bro. Castle, first trick at “AJ,” was hit by No. 424 on the evening of July 13. After being hit by the engine, he was dragged some distance be- fore regaining his feet. After an examination by the doctor it was found that he had escaped with a few bruises, and was able to resume duty on July 22. Dispatcher Lee, of south end, off sick for a few days; relieved by Extra Dispatcher Walters. Bro. Henderson, third trick at “AJ,” back to work after being on the sick list for a couple of weeks. Relieved by Bro. Rockwell. Sister Skelly, third trick at “DX,” on sick list. Relieved by Telegrapher Hamilton. We understand that Bro. Hoon, day man at “CQ,“ has left the service. Bro. Courtney, of “AC” office, off a few days on a trip to Philadelphia, others working twelve hours to cover. Sister Lucerc, days at “QN,” has secured a leave of absence for two months and left on July ai for a trip to Europe. We understand her destin- ation is France. There arc but few of us who would not like to make such a trip. The Conemaugh Division has had a number of applications during the past month, among them is that of Miss Dorchell from Forty-third street. Since the new block system has gone into effect there is considerable more work and many of the boys find they have all they can do. Bro. Samuel D. Karns and Sister Anna M. Fowler, both well known and popular members of Pittsburg Division, No. 52, recently surprised their many friends by the formal announcement of their marriage, which occurred a year ago in Cadiz, Ohio, and which was not even dreamed of by any of their most intimate acquaintances until the secret was given out by them early in July of this year. It has been noticed for some time past that there was some wonderful attraction for him in a quiet little home in Hoboken, also that the object of his attentions seemed perfectly happy, but even the wisest of those about them would not have ventured to suggest anything more than that they might soon become engaged. Bro. Karns is the second trick train dispatcher on the west end of the Conemaugh Division, P. R. R , and is located in the general office in Pittsburgh. His charming bride has had several years’ experience as a telegrapher, and both of them take an active interest in the work and welfare of the O. R. T. After the announcement of their marriage was made public and congratulations showered upon the happy couple, they started on a honeymoon trip to Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and other points of interest, and since their return have been “at home” in the beautiful city of Aspinwall, one of the most picturesque and delightful suburbs of Pittsburgh. Bro. and Sister Karns are both so well known along the road, not only among the members of the fraternity, but in social and business circles as well, that the news of their marriage caused quite a flutter of excitement, and an innumerable host of admiring friends unite in the one earn- est, sincere and confident wish that theirs may be a happy, peaceful and prosperous pilgrimage over the rugged pathway of life, that their union may be a perpetual romance, and that the choice- est blessings of heaven may rest upon them. Div. Coe. P. and N. W . Division — Having seen nothing in The Telegrapheb for month of July from the P. and N. W., and being urged by several of the boys to contribute a line or two, I will tell you of the changes that have taken place since you last heard from this division. Bro. H. S. Reed was message man in Bellwood, June 23 to July 5, inclusive. This was done as a result of first trick dispatcher taking his vaca- tion. Extra Agent and Telegrapher Hall was detailed to fill the place of Telegrapher Reed at Punxsu- tawney, days. Hall succeeded in trading with Night Telegrapher Peace, so that they could both board at home. Bro. Bratton, telegrapher at Coalport, in com- pany with a C. & C. Division train dispatcher, went to Punxsutawney on train No. 9, June 29, en route to Buffalo, N. Y. They spent some time in DuBois Saturday night, returning to Punx- sutawney Sunday night, thence to Coalport Mon- day morning. They report a swell time while away and especially fine in DuBois. Bro. Harvey, of “DR” tower, enjoyed a short vacation July 1 to 5, inclusive. He left for Ger- many Valley, Huntingdon County, Pa., to spend a few days with his parents and friends. Bro. Ifcrt, relief telegrapher, did the stunt at “DR” while Harvey was away. Bro. Harber, telegrapher at Irvona, spent a week in Pittsburg during the latter part of June. Bro. Ifert relieved him also. Mr. A. J. List was regularly admitted a member of Harrisburg Division No. 3 during the month of June. We are glad that the new men are coming to the front and stepping out with us. Bro. List, day man at “D,” Lloyds, has asked for his vacation in September. He contemplates visiting friends in Washington, D. C. Night Telegrapher McHugh, at “D,” is think- ing of going to Lajosc, nights, providing his sen- iority will permit it. Bros. Wertz and Bowman, day and night men respectively, at “VO” tower, are clamoring for vacations. Boys, keep your eyes on Glasgow. I am told there are two students there and a third ready for admittance. Glasgow is making quite a show in the increase of the student ranks. About the same degree of showing as “MC” and “MG.” Bro. Uber, day man at “HY,” Heverly, made a quick trip to Irvona recently. Digitized by c,ooQle

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1400 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Hunter, agent and telegrapher at "J," Ber- windale, will get his vacation in a short time. He is seriously considering a trip through the South. Bro. Williams, day man at "N,” La Jo9e, called on his brother, D. E. at "GO,” Mahaffey, a few days ago. Bro. Walker, agent and telegrapher at "FM," Fordham, came up to Punxs’y last month and did some shopping. He reports success in his lately assumed duties as station agent. Bro. Frampton, agent and telegrapher at "Q." Winslow, took seven days off during June and assisted his wife in beautifying their home. Extra Agent Hall, on duty at Winslow during that week. Bro. Peace, night owl at Punxs’y* accompanied by Bro. Hall, attended the local meeting at Tyrone some time ago. They report quite a nice time. None of the division officers were present, yet they report an interesting meeting. They had refreshments after the meeting. Bro. Peace is contemplating a Western trip this fall. He has friends in Nebraska and if the trip is taken will call on them before his return to Pennsylvania. H$ is very much interested in his prosi»ective trip. Com. Telegraphers’ Club of Baltimore, Md. telegraphers' mid-summer dance. The mid-summer dance of the Telegraphers’ Club was held on Tuesday evening, July 16, at the Gentlemen’s Driving Park, a suburban park about five miles from Baltimore, where there are plenty of refreshments and amusements for those who do not dance, also a very fine dance hall. We had a fine orchestra to furnish the music for dancing, and every one present enjoyed themselves immensely; the enjoyment lasted from 8 to ia p. m. There were about 150 present. The Committee on Arrangements consisted of Wm. H. Schott, of the W. U., chairman; J. M. Smith, of the Postal; Gus Klein, private firm; Eugene Sattler, of W. U., and J. L. Cutsail, of Postal, assistants. The master of ceremonies was Prof. H. R. Wat- kins, of the B. & O. R. R., who is also President of the club. The club was organized to bring the telegraphers of Baltimore and vicinity together in order that they could arrange for small parties of different character, to bring their families closer in friend- ship toward one another, but the telegraphers do not seem to appreciate the fact of the good that a club of this kind can do for them and their families, regarding pleasure, during the whole year for such a small sum of money. Telegraphers should be glad to know of such a club and join at once. We asked several months ago through the journal for the commercial men, and through The Telegrapher for the railroad men to join us and make this club one of the best in the vicinity of Baltimore. We could have a club house in Baltimore for the fraternity as good as the Elks, Eagles or any other social organization in Baltimore, where we could pass the idle moments when not at work, by having all kinds of games and also furnish rooms for telegraphers who arrive in the city from time to time and have no special place of abode. They could be made to feel at home immediately by our club, as we could rent them a room just as good and as reasonable as they could get anywhere. At the same time they could enjoy themselves with the members at pool, billiards, cards, or any other game they saw fit to play. On the other hand we will take up the family question. There are a great many men who are married and they give us that as an excuse for not joining, which is very poor, for the reason that 2 5 cents a week from their earnings would not cause them or their families to suffer at all, considering what good the 2 5 cents is doing for humanity’s sake, in the way of cementing the bonds of friendship of their fellow-workers, and something still more important, of furnishing a way to give social functions that their families can become better acquainted, and the more their families become acquainted, natur- ally, the closer the men themselves will be brought together, hence the betterment of the telegraphers as the truest saying is, "United we stand, divided we fall." It is hoped by the president and all of the officers of this club that telegraphers who read this will try and spare 25 cents a week or a dollar a month for such a purpose. If any telegrapher would like to know how the club is run just drop a postal card asking for information, and it will be answered promptly by the president or secretary. We thank the publishers for the space given us this month. Address H. R. Watkins, president, care B. & O. Central Building, Telegraph Department, or J. M. Smith, secretary, care Postal Telegraph-Cable Co., 130 Light St., Baltimore, Md. C. A O. Railway. The Huntington, W. Va., meeting, held July 27 , was the banner meeting of the season. Bro. ‘Mathewson called the meeting to order and after the receipt of various petitions, he surrendered the gavel to General Chairman Bro. L. G. Bentley, who called on our good Bro. Tanquary to conduct affairs. I am sorry I can not tell the boys all that was said and done, but space is too limited. I will just say that all we need now is "a long pull, a strong pull and a pull altogether," and we will reach the summit. Success is at last within the grasp of the downtrodden telegrapher, and we all seem to realize this fact and are pulling. We had talks from Bros. Tanquary, Bentley, Mathewson, McNeel, Irwin, Glenn, Tobin, Wilson, and several others. Our good Bros. Tyler, of Staunton, and Shuey, of Craigsville, gave us a most interesting and in- structive talk for the good of the Order. Bros. Hiser, Corbin, Raike and Nichols, who have been on the sick list, are back at the key. Bro. G. B. Warren has moved his family to Greenup and taken the agency at Gray's Branch. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1401 We have very few delinquent members, and they afe going to do the right thing soon. "Hurry a little," boys. Mr. Newton, of Covington, has left the service. Bro. J. R. O’Daniels and wife, of "MS," Russell, Ky., are visiting home folks, down in North Carolina. Dispatcher Greenert has been taking a rest. We suppose, from looking at this dispatcher, it was for his health. Bro. J. C. McNeal has been promoted to the agency at Mt. Sterling, Mr. Paxton having re- signed. Our good Bro. W. O. Pierce, of E. K. Junction, is acting cashier at this place. Cekt. 84. Illinois Central Railway. Omaha Division — The first meeting for exactly one year was held at Ft. Dodge on the sad, and was attended by about forty members. Our General Chairman, Bro. A. C. Mulhall, was to have been with us, but for some reason he failed to make connections, and so we missed the pleasure of meeting him, and also of hearing him speak. Now, brothers, let's get together again and have more meetings. The one we had was all right, in the true sense of the word, but I’m like the little boy with the ice cream, I think it tasted like more. There is nothing like getting together as often as possible, and discussing the different questions continually arising to promote a feeling of fellowship and make us feel like brothers in reality. Of course, I presume there are a few on the pike who know every one, but there are a great many who do not. Let's arrange to have a meeting not over two months from now, and all of us who are working at places where a day and night man are employed, and who were present at the last meeting, work for the other fellow and let him go up and get acquainted with the rest of the bunch, and I’m sure he will come back to work feeling that there is something behind the grand old O. R. T. besides paying dues. I will guarantee that the oftener you at- tend meetings the better you will feel toward yourself, the O. R. T. and the world in general. Our local chairman, Bro. Penney, and our As- sistant local chairman, Bro. Empie, were present at the meeting, and advanced some good ideas, which met the approval of the members present. Our genial second trick dispatcher, Bro. E. C. Codner, was also present and had a good heart- to-heart talk with us. Am sure all the boys appreciated it, and the ones who had not met Bro. Codner were glad of the opportunity to meet him. In fact, Bro. Codner seemed to enjoy the meeting himself. Now, just a word while I’m on the subject of dispatchers. It seem9 the dispatch- ers are forced to do a great deal of unnecessary calling. I realize, of course, that every one can not be just where he can open his key and answer up the first time the dispatcher calls, but it seems as if some could answer sooner. Try it and I’m sure the dispatchers will appreciate it. All of our dispatchers are exceptionally nice fellows, and seem to believe in a square deal, and it is no more than right that you shoud help them out as much as possible. Don’t think I’m knocking on the telegraphers, because I’m not. Simply trying to give you some good advice. Bro. R. W. Quante was elected Division Cor- respondent, and will be very thankful if you will send him any items; address West Belt Jet., Waterloo, la. Be sure to send them through U. S. mail and have them in by the 23d at the latest. Anything in the way of news Will be appreciated, such as changes, sickness of any brother, etc. Remember that the Division Correspondent can’t get all the news unless it is sent in, and if you will send the items in will try to give the best write-up possible. There are only two bulletins out at present. Both of these are new positions. One of them is the position as second day telegrapher in the dispatcher’s office at Ft Dodge, and the other is position as night telegrapher in same office. The yard office at Ft. Dodge has been abolished as a telegraph office, and Bro. Burt Lord, who has been holding the night job there will go to pas- senger depot as night ticket agent exclusively. Bro. Siep, who has been holding the day job at the yard office, is now working extra as second day telegrapher at "A," dispatcher’s office, until some one secures position on bulletin. Agent at Benson off on a vacation. Didn’t hear where he is spending his surplus cash and time. A new man is relieving him. Hasn’t been working long enough to get into the fold. Telegrapher McClain is acting as relief agent at Austinville for a few days in Bro. Miller’s place. Bro. A. M. Garrick still hustling freight, U. S. mail, etc., until Bro. Wise returns. Telegrapher Kitchen doing the owl stunt at Parkersburg. Unable to learn whether or not he is lined up. If not can trust Bro. Cooper to reason it out with him, and show him where he is in error. Just a word about the student question. Now, you who have students (and I am glad to notice there are very few), if the aforesaid students make an error in selling tickets, or in any other thing, who is responsible, you or the student? Do you think you are treating yourself and every one else right? If you do, you have a queer way of reasoning things out. Well, will cut out for this time. Don’t forget to send the items in, please. "WQ." IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, The Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has deemed it best to remove from the family of our Bro. J. S. Weis his dearly beloved wife, in manifestation of our respect and sym- pathy for our brother, be it Resolved, By the members of the Illinois Central Railroad, Division No. 93, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, that we extend to the bereaved hus- band our heartfelt sympathy in this, his hour of affliction; and be it further Digitized by Google

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1402 The Railroad Telegrapher. Resolved , That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved husband, a copy spread upon the records of the division and a copy furnished to The Telegraph ek for publication. C. E. Brace, R. W. Quante, * E. E. Em pie. Committee. Freeport Division — On the Freeport Division of 93 There have been changes too many for me. So of any mistakes you happen to note, Do not blame the scribe who wrote These lines; get busy and let him know That you can write a line or so; This is all I wish to ask, That you help me out in this toilsome task. — R. E. The month of July has been one of which we may well be proud, and I hope that every month will continue to be the same. Among the former nons that may now be called brothers we have L. I. McConnell, B. E. Watson, F. B. Schlaf, I. R. Crawford, J. E. Lynch. All of these have came to the front since the close of the semi-annual period ending June 30th, 1907. On account of my being on the Freeport District I have had the opportunity of securing four of these five. I am sure all of the ea9t end boys are aware of the fact that the percentage stands lower on this end of the line than on the other districts. If there is a non at your station and he is eligible, get after him. You know every little in this line helps towards thorough or- ganization. Among the recent bulletins we have Munger agency, Rockford nights, Parkway nights, day telegrapher and ticket clerk at Polo for thirty days, Wenona nights, day telegrapher “DR” office Free- port, East Jet., nights. We are glad to take note that the branch is now solid, excepting one who was formerly a member and we sincerely hope he will line up in r. few weeks. At last we can call Mr. J. E. Lynch brother. I am sure Bro. Lynch will be proud of his card, and will make a faithful member, and we want to see his face ait each and every meeting that is possible for him to attend. Bro. M. P. Layton is laying off for thirty days, being relieved by Bro. Walter Kelly. Bro. Schultz is relieving Bro. Kelly nights at Minonk, while “KY” is doing the day stunt. Bro. G. G. Geiger is enjoying a trip in the West, being relieved at Haldane by Bro. A. H. Burridge, who was formerly with us at South Addison. Bro. F. A. Henion relieved Bro. A. E. Norville at Buckbce days. Bro. Norville spent thirty days in the vicinity of Kansas City. Mr. R. J. Starry relieved Bro. Brodeur at Bowes for a few days. Bro. A. N. Shore received Polo ticket clerk and telegraph position for thirty days on bulletin. Bro. B. T. Ireland, regular ait Polo, is at present doing the agent's stunt at Polo. Bro. Auld, of “X” office, notified Bro. Kelly of the death and point of burial of Bro. Stonemap. He was buried at Madison. Bro. Kelly was unable to attend the funeral. Mr. Blackwell relieved Bro. S. W. Smith at Forreston days while Scotty was away getting tied up. lister Mead has returned to her duties after an extended vacation; can not say who relieved Sister Mead at Mendota while she was away. Bro. Wm. Lane was successful applicant for position as day telegrapher handling the east end in “DR” office Freeport Bro. Stallion was sick for a few weeks this month. Bro. L. C. S. Albright left the service and is working elsewhere. Mr. Chas. Peterson is at present working at Munger nights. Bro. Manning, formerly at Parkway nights, has been given the position as night telegrapher at Hawthorne. Bro. A. H. Burridge, who formerly worked for the I. C. at South Addison, has returned to the service. We are all glad to see him back. Mr. R. J. Steele relieved Mr. J. Gartman at Corbin for a few days. Again we will refer to Mr. W. Delano, non and the only one on the south end. Through the Order this man has received a raise of $10.00 per month, and granted overtime, which I “13” amounted to $19.50 last month, making a total of $29.50. They say it is a mean dog that bites the hand that feeds him. Mr. McCann relieved Bro. Albright at Rockford nights. Sister Walthon was away for about a week; Mr. McCarthy relieved Sister Walthon at Rock- ford days. Bro. W. Powers worked two weeks at LaSalle nights account of sickness of Mr. S. H. Davis. Bro. Powers also worked several days at Rock- ford. Mr. J. F. Hickman was called to Woosung to work as extra agent for about thirty days. The experimental block between Bowes and Cole- man did not prove a success, but understand they are going to make another trial at it in the near future. A new water tank is to be built at Coleman. 1 “13” that it is to be much larger than the one in present use. Bro. L. V. Hamm, Coleman days, is looking forward to a week's vacation, starting the first of next week. Mr. J. H. Ransford relieved Bro. Manning at Parkway nights. < Bro. Henion relieved Bro. E. E. Harrington, third trick at C. Q. W. crossing. Mr. Stocks, who has been working the second trick, was relieved by Bro. Henion upon Bro. Harrington’s return. Mr. Jennings, who formerly worked at Clinton “CO” office, is at present working the east end wire in “DR” office, Freeport, while Bro. Lane is breaking in for extra dispatcher. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1403 Mr. L. S. Taylor, second trick dispatcher “DR” office, is going to take an extended vacation in California. Bro. Wm. Lane will All the place during his absence. Bro. Fred Patterson has left the service; he is at present working for some auto factory in Chicago. We all wish him success in his new undertaking. There was a meeting at Freeport, July 26th, 1907. Our General Chairman, C. A. Mulhall, was present and gave us a few ideas of what an up- to-date card meant to the telegraphers. There were not as many present as should have been, and we hope that hereafter more faces will be seen at these meetings. There were several sub- jects of interest discussed, which I will not speak of, for I am sure the best way is to attend these meetings to find out what's doing. Bro. Geiger, at Haldane, has a night man again; can not say who he is. Bro. Geo. Cox was successful applicant for position of night telegrapher Freeport yard office. Bro. Wm. Lane was successful applicant for position as day telegrapher working the east end wire “DR” office, Freeport. Bro. M. J. Madden received Bro. Lane's former position in “DR” office by bulletin. Bro. Geo. Cox was successful applicant for position as night telegrapher at Parkway. Bro. L. C. S. Albright is at present holding down a busy joint on the C., R. I. & P. Sister Walthon, Rockford days, was called away from her duties on account of the death of her mother. Miss Walthon has our heartfelt sympathy in her bereavement. It is now Bro. L. V. Hamm at Coleman. “Shorty.” New Orleans Terminal — It has been some time since there has been anything in The Telegrapher from the Louisiana Division or New Orleans Terminal. Everything going smoothly and the boys seem to be well pleased with the new schedule. The Terminal is well organized, only two non-members, and both of them are enjoying $5 raises and other benefits. Will come to them later. Comment un- necessary. The only man that failed to get an increase in wages was Bro. Geo. Stewart, at “CO” office. New Orleans. No doubt he will be rewarded next time. Bro. Quarrels is the new night man at Kenner Jet. Bro. Chas. Thompson, of “BD” office, New Orleans, has just returned from his vacation, hav- ing spent several weeks in the hills of that dear old Alabama. He was relieved by Bro. Waddell, of the C. T. U. A. Bro. T. G. Garth, days at “ND,” Harahan yards, is off on his vacation touring the west and north, and is relieved by Bro. Holt, from Harahan Jet. Bro. Granberry is doing the night stunt art “ND.” Incline nights closed for the present and Bro. Jno. Youngblood coming over to Harahan Jet. relieving Bro. Holt. Phil. Cameron, days at Incline, is now up- to-date and one of the boys. Bro. Bill Rheames, agent at Kenner, has the honor of making the most overtime of anybody on the division; $25 per is the regular grind. Cert. 1323. Louisville Division — As we have not had a write-up from this division for some time, will endeavor to let the boys know what is taking place. Bro. R. L. Pulliam, agent at Big Clifty, has been laying off for several weeks. He is being relieved by Bro. E. A. McClure. Understand Bro. Pulliam gets Grayson Springs agency. Bro. Ney Cox has returned to South Yards days; glad to see him back. Bro. Long has gone to his home in Illinois on a vacation. Understand there is to be a vacancy in dispatcher's office Louis- ville, account dispatcher Cecil resigning to go back on road as conductor. Bro. McCall, from Leitchfield, has just returned from Jamestown, where he spent several days with the soldiers. We have a new chief dispatcher on Paducah District, Mr. J. B. Thomas. He is a fine fellow and we wish him success. Mr. A. F. Page, formerly C. D. on Paducah District, has been promoted to trainmaster. Bro. Willingham, from Red Hill, is on a vaca- tion, being relieved by Bro. T. J. Cecil. Sister Lucy Hughes has just returned from a trip to Jamestown. Bro. Griffin, formerly day telegrapher Paducah dispatcher's office, has been promoted to third trick dispatcher, he being relieved by Bro. J. B. Taylor. Do not know the night man at Paducah dispatcher's office, but think he has an up-to-date card. Bro. C. H. Dewees, at Central City, has con- siderable trouble with his consists. Bro. Beard, from McHenry, is now working nights at Kentucky Street, he being relieved by Bro. J. D. Procter. Bro. Williams, agent at Beaver Dam, has been on a three weeks’ vacation, being relieved by Bro. J. K. Adams. Bro. Netherton has accepted the agency at Valley account Bro. Grinstead resigning to accept position with Uncle Sam. Sorry to lose Bro. Grinstead, but wish him much success. Bro. J. O. Doyle is now acting as agent at Grayson Springs. Bro. K. Jacobs has been reinstated and returned to his old job at Caneyville days. Glad to have him with us once more. Bro. Richmond has been working nights at Tip Top, but had to skiddoo account Mrs. G. B. Tinsley being reinstated. The soldiers returning from Jamestown almost drowned Bro. Davis at Tip Top by throwing a bucket of water on him as the train passed his station. Understand Bro. Langley, from Hodgenville, goes to Big Clifty as agent. Do not know who gets Hodgenville. Digitized by Google

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1404 The Railroad Telegrapher, Bro. W. W. Lee has accepted the agency at Kevil. Sorry to lose Bro. Lee from Princeton. We have a new passenger depot at Princeton, with Bro. Delay working days. He has all the telegraphing to do, while Bro. Couch does the relay work for the Nashville Division at North Yards, this being a new position recently created. We have no correspondent for this division, and as no one else will attempt to write anything I have done my best. W. C. S. Chicago Division — Was figuring on attending a meeting prior to this write-up, but failed, as the regular meeting night was changed by Bro. Morrison account of him not being able to attend on 20th, therefore news will be somewhat limited this time. No changes south until we strike Kankakee, where we find Mr. T. H. Murphy acting Rs chief dispatcher while Mr. J. W. Hevron is taking his two weeks* vacation. Bro. E. C. Slingman working first trick and Bro. Joe Adams night trick on Gilman Line, Bro. Porter days and Schniederjohn nights “HN,” Kankakee. At Ashkum Bro. D. J. O’Connell, agent, reliev- ing Bro. Hupp, off on vacation. Bro. Flora, from nights Paxton at Gilman nights; relieved by Bro. Hubbard. Bro. H. J. Phelps relieving Bro. West at Buckley for awhile. Bro. Hobbs, at Graymont, relieving Bro. Burcky who, we are sorry to say, is laid up with the rheumatism, but we hope he will soon be up and with us again. Bro. Harris has returned to work at Colfax. Also Bro. Hatch at Kempton. Would like to see these two brothers attend the next meeting at Kankakee. This is about all the changes that I know of this month. Think we will have to appoint a committee to stir up the new assistant local chairmen who were elected last month, and see if they can’t scare up a nice little bunch of news from their districts each month. There is generally some news from each district and it’s up to the assistant local chairman to keep things alive on their district. The first duty of an officer in the O. R. T. or any other organization is to attend every meet- ing, and if this is done it’s certain to inspire him to come again and bring some one with him. Hope to see the largest meeting at Gilman next Saturday night that we have ever had. Will tell you all about it next time. Div. Coa. Gilman Line — We are more than pleased to report a successful meeting at Kankakee. A goodly number were present, and all business brought before the Order was transacted in a satisfactory manner. The only change in positions on this district of which we have any record is nights at Gibson. Bro. Munson relieving Bro. Toler. We don’t know where Bro. Toler went, but think perhaps he returned to his old hunting grounds (St. Louis Division). Bro. T. E. Barr is back to his old hang-out after a thirty days’ leave of absence. Bro. H. J. Phelps relieved him. Bro. Ralph Newman was instructed to report at Anchor to relieve Bro. E. C. Phelps, but under- stand he was afterwards instructed, when on the road, to return to Bellefiower. Bro. McKnight, of Melvin, visited relatives in Lane Sunday, July 21st. We understand the American Express Company will establish an exclusive agency at this place, on account they take possession of the L. E. ft W. Ry. This will cut the salary about $30.00 per month. We hope if this move is made the salary question will be settled satisfactorily. Bro. Rich, at Farmer City, is having additional work this week on account of a carnival company visiting that city. Bro. Sam Newton made a flying trip to St. Louis one day last week. Assistant Local Chairman. Springfield Division — Bro. A. J. Berry, of Glen Carbon, was called to Edwardsville the 10th, bcin relieved by Bro. Hol- land for the day. Bro. H. N. Spurgeon, of Vera, has been on leave of absence and has just returned to his work. Bro. F. O. McCarty has resigned as agent at Ramsey and has accepted employment elsewhere, being relieved by Mr. Mitchell. Mr. F. A. Allison, of Assumption, is taking a lay off and a trip through California, being re- lieved by Bro. Lankford, relief agent. Bro. X. B. Holland has just been relieved at Macon and is going to Beason next. Bro. Holland has just lined up, and we are pleased to see him handling such stations as Macon in good shape. “DZ,” Decatur, has been experiencing some trouble in keeping a man there long enough at one time to get acquainted. **13” Bro. Donaldson, of Spaulding, has landed the night trick at “DZ,” and we wish him success. Bro. C. J. Filer got Hallville on bulletin. Only four more nons left on the Havana line, and three of these may yet be convinced that they are standing in their own light and come into the fold. At least we would all be pleased to change our records and add these gentlemen to the “Brother” side of the page. Cert. 348. Assumption, III., July 7, 1907. Members of Springfield Division — I am in receipt of your purse of $8.00 which was presented me for the purpose of purchasing a grip to carry O. R. T. papers in while on the line. I take this method of thanking you for the contri- bution and the many courtesies shown me, and I assure you that at any time you have anything you wish me to carry for you, it will always be open. Again thanking you for the kindness you have extended me, with best wishes, I am. Yours fraternally, A. Lankford, Local Chairman. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1405 Vicksburg Division — A meeting was held at Vicksburg Sunday even- ing, July i4ta, and about twenty-five members were present. Those present represented the Memphis, Vicksburg and New Orleans Division. After all officers had been appointed, Bro. \V. P. Moore called the meeting to order. He mentioned that the General Chairman would go over the entire division semi-annually and get acquainted with all the boys, and especially those who were situated so that they could never absent themselves from their duties to attend the meetings. It is hoped that a great deal of good will result from this, and a., hands present heartily agreed to it. There being no applications to pass on and no victims to ride the goat, it was suggested that the meeting proceed under the head “good of the Order.” Bro. Moore had with him a copy of the new schedule and went over it from cover to cover, and showed the boys all the changes, and called particular attention to the tollowing: Paragraph 10 of article VI reads, “After sixteen consecutive hours' service telegraphers will be allowed eight hours* rest.” Our former schedule had the following provision: “except in cases of emergency.” And as a result, an emergency was usually created whenever the company saw that they were going to need a man, regardless of the inconvenience it might cause the telegrapher. Article VIII reads: “Telegraphers attending court at the request of the company shall be allowed net compensation which would have been earned by them at their station, with necessary ex- penses while they are away from home, such ex- penses not to exceed $2.00 per day.” This means that the agent will not only get the salary, but also the ticket and express commissions and over-time. Last, but not least, is the fact that the new schedule was put up by union printers, and the fly- leaf bears the stamp of the International Typo- graphical Union. Bro. Montgomery, Local Chairman of the New Orleans Division, stated that the linemen on the Natchez District of that Division had received a raise of $7.50 per month. This district has the service of the Western Union, and it is understood that the linemen on other divisions and districts, which are covered by the Postal, are preparing a request for a similar increase which will be presented to the manage- ment. A letter was read from Bro. R. L. Shannon, Gen- eral Secretary-Treasurer of the Division, in which he mentioned the flourishing condition, both nu- merically and financially of Division 93. His letter stated that on June 30th, Division 93 had 1,743 members in good standing, this being about two hundred and fifty more members in the division than there are scheduled positions on the Illinois Central system. All hands agreed that this was surely the proper stuff. Bro. Shannon also wrote a letter to Bro. Moore, in which he complimented the appearance of the new schedule, and spoke of that being due to the fact that it bore the union label. Owing to some delay in mailing out copies of the new schedule, the Memphis and New Orleans divisions have not been furnished with copies, but before this article is published all hands will have a cory, and it would be well to repeat here Bro. Moore’s words at the meeting. He said that when the new schedule was re- ceived, not to look only at the wage scale, but to read the articles, reread them, study them, and live up to them. This is timely advice, and advice that it would be well for all of us to heed. There are a great many cases where telegraphers think they have a grievance, when it is all because they do not under- stand the schedule. Such as this creates a great deal of extra work for the Local Chairman, and should be avoided. Bro. Montgomery made a talk in which he said that it was not his wish to see the organization enter politics, but he thought it worth while for us, as individuals, while the country was full of candidates for all offices, to question such candi- dates and see how they stood on the labor question, and more especially the laws regulating the hours for railroad employes. Pledge yourself to support none of them, but vote for the best man. Bro. J. W. Shields, Local Chairman of the Queen and Crescent (A. & V.) Division 69, was present, and made a short talk, in which he told of the prosperity of the Order on that line, and said they had a good schedule, considering that it was the first attempt. He said it was generally understood that the further you rolled a snow ball, the larger it got, and that he wanted us all to watch the snow ball the A. & V. boys were rolling. By this time the hour was growing late and a move was made to adjourn. Bro. Walt stated that he understood there were charges to be preferred against Bro. C. L. Davis, our former General Chairman. Bro. Moore re- quested that Bro. Davis be brought forward. This was done, and then Bro. Moore asked what the charges were. Bro. Albert Gray then advanced, and after making a brief talk, presented Bro. Davis with a beautiful gold watch, in the name of the boys on the New Orleans & Vicksburg divis- ions, in part appreciation for his services in the past. The watch has the monogram “O. R. T.” in raised gold letters on the back, and is a twenty- one jewel Elgin movement. Bro. Davis, who had expected some serious charge, was so taken by surprise that, he could hardly utter a sound. He, however, finally found his voice, and thanked the boys for their kind re- membrance. A recess was then taken in order that all hands present might congratulate Bro. Davis and have a look at the beautiful present. There was no date set for the next meeting, bu. every one is of the opinion that Vicksburg is the place to hold them. There are very few changes on the division since the last write-up. Telegraphers continue to be very Digitized by Google

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1406 The Railroad Telegrapher. scarce and nearly every one wants to take their vacation. Bro. J. W. West resigned his position as day telegrapher at Leland to accept work with the N. O. & G. N. Bro. L. A. Campbell, night man, succeeded to day position and Bro. Jones, from the Memphis division, accepted nights. Bro. H. C. Hooker is back at Shaw, days, after an extended tour through the Western States and Mexico. Bro. F. T. Green is off for a week or two on account of illness, and Bro. G. O. Hillard is holding down Anguilla agency. Bro. O. T. * Aycock, our popular lineman, has taken a sixty-day vacation in order to go West in search of better health. Bro. Aycock has a host of friends here who trust that his trip will be of great benefit to him. Bro. F. A. Lyon, new man at Cleveland nights. During the past month the depot buildings at Lamont and Boyle were destroyed by fire, and as a result Bros. Jacobs and Staples are getting a taste of the life of the wild and woolly West. Both have box-car depots. I hope at the next meeting we will have a larger crowd present and that some able writer can be selected to make a special write-up of the meeting. Have you the new card? They are true blue. Div. Coe. CARD OF THANKS. On July 8th the Grim Reaper visited our happy home and took from our midst my dear and loving wife, and I wish to express my sincere thanks to the brothers of the Omaha Division for their kind floral offering and contributions which they gave so liberally and their kind sympathy to us in these dark days. Fraternally, J. S. Weiss. W. & L. E. Railway. Toledo Division — I am pleased to say we arc coming to our right minds at last. Why should we work twelve hours each and every day? The answer is plain. Did you ever stop to realize that we could for a few dollars organize and demand better working con- ditions? I am sorry to say we have several teleg- raphers who can see no good in organization. I refer to those who have no cards. I would suggest that they return the increase they receive this month or get an up-to-date card. Try and be a man among men. The boys held a very interesting meeting at Nor- walk, Ohio, July 24th. Members present, seventeen. I was sorry it was not convenient for the boys west of Oak Harbor and east of Wellington to be with us. The following brothers are taking their vacations: Howe, Curtice; Niswangcr, Oak Harbor; Kneffler, Columbia. Bro. Stevens has been transferred from Clarks- ville to Hartland. Sorry to say Bro. Miller, of Spencer, is off duty on account of the sickness of his wife. Div. Cor. Pere Marquette Railway. Toledo Division — While switching in the yards at Mt. Morris, Chas. Harbin accidentlly fell under train, sever- ing both limbs above the knees. He was still conscious when leaving here, but death came to his relief before he reached home. He leaves to mourn his untimely death a wife, a baby boy, father and mother, four brothers, and two sisters. Funeral services were held at May- ville, July 9th, from the M. E. Church, Rev. G. C. Hopkins officiating. The choir rendered three of Charles' favorite hymns with which he used to sing his baby boy to sleep, “Nearer My God to Thee," “We’ll Never Say Good-Bye in Heaven," and “Safe in the Arms of Jesus." The Brotherhood of Trainmen attended in a body. The company furnished special train. The train crew that was working with the deceased when killed acted as pallbearers. Interment was made in the Fremont cemetery. We wish to express our sincere thanks and grati- tude to the members and friends of the O. R. T. who so generously contributed for the floral tribute. Whereas, Almighty God in His divine wisdom has removed from us trainman Chas. Harbin, and in manifestation of our respect and friendship for our Brother trainman; be it — Resolved, That the members of System Division No. 39, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, extend to his bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy in this dark hour of affliction; and be it furthei Resolved, That this resolution be spread upon the records of this division, published in our offi- cial journal and a copy he ?cnt to the beloved wife. J. Heusted, General Chairman. A. A. Patterson, W. A. Knister, Geo. L. Allison, G. E. Davis, R. C. Thompson, C. I. Mead, Committee. Chicago Division — Seeing that nothing from the Chicago Division has appeared for some time, will try and give a few of the many changes. Business very heavy just now, and so many changes being made that it is almost impossible to keep track of them. Agent E. M. O’Connor, and telegraphers Busch and Wagner, Waverly Yard, all resigned, and have gone to other fields, account salary not being sat- isfactory. Understand that present force there has been given a substantial raise, as the company found that it did not pay to reduce salaries. Un- able to say if new men are Brothers or not at this writing. Bro. Sherlock, Wyoming nights, and Bro Hen- derson, White Cloud nights (Petoskey Division), resigned, and understand have gone West. Bro. Link now working nights at Wyoming Yard. Mr. G. A. Obcrly, day telegrapher Wyo- ming Yards, still a non. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1407 Bro. M. L. Gillespie, relief agent, lost his wife a short time ago, and has been taking a short rest at his home near McDonald. He has returned to work again, as he is now at Elk Rapids. He has the sympathy of the entire division. Mr. Spicer, who ran a ham factory at Hartford for several years, has finally left the service. “13” he is now chief dispatcher on K. L. S. & C., a combination steam and electric line. That will give Mr. Spicer a chance to put “hams” to work. Telegrapher Gambel, formerly nights at Benton Harbor, now ticket agent and telegrapher at St. Joseph. Mr. Henderson working at Benton Harbor nights at present. Now that we have a new General Chairman, Bro. Hcusted, wx can expect to hear of something doing, as we all hope that new schedule is being figured on. Very sorry to lose Bro. Spencer, as he was a good man in the place, and worked hard for the Order. Wish him luck in his new field. News is very hard to get, so will have to close. If the members will forward notes to Local Chair- men, we will have a write-up every month, but one man cannot keep himself posted on the news from over 200 miles of track without any help, so send anything that is of interest to the Order. G. E. D. Chicago, Great Western Ry. South West Division — As I have failed to sec any write-up from the C. G. W., I concluded to make a trial, to show we are still alive and moving along fairly well. The Missouri eight-hour law is causing some uneasi- ness at a few places, account putting yard clerk’s work on telegraphers, and doing away with yard clerk entirely. One point wc will have to look after next time schedule is revised is this equalizing the rate of pay of first and second trick jnen, for at many points second man’s work is same as first, and should receive same pay. Appointments made on bulletin 23: H. A. Kelley, day telegrapher, Gladbrook. S. J. Stein, tower office, Marshalltown. L. A. Stone, agent, Ira. A. J. Field, agent, Churchville. Leroy Rice, night telegrapher, Talmage. Eight-hour jobs in Missouri are being bulletined, Shop and Conception, but they fail to say what trick at C. P. Boys, here is game of chance, which trick; you may step into third trick, unless you have the age. New agent A. H. Rokey, at Luray, forwarded his application to Division Secretary and Trea- surer, falling in line with us. “13” we have a non at Woodruff who is starting a ham factory there. Boys, who are close, get after him, and bring him in circle, and kick that student in the Missouri River. Bro. Rokey, at Arispe, has been having bad case of neuralgia last few days, but is always on hand when wanted. Brothers, how do you all stand on the $75 mini- imutu? We must soon have this, as cost of living is advancing so rapidly any less will not be able to buy us three meals daily, and believe we will have hard times before us to live through, and every penny wc hoard now will count much. It is to be hoped such may not be the case. Cert. 295. IV. M. & P. Division — Rochester bulletined for day telegrapher. Mr. Brownlee finally succeeded in getting away. Re- lieved by Mr. J. S. Hall, who has since been ap- pointed relief agent at that station. Mr. Hall has been in another line of business for some time. Bro. G. W. Haling, a new arrival, fresh from Southern Railway, doing the day stunt at Roch- ester since Mr. Hall’s appointment as agent. Bro. H. B. Daskowski, of the night trick, dis- patcher’s office, taking his vacation, relieved by Relief Agent Conners. Mr. Haville, former helper at Spring Valley, recently passed examination, and is now doing the owl act at Rochester, relieving telegrapher Rey- nolds, who takes Benning on bulletin. Agent Tripp, of Pine Island, was off for short vacation, relieved by relief agent Conners. Here's a chance for some one to do some missionary work. We need both of these gentlemen. Bro. Blethcn, at Le Roy, Division Correspondent, is looking for the members to send in a few notes each month. Try and dig up a few little items of interest, and send in by 20th of month. We all need to be better acquainted, and the best way to accomplish this is through the fraternal columns of The Telegrapher. Bro. Potter responded this month by sending in a very nice bunch of items, for which he has our thanks. R. J. Neill filling vacancy at Predmore, made by promotion of Agent Johnson. Wc are pleased to welcome agent F. C. Zierath, of St. Charles, into the fold. We were a long time landing him, but thanks to the efforts of Bro. Potter, he now has the credentials. In conclusion, we want to impress upon your minds the absolute necessity of each and every one getting busy. The national nine-hour law goes into effect March 1st, 1908. Agents and teleg- raphers at stations operated during the day only will be allowed to remain on duty thirteen hours, in case of emergency, in which case four hours overtime is allowed. This means that we will be allowed to make practically no overtime, and there are several stations on this division where the overtime is what makes the job. Under these con- ditions we will want a new schedule, and our only hope of getting one is for each member to bestir himself, and go after the nons and land them. We have been considering the advisability of publishing a “non” list, showing the present salary of each, the salary one year ago, and the net amount each one would have over and above all dues had they joined the Order on the date our last schedule went into effect. We will withhold this for a while, however, and see what can be done. “Now get busy.” Div. Cor. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1408 The Railroad Telegrapher. R.( F. & P. Railway. It was on the 12th of July, A. D. 1907, that yours truly, after receiving permission from the dispatcher to be out for a few moments, wended his way across the bridge that spans the Rappahannock, discovered his personality wandering promiscuously up the principal thoroughfare of the unique and historical town of Fredericksburg. There loomed up before him a commodious building, and as everything seemed so inviting, yours truly ascended the flight of steps and found himself ushered into one of the prodigious rooms, where, seated around in groups, were nineteen prepossessing individuals, whose physiognomies were quite familiar to him. After giving the salute due the monarch upon the throne, yours truly seated himself near the guard of the bivouac, as the smile of complacency played over his features and watched the procedure for the brief space of fifteen minutes, remaining mute until the time of his departure. Judging from the appearance of those in assembly, the shirt-waist and short sleeves seemed in vogue. I would not attempt, with pen, in my crude style, to limner, for only a camera could have portrayed to others as they really appeared upon this sulphurous eve. I must hasten, and, would say the meeting was called to order by Chief Pennypacker, presiding, with nineteen members present, and after dis- posing of the much accumulated business, same was placed behind us after the minutes of the Alexa meeting had been read and approved. Applications of the following candidates were balloted upon: E. A. Kearney, F. H. Herndon, J. P. Dempsey, C. N. Walker and G. K. Massie, and A. R. Morton, and same were duly elected mem- bers of this division. Bill for expenses of this division, amounting to $6.00 read and ordered paid. Bro. Rock, of Division 40, and Bro. Foster, of Division 14, were transferred to this division. The prizes offered by the division to the most punctilious members in attendance were won by the following brothers: D. Davis, 1st prize, O. R. T. gold ring. J. W. Smith, ad prize, O. R. T. watch charm. E. G. Donahoe, 3d prize, O. R. T. lapel button. J. I. Harrison, 4th prize, O. R. T. lapel button. I. L. Eubank, 5th prize, O. R. T. lapel button. V. S. J. Vaughan, 6th prize, O. R. T. lapel button. We feel no aversion in calling the newly elected brothers, and do hereby extend to one and all the glad hand, and most heartily welcome you into the fold, and trust that your sojourn with us may be of the most prosperous nature, and should you, perchance, cast your lot in other shades of our beautiful country, may success ever attend thee. Now that you have been admitted into one of the grandest organizations that ever blossomed and had its fruition upon the green continent of North America, prove to your fellow brothers and the world at large that you are truly worthy of all the benefits to be attained through the efforts of your brothers. Don’t allow yourselves to drift into apathy, and to think because you are now a full fledged mem- ber that you have fulfilled your obligation. Far from it. And if you are truly a good member, having the interest of the Order at heart, you will ever be found at the helm. Bro. Satterwhite, of Brooke, has been quite sick for the past two or three weeks, but we hope to have him with us again ere this goes to press. Div. Coe. Wisconsin Central Railway. Another month has rolled by, and presume the Brothers have been looking through the journal to see what has been doing on the W. C., so will endeavor to furnish what few changes I know of. There have been a large number of places bul- letined, and changes made accordingly, but very few of these have been reported to me. Also un- derstand there have been a number of changes made which were not bulletined, and which are causing more of less dissatisfaction among some of the Brothers. Whenever anything of this kind happens which is not according to our schedule, it should be reported to the Local Chairman, who in turn will look into the matter, and endeavor to adjust it. There is no question but what when our General Superintendent, Mr. Potter, signed the schedule, he intended that it should be lived up to by all concerned. At that time he promised our committee he would take the matter up with the W. U. Tel. Co., and use his best efforts towards securing a commission on their business, which has since been done, and we now receive a ten per cent commission on all this line cash handled. While this may not amount to very much for a good many of the boys, it is a step in the right direction, and helps a little. We don't need to feel as though we were doing the work free gratis, and should endeavor to increase the business, thus showing to the company that our good will is worth something. Bro. Peterson, Minneapolis, has resigned, and gone to Seattle, Wash., where his folks live. Good wishes go with him. He was relieved by Bro. Morandt, from Gladstone, nights, who in turn was relieved by Bro. W. Johnson, new man from the C. & N. W., I understand. Miss Anna Smith, Somerset, has left the service, and Mr. Finnegan has taken her place. New Richmond, Mr. Mocrose does the owl stunt, Bro. Cowcn having been transferred from New Richmond, nights, to Abbotsford, “AX,** nights. Mr. Eddie Smith, son of agent Smith, was work- ing nights at Colfax for short time, while his brother, Bro. W. A. Smith, worked days at the Bateman gravel pit. Bro. W. A. Smith was re- lieved later by Bro. Andre, who has been doing the owl stunt at Mellen for some time. Bro. Stolp, of Chippewa Falls, days, has been promoted to days at Eau Claire. The former day telegrapher at Eau Claire went to Milwaukee City ticket office. Bro. Stolp was relieved at Chippewa Falls by Bro. Shea, who in turn was relieved of the night trick at the same place by the baggage man of Chippewa Falls, a Mr. Wm. Roberge. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1409 Bro. Culler, who has been agent at Thorpe for many years, has resigned, and gone west in search of greener pastures. Unable to say where located. He was relieved by Bro. J. A. Phillips, who, if I am not mistaken, is new man on the road, but the right kind of stuff. Bro. Wesenburg, who resigned few months ago to enter the mercantile business at Theresa, Wis., has sold out, and returned to the life of grief and excitement at his old stand as agent Chelsea. Bro. Soderstrom is back in the harness again at his old place, Medford, and Bro. Harsh returned to Dorchester. Bro. Odean, formerly a W. C. telegrapher, now train dispatcher for the Soo Line at Minneapolis, visited with his parents at Ogema, second week in July. Bro. Taylor, from Fifield, now working days at Hoyt in place of Bro. Blodgett. Have lost track of Bro. Blodgett. Bro. Seeley, who has been doing considerable relief work of late, has now returned to Hurley in place of telegrapher Goodwin, who now occu- pies the position of helper at Ironwood. Joe Rindt, at Bessemer, days, says it was fine to get a raise, but spends all his spare time hunting for some poor, old worn-out excuse for not coming in and helping to keep the good things going. Bro. Oden now doing the owl act at Mellen, having been relieved at Ore Yard by Mr. Ellwell. Mr. Carlson transferred from Phillips, nights, to Ashland, nights. At a recent ball game played at Park Falls, the following Brothers were present as players and spectators: Bros. Leland, Smith, Soderstrom, Roen, and two former Medford agents, Pierce and Russell. It’s reported that Bro. Rave, of Stanley, nights, has accepted New Richmond, nights, and will go there shortly. Bro. Turner, of Owen, nights, to take his place, and the night man of New Rich- mond, Mr. Carl Mocrose is to go to Owens, nights. Bro. Andre, of Gravel Pit, days, was at Glen- wood last Sunday in July to visit your humble scribe, and other acquaintances whom he made while working here as nite owl some time ago. A number of the members have been asking me when we are going to have a meeting, and that is just what I would like to know, so if any worthy Brother can tell, let him proceed. That is what we most need at present, for good meetings are the life-blood of any organization. Another thing, don’t forget to keep posted as to how your next door neighbor stands, and if he has not a card, see that he gets one. If you can’t do it alone, ask some of the rest of us, and we will help you. Although applications have been coming in rather regularly for some time, there are still more to come. There are new men every few days, and great many of them not supplied with cards, so there is no time for sleeping, but each one be up and doing. Thus reads the sign on the guide board to success. And last, but not least, let me say if any mem- bers there be who have not paid semi-annual dues as yet, do so at once. The new cards are beauties. A. L. C. & Cor. H. & T. C. Railway. On July 1 2th, the State law providing for eight hours for a day’s work at all stations where more than one railroad telegraph or telephone operator is needed went into effect. Contrary to general expectations, there was no difficulty experienced by any of the Texas roads in securing all the telegraphers needed to supply the demand, and there are to-day more men in Texas without work than there was thirty days go, although there must have been some 300 more put on as a result of the eight-hour law. It is stated that a number of roads are evading the law by requiring telegraphers to perform four hours’ clerical work, and telegraphing, other than train orders, either before or after having worked eight hours handling train orders. Prominent at- torneys, after having carefully studied the law, assert that such action is in violation of the law, and it is quite likely that test will be made at no distant time. A great many changes have already been made as a result of new conditions, and more will be made before all are settled to the positions de- sired, which will take place when the vacancies are bulletined and filled according to applications for them. Bro. H. C. Van Wie, local chairman, formerly of Denison, has been transferred to Waco, days. We understand he is at present off account being sick. Trust he will be bkek on his eight-hour ’’split” soon. Bro. Callhan, of the Grand, is holding third trick at Sherman tower. Bro. Chas. Daffan, of Van Alstyne, has been laying off, and intimated that an eight-hour job looked good to him. Presume he will file for one under next bulletin. He has the seniority, and should be able to land one. Bro. Green, of Melissa, is on vacation. Bro. Richardson is relieving him. Bro. H. W. Kelly, of Jeffries, has returned to work after an extended vaction. Bros. Nelms, late of a commercial company, and Bros. Chas. Kelly, for past two years in California, are holding the third and second tricks respectively at Dallas Yards. We are glad to note that Bro. A. W. Smith, of Bremond, has been reinstated in his old position at that place. Bro. L. P. Johnson, of Division No. 137, is filling the second trick at Navasota tower. Bro. J. T. Williamson, Division No. 2, is on third trick at Bryan. Notice Bro. McKey, McKinney and Bro. Ham- mons, Marlin, each have a non assisting them. Hope they will be able to turn in the proper papers soon. Quite a number of members of other divisions have come to us recently, and should take neces- sary steps to have their membership transferred to Division No. 57 as early as possible. Brothers coming in contact with them should take up and assist them in doing so. We need them all in our little division, and they will be benefited by the transfer. C*«t. 9. Digitized by Google

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1410 The Railroad Telegrapher. Sea Board Air Line Railway. Orlando Branch , Sixth Division — We note with pleasure the write-up by Cert. 27 5. in July number of The Telegrapher, and think it is a good idea to keep this good work up, and let our Brothers know that we are still in the land of the living, if we are way down here “wid de alligators and skeeters.” I regret that I did not get mine in last number, but I miscued some way, and waited too long. Will promise to do bet- ter in future. We have just received notice from our G. S. & T. that our General Committee goes before the management about the 20th of August. The time is almost here, and the boys should respond promptly to the small assessment, and give them all the encouragement possible. I don’t think we have many grievances, but we want all that’s com- ing to us, and know they will do all they can to get us a good schedule. The branch, we are glad to say, is solid with the exception of “MO,” who states that he would come over on our side of the fence if he did not anticipate leaving the service in the near future. Hope we will be able to land his successor. Bro. Smith, who was with the A. C. L, here has accepted agency at Oxford on main line. Hope he will like it there. I find that our express agent here is O. R. T. man in good standing. Will try to get him lined up in active service, and get him out to our next meeting. Cert. 462. First Division— r Your humble servant being unable to attend the meeting at Norlina, July 20th, on account of sick- ness, cannot write much of interest this time. Everything is quiet once more, now that the eight- hour question has been definitely settled by the corporation commission. The following offices were placed in the eight- hour class on the First Division: Weldon, Nor- lina, Henderson, Frankeniton, and Wake Fores1. Have not learned what was done for the Second and Third Divisions, except that Johnson St. (Raleigh) was made eight-hours. This is a step in the right direction, but does it go far enough? There is not the slightest doubt but these places mentioned above should have three tricks, but how about the dozen other places on the line that have less telegraphing, and all the innumerable duties of one-man stations? These are the places where, through the omission of something by the freight agent, express agent, Western Union, block telegrapher, ticket agent, baggage rustler, U. S. mail carrier, station porter, bureau of gen- eral information, etc., etc., trouble more often occurs. Doesn’t it seem that these places should all be made eight-hour tricks? However, now that the thing has been started, it’s up to the individual and collective push and pull of every member to bring about these further changes. I fear that we are not using the talents placed in our hands to the advantage that we might. Don’t let’s bury our talents in the earth, and when our master returns give him the old song and dance about “knowing he was an unjust man, etc.’* And that’s exactly what your chronic nons on this di- vision are doing. Ask you to join the Order, your reply probably is that “the Order never has done me any good,” or something equally stale. If the Order does you no good, would you mind telling us, confidentially, what you are doing with the difference between your former and your present salary ? There is a difference which you can charge directly to the O. R. T. Do you turn it over to the Order, or give it back to the paymaster, or what goes with it? There are men on the First Division, who, if given the earth would complain and say, “Why you ain’t got no barbed wire fence around it.” “Can’t you fix it for me?” Gentle- men of the jury, I ask you this: Which is the worst? A scab, or a deliberate chronic non? Given the proper opportunity, and you will see that they are one and the same, just like the caterpillar and the butterfly, when the right time comes your chronic non will evolve and become a scab. I pray that some time in the near future our contracts may contain something like this on the first page: “The rights and benefits contained herein shall pertain to members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, only.” Then keep the chronic nons out, if it has to be done with a shot gun. So much for these human parasites. The following changes have been made on this division : W. R. Pcgram, agent, Oxford, vice K. G. Clif- ton. Mr. G. Norman, Millbrook, days. J. L. Smith, Millbrook to Neuse, days, vice D. M. McKenzie. G. D. McKean, Newsoms, days, vice Bro. P. C. Gee, who has been holding the fort there for some time as acting agent, and who is now on the road again as relief agent and telegrapher. Cannot say as to whether the other gentlemen mentioned above are members or not, as they are new men, and haven’t had a chance to talk with them. Our com- mittee will meet the officers about the middle of August. Don’t expect them paying their own board bills. Drv. Cor. Twin City Telegraphers’ Club. At our last meeting we had the pleasure of hearing a good and instructive address by Bro. Newman, First Vice-President of the O. R. T. Bros. Johnson, Emrick and Holmes, of the Gen- eral Committee of N. P. 54, were with us and reported everything well with 54, and expect to have schedule by time this is in the journal. After disposing of other business, election of officers was taken up. President Beamer turned the chair over to First Vice-President Newman, of the O. R. T., who called for nominations for President of the club. President Beamer did not wish to serve another term as President of the club, but as it was the unanimous wish of the club members and Bro. Liddane made a very flat- tering speech nominating him, he found it useless to hold out longer and accepted another term under great applause. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1411 Bro. Line was elected Secretary and Treasurer; Bro. Foulkes, First Vice-President; Bro. Galvin, Second Vice-President; Bro. Barrett, Sergeant-at- Arms; Bro. Lester, Door Keeper. Bro. Newman at this point turned the chair over to President Beamer, and the Club proceeded with regular business under the head of "good of the Order.” We were given some very good talks by Bros. Newman. Johnson, Emerick, Foulkes and Holmes. The President tried to get Bro. Liddane going, but was unable to do so. Guess he must have worked himself out on the nomination speech. We had a pleasant time, but missed some of our regular members, Minneapolis not being very well represented. The matter of the appointment of Club Corre- spondent was ta*en up. Bro. Liddane was named by President Beamer as Club Correspondent. Bro. Liddane was unable to serve in that capacity, and said the President was the proper person to do this work. After much argument over this the matter of Club Correspondent was left open until some future date. So you may expect a more able correspondent for the Twin City Telegraphers’ Club in our next issue of the journal. As mat- ters now stand, I was delegated by the President to send in this write-up. The Club is to be congratulated on again secur- ing Bro. Beamer as their president, and we feel sure he will make as good a showing in the future as he has in the past. Everything looks bright for the Club at this writing, and am sure it will continue so. Club Cor. Pro Tem. L. 8. & M. 8. Railway. Bro. Chadwick, third trick W. Seneca tower, has returned from his vacation. Bro. Frawley, who relieved him on extra list. New man working third trick Bay View. Un- able to learn if Brother or not. Telegrapher Kane, working at Angola, nights, at present. New tower there should be finished and in operation soon, making three good jots for some of the lucky Brothers. Telegrapher Wilder and Bro. Greisinger, of Sil- ver Creek tower, have changed tricks, Bro. Grei- tinger being now on second trick. Jake says there’s nothing like sleeping when Nature intended you should. Bro. Fay, third trick Dunkirk tower, resigned last month. Bro. Kane of same place took third trick, while Bro. Waddell, who recently joined us, became the second trick man, and Bro. Cooch Gamow still on the first trick. Canadaway office has been closed indefinitely, telegrapher Mack going to "JI” chutes nights, and Bro. Zeipe on extra list. Bro. Baker, third trick, Westfield, laying off at present, relieved by telegrapher Johnson. New roan working nights at State Line at pres- ent Bro. Tim Harrington worked few days at North- east pit recently, also at *‘CN” for awhile, but "jj’ he is now learning to operate the tower at “N.” Harbor Creek office has been closed nights in- definitely. "GC” office, Erie, has been closed day and night. Telegrapher Gruss, former day man there, has left the service, and "13” he has entered the grocery business. Bro. Weaver the night man lias also left, the service, and is at present travel- ing with the Parker Amusement Co. We all wish them success in their new ventures. Telegrapher Wilhelm, who was recently removed from Erie depot, days, on account of reduction of force, lias been replaced in his old position. Mgr. Murray says too much work for one man. Bro. Throne still on owl trick at "MS.” Painesvillc depot, nights, has been closed, and an order office opened in B. & O. tower at same place, the towermen now doing all the work. The tower at Wickliffc has been closed. Are all of you Brothers up-to-date with a new card? If not you should be. Send in your dues and square yourselves. Slim. To the Brothers of System Division No. 129 who so kindly expressed their sympathy in my be- half in the loss of my loving wife and companion, I desire to give my heartfelt thanks. R. A. Niklkind. A., B. & A. Railway. I have been over on this line for some time working quietly, and seeking only good men for members, consequently my progress has been slow, although I have the promise of several to come iti next month. We want the men to come in now; next month never comes. It is still ahead, always an opening for an excuse. There is not a man in the United States following the telegraph profes- sion who can give any reasonable excuse for not belonging to the Order that will give him better pay and shorten his hours of work. Now is the time for every man to do all he can to keep down the flood of students that will be upon us in the next few months, and let me say that I mean the A. B. & A. Ry. more than any other system, for already they are coming, and not only coming from other lines, but from sta- tions on our own line. I want a copy of this number of The Teleg- rapher to reach every man on the A. B. & A. Ry., and I want him to realize that instead of his pic- tured vision of an eight-hour day, with all kinds of money next year, he will be working for about thirty dollars per month, and not less than twelve hours per day, if he does not run that student off and get an up-to-date card. For is it not reason- able enough for you to see that you are raising up a student that will take your job for one-half of what you are working for in order to get "started.” Haven’t you heard that word a thou- sand times? Don’t you know that the man at the next station has a student who will do the same thing; then where is your increase in pay coming from ? I want to inform every member and every non on the A. B. & A. that there is a school cut right in on our wire, and that at this very place there is Digitized by Google

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1412 The Railroad Telegrapher. cropping out a class of students that have partly filled up offices at not less than four important stations, and that they have each and every one shown beyond a doubt that they are incompetent. I have been looking on at the developments for the last several months, and see that our only hope is in getting down to business, and work against the production of a wave of h*ms that is sure to become the destruction of all good things if they are not nipped in the bud. I am very sorry to note the death of our Bro. Wadsworth, at Oglethorps, the other day. Under- stand that he leaves wife and little baby. If there is any assistance needed in any way, just let the fact be known, and I will look about and get our Brothers to join me in any way that we could be of service. I knew deceased personally, and real- ize his loss to us. I am glad to note that we have been getting a few members lately. Let’s hope that they will stay with us, and deserve the name of Brother. In conclusion, I will say that the longer we put off rigid action in regard to the student question, just that much longer will it be before we get even recognition, much less better pay. Ce*t. 71. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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N OTI C E J. R. T. Auston, Cert. 243, Div. 49, has been expelled from the Order for unbecom- ing conduct. MUTUAL BENEFIT DEPARTMENT. Assessment No. 101 is due AUGUST 1, 1907. Time lor payment expires SEPTEMBER 80, 1907. AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENTS. On $ 500 00 (Series A) 20 cents each On 500 00 (Series B) 30 cents each On 1,000 00 (Series C) 60 cents each BENEFITS PAID DURING JULY, 1907. OuaM Out. No. Naxx. Gauss. Div. Mu. Skrixs. Amt. 602 Chas. E. Matthews Tuberculosis Grand... 5446 C $1,000 00 610 .... Frank Van Alstien Brights Disease 8 18001 A 300 00 611 Arthur J . Evans Paralysis 126 20123 .... A ... . 300 00 614 John M. Grossman Gun Shot Wounds 59 4417 B 500 00 616 Miles I. White Tuberculosis 63 8276 B 500 00 FINANCIAL STATEMENT— MORTUARY FUND. &KCKIPTS. Received on Assessment Account to June 30, 1907 $542,730 77 Received on Assessment Account July, 1907 12.723 25 $555,454 02 D1SBURSBMHNT8. Death Claims paid to June 30, 1907 $356,681 47 Death Claims paid in July 2,600 00 Assessments refunded, account rejected applications.. 930 79 Assessments transferred to dues 159 13 Cash on hand to credit Mortuary Fund, July 31, 1907 195,082 63 $555,454 02 L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer . Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1414 The Railroad Telegrapher. OFFICIAL DIRECTORY. General Offices* St* Louis* Mo* GRAND OFFICERS. H. B. PERHAM President St Louis, Mo. J. A. NEWMAN First Vice-President St Louis, Mo. D. CAMPBELL Third Vice-President. 264 Rusholme Road, Toronto, Ont. L. W. QUICK. .. .Grand Secretary and Treasurer. St. Louis, Mo. T. M. PIERSON Second Vice-President. St. Louis, Mo. J. J. DERMODY Fourth Vice-President St. Louis, Mo. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. C. E. Layman, Chairman, Troutville, Va. A. O. Sinks, Jefferson Street Depot, Portland, Ore. Geo. O. Forbes, Secretary, Spring Iiill Junction, C. G. Kelso, Tremont Hotel, Springfield, Mo. N- S* Geo. E. Joslin, Lock Box n, Centerdale, R. I. ADVERTISING. All correspondence pertaining to advertising should be addressed to W. N. Gates, Advertising Mana- ger, Garfield Building, Cleveland, Ohio. DIVISION DIRECTORY. GRAND DIVISION — Attached membership not confined to any particular railroad or territory. H. B. Perham, President, St. Louis, Mo.; L. W. Quick, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, St Louis, Mo. NO. 1. — Division covers the Grand Trunk Railway System. Meets subject to call of chairman. J. Willoughby, GenT Chairman, Bracebridge, Ont.; D. L. Shaw, GenT S. ft T., 769 King st., London, Ont. NO. 2, ST. LOUIS, MO.— Meets 1st and 3d Mondays each month at 8 p. m.. Small Hall South Side, 3d floor Masonic Temple (Odeon Building), Grand and Finney aves., St. Louis, Mo. L. W. Quick, Chief Telegrapher, 7th floor Star Building, St. Louis, Mo.; J. W. La Fever, S. & T., 3732 N. nth st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 3, HARRISBURG, PA. — Meets 1st Thursday each month in Mauk’s Hall, corner 6th ft Kel- ler sts., Harrisburg, Pa., and at some point on Middle Division, P. R. R., 3d Thursday evening each month, 7 p. m. J. S. Leyder, Chief Tel., Thompsontown, Pa.; B. 11. Saltsman, S. ft T., 1711 Market st., Harrisburg, Pa. NO. 5.— Division covers the Kansas City Southern Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. R. L. Caldwell, GenT Chairman, Lisle, Mo. P. H. Williams, Gen’l S. & T., Drexcl, Mo. NO. 6. — Division covers the Union Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. E. L. Stump, Gen’l Chairman, 2312 Mar- ion st., Denver, Colo. John H. Hughey, Jr., GenT S. ft T., Box 294, Junction City, Kan. NO. 7 — Division covers the Canadian Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. Ed. Goulet, GenT Chairman, Westminster, B. C.; John Vagner, GenT S. & T., Sudbury, Ont. NO. 8.— Division covers New York Central Ry. M. G. Woolley, GenT Chairman, 155th st. and Eighth ave.. New York, N. Y.; A. E. Blim, Gen’l S. ft T., Chili Station, N. Y. Hudson Div.— Meets subject to call of Local Chairman; J. B. V est, Local Chairman, 1 1 Thompson st., Pough- keepsie, N. Y. Western Div. — Meets 3d Sat- urday evening in July, Oct., Jan. and April, at North Tona wanda, N. Y.; March, June, September and December, at Rochester. N. Y.; February, May, August and November, at Syra- cuse, N. Y. Mohawk Div.— Meets on 3d Wednesday each month, at 8 o’clock p. m., in the Court House, at Fonda, N. Y. Harlem Div.— Meets on 3d Thursday each month, 10 a. m. and 8 p. m., Harlem Arcade, 211 East 124th st., New York City. M. G. Woolley. Local Chairman, 155th st. and Eighth ave.. New York City, care N. Y. Central R. R. Fall Brook Div.— Meets 3d Tuesday evening each month, 8 p- m., Rettig’s Hall, West Market st., Corning, N. Y. R. R. McJnroy, Local Chairman, Middle- bury Center, Pa. 9, LANCASTER, PA. — Meets 3d Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m.» in Centra] Labor Union Hall, 2d floor. No. 22 South Queen st.. Uncaster, Pa. Chas. E. Kacy, Chief Telegra- pher, 119# North Charlotte st., Uncaater, Ph.; A. B. Harabright, S. ft T., Landisville, Pk. Digitized by vooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1415 NO. to. JERSEY CITY, N. J.— Meets 3d Thur»- day of each month at 8 p. m., in Deanes' Hall, Grove and 5th sts., Jersey City, N. J. P. T. Ward, Chief Tel., 438 Warren st., Newark, N. J.; J. H. Kelling, S. & T., 88 Jewett ave., Jersey City, N. J. NO. 11, OLD TOWN, ME.— Meets 4th Sunday each month, 1 -.30 p. m., Royal Arcanum Hall, 116 Main st., Bangor, Me. Burton A. Brackett, Chief Tel., 32 Coombs st., Bangor, Me.; E. E. McPheters, S. & T., Great Works, Me. NO. 1 a, SUNBURY, PA.— Meets 2d Thursday eve- ning of each month, I. O. O. F. Hall, S. W. cor. Market and 3d sts. F. J. Reigel, Chief Tel., 314 Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa.; W. D. Grant, S. ft T., 225 Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa. NO. 14. — Division covers the Norfolk & Western Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. C. E. Layman, Gen'l Chairman, Trout- ville, Va.; T. H. Lankford, Gen'l S. & T., P. O. Box 11, Cloverdale, Va. NO. is, OTTAWA, ONT.— Meets subject to call of Chief Telegrapher at Ottawa, Ont G. W. Shepherd, Chief Tel., Alexandria, Ont; D. Robertson, S. & T., Glen Robertson, Ont; D. Robertson and G. W. Shepherd, Legislative Represen tatives. NO. 16. — Division covers the Michigan Central Railroad. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. C. Culkins, Gen'l Chairman, Albion, Mich.; J. H. Staley. Gen’l S. & T., Falls View, Ont NO. 17, BALTIMORE, MD.— Meets 1st and 3 <* Wednesday of each month at Old Town Bank Building, 3d floor, Baltimore, Md. Wm. M. Skinner, Chief Tel., 2224 E. Oliver st, Balti- more, Md.; Daniel L. Roller, S. & T., Hartford road and West Erdman ave., Baltimore, Md. NO. 18. — Division covers the New York, Chicago ft St Louis Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. M. Mulcahy, Gen'l Chairman, 33 Courtney st, Dunkirk, N. Y.; O. S. Smith, Gen'l S. & T., Argos, Ind. NO. 20. — Division covers the New York, Ontario ft Western Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Guy Cochran, Gen'l Chairman, Kingston, N. Y.; H. D. Pfoor, Gen’l S. ft T., P. O. Box 114, Jermyn, Pa. NO. 21. — Division covers the Cincinnati, Hamilton ft Dayton Railroad System. Meets subject to Call of Chairman. E. F. Stenger, Gen'l Chair- man, R. F. D. No. 3, Miamisburg„ Ohio; A. C Bushwaw, Gen'l S. & T., 55 Samuel st, Dayton, Ohio. NO. 22. — Division covers the Missouri, Kansas ft Texas Railroad System, R. J. Clark, Gen’l S. ft T., 1419a Granville place, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 23. — Division covers Chicago, Milwaukee ft St. Paul Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Milwaukee Terminal meetings held subject to call of Local Chairman. O. W. Ren- ahaw, Gen’l Chairman, 2 West 14th st., Minne- apolis, Minn.; G. E. Soyster, Gen’l S. ft T.. Covington, Iowa. NO. 24, WILLIAMSPORT, PA.— Meets 1st Thursday in month of March, June, September and December, Trades and Labor Hall, Carroll st., Elmira, N. Y. Months of January, Febru- ary, April, May, July, August, October and November, K. of C. Hall, Cor. Fourth and Pine sts., Williamsport, Pa. Chas. F. Fortney, Chief Tel., 931 Erie ave., Williamsport, Pa.; J. N. Sponsler, S. ft T., 935 Erie ave., Williamsport. Pa. NO. 25. — Division covers the International A Great Northern Railway System. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. F. W. Lyons, Gen’l Chairman, Cotulla, Texas; R. B. Adams, Gen'l S. & T. Rockdale, Texas. NO. 26, NEW YORK, N. Y.— Meets 2d Sunday each month at 3 P- m., 133 Edgecombe ave., New York City. F. J. Ryan, Chief Tel., 228 W. 141st st, New York; A. L. Me Bain, S. & T.. 133 Edgecomb ave., New York City. NO. 27, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.— W. W. Culmer, Chief Tel., Martinsville, Ind.; E. C. Thomp- son, S. ft T., 811 Fletcher ave., Indianapolis, Ind. NO. 28. — Division covers the Mexican Interna- tional Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. M. T. Fenelon, Gen'l Chairman, Barroteran, Coah., Mex. ; L. Hernendez, Gen'l S. & T., Valardena, Dgo, Mex. NO. 29, NEW HAVEN, CONN.— Meets 1st Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m. in Red Men's Hall, 48 Church st., cor. Crown, New Haven. Conn. L. II. Dowd, Chief Tel., 47 Division st, Danbury, Conn.; G. F. McCormack, S. ft T., 93 Main st., West Haven, Conn. NO. 31. — Division covers the Missouri Pacific Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. L. M. Nance, Gen’l Chairman, Bron son, Kansas; W. M. Holman, Gen'l S. ft T., 7210 Pennsylvania av., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 32. — Division covers the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. C. G. Kelso, Gen'l Chair- man, 1528 N. Jefferson ave., Springfield, Mo.; J. E. McQuade, Gen’l S. & T., 1528 N. Jeffer- son ave., Springfield, Mo. NO. 33. — Division covers the Baltimore & Ohio Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. E. N. Van Atta, Gen'l Chairman, Box 36, Newark, O.; W. Edgar Frasher, Gen'l S. & T., 814 W. 9th st, Wilmington, Del. Pike Division meets on 3d Saturday night of each month at Hotel Wilson, No. 10 Smithfield st, Pittsburg, Pa. Will Carr, Local Chairman, West Alexander, Pa. NO. 34. — Division covers the Chicago ft Eastern Illinois Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. V. Phillips, Gen’l Chair- man, Wellington, 111.; S. M. Rittenhouse, Gen'l S. & T., Sidell, 111. Digitized by Google

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1416 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. J5, PROVIDENCE, R. I. — Meet* 3d Satur- day of each month in Swarts Lodge, Odd Fel- lows* Hall, 96 Westminster st., Providence, R. I. J. F. Brady, Chief Tel., 52 Woodbine st., Providence, R. I.; Robt. A. Brown, S. & T., 36 Cora ave., East Providence, R. I. NO. 36. — Division covers the Pennsylvania Lines west of Pittsburg. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. W. Burch, Gen*l S. & T., 319 Atlanta ave., Tuxedo Park, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 37. NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y. — Meets ad Friday evening each month, 8 p. m.. Bank’s Hall, over Post Office, New Rochelle, N. Y. Daniel Kenney, Chief Tel., 355 N. Main st., Port Chester, K. Y.; Jos. A. Hannan, S. ft T., P. O. Box 140, Rye, N. Y. NO. 38. SPRINGFIELD, MASS.— Meets 3d Sat- urday each month, 8 p. m., at 33 Lyman st., Springfield, Mass. Art. O. Betters, Chief Tel., ai6 Summer st., Springfield, Mass.; John R. Cardinal, S. ft T., Box 1417 Springfield, Mass. No. 39. — Division covers the Pern Marquette Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John Hcusted, Gen’l Chairman, Mt. Morris, Mich.; Charles I. Mead, Gen’l S. & T., Smyrna, Mich. NO. 40. — Division covers Chesapeake & Ohio Rail- way System. Meets 4th Thursday of each month at Fraternity Hall, 215 West Broad st, Richmond, Va. Third Saturday night of each month at Eagle’s Hall, Clifton Forge, Va. Third Tuesday nigh^ of each month at Manhattan Hall, Hinton, W. Va. Fourth Saturday night of each month at Buffalo Hall, cor. Third ave. and 9th st., Huntington, W. Va. L. G. Bent- ley, Gen'l Chairman, No. 25 South Adams st., Richmond, Va.; J. W. Kiser, Gen’l S. & T., 824 27th st., Huntington, W. Va. NO. 41. BOSTON, MASS.— Meets 2d Saturday night each month, Engineers’ Hall, 164 Canal st., Boston, Mass. Ben C. Chase, Chief Tel.. Wenham Depot, Mass; John A. Tuck, S. ft T., upper station, Wakefield, Mass. NO. 42. — Division covers the Eric Railroad Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Frank N. Hall, Gen’l Chairman, 35 Clinton st., Sala- manca, N. Y.; C. L. Bridge, Gen’l S. ft T., De- posit, N. Y. NO. 43. — Division covers Canadian Northern Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. A. E. J. Willis, Gen’l Chairman, Roland, Man.; E. G. Skelding, Gen'l S. ft T., 531 Victor st., Winnipeg, Man. NO. 44, NEW YORK, N. Y. — Meets ad Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Fraternity Hall, 22-24 Harriman ave., Jamaica, N. Y. ; C. B. Van Nostrand, Chief Tel., care L. I. R. R., Vender- veer Park, N. Y.; A. F. Heller, S. ft T., 1441 Bushwick ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. NO. 45, WOODVILLE, N. H.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month at 8 p. m., K. of P. Hall, Woodville, N. H. B. C Berry, Chief Tel-, South Barton, Vt.; F. P. Learned, S. ft T , Plymouth, N. H. NO. 46. — Division covers the Central of Georgia Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. G. C. Stephenson, Gen’l Chairman, Rose- ville, Ga.; O. S. Travis, Gen’l S. ft T., Route 68, Atlanta, Ga. NO. 47, CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. I.— Meets 3d Thursday of each month at 8 p. m., and B. I. S. Hall, Charlottetown, P. E. I.; A. D. Lawson, Chief Tel., Hunters River, P. E. I.; J. J. Trainor, S. & T., Bedford Station, P. E. I. NO. 48. — Division covers the Detroit, Toledo ft I ronton and Ann Arbor Railways. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. H. J. Tobin, Gen’l Chairnuui, 315 E. Exchange st., Owosso, Mich.; A. F. Weast, Gen'l S. ft T., Bainbridge, Ohio. NO. 49. — Division covers the Denver ft Rio Grande Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. A. H. Wasson, Gen’l Chairman, Amethyst, Colo.; F. W. Aiken, Gen'l S. ft T., Parkdale, Colo. NO. 50. — Division covers the Georgia Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John S. Stovall, Gen’l Chairman, Milledgeville. Ga.; A. C. McKinley, Gen’l S. ft T., Milledge- ville, Ga NO. 51. — Division covers Bessemer and Lake Erie Railway System. Meets 1st Friday evening after 1 6th each month, in Eagles’ Hall, Greenville, Pa., after the arrival of trains 2 and 13. J. R. Patterson, Gen’l Chairman, Hilliard, Pa.; W. B. Risley, Gen’l S. ft T., 96 Marshall st., Con- neaut, Ohio. NO. 52, PITTSBURG, PA.— Meets ad and 4th Saturday evening each month at 8 p. m., at 204 Fifth ave., 3d floor, Pittsburg, Pa. John Kiger, Chief Tel., 6426 Howe st.. East End, Pittsburg, Pa.; H. K. Klingensmith, Secretary, 226 Bertha st., Pittsburg, Pa.; C. C. Campbell, Treasurer, 605 Arlington ave., Pittsburg, Pa. NO. 53. — Division covers the Southern Pacific Railway Lines. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. H. Lester, Gen'l Chairman, Weimar, Tex.; D. W. Koppikus, Gen’l S. ft T., 1220 12th ave., East Oakland, Cal. NO. 54. — Division covers the Northern Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. I. N. Holmes, Gen’l S. ft T., Olympia, Wash. No. 55. — Division covers the Wheeling, Lake Erie Railway, Wabash, Pittsburg Terminal and West Side Belt Railway Systems. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. O. Peoples, Gen’l Chair- man, Bolivar, Ohio; C. R. Guthrie, Gen’l S. & T., Box 71, Jewett, Ohio. NO. 56. — Division covers the Georgia Southern ft Florida Railway Systems. T. L. Argo, Gen'l Chairman, G. S. & F. Ticket Office, Valdosta, Ga.; O. H. Watson, Gen’l S. ft T., Tobesofkee, Ga. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1417 NO. 57. — Division covers the Houston & Texas Central Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. W. J. Burke, Gen'l Chairman, H. & T. C yard office, Dallas, Texas; J. A. McKey, Gen'l S. & T., 43 N. Benge st., Mc- Kinney, Texas. NO. 58, WILMINGTON, DEL. — Meets 3d Wednesday evening, 8 o'clock. Red Men’s Hall, 517 Shipley st., Wilmington, Del. H. W. Ken- nedy, Chief Telegrapher, 305 N. Van Buren st., Wilmington, Del.; W. J. Holton, S. & T., New- ark, Del. NO. 59. — Division covers Southern Railway Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. A. L. McDaniel. Gen’l S. & T., Forest City, N. C NO. 60, WASHINGTON, D. C.— Meets 3d Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m., at Typographical Temple, 423 "G” st., N. W., Washington, D. C. J. E. Vandergrift, Chief Tel., 1116 Va. ave., S. W.t Washington, D. C. ; H. L. Simcox, S. & T., 638 "B” st., S. W., Washington, D. C. NO. 61, CAMPBELLTON, N. B.— Meets 4th Tuesday evening of each month in Engineers’ Hall, Campbell ton, N. B. J. W. Morton, Chief Tel, Campbellton, N. B.; R. A. McMillan, S. & T., Charlo Station, N. B. NO. 6 a. — Division covers Queen ft Crescent (North). J. W. Collins, Gen’l Chairman, 326 Foreman ave., Lexington, Ky. E. M. Caldwell, Gen’l Sec’y & Treas., Corinth, Ky. NO. 63, MONCTON, N. B. — Meets 3d Saturday of each month, alternately at Moncton, N. B., and St. John, N. B. F. T. Atkinson, Chief Tel., Bloomfield, N. B., Can.; T. A. Scribner, S. & T., Moncton, N. B. NO. 64, LEVIS, QUE. — Meets 4th Friday of each month at 1 p. m., at Victoria Hotel, Levis, Que. A. Dion, Chief Tel., Levis, Que.; Joseph Remil- lard, S. & T., St Charles, Bellechasse Co., Que. NO. 65, ROCHESTER, N. H.— Meets at 8 p. m., ad Saturday each month in G. A. R. Hall, Roch- ester, N. H. E. J. Scott, Chief Tel., West Ossipee, N. H.; G. F. Berry, S. & T., 24 Port- land st, Rochester, N. H. NO. 66, TRURO, N. S. — Meets 3d Wednesday each month, McKay’s Hall (B. R. T. room), lnglis st., Truro, N. S. W. A. Harris, Chief Tel., Windsor Junct, N. S.; Geo. O. Forbes, S. & T., Spring Hill Junct., N. S. NO. 67, WILKESBARRE, PA. — Meets on the 3d Friday each month at 8 p. ro., at O. U. A. M. Hall, No. 31 W. Market st, Wilkesbarre, Pa. E. O. Sherman, Chief Tel., 331 S. River st., Wilkesbarre, Pa.; J. Nelligan, S. 8t T., 30 New- port st, Wilkesbarre, Pa. NO. 68. — Division covers Washington County Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. James F. Desmond, Gen'l Chairman, Eastport, Maine; Win. C. Myrick, Gen’l S. & T., East Machias, Maine. NO. 69. — Division covers Queen ft Crescent Route (South). Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. A. Shields, Gen’l Chairman, Morton, Miss.; J. C. Talley, Jr., Gen'l S. & T., Poplarville, Miss. NO. 70. — Division covers Great Northern Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. P. M. Abbott, Gen’l S. & T., Logan, Mont NO. 71, OSKALOOSA, IOWA.— Meets ad Satur- day in each month at 8:45 p. m., in Trainmen’s Hall, over Pike's Drug Store, Oskaloosa, Iowa. H. W. Landfear, Chief Tel., Wright, Iowa; F H. McCarl, S. & T., New Sharon, Iowa. NO. 7a. ST. JOSEPH, MO.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., 623 Mt Mora Road, St Joseph, Mo. C. P. Cahill, Chief Tel., 1615 S. nth st., St. Joseph, Mo.; W. E. Reese, S. & T., Box 682, St. Joseph, Mo. NO. 73, MAUCH CHUNK, PA.— Meets ad Wednesday of each month at 8 p. m., on the 4th floor Odd Fellows’ Hall, Broadway, Mauch Chunk, Pa. John F. Boyle, Chief Tel., Penn Haven, mail, Mauch Chunk, Pa.; William M. Butler, S. & T., Room 11, Court House, Wilkes- barre, Pa. NO. 74. — Division covers B. 8c O. S. W. R. R. J. M. Peck, Gen’l Chairman, Farmingdale, 111.; A. W. Morrow, Gen’l S. & T., 425 Jefferson at, Greenfield, Ohio, NO. 75. — Division covers Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Ry. System. G. W. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Losantville, Ind. ; F. K. Harter, Gen’l S. & T., Jonesboro, Ind. NO. 76. — Division covers the Chicago & North- western Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Jas. Troy, Gen’l Chairman, Jew- ell Junction, Iowa; W. J. Liddane, Asa’t Gen'l Chairman, 386 Grove st., St Paul, Minn.; Ira R. Kempkes, Gen’l S. 8t T., Nevada, Iowa. NO. 77, DENVER, COLO.— Meets 1st Tuesday evening in each month, Rooms 38-40, 1427 Stout St., Denver, Colo.; C. M. Worth, Chief Tel., Rooms 38-40, 1427 Stout St., Denver, Colo.; C. L. Cheney, S. & T., 935 17th st., Denver, Colo. NO. 78, ALBANY, N. Y. — Meets 3d Saturday each month at 7:30 p. m., A. O. U. W. Hall, 82 S. Pearl st., Albany, N. Y. James Disney, Chief Tel., 46 Franklin st, Albany, N. Y.; B. M. Nicholls, S. & T., Altamont, N. Y. NO. 79. — Covers G. & S. I. Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Gen'l Chairman. J. O. Bolton, Gen’l Chairman, Seminary, Miss.; W. L. Yeates, Cien’l Sec. ft Treas., Box 60, Maxie, Miss.;H. J. Schneider, Ass’t Gen’l S. ft T., Maxis, Miss. NO. 80. — Division covers the M. J. ft K. C. Ry. System. T. E. Cooper, Gen’l Chairman, Bay Springs, Miss.; J. L. Lester, Gen’l Sec. and Treas., Union, Miss. Digitized by Google

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1418 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 81. — Division coven the Colorado Midland Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of Chairman. Guy Saling, Gen’l S. & T., Floris- sant, Colo. NO. 8a. — Division coven Western Maryland Rail- way System. H. C. McCubbin, Gen’l Chairman, Hagentown, Md.; E. H. Koons, Gcn’l S. & T., 308 Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 83. — Division coven the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. A. W. Sherburne, Gen’l Chair- man, New Sweden Station, Me.; F. J. Crozier, Gen’l Sec. and Treas., Norcross, Maine. NO. 84, CAMDEN, N. J.— Meets ad Friday at 8 p. m. at Morgan’s Hall, 4th and Market sts., Camden, N. J. F. S. Pheasant, Chief Tel., Mer- chantville, N. J.; I. W. Newkirk, Sec’y, Pit- man Grove, N. J.; T. J. McCabe, Treat., 1014 Spruce st., Camden, N. J. NO. 85. TRENTON, N. J.— Meets 3d Friday at 8 p. m., at Concordia Hall, 33 West State st, Trenton, N. J. Chas. R. Carty, Chief Tel., 922 Pond st., Bristol, Pa.; Chas. Parker, S. ft T., aoa West Hanover st, Trenton, N. J. NO, 86, ALTOONA, PA.— Meets sd Wednesday at 10:15 *• »., and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p. m., in Lee Building, E. lath st, bet 8th and 9th aves., Altoona, Pa. J. W. McCoy, Chief Tel., Juniata, Blair Co., Pa.; J. L. Franks, S. ft T., 325 Beech ave., Altoona, Pa. NO. 87, SCRANTON, PA.— Meets 1st Monday evening of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, Main st, Archibald, Pa. J. W. Sampson, Chief TeL, Dickson City, Pa.; M. G. Grennell, S. 8c T. , Carbondale, Pa. NO. 88. — Division covers the Texas & Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. W. E. Sledge, Gen’l Chairman, Keith ville. La.; J. E. De Souza, Gen'l S. & T., Chamberlain, La. NO. 89, BOSTON, MASS. — Meets 1st Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Rathbone Hall, 3d floor, elevator service, 694 Washington st., Bos- ton, Mass. W. A Fenwick, Chief Tel., Fram- ingham, Mass.; J. W. Finn, S. 8r T., 22 Milt'* ave., Dorchester, Ctr., Boston, Mass. NO. 90, Division covers Coal 8c Coke Ry. of W. Va. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. J. Shawver, Gen’l Chairman, Walkersville, W. Va. ; J. A. Arthur, Gen’l S. 8c T.: Blue Creek, W. Va. NO. 91, CHICAGO, ILL.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m. at Liberty Hall, 70 Adams st., Chicago, 111. G. Dal. Jones, Chief Tel., 386 Dearborn ave., Chicago, 111.; G. II. O’Brien, S. flt T., 168 N. State st., Chicago, 111. No. 9 2. — Division covers the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. H. R. Childs, Gen’l Chairman, Warsaw, N. Y. ; O. B. Britton, Gen’l S. 8c T., 150 W. Long ave., Dubois, Pa. NO. 93. — Division covers the Illinois Central Rail- road System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. C. A. Mulhall, Gen’l Chairman, Clarkson, Ky. ; G. E. Chance, Ass’t Gen’l Chair- man, Mounds, 111.; W. P. Moore, Gen’l Chair- man, Y. & M. V. Lines, Lulu, Miss.; R. L Shannon, Gen’l S. & T., Anna, 111. Chicago Terminal hold regular meetings on 3d Saturday each month at 8 p. ra. sharp, in Vicinity Hall (3d floor), N. E. cor. 35th and Cottage Grove ave., Chicago, 111. NO. 94, MERIDIAN, MISS.— Meets 4th Wednce day night at 8 p. m., in Young Men's Benevo- lent Association Hall, S. E. cor. Dauphin and Jackson sts.. Mobile, Ala. J. E. Jones, Chief Tel., Oak Grove, Ala.; R. L. Howell, S. ft T., 18 South Catherin st. Mobile, Ala. NO. 95, PORTLAND, ME.— Meets 3d Thursday each month at 546# Congress st., Portland, Me. H. G. Adams, Chief Tel., R. F. D. a, Cumber- land Center, Me.; C. A. Ford, S. & T., West- brook, Me. NO. 96. — Division covers the Chicago Great West ern Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. L. Albrecht, Gen’l Chairman, Fred- ericksburg, la.; W. H. Scott, G. S. ft T., Eliza beth, I1L NO. 97. — Division covers the Seaboard Air Line Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. D. May, Gen’l Chairman, Carlton, Ga.; F. 0. Cumming, Gen’l S. ft T., Seaboard, N. C NO. 98, Division covers G. V. G. & N. Ry. Sys- Meets subject to call of Chairman. R. W. Smith, Gen’l Chairman. Thatcher, Ariz.; B. R. Marks, Gen’l S. & T., Pima, Ariz. NO. 99. COBALT, ONT.— Geo. A. Dufour, Chief Tel., Cobalt, via North Bay, Ont. Arnold C. Moir, S. & T., Uno Park, Ont. NO. 100, ELMIRA, N. Y. — Meets third Friday each month at 9 p. m. sharp, Red Men’s Hall, 164 Lake st., Elmira, N. Y. C. M. Weeks. Chief Tel., Stanley, N. Y.; C R. Elliott, Sec. ft Treas., 381, South Main st., Elmira, N. Y. NO. 10a, PHILADELPHIA. PA.— Meeting place subject to notice from Secretary and Treasurer. Harold O. Mennig, Chief Tel., Conshohocken, Pa.; Arthur C. Malstrom, S. & T., West Con- shohocken, Pa. NO. 103, STELLARTON, N. S.— John T. Mc- Queen, Chief Tel., New Glasgow, N. S.; N. G. Munro, S. & T., Box 152, Stellarton, N. S. NO. 104, AYER, MASS. — Meets 3d Sunday of each month at 9:30 a. m., in the ante-rooms of Pierce Hall, 3d floor, Clinton, Mass. F. U. Willard, Chief TeL, Luicaater, Mass.; John F. Mullen, S. ft T., 153 Lunenburg st., Fitchburg, Mass. NO. 105, CONCORD, N. H.— W. H. Meserve, Chief Tel., Penacook, N. H.; B. C Jones, S. ft T., Newport, N. H. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1419 NO. 106. HAGERSTOWN, MD.— J. K. Snyder, Sec., Box 46, Hagerstown, Md.; G. F. Hoover, Treas., 254 South Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 108, ADDISON, N. Y. — Meets ad Sunday each month at 11 a. m., in C M. B. A. Hall, Addison, N. Y. F. J. Taylor, Chief Tel., Cross Fork, Pa.; L. D. Jacobs, S. & T., Elkland, Pa. NO. no, RENO VO, PA.— Meets 3d Wednesday of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, 4th st.. Emporium, Pa. D. J. Shea, Chief Tel., Water- ford, Pa.; A. L. Goodwin, S. ft T., Box 375, Emporium, Pa. NO. 116. — Division covers the Duluth, South Shore ft Atlantic Railway System. Meets ad Sunday of February, April, June, August, October and December in places designated by General Chair- man. J. H. McLean, Gen'l Chairman, L’Anse, Mich.; C. Reif, Gen’l S. & T., Lake Linden, Mich. NO. 117, SHAMOKIN, PA. — Meets 3d Saturday months of January, March, May, July Septem- ber and November at 7 p. m., in I. O. O. F. Hall, Mahonoy City, Pa., and on 3d Saturday, at 8 p. m., months of February, April, June, August, October and December, in P. O. S. of A. Hall, Shamokin, Pa. A. F. Wallaner, Chief Tel, Quakake, Pa.; H. M. Michael, S. ft T„ Quakake, Pa. NO. 1 18. — Division covers Toledo & Ohio Cen- tral Railway System. H. E. Arnold, Gen’l Chair- man, Nelson ville, Ohio; R. M. Henderson, Gen’l S. & T., Marysville, Ohio. NO. 1 19. — Division covers the Minneapolis, St. Paul ft Sault Ste. Marie Railway System. G. W. Lewis, Gen’l Chairman, Orleans, Minn.; F. C Paine, Gen’l S. ft T., Erskine, Minn. NO. lao. — Division covers Lake Erie & Western Railway System. E. B. Kern, Gen’l Chair- man, Milton, Ind.; V. E. Trittipo, G. S. & T., Fisher’s Switch, Ind. NO. 1 si. — Division covers Wisconsin Central Ry. System. A. D. Rouse, Gen’l Chairman, Fond du Lac, Wis.; O. V. Soderstrom, Gen’l S. ft T., Medford, Wis. NO. 123. — Division covers Minneapolis ft St Louis Railway System. H. S. Vogler, Gen’l Chairman, Young America, Minn.; Robert Ham- ilton, Gen’l S. ft T., Belview, Minn. NO. 125. — Division covers Richmond, Fredericks- burg and Potomac Ry. System. Meets ad Friday night each month at K. of P. Hall, 3d floor, 825 Main st. (opposite postoffice), Fredericksburg, Va. C. H. Bose hen, Gen’l Chairman, Ashland, Va.; S. R. Gentry, Gen’l S. ft T., Fredericks- burg, Va. NO. 126. — Division covers Chicago, Rock Island ft Pacific Railway System. Meets Maccabee Hall. Rock Island, 111., 4th Saturday evening of each month at F. O. E. Hall, El Reno, Okla., second Saturday of each month at 8 p. m. W. T. Brown, Gen’l Chairman, Whiting, Kans,; M. E. Schooler, Gen’l S. ft T., Whiting, Kans. NO. 127. VIRGINIA, MINN.— C. J. Keenan. Chief Tel., Kelsey, Minn.; J. F. Kenney, S. ft T., Alborn, Minn. NO. 129. — Division covers Lake Shore ft Michigan Southern Railway System. G. E. Kipp, Gen’l Chairman, Blasdell, N. Y.; C. D. Hull, G. S. ft T., 1029 Central ave., Sandusky, Ohio. NO. 130. — Division covers Chicago, Burlington ft Quincy Railroad System. M. J. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Anselmo, Neb.; W. A. Henry, Gen’l S. ft T., Ericson, Neb. NO. 13 s. — Division covers Atlantic Coast Line Railway System. Meetings, Florence, S. C, 4th Saturday night each month. Rocky Mount, N. C., bi-monthly, Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. and Dec., on ad Saturday night B. F. Vvaeeler, Gen’l Chairman, Oviedo, Fla.; J. H. Williams, Gen’l S. ft T., Wilson, N. C. NO. 133, SYDNEY, N. S. — G. B. Anslow, Chief Tel., North Sydney Jet., C B.; Archie B. Me Dougall, S. ft T., Grand Narrows, Cape Breton, N. S. NO. 134, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Meets 3d Sun day each month, at 136 East Bay st, Herkimer Bldg., Jacksonville, Fla. L. R. Funderburk. Chief Tel., care Jacksonville Term. Co., Jack- sonville, Fla.; N. C. Hall, S. ft T., Delray, Fla. NO. 135, OLEAN, N. Y. — Meets 3d Monday even- ing each month at Rafferty’s Hall, ad floor. Tower Bldg., Olean, N. Y. E. C. Stevens, Chief Tel., Ischua, N. Y.; E. C. Stevens, S. ft T., 433 N. 1st st, Ischua, N. Y. NO. 136, READING, PA. — Meets 3d Friday of each month. Geo. P. Riggleman, Chief Tel., Mt Holly Springs, Pa.; C. F. Petree, S. ft T., 932 Pear st., Reading, Pa. NO. 137. — Division covers El Paso ft Northeastern Railway System. J. C. McNairy, Acting Gen‘1 S. & T., 1425 Angelica st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 138. — Division covers C., C., C. ft St L. Railway System. J. F. Justice, Gen’l Chair- man, 381 North Grant ave., Columbus, Ohio; C. A. Burton, Gen’l S. & T., 4056a Laclede ave., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 139, NORTH ADAMS, MASS.— Meets on the 2d Saturday of each month in Odd Fellows' Hall, North Adams, Mass. T. E. Powers, Chief Tel., W. Valley Falls, N. Y.; H. F. Cook, S. ft T. , Shelburn Falls, Mass. TWIN CITY TELEGRAPHERS’ CLUB.— Meets ad Saturday night each month at Columbia Hall, Prior and University aves., St Paul, Minn. L. L>. Beamer, Pres., 360 Selby ave., St Paul, Minn.; T. H. Line, Sec’y ft Treas., 2365 Doe- well ave., St. Paul, Minn. TELEGRAPHERS’ SOCIAL CLUB OF N. Y.— Meets subject to call of President at “The Plasa," 141st st. and Edgecombe ave., New York City; M. G. Woolley, President, 155th st. and 8th ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, S. & T., 126 Union st., High Bridge, New York City. Digitized by c,ooQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Verv sensitive to weak currents, giving a clea working sound on circuits where, without i' than one ap- plication b y CATALOG G-22 Something Electrical for Everybody. 144 pages, 750 illustrations. Sent free. EUREKA TELEGRAPH INSTRUMENT IMPROVED MAIN LINE SOUNDER A moderate priced combination set, recommended as a learner's apparat us, being low in price, durable and effi- cient. Copy of Phil- osophy and Practice of Morse Telegra- phy free with each instrument Wound, 5 ohms, $1.15; Wound. 20 ohms, $1.25, Gives three times the volume of sound given b y the very best box relays. Made with full size re- lay magnets, 150 ohms resistance. Designed to work on long and difficult lines, and at same time to dispense with local sound- er and battery. Regulator permits volume of sound to be increased or decreased at will. Price, 150 ohms, with key, $4.50; price. 150 ohms, without key, $3.50. POCKET TOOL KIT a ici uy v>uu iucui summer uiiu uuuri y wuuiu be absolutely necessary. With key, price, $4.50. Without key, price, $3.75. UNION LIGHTNING ARRESTER A combined Cut- out, Ground Switch and Lightning Ar- rester. Protects the instruments and house from damage by lightning and en- ables operator to terminate the line at his station by ground- ing the circuit. In- strument may also be disconnected from main line when desired. Complete, with cut-out pin. 40c. ELECTRIC ALARM CLOCK Set in usual man- ner to ring at a certain hour and clock move- ment throws into cir- cuit a vibrating bell which will ring for hours unless switched off. Clock may be placed any- where and the bell i and switch arranged I near the bed. Any of I our vibrating bells ' may be used. High- grade clock move- ment. Price, clock, as shown, $1.25. SNAPPER SOUNDER Makes a loud, sharp noise, the “click” be- ing similar to tele- graph sounders. Morse alphabet characters can be transmitted a con- siderable distance inor out of doors by persons familiar with the art of telegraphy. Postpaid 10 cents. Manhattan Electrical Supply Co. 17 ParK Place-NEW YORK-14 Murray St. 188 Fifth Ave„ CHICAGO Price, complete with 96-page guide, only $2.00, This outfit Is indispensable to the practical electrician. The case is made of the best quality of russet leather, hand-stitched. It is of convenient pocket-book style, with firm metallic clasp, and measures 3x6 inches. It contains the following tools, viz: 1 Electrician’s Knife, 1 Oil Can, 1 Pair Nickel-plated 6-in. Pliers, 1 File, 1 Pair Tweezers, 1 Pair Elec- trician’s Shears and 1 Screw Driver. Price, complete. $3.25. ANTI-DOC MEDICAL APPARATUS Accomplishes ^ ~ results as H quickly as any U high-priced H battery. No II home should |? be without one. Unfailing re- lief for rheu- matism, opera- tors’paralysis. Digitized by .oogle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TYPEWRITER BARGAINS No. 6 Remington, latest model $50. We offer No. 6 Remington Typewriter, of latest model with automatic ribbon revcrscr and release pawl improvements at $50 cash with order, $55 c. o. d. with trial, or $60, on payment, of $10 cash and balance $10 per month. No* 2 Smith Premier Typewriter, $50. Late model, nearly new. No. 2 Smith Premier Typewriters , with new ribbon, now platen and guarantee for two years, only $50, No. 2 Remington Typewriter, $25. First-class No. 2 Remington Typewriters, in perfect working order, $25, cash with order; $50 c! o. d. with trial; $40, $10 cash, $5 per month. 100.000 of these machines in daily use. High speed, small compact keyboard, durable. No. 3 Oliver Latest Model, $50. Latest model No. 3 Oliver Typewriter remodeled new by the Oliver Typewriter Company and delivered in prigmal factory shipping boxes complete with cover for $50 cash, or $60 on $10 monthly payments. This is a real bargain. Caligraph, $12 instead of $85. Only a few more left. Improved hollow bar No. 2 Caligraph, every key represents character it prints; no mistakes. $12 each with order; $15 c. o. d. with trial; $20, $5 cash, balance $5 per month. Smith Premier No. I, $25; Cost, $100. Wo have a few No. 1 Smith Typewriters in good order which we will sellas long as they last at $25 cash; or $40 on $5 payments. Same keyboard as No. 2 Smith Premier. $100 Typewriters, $15 to $30. ' $ 60.00 Chicago or Munson, like new $ 15.0C $100 00 No. IDensmore, good order 25. 0C $100.00 Ideal Hammond, good order 15. 0C • $ 35 00 Blickensderfers. perfect condition 16 0C $ 60.00 Williams Typewriter, fine order 15. 0C $ 60.00 Wellington Typewriter, ( visible ) good order — 30. 0C SUPPLIES; Noiseless typewriter cushion, $1.00; new ribbons, 60c; new Dead ' platens, $1.00. Mailed to any address upon receipt of price. Iron frame, walnut top typewriter stands with drawer $3. J ST. LOUIS TYPEWRITER EXCHANGE, C==5>) Home Office 808 Olive St., St. Louis, Mo. ESTABLISHED 20 YEARS New YopR Office 309 Broadway,

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. NOVELTIES FOR TELEGRAPHERS ORDER 10V. REUMO-DATE. 0. R. T. WATCH FOB Button la dold and Blue ff A- SAMPLE FOB Button la Oold and Blue ff A. SAMPLE FOB 3UC. 18c. Extra lor Stamping Name. la Lots of 25 or More, 40c. each. Stamping Name, 10c. Extra. No. 1035 PASS CASE. Grain leather, secret pocket for bills, two celluloid front pockets, with your name stamped 01 AA on in gold, our special, ▼ l,ww NO. 6.— An elegant Pass Case, with one trans- parent pass pocket and two side pockets.together with bill pocket, your name 01 EA stamped on in gold tpieaiu 'THE LITTLE WONDER' nonets ARTICLES IS OMK AN EXCELLENT GIFT A TOOL THAT EVERYONE NEEDS IT HAS 18 USEFUL APPLIANCES The Boat compact invention of the age and is a triumph of mechanical construction. Guaranteed First Quality of Tool Steel. Just the article for Office Men. Clerks, Traveling Salesmen or the Housewife. No .Railroad Telegrapher^hould be without this useful article as he needs it everyday in his particular calling. Put up in Elegant Leather Sheath d AA Sent Prepaid upon Receipf of - • ^1 #vv , Remit by P. O., Express Money Order, Draft or Sumps. Guaranteed to please you or money retained. See Illustrations below, showing what uses this “LITTLE WONDER" can accomplish for yon. CTVI ITC Hard Rubber Handle. Chased, Agate Point, g A _ u I I LUO lv Oa Jy 6K in. Long, sent by mail postpaid for 3wC» ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT McLEAN PRINTING CO.,. STATIONE.RS, 1115.1117 CHESTNUT ST. * ST. LOUIS. MO.. U. 8. A. WRITE FOR CATALOGUE. Digitized by "

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. The Patented GOBY Bicycle Attachment The only successful machine ever placed on the market, and the only one you have a perfect right to use. It enables vou to ride safely upon the rails of any railroad track. No mud nor dust. Can be attached in three minutes, and can be detached and carried on the ^ bicycle at only three pounds added weight. Booklet and price list upon application. urj \ C. A. COEY & CO. \ \ 1426 Michigan Avenue. ■ CHICAGO, ILL. \ RIBBON of three colors and a small lever ■L\. that brings the color desired between the type and the paper — that’s the three-color feat- ure of The New Tri-Chrome Smith Premier Typewriter jSj^k which enables it to write black record for documents, purple copying DOflA for letters and red for emphasis or display. •j It is so simple that the wonder is it was never 39 n discovered before. The ribbon-changing lever H is as accessible as the keys, making it possible to change from one kind of typewriting to WUr another in an instant. A stenographer equipped with a Tri-Chrome Smith Premier can produce in proper manner every kind of typewriting any business office demands. The price it the tame at that of all Smith Premier modela. The Smith Premier Typewriter Company Syracuse, N. Y. Btioch Store. R v e JfV 1

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Get Busy, Boys! If your townspeople oontemplate putting In an exoha nge, or the farmers in your vtolnlty build a rural party lino, write us about it and wo will toll you how you oan make a lot of money on the side. Government oxperts pronounoe our telephones better than all others. SWED1SH-AMERICAN TELEPHONE CO. CHICAGO, ILL. Dlv. IS. Find the letter of YOUR line FAQ* Editors 18 Engineers 10-13-15 Entry Clerks 0 Express Employes 14-26 Everybody Else 1-32 I II fl PH. SUPPLIES VERYTHING FOR THE OPERATOR* _ R.R. Spl. No. 51. Genuine German Agate Point, Gold Ferrule, Bbony CfL Handle ” - No. 46 Stylu* Rubber CA Handle, large rough grip, best agate point.. g-£ A 1 1 Agate (moss or cornelian) Stylus, extra high grade. Most beautiful Stylus made *p ALL THREE ABOVE IN NEAT CASE. $1.85. T.W. Ribbons. 60. 76. $1. Oil 16c oz. ‘Perfect” Oil Cans 26c. Erasers 6 and 10c. Noiseless T.W. Cush- ions 60c. Oversleeves 16 and 25c. Eyeshades J5c. “Mephisto” Imptd. Cy. Pencils doz. 65c, % doz. 36c. Touch Method (best self instructor) 50c. Easy Les- sons in Shorthand. Manual, 26c. Phillips Code $1. Diagrams 334 p. $1 50 |AA Cards wlthO.R.T.emblems, j | \ f l II ME telegraph key. sounder or re- ■ 1 1 L* lay, or all. and fine leather- lil> ■ ette or aluminum case, post- PfiH ■ Kzrftfkv/ pald.GOo. Excellent quality. 1 1 deep lined cuts and new type used, 'w (If printed In two colors. 16c extra. THE FAMOUS COEY ATTACHMENTS 'IT31L *9Z1 This is simply part of the index from Dixan’s Pencil Snide— a book of 3 2 pages alphabetically dibided by bocations— which selects and describes therigh t Lead Penc i 1 for every line of work. It prevents hap- hazard pencil buying and ends all pen- cil troubles. The Guide is sent free on request. If your dealer doesn’t keep Dixon’s Pencils, send IS cents for samples, worth double the money. Derr. S Joscra Doss Ckocssle Ct^ Jnso City. IL J. are well known everywhere. No.2Is especially designed for uneven roads and sharp curves. No, 3 will work with great success on the roughest road In America. Spl. Concession & Prem. Certificates with Every Order W.«J WABASH DO YOU WANT TO MAKE, MONEY? Agents wanted to sell our STYLOGRAPHIC and POUNTAIN PENS. Write for Catalogue and Agents' Discount. J. T. ULLRICH & CO.. 27 Thames St.. New York. N. Y. CP A R If F D Attorney at Law and Solidtor of Patents 1 Li I rtniXLII 158 Dietz Building, Washington, D. C. Patents secured promptly. Reports rendered as to patentability, validity and infringement. Hand Book for inventors sent upon request. Digitized by Google

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VkEEK Hare’s your opportunity to nuke $50 PER MONTH ON THE SIDE selling the best, nicest and cheapest Pocket Knives made In the United States. All goods fully warranted. Your name and address on one side of the knife, and lodge or anion emblem or Photo on the other side. Write to-day for liberal term*. GOLDEN RULE CUTLERY CO. 19-9 Wendell 8t. CHICAGO. IDOWN Y f PAY AS YOU GET PAID ‘ 50! •*2' A WEEK When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TYPEWRITER EMPORIUM, 230 Fifth Avenue* * er Ad. of “OPKM, Ssune cuse, 18 size only, with 21 Jewel high-grade coocn Deuber- Hampden $ \ movement, for ^ “ f4 down and one dollar n week, Or, this beautiful white perfect mu mood set In 14-kt solid SQCOO gold ring, (any style) A^CIltS $5 down and fl a week, or double the amount every other week. ndlUCfl You may send first payment with order or ask us to ship C. 0. D. let payment for examination. Illustrated Booklet U-5 FREE. Send today. Address Olsen Ebasn Diamond Importers -Watch Jobber* 2011 (1-8 ) Htutc St , Chicugo BROTHERS We have the newest and neatest devices for cards, de- signed specially for us; and we use only the ilnest wed- ding bristol stock. TF1I8 FINK LK A Til Fit CARD CASK with O.K.T. monogram or your name, or both, on case, and 100 Superfine Calling Cardafor ladies or gentlemen, script or old English, with any one or two of the following devlceson cards: O. R. T. monogram, wreath and sounder, telegraph key, relay, semaphore emblem, Brotherhood of Railway Clerks emblem. All for 76c. 100 cards as above, with- out case, 40c. Cards printed In two colors without extra charge. Patronize the fraternity. E. J. WILKINS. Friendship, N. Y. Cert 45, Dir. 42. Member N. Y. Local No. 16 C. T. U. A. Member N. Y. Division No. 26 O. U. T, TYPEWRITERS Remington ’i, Smith*!, Denemore’e, (hi fi /Jfl 4n tf)PC (1(1 Fay-Sholei', Underwood Ollver’a \ I 7. J U [ \ n , U U Monarch*, and 80 different makes. ylCl^— IU 5000 ft select frta. It* Bobbish. Everything for the Typewriter. Send for booklet, DANIEL A. MAHONEY , 345 Broadway, N. Y. Digitized by VjjOO^IC TYPEWRITERS, At 34 to manufacturer’* prices All the Standard Machines, Including AIL. NAMES. L/U LiO I ID VI JLi £* L« O • =30LD OR RENTED ANYWHERE.= Rental applied on price* Write for Illustrated Catalogue*

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. of the** Special Summer Of term. Select »• 9750 anything you want— we’ll Bend It at once. Examino „ * itcarefully— if you keep It. pay not over one-flfth ZZ, 52.50 down-the balance in small monthly paymonU. to 23, 50.00 I No. 20. $75.00 No. 24. $50.00| •* 21, 97.50 44 25. 47.50 44 22. 52.50 44 26. 25.00 44 23. 50.00 44 27. 38.50 4.7 Rfi 0,1 841,110 anythin^ yon desire from our cat- 40, ‘W.ou uiofcrm* of Diamonds. Watches and Jewelry— sent 26, 25.00 , REE* Send for l>eautiful Catalogue today. 27. 38.50 THEWALKER-EDMUNDCO., F 81 State St.. Chicago ^TYPEWRITERS ARC BETTER THAN NEW MACHINES. To prove lty ask any of our Customers. Our prices are 50 to 75 per cent less than makers' prices and we Drive you terms that no other dealer duplicates. Write for them. We are also general agents for The Transmitter you must eventually buy. I! you need an AUT0-D0T or a TYPEWRITER write to u$— Write to us anyway. W. F. McDonald AND COMPANY - 263 LaSalle Street, Chicago w. f. McDonald, manager. O. R. T. DIV. 91. member c. t u a local NO. I. The Phillips Code PRICE, $1.00 PRICE, $1.00 A thoroughly tested method of shorthand, arranged for Telegraphic Purposes and contemplating the rapid transmission of press reports; also intended to be used as an easily acquired method for General News- paper and Court Reporting. mm Anmnras — L. W. QUICK 3T. LOUIS, MO. ... Grand Sec'y and Treas. Digitized by "

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. I’d Like to, But I Can’t Ever say that ? Think that? Aren’t there lots of things you would do if you only had the money? How would you 1 ike toincrease your monthly earnings $25 to$50 and that without interfering with your present occupation? We teach you how to Make Money In Odd Moments by making and selling Novelty Jewelry You can earn in a few hours how to make Rings, Bracelets, ^ Stick Pins. Name Pins, etc., if you have our copyrighted Instruction Book. Send for it today. It s Free if you mention this paper. ROCERS, THURMAN & CO., 46 MICHIGAN AVE.. CHICAGO THE Railroad Telegrapher 19 PUBUSH8D MONTHLY BY THR OROBK OP RAILROAD TRLBGRAPHRRB Its offices are located on the seventh floor of the Star Building, corner Twelfth •nd Olive streets, St. Louis. Mo. ROTH SLEEVE PROTECTS! \$3.oooVio,ooo A Year in the Real Estate business We will teach yon by nail the Heal Estate, General Broker- age, and Insurance Business, and appoint you SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE of the oldest and largest co-operative real estate and broker- age company In America. Representatives are making S3, 000 to $10,000 a year wlthoutanv Investment of capital. Excellent opportunities open to YOU. By our system you can make money In a few weeks without interfering with vour present occupation. Our co-operative department wfll give you more choice, salable property to handle than any other In- stitution in the world. A THOROUGH COMMERCIAL LAW COURSE FREE TO EACH REPRESENTATIVE. Write for 62 page book free. Tint CROSS CO* PA NY, 818 Reaper Bloek, Chleuo. III. The original real estate co-operative company— No con- nection with any other concern of similar name. GOOD MONEY can be made by Telegraphers representing ns In their communities. We scl 1 f*rms and other property quickly at highest prices obtainable, for cosh or on time. Prop- erty boughtor exchanged in any K col'tratpricestosuft. It should be easy for you to do a '‘land office” business among the farmers and townspeople of your vicinity for us and we will pay yon liberally for your work. Read todsy for fall particular*. FARMERS REAL ESTATE & LOAN CO. 466 Unity Bnlldlnj. Chicago. Get Busy aud Make Some Money in Spare Moments W E H T E n °ne Night Operator on each Di- ll H II I b If vision or every Road in the United States to act as Agent for Typewriters and Oper- ators’ Supplies and Novelties. Send stamp for Special Proposition and New Catalogue. Dia- gram showing how to make Night Electric Alarm that will ring when train is coming, any dis- tance from office you want it, mailed for $2.60, money order, express or postal order. Address L. 8. MeNUTT, 125 Tint SL, BOONE, IOWA. 0. R.T. Dh. 71 8ENIIIE MMJMRS IN DIB II AC HI8H-8MDE IPII8HT llARUd n"?d inatnimpntm 12 Steinwaya from $380 upj 6 Webers from CEO up; 9 Krakauers from $260 up; 7 Knabes from $260 up; 8 Ohickerings from $260 upi also ordinary second-hand Uprights. $76 up; also 10 very fine Parlor Grand pianos at about half. New pianos, mahogany, $146 and up. Write for particulars. Cash or easy monthly payments. LYON & HEALY, 36 Adams St.. CHICAGO We ship pianos everywhere on approval STKINSR ENORAVINS A BADOK CO. • K—tm atm At.. »t. Louis, Ma. 1 “NITE OPERATORS” “Owl” pins, with the “Wl* Little Owl" like cut, and lettering “Nite Opr." done in gold, on*'01d Bom" background, very uwell. wrap up a quarter or 26 one-cent stampa and mailto us today, and get one by return mail before they are all gone. STAR NOVELTY CO* Ft Soott, Kan*. 1 M to lUllwir lit* Eipratt Atilt! or Operators for a few minutes’ work. Our plan nets you this amount with but little effort on your part. YOU do not Irm. kav€> ^ Invest ONE CENT. The $38.40 is all clear to you . OTHERS are taking hold of this and making a 7ov can do the same. A POSTAL with yonr name and addresa will tell yon how. If on't Delay, bat write at once to Lock Box No. 4, Newhall, la. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. COOK REMEDY CO BOOK- KEEPING TAUGHT FREE CTiinv Hi8h-6rade 0 I II II I Instruction by ■ «■■■ Correspondence 1 MM Ul Established 1892 . AA prepares for the bar of ■ Wl W any State. Three Coursea: College. Post-Graduate and Batlnesf Law. Improved method of instruction, •omblnlnt theory and practice. One student writes “l have learned more law la three months under your Instruction than I learned in six months In a law office. APPROVED BY BENCH AND BAR Classes be*in each month. Uniform rate of tui- tion. Send for our 4S-na*« catalogue in which we glee a synopsis of tho rules for admission to the bar of the several States. We have a Remedy unknown to the pro- fession, We refund money if we do not cure. You can be treated at home for the same price as if you came to our office. We will give you a guaranty to cure or return money. For many years we have been curing patients in every country in the world. Our treatment is in every sense a home treatment. If you have exhausted the old methods of treatment and still have aches and pains, mucous patches in mouth, sore throat, pimples, copper-colored spots, ulcers on any parts of the body, hair or eyebrows falling out, it is this secondary blood poison we guarantee to cure. We solicit the most obstinate eases. This dis- ease has always baffled the skill of the most eminent physicians. For many years we have made a specialty of treating this dis- ease with oar Magic Care, and we have $600,000 capital behind our unconditional guaranty WE OURE QUIOKLY AMD PERMANENTLY Out patients cored years ago by oar great Dis- covery, unknown to the profession, are today sound and well, and have healthy children since we cured them. DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME AMO MONEY experimenting. Absolute and positive proofs sent sealed on application. 100-page book rftflL He branch e dices. Address fully as follows i OOOK REMEDY OOMPARY 147* Masonic Temple- Chicago, U-&A. SEND FOR FREE BOOKLET. Milo B.Stevens & Co., 907 14th SL, Washington, D. C. Branches at Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit. Established 1864. No Patent, no fee for our services. Hern Lapel Button The official emblem of the O. R. T. Is a Sounder surrounded by a wreath. They are now made up in the latest style with enamelled face and screw back, both in solid gold and rolled plate. It is the neatest thing of the kind ever produced. UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY For all AGENTS and OPERATORS to learn the Stock and Grain Brokerage Business FREE and Make a Bid Income on the Side and not interfere with your present position. Write THE STANDARD GRAIN CO. 532 to 534 Schofield Bldrf.. Cleveland. Ohio. Umbers Philadelphia Bourne and The Consolidated Stock Eichanle. $1 .00 Each 50c Each Solid Gold Front Rolled Gold Plato Front L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treaanrer. St. Louis. Mo The oldest and best school. Instructions by mail adapted to e wry oue. Recognised by courts aud ed ucators. Experienced ana com peteut instruc- tors. Takes spare time only. Three course*— Preparatory, Business, College. Prepares tor practice, will better your ^ condition and prospects in £ business. Students and graduates everywhere. IT Full particulars and Easy r -*/i Payment Plan Tree. Sprague Correspondence 6S4 Jajeslir building. Morse O.R.T. KitL , M cut out initials, etc. This design, a gold wreath surrounding a body of black and white enamel set with a ruby doublet, produces an attractive pin unequalled for durability and neatness. When the warm days demand that you lay aside your vest, secure this pin and wear it on lower end of your tie. Keeps it from flying around your neck with every little gust of wind, ana gives a much neater appearance to the tie. PRICE, $1.00. A GOOD POSITION and a larg* salary always await an extort Bookkeeper. We teach you Bookkeeping thoroughly by- mail and make absolutely no charge f^r tuition until we place you In a paying posi- tion. If you wish to better yourself, writ* for our guarantee offer and our FREE book “How to Become on Expert Bookkeeper.** COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS 73C Commercial Building, Rochester, N. Y. L. B. FUNK, 225 N. Fifth Street Cert. 572, Div. 14. IRONTON

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THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS. PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP Officers and Members, Division No The Subscriber = by occupation a -of years experience, born in voluntarily offers himself as a candidate for initiation into THE ORDER OP RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS, and agrees, if admitted, that he will cheerfully conform to all the laws, rules, mandates and edicts of the Order. I have not been rejected for membership in the Order within the past year. Fee enclosed, $ Signature of Petitioner Dated at —this day of— — -190 — *My Postoffice address is Employed by Railroad. This Is to Certify: That we the subscribers, are personally acquainted with Mr and, from a confidence in his integrity and the uprightness of his intention, do cheerfully recommend and propose him as a proper candidate for member- ship in this Order. *Be careful and fill in your postoffice address. RECOMMENDERS. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. :• ; lllf IHI1W »*jjt i 1 mmm imm m Hr# m iftjf Midnight or Noon the hands of the Elgin mark the time to the second. The most popular ELGIN WATCH for railroad men is the VERITAS model. Forfull information concerning this modeland four other Railroad Elgins, send for booklet— “Timemakersand Timekeepers.” Tree to railroad men. Elgin National Watch Co. Elgin, 111.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. PERMANENT VICTORY TEMPORARY DEFEAT No. 5. IN the first round of litigation over patents on the mechanical trans- mitter, the lower court has held that the NECOGRAPH transmitters No. 3 are infringements of Martin’s patent. We have appealed from that decision, and confidently expect to “land on top” when the appellate court renders its decision. The Coffe Mecograph was the first mechanical transmitter placed on the market. (By mechanical transmitter, is meant one not requiring a battery. ) The Mecograph was received with such marked favor and worked such a revolution in telegraphy that, naturally, various other mechanical transmitters sprang into existence. Our temporary defeat brought on a violent brain storm, resulting in MECOGRAPH No. 5, one in no way affected by the litigations above referred to. It eclipses everything else in the line of transmitters, even MECOGRAPH No. 3. It is the simplest, best made, most delightful transmitter an operator ever touched. BRAINS, SKILL AND TOOLS CAN PRODUCE NO BETTER Try it and you will be satisfied with no other. If to be sent C. O. D., the order must be accompanied by a remittance large enough to pay express charges both ways on a four-pound package, which remittance we will deduct from our C. O. D. bill. SE,ND FOR CIRCULAR PRICE $10 CASH; IN NEAT CARRYING CASE $1 EXTRA MECOGRAPH COMPANY 74 Frankfort Sl„ CLEVELAND, OHIO, U. S. A. Digitized by CjOOQle

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“A Pure Cocoa of Undoubted Quality and Excellence of Manufacture*9 Walter Baker ’s A distinguished London physician, in giv- ing some hints concerning tile proper preparation of cocoa, says : “Start with a pure cocoa of undoubted quality and excellence of manufacture, and which bears the name of a resectable firm. This point is important, for there are many cocoas on the market which have been doctored by the ad- dition of alkali, starch, U. s. inalt- kola, hops, etc.” 48 HIGHEST AWARDS In Europe and Amorica Walter Baker & Co. Ltd. DORCHESTER, MASS. Established 1780 x *8* *8* *8* 4'+ *8* *8* *8* *4**ir*4*ar + * + * + * * * * + + * vose PIANOS Euahliiktd in Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-Chi* Built on scientific principles by skilled craftsmen in the most thor- oughly equipped piano factory in the world, the VOSe represents The Acme of Piano Quality — the most modern achievement in the production of musical tone. Q By our easy payment plan, every family in moderate circum st an ces can own ; VOSC piano. We allow a liberal price for old instru- ments in exchange, and deliver the piano in your house free of expense. You can deal with js at a distant point the same as in Boston. Send for catalogue and full information. vose & SONS PIANO CO. 161 BOYLSTON STREET. BOSTON * + + * + + * + + + + * + + + + * most important "thing in the Vacation outfit is a Foi i< It is intended to write with, not to fool with. It has no fads and no fai lures. It writes steadily and constantly because its construction is simple and common sense and it is the most durable writing instru- ment for the same reason. Tho Clip-Oap keeps it handy without fear of loss, attached to coat or vest or outing shirt pocket. For sale by all dealers. V L. E. Waterman Co.,i73 Broadway.N.Y. • school sfrom !»»«« T4t MARKET |T.( %AH niAMCl*CO. 1C •OLDER ■ * Digitized by Google

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f ^ } Published at St. Louis, Missouri, By The Order of Railroad T elegraphers v- - t ~lV m SEPTEMBER, 1907 l —/

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When add reaving our advertiser*, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Railroad Telegraphers’ Time-Saver By using the speedy Oliver, you gain 50 per cent in time. And you do this without the expenditure of extra physical or mental effort. The Oliver meets the exacting demands of the railroad oper- ator’s work. Never gets “nervous prostra- tion,” no matter how swift the pace. The Oliver “works in a whisper” — in taking messages you catch every click of the sounder. It “writes in sight”— you SEE just what you are doing. It is a wonderfully versatile machine — instantly available for Wire Work Train Orders. Manifolding Way-Bills, etc., etc. OLIVER TypcWrittr has many less parts than the old-style “mill” and is more compact and durable. It runs smoothly, prints legibly, aligns accuratdy. Special Terms to O. R. T. Men You can OWN an Oliver Typewriter and pay for it by the month, the same as if you were renting it. Let us tell you how easy it is to buy the Oliver on very small monthly payments. Ask for the Oliver Book. Just mention in your letter that you are a member of the O. R. T. Address The Oliver T ypewriter Co., 55 Dearborn St., Chicago, 111. Digitized by vJ oogle

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When addressing our advertisers, p!ease mention The Railroad Telegrapher. MAKE PAY-DAY “SAVE-DAY” ALMOST every one finds it hard to save money, yet admits that it is one of the most important things in life. Like many other things, saving is largely a matter of habit. Get Into the Habit of Saving! Make a resolution today to lay aside a portion of your pay each week or month on pay-day* before it gets away from you, before “it bums a hole in your pocket," and deposit it in some reliable bank. There will then be no immediate temptation to spend it and you will also be receiving Interest on your money* One of the most reliable banks in the country, one that has withstood fire, financial panic and the test of time is The Hibernian Bank THE OLDEST SAVINGS BANK IN CHICAGO It has a capital of One Million and a Half Dollars and a surplus of over One Million Dollars. It is now completing its forty-first successful year, having been established in 1867. No matter where you live, you can open an account with THE HIBERNIAN BANK through its perfected system of “Banking By Mall*** Send for circular. One Dollar opens a savings account. Interest is paid on all savings accounts. THE HIBERNIAN BANK also has a large Commercial Department and has the best of facilities for handling open check accounts. Its age and reliability make this institution an ideal depository for trust or society funds. If you are the trustee of any such moneys or know of any one who is, it would be glad to have you investigate its fitness for handling such. Your recommendation of this Bank to any of your friends will be ^2 highly appreciated. K

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Are you satis- *fled with what^ you are earn-w Arc not onlv the fastest in the Intr nnui? world, but because they are the mg now." fastest they are the Best paid. The Book is Free. , 0nr, * I'^- you sal nr t. W.B. cAaFT. can If*™ to wri.t.c w*tbOUt ■ Brookharm, MIm ever looking at the keys— — -J how you can write Just as well in the dark as in broad daylight— all at a speed far greater than the best you can attain now. If you area typewriter user, this book will cost you only thetroubleof asking for it. Please tell us what machine you use. THE TULLOSS SCHOOL OF TOUCH TYPEWRITING, 212 College Iilll, Springfield, O, TYPEWRITING SPEED MS Increase Your Speed nnd your salary will increase itself. Tulloss Touch Writers RKAD THIS: Udd. Ark.. Jan. fl, *0C. I have completed the Tulloes Coureeanil am now getting fifteen dollar* per month more than when writing hr elftit. W . 11. CRAFT. flat® accented another petition, and am getting a!mo,t double tot fortmr •alary. W. B. CRAFT. \J "The shoe thit will JfSm not tlPf.M ^ ~ We fit you perfectly ^ | and save you the Job- ber’s and retailer’s profits. Th« jMRO'JR sole of a Reliance shoe la made of oak tanned leather, to ugh and ^ durable and costs as much as the sole of any W OO shoe. Every piece of leather in everr Relianee ** shoe is up to the same high standyd. The woikmanship is the product of __ the most skilled shoemakers Reli- .' , uWk ance shoes are made on custom lasts •££££ „ and handsomely finished. In wear. prcMprapaid.^ti sc shape retaining qua1 itiM.footeom- p p p . >4 251 fort and style, we guarantee the K* liance equal to any W OO retail shoe made. The gv*f** ful curve at the heelpreveuts slipping up *nA<Jown. the narrow shank properly supports the gives the foot absolute comfort. If you 11 l^veet! gate Reliance shoes, you’ll wear no other make, w e fully satisfy you in every way or return your money- Write for onr Free style-book and measurement blank. Reliance shoes are delivered, charge* pre- paid, $3 75. All Italian c* Shoe. Bear the 8ta«p. RELIANCE SHOE COMPANY, Box 9, Friendship, N. Y. At Less Than Half Price. Thousands of machines, all leading make*, in use only long enough to insure smooth running adjustment. 510 to $55. We are the largest handlers of slightly-used typewriters in the world and offer guaranteed rare bar- gains such as no other house can approach. Machine J shipped for your examination and approval to any point in United States IFe rent all makes of machines at $5 a month and up. rn r p Send today for our big catalog list of rare t k[-U typewriter bargains. Ron*! bay until I IILL TOW n. Write today before our big clearing sale closes Special offer to agents. BIG DISCOUNT ON TYPEWRITER SUPPLIES. ROCKWELL-BARNES COMPANY, 8 H Baldwin Building. CHICAGO. ILLINOIS. Hard Rub- ber Knobs. Cut above shows full size SOUVENIR WATCH CHARM KEY. A Perfect Working Model of the Standard Bunnell Legless Key. BY REGISTERED MAIL., $1.50. J. H. BUNNELL & CO., Manufacturer* of Hlgh-6rade Telegraph Apparatus *0 Park Place, NEW YORK. Our New Catalogue 25 X Sent on Application Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. rtPR.SUPPLIES VKRYTHIVI6 FOR THE OPERATOR. , RE.8pl.No. 61. Genuine German Agate Point, Gold Ferrule, Ebony Cfl/ No. 46 Stylu/ Rubber C/V Handle, large rough grip, best agate point.. W ^c8SSS& A 1 1 Agate (moss or cornelian) Stylus, extra high grade. flO Most beautiful Stylus made 1 ALL THREE ABOVE IN NEAT CASE. $1.85. T.W. Ribbons. 60. 76. $1. Oil 16c oz. “Perfect” Oil Cans 26c. Erasers 6 and 10c. NoiselesA T.W. Cush- ions 60c. Oversleeves 16 and 25c. Eyeshades 15c. "Mephisto” Imptd. Cy. Pencils doz. 65c, % doz. 36c. Touch Method (best self- instructor) 50c Easy Les- sons in Shorthand Manual, 25c. Phillips Code $1. Diagrams 334 p $1 50. Cards with O.R.T. emblems. j i y IB telegraph key. sounder or re- ■ 1 1 M gts- lay. or all. and fine leather- Bill ■ VkQU ette or alum'num caae. post- Rail I • £y> paid, 60c. Excellent quality. ^ JJIANpw deep lined cuts and new type used. ^Mlf printed In two colors. ISc extra. THE FAMOUS COEY ATTACHMENTS are well known everywhere. No.2 Is especially designed for uneven roads and sharp curves. No, 3 will work with great success on the roughest road In America. Spl. Concession k Prem. Certificates with Every Order W.«J Ell Islt'-.m 1 1 Li <1 Hj-t-Imbb i rotw i r vy * n ^ t Li| ST^TOTTOtTrnSTTOitTt PROVIDE YOURSELF WITH AN 0. R. T. CAP Practicable# Union-Made# Serviceable Attractive# Popular Price# Light Wclg »t, ■ Prompt Shipments — ■ Description— Made of best quality corded or ribbed silk; heavy patent leather visor, green underneath to shade the eyes, and silk strap cord. Mailed on receipt of price. 85 CENTS, Stamp s Money Order or Express Order. Mqney refunded if not satisfied. Mention correct 6ize. FROM MANUFACTURER TO CONSUMER Reference, any Bank or Trust Co. in St Louis. Established fifty years. u**m M. 60ETTLER HAT CO. Dept*. 1260 S. Bmtfway. ST. LOUIS, MO. GDur Stamwfi "SatUnrah &pmaT ^^OOT IWIQj^SKHP and RECIPROCITY! Buy Union Stamp Shoes-The Best Made Buy shoes made with the Union Stamp. A guarantee of good wage conditions and well treated shoe workers. No higher in cost than shoes without the Union stamp. INSIST upon having Union Stamp Shoes. If yoar dealer can- not supply you, write Shoe Workers’ Union 240 Summer ST., Boston# Mass* Digitized by

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. The Best TONIC For the restoration of energy and vitality ; the relief of mental and nervous exhaustion, impaired digestion or appetite, there is no remedy so beneficial as HORSFORD’S Acid Phosphate (Non-Alcoholic* It is a scientific and carefully prepared preparation of the phos- phates that provides the tonic and nerve food needed to improve the general health. If your druggist can’t supply you, send 25 cents to Rumpord Chemical Works, Provi- ' dence, R. 1., for sample bottle, postage paid. 1st t ib send you ITafrA or Ring upon term* intH- eoted. Rmiit J rst p-iyment with order or have good* shijrpni for inspection C. 0. D. first payment. f. N»f " Our Attractive \\v Catalog Free Ask For Nj.L, -7 f 1 11 /r J[0 c Vi urat commercial white feriect diaiuoud set In 14- t. pond gold eon nn mounting yOUiUU 15 cash and 13 per month. Gent*’ O. F. 12. 16 or 1H size or ladir*' 6 size plain or beautifully engrav.-d 20- ye .r, H kt. gold-fliled case fitted with genuine n. w Elgin or ... Waltham CIO CA movement . VlfcivU With hunMncr case. tl* 75. •2.00 cash li.50 p^r mou ..h. Herbert L. Joseph £ Co Diamond Importers Watch Jobbers 217-219 [ L -7 ] State Street, Chicago 111 US U 1 1 11LUKKI III! 1 1« 1 L<BK irV/Vtr4- CS THE BEST haul i-uk RAILWAY SERVICE. “ " ~ ™ You can ^ get any kind of a movement you r desire in the Jdinms Ulalrh Hinr but, no mat- XX ^)TX ter one y°u purchase, it will be the best watch of its class to be had any place or at any price, for railway service. Any rail- ^ road man who owns one or any jeweler * w^° sells them to railroad men will tell youso ft T n M H What you want is a watch that will never go \W \ | r |U back on you rather than one on which you can re- r cover in case there is anything wrong with it. You can absolutely depend on JUimitfl fflalrljrB and they are fully guaranteed, too. One dealer writes: “I have sold hundreds of Illinois Watches / and never had one returned. Look for the names exactly as «hown here, engraved on the movements themselves, if you would purchase the best watches made — 3lUtmlflJ0uUhrB- HlUi nuts Uatrlj Company -*• ^pringfirlb

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NON MEMBERS ARE GETTING SCARCE. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Published Monthly by the Order or Railroad Telegraphers. L. W. QUICK • Edtor and Manager. Entered at the Post-Office at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter. Subscription Price - - $1.00 Per Year Vol. XXIV. SEPTEMBER, 1907. No. 9. HI8TORY AND FACT8 AND FIGURE8. THE first schedule ever made by mem- bers of the Order was signed on December 16, 1891, and covered the lines of the Atlantic and Pacific Railway. It will be remembered that the Order of Railroad Telegraphers was a non-striking organization up to the St. Louis Convention, held in 1891, at which convention the Con- stitution was amended so as to make it a protective organization. No sooner was this change in policy made than various forms of discrimination began to be practiced by the different railroad companies in an effort to prevent the Order from becoming a power in the labor world. It is quite significant that while it remained a non-striking organization that there was little or no opposition to it, because it was incapable of doing anything “detrimental to their interests,” but as soon as it ridded it- self of its infant clothes and put on its “working” ones, there was a decided change in sentiment on the part of the employer. What happened in the first schedule ne- gotiations and the final outcome of those negotiations is best told in the report of the Grand Chief Telegrapher (now known as the President) to the Seventh Annual Ses- sion of the Grand Division, which convened in Chattanooga, Tenn., in May, 1892. That part of his report reads as follows : “December 5, 1891, the Superintendent of Transportation of the Atlantic and Pacific Railway requested several members of our Order who were employed as dispatchers on that line to withdraw from the Order or seek employment elsewhere. All refused to withdraw. The dispatchers and operators had been preparing a schedule of wages and it was thought this was an opportune time to present the same to the company for their adoption. This was accordingly done, and the company promptly refused to accept the Digitized by Google

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1424 The Railroad Telegrapher. schedule. A strike was decided upon and every man interested left his key and with the assistance of the other Orders the traffic of the A. & P. was at a standstill. The strike was of short duration, however. President Manvel, having been notified of the conditions, wired Mr. Gabel, the general manager, to sign the schedule. Five min- utes after this was done trains began to move and the first schedule of the O. R. T. was secured under date of December 16, 1891.” Following the successful conclusion of the negotiations and strike on the Atlantic & Pacific Railway, negotiations were com- menced on many other lines and schedule- making was the order of the day, and a goodly number were secured, but unfortu- nately, as has been related in these columns heretofore, the membership was not as well versed in unionism as they are today, and as a result they did not protect those sched- ules by remaining thoroughly organized. Through selfishness and short-sightedness some members argued that there was no use in paying dues, “as they had secured all that they could secure through the Order,” and imagined that the schedule was theirs forever without further effort on their part. Many railroad companies, ever- ready to take advantage of an unorganized body, systematically relegated the schedule to oblivion by first violating one of its pro- visions and then another, until it became a dead letter, and as the telegraphers had allowed themselves to become disorganized, they were not in a position to insist upon its observance, and all the labor and efforts that had been put forth in securing the schedule was nullified and eventually sal- aries were gradually forced down until con- ditions in the railroad telegraph service, both from a remunerative and working con- dition standpoint, became intolerable, and the railroad telegraphers of the country were forced to realize that thorough or- ganization was their only hope of placing their profession on the plane that it should occupy, and the work of rebuilding the structure that had become so badly damaged for the want of attention was begun, which rebuilding can be said to date from January 1, 1902, although the preliminary work be- gan about January 1, 1896, on which date the organization had a total membership of 4,796; on the same date it had $2462.86 cash on hand and it owed $9,086.71. Its efforts during the next six years met with varied successes, as the following figures will show: Total membership, December 31, 1896, 5467 ; cash on hand, $3,002.94 ; indebtedness, $7.33716. Total membership December 31, 1897, 5,548; cash on hand, $1,841.82; indebtedness, $5422.44. Total membership December 31, 1898, 8,134; cash on hand, $4482.24; indebtedness, $2,815.26. Total membership December 31, 1899, 10,610; cash on hand, $6,103.13; indebted- ness, $5,842.44. Total membership December 31, 1900, 10,520; cash on hand, $1,911.85; indebted- ness, $7,858.33. Total membership December 31, 1901, 10,339; cash on hand, $144.56; indebted- ness, $10,032.05. On December 31, 1902, the organization had a membership of 19,065, and had $19,374*98 cash on hand, and was entirely free from debt. From that time to the present the mem- bership of the organization has increased at a rapid rate until at the present time the organization has a membership of approxi- mately 40,000. During this period the finan- cial condition of the Order has greatly im- proved, or, to use the sayings of a rural statesman, “has gone from good to better,” and on August 31 the organization had a total of cash on hand of $235,098.13 in the two funds and was entirely free from debt, and the Mutual Benefit Department had a total cash on hand in the two funds on that date of $231,087.15, or a total cash on hand in the different funds of $466,185.28. In 1902 the plan of “individual effort” was inaugurated, and the growth of the organi- zation has been phenomenal since that time. From the foregoing figures it will be seen that the net increase in membership for the year 1902 was 8,726. With this handsome increase in membership the organization was placed in a position to better carry out the purposes for which it was organized. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1425 and much success was attained in schedule negotiations, and the report of the President to the 1903 Convention of the Grand Di- vision shows that 19 new and 25 revised schedules were made between May, 1901, and May, 1903, a large majority of which were made during the year 1902 and the early part of 1903. Between the 1903 and the 1905 Convention 31 new and 25 revised schedules were made. Between the 1905 and the 1907 Convention 16 new and 78 revised schedules were made. The first eight months of the present year has shown th greatest activity in schedule negotiation ever experienced in the history of the Order. During that period 47 new and revised schedules were made and sev- eral other General Committees are now in session. It is an old saying that there is a reason for everything. There is a reason for the great advancement made by the Railroad Telegraphers in the betterment of their con- dition, and that reason is denoted by the one word, organization. As soon as a suf- ficient number of the railroad telegraphers were organized to make aggressive action possible, they began to better their condition through united action. As their numbers as an organized body increased their effect- iveness as such increased, and the records of the Order show that as they grew* in numerical strength, the number of schedules instituted correspondingly increased until the present year, with the membership at the highest point ever reached by the Order, the successful schedule negotiations have eclipsed anything ever before accomplished. Since January 1, 1907, new and revised schedules have been secured on the follow- ing lines of railways : Oregon Short Line. Buffalo & Susque- hanna, Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg, Ban- gor & Aroostook, Queen & Crescent South, Denver & Rio Grande Lake Shore & Mich- igan Southern, Erie, Richmond. Fredericks- burg & Potomac, Norfolk & Western. Big Four, Southern, Central of Georgia, Mobile & Ohio. Southern Pacific, Cincinnati. Hamil- ton & Dayton. Atlantic Coast Line, Wis- consin Central, Detroit. Toledo & Ironton, Georgia Southern & Florida, Chicago, Bur- lington & Quincy, Illinois Central. Yazoo & Mississippi Valley, New York, Chicago & St. Louis, New York, New Haven & Hart- ford, Ann Arbor, Frisco, Maine Central, Quincy, Omaha & Kansas City, Georgia Railroad, Bessemer & Lake Erie, Lake Erie & Western, New York, Susquehanna & West- ern, Hocking Valley, Toledo & Ohio Cen- tral, Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern, Queen & Crescent North. Chicago, Rock Island & Gulf, Kanawha & Michigan, Zanesville & Western, Soo Line, New York, Ontario & Western, Missouri Pacific, Mobile, Jackson & Kansas City, Delaware & Hudson, Long Island, Wheeling & Lake Erie. During that period, a new agreement was also made with the Southern Express Com- pany, on the Norfolk & Western Railway. At the present time, practically every large line of railway in the country is scheduled, and what few remain on the outside will no doubt be brought into the fold in the near future. The members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers have every reason to feel proud of the progress they have made dur- ing the last five years, from an organization as well as a working condition standpoint. Individual effort has built the organization up to a membership of 40,000, which repre- sents between 80 and 85 per cent of the total number of railroad telegraphers employed in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and the same efforts will complete thorough or- ganization within one year, as the average in- crease has been more than 1,250 per month for the last several months, and with its present numerical and financial strength, the Order is in a position to more effectively advance the interests of its membership, and the much-talked of $75 minimum is near at hand. Less than five years ago some rail- road telegraphers were receiving as low as $18 per month, and there were many only receiving $25 per month, and very few roads had a minimum of more than $40 per month. During that period, $18 and $25 positions have been raised to at least $50 per month, and there are very few roads in the country with a minimum of less than $55 per month, and thousands of positions have been placed on the eight-hour basis. Digitized by Google

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1426 The. Railroad Telegrapher. By way of diversion, it might be profit- able to contemplate for a moment what the conditions in the railroad telegraph service would have been at the present time had the schedules that were secured in 1892 been properly supported. Experience has taught that the securing of a schedule is simply the laying of a foundation for better conditions, and those who are now enjoy- ing the greatest benefits under a schedule are those who have given their committee the most active and loyal support. Sched- ules are, or should be, revised annually, and by this method additional benefits are se- cured each year, in the way of better pay and shorter hours. Had the schedules that were secured in 1892 been revised annually for the last fifteen years, the $75 minimum would not only be a reality at the present time, but it would have long since been superseded by a $100 minimum. The old saying “the steady drop wears the stone” is only too true. Thorough organization, an- nual revision of schedules, persistent and firm representation by committees, and active and loyal support of committees by the membership, will not only result in securing the $75 minimum in a short time, but will eventually result in placing the minimum at a much higher figure than that. Not so many years ago the salaries of the locomotive engineers on such trunk lines as the New York Central, and others of equal size, was $60 per month, and the late P. M. Arthur, and his associate committeemen who comprised the first committee of the en- gineers on that road, were discharged for asking an increase in salary to $65 per month. The engineers continued to organ- ize, regardless of this outburst of opposi- tion, and later Arthur became Grand Chief of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engin- eers, which position he filled for many years, and through the efforts of that organization backed by a solid membership, the salaries of the engineers were gradually forced up until, at the present time, the positions re- ferred to pay from $150 to $175 per month, instead of $60, the salaries that were paid at the time the movement was inaugurated to organize the engineers. The members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers have learned from bitter ex- perience that thorough organization is nec- essary to secure concessions, and also to retain them after they have been secured; they also realize that “eternal vigilance is the price of liberty,” and that it behooves them to ever be up and doing. A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether will make the occupation of teleg- rapher on railroads more in keeping with what it should be. THE COMMERCIAL TELEGRAPHER8' 8TRIKE. THE strike of the Commercial Teleg- raphers is still on at the time of going to press, and the situation seems to have resolved itself into a ques- tion of endurance. The strikers claim, and information from throughout the country seems to corroborate their claim, that their ranks are unbroken, and that they will re- main out until the battle is won. The present has been a most notable struggle in many ways, and although it has been on for six weeks, fewer desertions have been reported than in any similar struggle that has probably ever occurred in the country. When the short length of time the Com- mercial Telegraphers have been organized is taken into consideration, the record made by them in the present strike is little less than phenomenal. No forms of disorders have occurred, and the present is one of the most orderly con- ducted strikes that has ever occurred in the history of the country. The Commercial Telegraphers* Journal, the official organ of the Commercial Teleg- raphers’ Union of America, under the cap- tion of “The Strike Is Still On,” says in part, in the September number : “Columns could be written in regard to the present condition of the telegraph serv- ice and then not do it justice. “The fact is that the tie-up is complete and the public has just simply ignored the tele- graph as a means of communication, espe- cially between points that can be reached by special delivery mail in twenty-four or forty-eight hours. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1427 "It is only because the press associations (with the exception of one, that has lost the right to such a name) have contracts with the Commercial Telegraphers' Union, that we are able to get any news at all by tele- graph. “The telegraph companies are not hand- ling five per cent of the business ' by wire ' they did before the strike, and they will handle less the longer the strike continues, because the public is learning that it can save money and expedite business by send- ing its own telegrams by mail. "As strikers, we have won the admiration of the business as well as the labor world, for the orderly manner we have conducted ourselves, and the determination shown in sticking and refusing to return to work until our demands have been granted. “The telegraph officials have villified the officers of the union through the columns of the capitalistic press in garbled interviews, and by falsely reporting their speeches, and sought by every means in their power to create distrust in the minds of our members. “But nothing can daunt the loyalty of the men and women who have been goaded into this strike by years of servitude and oppression. Every artifice tried by these soulless monopolies to cause defection in our ranks has failed, leaving the teleg- raphers of this country more determined than ever to stick together and continue to fight for their rights until victory crowns their efforts. “Many of those who went out on strike will never return to the key again, having already secured as good, if not better, po- sitions under more favorable conditions, than working for the telegraph companies, and those who are still out, are staying out more as a matter of principle, because there are plenty of good positions yet to be had on the railroads, by simply making applica- tion therefor. Nearly all of our locals have inaugurated an information bureau, where names and addresses of those who desire employment are filed, and a list is kept of positions open on railroads and in the broker and press service throughout the country.” Under the caption “The Situation Briefly Described,” The Commercial Telegraphers’ Journal publishes the following items from the different cities : Ash Fork, Ariz. — This important relay point has gone out both companies. En- gineer left in W. U. Albany, Ga. — All W. U., including man- ager, out All at Postal, including man- ager. A. P. man out Anaconda, Mont. — This local sends greet- ings and desires to state that its members are out and expect to remain out until our national officers instruct them to return to work. We took out the W. U. chief oper- ator and his wife. Postal chief went out also. Albuquerque, N. M. — Only W. U. man- ager left in. Postal all out except manager and night chief. This is quite a relay point. A. P. man out here. Postal men west of Albuquerque all out. Las Cruces and San Marcial out. All points north we can hear from are out. Boston. — Everything O. K. here. We have had no desertions and will have none. Vve have first-class, hustling committees on every important part of the strike work. Our Picketing Committee are boarding every train and getting a line on any strike- breakers reported to us as being headed for Boston. One strike-breaker more gone to penal institution at Deer Island. Both companies badly tied up. Everybody con- fident of success. The companies are call- ing in some of the managers of small offices out of town. Birmingham, Ala. — Local situation un- changed. Not even a student has arrived at either office, and the few they got early in the game are fagged out. Both com- panies are still using the “indefinite delay” stamp, and in private the management ad- mits the victory is with the telegrapher. Baltimore, Md. — Pulled out a W. U. man- ager at Union Stock Yards branch. W. U. badly crippled here, and the Postal is down and out We are sticking. Buffalo, N. Y. — The Buffalo Enquirer publishes a fac simile of an important tele- gram, together with the stamped envelope in which it was delivered by our Uncle Sam. Bradford, Pa. — The A. P. circuit, Brad- ford, Erie, Titusville and Oil City, Pa., and Digitized by t.ooQle

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1428 The Railroad Telegrapher. Wheeling and Fairmount, W. Va., is tied up completely. Chicago. — The Record-Herald said in its financial column Saturday: “No improvement in the telegraph service Northwest was seen yesterday, and two of the private wire concerns, Slaughter and S. C. Love, signed the operators' scale rather than attempt to do business under the con- ditions prevailing. One house with Chi- cago, Minneapolis and Duluth connections, received mail notices of money remittances from its banks at Duluth and Minneapolis from one to four hours ahead of the tele- graphic notice, although the latter had been sent during business hours, while the bank notices were mailed in the late afternoon mail in the usual way. It was the claim here that the telegraph notices were mailed to the main office here, then transcribed to telegraph blanks and afterward delivered.” Cleveland, Ohio. — The Evening News says: “The Western Union manager, Mr. Hart- ford, told a News reporter : ‘We refuse no business that comes to us voluntarily, but we are not soliciting any/ said he. ‘Em- ployes are instructed to notify all patrons that all messages are accepted subject to delay at the risk of the sender/ ” Columbus, Ohio. — Have removed several tickers here. Postal fired R. H. Forgrave for incompetency. Their telephone girl has resigned. W. U. are up against it. Chi- cago, the heaviest wire from here, is worked by a female student. Colorado Springs, Colo. — All out here. Duluth, Minn. — Manager Crane of W. U. is compelling his wife to be a scab, although it is said the woman does not enjoy her unenviable position. One dead one at Board of Trade. The Postal has made no acquisi- tions since the strike began. At the last meeting of the Federated Trades' Assembly resolutions were passed endorsing our strike and pledging us their moral and financial support. Detroit, Mich. — The situation continues to improve in Detroit. The W. U. had to fire six of their “expert operators” Satur- day. They couldn't do enough to earn their meals. Denison, Texas. — The industrial Record says: “The telegraphers' strike is complete. If they only stand firm they are bound to win.” Dallas, Texas. — Took out four W. U. operators yesterday. Took out two Postal men. Dubuque, Iowa. — All out both W. U. and North American. El Paso, Texas. — W. U. force all out ex- cept one drunk and a very poor lady operator. Unable to get any scabs in. All branches closed, including Juarez, Mexico, across the river. Normal force thirty. Postal men all went out except D. P. Beckham. Only A. P. man here left when Postal men went out. Elmira, N. Y. — The manager and scab Moses are at W. U. The manager of the Postal is alone. Very little business being done. Erie, Pa. — The Times says editorially: “Telegraphers are holding their own. Their demands are far from being un- reasonable.” Fargo, N. D.— Not a desertion in our ranks. Not a strike-breaker imported. Scabs are scarce. Manager, chief operator, a wire chief and traffic chief and two oper- ators trying to do the work formerly done by same officials and twenty-four operators. Grand Rapids, Mich. — Supt. Capen, of Postal, looking for men here. Says any kind of talent will do. Postal hasn't had a wire to Chicago since strike started. W. U. has had a Cnicago wire carrying 18 per day against 300 ordinarily. Giddings, Texas. — Messages filed with the telegraph companies in Houston are coming into Giddings by mail, and are behind the regular United States mail. Companies are collecting full tolls on this business. Galveston, Texas. — Another of the W. U. “loyals” has joined us, and we expect three more in a day or two. The Postal force consists of the manager. Labor organiza- tions treating us handsomely. Everything is lovely, and we are getting on fine. The W. U. haven't added a scab yet at this point. The Postal is completely tied up. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1429 Helena, JVfont. — Northwest completely tied up; the only man working here is Bill Taylor, manager at W. U. Messages being mailed from here, and several have been received six days old. Most of our boys have caught on elsewhere, and there will be no weak-knees here. Harrisburg, Pa. — Took a man from the Postal here, and paid his fare out of town. Everybody standing pat. Associated Press paper here offering $50 for an operator. None forthcoming. Houston, Texas. — Beg to advise you that all are out in Houston. The strike includes chiefs and messengers. Jhe operator at the Houston Post is also out. We will stick. Indianapolis, Ind. — No break in the ranks. Johnstown, Pa. — A. P. out. At W. U. manager out. At Postal manager and a lady operator of meager ability. We have them beaten. Stick. Jacksonville, Fla. — Situation unchanged. No desertions from our ranks. But three scabs working at the W. U. and one at the Postal. They had a fairly good operator scabbing it, but owing to the influence of our boys he’s headed for parts unknown. The Postal manager at Tampa refused to do business w'th cities on a strike and was relieved. Brokers’ Association there re- solved in his favor, and demand his rein- statement when strike is over. Kansas City, Mo. — Seven desertions from the ranks of the Western Union. They have been shipped out of town, and promise not to go to work elsewhere. Knoxville, Tenn. — No change in situation. A. P. paper had an operator sit in one night, but he joined us the next day. Journal and Tribune says: '‘None of the striking teleg- raphers have returned to work.” Little Rock, Ark. — Situation unchanged except for the arrival of two antiquarians from St. Louis. Business houses are di- rected to write “subject to delay” on the face of their messages by both telegraph companies. Messages being received here by mail from Memphis in a very mutilated condition, with wrong dates, checks, wrong words, etc. We met the arrival of the two scabs by pulling out the Western Union messengers who are striking for better wages. This will hold them for a while. Nothing doing at the Postal here. The men are jubilant and will “stick.” Fully half the strikers here have gone to the railroads. Pine Bluff, Arkadelphia Hot Springs, doing nothing. Hot Springs locked for eight days. Los Angeles, Calif. — W. U. here have suc- ceeded in getting a couple of dead ones to help them out. The Postal is entirely tied up. vv e have ninety-two men out. Of this number several have secured outside posi- tions. Laredo, Texas. — The commercial interests of Laredo are suffering from the complete tie-up of all messages through the Western Union office at this city. Macon, Ga. — Our ranks are unbroken with the exception of some four or five members who have left these parts to take outside employment at better wages than they re- ceived elsewhere. Our boys are standing firm. At the Postal the manager is trying to do all the work. The W. U. had four very dead ones trying to keep things clear. The manager went to Albany, Ga., to try to open that office, and during his absence the dead ones jumped the company. We haven’t let the W. U. retain a single strike-breaker. Mobile, Ala. — Telegraph business par- alyzed here. The Postal manager is alone. At the W. U. manager and day chief oper- ator alone remain loyal to company. Mes- senger boys got up a collection to pay a scab’s fare back to Mount Vernon, Ala., the scab’s home. Press on our side. Register and Daily Item now subscribing to the Hearst News service. Milwaukee, Wis. — Situation unchanged. No desertions and not the least danger of any. All branch offices in this city still closed. An old operator was yesterday offered $2 per hour to go to work for the W. U., but he refused. * Meridian, Miss. — The situation now better than ever. Manager Walter D. Stead, W. U., only man in town who has touched a key since the strike commenced. He is played out. Memphis, Tenn. — Solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. We are working as one man. No desertions. Broker men doing all pos- sible to help us. Both companies almost entirely tied up. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1430 The Railroad Telegrapher. Miami, Fla. — Both men out as soon as received instructions. New Orleans, La. — Stronger than ever. Business at a standstill in both offices. Pos- tal chief advises public business for Mari- etta, Ga., and Cartersville, Ga., mailed from Atlanta. Jackson, Miss., mailed from Vicks- burg. Selma, Ala., Newbeme, Springvale, Uniontown, Tuscaloosa, Jasper, Aberdeen, Miss., Columbia, Meridian, Newton and Forest mailed from Birmingham. Clarks- ville, Tenn., and Hopkinsville and Prince- ton, Ky., temporarily closed. Louisville mailing for points on Illinois Central be- tween Louisville and Paducah. New Iberia, Crowley, Opelousas, Baton Rouge closed in Louisiana. Brookhaven and Natchez closed in Mississippi. Railroad commission insists on telegraph companies doing their business by telegraph. In case of unusual delay the company is ordered to return the tolls promptly. Nashville, Tenn. — Still doing business at the same old stand. Not a cold foot among us. We are in better shape financially and otherwise than on the first day of the strike. We see nothing in sight but victory. We are receiving financial aid from the several unions here and have been sent many per- sonal checks. Men in good spirits. Norfolk, Va. — We have had nothing which even resembles a desertion here. Two scabs at the W. U. collapsed Saturday. A glance at the room where the W. U. for- merly did telegraphing reminds one of a ward in a small hospital. The few scabs are pale, haggard, worn-out, and as bad looking a bunch as one would care to look at. New York. — Union gained seven more strike-breakers. No desertions. Conditions in both offices deplorable from a company standpoint All of officials who can tele- graph pressed into service. Petitions being sent to Roosevelt by the thousands asking him to interfere and bring this strike to an end. All serene here. Omaha, Neb. — There is nothing new in the strike situation. Quite a few of our men have accepted positions with the railroads. Both companies as badly tied up now as on the first day of the strike. Advices from interior points in Iowa and Nebraska are to the effect that very little business is being done. Oklahoma City, Okla. — Twenty-five went out on strike here. That number is still out Have signed scale with every broker- age concern in town. Owosso, Mich. — Postal office closed Manager and operator both out. Philadelphia, Pa. — The outlook in Phila- delphia is all-encouraging to our men, and all-discouraging to the company. The com- panies, notwithstanding their blatant assur- ances, are tied up to the point of despera- tion. The companies are now sending repre- sentatives to the homes of those on strike, urging our boys and girls to go back to work. So far no success. Our people are loyalty itself. Peoria, 111. — The Peoria Herald-Trans- cript says: “Peoria is practically isolated from the outside world on account of the strike of telegraphpers.” Pekin, 111. — A brother of Local No. i writes : “The W. U. telegrapher here is out on strike. He has been properly checked out from the superintendent's office, and this town has been disconnected from the rest of the world for fifteen days.” Portland, Oregon. — Portland firmer than ever and everything progressing beautifully. W. U. chief today admitted he is all in, and the W. U. is terribly tied up. A. P. had no report last night. Business passing over the Oregon Railroad & Navigation Co. four days old. Our representatives to the Fed- erated Trades Council received fine treat- ment. We have been promised support until the strike is over. No new scabs. Pittsburg, Pa. — Everything lovely here. The boys are standing up in fine shape and we have not had a quitter. The managers of both companies are after our men, but have made no headway. We are watching out for scabs, but the company has received ne new ones. They are terribly crippled at the W. U., and the Postal is almost as bad. We will “stick” to the end. Paris, Ky. — The Postal office at this point closed, the lady manager, who is a member of the O. R. T., having gone on strike. Palestine, Texas. — Both companies tied up badly, and the messengers still on strike Clerks also. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1431 Richmond, Va. — Forty-three men re- sponded to the strike order here. We have yet to record a desertion. Meetings are held daily at 3:15. The telegraph business here is absolutely dead. The press and pub- lic are with us. The few scabs at work here have taken the sines of honest, capable, manly men who are on strike. The reason is obvious. Richmond will never surrender. Salem, Ore. — Governor Chamberlain to- day sent the following telegram to President Roosevelt : “The President, Washington, D. C. — I respectfully suggest your intervention and the appointment by you of a board of arbi- tration in settlement of differences between the telegraphers and the companies through- out the country. Signed. Gov. Geo. E. Chamberlain.” Selma, Ala. — Messages being received here by telephone and mail. Many so badly bulled as to be unintelligible. New Iberia, Crowley, Opelousas, and Baton Rouge, La., closed; also Brook Haven, Miss. At Nat- chez the Postal is closed. These offices are also closed: Anderson, Camden, Laurens, Aiken, Kershaw, Sumter, Bennettsville, Spartanburg and Greenville. Postal at Bir- mingham issued the following bulletin : “Business for Marietta and Cartersville, Ga., mailed from Atlanta; Jackson, Miss., mailed from Vicksburg; Selma, Newburn, Uniontown, Tuscaloosa, Springville, Jasper, Ala., and Aberdeen and Columbus, Miss- mailed from Birmingham.” Nashville re- ports Clarksville, Hopkinsville, Tenn., and Princeton, Ky., closed. Louisville reported mailing business for all points between Louisville and Paducah. Salt Lake, Utah. — The boys are working bonus in this good cause. W. U. have no new scabs. The Postal has yet to receive its first scab. Business at the W. U. av- eraging $15 per day. Normal business $12,000 per month. W. U. haven’t a thing East. A. P. getting about 300 words over the W. U. but it doesn’t help the papers any. “Stick.” San Francisco. — Though our boys and girls went through a four weeks’ strike before this one was commenced we are all on the firing line. There have been no desertions. A strong appealing letter writ- ten to those scabbing brought out nine of them. The companies are more badly tied up now than they were in the first trouble. We will stick. West Oakland, Calif. — Our men and women out even more numerously than a month ago. You may depend upon us to go the full limit. There will be no deser- tions here. We will “stick” till notified by the proper authority. Spokane, Wash. — Our line-up as strong as ever. Not a man has fallen, and the de- termination is growing stronger instead of weaker. If we will stick we will surely win. The few incompetents can not handle the work. The notorious scab, J. C. Powel- son, one of the W. U.’s earliest recruits, was located by shy locks and forced to get out. Everybody happy. Seattle, Wash. — Walk-out was complete and strictly in accord with glorious demon- stration in other points. We have telegraph companies licked. It’s now up to us to stand pat, and we have them. A. P. tied up, and publishers complaining bitterly to Stone. No desertions. We are running a benefit game of base ball. “Stick” sounds good. St. Paul, Minn. — Looks better every day. Supt. Swan, of the W. U., sent a service to his managers to discontinue mailing gov- ernment messages, and giving instructions to return such messages when unable to transmit by wire. We got out two more on the W. U. The benefit concert was a decided success. The people here are with us. Two more scabs pulled out yesterday. To- day there are 24 in St. Paul W. U., includ- ing officials, chiefs and students, mostly students. Business in St. Paul certainly is tied up. Savannah, Ga. — The situation here is more favorable than at any time since the commencement of the struggle. We have got out the best man the W. U. had. He says he will stick. Both companies badly crippled, and with the cotton season at hand there will be something doing on the part of the cotton brokers. Neither company has had any success in the matter of getting scabs. We will stand pat. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1432 The Railroad Telegrapher. St. Joseph, Mo. — All standing firm, with no signs of weakness anywhere. We have the W. U. and Postal in bad shape. Saginaw, Mich. — Three W. U. and two Postal men out here. The manager of each working alone. Toledo, Ohio. — Situation here much im- proved from our standpoint. Companies unable to get any scabs who can telegraph. They have a few students, but these are al- most useless. Topeka, Kan. — Every commercial man in W. U. and Postal went out here. We are solid. Utica, N. Y. — W. U. clerk quit yesterday, quite an addition to the ranks. Takes man- ager to fill his place. W. U. got a scab in yesterday, but we had him out in two hours. Postal manager alone. Business fallen to almost nothing. We are steadfast, and will fight until we are told to stop by the proper union officials. Worcester, Mass.— Our men in good con- dition and no desertions. Business badly tied up here, especially at the W. U. The W. U. force consists of former Manager Bradford, who has been a dead one tele- graphically for more than a quarter of a century, another dead one named Daley and a student girl. We are paying out of our local funds a strike benefit to our boys who are out. Walnut Springs, Texas. — W. U. tied up down this way. Have had a message on file for four days, but can not raise any office to get it off. Waco, Texas. — No A. P. wire in this city now. Western Union all out. Postal man- ager merely protecting his bond. Wichita, Kansas. — A. P. out as you di- rected. They are completely tied up. THE BOND QUESTION. THE bond question is one that has been prominently before the mem- bership of the organization for a number of years, and the subject has re- ceived much attention on the part of writers in these columns; in fact, the subject was discussed as far back as 1890, but no satis- factory solution of the question has as yet been found. Many cases have been cited where bonds have been cancelled without reason, whereby great injustices have been done bonded employes, as the loss of their bond meant the loss of their position, and in many instances appeals have been made to the bond company for a reason for such action, but such requests have invariably been ignored, and as a consequence the one most interested was without information as to the nature of the charges against him and had no opportunity to defend himself. It has been developed in innumerable cases that complaints have been made against bonded employes merely to gratify a per- sonal grudge under the guise of a “con- fidential” communication, and on the strength of that the bond was cancelled with no redress. Many a strictly first-class station agent, who could command a first- class salary as such, has been compelled to work for meager wages on account of hav- ing his bond cancelled for reasons unknown to him and without cause. Various plans to correct this evil have been suggested dur- ing the many years that the subject has been discussed, none of which have taken tangible form, and as some members have suggested in recent articles that it was “time to act,” the subject seems to merit editorial attention. The license question, another subject that has been thoroughly discussed in these col- umns for many years, was finally disposed of by the last session of the Grand Division. The editor believes that the bond question should likewise be finally disposed of either one way or the other, and for that reason will now suggest the general outline of a plan that will permit of the solving of the question if the membership is disposed to do so, and if on the contrary the member- ship in general is not interested in the bond question, that fact can be developed and the subject dropped. Those who have given the subject serious consideration must realize that the Order of Railroad Telegraphers can not go into the bond business as an organization, as its whole efforts as such must be directed to the work that is being carried on for the betterment of the working conditions of the railroad telegraphers of North America. The members of the Order can very prop- erly organize a bond company and conduct Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1433 it not only as a matter of business, but also to remove the unsatisfactory conditions that prevail on account of inability to get fair hearings when questions arise in regard to the discontinuation of their bonds. If such a company was formed with only members of the Order as stockholders, it would give it such a close affiliation with the organiza- tion that the results would be the same as though it was formed by the organization itself. The proposed plan is as follows : Organize a bond company with a capital of $250,000, to be divided into 25,000 shares of stock at $10 each, subscriptions to be received only from members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. The first and foremost consideration in connection with the adoption of this pro- posed plan would be that of interesting a large majority of the membership of the Order in it, for if the plan is to be carried to a successful conclusion, it will be neces- sary that it shall receive the active support of a large majority of the members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, as it would be necessary, in order to make the plan effective, to revise existing schedules by the insertion of a clause providing that teleg- raphers and station agents represented shall be bonded in that company, or at least a provision providing that bonded employes shall be allowed to give bond in any re- liable guaranty company of their own selec- tion, which would be equivalent to the same thing. The fact that there would be such a close relationship between the proposed company and the Order would make it possible to conduct its affairs at a very nominal figure. It is estimated that one-half of the teleg- raphers are bonded and that the amount of their bonds will average $1,000 each. Taking this estimate as a basis, the number of members of the Order that give bond is approximately 20,000, and the amount of their bonds aggregates $20,000,000, which computed at the rate of $2.50 per $1,000, gives a total of $50,000 premiums per an- num. The running expenses of the institu- tion would be comparatively small, as would also the losses. In addition to the revenue derived from premiums, something like $5,000 would be derived annually from interest on the money (not all of the money would draw interest, as most States require a cash deposit of a certain amount from bond companies as an evidence of good faith before they will grant them a charter). Making due allowance for the regular operating expenses and losses and unfore- seen contingencies, such a plan should yield at least eight per cent net to shareholders, in addition to furnishing the means of over- coming one of the greatest obstacles with which the railroad telegraphers and station agents have had to contend. If such a plan is to be adopted there are many details to be worked out which it is unnecessary to attempt until it is ascertained whether or not this plan meets with the approval of those interested and whether or not there is a sufficient number of them to carry it through if it does meet with their . approval. The editor suggests that those who are interested in the subject discuss it in the columns of The Telegrapher for the next three issues, and then if the plan appears to meet with the approval of a sufficient number to warrant the action, a blank will be provided in the January issue so that some decisive action can be taken in the matter. It would also be well for members to dis- cuss it among themselves, so that the sub- ject can finally be disposed of one way or the other. One thing to be considered in connection with such a proposed plan is whether or not the proposed company, if organized, should bond all station employes regardless of whether or not they are members of the Order, or whether it should limit itself strictly to members of the Order. In discussing this subject members are invited to offer any suggestions they may have that they believe will add to the efficiency of the plan, if adopted. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1434 The Railroad Telegrapher. ORIAL NO We don't patronize the Santa Fe nor the M. K. & T. Railways. The strike of the commercial telegraphers continues, and the men are standing firm. Twelve hundred and forty-seven new members were initiated into the Order dur- ing the month of August. At the time of going to press, 33,168 members had alread paid dues for the term ending December 31, 1907. The Mortuary Fund of the Mutual Benefit Department continues to grow, the surplus having passed the $200,000 mark. The M. K. & T. Railway is still on the unfair list of the railroad telegraphers, as well as the American Federation of Labor. Since the last announcement revised schedules have been secured on the Mobile, Jackson and Kansas City, Delaware and Hudson, and the Long Island and the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railways. Have you remitted your contribution for the benefit of the commercial telegraphers? Every member of the Order should promptly and liberally respond to the appeal issued by the Grand Secretary and Treasurer in their behalf. The attention of contributors of articles to The Telegrapher is again called to the fact that matter for the Fraternal Depart- ment must be in the hands of the editor not later than the 28th day of the month in order to assure its insertion in the follow- ing issue. Matter intended for use in the October Telegrapher must be in the hands of the editor on or before September 28th. Their attention is also called to the numer- ous requests that have hitherto been pub- lished that the name of stations be given instead of office call, and that correspond- ents refrain from sending in line-ups, as the practice of publishing line-ups was dis- continued several years ago. Help to complete thorough organization throughout the country by furnishing the Grand Secretary and Treasurer with a cor- rect list of all non-members in your terri- tory, using care to give correct initials, the correct spelling of the name, and the cor- rect address, and also to show the road on which they are employed. The accompanying is an engraving of an official O. R. T. gold ring. These rings can be had from the Gfrand Secretary and Treasurer for $4.50. In ordering them it is only necessary to give the size desired, which information can be secured from any jeweler. The editor’s attention has been called to the practice of J. Ed. Houghton, chief oper- ator in the Union Depot office, Toronto, Ontario, who, it is stated, has for some time past sent out effusive “notes” to the teleg- raphers and station agents along the line, addressing them in familiar terms, conclud- ing his epistles with “Yours fraternally,” evidently trying to give the impression that he was a member of the Order apparently for the purpose of furthering his efforts to sell them typewriters. It is stated that Houghton is an enemy of the Order, and that he does not let an opportunity pass to “knock” it, and that he delights in trying to prevent telegraphers from enjoying their rights under the schedule. A smart man once said: “Remember your friends and pursue your enemies.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1435 The statement issued by the Bureau of physically incapacitated, 87; contract labor- immigration for the month of July, 1907, ers, 187; accompanying aliens, 15; under shows that there were 97,132 aliens landed sixteen years of age unaccompanied by at the various ports of entry in the United parents, 13; criminals, 17; prostitutes and States during that month; that there were procurers, 13; without passports, 76; under 1,241 debarred from entrance classified as provisions’ of Chinese exclusion act, ic. follows: Imbeciles, 4; feeble-minded, 14; The report also shows that there were 75 epileptics, 3; insane, 20; loathsome or dan- aliens returned by the immigration authori- gerous contagious diseases, 360; profes- ties after landing. The total number of sional beggars, 1 ; paupers, 1 ; likely to be- aliens landed in the United States during come public charges, 420; mentally or the month of July, 1906, was 84403.

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1436 The Railroad Telegrapher. Digitized by Google GROUP OF MEMBERS PRESENT AT MEETING AT OEL^EIN. IOWA, AUGUST 11TH, OF CHICAGO GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY SYSTEM D1VI8ION.

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PERSONAL /MENTION The following births have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: To Bro. and Mrs. L. L. Larson, of Div. 76, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. S. W. Allen, of Lynn, Ala., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. H. D. Purdy, of Kent, Ohio, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. M. W. Smith, of Schell, W. Va., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. G. E. Soutter, of My- ron, Va., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. L. E. Skinner, of Ana- bel, Mo., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W, G. Stone, of Smith- boro, 111., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. B. Foltz, of Kear- ney, Neb., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. J. H. Dooley, of New York City, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. G. M. Armstrong, of Loxa, 111., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. J. Mills, of Bay- field, Wis., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. F. J. Rehorst, of Rock- field, Wis., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. A. Darner, of Car- penter, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. D. Hamilton, of Tifton, Ga., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. R. Askew, of Mor- gapfield, Ky., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. G. W. Ward, of Win- nipeg. Man., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. John T. Wynne, of Banks, Ala., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. O. P. Raiford, of Hamer, S. C., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. C. S. Barker, of Hunt- ingburg, Ind., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. H. Thompson, of Chicago, Ohio, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. T. L. Highsmith, of Ludowici, Ga., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. J. H. Kennington, of Lafayette, Ind., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. A. Kell* of Center Junction, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. C. Bliss, of Coun- cil Bluffs, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. G. Hillenkamp, of Nacogdoches, Tex., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. E. R. De Cantillon, of Brownsdale, Minn., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. O. L. Buchanan, of Garksburg, W. Va., twin boys. The following marriages have been re- ported since the last issue of The Teleg- rapher : Bro. S. P. Blackwell, of Div. 132, to Miss Stella Lee. Bro. M. C. Hahn, of Div. 51, to Miss Ida D. Ransom. Bro. Alvin Boyer, of Div. 12, to Miss Jen- nie E. Sauer. Bro. W. C. Conyers, of Div. 130, to Miss Anna Dyers. Bro. C. E. Joyce, of Div. 130, to Miss Inez Holdrege. Bro. Ed. F. Boehen, of Div. 76, to Miss Mamie Ferris. Bro. J. A. Miller, of Div. 33, to Miss Edith Roberts. Bro. R. A. McClain; of‘Dfv. 126, to Miss Mae E. Tubbs. Bro. J. E. Sinclair, of Div. 2, to Miss Burz Lighthall. Bro. W. R. Mitchell, of Div. 27, to Miss Mary Mitcheler. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1439 Bro. E. O. McClain, of Div. 126, to Miss Bessie M. Gunter. Bro. W. J. Jordan, of Div. 46, to Miss Carrie Thompson. Bro. B. G. Tuck, of Div. 41, to Miss Jo- sephine G. French. Bro. John F. Wilcox, of Div. 76, to Miss Flossie E. Meister. Bro. Glen C. Blackmer, of Div. 39, to Miss Adaline Rapson. At Paris, Tex., Bro. H. E. Stone, of Div. 32, to Miss Jettie Duncan. At West Plains, Mo., Bro. F. W. Stoelt- ing, of Div. 32, to Miss Ruth Kellett. At Denver, Colo., Bro. Wm. A Poling, of Div. 2i, to Miss Amanda Swenson. At Hicksville. Ohio, Bro. Guy W. Smith, of Div. 33, to Miss Constance Comparette. The Telegrapher extends congratula- tions to the happy couples. The following deaths have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: At Landenberg, Pa., P. L. Hobson, of Div. 132. At Topeka. Kans., Mrs. E. M. Campbell, mother of Robt. C. Campbell, of Div. 2. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all. Wanted. Words to the song, “Casey Jones’ Trip to the Holy Land.” * D. T. Davies, Johnstown, Pa. Present address of F. R. Lyons. Have important mail for him. A c duffy Vail, Ariz. Present address of G. A. Hunter. “HN,” if you see this, write me a letter and put something in it. C. A. Dittrich, Cob re, Nev. Copy of the lines of poetry entitled, “Over the Hills to the Poor House.” N. B. Stockton, Summerfield, Mo. Present address of G. W. Blodgett. Last heard of was in Ohio. Worked for the Q & C. at Chattanooga, Tenn., up to Febru- ary, 1907. B. D. Stone, Chattanooga, Tenn. Present address of J. V. O’Leary, an old- time operator. Last heard of was with’ Southern Railway at Louisville, Ky. B. C. Murphy, Star Theater, Portland, Ore. To obtain train order, all forms, from every railroad in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Will gladly exchange with all. J. R. Young, Central City, Ky. Information concerning the whereabouts of James Mason Brugh, aged twenty-three years, weight 200 pounds, height six feet one inch, dark brown eyes, black hair, dark complexion, square shouldered, has Virginia James Bbugh. accent, and was last heard of in Bluefield, W. Va., in March, 1907. Mail addressed to him miscarried and, later, was returned unclaimed. Any one knowing of his where- abouts will confer a favor on his wife by advising me. Mrs. Urcyl Verne Brugh, 206 Cleveland Ave., Columbus, Ohio. Present address of W. A. Davenport. Last heard of was with the Monon, at Louisville, Ky. L. H. Joyner, 906 West Market St, Louisville, Ky. Present address of Fred. Long, who was employed by the C. & E. R. R. at Lima. Ohio, in 1888-1889. J. R. Long, Lock Box 277, Springfield. Ohio Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1440 The Railroad Telegrapher. HON. EDWARD GRISWOLD. Member of the Connecticut General A ssembly. A friend ai d supporter of the Telegraphers’ Eight-hour Law recently enacted in that state. Present address of Elmer A. Tabler. Last heard of was working on the Wabash at Sadorus, 111. “Tab,” if you see this write your old pal. Shep. at Tecoma, Nev., care of the Southern Pacific. R. W. Shepherd. Present address of Norman Wellein, last heard of going from Gladstone, Mich., to Everett, Wash. Would also like to hear from any of the boys from G. N., Div. 70, now working on other roads. Cleveland Darbee, Bridal Veil, Ore. Present address of Harry W. Guess. Was at one time employed by Seaboard Air Line at Columbia, S. C. J. G. Zander, Care of J. R. Milligan, Southern Shops, Columbia, S. C. Present address of Chas. Anthony Pow- ers, last heard of left Birmingham. Ala., about five months ago, for Jacksonville, Fla. “CA,” if you see this, write me, have some news for you. O. C. Wolfe, Selma, Ala. The following members desire to ex- change souvenir postal cards with other members : J. C. McGinnis, Donerail, Ky. R. L. Kessler, Branch ton, Pa. N. G. Ledbetter, Hamlet, N. C. O. R. Baumgardner, 76 Park St., Mas- sillon, Ohio. Lost or Stolen. Card No. 30, Cert. 1167, Div. 2, for term ending December 31. 1907. Card No. 6101, Cert. 1537, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 569, Cert. 2527, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 19455, Cert. 1615, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 16784, Cert. 1902, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 19401, Cert. 1939. Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 14577. Cert. 1758, Div. 7, for term ending December 31. 1907. HON. C. H. TiBBITS. Member of the Connecticut Genera1 Assembly. A friend and supporter of the Telegraphers’ Eight-hour Law recently enacted in that State. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1441 HON. FREDERICK NORTHROP. Member of New Y’ork State Assembly. Introducer and champion Telegraphers’ Eight hour bill recently enacted into law in ' ew Yoik State. Member Poughkeepsie Typo- graphical Union and President Poughkeepsie Central Labor Union. Card No. 4170, Cert. 1536, Div. 8, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 476. Cert. 310, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 4409, Cert. 685, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 13033. Cert. 839, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 14633, Cert. 980. Div, 14, for term ending* December 31, 1907. Card No. 7715. Cert. 1215, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 14894. Cert. 253, Div. 33, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17598, Cert. 1427, Div. 33, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 10205. Cert. 689, Div. 40, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1587, Cert. 29, Div. 46, for term ending December 31. 1907. Card No. 13126, Cert. 479, Div. 49, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 10530, Cert. 895, Div. 53. for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1435 1, Cert. 1551, Div. 53. for term ending December 31. 1907. Card No. 20580, Cert. 6, Div. 54, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2966, Cert. 560, Div. 54, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 533, Cert. 1023, Div. 54, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 7741, Cert. 21, Div. 57, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 5623. Cert. 33, Div. 59. for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6064, Cert. 1334, Div. 59, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 13265, Cert. 1597, Div. 59, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2064, Cert. 296. Div. 62, for term ending December 31,* 1907. Card No. 12861. Cert. 325, Div. 62, for term ending December 31. 1907. Card No. 11872, Cert. 105, Div. 69, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 9755, Cert. 148, Div. 88. for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1727, Cert. 248, Div. 93. for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1901. Cert. 1464, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2459, Cert. 245. Div. 96, for term ending December 31, 1907. A. O. NETHERCUTT, Representative from Division 38 to late session of Grand Division. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1442 The Railroad Telegrapher. Card No. 12343, Cert. 74, Div. 97, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 10003, Cert. 403, Div. 97, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2124, Cert. 409, Div. 97, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3329, Cert. 410, Div. 97, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 516, Cert. 1538, Div. 126, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2396, Cert. 853, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 20666, Cert. 202, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 117967, Cert. 4849, Grand Div., term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 11299, Cert. 597, Div. 6, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1121, Cert. 1485, Div. 23, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8995, Cert. 1591, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 18803, Cert 2020, Div. 93, foi term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 12198, Cert. 132, Div. 94, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 11079, Cert. 29, Div. 119, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17152, Cert. 773, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 9629, Cert. 1211, Div. 59, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8376, Cert. 837, Div. 23, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 27706, Cert. 527, Div. 126, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17111, Cert. 1596, Div. 126, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 24997, Cert. 1267, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3630, Cert. 3682, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2802, Cert. 2509, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17992. Cert. 4857, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. P. E Adair. W. C. Erther G. W. Ha*le. O. R. T. GROUP— MICHIGAN CENTRAL RAILWAY UTICA, MICH. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Many words, little sense. * * * There are thorns on all roses. * * * No man ever repented of saying nothing. ♦ * * Hell’s torments are measured by money. ♦ * * Confession of a fault makes half amends. ♦ * * No man can do great work who can not wait. * * * Unless you strive for your rights you are apt to get left. * * * This world remembers the man who dies game — for a day. * * * Patience punctures many a portentous- looking obstacle. * * * The Indian scalps his enemy ; the paleface skins his friends. * * * A fool for luck is a man who succeeds in getting what you want. ♦ * * The faster a man travels the harder it is for him to pay as he goes. * * * You may have observed that a good prac- tical joke is always on the other fellow. * * * And many a man acquires the upper hand by dealing it from the bottom of the deck. * * * Some people are so industrious that when they haVen’t anything to do they proceed to do somebody. Foundry laborers are making a national move to enforce the nine-hour day where it does not exist. * * * Some people get results if kindly encour- aged— but give me the man who can do things in spite of hell! * * * Factories in Japan do not stop work on Sunday, but usually the first and fifteenth of each month are holidays. * * * Owing to the general increase in the cost of living, the doctors of Austria have de- cided to raise their fees 50 per cent. * * * A milliners’ union has been organized in Chicago, with, it is claimed, the backing, moral and material, of Mrs. Potter Palmer. ♦ * * Labor is the talisman that has raised man from the savage; that has given us plenty, comfort, elegance, instead of want, misery and barbarism. — McCulloch. * * * “Labor is capital. Labor has the same right to protect itself by trade unions, etc., as any other form of capital might claim for itself.” — Cardinal Manning. * * * “Capital is the fruit of labor, and could not have existed if labor had not first ex- isted. Labor, therefore, deserves much the higher consideration.” — Abraham Lincoln ♦ * * It has now booome a settled plan of the Manufacturers’ Associations and the Citi- zens* Alliance to place spies in unions, so far as possible, and in the event of not be- ing able to do so to have men consort with weak union members, and draw from them the information desired. Digitized by Google

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1444 The Railroad Telegrapher. R. T. Shaw. E. E. Hay*. Miller. A. B. Wllll»on. J. J. Oermorty,

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1445 One hundred and forty laborers employed by the government on the construction of fortifications at Cusing, Cow and Diamond Islands, Maine, struck recently for in- creased wages. * * * Organized labor won a signal' victory at Fort Worth, Tex., by electing a ticket from top to bottom which had been selected by trade unionists co-operating with other in- terests in the city. * * * Every time you register a protest it saves a lot of trouble for the easy-going chaps who have occasion to follow in your foot- steps.— From “Pointed Paragraphs” in the Chicago News. * * * It is reported that the Victorian Employ- ers* Union will spend 30.000 pounds to try and destroy the union label law, either by fighting it in the courts or getting boodle members of Parliament to repeal it. * * * Following the footsteps of the Chicago trade unionists, the labor unions of Covig- ton, Ky., have started a movement for a trades union bank. The bank will have a paid-up capital of $50,000. All the stock has been subscribed by the labor unions. ♦ * * No wage earner is doing his full duty if he fails to identify his own interests with those of his fellow workmen. The obvious way to make common cause with them is to join a trade union, and thus secure a posi- tion from which to strengthen organized labor and influence it for the better. * * * All true union men are bound by honor to try to get all the competent and worthy workers at their trade into the union. They are also bound to establish such conditions within the union as will give every member an equal opportunity with the rest to get work at the union rate of wages. * * * The best expression o'f unionism that can be manifested is the willingness to abide by the will of the lawfully constituted major- ity ; the practicing of what you preach ; per- mitting union tailors to make your clothes, and the union hatter to make your hat ; the union shoemaker to make your shoes, etc. * * * A feature of the farmers* unions of the West is their political co-operation with or- ganized wage earners. In Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma there are evidences of such co-operation, and the movement is spread- ing to other parts of the country where both farmers and wage earners are organ- ized. * * * Bread is necessary to sustain life, but it takes money to buy bread and butter, and experience has taught us that organization is absolutely necessary in order to insure the mechanics and laborers living wages and reasonable working hours. The union is as indispensable in our age to the work- ers as is the home, food and clothing. It is the means whereby they can obtain the necessities and comforts of life. — Labor Leader. * * * Workers are told that the “law of supply and demand” determines prices. Now the press dispatches of August 10 tell us that because of the telegraphers* strike, the grain market is weak, with prices declining. Which statement is true? Has a strike of a few thousand men lessened the demand for wheat and breadstuflfs? And has that resulted in a lower price? Or does this in- cident deny the oft-repeated claim about “supply and demand,” and show clearly that prices are arranged by Produce Exchange gamblers? — Toledo Union Leader. * * * The wealthiest labor union in the world is the Amalgamated Engineers* Society of Great Britain. Statements just published show that this organization possesses funds amounting to over $3,500,000. Most of this is locked up in secure investments, which bring in steady returns. On January 1, 1907, the membershipof the union was 105,- 188. The union pays sick, death and super- annuation benefits. The organization has just presented a demand for an increase in wages of two shillings a week, and an- nounces that it may ask for an additional increase at the end of another six months. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1446 The Railroad Telegrapher Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1447 The eight-hour movement has received endorsement from an unexpected quarter. A physical instructor and physician of na- tional fame says trades unions were over- whelmingly right when they demanded, as the prerequisite for the mental, moral and physical improvement of humanity in gen- eral, a shortening of the hours of toil. We all know, as the physician points out, that long hours of labor tend to early mental and muscular exhaustion; but he goes fur- ther, and says he has been surprised to find, in these days of intense strain and over- exertion, how rarely individuals of over forty years of age are still able to do a full day's work. * * * President Van Cleve, of the Manufactur- ers’ Association, has the following to say in his annual report as to one way in which they can create such conditions as will as- sist them in getting cheaper labor. This patriotic president of a patriotic association, says: “In the shape which it bears to-day the labor issue confronts us with new problems. I have already spoken of the shortage in the supply of workers. In a small measure we can remedy this by using alt the power to get laborers in Europe for our mills and factories that is allowed us under the law which goes into effect on July i st.” Now, Mr. Non-Union Man, don't you think it is high time for you to organize and get busy. * * * A pastors’ union, composed of all the Protestant clergymen of La Crosse, Wis., and affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, is something out of the ordinary, but La Crosse has one such. In that town the members of the other trades look upon the preachers as brother workers, admit their delegate to the meetings of the Trades and Labor Council and have a representa- tive of that body at the meetings of the clergymen. On last Labor Day the preach- ers marched with the printers, the cigar- makers, the bricklayers and other unions in the Labor Day parade, while at the last meeting of the pastors they were addressed by a delegate from the Boot and Shoe- makers' Union in advocacy of insisting on the union label when making purchases of shoes Clothing Trades Bulletin. * *. * There is something the matter with the non-union man, and if you look him over closely you will find out what that some- thing is. He is either an inferior mechanic that can not earn the union rate of wages, an expelled member of some labor organi- zation, or a fugitive from justice who, through fear of apprehension, gives his chosen craft a wide berth, or some poor, deluded fool who has reasons for believing he can go it alone and whose intelligence is so far below the common sense standard that he can not see the benefits that accrue from collective bargaining. Now and then you find in him some well-known former member of some local whose “rule or ruin” methods cost him his rule and succeeded in ruining nothing but his own future. — Horseshoers ' Magazine. * * * There is a hell-to-pay row in Kansas City, Mo., the State of grass-widow and hopper-grass fame, and talks of “knifing the ticket” when next it runs are more plentiful than populistic plans for enriching the com- mon people, the Mayor and City Council having received notice from the State Labor Commissioner that, failing to obtain an en- forcement of the eight-hour law, he will jail the entire city government. The Labor Commissioner doesn't make any bones about the matter, but gets right down to hard-pan by saying “comply with the law or go to jail,” and it is up to the Mayor and Council to give municipal employes the eight-hour day or put in time like any other bunch of law-breakers. Union men are jubilant at the stand taken by the Labor Commissioner, and if the municipal authori- ties wish to make it a State issue, to be fought out at the ballot box, organized labor will get into the political arena and fight for the Commission as against the Mayor and City Council. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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[he Railroad Telegrapher. Tod to Bottom— Cannon, Filler, Covert, Myers. Baker, Reynolds Google

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LUCKY NINE. HO takes out ‘Number Nine* to-night ?” “Ted.” “Huh! Funny how th' ole man's hooked to thet lad. Took 'im ofen ‘Number Six- teen' freight in three months and keeps 'im sort o' on tap fer ther' good runs. But Ted's different, somehow." “Ted’s got brains, an' knows how ter use ’em. 'Twam’t no fool business o* his'n, when he got thet hundred from the East, a buyin' thet ole sidin’ up to Grimes. Grimes is a growin’, an’ they'll have ter have coal some day; an' thet’s th* only spot fer a yard, what ain’t solid rock along ther whole cut through the town, 'ceptin' ther jump cross th' river." “Goin* t* build a iron bridge in th' fall, did yer hear?” “Yep; 'bout time, too. Thet ole wood tackle is a goin’ t’ drap some day. ‘Num- ber Nine's' extre to-night — say, there's a lot o* miners an' ther families from Carson goin' up country. She’s got six day coaches and two mail an' 'spresses." “Ted’s got a gurl up to Grimes — say, she's th' purties' — sh-h-h. Here comes Ted, now; don't like to hear folks talk about 'is gal. Queer thet way." The old yard master nudged the station agent in the ribs, and, as though it were accidental, continued a similar motion, knocking out his pipe. The speakers were seated in a shady cor- ner of the little station at Mine Junction, enjoying a pipe after the noonday meal. The town had sprung up about the time that the quest for gold had brought to the West numbers of fortune seekers composed of all sorts and classes of men. The town itself had not much to boast of at the time my narrative opens. The inevitable saloon, a first evidence of approaching civilization — regarded then as a sort of oasis — was the first institution that greeted the eye of the traveler upon alighting from the main line at the Junction. Schools and churches were, as yet, things of the remote future. The inhabitants knew, in a general way, that such things existed; but the advisabil- ity of instituting such reforms at the Junc- tion had never occurred to its people. The “Branch,” consisting of a single track, ran south from Mine Junction some sixty miles, up into the gold country, terminating at Grimes, to which point was brought the specie for shipment over the Branch to the Main. Grimes itself had been the seat of much successful operation ; and many of the work- ings there had panned out so well that the town had, a few years previously, exper- ienced a period of phenomenal prosperity; and, indeed, at the time when our story opens, it was a flourishing little place of about 3,500 inhabitants, though the belief that the immediate country had been worked out had sent farther south most of the prospectors, which was, perhaps, as well for the general moral welfare of the town. The residuum, who composed its present inhabitants, were, for the most part, those stayers who gradually sift themselves out from the horde that presses on nomadically, and who form the real foundation of a new country. Through the center of Grimes ran Clear Creek, a stream about fifty feet in width, which a few years before, had yielded forth several placer deposits of value. Across Clear Creek stretched the wagon and foot bridge, which united the two parts of the town, and a few hundred feet up stream was that of the railroad, an old-fashioned wood trestle, upon which the elements had made war until the railroad was faced with the necessity of rebuilding it ; and contracts had been let for a new steel structure. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1450 The Railroad Telegrapher. On the north side of the creek where the railroad entered the town it had been neces- sary to cut to a depth of ten or twelve feet, through a slight elevation of ground. The cut extended south to the creek, where a somewhat precipitous bank terminated at the water’s edge. The train, approaching from Mine Junc- tion, passed first through the cut and emerged immediately upon the trestle. The original intention of the directors had been to maintain Grimes Station in this cut north of the creek, and a siding had been built there for that purpose, but the town, progressing so far south, had ren- dered this impossible, and it became neces- say to carry the line across the creek to the south side; hence the siding had become unused. Ted had come to Grimes almost as soon as the railroad and had entered their em- ploy, serving as fireman and engineer, until now he had been given charge of No. 9, the regular passenger and express train, leaving Mine Junction at 9:18 p. m. and due in Grimes an hour and a half later. The sation agent had said that “Ted was different somehow.” If “different some- how” meant attention to business, Ted was different. He was about twenty-four or five years of age, of dark complexion; and possessed of a frame, though not above the middle height, well knit and evenly propor- tioned. He came from Massachusetts of parents in very moderate circumstances ; and the death of his mother in his early childhood had removed those home ties which deter us from seeking other scenes. He had a public school education and was by nature a close observer. Hence he had, in many respects, the advantage of those with whom he was thrown into contact. The esteem in which he was held by his employers was evidenced by the fact that he had been promoted more rapidly than had any other employe. Though probably the youngest engineer in their employ, the company had come to look upon him as fitting about any situation with which they were confronted. His good fortune, if it may be socalled, might have occasioned jealousy on the part of his associates, but they were for the most part fair-minded, honest men, who looked upon the situation in much the manner expressed by the words of the station agent. A short time ago Ted had received as his portion of the small estate of a deceased maiden aunt, about $100 with which he had purchased the plot of ground up at Grimes adjoining the cut of the railroad north of the creek and taking in the old siding. There was room enough back from the rail- road for a neat little house without inter- fering with such business operations as might be conducted on the edge of the cut, should he ever require a house of his own. The day was hot and sultry. A blue haze pervaded the atmosphere and hung like a pall over the landscape waiting for the touch of nature to dispel it. A day when might have been expected to follow, one of those demonstrations of nature, when the very air seems transformed into wind, water and fire. “Hello, Ted,” said the yardmaster, as he approached. “Howdy do, Tom?” Ted replied, “pretty warm, isn't it?” “It's hot. Looks like somethin’ was a goin' t’ happen. Better take a umbrella along with you out on No. 9 to-night Lucky dog. Tell us you’v' got the run steady.” “Don't know how steady it is, Tom; Mr. Wilson just told me to take her out until further notice. To be candid, I am lucky if I hold it. I have always wanted that run and wished I would be lucky enough to get it. Came to call it T-ucky Nine.' ” “Hard run, though, Ted; eyes peeled every inch of the way. Fifty miles an hour or better most all along the line, 'ceptin' the grades and yer beat that a goin' down Stump Mountain.” “I know it, Tom, but Nature gave me a pretty good pair of eyes and all I can do is to use them, and if I fail or something goes wrong, I probably won’t be here to bear the blame. But I tell you, Tom, I intend to hold that run ; it’ll have to. be a spread rail or an open switch to take me off.” “Good fer you, lad, you’ve got the sand and a cool nerve, if jr* are most a kid ; and I’d ruther trust my bones behind you then a lot o' others I know.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1451 Nine o'clock found No. 9 made up at the little station with Ted taking a last look over old 4 7, the big engine used exclusively for this run. With wrench, oil can and torch he carefully examined each jam nut, holding the connecting rods, the eccentrics, rockers and reversing crane and having sat- isfied himself that all was secure, he stood with arms folded and back against the cylinder, talking to Tom. There was noth- ing now to wait for but the mails and transferred passengers from No. 78, on the Main. The humidity had continued from the afternoon and not a breath of air stirred. The steam from the safety valve ascended in a vertical column until condensed in the air. The sky was fast covering with dense black clouds and already an occasional fit- ful flash foretold what was to come. 9:18, leaving time and No. 78, Ted anx- iously consulted his watch. Despite his own confidence in his ability to bring the train into Grimes on time and even make up a few minutes if necessary, he was chag- rined at being lated in leaving. 9:32, and with a hiss of escaping steam, the ponderous engine of No. 78 rolled to a stop at the crossing; and the passengers tumbled out, carrying sleepy children and tugging at bags and bundles of all sizes and shapes. Whole families with their entire belongings were here; unsuccessful in their battles of life in the cities, they were drawn toward the glitter of gold in the West. Six cars of them, men, women and children, of all walks of life, but all with hearts full of love for their own. Ted saw them and he realized his responsibility. A misconstruc- tion of a signal, a moment of inadvertance, a second’s relaxation from intense vigil and how many childish faces would look up at him and cry out for the lost love and ten- der care of a mother or the shielding arm of a father; and how many fond parents would grieve for the little curly-head that had welded the link which had made them man and wife? Ted did what few men do. He realized the consequences; and if appreciation of re- sponsibility made lives secure, the passen- gers of No. 9 should be safe that night. Mr. Wilson, the vice-president, was aboard, bound for Grimes, likewise were three of the directors. But this did not concern Ted. While they were all estima- ble men, they were but four of the many whose lives were entrusted to his care that night. “All aboard I” shouted the conductor. Ted jumped into the cab. Two gauges of water, lever dropped forward to the last notch for starting. Ted leaned out of the cab and looked back for the signal. The great machine was snorting spasmodically as a thing of life, impatient at the delay. The conductor with one foot on the steps and train orders in his hand, waved the sig- nal and Ted's eyes turned from the rear for good. He tugged open the throttle and there was a grind and a rumble as the vapor flew into the cylinders and began its Herculean pressure again the cross heads of the pistons. “Chuh chuh,” and then a series of rapid exhausts for the ponderous wheels had slipped and were racing, Ted closed the throttle to allow her to take a fresh hold and cautiously reopened it again. The train gathered momentum until Ted took up the lever a few notches to use his steam expansively. No. 9 was well under way with its living freight. Faster and faster until they had attained a speed, which if maintained and if nothing happened, would enable Ted to make up most of his lost time. The storm now opened in earnest; and the fireman, an honest Irish lad, was dividing the time between shovel- ing coal and looking anxiously at the sky. 9:42, and with a whirl of dust, the sta- tion of Copper Hill flashed by with its three lamps looking to Ted like the momentary flash of fire-flies; and old 47. plunged over the switches with a noise like the rattle of musketry. No. 9 had gained a minute and a half of her lost time. The lightning was now playing with incessant fury and the rain fell in blinding sheets. A flash illum- inating the country like day, was accom- panied by a crash of thunder so terrible that all other sounds seemed not only drowned, but hushed into stillness for some seconds after, until the mind recovered from the shock; and the darkness which followed seemed, if possible, intensified. Switchlamps appeared to spring up out of the darkness and rush toward the cab, but before reaching it, they would duck, and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1452 The Railroad Telegrapher. dart under the engine. Sheet after sheet of lightning enveloped the whole locomo- tive and as the thunder would die away, Ted's eye involuntarily scanned the fore- work, it seeming impossible that it had not been demolished. The long curve at Great Fork was taken with undiminished speed and old 47 lay well over to the concave. Ted knew the road, inch by inch, and knew that this curve had been laid out for speed; and at just ten minutes past ten, the train flew through the little shed at Great Fork, only eight min- utes late. The trestle across the ravine, just past the station, staggered under the onslaught, and as the train sprung off upon the south side, it seemed to recoil and trem- ble like a violin string when released from the bow. Then commenced the climb of Stump Mountain and the engine took the grade at such momentum that No. 9 made nearly a half mile before coming down to the usual speed. Then Ted’s muscles relaxed and he mopped the cold perspiration from his brow. Mechanically, he reached forward and dropped the lever a few notches, in- creasing the action of the eccentrics. The engine was now working hard, but, not- withstanding his chattering teeth and fre- quent appeals to his patron saint, the fire- man’s braver nature had so far prevailed that he had kept up steam. The storm was still raging with fury apparently unabated and Ted could see that the ditches were transformed into raging torrents. The rail was wet and old 47 constantly lost her grip and her ponderous drivers would race, hence, when the cut at the top of the moun- tain was reached, Ted had again lost a minute and a half. When the train ran out of the cut and approached the long descent to Beaver Run, Ted merely picked up the lever again, without closing off steam. This was too much for the fireman, who leaned across the cab and shouted : “Are yez goin’ t’ do it again?” Ted compressed his lips, nodded and again riveted his gaze ahead. The Irish- man regarded him silently for a few mo- ments and then resigned himself to his fate with the logical remark that “It did not matter much. He’d as leave go to th’ Devil wid Ted as wid any man he knew.” Ted closed the throttle and the fireman grabbed the brake- wheel. Ted knew that if he whistled “down brakes,” the train hands would probably apply them to such effect as to exclude the possibility of his making the speed necessary; so he quickly decided to rely upon the brake of the loco- motive. He motioned the fireman to apply it, and knowing that the train hands were at their posts ready to wind up the rear brakes upon hearing his signal, he caught the whistle cord in his hand, ready to pull should occasion require. Down the moun- tain plunged the train, with Ted’s face again rigid. Mile after mile was reeled off with speed that had probably never before been attained on the road. Beaver Run was passed at just 10:38, only two minutes late. Grimes lay now but eight miles away, but this must be made in ten minutes. The storm was dying out. The rain had nearly ceased, but the darkness was still intense. Ted kept her to it, and at 10:45 he made out the little tool house at Gordons flash past, marking the approach to the cut en- tering Grimes. Ted gave one long whistle, and now old 47 bounded into the cut. He would reach Grimes on time. Was he thinking of the directors, of No. 9, of the run he had made? Perhaps, but that was not all. A girl’s sweet face also came be- fore his eyes, the counterpart of the little miniature he carried in his watch case. Why did he want to succeed? Why such pleasure at the successful performance of the duties assigned to him? Was it not because it placed him one step nearer mak- ing her happy? In a little cottage up at Grimes sat a girl and a woman. The latter somewhat past forty, the former about nineteen or twenty. The woman was slender and care or trouble had made its impression upon a face which must have been beautiful. The girl was the picture of what the mother had been. A wealth of dark hair was coiled neatly about her head, and over some nee- dle work, she was humming an air and replying cheerfully to occasional words of the mother. Out doors a storm had been raging and flashes of lightning and heavy peals of thunder were yet mingling with the rain and wind. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1453 Suddenly her work dropped to her lap and her eyes sought the clock. “Mother,” said the girl, “it is a quarter after ten.” “Well, Anna,” replied the woman, “why are you so nervous? We have had storms before, and the road is as safe, they say, as any road. Besides, Ted’s train must be miles from here now and storms like this seldom cover a very wide area.” “I know, mother, perhaps I am foolish, but something depresses me; I wonder if anyone has been down to the bridge.” “Mr. Reilly lights the lights there every evening. If anything were out of the way, he would notify the railroad.” “Yes, mother, I know, but Mr. Reilly went to the bridge long before this storm commenced. And, besides, Mr. Reilly is quite aged and does not see very well.” The girl resumed her work, but in a few minutes sprung up, saying : “Mother, I can’t stand it any longer. Something is wrong, I know it. The storm is almost over and I am going to Mr. Reilly’s.” Despite the protests of the mother, she caught up a water-proof and slipping on overshoes went out into the night. The cottage of Mr. Reilly, the old man who lighted the switch lamps, was but a few doors away, and to this Anna bent her steps. Mrs. Reilly opened the door to her summons with a “God bless us, Miss Cum- mings, an’ pfwat are the loikes of yez doin’ out i’ th’ night like this ?” “Is Mr. Reilly in?” asked Anna. “That he is, Missie, but he’s that put about wid his rheumatism that sorra a step can he take this night again* he come back from the cut beyant. Is aught amiss wid yer dear mither or yourself?” “No, thank you, Mrs. Reilly,” said Anna, “I only wanted Mr. Reilly to go with me to the bridge.” “Wirra! The bridge is it, Missie? Shure there’s naught wrong wid the bridge. It’s been there this four years now. But I never blame yer, child, fer it’s the likliest lad that ever saw these parts as comes over that same bridge this night. But come in, child, agin the rain lets up.” “No, thank you, Mrs. Reilly,” said Anna, coloring in spite of herself. “I think I’ll go on; perhaps you’re right. I hope Mr. Reilly recovers from his attack.” “God bless you then, child, run away home. It’s no fit night fer the likes of yez to be out,” said the good-hearted Irish woman as Anna turned away. “What shall I do ?” thought Anna ; “Mrs. Reilly would have laughed at me if she were not too considerate. Others would be less thoughtful. I shall not speak to any- one else. I will go down to the bridge myself.” Wrapping her water-proof closer about her, she wended her way down to the wagon bridge. The roads were deserted. Everyone who could had sought shelter from the storm. Anna stopped in the middle of the wagon bridge, spellbound by the scene presented. Clear Creek was a raging torrent and she could not at first account for the fact that great beams were jammed against the wagon bridge, having apparently come down stream from the direction of the rail- road. Suddenly a flash of lightning lit up the scene, as her gaze was directed toward the railroad bridge. Her blood chilled in her veins and a tingle like an electric shock shot through her. Then came a deathly faintness and she caught the rail for sup- port. The railroad bridge was gone. Swept away by the flood. The broken ap- proaches slanted down into the torrent pointing down stream. Poor Anna’s first impulse was to fly for help, and this she was on the point of do- ing, when terror was again struck to her heart by a sound which sounded to her like the death knell of the man she loved. It was the whistle of a locomotive. Far off, but oh ! how much too near ! She must act alone. She must stop that train. With speed she did not think herself capable of she ran along the north bank of the torrent. Twice she slipped and fell into the water which had overflowed the bank and her hands were torn and bleeding as she climbed the bank to the track, in the cut. Again came the whistle. Now entering the cut. My God ! now she was here, how could she stop that train ? She could scream. He would not hear her. She could stand on Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1454 The Railroad Telegrapher. the track, he would not see her. If she had a lantern or light of any kind, but there was none. Her brain was on fire. A light, up the track. His head light. Oh, God I powerless ! “The switch ! The switch !” To think was to act. Better derail the train than for it to plunge with its human freight into the river. Her poor little hands grasped the lever. Her tiny feet pressed the dog, as she had seen the train- men do. The great rails gave to a strength born of desperation, and as they swung over, a red in place of a white light shot up the track. Poor Anna staggered to the other side and sank down upon the bank. She heard the whistle “down brakes," heard a rumble and a grinding crash and the rest was a haze. As No. 9 entered the cut, Ted saw the white light marking the switch at the sid- ing. It also called up tender thoughts. He had bought the ground for a little home for them both. But what is this? The light had changed. It was red! He was running upon an open switch. The throttle was closed. The lever reversed, the steam again applied and “down brakes” whistled furiously. Old 4 7 struck the switch, but, though reduced, the speed was too great. Ted felt her leave the rails, felt the grind- ing of the ties and was conscious of the cab being crushed over his head. Then all was dark and next he felt water on his face, and as he looked up, by the light of a lantern, he saw the wild face of Anna looking down at him and murmuring “What have I done?” “Anna,” he murmured. # “Oh ! thank God !” said the girl. The old conductor and the train hands turned away to look at the engine, while the Irish fire- man was seen to run up the track and give vent to a wild Donnybrook yell of joy. Ted and Anna were taken into one of the cars. He was not badly hurt, and the directors and the passengers pressed for- ward with many a moist eye as they sought to grasp the hands of the brave girl and the young engineer, while Anna modestly re- peated what had transpired. The next morning they dug old 47 out of the bank, She had ripped out about a hundred feet of earth and had finally brought up with her pilot half buried. She had done more than this, however; she had gone prospecting for Ted, for, as the dirt was cleared away, each shovel full showed to the bulging eyes of the work- men that she had found that which the builders of her path had so narrowly missed. If those who dug that cut had di- gressed a little to one side, they would never have ended their days removing earth for the sole purpose of getting it out of their way. Up at Grimes there is a comfortable house, with pretty lawns and a stable. It is owned by Theodore Marsten, the presi- dent of “The Branch” and owner of paying mining interests in various parts of the West. The family is abroad now, but when at home, most every fair morning you may see a handsome team, drawing a pretty canopy-top, in which chatter several rosy- cheeked youngsters, accompanied by a matronly-looking young woman, whose smile and laughing eye tell only of happi- ness. They drive to the bank, of which he is a director, a man in the prime of life, in prosperous circumstances, who is an ex- ample of a good husband and father. — By Henry M. Lummis, in Express Gazette. WHEN THE PARSON TOOK A HAND. ^XTESSER, the man what sizes up I humanity by appearances, or the ^ doe’s they wears — ’specially the doe’s — generally finds out to his sorrer thet he’s buckin’ the wrong layout.” As “Pumphandle Jake” made this an- nouncement, the group huddled ’round the grocery store stove, shuffled into attitudes of expectancy. “Pumphandle Jake,” so called because his right hand was missing, was rather a mys- tery to the little community in which he lived. He had never done a day’s work since he became a resident, but he always paid his bills and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen should. It was a well- known fact that he received a letter from New York, regularly, the first of every month, and that he immediately had a check cashed at the local bank, payable to Joseph Smith. His fellow townsmen didn’t take much stock in the “Smith,” but if the name Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1455 was satisfactory to the bank officials, it was good enough for them. “Pumphandle Jake” wasn’t much of a talker, but when he did let loose 'twas sure to be worth hearing. Absolute silence followed his preliminary announcement, for the group around the stove understood that an undue display of interest would curtail further developments. “ Twas back in the 7o*s,” began Jake reminiscently, “an’ ’twasn’t in this State, either. If I told the name of the town you’d know well’s I do, but bein’ as thet’s nothin’ to do with this story an’ it’s none of your business anyhow, I’ll omit the name. 14 ’T wasn’t much of a town in them days — *bout too shacks an’ as many tents — a hotel, an’ saloons bristlin’ on every corner. The population numbered *bout 500, not countin’ the wimmin’ an* Chinamen. “They wasn’t a bad lot, as men go, but human nater’s ’bout the same the world over; there’s black sheep in every fold, an’ the goats is alius buttin’ in an’ gittin’ mixed up with the lambs.” Jake expectorated three times, deliber- ately, and with unerring accuracy into the open door of the stove, allowing his hearers time to digest this statement. “There was the usual count of bad uns,” he continued, “in this town I’m speakin* of, an’ I reckon you couldn’t find worse this side of the Rockies. P’raps the man who took the cake fer all ’round cussedness was one Ja — Joseph Redmond. They called him ‘Big Red.* “If he’d took a tumble ter the error of his ways in time, he might been a respected citizen of thet town ter day. Howsomcver, the wicked flee when no man pursueth an’ the slowest makin’ tracks gits’ his, with in- terest, as likewise did Big Red.” Here an interested listener interrupted to inquire if Jake ever knew Big Red? He was promptly relegated to a soap box in the background, and Jake continued. “One blamy spring evenin’, after the day’s work was done, the boys what wasn’t playin’ poker or otherwise engaged, was gathered in front of the hotel, waitin’ the arrival of the stage from — well, thet’s none of your business, either. Bill, the stage driver, was most alius on time, an’ as he represented Wells Fargo an’ the U. S. mail, his weekly cornin’ was looked forward to. This evenin’, ’stead of landin’ his frc:ght at the P. O. an’ express office, he draws up in front of the hotel, an’ swings open the stage door kind o’ solemn like, an* out comes the leanest, lankiest bone o’ conten- tion I ever see. He wore black store clo’es, a black dicer, an* a collar what buttoned behind. Swingin’ careless like in one hand was a pair of black kid gloves — gloves, mind ye! “Well, when thet apperition landed in our midst ther was a silence could be heard fer miles — we was ondecided what course ter pursue, but jist then Big Red speaks up an* says: ‘Howdy, stranger! We’re tickled ter death to see yer, ain’t we boys?’ an’ he winks his off eye at the crowd. ‘But, stranger, we’re kind o’ wild an’ wooly in these parts an’ there’s some things we don’t stand for, so you’ll ’scuse me if I remove what’s sure to be an eyesore ter the com- munity.’ With thet, he draws his gun an* peppers the dicer an’ the gloves ’till there wasn’t nothin’ left of ’em. “Then fer the first time the stranger spoke. “ ‘Gentlemen, I am a minister of the Gos- pel, an’ I trust you will respect my calling, even if I ain’t no great shakes of a repre- sentative. I came here for my health, as I’ve understood the high altitude was bene- ficial fer lung trouble, with which same I am afflicted.* “Big Red shoved his gun back into place. ‘Well, Parson, there’s no objections to yer sojournin’ here fer your health, s’long’s yer don’t open no Sunday schools an' mind yer own business — what d’ye say, boys? Come in an’ have a drink on the Parson.* “We all lined up, an* while the Parson was payin’ the bill, I sized him up. Not more’n 30, face smooth scraped; mouth like a woman’s, eyes what looked level, an’ a jaw like a steel trap. “Well, the Parson sure fell into camp ways with amazin’ briefness. “He bought a soft hat an* some flannel shirts. He spent most of his time takin* long walks an’ inhalin’ chunks of high alti- tood. We got kinda used ter seein’ him pokin’ round, mindin’ his own business, an’ Digitized by Google

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1456 The Railroad Telegrapher. we liked his unassumin’ ways. He’d ar- rived in town ’bout the first of April, an’ I never see a man take on upholstery like he did. By the first of July he was a husky lookin’ specimen, an’ ’twas understood that he was goin’ back East ter open up his Gospel shop again, right after the 4th. “Now, Big Red hed planned a great cele- bration fer the 4th. They was ter be a dog fight, fireworks, an* a parrychute decension. Through all the approachin' excitement Big Red acted like a man who’s carryin* somethin* up his sleeve as wasn’t an- nounced on the program. “Nobody asked any questions — fer they knew better. “Fourth of July dawned bright an’ early — 1 'twas sure early, fer none of us had been ter bed the night before. “ ’Long towards noon there was a lull in the proceeding, an’ Big Red called the chosen few inter the hotel. “ ’Feller citizens,’ he says, T’ve got a sur- prise fer ye. I was goin’ ter wait ’till ter- night ter spring it, but by thet time most of ye will be too far gone to appreciate what’s happenin’. Me an’ the Parson is goin* ter have a hand at poker! Stan’ back, gents, an* don’t crowd. Here you!’ an’ he called to the bartender ’present my compliments ter the Parson an’ tell him his presence is desired immediate.’ “The Parson comes downstairs presently an* says quiet like, ’You wished to see me, Mister Redmond?’ “ ’I sure did — sit down.’ Big Red shoved a stool up ter the table an’ pulled out a pack of cards. ‘You claim to be a citizen of ther U. S., but you ain’t shown no in- terest in ther national hollerday, an’ I pro- pose you’ll manerfest yer enthusiasm by takin’ a hand at poker with me — under- stand ?’ “Big Red fingered his gun while he spoke. The steel trap the Parson wore fer a jaw set with a snap. He looked at Big Red an’ then he looked at the crowd. “ ‘My calling does not sanction card play- ing for money,’ he says easy like, ‘however, if you insist — ’ an* he peels off his coat an' sits down. “One of the boys dealt, an* the game began ; dollar a chip an’ no limit Inside half an hour the Parson was way ter the good, an’ Big Red was gittin* mad — his sur- prise wasn’t turnin’ out the way he ex- pected. The boys was hangin* ’round the table breathin’ hard, an* watchin* the out- come of a big pot — $300, chips an* cash. The Parson opened, an’ drew one card. They kept raisin’ back an’ forth, ’till finally Big Red laughs insultin’ like an’ says: ’I got four aces, ken yer beat ’em?* “Quicker’n a flash the Parson draws his gun (we never knew he carried one before) an’ pumps the contentents inter Big Red’s right hand. The hand, likewise some extra aces what didn’t belong ter the pack, dropped onter the table. The Parson throws down his cards, showin* four kings an’ a deuce. “Them’s my cards, gentlemen, an* I’ll let you decide who rakes in this pot. When I fust come here, Mister Redmond told me there was some things this town wouldn’t stand fer, an* I hope cheatin’ at cards is one of ’em!’ “With thet the crowd lets loose a cheer what shakes the rafters. “In ther pandermonium which followed, Big Red takes a sneak out there back door.” “Pumphandle Jake” paused and knocked the ashes from his pipe. The soap box occupant squirmed uneasily. “ ’T would served Big Red right if the Par- son had aimed a little higher.” Disregarding the soap box comment, Jake continued : “The Parson he went back East, an’ ter day he’s boss of one of ther swellest Gospel shops in Noo York. How- somever, he’s looked out fer the man he crippled, an’ he’s never f ergot ther time he took a hand at poker.” The soap box creaked violently. “Wasn’t it your hand he ’took,* an* wasn’t you Big Red?” “Pumphandle Jake” regarded the stump of his right hand thoughtfully. “Thet’s got nothin’ ter do with this story, an’ it’s none o’ yer business, anyhow.” — By Gertrude Maryland Moorhouse, in The Painter and Decorator . Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1457 BILL’S LAPSE. STRENGTH and good nature — said the night watchman, musingly, as he felt his biceps — strength and good nature always go together. Sometimes you find a strong man who is not good-natured, but then, as everybody he comes in contact with is, it comes to the same thing. The strongest and kindest 'earted man I ever came across was a man o’ the name of Bill Burton, a shipmate of Ginger Dick’s. For that matter ’e was a shipmate o’ Peter Russet’s and old Sam Small's, too. Not over and above tall ; just about my height, his arms was like another man’s legs for size, and ’is chest and his back and shoulders might ha’ been made for a giant. And with all that he'd got a soft blue eye like a gal’s (blue’s my favorite color for a gal’s eye), and a nice, soft, curly brown beard. He was an A. B., too, and that showed ’ow good natured he was, to pick up with firemen. He got so fond of ’em that when they was all paid off from the Ocean King he asked to be allowed to join them in taking a room ashore. It pleased everybody, four coming cheaper than three, and Bill being that good tempered that 'e’d put up with anything, and when any of the three quar- reled he used to act the part of peacemaker. The only thing about 'im that they didn’t like was that 'e was a teetotaler. He’d go into public ’ouses with ’em, but he wouldn’t drink ; leastways, that is to say, he wouldn’t drink beer, and Ginger used to say that it made ’im feel uncomfortable to see Bill put away a bottle of lemonade every time they ’ad a drink. One night arter *e had ’ad seventeen bottles he could 'ardly get home, and Peter Russet, who knew a lot about pills and such like, pointed out to 'im 'ow bad it was for his constitushon. He proved that the lemonade would eat away the coats o’ Bill’s stomach, and if ’e kept on *e might drop dead at any moment. That frightened Bill a bit, and the next night, instead of 'aving lemonade, 'e had five bottle o' stone ginger beer, six of different kinds of teetotal beer, three of soda water, and two cups of coffee. I’m not counting the drink he ’ad at the chemist's shop arter- wards, because he took that as medicine, but he was so queer in 'is inside next morn- ing that ’e began to be afraid he’d *ave to give up drink altogether. He went without the next night, but 'e was such a generous man that ’e would pay every fourth time, and tuere was no pleas- ure to the other chaps to see 'im pay and 'ave nothing out of it. It spoilt their even- ing, and owing to ’aving only about 'arf wot they was accustomed to they all got up very disagreeable next morning. “Why not take just a little beer, Bill?” asks Ginger. Bill ’ung his 'ead and look a bit silly. “I’d rather not, mate,” he ses, at last. “I’ve been teetotal for eleven months now.” “Think of your 'ealth, Bill,” ses Peter Russet; “your 'ealth is more important than the pledge. Wot made you take it?” Bill coughed. “I 'ad reasons,” he ses, slowly. “A mate o* mine wished me to.” “He ought to ha’ known better,” ses Sam. “He *ad 'is reasons,” ses Bill. “Well, all I can say is, Bill,” ses Ginger, “all I can is, it’s very disobligin’ of you.” “Disobligin’?” ses Bill, with a start; “don’t say that, mate.” “I must say it,” ses Ginger, speaking very firm. “You needn’t take a lot, Bill,” ses Sam; “nobody wants you to do that. Just drink in moderation, same as wot we do.” “It gets into my ’ead,” ses Bill, at last. “Well, and wot of it?” ses Ginger; “it gets into everybody's 'ead occasionally. Why, one night old Sam ’ere went up be- hind a policeman and tickled 'im under the arms; didn’t you, Sam?” “I did nothing o’ the kind,” ses Sam, firing up. “Well, you was fined ten bob for it next morning, that’t all I know,” ses Ginger. I was fined ten bob for punching ’im,” ses old Sam, very mild. “I never tickled a policeman in my life. I never thought o’ such a thing. I’d no more tickle a police- man than I’d fly. Anybody that ses I did is a liar. Why should I? Where does the sense come in? Wot should I want to do it for?” “All right, Sam,” ses Ginger, sticking 'is fingers in ’is ears, “you didn’t then.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1458 The Railroad Telegrapher. “No, I didn't,” ses Sam, “and don't you forget it. This ain’t the fus' time you’ve told that lie about me. I can take a joke with any man; but anybody that goes and ses I tickled — *' “All right,” ses Ginger and Peter Russet together. “You'll 'ave tickled policeman on the brain if you ain't careful, Sam,” ses Peter. Old Sam sat down growling, and Ginger Dick turned to Bill again. , “It gets into everybody's 'ead at times,” he ses, “and where's the 'arm? It's wot it was meant for.” Bill shook his 'ead, but when Ginger called 'im disobligin' agin he gave way and he broke the pledge that very evening and a pint o' six 'arf. Ginger was surprised to see the way 'e took his liquor. Arter three or four pints he'd expected to see *im turn a bit silly, or sing, or do something o’ the kind, but Bill kept on as if 'e was drinking water. “Tink of the 'armless pleasure you’ve been losing all these months, Bill,” ses Ginger, smiling at him. Bill said it wouldn’t bear thinking of, and, the next place they came to he said some rather 'ard things of the man who’d per- suaded *im to take the pledge. He 'ad two or three more there, and then they began to see that it was beginning to have effect on *im. The first one that noticed it was Ginger Dick. Bill 'ad just lit ’is pipe, and as he threw the match down he ses: “I don't like these 'ere safety matches,” he ses. “Don't you, Bill?” ses Ginger. “I do, rather.” “Oh, you do, do you?” ses Bill, turning on 'im like lightning; “well, take that for contradiction,” he ses, an' he gave Ginger a smack that nearly knocked his 'ead off. It was so sudden that old Sam and Peter put their beer down and stared at each other as if they couldn’t believe their eyes. Then they stooped down and helped poor Ginger on to 'is legs again and began to brush ’im down. “Never mind about 'im, mates,” ses Bill, looking at Ginger very wicked. “P’r’haps he won’t be so ready to give me ’is lip next time. Let’s come to another bub and en- joy ourselves.” Sam and Peter followed 'im out like lambs, 'ardly daring to look over their shoulder at Ginger, who was staggering arter them some distance behind a 'oldinga handkerchief to 'is face. “It's your turn to pay, Sam,” ses Bill, when they’d got inside the next place. “Wot's it to be? Give it a name.” “Three *arf pints o* four ale, miss,” ses Sam, not because 'e was mean, but because it wasn't 'is turn. “Three wot?” ses Bill, turning on 'im. “Three pots o' six ale, miss,” ses Sam, in a hurry. “That wasn't wot you said afore,” ses Bill. “Take that,” he ses, giving poor old Sam a wipe in the mouth and knocking 'im over a stool; “take that for your sauce.” Peter Russet stood staring at Sam and wondering wot Bill ud be like when he’d 'ad a little more. Sam picked hisself up arter a time and went outside to talk to Ginger about it, and then Bill put 'is arm round Peter's neck and began to cry a bit and say 'e was the only pal he'd got left in the world. It was very awkard for Peter, and more awkward still when the barman came up and told 'im to take Bill outside. “Go on,” he ses, “out with *im.” “He’s all right,” ses Peter, trembline; “ 'e’s the truest 'arted gentleman in Londoa Ain’t you, Bill?” Bill said he was, and 'e asked the bar- man to go and hide ’is face, because it re- minded 'im of a little dog *e had 'ad once wot 'ad died. “You get outside afore you're hurt,” ses the barman. Bill punched at him over the bar, and not being able to reach 'im threw Peter's pot o’ beer at 'im. There was a fearful to-do then, and the landlord jumped over the bar and stood in the doorway, whistling for the police. Bill struck out right and left, and the men in the bar went down like skittles, Peter among them. Then they got outside, and Bill, arter giving the landlord a thump in the back wot nearly made him swallow the whistle, jumped into a cab and pulled Peter Russet in arter 'im. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1459 “I’ll to you by-and-by,” he ses, as the cab drove off at a gallop; “there ain’t room in this cab. You wait, my lad, that’s all. You just wait till we get out, and I’ll knock you silly.” "Wot for. Bill ?” ses Peter, staring. “Don’t you talk to me,” roars Bill. “If I choose to knock you about that’s my busi- ness, ain’t it? Besides, you know very well.” He wouldn’t let Peter say another word, but coming to a quiet place near the docks he stopped the cab and pulling ’im out gave ’im such a dressing down that Peter thought ’is last hour ’ad arrived. He let ’im go at last, and after making him pay the cabman took ’im along till they came to a public ’ouse and made ’im pay for drinks. They stayed ther till nearly eleven o’clock, and then Bill set off home ’olding the un- fortunit Peter by the scruff o’ the neck, and wondering out loud whether ’e ought to pay ’im a bit more or not. Afore *e could make up ’is mind, however, he turned sleepy, and, throwing ’imself down on the bed which was meant for the two of ’em, fell into a peaceful sleep. Sam and Ginger Dick came in a little while arterwards, both badly marked where Bill ’ad hit them, and sat talking to Peter in whispers as to wot was to be done. Gin- ger, who ’ad plenty of pluck, was for them all to set on to ’im, but Sam wouldn’t ’ear of it, and as for Peter he was so sore he could ’ardly move. They all turned into the other bed at last, *arf afraid to move for fear of disturbing Bill, and when they woke up in the morn- ing and see ’im sitting up in 'is bed they lay as still as mice. “Why, Ginger, old chap,” ses Bill, with a ’earty smile, “wot are you all three in one bed for?” “We was a bit cold,” ses Ginger. “Cold?” ses Bill. “Wot, this weather? We ’ad a bit of a spree last night, old man, didn’t we ? My throat’s as dry as a cinder.” “It ain't my idea of a spree,” ses Ginger, sitting up and looking at ’im. “Good ’eavens, Ginger!” se6 Bill, starting back, “wotever 'ave you been a doing to your face? Have you been tumbling off of a ’bus?” Ginger couldn’t answer; and Sam Small and Peter sat up in bed alongside of ’im, and Bill, getting as far back on ’is bed as he could, sat staring at their poor faces as if ’e was having a ’orrible dream. “And ther’s Sam,” he ses. “Where ever did you get that mouth, Sam?” “Same place as Ginger got 'is eye and poor Peter got 'is face,” ses Sam, grinding his teeth. “You don’t mean to tell me,” ses Bill, in a sad voice — “you don’t mean to tell me that I did it?” “You know well enough,” ses Ginger. Bill looked at ’em, and ’is face got as long as a yard measure. “I'd 'oped I’d growed out it, mates,” he ses, at last, “but drink always takes me like that. I can’t keep a pal.” “You serprise me,” ses Ginger, sarcastic like. “Don’t talk like that, Ginger,” ses Bill, 'arf crying. “It ain’t my fault; it’s my weakness. Wot did I do it for?” “I don’t know,” ses Ginger, “but you won’t get the chance of doing it agin, I'll tell you that much.” “I daresay I shall be better to-night, Gin- ger,” ses Bill, very humble; “it don’t al- ways take me that way.” “Well, we don’t want you with us any more,” ses old Sam, 'olding his 'ead very high. “You’ll 'ave to go and get your beer by yourself, Bill,” ses Peter Russet, feeling ’is bruises with the tips of 'is fingers. “But then I should be worse,” ses Bill. “I want cheerful company when I’m like that. I should very likely come 'ome and ’arf know wot I’m like. Last night was nothing, else I should ’ave remembered it.” “Cheerful company?” ses old Sam. “ ’Ow do you think company’s going to be cheer- ful when you’re carrying on like that, Bill ? Why don’t you go away and leave us alone?” “Because I’ve got a 'art,” ses Bill. “I can’t chuck up pals in that free and easy way. Once I take a liking to anybody I’d do anything for ’em, and I’ve never met three chaps I like better than wot I do you. Three nicer, straightforward, free ’anded mates I’ve never met afore.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1460 The Railroad Telegrapher. “Why not take the pledge agin, Bill?” ses Peter Russet. “No mate,” ses Bill, with a kind smile; “it's just a weakness, and I must try and grow out of it. I'll tie a bit o' string round my little finger to-night as a reminder.” He got out of bed and began to wash 'is face, and Ginger Dick, who was doing a bit o’ thinking, gave a whisper to Sam and Peter Russet. “All right, Bill, old man,” he ses, getting out of bed and beginning to put his clothes on; “but first of all we'll try and find out *ow the landlord is.” “Landlord?” ses Bill, puffing and blowing in the basin. “Wot landlord?” “Why, the one you bashed,” ses Ginger, with a wink at the other two. “He 'adn't got 'is senses back when me and Sam came away.” Bill gave a groan and sat on the bed while 'e dried himself, and Ginger told 'im 'ow he 'ad bent a quart pot on the land- lord’s 'ead, and 'ow the landlord had been carried up stairs and the doctor sent for. He began to tremble all over, and when Ginger said he'd go out and see 'ow the land lay 'e could 'ardly thank 'im enough. Ginger was gone about two hours, and when 'e came back he looked so solemn that old Sam asked 'im whether he 'ad seen a ghost. Ginger didn't answer 'im; he set down on the side o' the bed and sat think- ing. “I s'pose — I s'pose it’s nice and fresh in the streets this morning?” ses Bill at last, in a trembling voice. Ginger started and looked at 'im. “I did- n't notice, mate,” he ses. Then 'e got up and patted Bill on the back, very gentle, and sat down again. “Anything wrong, Ginger?” asks Peter Russet, staring at 'im. “It’s that landlord,” ses Ginger; “there's straw down in the road outside, and they say that he's dying. Poor old Bill don't know 'is own strength. The best thing you can do, old pal, is to go as far away as you can, at once.” “I shouldn't wait a minnit if it was me,” ses old Sam. Bill groaned and hid 'is face in his 'ands, and then Peter Russet went and spoilt things by saying that the safest place for a murderer to 'ide in was London. Bill gave a dreadful groan when 'e said murderer, but 'e up and agreed with Peter, and all Sam and Ginger Dick could do wouldn't make 'im alter his mind. He said that he would shave off 'is beard and moustache, and when night came 'e would creep out take a lodging somewhere right the other end of London. He stayed in the bedroom all day, with the blinds down, and wouldn't eat anything, and when Ginger looked in about eight o'clock to find out whether he 'ad gone, he found 'im sitting on the bed clean shaved, and his face cut about all over where the razor 'ad slipped. Bill shook his 'ead. “Nobody must know that, mate,” he ses. “I must go into hiding for as long as I can — as long as my money lasts ; I've only got six pounds left” “That'll last a long time if you're care- ful,” ses Ginger. “I want a lot more,” ses Bill. “I want you to take this silver ring as a keepsake, Ginger. If I 'ad another six pounds or so I should feel much safer. 'Ow mucli *ave you got, Ginger?” “Not much,” ses Ginger, shaking his *ead. “Lend it to me, mate,” ses Bill, stretch- ing out his 'and. “You can easy get an- other ship. Ah, I wish I was you; I'd be as 'appy, as 'appy if I hadn’t a penny.” “I'm very sorry, Bill,” ses Ginger, trying to smile, “but I've already promised to lend it to a man wot we met this evening. A promise is a promise, else I'd lend it to you with pleasure.” “Would you let me be 'ung for the sake of a few pounds, Ginger?” ses Bill, looking at 'im reproachfully. “I'm a desprit man, Ginger, and I must 'ave that money.” Afore pore Ginger could move he sud- denly clapped 'is hand over 'is mouth and flung 'im on the bed. Ginger was like a child in ’is hands, although he struggled like a madman, and in five minutes 'e was laying there with a towel tied around his mouth and 'is arms and legs tied up with the cord off of Sam's chest. “I’m very sorry, Ginger,” ses Bill, as 'e took a little over eight pounds out of Gin- ger's pocket. “Ill pay you back one o' Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1461 these days, if I can. If you’d got a rope round your neck same as I ’ave you’d do the same as I’ve done.” He lifted up the bed clothes and put Gin- ger inside and tucked ’im up. Ginger’s face was red with passion and ’is eyes starting out of his ’ead. “Eight and six is fifteen,” ses Bill, and just then he ’eard somebody coming up the stairs. Ginger ’eard it, too, and as Peter Russet came into the room ’e tried all ’e could to attract ’is attention by rolling ’is ’ead from side to side. “Why, ’as Ginger gone to bed,” ses Peter. “Wot’s up, Ginger?” “He’s all right,” ses Bill; “just a bit of a ’eadache.” Peter stood staring at the bed, and then ’e pulled the clothes off and saw pore Gin- ger all tied up, and making awful eyes at ’im to undo him. “I ’ad to do it, Peter,” ses Bill. “I wanted some more money to escape with, and ’e wouldn’t lend it to me. I ’aven't got as much as I want now. You came in in the nick of time. Another minute and you’d ha’ misser me. ’Ow much ’ave you got?” “Ah, I wish I could lend you some, Bill,” ses Peter Russet, turning pale, “but I've ’ad my pocket picked; that’s wot I come back for, to get some from Ginger.” Bill didn’t say a word. “You see ow it is, Bill,” ses Peter, edg- ing back towards the door; “three men laid ’old of me and took every farthing I’d got.” “Well, I can’t rob you, then,” ses Bill, catching ’old of ’im. “Whoever’s money this is,” he ses, pulling a handful out o’ Peter’s pocket, “it can’t be yours. Now, it you make another sound I’ll knock your fead off afore I tie you up.” “Don’t tie me up, Bill,” ses Peter, strug- gling. “I can’t trust you,” ses Bill, dragging ’im over to the washstand and taking up the other towel; “turn round.” Peter was a much easier job than Ginger Dick, and arter Bill ’ad done ’im ’e put ’im in alongside o’ Ginger and covered ’em up, arter first tying both the gags round with some string to prevent ’em slipping. “Mind, I’ve only borrowed it,” he ses, standing by the side o’ the bed; “but I must say, mates, I’m disappointed in both of you. If either of you ’ad ’ad the misfor- tune wot I’ve ’ad, I’d have sold the clothes off my back to *elp you. And I wouldn't ’ave waited to be asked, neither.” He stood there for a minute very sorrow- ful, and then ’e patted both their ’eads and went downstairs. Ginger and Peter lay lis- tening for a bit, and then they turned their pore bound-up faces to each other and tried to talk with their eyes. Then Ginger began to wriggle and try and twist the cords off, but 'e might as well ’ave tried to wriggle out of ’is skin. The worst of it was they couldn’t make known their intentions to each other, and when Peter Russet leaned over ’im and tried to work ’is gag off by rubbing it up again ’is nose, Ginger pretty near went crazy with temper. He banged Peter with his ’ead, and Peter banged back, and they kept it up till they’d both got splitting ’eadaches, and at last they gave up in despair and lay in darkness waiting for Sam. And all this time Sam was sitting in the Red Lion, waiting for them. He sat there quite patient till twelve o’clock and then walked slowly 'ome, wondering wot ’ad happened and whether Bill *ad gone. Ginger was the fust to ’ear ’is foot on the stairs, and as he came into the room, in the darkness, him an’ Peter Russet started shaking their bed in a way that scared old Sam nearly to death. He thought it was Bill carrying on gin, and ’e was out o’ that dooT and ’arf-way down stairs afore he stopped to take breath. He stood there trembling for about ten minutes, and then as nothing ’appened, he walked slowly up stairs agin on tiptoe, and as soon as they heard the door creak Peter and Ginger made that bed do everything but speak. “Is that you, Bill?” ses old Sam, in a shaky voice, and standing ready to dash down stairs agin. There was no answer except for the bed, and Sam didn’t know whether Bill was dying or whether ’e ’ad got delirum trim- mings. All ’e did know was that ’e wasn’t going to sleep in that room. He shut the door gently and went down stairs agin. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1462 The Railroad Telegrapher. feeling in ’is pocket for a match, and, not finding one, 'e picked out the softest stair he could find and, leaning his ’ead agin the banisters, went to sleep. It was about six o’clock when ’e woke up, and broad daylight. He was stiff and sore all over, and feeling braver in the light 'e stepped softly up stairs and opened the door. Peter and Ginger was waiting for ’im and as he peeped in ’e saw two things sitting up in bed with their ’air standing up all over like mops and their faces tied up with bandages. He was that startled ’e nearly screamed, and then *e stepped into the room and stared at ’em as if he couldn’t believe ’is eyes. “Is that you, Ginger?” he ses. “Wot d’ye mean by making sights of yourselves like that? *Ave you took leave of your senses?” Ginger and Peter shook their *eads and rolled their eyes, and then Sam see wot was the matter with ’em. Fust thing ’e did was to pull out ’is knife and cut Ginger’s gag off, and the fust thing Ginger did was to call ’im every name ’e could lay his tongue to. “You wait a moment,” he screams, ‘arf crying with rage. “You wait till I get my ’ands loose and I’ll pull you to pieces. The idea o’ leaving us like this all night, you old crocodile. I ’eard you come in. I’ll pay you.” Sam didn’t answer ’im. He cut off Peter Russet’s gag, and Peter Russet called ’im ’arf a score o* names without taking breath. “And when Ginger’s finished I’ll ’ave a go at you,” he ses. “Cut off these lines.” “At once, dye ’ear?” ses Ginger. “Oh. you wait till I get my ’ands on you.” Sam didn’t answer ’em; he shut up ’is knife with a click and then ’e sat at the foot o' the bed on Ginger’s feet and looked at 'em. It wasn’t the fust time they’d been rude to 'im, but as a rule he’d *ad to put up with it. He sat and listened while Gin- ger swore ’isself faint. “That’ll do,” he ses, at last; “another word and I shall put the bedclothes over your ’ead. Afore I do anything more I want to know wot it’s all about.” Peter told ’em, arter fust calling ’im some more names, because Ginger was past it, and when ’e’d finished old Sam said ’ow surprised he was at them for letting Bill do it, and told ’em how they ought to 'ave prevented it. He sat there talking as though 'e enjoyed the sound of 'is own voice, and he told Peter and Ginger all their faults and said wot sorrow it caused their friends. Twice he 'ad to throw the bedclothes over their 'eads because o' the noise they was making. “Are — you — going — to— undo — us?” ses Ginger, at last. “No, Ginger,” ses old Sam; “in justice to myself I couldn’t do it. Arter wot you’ve said — and arter wot I’ve said — my life would not be safe. Besides which, you’d want to go shares in my money.” He took up ’is chest and marched down stairs with it, and about 'arf an hour after- wards the landlady’s 'usband came up and set ’em free. As soon as they’d got the use of their legs back they started out to look for Sam, but they didn’t find 'im for nearly a year, and as for Bill, they never set eyes on ’im again. — The Brotherhood Journal. A PERIOD OF DROUGHT. EVERY winter when Mrs. Bronson, whose throat was delicate, was ban- ished West or South, her cousin, Harriet Kingsly, was engaged to mother the family. Miss Kingsly made an entirely trust- worthy guardian, yet she possessed one striking peculiarity that not only amused^ but exasperated the left-at-home Bronsons. Before her mother’s death, Cousin Harriet had spent twenty years trying to live within an income that was a good deal too small. Afterward the income expanded to twice its former size, but Harriet did not. She had been cramped too long. Her sober, saving mind refused to see her former dol- lars doubled ; and She continued to “scrimp” long after the necessity for scrimping had ceased to exist. During the luxurious months that she kept house for her well-to-do, open-handed cousin, an employment that she thoroughly enjoyed, she kept it after her own parsi- monious fashion. She saved scraps, turned down all the gas jets, ordered one pie when circumstances really demanded two, used all her matches twice, and by cutting it in Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1463 two beforehand, compelled a single beef- steak to serve for two somewhat restricted meals. In households where it was needed, Har- riet’s economy would have proved a bless- ing; but under the Bronsons’ well-shingled roof frugality seemed an exaggerated vir- tue. As practiced by Cousin Harriet, it certainly added nothing whatever to the Bronsons' comfort, whatever it may have done toward increasing their already ample bank account. “Now, Harriet,” Mr. Bronson would say, when the cream ran short, “there isn’t any earthly reason why we shouldn’t take a gal- lon of milk a day if we need it. What are we getting? You’ve cut it down to a quart ! Dear, dear ! And here we are getting enough cream off one quart for two able- bodied meals! Harriet, you’ll really be the death of me ! My system won’t stand cream in such quantities.” “But,” said Harriet, triumphantly, “I’ve saved over half the household allowance this month.” “That,” returned Mr. Bronson, “would be entirely commendable if there were any need of saving it; but there isn’t. I’m making it to spend. I’d rather spend it. You see, the milkman has to live, so does the grocer, so does the butcher. By the way, tell the cook to broil the rest of this beefsteak. I’d like to live myself; I’m sure I shan’t if I have to go without cream in my coffee. Why, Harriet, every time I part with another acre of that mineral land near Gogibic I’m afraid I’ll discover that I’m a millionaire! Half of one, anyway. We can’t spend our money but once. Let’s have our cream while it agrees with us.” Gradually good-natured Gershom Bron- son overruled his cousin’s too parsimonious habits; not, however, with entire success, because as fast as he disposed of one, an- other broke out where it was least expected. For instance, by the time she was convinced that he really could not see to read with the gas turned down, Harriet had rescued seven uncanceled stamps from the waste- basket, soaked them off and laid them, guiltless of gum, on her busy cousin’s desk. Having a saving sense of humor — his only saving quality, Harriet said — Mr. Bronson found his economical relative amusing. And Cousin Harriet realized that so much genuine kindliness lurked beneath Gershom Bronson’s bantering that her feelings wer© never hurt. But she still persisted in going to bed by candle light to save gas. “If we had forty millions,” muttered seventeen-year-old Elyda, tying a parcel with cord from an astonishingly knotted ball, “Cousin Harriet would still hoard string. She’s saved enough to last forever. I wonder how it would feel to use brand- new twine.” “You’d miss the knots,” giggled Frances. “I see,” said Mr. Bronson, looking up from his paper, “that the water board has decided to put in meters. That will afford a new field for economy.” Cousin’s Harriet’s brow puckered anx- iously. She was darning an odd sock that she had found in the rag bag. “Meters! Dear me! Water is the one thing that this town has always been able to have enough of. I must tell Mary — ” ‘“Don’t worry,” soothed Mr. Bronson. “I guess we'll still be able to drink it.” The meter, an inoffensive affair that looked like a brass teapot, was duly in- stalled. The plumber, lifting the circular metal lid, showed Miss ICingsly six little groups of figures on the four-inch disk. One could use, it appeared, anywhere from no water at all to an ocean at so much per thousand cubic feet. Compared with the rate for the same amount of ice, the price seemed moderate. “How much,” asked Miss Kingsly. cau- tiously, “is it likely to cost a month?” “Well,” confided the plumber, collecting his tools, “I really don’t know much about them — this is only the fourth I’ve put in, and I haven’t seen one busy — but I should say that it would all depend on how much a body used.” The meter weighed heavily on Cousin Harriet's mind. She could picture it in the Bronson cellar, greedily counting every drop that trickled through the pipes. Of course, from the very moment that the sys- tem went into force, the good lady began to have water. “Mary,” said she to the cook, “you mustn’t waste a drop. When you’ve rinsed Digitized by Google

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1464 The Railroad Telegrapher. the dishes, pour the water into this pail, so I can use it to water the plants. And, Mary, save part of your wash water on Monday to scrub the laundry floor. It seems a pity to waste all that nice bluing water. Isn’t there something we could do with it?” “We might,” suggested Mary, doubtfully, “heat it to wash windows with.” “We’ll try it,” returned Miss Kingsly, screwing the faucets tighter. Mary, now restricted at every turn — every turn of the faucet, Mr. Bronson said — was fast losing the amiability for which she had been famed. The hitherto fastid- ious girls wore their white shirtwaists a day longer than usual to save washing. In- deed, the entire family was gradually be- coming niggardly with the water supply. Even Elyda was observed saving half the contents of her glass for the benefit of the parched fern dish. “Really,” expostulated Mr. Bronson, when this discovery was made, “if this non- sense doesn’t stop we’ll all have water on the brain. I’m affected myself. It’s all I can do this minute to keep from turning on every faucet in the house just to see how it seems actually tP possess enough water to wash both hands in at once.” “You can’t,” said Cousin Harriet, with dignity. “I’ve had all the faucets fixed — ” “That’s why they merely drizzle!” ex- claimed Frances. “I supposed they’d just grown economical of their own accord.” “I’ve tried for half an hour to read that meter,” confessed Cousin Harriet, emerging dustily from the cellar the morning of the thirty-first, “but I can’t understand the fig- ures. This is the day they inspect it. I wanted to be prepared.” Three hours later Miss Kingsly followed the meter man to the cellar. He lifted the metal lid, held his lantern close, and read the figures to which the indicator pointed. Suddenly he uttered an ejaculation and stooped lower. Then he shook his head. His manner expressed disapproval. “Have we used very much?” demanded Cousin Harriet, anxiously. “Just about all Lake Superior!” retorted the man. “What!” gasped the guardian of faucets, in horror. “The meter’s put on wrong,” explained the man. “That plumber’s got it hind end to. This makes nine tHt’ll nave to come out so far. This way it registers all the water that you don’t use, I guess. Of course, we can’t go by it this month. We’ll have it reversed.” The Bronsons became hilarious when the matter was explained. Miss Kingsly, how- ever, seemed depressed. “To think,” she lamented, “that I wasted all that time saving water when there wasn’t any need of it.” “There wasn’t any need of it, any way,” said Mr. Bronson. “After this, I’m going to run the water wagon. Mary, I don’t care how many plants you water with your cold tea, but we won’t have any more blu- ing on the windows — it gives the whole world an indigo aspect. From this hour forth, we’ll just forget that there’s a meter in our cellar.” Nevertheless, the meter refused to be dismissed thus lightly from the Bronson minds. When the end of the month ar- rived, the family was still sufficiently inter- ested to flock cellarward at the inspector’s heels. “Used all you needed?” asked the man, looking up from the meter. “All we needed and more,” replied Cousin Harriet, nerving herself for a shock. “We haven’t — we weren’t allowed to be careful.” “Well,” returned the man, “this meter’s saving you money. Your bill’s about a dollar less than it was by the old way of reckoning.” — By Carroll Watson Rankin in Union Advocate. TOO MUCH FOR HIM. THE man’s wife had asked him to go upstairs and look in the pocket of her dress for a key she thought was there, and being a man willing to ac- commodate he had done so. It was a long time before he returned, and when he did there was a peculiar look in his eyes. “I can’t find any key in the dress of your pocket,” he said, with a painful effort. “Why,” she retorted sharply, “I left it there.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. * 1465 “I say I can’t find any dress in the pocket of your key,” he said, doggedly. His tonq seemed to disturb her. “You didn’t half look for it,” she insisted. “I tell you I can’t find any pocket in the key of your dress,” he replied, in a dazed kind of way. This time she looked at him. “What’s the matter with you ?” she asked, nervously. - “I say,” he said, speaking with much ef- fort, “that I can’t find any dress in the key of your pocket.” She got up and went over to him. “Oh, William,” she groaned, “have you been drinking?” He looked at her fixedly. “I tell you I can’t find any pocket in the dress of your key,” he whispered. She began to shake him. “What’s the matter? What’s the mat- ter?” she asked in alarm. The shaking seemed to do him good, and he rubbed his eyes as if he were regaining consciousness. “Wait a minute,” he said, very slowly in- deed. “Wait a minute. I can’t find any dress in — no, I can’t find any key in the dress of — no, that’s not it — any — any — any pocket. There, that’s it.” And a flood of light came into his face. “Confound it, I couldn’t find any pocket.” Then he sat down and laughed hyster- ically, and his wife, wondering why in the name of goodness men raise such a row over finding the pocket in a woman’s dress, went upstairs and came back with the key in two minutes. (Written for The Railroad Telegrapher.) NEMESIS PURSUED. HOW Fate, in a moment of mental aberation, happened to pitchfork Tom Hayes into prominence as a constable, is beyond comprehension. Such, however, is just what that strange female did, and as a consequence, the majesty of the law was upheld, in his imme- diate bailiwick with stem rigidity. If a clothesline robbery agitated the fe- male portion of the population, Tom was sent for. If any one drew a net in defiance of the State Game and Fish Warden’s edicts, Tom appeared on the scene and the unlucky perpetrators of these outrages were hauled before the justice and given their choice between fines and exercise on the county rock pile. Tom, in his capacity as a limb of the law, imagined himself surrounded by a halo of glory. Besides glory, the office carried divers emoluments. Of course, there is credit to be gained from apprehending even a clothesline robber, but Tom’s ideals were more lofty. He almost wished someone would commit a murder, so he might display his Sherlock Holmes qualities to better advantage. However, having never made his desires public, no one accommodated him with a case of this kind. Having “pulled” a bunch of fellows for drawing a net, and standing by while they were mulcted of a fine, Tom made trouble for himself. It worked out in this way. Occupying his usual coign of vantage be- hind the stove in the store, Tom was hold- ing forth in a loud voice, accompanied with much pounding on the counter, concerning the coming elections. He declared his in- tention of running for re-election. Just as he reached the most convincing point in his argument, showing his undivided attention to the duties of his office, a small boy gal- loped up in front of the store, tumbled off his foaming steed, and without stopping to hitch him, burst into the store, gasping out a tale of the escape of an inmate of the State Hospital for the Insane, across the lake. He also advised them of a reward of $50 for his apprehension, and further stated that the man had been seen near the Keshowing Gully. He no sooner finished his story when two men came in, corrobor- ating it fully. Tom rose from the cracker barrel, which was his recognized seat, threw out his chest, and gazed solemnly around the store. His sense of duty was high. Here was a chance for him to distinguish himself. Duty called him to go forth and arrest this dangerous disturber of the peace. Self- interest also demanded that he make a showing, in order to connect with his job for another term. The majesty of the law Digitized by CjOOQle

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1466 The Railroad Telegrapher. must be upheld, and he was the man to do the job. His glance wandered critically over the assembled burghers, and he named fiften men as deputies to accompany him on his dangerous mission. This ceremony fin- ished, he outlined his plan of campaign. Admiring adherents gathered close about him. in order that they might not lose the words of* wisdom which he expounded. Napoleon, in his palmiest day, never gave such weight to details in his battle arrange- ments as did Tom Hayes in this, his great- est case. The posse, he ordered, would assemble at the store at noon, on the following day, when the man-hunt would begin. No one was to cary arms, as the captive must be taken uninjured. A living drag-net would be extended from the brink of the gully as far inland as could be managed. A thorough search was ordered. When this plan had been beaten into shape, it seemed as though no avenue of escape had been left unguarded. In the meantime, a small and select party had foregathered in a barn not far away. It was composed of those malcontents who had contributed, unwillingly, perhaps, to the county’s funds. Jim Wallace, as leader of this coterie, let loose the good thing he had all cooked up for Tom. Having started the “wild man” rumor, he proceeded with his exquisite plan of re- venge. Amid smothered laughter, he out- lined his plans for the morrow. Bill Wagner, being the happy possessor of a masquerade costume, was to occupy the post of honor; in other words, be the “wild man.” The rest of the bunch would join the pursuit, and so avert suspicion. After having settled as to the place where Bill would be “discovered,” they separated, each entering the store, and each being told of the plan of campaign. Of course, they all volunteered to assist in the round-up. Tom took his way home, treading on air. Was he not the leader of this band of valiants? Did not the law repose in him almost unlimited powers for the upholding of the law? Never before had he been placed so prominently before the public, and he felt his position keenly. Arriving at home, he reconnoitered the woodpile carefully, selecting a club of formidable proportions. This would be his means of intimidation, when he should en- counter the fugitive. His dreams that night were rosy with promises for the future. Perhaps he might be nominated for sheriff next term. Any- way, he would make a bid for fame. The next morning dawned clear and warm, an ideal fall day, and Tom spent the morning in arranging his. line of skir- mishers. Every man had his orders, and was at his post, ready for the drive, at 12 sharp. Tom, with his chest thrown out like a soldier on parade, and with his club as a baton of command, gave the order to “March.” Over fallen logs, and through tangled brush and briers, the doughty constable led his men. The search of the woods was most complete. Had Tom only known it. Bill Wagner was waiting for him in the midst of a hem- lock thicket, a mile and a half up the gully. Bill’s friends kept the line moving in that direction. Bill was equipped with two old revolvers and a pocket full of blank cart- ridges, also a desire for revenge. Bill was vindictive, also a good runner. The shouts of men, and the crash of breaking brush, came to Bill faintly as he crouched in his shelter. The racket drew nearer and nearer and finally Bill caught sight of the posse searching the woods. He got his eye on Tom, and laughed softly to see the constable drop on his hands and knees and peer into a hollow log that wouldn’t have hidden a chipmunk. Tom was doing a complete job. Suddenly Bill leaped from his shelter, and amid shouts of “There he goes,” ran quickly up the gully. The constable, being nearest to him, gave chase with all the speed of which he was capable, and Tom was no slouch on a run. either. The pair soon be- came separated from the rest of the bunch, and Bill, rounding a big thicket, stopped. A moment later, Tom tore around the end of the brush, waving his club, and yelling like an Apache, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1467 His last yell, however, ended in a gurgle of surprise, as he saw the “wild man” facing him, with a big revolver aimed deliberately at his head. He almost did a back handspring, so strong was his effort to stop. Tom grabbed the fugitive and they clinched, pummeling each other unmercifully. After a minute's rough and tumble, Tom broke away, and right then was when Bill got in his fine work. With a howl of rage, he raised his gun, and began to shoot. At the first shot, Tom made a back jump of twenty feet with the agility of a deer. Then the circus began. Taking a straight line up the gully, Tom fled, with Bill, as the “wild man,” pursuing him. Tom's yells for help were punctuated by shots from Bill's gun. In this way, they ran for two hundred yards, neither gaining an inch, when Tom found himself con- fronted by a bank with a sheer drop of thirty feet, and ending in a deep pool of water. He never even hesitated. With one last despairing bellow, he took the leap. Bill swerved, taking a path that ran along the top of the bank, and disappeared in the woods. Tom's howls soon brought up the rest of his posse, and helping hands were extended to pull him from the pond. In a kind of shivery voice he asked, “Didn't you git him?" The glum looks on the faces of his followers were enough to satisfy him on that point, and it was only adding insult to injury when Jim Wallace said: “Why, Tom, we thought you had him yourself.” The look Tom bestowed on Jim was not friendly, far from it, and that did not help any toward keeping Jim's laughter down. He almost strangled trying to keep his mirth within reasonable bounds. After straight- ening himself out, Jim remarked that “so long as the feller got away, he was goin’ home and milk.” As the shades of night were about to descend, several others, timidly inclined, remarked that they, also, had little jobs to do before it got dark. Tom, with a few trusties, again took up the trail, the water dripping from his mud- stained raiment, and his shoes going “sluck,” “stock” at every step. Bill, in the mean- time, had divested himself of his masquer- ade costume, and had hidden it in a hollow stump. He, too, joined the “pursuit." When it became too dark to distinguish friend from foe, Tom led the way back to town, where the posse hastened to partake of its several belated suppers. When the nightly gathering at the store had been called to order, Tom proceeded to fight his battle over again. In the course of his discourse, he waxed warm over the very apparent luke- warm- ness of a few of his followers. A battle of words was in progress when Jim appeared, beckoning Tom to a secluded corner. In a low, mysterious voice, he told of having seen a fire along the gully, with a man bending over it. Nothing more was needed. Tom immediately impressed his deputies into service, and again led them to battle. Meanwhile, Bill had stuffed his suit with straw, and attached a string to it. Con- cealed behind a tree, he watched the man hunters approach. Tom was* armed with a double-barrelled shot gun, and when he caught sight of the figure sitting by the fire, he wasted no more time on prelim- inaries. Raising the gun to his shoulder, he loosed off both barrels in that direction. Bill pulled the string, and the figure toppled over, its arms and legs moving spasmodi- cally. Noting the effect of his bombard- ment Tom wended his way, slowly and with the dignity befitting the occasion, around by the bridge, and so up the opposite bank of the gully. When half way up the path, he met four men coming down, carrying the “corpse” between them. Someone sug- gested sending for the doctor, but Jim Wal- lace remarked that he thought it was a case for the coroner. A man with two loads of shot in his frame generally required the services of the undertaker, rather than those of a doctor. These remarks began to worry Tom. Supposing he had killed this poor unfor- tunate. His authority hardly covered such drastic action. If the man was really dead, they might arrest him for murder. His thoughts slowly worked through the maze of questions which he found himself trying to answer, and centered around his family. What would become of his wife and little ones in case he was convicted? Who would Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1468 The Railroad Telegrapher. watch over them, and provide for them, when he was no longer here? Would his children grow up, knowing their father to be a murderer ? Ruminating on these questions, Tom started for the doc- tor’s house. No sooner, however, had he turned the corner when Bill came sneaking down through the woods, and again donned the costume. When Tom returned, without the doctor, who had referred him to the coroner, Bill was lying on the store stoop, groaning most realistically. Seeing the victim had regained “con- sciousness,” Tom bent over him to ascer- tain, if possible, the extent of damage in- flicted. While engaged in feeling for wounds, Tom got down on his knees and Bill rolled toward him. Throwing his arms around the constable, Bill began to whoop and pummel him. One moment of surprise, and the upholder of the law broke away, run- ning like a deer. Bill took after him. The sound of running feet in the dust floated back to those left standing on the steps, and a cloud of dust enveloped both runners. The road led straight to Tom’s house, and Tom, with his coat tails standing out stiff as a board, lit out for home. Reaching his own house he threw himself through the door, slammed it shut, and bolted it, top and bottom. Pale and trembling from his unwonted exertions of the day. he stood listening for his pursuer. Not a sound ex- cept his own labored breathing reached him. With trembling fingers he hurried out of his clothes and crawled to bed. His dreams were broken that night by recollections of wild yells, and the patter of swiftly running feet. His face was missed for many days from the “clubroom,” otherwise, the store. His nerve was shattered. Never again would he attempt to capture a maniac. The State had professionals for that kind of business. After nmning a few rods, Bill left the road, and worked his way stealthily around to Jim’s barn. There the two indulged in much laughter. Their scheme had worked. Tom’s political aspirations were blighted forever. Perhaps the next incumbent would look with a winking eye on any little irregu- larities in their fishing. Certainly they had had their money’s worth, and for months after, the quickest way to start a fight, was to mention “wild man” in Tom’s presence. Tom was not re-elected. He refused to run. Jim says “one run was enough for him.” J. T., Div. ioo. THE MOST NORTHERLY RAILROAD. THE Nome-Arctic Railroad, since re- christened as the Seward Penin- sula, is the most northerly railroad on this continent. From the shore of Ber- ing Sea at Nome it crosses the flowering tundra and creeps and bumps its way into the heart of the eternally snow-crowned Sawtooth Mountain range. In the building of rail or wooden roads Alaska’s unsolved problem is the tundra. Composed of decayed vegetation and peat and reindeer moss, it covers, like an allur- ing, deceptive carpet, ground frozen no- body knows how deep. Parallel with the sea for leagues, it reaches back from Nome beach four or five miles into the foothills of the Sawtooth Mountains. Wet or dry, the tundra is spongy. When dry it yields to the tread with a crisp crackle, not unlike burnt paper or straw. Saturated with rain, a characteristic of Northwestern Alaska summers, it is as dangerous to man or beast as a fog or a quicksand. It was built for the transportation of sup- plies to mining camps scattered along the creeks and Snake and Nome Rivers and in the mining district of the Kougurok. Pas- sengers are as yet unconsidered trifles, who. at the rate of ten cents a mile, are per- mitted to hang on if they can. Naturally it runs only in summer. The roofless Pullman car is flanked with kitchen benches. When the writer started to get on, says the story in the Washington Post, it was solidly packed with miners and track laborers, with pick and shovel and pan, brown canvas bags of oilcloth packs. There were also some women and children going out to gather wild flowers. A roof- less freight car was piled with merchandise. The one available seat was a loftily perched keg of nails. Freight abroad, the square, flat- topped little Jogging engine began to sing like a Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 146$ Dutch kettle, then slowly, cautiously we teetered northward, skirting Queen Anne Cottages and canvas, tin and tar-papered shacks. Once across Dry Creek bridge, the towns began to drop out of sight until the almost imperceptible rising tundra was on a level with the sea. Scarcely had the town vanished than foothills hung in impenetrable purple shadows began to appear. The tundra, everywhere broken with natural lagoons and man-made ditches, was riotous with flowers and waving fields of cotton. Where cotton grows look out for fields of ice not far below, veteran Alaskan miners say. Man-of-all-work is the Nome-Arctic’s conductor. In leather overalls and puffing a huge cigar he stumbled over freight and passengers in an effort to gather fares, while everything animate and inanimate scrambled to keep from rolling off into the tundra or creeks. — New York Commercial. A SPY IN THE CHIMNEY. tt'T' HE most noted and daring of the I military telegraph operators with whom I was acquainted during the civil war was George E. Ells- worth,” said W. F. Bassett last week. “He was staff operator and scout for Gen. John Morgan. Ellsworth was a dare-devil, and although he was reckless to a fault, he en- gaged in many perilous adventures and emerged therefrom without any serious dis- aster to himself. “When Gen. Buckner was once encamped some fifty miles from Chattanooga, Tenn., he was very anxious to obtain some in- formation about the immediate future in- tentions of the Federals who were assem- bled in force at that place. Gen. Morgan sent Ellsworth to Gen. Buckner as a man who could secure the desired information if anybody was capable of doing so. That night Ellsworth departed upon his mission, and about daylight next morning drew rein at the house of a man one mile from Chat- tanooga, who was known to be a true and discreet friend of the Confederate cause. The town was swarming with Federal sol- diers, and it was no trouble for Ellsworth, dressed in an ordinary Federal uniform, to reach there and mingle among them. He was fortunate in some way discovering that there was to be a conference among the leading officers that very evening in an old residence that was used for such purposes, and he resolved to be close on hand and hear all that passed, if it was possible for him to do so. In the afternoon he leisurely walked out to inspect the place. He soon saw that it was going to be difficult for him to secure a place near the room in which the conference was to take place, but after inspecting the rear of the premises he formed a plan and went away. It was in the summer time, and the officers were to assemble at 9 o’clock. “As soon as darkness set in Ellsworth approached the house from the rear with an ordinary haversack swung over his shoul- der, in which were concealed a rope swing, a hatchet, and a long linen ulster. He cut off of a stout limb a piece about three feet long, and had but little trouble in reaching the low slanting roof, and climbed cau- tiously to the chimney of the conference room. Then he tied each end of his rope swing to the stick he had secured for the purpose, and laid it across the top of the chimney and let the swing fall inside so it would reach a few feet above the large, old- fashioned fireplace. Letting himself down in the swing he patiently awaited the com- ing of the officers. He had not been seated long before a negro orderly entered the room to light the lamps and make all prep- arations that were necessary for the meet- ing. A short time before 9 o’clock they began to drop in one or two at a time, and the business of the conference was begun at the appointed hour. “It had not proceeded far before Ells- worth discovered to his delight that he was listening to most important secrets. It, in fact, proved to be a conference to deter- mine upon the future movements of the army, and Ellsworth was enabled to secure all of the information that Gen. Buckner was so anxious to obtain. All of their future plans were discussed and laid bare to the man in the thimney. “After 12 o’clock, when the conference broke up, the officers had gone and the negro orderly was preparing to extinguish the lights and close the house, an incident Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1470 The Railroad Telegrapher. occurred that was wholly unlooked for by Ellsworth, and which frightened the negro orderly almost into convulsions. Ellsworth made a slight movement in his swing, when the stick above slipped and he fell into the big fireplace, completely covered with soot. With his face much blacker than that of the orderly and shrouded in the long linen duster he emerged from the fireplace and gave a big warwhoop. The negro orderly veritably believed that the devil was after him, and giving a fearful shriek went head first through the open window and fled terror-stricken from the place. Ellsworth helped himself to a full bottle of whisky and some cigars that had been left behind, and taking the swing from the fireplace, so as to leave no evidence of his visit behind him, he replaced the screen and stole away in the darkness with a full plan of the com- ing Federal campaign in his possession. ' Ellsworth never learned what took place after his departure, but as he left no evi- dence of his visit behind him, no doubt the officers passed the matter over with the be- lief that the negro orderly had imbibed too much of the whisky they left behind them/’ — Kansas City Star. A CASE OF IDENTITY. THE postoffice at Wheeler was quite crowded, as it was the hour on Sunday when most of the business men of that place sauntered out to get their mail, and Dan Martin brushed against his brother without seeing him, but turned at Max’s touch on his arm and gave an ex- clamation of surprise at the expression of his face. “I say, old man.” he said with quick sympathy, ‘‘what has struck you this time? You look rather knocked out!” ‘‘Come with me somewhere, so we can talk,” Max answered hurriedly. ‘‘I’ve got into an awful scrape, and can’t see any way out of it.” He held up a crumpled letter in his hand, which shook perceptibly as he raised it for his brothers inspection. Dan took the letter, but did not attempt to read it till they got clear of the crowd. ‘‘Never mind, old chap,” he murmured, sympathetically, under his breath. ‘‘Maybe I can help you out some way. It has been done before, you know, at times.” ‘‘I guess I do know!” Max was not de- void of gratitude for past assistance. ‘‘But really, this is the worst ever !” They passed rapidly through the throng of church-goers and hurried to a sheltered corner of the park, where Max sank on a seat and glared desperately at a cheerful and industrious little bird which was gath- ering material for the construction of its summer cottage, while Dan smoothed out the crumpled letter which his brother had handed him, and then glanced inquiringly at Max’s averted face. Then he read the letter and the note which accompanied it. Still he said nothing, but waited for Max to speak. ‘‘That’s the whole blamed business !” Max said slowly, without looking up. “There’s no way to fix it up that I can see. I made an ass of myself, as usual. Mailed Daisy’s letter to Helen and Helen’s to Daisy. I wrote and asked Helen to marry me, but I don’t think I mentioned her name through it all, all the way through. That’s the letter that’s gone to Daisy. The fool letter I wrote to Daisy, with her name on every other line, went to Helen.” Max buried his face in his hands and groaned aloud. Dan read both letters through carefully once more, Max’s silly, flirty letter to Daisy and Helen’s reply, to which was brief and to the point: “This letter was evidently mailed to me by mistake. Perhaps it is just as well, for it shows me that I have made a mistake. Good-by. “Helen.” Dan sat for a moment lost in thought. There was a certain keenness and fineness about his face that was lacking in his broth- er’s, though they were both considered fine- appearing men. Still one would instinc- tively turn to the younger of the brothers for help in an emergency. Now he folded both letters thoughtfully, and handed them back to Max, who glanced up at him with a sudden gleam of hope in his face. “I’m awfully sorry,” Dan said, gravely and softly, “but I can’t see a thing to do but tell her the truth and — take the conse- quences.” Max turned on him savagely. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. “Tell the truth? Tell Helen I have been flirting with Daisy while I was making love to her? I may be an idiot, but I’m not quite as far gone as that I Why, Dan, you don’t know what sort of a girl she is! She’s —oh, Dan! I love her! You don’t know how I love her!” “No, I confess I don’t.” Dan answered shortly, with a significant shrug of his broad shoulders. For the first time in his life he felt an unconquerable contempt for his older brother. He rose as though to shake off this feeling. “Dont leave me, for heaven’s sake, Dan !” Max begged. “I’ll do something desperate if you do that. Say anything you like to me, but don’t go away !” Dan came back and sat down. “I don’t see that there is any use saying anything. If it were I, you know very well what I would do. You don’t do things my way. What’s the use talking about it !” “Look here, Dan !” Max laid his hand pleadingly on his younger brothers knee. “Help me out of this scrape somehow, and I swear I’ll do things right on the square, after this. I don’t mean to do anything crooked, any way, but it’s so much easier for me to drift along without any fuss. I hate a fuss ! But I’ve learned my lesson, this time, and I’m not likely to forget it soon.” Dan put his hand kindly on Max’s shoulder. “I didn’t mean to be hard on you, Max !” he said. “You sometimes do things that I couldn’t do to save my life. They don’t seem just fair and square, but then, as you say, it does make things easier for you and bring you lots of friends. You have two friends to my one every time.” Max laughed contemptuously at this state- ment. “That might possibly be true if you count by quantity, but if you get into a scrape, your friends would go through fire and water to help you. Under the same circum- stances mine would, doubtless, dodge around the corner when they saw me coming.” “Oh, no, they wouldn’t!” Dan protested, smiling at his brother’s earnestness on the subject. “If you want a friend, here I am ! What can I do for you?’ 1471 Blank despair again settled down over Max. “ Blamed if I know!” he answered, hope- lessly, “unless you should say you wrote that letter to Daisy, just for a jokfe on me. Say, by George ! Do that, and you will £ave my life ! Our writing is precisely alike. It wouldn’t hurt you any. They’d just think it was a boy’s prank, and think what it means to me ! Say you’ll do it, Danny !” The old boyhood name; the unwonted tears in his brother’s eyes ; the lifelong loy- alty which had almost faltered a few mo- ments since, all fought against the inherent hatred of a falsehood. The fight was sharp but short. Love and loyalty triumphed in the end. Although in his carefully-worded explanation he did not actually acknowledge having written the ill-fated letter, it served the purpose, as he intended it should, to divert the blame from his brother to him- self. Perhaps he felt rewarded later, at the happy termination of his brother’s love af- fair, at any rate he was best man at a daz- zling December wedding where, in place of the conventional flower girls, there were tiny frost sprites who scattered snowdrops, and the whole church was a-glitter and a-glisten with fairylike frost effects, relieved by the dark green of holly leaves and bright- ened with the crimson berries. Her soft, shimmering gown gave to the bride an eth- ereal beauty of form which matched the tender look of love and confidence which seemed to have descended upon her from Paradise itself and lighted her lovely face. Not one whit less lovely than the bride was the winsome maid of honor, Helen’s dearest friend, Dorris Rhodene, and there were a number of their friends who pre- dicted that these dear friends would some day become sisters, for Dan’s devotion was no secret. After the wedding, Dorris was a frequent visitor in Helen’s cosy home, which gave Dan an opportunity that he was not slow to improve. Their friendship grew apace. Dorris grew absent-minded, and Helen no- ticed that she often blushed quite unneces- sarily. At times she was gay, witty, and altogether bewitching, and again it was evi- dently with an effort that she took part in the conversation at all, much preferring to Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1472 The Railroad Telegrapher. steal out into the moonlight and swing gently to and fro in the hammock, dreaming — who shall say what dreams? All this was very unlike Dorris’ usual calm self-possession, and Helen was won- dering just what it might mean as she knocked softly at Dorris’ door one morning during one of her frequent visits. Receiv- ing no reply, she pushed open the door and started to cross the room, when she spied Dorris seated before the low, white— cur- tained window, too absorbed in her own thoughts to notice the interruption. She was never more charming than in the pri- vacy of her own boudoir, dressed in the coolest conceivable pale-blue negligee, with her softly-rounded bare arms and throat showing the faintest tingue of pink in the firm, white flesh, her hands clasped behind her loosely-coiled hair, and her dainty-slip- pered feet stretched at a comfortable and graceful elevation. Helen simply adored Dorris. She revelled in her warm, clear beauty, which needed not one single careful touch of art to make it more perfect, and she thought, with a jealous twinge, of the time when a mere man would have the right to feast his eyes on Dorris* perfect grace in such a moment of careless abandon. It showed the closeness of the friendship, that Dorris did not move as she became aware of Helen’s presence, except to slip her hand confidingly into the hand of her friend as Helen drew up a low rocker and seated herself, while she held a letter aloft just out of reach of Dorris’ hand. “It’s for you, Dearie, but you must prom- ise you’ll read it to me before you can have it.” Helen seldom had a chance to tease Dorris, and wished to make the most of the present opportunity. Instead of laughing, however, as her friend expected, Dorris whitened a little, and her dark eyes grew darker still in con- trast with her pale face, as she reached for the letter. “He should not have written !” Dorris tried to speak coldly, but instead of anger and scorn in her eye*, there was a wistful look. Helen rose hastily, and handed her the letter. “I hope you didn’t think I really cared, dear!” she said, with a blush and a little haughty air which she had never used with Dorris before in all their acquaintance. Dorris rose also, and faced her in amaze- ment. “What do you mean, and who do you im- agine wrote the letter?” she asked, in a puzzled way. “Why, don’t you suppose I know Max’s writing by this time?” she answered, try- ing to speak lightly and telling herself that she did not care the least bit in the world. “Max!” Dorris echoed in surprise. “I only wish it was from Max! Or rather, I wish Dan was as much like Max in other things as he is in his writing. I wish I could trust him!” “Dorris, dear, tell me what in the world you mean !” It was Helen’s turn to be sur- prised now. Dorris had seated herself again listlessly, and now spoke in a hopeless sort of a tone. “Well, you know, yourself, that if a man would do one mean thing and call it a joke, he would do another if he happened to feel like it.” Suddenly she sprang up and com- menced pacing the room restlessly, as she went on. “Why did you tell me about that letter he wrote another girl and signed Max’s name and sent to you? I can’t help what any of you say, it wasn’t right to treat his brother’s love for you so lightly! I can't see anything funny about it. If it had been any one else but his brother, it would not have been quite so bad. but he always seems so fond of Max, and he says he is true to those he loves. He told me that only last night! And oh, I believed him just for a minute! I was so very, very happy, and then, all at once I remembered about that letter, and I turned numb all over. I said I wished I could believe that It hurt me to say it to him, but I had to tell him. ‘Tell me what you mean, please,’ he said, and his voice sounded hurt, as though I had stabbed him with a dagger, but the tenderness of it broke my heart. ‘I mean the letter you wrote and sent to Helen,’ I said, ‘Why did you do it? You knew Max loved her, and you pretend to care for your brother so much. They laugh and say it was a boy’s prank, but it nearly Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1473 spoiled their lives ! It wasn't a joke, it was almost a tragedy. And then you say you are true to those you love ! Why don't you answer me?’ I said. I felt as though it was all a desperate mistake. It was so har d* not to trust him. But he only said : ‘I have nothing to say, Dorris;’ and he went away. As Dorris ceased speaking, she sank be- sides Helen, who was sobbing as though her heart would break, and took her in her arms. “Oh, Dorris,” Helen sobbed, “why did I tell you ?” “Never mind, dear! I'd really rather know! I didn’t mean quite what I said!” Dorris patted her lovingly. ‘‘Don't cry so !” Graually the sobbing grew more subdued. Dorris smiled to herself, a sudden, half- bitter smile that it should be she who was comforting Helen, instead of being com- forted. “Hold me tight in your arms just a min- ute longer,” Helen begged. “I want to tell you something I never meant to tell any one. but I don't want you to suffer as I have suffered. Max sometimes tells what is not true. It doesn't make any difference in my love for him — I mean I love him in spite of it; yet it hurts every time he does it, and, while I have never known Dan to do anything of the kind, I wouldn't want the girl I love better than my life to marry a man she couldn't trust with all her soul !’* “Thank you, dear,” Dorris said, brokenly. Helen kissed her, and left the room, and Dorris rose slowly. All her fierce passion had died out, but she opened the note with trembling fingers, and with blurred eyes she read the message : “Dear Little Girl : What I said last night was true, but until you can believe in me in spite of what any one says, I will not ask for your love, or even for your friend- ship. Can't you guess what I must never tell even you? “God bless you always! Good-by! "Dan. “P. S.— You need not be afraid of meet- ing me. I leave the city at io :30.” AH at once she knew what he had done. He had not written that letter. He had let Helen think so to shield his brother. “True to those he loved?” Ah yes, she knew, now, that he was true to the very verge of falsehood! Why had she ever doubted? It had been a battle between rea- son and intuition, between her brain and her heart. Why had she not trusted her own intuition, instead of listening to the cold reasoning of her brain? She seized the letter and kissed it, and as she did so, her eyes caught the words: “I leave at 10:30.” In an instant she had snatched her watch from the dresser. It was twenty-five minutes to 11 ! Oh, she couldn't let him go like that, thinking that she didn’t trust him ! Then she remembered that her watch was fast. She slipped down the broad stairway and glanced at the big clock in the hall. It was 10:27. Three minutes! What could she do in three min- utes ? Oh. yes ! the telephone ! “Hello !” “Hello ! Give me the Union depot, please !” “Hello! Is this the Union depot?” “No, this is Blair’s drug store.” “Central, hurry and give me the Union depot. Please be quick!” “Union depot!” “Please have some one find Dan Martin. It's very important!” “Yes'm. What train was he going on?” “Oh, I don’t know! Yes, it’s the one leaving at 10:30.” “But there are two trains that leave at 10 130. and it’s 10 :28 now.” “Try them both, can’t you?” “All right ! I’ll send a boy through both. Tell him it’s important?” “Oh yes, and please hurry!” Oh, the triple torture of waiting and hop- ing and fearing! At first the clock raced through the seconds too fast, and she wished it would stop and give them time to find him. Then it seemed to drag inter- minably, as she watched and listened. She imagined she could hear the train pulling out. The last moment was gone! They had failed to find him! She would wait one more minute. But she had to catch at a chair to steady herself. It was no use! Reluctantly she started to hang the re- ceiver up. “Hello!” Dan’s voice came steady and clear over the wire. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1474 The Railroad Telegrapher. Dorris trembled so she could scarcely speak. “Oh, Dan! It’s Dorris! I want you!” she managed to say. The receiver at the other end of the line was slammed into place, and she could just imagine him striding through the depot. She sank on the lower step of the broad stairway, and waited. She laughed, and then she cried and laughed again. She would not even go up to her room to change her dress, but waited breathless, with her great dark eyes fixed on the open door, and the color coming and going in her cheeks. When she saw him coming up the walk with great, swinging strides, every nerve in her body tingled with a new rapturous life, which seemed to bear her to him in spirit, while she still sat motionless on the stair. There was no one about, and she called his rame softly through the open door. “Dan !” The look in his eyes, as he caught sight of her. lit his face with a holy flame of love, and Dorris, adorable, irresistible, glided into his arms without another word. But Helen never guessed who wrote the letter. — By Bob White, in Los Angeles Times, THE BETTING SCOTCHMAN. THE colonel of the Red Hussars was an Irishman, who was as proud of his nationality as it is possible for an Irishman to be, and that is not saying a little by any means. He carried his patriot- ism so far as to aver that not only were the Irish the finest, the most courageous, the most gifted, of the four nationalities, but that nearly all the great Englishmen were really Irishmen. He justified this Hi- bernianism by a mode of reasoning that was highly original, but not wholly convincing. It would have provoked shouts of laughter in the mess if it had proceeded from the lips of a subaltern, but the colonel was an altogether different person to deal with. It would be dangerous to quarrel with him, and he was as peppery as a London fog, or an old maid who has been jilted by the curate. It was considered far more advisa- ble “to give him his head,” and let him ex- haust himself by the violence of his own efforts. When he launched out on his favorite topic, therefore, he was listened to in dis- respectful silence by his subordinates; but in revenge it was the greatest delight of the wags of the regiment to mimic his voice and manner, and to represent him as utter- ing the most astounding Hibernian false- hoods, garnished with numerous expressions of a wholly unprintable character. This was called “doing Old Pat,” and was a very popular amusement in every mess-room where the Coloners personality was known. His real name, of course, as the army list will tell you, was Colonel Dominick Syd- ney Power, but this is a trifling detail. He had been nicknamed Old Pat at a very early stage of his military career, and Old Pat of the Red Hussars was almost as well known throughout the service as Cox’s Bank or the cold-meat train to Woking.* Therefore, when the Red Hussars heard that Sir James Macleod had been gazetted from the Blues to their own regiment, con- jecture ran very rife among the officers whether Sir John would contrive to hit it off amicably with Old Pat. It was gener- ally felt that the stranger would probably prove a Scotchman of the deepest dye, with a very large allotment of Scotch pride and patriotism, while, no doubt, after his experi- ences in the Blues, he would be inclined to regard a mere colonel in the Hussar regi- ment with more compassion than reverence. Under these circumstances, there seemed to be every prospect of some lively scenes when the Colonel should deem it fitting to take the Scotch baronet into his confidence on the important subject of national dis- tinctions. “It will be great fun if he goes for Old Pat, and gives it to him hot when he be- gins the usual rot,” ’said young Fanshawe, with a broad grin, and it was generally agreed among the junior officers of the regiment that it would be great fun indeed. While his subordinates were coming to this insubordinate decision, Colonel Dom- inick Power was engaged in reading a long letter from an old schoolfellow of his, and ^Army slang for the funeral train to the great cemetery at Woking, near London. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1475 a former brother-officer of Sir James Mac- leod's, to whom he had written in order to make some inquiries with regard to the new importation into the mess-rom of the Red Hussars, and the baronet's motives for ef- fecting the exchange. “A woman is at the bottom of it, as usual," wrote Captain Fletcher, of the Blues. “Macleod was very hard hit, and she threw him over for no reason that any one can divine. Pure deviltry, that is all. He knew that you were ordered abroad, and he wants to get out of the country without appearing to run away. That's the bait. He is a cap- ital fellow; no nonsense about him in any way ; is a good sportsman ; A-one shot ; and very popular in the regiment. There is only one point on which I had better caution you. Don't bet with him. He is a very devil at bets, and always wins.” "Is he, indeed?” mused Colonel Power; “and he may be the very divil himself for all he’ll get out of me. It's meself that would like to see the Colonel of the regi- ment betting with a mere whipper-snapper of a subaltern !” II. Sir James Macleod proved to be a tall, fair young man, whose long features and high cheek-bones testified very clearly that the place of his birth lay beyond the Tweed. He was not remarkably good-looking, but he carried himself with such an air of dis- tinction that it seemed wonderful, as young Fanshawe said, that any woman could throw over “such a dasher, and a real, live bar- onet to boot.” His manner, however, was that of a man of the world; and it is not remarkable, under the circumstances, that he got on at once with the young men who , were to be his companions for the future. “We thought you would be no end of a heavy swell,” said young Fanshawe, in a day or two, during which friendship had ripened into familiarity; “but you ain’t a bit.” Whereat Sir James Macleod laughed good-humoredly. “What shall you do when Old Pat begins his usual rot,” continued Fanshawe, in a confidential tone, “about Ireland being the finest country in the universe, and every- body else being miserable scarecrows and outsiders? Shall you stick up for Auld Reekie?* I wish you would. It would make Pat so sick!” Young Fanshawe explained his meaning at some length. “And you think that he would be furious if any one contradicted him? inquired Macleod, fixing a very wary gray eye on the other. . “Furious! He would have a fit.” Macleod deliberated for a moment with the same wary expression of eye, and then he said quietly: “I should like to make a bet with you. I will lay you two ponies to a five-pound note that, if you will draw the Colonel out on his favorite topic, I will contradict him on every point, we will have a most angry discussion, and at the end the Colonel will be as good-humored and pleased as if — well, as if I had put a hundred pounds in his pocket.” “You don't know Old Pat.” replied Fan- shawe, shaking his head. “He’ll make the regiment too hot to hold you in less than no time.” “Well, shall I book the bet?” suggested Macleod blandly. “No ; I won't bet on a certainty.” “ Are you sure,” inquired Macleod, with an air of doubt, “that it isn't that you don’t feel — quite — up — to drawing Old Pat — " “You may book the bet,” cried Fanshawe, haughtily, and his cheek flushed with anger. “And if you lose, you will have no one to thank but yourself.” “Quite so,” said Macleod calmly, and he made the entry in his pocketbook in the most businesslike way. “And if I lose — well, at any rate I shall afford you some amusement.” And so it came about that that same even- ing, after dinner, when the wine was circu- lating pretty freely, and a mellow glow was beginning to make its appearance on the Colonel’s ripe visage, young Fanshawe. to the consternation of the mess, introduced the subject of a deceased Irish politician. “What a scoundrel that fellow was !” said young Fanshawe, apropos of nothing, and dragging the dead leader into the convex •Edinburgh. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1476 The Railroad Telegrapher. sation precisely as Mr. Dick used to hoist King Charles' head into the “memorial." The other subs looked at young Fanshawe with an expression of amazement. Had he gone out of his senses, or had the wine got into his head? Closer inspection, however, showed that he looked unnaturally sober and unusually intelligent. Then there must be Shine game on — some game to the Colonel's expense. This would probably be good sport, and it would be well to be in at the death. Every eye was fixed on the Colonel. Old Pat was not to be drawn by young Fanshawe. He snorted indignantly, but re- served his steel for worthier foes. The circle of watchful eyes now turned to Fanshawe. What would be his next move? “My pater has just bought a hogshead of the finest Scotch whisky," said the youth, coming up to time with commendable alac- rity and a cheerful smile. He launched out into some details on the subject, concluding with the following significant remark : “I hate Irish whisky. It is such sicken- ing, soapy stuff. I think Scotch is much the best." A joyful gleam shone in the attentive optics. This was getting interesting. Young Fanshawe was actually, of malice prepense, “going for" Old Pat. “Hooray! Yoicks! Tallyho! Go it, young Fanshawe!” were the sentiments reflected in the breasts of that hopeful youth’s brother-subalterns ; while even the major, who certainly ought to have known better, grinned with intense enjoyment. “Don't you think so, Macleod?" said young Fanshawe to the Scotchman, who was cracking walnuts with the utmost in- souciance. “Don’t I think what?" he replied. “That Scotch whisky is better than Irish." “Why, of course. Can there be any doubt? Does any one dispute it?" This sally was too much for Old Pat. He plunged at once into the fray, and a heated discussion ensued. At least, it was heated on his side, for Macleod retained an appearance of judicial calm that would have put Job himself in a bad temper. Young Fanshawe, it may be added, at once seized the opportunity to retire from the forefront of the battle, and took up the safe position of an interested spectator. In a comparatively short time a great deal of unpalatable information was shot upon the Colonel. He was told that not only was Scotch whisky far more pleasing to the taste than Irish, but it was less injurious to the health, and there was less of illicit distilla- tion in Scotland than in Ireland. Warming apparently to his subject, and totally regard- less of Old Pat’s passionate and profane defense, Macleod went on to enunciate the view that all that was really good and great in the Irish nation was English or Scotch in origin, that the Irish colonies in English towns formed the most criminal and de- graded portion of the population, and that there was actually something in the climate or the soil of Ireland which deteriorated the physical and moral nature of the inhabi- tants. He said this with the calm utterance of a lecturer who demonstrates facts. There was even a softer undertone perceptible now and then, as if he pitied the advocate of so miserable a cause. The Colonel became almost incoherent with rage. His face assumed a deep purple hue. He manifested an inclination to foam at the mouth. “For proof of this," continued Macleod, “it is quite enough to refer to a well-known and incontrovertible fact. Whether it is due to the potatoes that they eat or the bog-water that they drink, I don’t know; but it is quite enough for my purpose that every Irishman of anything like ancient des- cent has a black roof to his mouth. You will bear me out in that, Colonel, I am sure.” The mess in vain endeavored to preserve a dignified demeanor. They were nearly choking with suppressed laughter. Young Fanshawe contrived to upset a decanter in order to hide his emotion. Another young scapegrace was obliged to go to the side- board, where he gurgled subterraneously for several minutes with his back to tHe company. “It’s a lie!" roared the Colonel, whose eyes were nearly starting out of his head. “An infernal lie!" “How? A lie, Colonel? Do you mean to deny what I have stated?" Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1477 “I mean/’ shrieked Old Pat. “that the Powers of Ballycoran are one of the oldest families in Irreland; that they were on in- timate terms with Brian Boru; and that whin the blissid St. Patrick came that way, ’twas me own ancestorr that gave him the cead mille failthe to Ballycoran; and if ye can find a single black roof in the mouths of the intirre family, may the divil fly off with the soul of the dirty varmin!” And with these words the Colonel struck the table a blow that made the glasses ring. “This is very interesting, indeed,” replied Macleod, gazing at the Colonel as if that dignitary were the missing link, or a new form of butterfly. “I had no idea that any one — even an Irishman — would dispute it. Now, I dare say that you have never thought of examining your own mouth?” The Colonel’s reply was of a nature that would have been an expensive one had he made it in the presence of a magistrate who enforced the penalties against swearing. “Strange, very strange,” said Macleod, who was still quite calm. “Now, I think I will lay you two to one in ten-pound notes that I am right.” A wolfish light shone in the Colonel's eyes, but he held back with the most praise- worthy self-control. It would be undigni- fied to bet with a mere sub— -and on such a subject. “I will make it five to one in twenty-pound notes,” continued Macleod, with an air of great confidence, “that you have a black roof to your mouth.” “I will take that bet,” spluttered the Colonel, who was now in a white heat of rage. “By me soul, I will take that same, just to teach you not to bet on subjects of which you know nothing. It will be a useful lesson. And now, how do you pro- pose to decide the bet?” Sir James Macleod suggested that ocular inspection would be the quickest and most satisfactory method— ocular inspection by the senior officers of the mess. Their words would probably be sufficient for both parties. The Colonel demurred a little to this proposition. It seemed to him totally sub- versive of discipline. He was quite sure that the commander-in-chief would not approve of it. No other possibly way of settling the question occurred to him, however, and, now that he had got so far, he was deter- mined to win that hundred pounds at all hazards, and give the young Scotch jack- anapes his much-needed lesson. Candles were accordingly sent for at once, and a dead silence ensued. Every man looked at the other as if inquiring what would be the next act in this singular drama. Even young Fanshawe forgot to laugh. The Colonel breathed heavily, and his eyes glared at his adversary, who still retained his unmoved demeanor. At last the lights came. Armed each with a candlestick, the major, the captains, and the senior subaltern in turn examined the gaping orifice which the Colonel revealed to their gaze, during which inspection young Fanshawe threw himself headlong on to a sofa and kicked like a person in mortal agony; while two subalterns expressed their feelings in a bear-fight behind the Colonel's unconscious head. The verdict of the judges was unanimous. They declared that the roof of the Coloners mouth was red, not black. “Decidedly red,” said the senior captain, with a curious chuckle that seemed fraught with a world of meaning. “Not a trace of black.” “Not black?” cried Sir James Macleod in tones of amazement. “Are you sure?” “Quite sure,” replied the major judicially. “ 'Pon honor !*' remarked the others in chorus. . “Well, gentlemen, you have surprised me,” said Macleod, glancing from one to the other, as if he could scarcely believe his ears. “Of course I believe you, but — if the Colonel will permit — I should like to look just to convince my own eyes.” “Look away, me boy,” chuckled the Colonel hoarsely. He was convulsed with de- light at his complete triumph. “Ye’ll have to pay for your peep !” “Well, then, please open your mouth a little wider, Colonel ; and will one of you hold the light? Really, Colonel, you must excuse me, but I can’t see. You must really let me open your mouth a little wider.” With these words he actually laid one sacrilegious hand on the Colonel’s nose and the other on the Colonel’s chin, and pressed Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1478 The Railroad Telegrapher. them gently in opposite directions. There was not a man among all the reckless crew that stood around but held his breath in anticipation of a terrible explosion. The Colonel did not rise and annihilate the audacious Scotchman. He bore this insult like a lamb. The indignity was, however, of the very shortest duration, for Macleod was satisfied with the briefest glance. “I have lost/' he said quite cheerfully. “And I owe you an apology, Colonel. Luck- ily, I have the notes about me.” He produced his pocketbook, extracted two fifty-pound notes from it, and handed them to the Colonel. The latter took them with the most portentous gravity. He was clearly puzzled and uncertain as to the right course of action. He puckered up his face in the most curious wrinkles. Then he rubbed his nose reflectively. The humorous side of the question, however, presented itself very forcibly to him, and he broke into a broad grin. “Well,” he said, with a loud roar of laughter, “you are an impudent rascal ! But I didn’t think that a Scotchman and his money were so easily parted.” And amid sympathetic roars from the en- tire mess, who thought the whole thing a capital joke all round, the Colonel’s indig- nation melted into intense enjoyment of his own success. The only person who was un- settled in his mind was young Fanshawe, who could not understand why Macleod should have risked a hundred pounds in so foolish a way. “I don’t think much of that Scotch chap you sent us,” wrote the Colonel, a few days later, to his old schoolfellow. Captain Fletcher, of the Blues. “Too much brag; too little bottom. He’ll never set the Thames on fire. Only a few nights ago he bet me a hundred pounds to twenty that I had a black roof to my mouth — cheeky young devil ! Well, I took the bet, just to give him a lesson. You ought to have seen his face when he lost. Really, I couldn’t help roaring with laughter to see how con- fident he had been and how sold he was. You must be a dull lot in the Blues if he always wins from you. Anyway, I have broken his record.” Captain Fletcher wrote by return of post to his old schoolfellow, Colonel Dominick Power : “Confound you! Didn’t I caution you most pointedly not to bet with him? Couldn’t you have known that there must be some deviltry on, or a man would not throw away his money in such preposterous fashion? Before he left us, Macleod laid me one hundred pounds to a thousand that he would pull your nose in the presence of the mess before he had been a week in the regiment, and without being courtmartialed or even placed under arrest for it, ani I have just received a round-robin, signed by your mess, declaring that he has won the bet.” Digitized by Google

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Woman. No one shall shame her, none shall defame her, No one shall name her, except to praise 1 The roses of honor, ah, wreathe them upon her, For such have they won her — her deeds through the days! No tongue shall abuse her, no lip shall traduce her, No scorn illy use her, no scandal decry; All homage accord her, all honor afford her; If one hath abhorred her, then let him die! Treasure and treat her as something far sweeter Than earth ever bore in its gardens of pride; Home, where her place is, bloomed bright where her face is The day that she walked through its portal a bride. Speak for her, seek for her, fight for her, die for her. Live for her, give for her, make her your care; Strive for her, hive for her, dream of her, rise for her. Trust her and love her and make her your prayer. — Baltimore Sun. Keep Out of the Past. Keep out of the Past, for its highways Are damp with malarial gloom; Its gardens are sere and its forest are dear, And everywhere moulders a tomb. Who seeks to regain its lost pleasures . Finds only a rose turned to dust; And its storehouse of wonderful treasures Is covered and coated with rust. Keep out of the Past. It is haunted; He who in its avenues gropes Shall find there the ghost of a joy prized the most. And a skeleton throng of dead hopes. In place of its beautiful rivers Are pools that are stagnant with slime; And these graves gleaming in a phosphoric light Hide dreams that were slain in their prime. Keep out of the Past. It is lonely. And barren and bleak to the view; Its fires have grown cold, and its stories are old — Turn, turn to the Present — the New. Today leads you up to the hilltops That are kissed by the radiant sun. Today shows no tomb, life’s hopes are in bloom. And today holds a prize to be won. —BUa Wheeler Wilcoe. Faith. Better trust all and be deceived, And weep that trust and that deceiving, Than doubt one heart that if believed Had blessed one’s life with true believing. Oh, in this mocking world too fast The doubting fiend o'ertakes our youth; Better be cheated to the last Than lose the blessed hope of truth. — Frances Anne Kemble. Billy, He’a in Trouble. I’ve got a letter, parson, from my son away out West, An’ my ol’ heart’s as heavy as an anvil in my breast, To think the boy who's futur’ I had once so proudly planned Should wander from the path o’ right an’ come to such an end! I told him when he left us, only three short years ago. He’d find himself a plowin’ in a mighty crooked row — He’d miss his father's counsels, and his mother’s prayers, too; But he said the farm was hateful, an’ he guessed he’d have to go. I know thar’s big temptation for a youngster in the West, But I believed our Billy had the courage to resist; An’ when he left I warned him o’ the ever- waitin’ snares That lie like hidden sarpents in life’s pathway everywheres. Our Bill, he promised faithful to be keerful, an’ allowed He’d build a reputation that’d make us mighty proud; But it seems as how my counsel sort o’ faded from his mind, An’ now the boy’s in trouble of the very wustest kind! His letters come so seldom that I somehow sort o’ knowed That Billy was a trampin’ on a mighty rocky road; But I never once imagined he would bow my head in shame, An’ in the dust would waller his ol’ daddy’s honored name. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1480 The Railroad Telegrapher. He writes that from out in Denver, an* the story’s mighty short; I just can’t tell his mother; it’d crush her poor ol* heart! An* so I reckoned, parson, you might break the news to her — Bill's in the Legislatur’, but he doesn’t say what fur. — Anonymous. The Sweeteet Picture. Baby in the cradle rocking. Pulling off its little stocking, With its little chubby fingers, While its mother o’er it lingers, Caressing fondly, all the while. Just to see the baby smile. What to her on earth is dearer? As her head she still bows nearer, To her infant lying there, Just to let it pull her hair. A sweeter picture is hard to find, With love, and purity, combined. See the mischief in its eyes. As its mother’s hair it spys. And its stockings are set free, While it laughs and crows with glee. At the fun it’s having there. With its hands in mamma’s hair. E, E. Phillim. The Mother’s Letter. Dear Boy: Last year, Thanksgiving time, also the year before, You wrote you were too busy to come homeward, as of yore. You said your “work demanded that” you ‘‘stay in town that day,” But ‘‘hoped that maybe later on” you’d “get to slip away.” I bore it patiently enough — you didn’t know 1 cried Each time almost as hard as when your father died. But this year, as the day draws near, it seems I can’t forego The joy of having you at home — you mustn’t tell me “No.” I’m not so strong someway, my boy; I’m haunted with a dream Of days when he was with me— I can see the firelight gleam Upon his rugged, tired out form when he came home at night And warmed himself and rested by the fireplace brave and bright; I see our kitchen table as we ate our evening meal — No single towhead missing; then the homely feel- ings steal Right back into my heart— they’ll all be here but you, and so That’s why I write to tell you that you mustn’t tell me “No.” Your mother’s not a weakling or a baby, but, my boy, I thought you’d like to have me tell how you could bring me joy; You used to— in the golden days when you were at my knee — Lisp, “Muvver, sister’s helpin’— ain't you dot a job for me?” So, here’s your job, my grown up child — it seems a little task, But oh, if you could know how dear to me is this I ask, The man that’s still “my babe” to me would let his business go And eat Thanksgiving dinner with his mother — is it ‘‘No?” —Baltimore American. Remorse. Sad is the thought of sunniest days Of love and rapture perished. And shine through memory’s tearful hare The eyes once fondliest cherished. Reproachful in the ghost of toys That charmed while life was wasted. But saddest is the thought of joys That never yet were tasted. Sad is the vague and tender dream Of dead love’s lingering kisses To crush’d hearts, hallowed by the gleam Of unreturning blisses; 4 Deep mourns the soul, in anguished pride. For the pittiless death that won them; But the saddest wail is for lips that died With the virgin dew upon them. — John Hay. Get a Transfer. If you are on the gloomy line. Get a transfer. If you're inclined to fret and pine, Get a transfer. Get off the track of doubt and gloom. Get on the sunshine train, there’s room. Get a transfer. If you are on the worry train. Get a transfer. You must not stay there and complain. Get a transfer. The cheerful cars are passing through. And there is lots of room for you 1 Get a transfer. If you are on the grouchy track. Get a transfer. Just take the happy special back. Get a transfer. Jump on the train and pull the rope That lands you at the station, Hope- Get a transfer. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Hit Understanding. “Pat, for a woman of her figure, your wife has remarkable poise.” “Yis, sor. They’re th' bist Oi iver tasted.” — Cleveland Leader . Not to Be Caught. “Bite me off a little bite o’ your apple, Swipsey.” “Bite it off yer on self ; my mout* is t'ree times as big as your’n.” — Houston Post . The New Law. Irate Tourist: “What’s the trouble now? Another cow on the track?” Brakey: “Naw; freight in front of us.” Irate Tourist: “But can't we pass it?” Brakey: “Naw; no more passes on this road.” Boy Has an Answer. “Now,” said the teacher, who had been giving an elementary talk upon architecture, “can any little boy tell me what a ‘buttress’ is ?” “I know,” shouted Tommy Smart. “A nanny goat.” Couldn’t Stand It. By the side of a certain portion of a suburban railway stands a glue factory which sometimes gives out a particularly offensive smell. A lady who was obliged to travel on this line quite often always carried with her a bottle of lavender salts. One morning an old farmer took the seat beside her. As the train neared the fac- tory the lady opened her bottle of salts, soon the whole car was filled with the hor- rible odor of the glue. The farmer put up with it as long as he could, then shouted: “Madam, would you mind puttin’ the cork in that 'ere bottle?” — San Francisco News- Letter. Reminiscent. When I see a youth with his pants turned up and his beautiful socks on view, And over one eye perched a little round hat with a ribbon or mauve or blue, And the fourteen rings and the seven pins that he got at his dear prep school, Why, it strikes a chord, and I say: “Oh, Lord, was I ever that big a fool?” — Pitts- burg Post. Railroad Slang. At an investigation of a tail-ender where a passenger train ran into the rear of a through freight that was occupying the main track, a brakeman testified as follows : “Yes, t’ Con he was up in t’ dog house flippin' tissues. T’ tallowpot, he was a-crackin’ diamonds and t’ aegle-eye was a-greasin’ t' pig. T’ hind shack was a freezin’ a red hub, and I was up in front a-bendin' rails.” Fee and Foe. In a suit recently tried in a Virginia town a young lawyer of limited experience was addressing the jury on a point of law, when, good-naturedly, he turned to opposing coun- sel, a man of much more experience than himself, and asked: “That’s right, I believe, Colonel Hop- kins?” Whereupon Hopkins, with a smile of con- scious superiority, replied: “Sir, I have an office in Richmond wherein I shall be delighted to enlighten you on any point of law for a considera- tion.” The youthful attorney, not in the least abashed, took from his pocket a half-dollar piece, which he offered Colonel Hopkins with this remark: “No time like the present. Take this, sir, tell us what you know, and give me the change.” — Harper's Weekly . Digitized by Google

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1482 The Railroad Telegrapher. Hit Opportunity. Police Officer Keegan: “Mister Raf- ferty, Oi love your daughter, an* would most respectfully ask you for her hand in marriage.” Mr. Rafferty: “Arrh, ye shnake. One year ago today ye arrested me for droon- kenness, an' clubbed me all the way to the station house. Now, Oi hev my opportunity to git aven. Ye can hev her.” Prodded Hit Memory. Mr. Urban was always late to dinner. He arrived home on a certain evening, as usual, twenty minutes behind hand. His wife was entertaining Mr. and Mrs. For- tune. Greeting the guests with effusive cordiality, he said: “If I had known this pleasure was in store for me, I should certainly have ar- ranged my business so as to be at home earlier.” “Why, Harry,” sighed his wife; “I told you.” “I beg your pardon, love; but you are certainly mistaken this time. You probably forgot to mention it. On the whole, I’m glad you did. It is a delightful surprise.” Mrs. Urban was a spirited woman. This unjust accusation came near over-throwing her courtesy. Her lips parted, then shut decisively; but a slight frown lingered on her forehead. Little Tommy read her face. He knew all about his father’s poor memory, and he felt it his duty to refresh it and defend his mother. “Why, pap,” he piped up, “don’t you recollect mamma told you to be sure to come home early tonight because the For- tunes were going to be here, and you said : ’Oh, the devil !’ ” — Record. Two Dreamt. Jacob’s second-hand clothing store and Patrick’s junk shop are in adjoining build- ings, and when there is a lull in business the proprietors step out on the sidewalk and have a friendly chat. It was at one of these meetings that Pat said : “Jackey, it was a funny drame I had last night.” “Tell me about it,” said Jackey. “I drained I went to hiven, and while I was waulking around with St. Peter I heard a big noise at one place. ‘What’s that?’ I asked St. Peter. ‘It’s the Jew heaven,’ said he. ‘Can I look in?’ says I. ‘Sure,’ says he. So I goes over and looks in, and saw a big crowd of Jews, all talking business at once. One was bidding two dollars for something, another was yelling about damaged goods, and all the rest fussing about one thing or another until they woke me up.” “That was a funny dream,” said Jacob. The next day, when they met again, it was Jackey’s turn. He said : “I had a funny dream last night, Mr. Pat.” “Tell me about it,” said Pat. “I dreamed 1 went to heaven, and while I was walking around with St. Peter we came to a place that was very quiet. ‘What place is that?’ I asked St. Peter. ‘It’s the Irish heaven,’ he said. ‘Can I look in?’ I asked him. ‘Certainly,’ said St. Peter. So I went over, looked on, and found out why it was so quiet — the Irish heaven was empty. There wasn’t none got there yet.” “That was a funny drame, sure.” said Pat, before he retired into his junk shop. “If I have another drame maybe I won’t tell you mine first.” He Remembered It. A mother could not attend church one Sunday, so she sent her boy instead, and urgently admonished him to remember as much as possible and report. He heard the preacher read: “Why stand ye here idle? Go labor in my vineyard and it will be well with you.” And the text was: “An angel came down from heaven and took a live coal from the altar;” while the hymn was about ‘‘The Cross I Bear.” He returned home much elated because he could remember so much. He said the preacher read about the boss who came along and said: “What are you standin’ ’round here for, doin’ nothin’? Go into my barnyard and go to work, and I will make it all right with you.” The text was: “An Indian came down from New Haven, took a live colt by the tail and jerked it out of the halter,” and they sang something about a cross-eyed bear. — Review. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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WHAT CIVILIZATION SHOULD DO. « A S civilization increases, the trans- r\ formation of the worker into the ■*’ employer, or of the poor man into a rich man becomes more and more infrequent.” — Herbert Spencer. Ihose few words convey one of the most incontestible historical facts in the evolu- tion of every nation. Is that something in- evitable and satisfactory? Has civilization the right to produce any such double ca- lamity ? And can we conceive anything more fatal to the healthy development of humanity than the two results in question? The social philosopher that boldly asserted that historical conclusion, did not seem to have any special objection to the perpetual continuation of such two results. He gave them as something that had to be accepted as we do accept the multiplication table. To be sure, has philosophy done much of anything for the human family, outside of teaching resignation and contentment in the midst of all the calamities we may see fit to evolve? It has never occurred to philoso- phy, or to most philosophers, that even the word civilization may be subject to a classi- fication of good and bad, sensible or sense- less, God-like or godless, natural or artifi- cial. “Our education does not yet teach men how to discriminate between the Godlike and the devilish.” — Huxley. This English scientist had the merit of being in hearty sympathy with the working multitudes as long as he lived, in the latter part of the nineteenth century. And his above dictum has never been disputed. The whole distorted march of human history proves the truth of that dictum. Civiliza- tion remains then — a perpetual chaos, that is, a dreadful mixture of considerable good and considerable evil. And yet we are told, by a high authority, “Woe to them who decree unrighteous decrees.” Civilization has never yet taken the least cognizance of that important divine utterance. If from the divine we descend to the natural, can we prove the sensibleness of any group of men condemning most of the workers to be relatively poor and employes, seldom employers? And yet we go on, placidly accepting that double absurdity as an indispensable industrial condition, through centuries long and many. We even try to justify that absurdity on the plea that it has become indispensable to the high pro- duction of wealth we need under our mod- ern modes of life. If more wealth is needed, that simply implies that we have to work harder than ever, or with better tools, or through a higher skill and intelligence than ever. Higher production can never be the result of greater injustice in the industrial fabric, or of lesser freedom and opportuni- ties for men to be free from the despotism of bosses or corporations. The boss, the corporation ! Natural and divine laws don’t know anything about either of them. The two institutions are the product of monopoly laws. Monopoly laws mean restrictions in production. They never mean expansion in production. The worker, as such, can only increase production in relation to his freedom, and hence in pro- portion to the comfort and ease through which he may be able to live, himself and family group. A full, sanitary breakfast, dinner and supper, a comfortable home, a restful mind, no anxieties about any to- morrow, no need of submission to any arbi- trary rules— all that is what can alone bring a high degree of wealth production. Our supposed great wealth of today means simply — accumulations with the few who never produced that wealth, and scanty re- sources everywhere else in relation to the needs and hardships of today. Then, we Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1484 The Railroad Telegrapher. measure wealth by many values, by inflated values. That is a cheating process in the measuring of wealth. Wealth is a question of quantities and qualities produced and distributed under principles of equal Jus- tice to all, carrying comfort to all wealth- producers, and thus making the combination of gambling concerns useless, because un- productive, on account of laws of equal rights. But there you have it, we don’t want a civilization of equal rights and equal justice. We want a civilization of legalized robberies and humbugs, a perpetual reproduction of the old rotten asiatic civilization of 4000 years ago, only painted with the fancy col- ors of artificial human rights, disguising the total absence of cardinal, natural rights, the only kind humanity needs. We still give to government the power and right to legislate all possible forms of wrong. We should only give to government the right and power to legislate the right to all in all directions, and nothing else but that. It is through such a simple change that we would rapidly transform civilization from godless to God-like, but, of course, most of our good people don’t wish to see that, and so we all remain sunk in a civil- ization and philosophy of darkness. If the word philosophy, applied to human development, is to have any sensible mean- ing, then philosophy should be : “The knowl- edge by which man can easily grasp and actualize a sensible, sane, honest human life, in the councils of nations and churches, giving to all men a complete opportunity for healthy physical, mental and spiritual growth or existence, without which we are bound to have the senseless social and re- ligious insanity by which we prolong our many fatal deformities and wrongs.” If the word civilization is not to be a mask for all legalized absurdities, as it has been thus far, then it should mean : “A scientific march towards righteousness, and therefore the existence of nations and churches in peace with God, through the simple instrumentality of a few plain, equal rights, honest laws in each social compact, suppressing the one hundred thousand or more laws of favoritism through which each nation is sunk into conflicts and discords, into poverty or fears of poverty.” Return for a few moments to those lines of Herbert Spencer, with which we com- menced our essay. That civilization, as it goes on, improves, as we call it, should make it more difficult for the worker to become an employer, for the poor man to become a rich man. Those two dreadful, unnatural facts alone condemn civilization and education, civil and religious education. If not, why not? That there should be a perpetual chain of discords and jealousies and antagonisms, open or silent, peaceful or war-like, between labor and capital, be- tween employers and employes — that alone is a disgrace to humanity, from the tramp to the hero, from bottom sinners to top saints, to the latter most especially. It is in proportion as we rise, in social importance, that we become more responsible for all wrongs in the compact of each national group, unless we boldly attack them and work for their suppression, in forms sensi- ble and scientific. Jose Gros. NEWSPAPERS SHOULD BE FAIR. We read a great deal nowadays about patronizing the union label. And while a great many of us union men in buying clothes, shoes and hats do look for this label, there are other cases where we fail to show the union spirit. I believe the major- ity of us union men read a great deal and most of us take one or more daily or weekly papers, magazines, etc. Now, it is just as important that we look here also for the union label and patronize no paper who is unfriendly to organized labor. In reading of the Western Union strike now in progress throughout the country, I can not help but note the tone of articles appearing in the Times-Dis patch, a daily published at Richmond, Va., and it would not take a very careful study of these arti- cles or of other articles I have seen from time to time to convince the reader that the sympathy of the editorial staff is not with the laboring man in his struggle for justice, but with the corporations. I think it would be well for the friends of unionism to re- member this. Cert. 698. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1485 TELEGRAPHERS TAKE NOTICE! The newspapers of the country have been muzzled by three great corporations — the Western Union Telegraph Company, the Postal Telegraph Company, and the Asso- ciated Press, whose operators are on strike for fair, living wages, and decent working conditions. The strike started on Friday, August 9, and by Tuesday, August 13, there were be- tween twenty-three thousand and twenty- five thousand commercial telegraphers on strike throughout the United States. Oper- ators in every city, every large town, and thousands of small ones, left their keys and joined this great movement. The telegraph service is completely crippled, the companies having no one to man their wires but their managers, a few superanuated and incom- petent operators, who would not be tolerated on a wire under normal conditions, and a very few scabs, who refused to go out when the whistle was blown, and who are un- worthy of the name of telegraphers or of the recognition of their fellowmen. The newspapers, on account of their affil- iation with and ownership of stock to the syndicate known as the Associated Press, have determined to do all in their power to break the strike by suppressing the real news, as the success of the telegraphers will mean a slight increase in the cost of their news service. They refuse to print reports of the strike, except what are favorable to the companies, and have misrepresented con- ditions in such a manner as to lead the pub- lic to believe that the strike is of little magnitude and that the companies are hand- ling business as usual. Notwithstanding anything that the tele- graph officials or the newspapers may say to the contrary, the service is completely crippled. Messages are being accepted only subject to indefinite delay. Much of it is being sent through the United States mails, and more of it in suit cases from city to city. The men are standing firm in every sec- tion, there having been no desertion from our ranks. Many of the men who remained at work have been induced to leave their keys, while those who are still at work are physically exhausted, and can not withstand the strain much longer. Let commercial telegraphers everywhere keep away from their keys. Don’t be fooled by the newspapers into believing that the strike is broken. Stand firm and we are sure to win, as there is a great scarcity of telegraphers throughout the country and our places can not be filled until our demands are met by the companies, and we are ready to go back to work under better condition* and for better pay ! ‘'Stick 1” brothers, stick, for the fight is almost won 1 Edward J. Hennessey. A LEGISLATIVE PLAN. I herewith submit a plan which would not only be beneficial to the telegraphers, but to the traveling public as well : To Members of the State Legislature : On account of so many disastrous wrecks which have occurred in the past few months, seemingly caused by incompetent boy teleg- raphers, we the undersigned citizens of , County of , State of , do hereby request and demand that the legislators of this State enact a law, namely, that no telegrapher shall be em- ployed in repeating or transmitting train orders or reporting trains from one office to another by telegraph or telephone who is under twenty-one (21) years of age. Further- more, that a telegrapher employed in receiv- ing or transmitting train orders or report- ing trains from one office to another, by either telegraph or telephone, shall be re- quired or permitted to remain on duty for more than eight consecutive hours in twen- ty-four. (Signatures.) By getting such a law as this in force we would eliminate the student and have a competent body of telegraphers. Let every local chairman get a supply of these peti- tions and give one to every operator on his division. Who, in turn, would get the sig- natures of the citizens of his or her town, and return to the local chairman, who would present to members of the next Legisla- ture. Would like to hear from some of you on this subject. J. E. T., Div. 59, Cert. 145. Digitized by Google

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1486 The Railroad Telegrapher. PREPARE FOR MARCH 4, 1908. No one can read The Telegrapher from month to month without getting a large amount of useful information. Those who have closely followed these columns can not fail to have formed some opinion as to what is desired, in the way of compensation for telegraphers. Congress has passed a nine-hour law. Now, we must combine upon some basis of demand for our services. As has been so often mentioned through The Telegrapher, we are approaching a crisis in our life, as an organization, which I believe may call for each member to stand firmly and fearlessly by the solemn obliga- tion which we all have taken, to uphold the Order and its officers to the utmost, in all matters pertaining to its welfare. In the July number of The Telegrapher, “Cert. No. 807, Div.. 54,” brings up some points upon which too much stress can not be laid, viz., the Interstate Commerce Commission, and the railroads. What will be their atti- tude towards the telegraphers, and our Order, when the nine-hour law goes into effect next March. If any telegrapher is inflating his mind with the thought that the railroad companies will tumble over each other in a scramble to see which one will be the first to grant this great benefit to their telegraphers, let me warn you, from an experience of over fifteen years in the service, your mind will receive a jar, little less than an earthquake, or I will miss my guess. Railroad corporations and many of- ficials have very little, if any, qualms of conscience as to whether their employes are laying aside a little something, from month to month, as a protection when old age comes upon them or not. On the contrary, they seem to prefer us to be in a position of dependence upon every day service for our support, rather than to be independent. There are some officials, I am thankful to say, who are not wholly lost to their duty to their fellowman. But too many such arc handicapped, so that the milk of human kindness becomes, oftentimes, sadly diluted before reaching the recipient. It is to he expected that the railroad officials are busy now, and have been ever since it became evident that Congress would pass a nine- hour law in favor of the telegraphers, to formulate plans to offset the benefits which this law was intended to give us. Now, it is up to us, as an organized body, to also get busy, and lay our plans so securely and surely that there will be no evasion of the letter and spirit of the nine-hour law. To do this, in the first place, it seems to me, it is necessary that we raise a fund of sufficient amount, which our president may have at his command for the protection of our interests, in every way possible and as conditions may require. To this end, I would suggest that every member of the Order send to our grand secretary and treasurer, Bro. Quick, one dollar each month, beginning September 1st, stating with the remittance, that it is for this par- ticular purpose, and continue to do this until April i, 1908. . Then again, the question of just what wages we should have should be settled upon quickly, and having so decided, make no retraction from it. Any attempt oh the part of any official or company to induce or compel any changes which would conflict with the law, have the matter reported to our president at once, taking no radical action in the matter until he decides upon the course to pursue. I have noticed, with a great deal of inter- est, and presume many others have done the same, the arguments and suggestions appearing in The Telegrapher from month to month. It is a matter requiring the greatest amount of discussion, for it vitally affects us all All the information possible should be brought out, in order that our officials may know our wishes and be able to act intelligently upon them; without this information they can not know what is for the best interest of the largest number. I am sure every member has formed some opinion, as to what salary a railroad teleg- rapher should receive. It seems to me that the simplest way would be to decide upon an amount per hour, as nearly all of our sister organiza- tions have done. Then put it up to the rail- roads to pay it. Skilled labor, in nearly every branch throughout the United States demands forty-five cents per hour. Why should a skilled telegrapher, in whose judg- ment and fidelity the lives of hundreds and Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1487 thousands often are intrusted, be asked to work for less than those upon whom but a slight fraction of these great responsibili- ties are placed. There is no business or profession requiring more skill, judgment, or faithful attention to duty, than the rail- road telegrapher, who is held responsible for the handling of orders upon which the railroads depend for the movement and handling of their trains. Then why should we be asked to work for a mere pittance? For an amount which simply allows us a hand to mouth existence. Our organization has made great advances in working con- ditions for us. But when the nine-hour law goes into effect I fear we may expect “breakers,” unless we so fortify our posi- tions that there will be no chance for a break, except in a forward movement. There have been many articles going the rounds of the press to the effect that the railroad companies were already crippled for the want of telegraphers. Consequently, it would be impossible for them to comply with the nine-hour law requirements. This is simply for the purpose of trying to get the public to believe their side of the question. We all know they are crippled now, and will always be so, until they are compelled to pay a wage commensurate with the re- sponsibilities required of their employes. If they will do that, they will find, as we all so well know, they can get any quantity of reliable men to fill any and all positions required. Go into any large freight office in the country, and you will find experienced telegraphers who would be glad to go out upon the line if better wages and hours prevailed. They left the operating depart- ment for office work, on account of the shorter hours and larger salary, which the officers grant their employes. Let me say right here, it is my opinion the railroad companies would find it greatly to their advantage to place new men in these large offices, to learn the system of books and other details, and then place them out upon <fie line as agents, etc. They would thus be better prepared to treat with the public, and make up their accounts more satisfac- tory to the general office. Now. a word to my fellow-operators, let me ask you if you are giving your best ser- vices to your employer? Are you always promptly on duty at the prescribed hour? Do you answer your office calls promptly? Do you answer your correspondence promptly? Do you keep your office and waiting-rooms in a clean and presentable condition? Are you pleasant and courteous to your patrons and the public? These and many other details are brought up by the company, when it is asked by your corn- committee for an increase of salary, or bet- terment of working conditions for you. If you fail in these important matters, can’t you see how hard you make it for your representative to better your condition? I have no doubt but that many times our com- mittees are badly handicapped by officials holding up to them the work of some poor man who is negligent in some, if not all, of these matters, and, by their neglect, hin- der their own advancement. Not only their own, but many a hard-working, conscien- tious brother, who is giving his best ener- gies to his work. Let us prove true to our- selves and our neighbor. By so doing we will help our cause very materially, and do our Order the greatest amount of good. Cert. 512, Div. 132. AN APPEAL. To My Brother and Sister Telegraphers: As a last resort, I am going to appeal to you through The Telegrapher. I have locomotor ataxia, a spinal trouble which finally paralizes the lower limbs and some- times the arms, too. It is incurable, except at Hot Springs, Ark., where the United States Government experts say it can be cured. I have been trying to work during the past nine months, but the disease has inca- pacitated me for work, and I have only been able to get a little more than a month’s time during that period, and at the present time am down and out entirely, with a wife and little daughter dependent on me. If I am ever to get any relief I must get to the Hot Springs, and for this reason I want you to help me. No matter how small the con- tribution, it will be gratefully received. I appreciate the fact that very few telegraph- ers are flush at any time, but most everyone can get hold of a quarter or a half dollar, Digitized by Google

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1488 The Railroad Telegrapher. and some even more than this, between pay days. So if you will sit down and mail me what you can spare as soon as you read this you will earn the gratitude of three stanch O. R. T.’s, myself, my wife and baby. It will be necessary for me to be at Hot Springs at least six or eight months, and if every O. R. T. brother and sister who reads this will contribute their mite, it will amount to enough to send me there to stay until I begin to improve, when I can get some kind of work there, so as to extend my stay there until I am well. Now, please don’t put this off till tomor- row, for you might forget, and if you can get some of your friends to add a few cents to your subscription, do so. I have asked Bro. Quick to investigate through my physician, so he can give his personal recom- mendation to this appeal. Yours in distress, H. Ruble Clark, Cert. 1573, Grand. Address, H. Ruble Clark, Covington, La. Note. — Upon receipt of the foregoing ap- peal I requested Bro. T. E. Cooper, General Chairman of Division No. 80, to investigate the case, and he reports that it is a worthy one. — Editor. THE RE8ULT OF 8TUDENT TEACHING Having read much about the “ham schools” in the United States I am sorry to say that they have one in the Philippines, to teach the Gugoos the telegraph business, so that they can get them to work for the measly sum of fifteen, twenty and twenty- five pesos per month, or in other words, from $7.50 to $12.50, in order that the American will have to work for less money, or not work at all. Also I am sorry to say that there are Americans over here actually teaching these Gugoos the business for the small sum of fifty pesos ($25). These men who are teaching these Gugoos are getting from $75 to $100 gold per month. On the island of Negros there are some- thing like twenty telegraph offices and with the exception of two, there are Gugoos in charge of them, and the same case with al- most every other island. This is the result of “ham schools and the teachers,” and then the Americans are wondering why they can’t hold the jobs. A few months ago I had to work with the “hams” and had my troubles with them, and don’t blame any man for not working with a “ham.” Remember there was an 8oo-word message sent out and having six Gugoos to contend with, it took me from test at 7 :oo a. m. till 1 1 :45 a. m. to get it O. K.’d by them. It is not only the case of telegraphing that the Americans are being crowded out, but all other positions that we hold "UD.” A 8TEP TOWARD ACTION. I wish to mention the necessity of acting in the near future before the day arrives when action is futile to us. Did it ever dawn upon your minds that the railroad companies are aware that we are talking strike and discussing a reform in wages? They most certainly are aware of it. They prove this fact by the telegraph schools they establish along their lines, which were never in existence until after the eight-hour law was passed, or in other words, not until they began to realize that they were in danger of being brought to terms by their force of operators. The railroad companies give their telegraph students access to their offices at those places where the schools are located in con- nection with a teacher to give them actual practice to equip them as fast as possible. I know of a case where a certain chief dispatcher went so far as to try to take ad- vantage of weak young operators out along the line by informing them that sometime in the future he would send them some stu- dents from their school and told them that they would have to accept them, or some one else would get the position that would. I say the present time is our golden op- portunity if we ever expect to do anything at all in the way of action, while their (the railroad companies) monstrous effort is yet in its infancy. Why are we organizing and going to the expense of $9 per year to support a labor organization which bases its success upon the foundation of discouraging students, when we expect to leave the railroad com- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1489 panies have the opportunity to mature a monster that will annul the very essence of our organization and bind us to poverty for time to come? Why do we turn down our own friends to keep them from learning the art if we will allow the railroad companies to accom- plish their aim by manufacturing operators to bum? Now after we have all worked hard to eradicate the student business which as a result has increased the demand for opera- tors and brought us to the point where we can name a salary and receive it, it would be a sin to waste much more time in secur- ing comfort while it is yet to be had. I am of the opinion that if the railroad telegraphers are deserving of a 35 per cent increase over their present salaries for an eight-hour day they have a perfect right to demand it, and should demand it. On the other hand if they are already receiving all they deserve, then they ought to keep quiet and not abuse the railroad companies for something not due them. I herewith offer myself as the candidate to break the ice with a plan to hurry a re- form in wages and better working condi- tions. Upon receiving The Telegrapher containing this article, all who are in favor of demanding a wage scale to take effect not later than March 4, 1908, somewhere near equivalent to what a railroad operator should receive, cast your vote by mailing Bro. Perham a letter stating that you are ready and willing to step out of the service when called upon in behalf of the eight- hour, $75 minimum, the 30 cents per hour minimum or the 30 per cent increase over our present salary for an eight-hour day, or whatever you deem an honest salary for a railroad operator. The 30 per cent increase, in my view, should be preferred. It is necessary for the head of our Order to know what all its members are in favor of, in order to prompt action. After Bro. Perham receives all our views as to what wages the majority desires, he will then have some foundation to work on in the way of making further progress towards action. After all preparations are made, and the committees simultaneously go be- fore their different managements through- out the United States, Canada and Mexico, then the committees will have only one thing to do, and that is to make their de- mand and give the railroad companies until March 4, 1908, to decide the matter. Now, let us hesitate no longer, but notify Bro. Perham at once of what wage scale we are in favor of, and that we are ready and willing to step out of the service and stay out until we gain that end. Call up your neigh- bor and attract his attention to this article. Non-members as well as members all unite in this effort. Let us shower Bro. Perham’s office with clamors for justice. Further suggestions are getting monotonous. Sug- gestions will never clothe nor feed us, it is action we need now. One and all do your duty now and see if we can’t start the ball to rolling. I, for one, will send my plea for the 30 per cent increase over my present salary for an eight-hour day and will walk out, if necessary, to obtain it. Hoping suc- cess will be with us. Cert. 1404, Div. 33. MORE ABOUT NINE-HOUR LAW. I have just been reading the August journal and find several items therein which I have read with interest, and I think every telegrapher should read them carefully, especially the ones by Cert. I994> Div. 53, Cert. 671, Div. 31, Cert. 1224, Div. 93 and the article by Cert 33, which appears on page 1307. The railroads are fighting this law hard and we are going to have to fight it harder to accomplish our aim, and right here is where I will join in with Cert. 33 and say that also my telegraphic career ends March 4, 1908, unless we get the eight hour and as much or more pay. I also think we should all get busy and ask our President and Grand Secretary to put out a circular letter to all railroad oper- ators to quit work and stay out until he tells us to go back to work unless the rail- road officials sign up contracts to give us eight hours’ work and $75 per month. Now they have the eight-hour law in Texas and I understand that the State is compelling the railroads to comply with it. Why can’t we have it in other States and as it becomes a national law March 4, 1908, let all get busy Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1490 The Railroad Telegrapher. and if the United States law can’t bring them to terms we can help by walking out and sticking. There is none of us that will starve as long as any one else has anything to eat. As to asking Bro. Quick to line all up and say walk out the 4th of March next unless we get the eight-hour law and the salary we are getting now or more, he can just read this and take it for my request and I hope all the rest of the boys in the O. R. T. ranks will follow suit. I am now working from 14 to 20 hours out of every 24, although we have an eight- hour law in Arkansas, but what’s the use, without it is enforced. This station pays the beautiful sum of $55 per, with a commission on Western Union, which amounts to an average of about $6 or $8 per month. Of course, I get the overtime, but would rather have the straight hour work and know when I could go home to rest and be with my wife and baby and enjoy some of the pleasures of life. Half time the chief dispatcher won’t let me off for supper until 9 and 10 o’clock and then have to come back and work. When this becomes a national law and the hours is up on that date this office will be closed until I have the 16 hours off unless, of course, I get it in the neck before that time. Then can’t say what will be done here and I believe I can safely say all offices on this division of the Frisco will be the same. Now, boys, here is to the eight hour and $75 per the 4th of March, 1908, or walk out and stay. ' Cert. 886, Div. 32. WANT8 IMMEDIATE ACTION. Have just finished reading the July Telegrapher, especially that portion rela- tive to “$75 Minimum and Eight Hours,” and to say the least these various articles sound good to me. I am of the same opin- ion that all the other brothers are that have written on the subject, *. e., we can get it. There is no earthly reason why we can not get it. There is not today any class of skilled labor that are working for anything like as low wages as we are. It is a fact that a great many common laborers are getting as much as we are. Now are we to stand this always ? Are we to be men or monkeys ? All that is necessary is for the telegra- phers to come up to the front ranks is for us to make the move, and you just bet your sweet life if we don’t make the first move (and then some) nobody is going to make it for us, and in making this move I think that it should be right now, not to be put off until we get so much stronger and all that, for it won’t be long before we are so far behind our fellow workmen that we will never catch up, so let’s get busy with that agreement to be presented to the various managements for that $75 minimum and eight hours, and if it is necessary for us to go out to get the $75 minimum let us go out, and for the love of God stay out until we get it ; and when I say stay out I mean stay out too, not stay out for a while, then go back, but if necessary stay out forever. Now there is no such thing as saying that you could not make a living elsewhere, or at some other kind of employment, were it necessary, for you could. Didn’t you live O. K. before you ever saw a railroad? Are we a set of invalids, cripples or paupers, that we can do nothing but office work, or can’t work for any one else except the rail- road companies? I would hate to acknowl- edge that I was. The truth is, brothers, from my observation, telegraphers as a class are too afraid they will get their hands soiled ; they are afraid of work, and it’s an undeniable truth that we are as a trade, too afraid of manual labor. We sit up in an office with standing collar on, cigarette (in- variably) in our mouth, and are afraid of our jobs. Bah ! Like the good old brother in the amen corner, “From such, oh Lord, deliver us.” I wish to be frank with you and say if we as a class of workmen had more backbone and true American man- hood about us, and were not so afraid of our “princely” (?) jobs, we would be this day getting more for our labor, in fact, would have been getting it long ago, and would be today up among the rest of the skilled trades, whereas, we are at the foot of the ladder, in fact, down among the lowest class of laborers, so far as our pay is concerned. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1491 Brothers, how long are we to stand for this kind of things? Let’s get a move on us and not be classed as a set of men with- out backbone, without grit, without nerve, any longer. We certainly have the power, let’s use it. This old song of “Slow but sure,’’ “conservative action.” is all well and good if not used too long, but there is such a thing as too much of a thing, and if we move much slower than we are now it won’t be long before we are not in it at all, are clean out of sight far behind the march of progress. Tell me, honestly, are you ashamed to ask for $75 and eight hours ? Do you think it’s asking too much ? Bah ! Five hundred dol- lars per month would not be too much. Do you, for one minute, believe all the rot that you read in the newspapers about the rail- road companies being too harshly dealt with; that they are not making expenses? If you do, I am sorry for your caliber of a cranium. Do you believe all the noise and news- paper blow about the material costing the railroad companies “more” than anyone else? If you do believe it, don’t tell any- body so, at least any sensible man. Go tell it to some street “gamey.” Don’t you know that material costs the small contractor more than it does the railroad company, for the simple reason that the railroad company buys it in larger quantities, and naturally gets it cheaper ? Then, again, they get their material cheaper by giving some firm a small reduction in rates for “their” stuff if they will give the railroad company a re- duced rate on material, and then to try and poke such stuff down the throats of sensible men, bah! On the other hand the small contractor pays more for his labor than the trust or corporations, also the same way with the small transportation companies. They, as a rule, pay more for their labor and always more for their material than the larger corporations do, and then for us to swallow such rot as that, that their stuff cost so much more. Oh, rats ! We are, in regard to asking for more wages, very much like the nigger slaves in olden times. After they got their freedom a great many wanted to stay around their masters, for they had been slaves so long that they did not realize what freedom really did mean. Will some one point out to me the difference between the wage slaves of today and the black slaves of a few years ago? The only difference I can see is their color of skin. But enough! The more I think about it the madder I get, and all the more so for the fact that we have the remedy to get rid of this wage slavery if we will only wake up and use it, “power to burn,” but not the nerve to use it. I would like to hear from some of the Grand Officers on this thing — something definite, too. As a faint suggestion would say why can’t we take it like the trainmen, one side of the entire country at a time, say the entire country east of the Mississippi River as far south as the Gulf of Mexico, and east to the Atlantic. Make the demand all at one time, and if we do and have to go out to get it, the first man that scabs I hope God Almighty in His all-wise providence, will cut him off in the midst of his wrong- doing. Now to some of the Grand Officers, let’s hear you “make a noise” like a plan for that $75 Per' and eight hours, and let’s see what it sounds like. Let’s hear from members and Grand Officers alike, something definite, and hear quick, too. Let’s don’t let it finally die like the bond question did. “Florida Alligator.” ANOTHER PHA8E OF THE STUDENT QUE8TION. I have before me a little article clipped from a newspaper of recent date, which I think will interest you all, especially as it touches on the all-important student ques- tion. The student question has been dis- cussed from all its standpoints at various times in our journal, but, I think what I have to present to you here is a new wrin- kle of this question. The article mentioned reads as follows : “The Pennsylvania Rail- road Company has decided to open a school of telegraphy in Bedford and will charge a small tuition, which will be refunded when the pupil becomes proficient in the work and accepts a position with the company. On account of the new eight-hour law more operators will be required to do the work. Mr. J. Floyd Cessna, who has been an effi- cient employe of the company, will be the Digitized by VjOOQle

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1492 The Railroad Telegrapher. instructor and we have no doubt that, under his management, there will soon be a large number of learners.” In order that all the brothers may have no trouble in “getting next” a note of ex- planation will not be out of place here as to the locality of this place. The town of Bed- ford is the county seat of Bedford County, Pa., and is also the seat of the executive offices of the Bedford Division of the Penn- sylvania Railroad. In this out-of-the-way place, where the natives do not see an up- to-date train once in a year, is where this so-called school of telegraphy is to be opened up. The “rustics” are always the easiest to rope in, you know. I have in my mind a mental picture of the visions of greatness and the promises of “responsible” positions which will be held out to the un- suspecting country lads which may or will be roped into this great (?) school. But I am getting away from the point I wish to make. This so-called “efficient employe,” who is taking charge of this business, I understand, was once a brother, and that not so very long ago, I am sorry to say. Now what is your candid opinion of a man of this stripe? I can hear your answer plainly. Brothers, we all know how to treat them. As for me, I can word no expression too contemptible to express my honest opin- ion of this man. If any brother should ever meet up with him let the watch word of our Order, “No cards, no favors,” be strictly adhered to. Cert. 658. TAKE A VOTE. We have been discussing the eight-hour law and also have been reading different ar- ticles printed in The Telegrapher regard- ing the same, and as it seems that some of the different States are beating out the boys and disregarding the eight-hour laws of those States, it looks as if it might be possi- ble that the same thing will be attempted when our national law goes into force on March 4, 1908. Now the next thing for us to do is to see that we get what we justly deserve and see that this law is put into effect, and in order to do this we as a body must do something that will protect us and enforce what we believe to be just. The time to take these steps is now. Suppose we, as a body, take each railroad separately and vote and see just how all the boys feel on this subject and see if we, as a body, are going to allow the railway companies to defeat this bill now it has passed, or even lengthen the time it goes into force, or whether we will take a united stand and demand that it be enforced. Now, to get this information, and be ready as soon as possible, we would sug- gest that in the next month’s issue of The Telegrapher a blank space be provided for each member to vote, and send this vote to our president, so he may, in the November issue, print results from each road separ- ately or as a body, as the president may think consistent. We hope that no member will neglect this important duty. We can all talk and read articles and offer suggestions, but this will accomplish nothing, but should we take this vote and be ready to protect our rights, and if neces- sary walk out until we have accomplished what we desire, some progress will be made. Now, if the railway companies find that we are in dead earnest and mean what we say, regarding this matter, I am of the be- lief that it will not be necessary to take drastic measures. We as a body must get after this matter at once, as this should have went into effect six months from the time it was passed in- stead of a year, and without a doubt, un- less we take this stand the railway com- panies will endeavor to prolong the time. Let us hear how others feel, and how our president feels also regarding this matter. Yours in S. O. & D., Cert. 273, N. D. Van Auker, Agent. Cert. 395, F. W. Knapp, Night Opr. CONNECTICUT EIGHT-HOUR LAW. The railroad telegraphers throughout the State of Connecticut are rejoicing over the success of the eight-hour bill, which will become effective January 1, 1908. There were so many who took an active part in this accomplishment that it is hardly fair to mention any particular ones. How- ever, among those most prominent of the telegraphers was Bro. E. C. Terry, of New Haven, chairman, and his associates on the Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1493 telegraphers’ Legislative Committee ; also the work of Bro. J. E. Leete, of Hartford, and that of the various local chairmen should not be overlooked, directed as were all by Bro. Terry, who had systematized the work to a minimum. Every telegrapher in the State was kept posted, and in this way an interested individual work was carried on with the respective Representatives and Senators. Representative Connors, from Enfield, in- troduced the bill, and to his untiring and influential support, together with that of Representative Griswold, of Guilford; Tib- bits, of Wallingford ; Hoadley, of Branford, and Dunn, of Williamantic, the telegraph fraternity of Connecticut may well feel grateful, for these honorable gentlemen took a deep interest, sacrificing much freedom on other measures in order to maintain the necessary support for the success of this eight-hour bill. Representative Griswold, whose legisla- tive ability is pretty well known throughout the State, collected some very convincing data, which he brought to bear, not only in the House, but the Senate, as well. Further than this, his influence was extended to Governor Woodruff, and was assured by that honorable gentleman that the bill would receive his signature. In the Senate the merits of the bill were expounded by the able Senators Judson, of Stratford ; Donnelly, of Bridgeport, and At- water, of Meriden. These gentlemen, as well as all those who supported the measure, have won the everlasting gratitude of the telegraph fraternity of the State, and we mean to remember them whenever the op- portunity is presented. H. M. Williams, Cert. 373, Div. 29. HOURLY PAY. I have read so much about the eight-hour day and $75 minimum in the two years I have been a member of the Order that I am heartily tired of reading it. Why can’t we wake up and do something besides talk? We ourselves are to blame for receiving only about half as much as a freight fireman. Switchmen are paid at the rate of thirty- three cents an hour. In a conversation with one of these switchmen a short time ago he said he did not believe in working him- self to death, that he always lays off ten or twelve days in every month and only draws $80 or $85 per. At the present rate of pay we are receiving if any telegrapher would lay off ten days every month he would have to go on one meal a day and sleep under some one’s porch at night. The time for us to remedy our present conditions is now. We are finely organized and have the national nine-hour law in our favor. I don’t think it necessary for a vote of all members to be taken in order to find out what we want. This matter has been threshed out long enough. What I would suggest is this, to go into effect January 1, 1908: 1. To be paid at the rate of thirty cents per hour (except Sundays). 2. All Sunday work to be paid for at over-time rates, or sixty cents per hour. 3. Telegraphers held on duty during meal hours to be paid one hour’s overtime pro rata. 4. Extra compensation for telegraphers who are required to handle interlockers, switches, pumps, crossing gates, etc. Double pay on Sunday is something which very few roads have, although it is only just. Even double pay is a very poor com- pensation when one is compelled to sit in a dingy office all that day, deprived of the privilege of going to church or to some place of recreation or amusement. Many operators seem to think that with our coming eight-hour day we had not ought to ask for meal-hour overtime. Why not? Don’t factory workers, stenographers, and, in fact, all other working people who work from seven to nine hours per day have at least an hour at noon? In case their em- ployers were so busy that they insisted upon their working this meal hour I am very sure they would pay them for it without any complaint whatever. As I have said before, the time for us to act is now. I would suggest that the officers of the O. R. T. instruct the committees of all scheduled roads to demand what we have coming to us, to go into effect January 1, 1908. This thirty cents per hour, with Sunday over- time. is not unreasonable, and we will get it if we only insist upon having it. Digitized by Google

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1494 The Railroad Telegrapher. Before my pipe goes out I must say a few words in regard to the nine-hour law which we are supposed to have, beginning March 4, 1908. As the railroad companies are fighting the State eight-hour laws, so will they fight the national nine-hour law. If we allow the companies to beat us out of our eight-hour day we certainly are the biggest lot of fools that ever existed, and should deserve no sympathy whatever. All that is necessary for us to do is to inform the companies, very plainly, that unless they come down with the necessary on March 4, 1908, we will walk out and stay out. then they will very soon be able to get plenty of operators. Would like to hear from some of the boys in regard to this thirty cents per hour, with Sunday overtime. If Bro. Quick’s blue pencil is not sharp- ened and this gets in print I will come again. Cert. 763, Div. 2. THE SURER WAY TO SUCCES8. Much is being written about the eight- hour day and $75 per month minimum. To iny way of thinking, this is all wrong. Time and money thrown away. Instead of get- ting at the cause of the trouble, and apply- ing the remedy to that, we are only kicking and doing nothing to help ourselves, nor any one else, except the railroad companies, by doing more work for less pay. Now brothers, organization, it seems to me, to be the foundation of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. According to the records I have in my possession nothing has ever helped the agent -operator and operator like the O. R. T., and should we build a solid foundation by eliminating th£ “non” by making him a member, wc would have that foundation complete, but it would re- quire constant watching, as do other foun- dations of other things, and repaired when needed. Let us be up and doing. Don’t sit at your table, in your eight by ten shack, thinking and dreaming of the future when the eight hours will constitute a day's work, and our checks will be marked by a seven and a five, with dollars behind that. Think of the present, and how are wc to get this. That over in the next shack is a stumbling block, get him out of the way, write him a friendly note, explain to him what you want, what he needs, be friendly with him, and, nine times out of ten, you will add another solid stone to the foundation of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. Don’t get your pen and write a column or two with plans to eliminate it, every time you run up against a new grievance or wrong heaped upon you. These are read with interest by the officials. No need to tell them how weak you and your Order are on his line. He judges from your articles how much more imposition you will stand, and does accordingly, and when your com- mittee goes before him, he already knows what your grievances are, and you have fur- nished him plenty of excuses to continue to impose on you by suggesting remedies in your articles, perhaps written months be- fore. Your committee returns with no schedule or one very unsatisfactory and you blame the committee and Order for not helping you out, when you were the one that tied the hands of the committee by your brilliant articles written some time before. Brothers, brush the cobwebs from your brain, look into the future. Does your fu- ture look encouraging? Does the “eight hours and $75 minimum” appear any nearer than it did last year? If not, why not? Could you not assist in building the founda- tion of your Order on which you are de- pending for relief, or will you sit and tear down this foundation already builded by refusing to send in your remittances, and allowing the students free access to your office and key? Think you not that the “nous” are not watching the bearer of ihe wreath and sounder? That non over in the next “shack,” what have you done to get him to come into the Order beyond “cuss” him because he does not understand where it would benefit him or you? Brains has brought the world to its pres- ent civilization. Could it not bring the O. R. T. to the highest standard of perfection, were they employed in the right direction? Would a battle ever be won if the privates should attempt to direct, or complain that they could not do anything, setting forth Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 149S their grievances in whining tones, instead of. like men, fighting for the right? In the ranks of the O. R. T. there arc brains, in the officials there are brains equal to any that the world has, but they, like the general, must depend on the privates to carry out instructions, get recruits and fight the battles, and if we do not stick to our officials, and get the required number of re- cruits enlisted in our ranks, how are we to ever accomplish anything, or to win a bat- tle? Brothers, be up and doing, recruits are on every hand, ready to join in this great struggle for the right, the enlisting officers have and are doing all they can, but you are privileged to assist, not by airing your griev- ances, thereby showing your weakness, but by enlisting in the ranks the recruits that are daily talking and working with you. Will you take the field and quit waiting for the other fellows? Many of the operators are already doing this, are you? The future is before us, we can build up a solid foundation for our organization, and through this solid foundation adjust all our grievances. Will you assist in this or must we, like the slave of old, continue to do the Master’s bidding, regardless of the right or wrong, and meekly submit to every petty official cutting our salary, “to cut ex- penses ?” The time has arrived for your plans to be put in operation, but they, like the founda- tion, discard them, and build up the only hope of the operator, the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, and by doing this you will eliminate your personal grievances, and other grievances that you are thinking of. Don’t let the trouble overshadow the rem- edy. Clear your brain and search for the remedy, “There is a balm for every evil,” and. brothers, ours is organization. Cert. 91, Div. 59. CANADIAN MEMBER8, GET BU8Y. If the nine-hour law for United States telegraphers takes effect March 4, 1908, why should not the same privilege be granted to us in Canada? Every' month I read the different corre- spondents of The Telegrapher without missing a single article, although I notice that they all concern telegraphers of the United States, while in my opinion there should be one or two pages of our journal filled by some of our boys in Canada. Why not brace up, and show our col- leagues that we belong to the same conti- nent they do. The telling to a friend of your town that you have to work long hours for a small pay will never better your position. Your duty is to suggest a nine-hour law and a $75 minimum through the columns of The Telegrapher, and fight for it until such time as it becomes illegal to work more than nine hours a day for less than $75 a month. Would like to hear from others concerning this subject. “QO,” Cert. 715, Div. 7. MORE ABOUT GOVERNMENT OWNER- SHIP OF RAILROAD8. I am opposed to government ownership of railroads, but would welcome public ownership. Government ownership and control of railroads while the government is in the hands of professional politicians who hold their office by virtue of their loyalty to the capitalist interests of the country is not a thing to be desired. It might be a nice thing for the large shippers and bond- holders, but I am unable to see just where it would benefit the thousands of men who work for the railroads. Experience has taught me that the government (political party in power) has very little use for the working class, except during campaign, which fact was evinced at the national con- ventions of both the Democratic and Re- publican parties and corroborated by their platforms. To use the words of the Amer- ican Industries , the official organ of the Manufacturers’ Association, “that two labor lobbies, partly similar in makeup, were, to put it bluntly, thrown out bodily in both places.” The grand convention hall at St. Louis was packed with corporation lobbyists and professional politicians and two thous- and choice seats were reserved for the “Business Men’s League,” an organization hostile to organized labor, but there was no room for the men who worked in the mine and mill, the farm or the railroad. To place the railroads in the hands of such a govern- Digitized by Google

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1496 The Railroad Telegrapher. ment where one man by virtue of his mil- lions has more power in shaping legislation than ten thousand honest workingmen, would be folly. But when working men will lay away their partisan prejudices and become class conscious enough to unite upon the political field, to gather the work- ers of factory and field, railroad and mine under one banner; get control of the func- tions of government, provide for the elec- tion by popular vote of Senators, Federal Judges, postmasters and all officers who are authorized to employ labor, then owner- ship of railroads under such a government would be public ownership and would bene- fit the men necessarily instrumental in their operation. Cert. 455, Div. 32. MORE ABOUT $75 MINIMUM. This is my first attempt as a writer, but I think the time is at hand when we should all take an interest in the journal. There are just a few words I wish to say regard- ing the $75 minimum. The public is just beginning to realize what a telegrapher amounts to and what a panic it would throw the country in provid- ing every man would say no more work for me until we are paid what is right. The commercial telegraphers are starting the ball rolling as if they mean business and I do not see why it is not time for us to do the same if we ever expect to get any- thing for our long hours and hard work. We are certainly sure we can get nothing from any railroad that we don’t ask for and then put up a good fight for it. With the nine-hour law which goes into effect March 1st, and a $75 minimum we could begin to feel as if we were alive and were recognized as human beings. But as it is now we do not get any more than a common section hand according to the number of hours they work. The way the co. i of living is at the pres- ent time it will run in our next month pay nearly every time to straighten up on pay day. Every man should put his shoulder to the wheel and make the railroads understand that we are getting to that stage of the game where we have got to be recognized as men instead of beasts of burden. The Order of Railroad Telegraphers can claim at least three-fourths of the railroad telegraphers as members. What would the others do in running the railroads of the country to-day providing we quit work all at once? It would mean a general tie-up for all roads and effect the business of the country more to-day than any other class of workingmen. The companies could not rush in a bunch of green men and have them go ahead with the work in a couple of weeks, as they do in most every other branch of business. Every one stick and we are sure to come out on top in the end. “RN.” AN EIGHT-HOUR WORKDAY. It is not necessary to dwell on the twelve- hour work-day for telegraphers, as any ordinary minded man can see at a glance that of all people in any town to take ad- vantage of social functions, that the rail- road man is the last one. Why? because after ht has worked his twelve hours it is seven o’clock p. m., or vice versa ; he then drills home, tired, and by the time he could get ready to go, it is eight o'clock — well, most things are fairly begun by that time. No one will want to get there after all others are there ahead, so he will stay at home, read a little, and then seek repose, so he will be fit to attend to the arduous duties next day. This is no exception, but is the rule; seven days per week, twelve hours per day, or eighty-four hours per week. Now, it is up to any one to show me any other skilled laborer who works that length of time for one week. Here we are doing what no other class of skilled work- men will do; and what is more, we are doing it for about half, or even less, money than other crafts are doing in two-thirds of this time. It is now time that we act instead of talk. The national nine-hour law will have taken effect March 4, 1908, unless it is set aside by the Interstate Commerce Commis- sion, on the plea from the railroads that they can not secure sufficient men to manipulate the keys. Now, are we going to sit still and see this law set aside, when we can prevent it? Do you want to be set aside with it and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1497 continue to work twelve hours, when, by a stiff backbone and upper lip, we can have the good things that are now due us? Now is the time to awake from our trance and tell our General Chairman how we stand and what they can expect from us. What we should do is for every road in this country to walk out on March 4th, next, and tie things up until we are recognized. What we want is an eight-hour work-day, at $75 minimum; and if we as a body will only demand it, and stand by our demands, we will be working under an entirely dif- ferent system this time next year. It is ours for the asking. Another thing that we should see to, is that our treasury holds adequate funds to carry us through in case of any trouble, and if we should each donate $5 to this cause, our treasury would have at least $200,000 for this cause, and we would not miss the money. We should get ready to withstand a severe test, if necessary, and then go in to win. Our motto should be “Determina- tion,” and nothing should hold us back. Will now let some other brother have the floor and let him give us his views, as the time to act is here. Cert. 112, Drv. 91. THIRTY-FIVE CENTS PER HOUR. We see much about the nine-hour law of late, also the $75 minimum. Don’t you know, my dear brothers, we will grow old and gray waiting for this to be threshed out in the courts? The railroads are going to try every way possible to get around this law, and will do so, if it takes ten years to do it, and at the same time cost our Order a large sum of money to fight for this law. There is no one concerned in this mat- ter but us, and before we know it, the railroads will have men in Congress knocking this law higher than a kite, if we don’t keep men a moving to look out for it, and it is going to take a bunch of them, too. So, why not save all this expense and worry by just getting together (all roads west of Chicago) and say, “Mr. Railroad, keep your nine-hour law ; we want 35 cents an hour, or we will quit!” Why not do the job up right while we are at it, then it will not have to be fought for in every Congress for the next twenty-five years. The brothers at the one-man stations would feel more like they were walking out for their own benefit also, if we have it to do. Let us hear from a more competent source on this subject. If this does not cause a “brain-storm,” I may come again. V. G. Foster, Cert. 1,174, Div. 32. TIME TO DO SOMETHING. Brothers and sisters, attention! I want every brother and sister to listen to what I have to say : Don’t you know it is time we were doing something? Well, yes. Well, what are you doing? There is one subject we must settle at once and every one must give it their undivided attention. I refer to the nine-hour law, which goes into effect March 4 next. What are we going to do about it? Are we going to sit around with our hands in our pockets and let somebody else do something? Brothers and sisters, for the love of home and heaven, get busy for this one time. Get out your little piece of paper and write our honorable president and our worthy editor and make them fill the pages of our next journal plumb full of this one subject and nothing else. We must have a wage scale in effect before this law goes in effect, and we must have it on an hourly basis, if we ever expect to get nine hours or eight hours, even if it is a law. Does not common sense tell you that the railroads are going to have the law postponed, if pos- sible, as long as they pay a monthly wage? And don’t common sense tell you they are not going to worry themselves over it if they are paying an hourly wage? At so much per hour it will make no difference to the railroads if they have one man or a dozen, the payroll is the same, but on a monthly basis the more men they employ the more the payroll, and for that reason alone they will fight the nine-hour law, and keep it from being put into effect, if pos- sible. Now, let us take this matter up at once and see it to a finish. Let us get up a sched- ule of thirty cents per hour minimum, and Digitized by Google

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1498 The Railroad Telegrapher. with time and a half for overtime over eight hours, and let us have all committees on all railroads in the United States present this schedule to their officials, not later than January i, 1908. and then let us stay by it and have it effective not later than March 4. 1908. Do you “13” me? Now get busy everybody, if you never did before in your life. Get busy this one time, and get your paper and pen right now and write our president and editor, and tell them this is what you want and what you will stick to, and keep right on and insist on something being done till something is done. Now, everybody work and work hard till some- thing is done, and we have pushed the old machine out of the rut (of $55 per) we are in. Will you do it? or are you going to sit by and see this and that discussed pro and con and nothing ever done? Do wake up now and do something, it will only take a small part of your time and will put dol- lars in your pocket. Will you do it? You don’t want your already meagre sal- ary cut in half when the new law goes into effect, do you? And you want eight hours next March, don’t you? Well, then, what are you going to do to help get it? Are you going to do your share? Do your part now. and success will assuredly be ours. It means better conditions and better working hours and living wages. Now let us all make a strong effort and at once, our time is short, so we must act quickly. I thank Bro. Cert. , Grand Division, and Bro. Cert. 718, Division 59, for their answers to mine in the July Telegrapher. and I hope others will see this thing clearly and give us their ideas at once. Cert. 409, Div. 33. CUMBERLAND 6, PENNSYLVANIA RY. I will dedicate this article to the nons of this end. and hope that they may be bene- fited by it. I will commence by defining the word non as I see it. A non is a thing. I will not say man, who does not hesitate to accept charity from his fellow union workmen, who says, cither, “I have no money to join the union,” or ‘‘I do not believe in unions.” The first excuse is bad enough, hut for the person who makes it there is still hope. The man who uses the second is a curse among his fellow- workmen, and the quicker he gets work elsewhere the better it is for the honest laboring man. We have several nons on this end who are nons because they have not been work- ing long enough to become our brothers, and I am sure that not one of the brothers has anything against them. Our hard feelings are for the men who have been working side by side with us for years, who have received, with us, all the good things that our Order has given to all telegraphers, and have given nothing for its support. We also have several backslid- ers, men who were good union men two years ago, and who are now classed with the nons. Brothers, let us show these back- sliders* the full meaning of the motto of our Order, “No card, no favors.” B. & O. Div. 33, Cert. 1272. “ENOUGH SAID, LETS GET BUSY.” I have been a silent member in the past, hut have been a worker. There has been a great deal said in our Telegrapher about the $75 minimum and eight hours. Yes, that would he a great thing, but, in my estimation, it would only be a point from which to work to obtain greater things. Brothers and sisters, stop a moment and think. There is the engineer, the brake- man and the conductor, each drawing a sal- ary double, or nearly so, to what the teleg- rapher does. To he a telegraph operator one has to have at least a fair education, which is not required in many of the other branches Then why do we work for such poor wages? It is simply because there is a great lack of action among us. Let us get busy and act, work for our- selves and the Order. Get after the nons and bring them into our noble organization. Every little bit helps, and don’t let some one else do that little bit when you can do it with the least inconvenience to yourself. I am in favor of a general vote on the demand for $75 or more and eight hours, and as our brother, Cert. 177, Div. 52, in the August Telegrapher, says, let every brother and sister in the United States, Capad^ and , Mexico be notified by circular Digitized by Goo£ e

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1499 letter that on the first day of March, 1908, that we. the railroad telegraphers of the United States, Canada and Mexico (also ask the nons to join us) will make a stand for an eight-hour day and $75 minimum or MORE. If this is not granted, why, our only sal- vation* is a general walk-out. If there is any class of skilled labor that is in need of a better working scale and more money, it is the railroad telegrapher. If this finds its way into our Telegrapher I will try and come again, if not, I will still be an earnest worker and shout for eight hours and $75 or more. If we make a stand, boys, it must be gen- eral and I feel sure that we will win, as our cause is just. I will now make a noise like a clam and close. Cert. 897, Div. 8. TIME TO WAKE UP. Why do you slumber while the harvest is waiting? Why do the telegraphers continue to sleep, oblivious to every thing, even their own sacred rights and interests? save only that they must eke out an existence, and are content to accept just whatever corpor- ations see fit to lavish on us? This is the condition now existing, and has existed since the time telegraphy was first invented. Ours is one of the highest and most re- sponsible callings of all skilled labor, and it is ours to dictate, not to be dictated to. It is ours to command our own wages, not to accept, with a gracious bow, what the corporations see fit to give us for our ser- vice. Do we not hold the very pulse of the entire world at our finger tips? And if we one and all refuse to tip our fingers, what is the remedy? What can we do? Have you stopped to consider this most important question? Stop now, brothers, for one moment and think what you hold in your grasp, and how cheaply you have been holding it ! I know that the teleg- raphers, as a class, are reasonably fair- minded men, and will not take undue ad- vantage of the power they hold. They have been too fair minded for their own good. They have been fair in their dealings with their employers and have been dishonest with themselves. Yes, they have actually robbed their*own families of the necessities of life in order to be fair with their em- ployers. They have continued toiling and slaving, wearing out their youth and strength working long hours, only to swell the funds of the already rich corporations, only to wind up in a few years as old men. completely broken down by the ever nerve- racking strain. Old and worn out. when really they should be in the prime of life. This has been the life of the telegraphers in general. How long will these conditions exist? How long are you going to let them exist? Brothers, the answer is with you ! The remedy is with you! It has been held out to you continuously for over twenty years. The O. R. T. “Are the telegraphers a pro- gressive class ?” Present conditions point decidedly to the negative. Again, I say it is time to wake up and review the situation. A very few seem to be alive to the fact that they still have something to work for, but it is time for the whole telegraph world to wake up to a realization of the actual conditions that are bearing so forcibly upon us. Not only wake up, but apply the rem- edy that will, in a measure, rectify what criminal negligence and indifference has brought upon 11s. Criminal? Yes, inasmuch as it has caused innocent women and chil- dren to want for the actual necessities of life. The O. R. T. and thorough organiza- tion is the only remedy for this evil, but so long as the members are content, each one to let the other fellow do the thinking, solicit the nons, attend the meetings, make new agreements with the general manager, and show a general lack of interest in what should interest them most of all, what else can you expect? What do you expect the corporations to do? Certainly you do not expect them to force you to accept a gen- erous yearly increase in wages. Now is the time to wake up and be alive to the sit- uation. Let every member of the O. R. T. appoint himself a committee of one, to further our interests, to help complete thor- ough organization. Then when March 4th rolls around, regardless of what action the Interstate Commerce Commission or the National Congress takes in regard to the Digitized by Google

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1500 The Railroad Telegrapher. nine-hour law, we will be in a position to bravely step to the front and say what we are going to do, that we have been dictated to long enough, and now intend to have something to say in regard to the fruits of our labor. Let this be made one grand con- centrated move for eight hours and a $75 minimum east of the Mississippi, and an $80 minimum west. There is no reason why this can not be done if the move is properly carried on. It is useless for one road at a time to try such a move as this, but let the O. R. T. come to the front in one solid mass, backing up the demand from the sunny borders of Cen- tral America to the cold, frozen haunts of the Polar bear. Then victory is ours. “Ask and it shall be given.” But if we haven’t the nerve to ask, and to back up our demands, we deserve nothing, and, in turn, will receive nothing. While I am not exactly an “old timer,” still I have been here long enough to realize clearly just what it means to be tied down from twelve to twenty-four hours, and, sometimes, even forty-eight hours at a stretch, year in and year out. I realize that it is up to us to act, and act now, and not to depend too much on legislation to right our wrongs. There are too many loop- holes, too many private individuals, and too many corporations with their unclean money having laws enacted to suit their own spe- cial interests, for us to take any chances on “what might happen,” but let us make the happening an assured reality. Let March 4th be the date for this de- mand to be made, and if not granted, let every operator in Canada, Mexico and the good old U. S. A. walk out. They would come to terms in less than twenty-four hours, for this would not simply tie up one little road, where they might be able to get enough scabs to half-way operate a few trains, but it would tie up the whole con- tinent, and those who are not members would realize that we would win in the end. so would come out with us. Understand that I am not in favor of strikes bo long as there is any other satisfactory means of adjusting our grievances. But this grievance is of such long stand- ing that nothing but drastic means is going to accomplish our aim. This is the only way the goal is to be taken, so let us be ready for the fight when the time comes. This is my honest, candid version of the situation, and I trust that it will be favor- ably received by the majority of our craft. Let a vote be taken and see where we stand. A combined effort is sure to win. so let this and the eight-hour day and $75 minimum be our watch-word, with the max- imum not yet in sight. W. L. Miller, Cert. 314, Div. 40. SHOULD LEVY A $50 ASSESSMENT. In the different articles appearing in our journal regarding the eight-hour day, and the $75 minimum, or walk out on March 1, 1908, we notice that the brothers, to date, have made no suggestion as to how we are going to get the funds to back us in this struggle. We are aware of the fact that we should have a very large fund to make this fight with, and would like to suggest that a special assessment be made of $50 on each member, to be paid in monthly pay- ments. the last payment to be made not later than February 1, 1908. If the railroads should grant our request without a strike the money to be refunded. Now, what do you say to this, you brothers that have been “popping” off for some time? We can run a locomotive with steam, but must have fuel to keep the steam up. Each member is requested to carefully consider this and express his views on the question. Cert. 4809. Grand Div. Cert. 993, Div. 93. FROM A LADY MEMBER. I have been reading with great interest articles from different brothers, in the July and August numbers of The Telegrapher, and although I feel there is not much left to say, I just want to let you know that I am with you for the $75 minimum, or thirty cents per hour, which is better, and we will have to get to work and work hard if we get it by March 4, 1908. I fear that the great trouble with most of us is, we think and talk too much about this question without acting. I read The Railroad Telegrapher long before I was old enough to join, and wished Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1501 then that I could help the boys, and I only waited until I had been a telegrapher the required length of time, before I became a member, and although I am only a girl, and not a very big one at that, every little helps, and I am willing to do my share. Surely, we are not working against the railroad companies when we demand jus- tice. everyone certainly has a right to work for the interests of himself and his family, the railroad company can not but acknowl- edge that. The very best men the companies have, and those who are always ready to render them the best of service, are members of the O. R. T., and we can insure them better men and better service with shorter hours and better wages. But, as Cert. 718, Div. 59, says, the railroads are not going to offer it to us, we have got to go after it. This $75 minimum has been talked of for years, and I fear will only be talked of for several years to come, unless we all get together and act. If you know of any nons along the line don't let them rest until you have convinced them that it is to their interests to come with us. If they are not willing to come in and help support the Order, they should not be willing to accept the benefits derived from the Order. We could do so much more if we were solid, and I hope it will not be long before we are so. Well, brothers and sisters, I have said more than I had really intended when I started, so I had better quit and make room for some one who is better at writing than I am. Cert. 222, Div. 21. THIRTY CENT8 PER HOUR. I want to express my opinion in this mat- ter of more money. I believe every one that is required to do any telegraphing at all should have 30 cents an hour for every hour that he is on duty. I am an agent, and I know that we earn that, and we should have it, and there should be an arti- cle in the schedule that we sign that there shall be no United States mail or pumps to look after, or handle in any way, as one of our brothers in the August magazine says : Why make dray mules of ourselves. If we want to do that we should go into some other line of business, and be dressed for it, and not spoil a good suit of clothes every day or so. That work does not come in our line, and they would not want us to do it if they were not making a good thing out of it. We are taking care of the most impor- tant part of the railroad work; handling their trains, passengers, freight and money, and we should have pay for our work ac- cordingly. Look at the section foremen getting from $60 to $75 per month. What is the use of our knowing anything if we do not make some use of it for our own ben- efit? I think as Cert. No. 279, in the Au- gust journal does, that the hourly pay is the best solution of the question, and noth- ing less than 30 cents. Have a committee from every road meet, whether scheduled or not. Formulate a scale for all. Cut out the United States mail, pumps, and all such work, and notify all railroads that on a certain date we will all leave our work un- less we are granted what we ask in every respect, and stay out until we receive word that all is O. K. Cert. 680. SHOULD DEMAND RIGHT8. What sweet dreams we are having about the short hours and the enormous quantity of “long green" that will come our way after March 4, 1908. Dreams that will come true when every telegrapher makes it his law not to work more than eight hours, an i not for less than $/5, and not before. Rail- roads have never been accused of being of a charitable disposition, so why should they comply with any such laws, when their men are holding down the bench in courts all over this “free" country of ours, men that are paid to tie such cases up in courts, or give decisions favorable to their employer (trust). But, brothers, we can make a few laws of our own, laws that will give us some of our rights, rights that have been denied us so long that lots of our best men have passed the day that they can ever hope to enjoy them. We can never hope to win this grand stroke towards freedom without the power of our entire force, and the best way to get that power working is to shower our views into the president so thick that he can see we mean business, and then we can look for “doings.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1502 The Railroad Telegrapher. I am strongly in favor of a general move- ment, take them all at once and they can’t give us the old, wornout gag about paying more than neighboring roads. And I think anyone that will read the August number of our journal will be convinced that the members of this organization want to make a general stand for eight hours and a liv- ing salary. Why not give us a vote on it? Some of the members suggest that each one write personally to the president, but there would be a great number that would never think of doing such a thing, so I think the best way to get everyone’s views on the question is to leave it to a vote. Just a word about the $75 minimum. There certainly is not a telegrapher in the United States that don’t earn that much, but there’s not a man in the West that don’t earn a great deal more. A section foreman here gets his $3 per day, and over- time if he works; a brakeman gets $94.60, overtime at the rate of 38 cents per hour, some of them making as high as $160 in a month; freight conductors receive $119 and 48 cents an hour overtime, while passenger conductors get $150. Now, how does $75 show up with those figures? I am in favor of the hour basis, but make it 40 cents in this country. Forty cents per hour, eight hours per day, and thirty days per month only makes $96, a brakeman’s pay. Are we worth as much to the company as a brake- man? I think so. Cert. 1798, Div. 53. THE ONLY WAY. I notice in the August issue of The Telegrapher Cert. 103, Division 95, seems to have hit the nail on the head about the eight-hour day and $75 minimum, especially should this be effective with the agent-teleg- raphers, and the “one-man jobs.’’ And this great move, in my opinion, should begin at once, direct from our officials in authority in St. Louis. Let us all look to them with our shoulder to the wheel, and whatever they do will be satisfactory to us, and we will abide by their decision. They can stnd their notices to all railway officials, by reg- istered mail, some time last of December, so as to give them at least sixty days’ no- tice, and if it failed, Bro. Perham could do like the commercial men did, issue a gen- eral call ; but 1 think the latter would be a “thing of the past,” as railway officials know we earn it, and know by a gtneral call of this kind that we mean business. I forgot to say that in the notice we should, under all circumstances, mention the mail-bag, and take it off of the agent- telegraphers. And the bond question should be taken up ; contract or no contract ; schedules or no schedules ; let this come to pass first, then we all would be on an equal footing, and could get what we could after- wards through our local committee. Then nothing but union men could get employ- ment. We are strong enough to demand it universally, and we deserve it, and March 1, 1908, is the time to take it. Old Virginia. THE EIGHT-HOUR DAY AND $75 MIN- IMUM. Still we write and talk about the eight- hour day and $75 minimum through the pages of The Railroad Telegrapher. We see letter after letter dealing with this mat- ter, and we are of the opinion that sufficient has been said, and our next move should be to act. It is a well-known fact that every telegrapher in the United States is in favor of an eight-hour day and $75, and is anx- iously waiting the time when this matter will be taken up by our grand officers ask- ing for a vote on the subject. Thousands have been talking and dreaming of the eight-hour-day March 4, 1908, but there are many who are of the opinion that the new national nine-hour law will not benefit us as much as was first supposed, and, therefore, we are in favor of taking the matter in our own hands, making a stand for the eight- hour day and $75. We would like a vote taken on this important matter, and believe that the returns would be a tidal wave in favor of this move. We do not believe that the new national nine-hour law will put us on an eight-hour basis March 4, 1908. We are of the opinion that the various railroads will find some means of putting us off by having the law declared unconstitutional, or fight it in some way, as is now being done by rail- roads in the State of Missouri over the eight-hour law. Even if the railroads obey Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1503 the nine-hour law, how do we know that this will mean eight hours? Can they not work us the full nine hours and chain-gang the men making them take their turn as it comes, which will mean that the telegra- phers will be going on and coming off duty at all hours in night and day, just as their turns come, and this will make it worse than a full twelve-hour-day. There are many tactics that will be resorted to by the railroad companies to make things unpleas- ant for us regarding the new nine-hour- law, besides this, there is a proviso in the bill that makes it almost worthless to day men where there is no night office, because then these men will have to work the same old long day of twelve hours, and, perhaps, thirteen, and sometimes more, but if we don’t depend upon the law, and take things in our own hands, and demand the eight- hour-day, we will then know that we will get it, and there will be no provisos and other things in our bill to make things of no benefit to hundreds, but will effect all alike. But take it for granted we get eight hours, will our salaries go any higher? Cer- tainly not. but the railroad will set about to reduce the wages proportionately when the eight-hour law takes effect ; therefore, brothers we feel that the matter should be taken in our own hands, and a demand made for the eight-hour day and $75 mini- mum. This is not a time to sit still and allow ourselves to drift along. March 4, 1908, will be a turning point in the lives of the railroad telegraphers, and the turn will be win all or lose all; just as we desire. Now is the time to act, and it is hoped that every telegrapher will wake up and take some interest, and help things along toward the betterment of our condi- tion. How long will the telegraphers sit still and allow every other class of work- ingmen to get ahead of them in the mat- ter of better wages and shorter hours? What other class of men have upon their shoulders responsibility equal to that of the telegrapher? Who is it that holds the lives of the traveling public in his hands? The telegrapher, of course. This has been proven and the world is being educated up to this fact. The findings of the Interstate Com- merce Commission, in recent investigations of railroad accidents, such as the terrible disaster that occurred on the Southern Rail- way last winter, in which President Spen- cer and his party lost their lives, goes to show that it is the telegrapher who has to shoulder the responsibility for the safety of the traveling public. Twelve hours every day and Sunday, too, is too much for a man to work. He is not a machine, and any man who keeps this life up twelve hours every day in the year, without rest or rec- reation, is not responsible for accidents. The telegrapher, under past conditions, has done remarkably well to keep down the rail- road wrecks, and it is a wonder that there has not been more accidents due to the fact that telegraphers have been over-worked as well as underpaid, and as long as such con- ditions exist, we will have accidents, but when the telegrapher is given decent work- ing hours and paid living wages, the world will see accidents decreasing, and not until then can the traveling public ride over the railroads in safety. Bro. Perham is with us. Bro. Quick is with us, and the public, at last, have come to our rescue, after it has been demon- strated to them that it is to their interest to have good, competent telegraphers, because, when on trains, their lives are at stake. Let us storm headquarters at St. Louis with letters and petitions, putting this mat- ter of an eight-hour day and $75 minimum up to our president. Like the telegraphers stormed Congress in behalf of the eight- hour bill, and there will be nothing left for our president to do but start the ball rolling. Will you read this and pass it by, and depend upon things to shape themselves, or will you take the stand with me for the eight-hour day and $75 minimum, to take effect January I, 1908? All in favor of this move start your mes- sages, letters or petitions to Bro. Perham, asking that he take up this fight for us. Our president can’t act unless we request him to do so. He don’t know our wishes, but if we all come to him in a body and urge him to act for us I am of the opinion that he will do so. I would like to hear from some of the brothers next month through the pages of the journal. May you Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1504 The Railroad Telegrapher. wake up and not pass this by unheeded, as our future depends upon your action. I do not say that my ideas are correct. I may be wrong, and will gladly take down the colors if any brother will show me, but I am willing to risk this stand, and, as time rolls gently on, we will see who is right and who is wrong. Fraternally yonrs, Wade H. Cord, Local Chairman Chattanooga Division Southern Railway. Jake Vaughn, J. M. Bibee, V. M. Cagle, R. O. Daly, C. N. Griffth, C. B. Gray, J. R. Harris, J. K. Greer, W. M. Davis, W. T. Shoup, W. A. Houston, H. T. Yates, J. C. Chandler, J. C. Stanberry, H. G. Barkley, T. J. Stafford, Division 59, Local 400. UNITY OF ACTION. In looking over the August Telegrapher I am of the opinion that the subject taken *up by Cert. 13 is the most important to us at the present day. What would you think of a country hav- ing a standing army of 50,000 well-trained soldiers at war with another country send- ing one small regiment into the field at a time, say of about 300 men, and the bal- ance of that vast army standing back and allowing those poor fellows to be slaugh- tered? Now, brothers, that’s just what we are, and have bten doing year after year. It’s high time to adopt another plan by uniting our forces together and act as one large body. In that way we will be suc- cessful, but so long as we continue our present method, we will not have a chance to use our strength. During 1908 as early as March 1st, if possible, I would suggest that our president fix a date for all of the present, and to be revised schedules throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico, to terminate. That once done, then we can go ahead and do business. Then that old, everlasting excuse of the railroad officials, that other roads are not doing so and so, will be done away with, and they will be confronted with the full strength of our Order, which, so far, they haven’t had the opportunity of seeing — then these old requests that have been turned down, year after year, will be granted. With what the State Legislatures and National Congress have done for us, and what we can do if this plan can be adopted, we can accomplish more in one year than we can do in ten under our present method. I am for a uniform wage and schedule to cover all the roads in North America, and that schedule to take effect as early as possible in 1908, as we are already nearly thor- oughly organized, surely it shouldn’t be a hard matter to adopt united action. Cert. 183, Div. 8. 8HOULD LEVY MONTHLY ASSESS- MENT. I have just read Cert. 144, Div. 34’s, views in August number of The Telegra- pher, and they impress me as being one of the best suggestions by which we may reach our “goal,” namely: the eight-hour work- day and $75 per month minimum, that I have seen in our journal. It seems to me the wisest thing we can do is “in time of peace prepare for war,” and as near as I can figure, we have from now until March 4, 1908, to prepare. Now the question arises: how are we to prepare? My idea is this: Let each and every mem- ber on every organized road in the United States, and Canada and Mexico, be assessed $1 each per month from now until next March, which would only mean $6 apiece, then let each division put one of their btst up-to-date hustling members on the road and keep him there until every desirable non on each division is landtd in the ranks of our noble Order, which, I think, could be done between now and next March. Then, prior to March 4th, next, let each general committee on every organized road in the above-named territory prepare their grievance, and let that grievance be an Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1505 eight-hour work day and $75 per month min- imum, and simultaneously, on March 4th, present it to the management of each road, and I feel satisfied they will grant our de- mands, and if they don’t, go out, and stay until they do come across. I have been out of the service twelve months mainly on ac- count of long hours and poor pay, but I stand ready to meet any assessment our grand officers may see fit to impose to bet- ter our condition. Now, brothers, let’s get together and make this long-talked-of eight-hour day and $75 minimum not a dream, but a real- ity. Let’s have the sentiment of the mem- bers and grand officers on this plan, and if they think it a good one, adopt it, and everybody get busy. This is my motion. Do I hear a second? Cert. 13, Div. 9 7. GET BU8Y. While viewing the grand old journal for the month of July, we see the words that voices our heart’s throb, and it is written by our esteemed brother. Cert. 1059, Divis- ion 53. If we are to have an eight-hour work day with the $75 minimum, it’s only to be accomplished through our own efforts, and, in my opinion, as a whole, for, as the old adage has been recalled time and again through our mouth-piece, "our journal,” "in unity there is strength.” We have the strength, boys, and as . our brother says, call them out all over the United States at the same time. That’s the key-note, as we see it. Another thing that I wish to call your attention to is the telegraphing done for the Western Union, and also the Postal. We get the paltry sum of 10 per cent, which amounts to about $15 per month in towns of about 3,000, and yet, when they establish an up-town office in the towns that size, they are able to pay a salary of at least $50. Now, why is it that we can not get something nearer the proper commission ? Deeper yet, let us go, and say that in our existence as an operator we have never seen an error card issued in favor of the managers. In fact, a credit error card. They don’t manufacture them. If you think that you will have anything coming back to you. try it by remitting 25 cents over, and you will soon see that you are just out that amount. Did you ever fail to get a debit card for each month in the year? If you did, for goodness sake write me about it, for I am anxious to know when and how, and where they ever failed. Let us enter the political field, for- getting all political parties other than or- ganized labor, and put out a man that is a true, noble, honorable and upright man, and ask the aid of our fellow workmen to place him in the highest position attainable, and we will surely attain our ambition, if or- ganized labor will only lend us their support as they should. I think that the time is ripe for such a movement. Let us hear from you. Any office could be filled by one of our class, if we just had the hack bone to make a rush for it. Of course, one class alone can’t accom- plish these things, but take us as a whole and we are strong. Let us consider the matter thoroughly, and ere the next elec- tion decide on a candidate that will work to the interest of labor, and be an honor, both to labor and to his country by trying to install "right” and justice to all, with favorites unknown. "Push." DO IT TODAY. I have just finished reading an article in the August Telegrapher, written by Cert. 894, sugesting that we all vote for the $75 minimum and eight hours per day on all railroads. I am of the same opinion of this good brother, and think that his plan is about as good as we can adopt. Now, let’s get busy, and put this before each and every one of our respective roads at the same time, and if they don’t agree to give us our just demands, all go out, and stay out until they do agree. I don’t think that would be very long, as it is impossible for them to operate their roads without us. We all want this increase, and to gtt it we will all have to act together and at the same time. It is useless to try this by going up one at a time; even if we did go up one at a time, it would be quite a long while before we could get this schedule on every road. But if we all go together, and make our wants known, and they should refuse to give us what we ask, we could all walk out, demor- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1506 The Railroad Telegrapher. alizing the whole railroad world. Of course, that would not last long, before the govern- ment would take a hand, and if they did I feel sure we would all get our just de- mands. We have got to do something, and do it pretty quick, too, or, as Cert. 894 says, we will all be going to some county poor farm before long. As provisions and other things are going up, we can hardly exist on such scant salary as we are now getting. For instance, I get $60 per month. There is, say, $15 house rent and at least $30 for groceries, you have $15 left out of the $60. Now, where can you buy your clothes and other things that are needed out of $15? That does not include wood or laundry bills, which is at least from $3 to $5 per month, and often you can’t get it for that. By the time you include every- thing that is needed to live, or barely exist on, you have not even enough to buy a package of old Virginia cheroots to smoke after supper. I don’t fancy that kind of cigars, so I have to do without, unless some friend is kind enough to offtr me one, in which case I generally take ’em. I would like to hear from some other brother on this subject. I feel sure we will get our $75 minimum if we take this course of ac- tion. Let’s get busy, and do this thing to- day (not tomorrow), for that might be too late. If this crosses Bro. Quick’s waste- basket trestle, I might come again. Water mellon Pete. TRAIN DISPATCHER AND TELEG- RAPHER. Among all the difftrent subjects dis- cussed in our Telegrapher, pro and con, I have never yet noticed anything pertain- ing to the responsibilities attached to the train dispatcher and the tclcgraphtr. The point in view is, who shoulders the greatest amount of responsibility? I claim the teleg- rapher, where the block system is operated; you will all note at a glance that if the block telegraphers know their business it is im- possible for the train dispatcher to make an error, and thereby cause a wreck through confliction of orders. Brothers, have you ever given this mat- •'T any consideration? Why is it the train vlier is considered the whole cheese? Getting all the glory, honors, only eight- hour tricks, good salaries, and everything else within reach on the railroad. Whtre does the cheap telegrapher come in? Who does the blocking of the trains, and holds the lives of entirt passenger trains in his hands? You never hear of him, only in case of an accident, or wreck, when he has allowed two trains to enter the block; then he rtceives his needings. The telegrapher works twelve hours for a day, and every day in the year, 365 days, at stations where he holds the title of agent and telegrapher. His duties are too numer- ous to mention, and he is a busy man, as you all know. Please note the difference in conditions ami surroundings of the train dispatcher and the telegrapher. The train dispatcher has a nice clean office to work in, only one wire to attend to, his salary ranges from $125 to $140 per month ; the telegraph office, at some points, is not fit for a barn, and the section foreman’s car-house is a parlor in comparison. He must work his block, and at some places has six or seven other wires to work on and watch, and his salary ranges from $45 to, say, $75 per month. I do not wish to be understood that I be- lieve a telegrapher should receive as much compensation as a train dispatcher, but I do believe the telegrapher is under-paid, and compelled to work too long hours. I also believe the block telegrapher shoulders the grtatest amount of responsibilities of any servant in the train service. We should have shorter hours, and our salaries can be increased considerably until we are up with other branches of the serv- ice. Old-Timer, Cert. 10, Div. 23. UNITED ACTION. I have been reading part of the journal all the time, but for the past year it is get- ting so it is all so near alike it is of but little interest to one that knows anything about the organization. Two-thirds of it is about the eight-hour day law and $75 minimum. That one subject has been harped upon until it is entirely worn out. I fully believe that most of it is written by new members with their first “card.” It Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1507 you will all read the items signed “Dyna- miter,” in August number, you will find there is more truth than poetry in every word of it, and if Mr. Perham will be guided by a few of this man's suggestions you will find there will be quite a change in the Order in a very short time, and until this step is taken just that long we will be running along in the same old rut. Now, the only thing that I can see that will be beneficial to the Order is this : Every division in the United States to present a schedule to the officials of their respective roads on the same date (one that is satis- factory to each and every one interested), and at the same time notify the company that unless they allow the schedule there would be a call out all over the United States ; and unless every road in the United States come across, call out all the boys. You know very well there is not enough “scabs” to have any influence on a general strike. Therefore, there would be no trou- ble in getting just what we asked for. Some one will say, “How can we do all of this at once?” Why, this way, have President Perham issue an order to every local chair- man in the United States, and request him to make a complete canvass of his division and see just what is needed on his division. Then, after all of this is completed, turn it over to their general committee, and let them take the matter up with their respec- tive railroad officials. I would like to hear from some one else on this subject. Sage Brush. “THE HARVE8T 18 WAITING.” For a long time I have read, and in sev- eral instances reread, the many items in our good old Telegrapher, and except for keep- ing my dues paid up and looking after some nons, I have been only an onlooker, possibly like a great many more. The time was. however, when I used to do an occasional “write-up,” but when the last two I con- tributed failed to find their way into Thf. Telegrapher, I came to this conclusion, viz., that there was not room, that they were too eccentric, or that other writers con- tributed more worthy articles, and I decided to again take my turn as onlooker. No doubt, the last-named conclusion was the cause, as my ability in this line is none too great as you, brothers, can see, but to make a long story short, I can’t sit still and be an onlooker all the time, but have come again to say that I wish to offer my appro- val of the many articles along the $75 min- imum line, particularly that type of those in the present year’s issues, akin to those headed, “Time to Push,” “Eight Hours-and $75*” “Get Busy,” “Thirty Cents Per Hour,” and “Per Cent,” which can be seen in July Telegrapher, and still further to say that I do not only approve, but will give my loyal support to any movement to those ends. I, too, have a family to support and find it almost impossible to do so at present wages, and when I see my wife cutting out this and that little article from the requisition list (in order to live within our means), few to begin with, of the little things that she by right should enjoy, suffice it to say that it makes my heart burn with a some- thing that seems to say, “Strike, strike, strike for liberty.” Now, brothers, some of you may have had just such feelings, and, while I do not wish to advocate anything but the best pos- sible means to gain the greatest good, yet 1 say the time is far spent, our harvest is waiting the scythe, and right at our hand stands the virgin fields of golden grain, waiting, waiting, waiting. Yes, waiting to be harvested. Shall we stand idly by and behold the storms of time, beat, beat, beat down upon what should be ours, and raise nothing but a sad and bitter wail when our last hope has gone? I pray to God we shall not. Then, I say, awake from your slum- bers and be up and doing. Get busy, let our worthy O. R. T. captain know that you are living, offer your support to the good cause by asking him to put down your name as a loyal supporter of the “thirty cents per hour and eight hours per day cause,” or something of that sort, and that you will stand by it, win or lose, and you will soon see what will be doing. Now, brothers, please don’t put off, even till tomorrow, this important duty, but pick up your pad right now, write out your little say and mail it at once. The man who volunteers to fight is worth a dozen who are forced, so be a volunteer and make your Digitized by Google

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1508 The Railroad Telegrapher. own heart glad, because of a good thing you have done. The only time is now. Tomorrow may be too late. In conclusion, I will say that I think it wise not to wait or depend on what any government might or might not do for us at any time. It is up to us to look strictly after our own affairs. We would like to hear • "under cover” from Bro. Perham what, if anything, is doing or going to be done, or what is required. Cert. 597, Div. 1. NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT. The time is now ripe for all O. R. T. men and women to bestir themselves and do something for the common cause. Almost every other branch of organized labor is working but eight hours per day, and al- most without exception they earn more money in eight hours than the overworked telegrapher can get in twelve (and some- times fifteen or eighteen) hours that he is kept on duty by the railroad corporations whose servant he is. The officials are beginning to realize what an important factor the telegrapher is in the operation of the railroads, and having at last been brought to a realization of this fact by catastrophies in which hundreds of the traveling public have lost their lives, and which has caused the enactment of eight-hour laws in several States, they are beginning to prepare for the future. As in the case of the Pennsylvania Railroad, which has established a telegraph school, and will, in the future, be prepared to fur- nish their system with telegraph operators made to order, and imbued with corporation sentiments, as no doubt these "proteges” will be. Now, there are only two sides to this as far as we are concerned, capital and labor. Capital being on top, not because it is the largest, for there are many more thousands of workingmen than capitalists, but, while the capitalist is possessed of an unlimited amount of nerve and backbone, or else is a first-class bluffer in that direction, the ordinary man working for wages is void of moral stamina. He is afraid to call the shirt on his back his own for fear some one will come along and dispute his claim to it. The railroad officials have for so many years been telling the telegrapher that he is of no consequence, that a great many of them have got to believing that to be a fact, and think that if they should happen to lose the "job” they now hold that they would never get another one, but would inevitably starve. Now, brothers and sisters, cut out all this rot and realize that you belong to one of the most important organizations in the wide world (our good old O. R. T.), and that this organization is not going to see you starve by any means. What we now want is an eight-hour day all over the United States and Canada. Next, each railroad must formulate its own respective schedule of wages, for we could not possibly get a universal minimum which would not be unfair to someone, and we do not want anything unfair in our business at all. A $75 minimum would be all right in the East- ern States, where living expenses are low, but in the Western States it is not to be thought of, as in most cases it would be a decrease, instead of an increase in salary. So, I suggest, let each system work up its own schedule, then let us all get in line and present them in a bunch on the 4th of next March, and we will not be disap- pointed. There will be nothing else to it, for the railroads will have to bow to the inevitable. We will have the sympathy of every American citizen outside of the rail- road magnates, and should the Government be called upon to arbitrate, would be bound to decide in our favor, as they have already established the precedent of the eight-hour law, and no one will be against us except the railroad officials, and they will not be able to do anything. So now. with such backing, and knowing that we are in the right, what is to stop us from going ahead and getting what belongs to us? We have surely worked for it, we have earned the railroads thousands and hundreds of thou- sands of dollars yearly, and now we are en- titled to have a small percentage of this money to revert to us in the shape of an increase in salary, and, what is more, we are going to get it Let every telegrapher who indorses my sentiments take this matter up, both with Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1509 our president, and with their local chairman, and we will soon be having things mov- ing our way. But, brothers and sisters, let there be no delay, for every month that we delay gives the railroads more chance to add to their forces against us, and thus make it harder for us to get what we are after. As individuals, let us act, and when every one is in, then we will act collectively, and we are bound to win out. We can not expect our president and other officials of the O. R. T. to do all the thinking for us, we are the ones being paid the low wages and working the long hours, so let us get up right now and have our individual say about this important matter. Let us act promptly and decisively, and when every- one is in line there will be no doubt of the outcome. Depend on it, there will be no strike. Cert. 2372. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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FRATERNAL St. Louis Division, No. 2. The news has by this time undoubtedly pene- trated to the furthermost corners of the earth, that the commercial telegraphers of the United States are on a strike, although the St. Louis office was not the first to be called upon, the wa lk out signal was obeyed by every member of the C. T. U. at the Postal office, with the excep- tion of one, and but four members remained at work at the Western Union. There were, how- ever, several telegraphers who were not members, who walked out with the union men, making the proportion of strikers about ninety-eight per cent. Those remaining are composed principally of petty chief, a few “dope fiends,” and broken- down “has-beens.” The number of telegraphers in the Western Union main office, who may be termed “com- petent,” do not exceed four. A few students have been secured, but it is well known that they are more of a hindrance than help. All branch offices have been closed, and such of the girls who could he induced to scab have been called to the main office. It must, however, be said of the lady telegraphers that they are as a rule faithful to the union, and if the result of the strike depends upon their steadfastness, victory for the teleg raphers is a foregone conclusion. The use of the Jefferson Club Hall has been tendered free of charge to the local, and rousing meetings are held nightly. These meetings have been very beneficial to the strikers, resulting in sustained enthusiasm on the part of the individual and serving to keep every one supplied with authentic information in regard to the progress of the battle. Considerable musical and oratorical talent exists among the members, and their entertaining stunts are a pleasant feature of the meetings. Promi- nent citizens and officers of the various trades locals, who are affiliated with the Central Trades and Labor Council, have made addresses, in which moral and financial aid has been promised. These promises are being realized daily. Almost every union body in St. Louis has contributed to the strike fund, and a subscription list circulated among the business houses has met with handsome results. One-half of the gate receipts of Manion’s Park and Theater for the week ending August 24th was donated to the fund. Various other means have been used to strengthen the resources of the union, which precludes the possibility of financial embarrassment for some time to come. The strikers are out to win, and are confident to a man that victory is theirs, the esprit de corps is all that could be desired, and the possibility of desertions is very remote. Only one case, so far, and that individual is not considered worth the while. The part played by. the members of Div. No. 2, O. R. T., in the local situation is by no means in- considerable. Div. No. 2 has raised approximately $600 by the one dollar per man plan, which amount has been turned into the general fund. Our members have personally been of much assist- ance in encouraging the strikers to stand firm. Ilro. J. W. Burch, of our employment com- mittee, has placed a considerable number of men on various railroads, where they propose to stay, pending a favorable settlement by the Commercial Companies. llro. L. W. Quick, our Grand Secretary and Treasurer, and Chief Telegrapher of Div. No. 2, leaped into the fray with characteristic liberality and enthusiasm. Their meetings are addressed by him nightly, and he is looked upon by the Com- mercial men as one of the guiding spirits of the movement. The progress of the “Banner Local” continues undiminished. Sixty-five new members have been added to the roll as a result of the prize offer. At the meeting of August 19th, delegates were named to the convention of the Missouri State Federation of Labor. Bros. L. W. Quick and J. W. Burch were elected delegates, and P. P. Malloy and T. A. Lane alternates-. Bro. J. W. LaFever, our genial Secretary, de- parts August 31 for Michigan resorts for two weeks’ vacation. Bro. C. A. Burton proposes to spend his vaca- tion inspecting the mechanical and electrical ex- hibits at Jamestown. Bro. J. C. McNairy selects Chicago as his place of recreation. Thomas Aquinas, Div. Cor. Baltimore Division, No. 17. It is with pleasure that we announce the ex- cursion to Tolchester Beach a grand success. We are anxiously waiting to sec just what amount we will clear from this project, and in order to hasten, will you please make returns of your tickets at once. Many of the brothers, with their families, availed themselves of this opportunity and spent a most enjoyable day down the bay; but for the benefit of those who could not go, as well as those that did, we are going to have a gala time at our regular meeting place Wednesday evening, October 16th, at 8 p. m. Come; there will be some invited guests. You will miss it if you stay at home. We expect not only to enter- tain you, but there will be refreshments, and the Digitized by u.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1511 committee of arrangements of this jubilee may decide to let you bring your better half. How would you like to have a meeting once a year in which you might invite a friend. Don't all speak at once, but if you favor this project, let us hear from you. The committee on entertain- ment are anxious to please the greatest number of the membership. On August ist, “XN” Pencader, Delaware, which has been used as a day telegraph block office, was closed and a switchman placed there to throw the switches on the branch line that leads to Newark Centre. The first trick at Perryman Tower has not been filled as yet. Understand there arc several appli- cants for the job. Mr. W. Lynch, of Baltimore, extra telegrapher, has bid in for second trick at North Point Tower. We have his promise to send in his application papers next month. Bro. J. M. Witmer recently took unto himself a Utter half. We extend heartiest congratulations. For the information of those who can not attend the meetings, we would advise that our several L. B. of A. arc taking the necessary action to carry your grievances to the highest tribunal, and you can not give these brothers (Lair, Rupley, and their associates) too much credit for their efficient services. Bro. Joseph M. Rollins, who has been working block at Bush River for twenty-six years, is seriously ill at his home at Edgewood. Bro. F. W. Asher, who has been working sec- ond trick at Chase, has bid in the first trick at Pen-yman. Bro. Asher has successfully managed the Chase base ball team this year. The team has won ten out of the twelve games played so far. Bro. James Rollins, first trick man at Edge- wood had his finger broken several weeks ago while playing ball. Fortunately it was on his left hand, and did not cause him to lose any time. A number of the boys have been called on to work twelve and sixteen hours frequently in the past month, on account of so many being off, and the supply of extra men being inadequate for the amount of extra work. Montebella. Indianapolis Division, No. 27. At the meeting held in Hotel English Sunday afternoon, August 25th, all but the Peoria divis- ion of the Vandalia system was represented. Quite a number from the St. Louis and I. & V. divisions were present, and Bro. Fishburn, from the Michigan division. The proprietor of the Hotel English treated Division No. 27 with courtesy and would not charge us one cent for accommodations, all on account of Bro. Dermody, our smiling Fourth Vice-President, making that hotel his headquarters while in this city. It is the desire of this divis- ion that when any brother happens to find him- self in Indianapolis, and desires good treatment, that he patronize the above hotel. The boys at “SF” have the honor of working the first eight-hour tricks on the Vandalia system. It was put into effect at 3 p. m. August 28th. Bro. Thompson working first trick, from 7 a. m. to 3 p. m., Bro. Weakley second trick, from 3 p. m. to 11 p. m., and Mr. Smith third trick, from 11 p. m. to 7 a. m. Mr. Smith, “SM,” does not carry a card, I am sorry to say, but he is good timber to work on, and think he will come around all right in a short time. The eight-hour tricks will be put on as fast as they can get the men, so, boys, do all you can to assist them. If any telegrapher of good habits desires an eight-hour job, he should put in his application with Mr. E. L. Kraft, division oper- ator, Union Station, Indianapolis, or Mr. E. A. Hallinin, D. O. and C. T. D., Terre Haute, Ind., stating age, where employed, by what road, and what kind of work you desire. I am almost sure you will receive a favorable reply. The above is the result of the efforts of our General Committee, which met July 25th, drew up schedules and hours of service, and presented same to the different superintendents August 13th. They practically agreed upon all that was pre- sented, and we hope to get all notified in regard to same in a few weeks. Now, what have the sore-heads and enemies of the O. R. T. got to say; those who have shook their heads and shuddered every time the O. R. T. was mentioned and said “It never did any one any good and never will?” What brought the eight-hour tricks to the boys on the Vandalia system? What was it that caused them to say they would put on the third man as fast as they could, and that no salaries would be cut, and instead of being cut, will be increased along with the eight-hour shifts? Let them answer the questions. See if they don’t admit that it was the O. R. T. that caused it. This ought to make the nons, that have been hang- ing back to see what we would do, wake up and fill out application blanks as fast as they can write. In fact, I believe it has had a good effect on some of them already, as I have received several applications in the last few days, and prospects of a good many more. There are several who have not yet paid dues for the present term. Would like to have them in as soon as possible. The boys of the Van, line seem to be pleased to think they were fortunate enough to secure the services of Bro. C. H. Wilson, of Smithboro, as our Local Chairman. From the way our Local Chairman, Mr. Wilson, got down to work after he was appointed, would lead the majority of brothers to believe that he has filled this office before. The General Committee met in St. Louis on July 25th, for the purpose of framing a schedule of rules and pay, which was presented to our general manager, Mr. McKeen, and was by him referred to Mr. Downing, our division superin- tendent, on August 13th. After the conference, our Local Chairman wired us the following mes- sage: “Will write you all by U. S. mail. We were treated right. Give good service.” This Unessage was the ^ause of several nons asking for Digitized by Cjooole

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1512 The Railroad Telegrapher. application blanks. Although we do not expect all the nons to wake up, as there are some that will require an earthquake to wake them up. Bro. Morrow relieved Bro. Wilson while the latter was in St. Louis. Bro. G. H. Vest is relieving Bro. Morrow at Mulberry Grove. Bro. T. A. Leiling, regular night man at Pierron, relieved Bro. Mitchell while the latter was away on his honeymoon. We are sorry to learn that Bro. Caron, Green- ville days, is again on the sick list. Bro. G. W. Stone, of Medicine Bow, Wyo., an old Van. telegrapher, has been visiting near Smithboro for the past six weeks. It seems as though some of our brothers are a little bit inclined to hang on to their students. Your attention is again called to your obligation. The Willows tower seems to be somewhat lone- some without Pierron’s smiling face. We hope to see Eugene back to work in the near future, looking as well as ever. Bro. W. I. Lyrle, regular day man at Hagars- town, was recently called to Highland to relieve Bro. Williams, who is off with a broken leg. S. & T. NOTICE. Bro. Quick and myself have experienced quite a good deal of trouble with members, who have changed addresses without having notified either of us. Consequently, mail has been returned, and we have no way of finding out the correct ad- dress. It would be quite a help if, on changing positions, you would notify us of your new ad- dress. In this manner your mail will be for- warded to you and very little delay will be caused. Several extra men have notified me every time they have changed locations, expecting us to change their addresses accordingly. This can not be done, for it takes considerable time to change the address, and by the time we do, they have changed positions again. If they would observe |he fol- lowing, I think it would help all concerned: Give us a certain place to send their mail, and when they change their location, write the post- master to forward their mail to the place they are going to. In this manner, no mail ought to be returned. Can any one give me the address of the follow- ing: H. C. Bumgerder, Cert. No. 167, North* Manchester, Ind.; John Edwards, Cert. No. 182, 3136 W. Wash St., Indianapolis, Ind.; J. Q. Adams, Cert. No. 43, Lock Box 313, Effingham, 111.; J. E. Kennedy, Cert. No. 59, Plainfield, Ind.; G. W. Adams, Cert. No. 81, Troy, 111. The addresses given are their first address, but mail sent to them there has been returned. Any one of the above, seeing this, will help me if they will please forward me their correct address, or if any other brother knows the whereabouts of any one of the above, please write me. Yours fraternally, E. C. Thompson, *6 N. Holme* Ave. S. & 7\, Div. No. *7 Williamsport Division, No. 24. Eastern and Susquehanna Divisions — As I am always pleased to read fraternal items in our journal, I will again write a few notes without offering any apology whatever. I am not very well informed relative to what the boys along the line have been doing lately, but will give a few pick-ups that came to my notice. Bro. Chas. C. Bastion is working nights at “SQ,” while the regular man, G. U. Stanley is doing extra work in “Go” office. Bro. Harry Taylor has been assigned to “BS” Tower days, and Telegrapher Gresh on the night trick. W. D. Gresh promises he will come in the Order very soon, and we hope he will be a member before this goes into print. Bro. R. W. Grugan, of “FN” days, was off duty for a few days, due to the illness of hit mother. H. W. Watterbury has again accepted employ- ment on this road, and he promises to rejoin the Order in the near future. Bro. E. F. Holmes is working “BY” nights for the present. Several new applications have been filed with the Secretary, and there will be something doing at our next meeting. The boys all seem to be very much alive to the situation, and we trust that such an interest will be taken that there will not be a non left on either division by the first of January. Our genial Local Chairman, Bro. J. H. Zerbe, with his committee, was recently before our local officials with grievances, and their report will, no doubt, be very interesting. They will report at the September meeting. C. E. McCloskey is off, on the 9ick list, and we hope he will soon be able to resume his duties. I learn that there are still a few boys who have not as yet paid their dues for the current term. This should not be. Boys, wake up, and don’t allow yourselves to drop out. If ever there was a time in the history of the railroad teleg- raphers when they should stand firmly as one man, it is now. Do not allow any person to persuade you to drop from the membership roll. Occasionally we find a telegrapher who pro- fesses not to believe in the ways of the organiza- tion, and who asserts he can not see anything to be gained by joining the Order. In this en- lightened age it hardly seems possible to find ma- terial of this kind, but yet there are men who talk like this. I wonder if they ever refused to accept any of the concessions the Order has secured for them? I have not heard of it if such is the case. Bro. H. F. Grieb, who formerly telegraphed on the Eastern & Susquehanna divisions, and who resigned five years ago, is still engaged in the music business, being located in Scranton, Pa. Bro. Grieb continues to hold an up-to-date card, and says that whenever they give an eight-hour working day with fioo minimum he will return to the key. Look at the clerks in the Superintendent's office going home at noon on Saturday, and re- Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1513 maining there until late Monday morning, while we have to drag out the twelve hours on Satur- day, and on Sunday the same thing. Is it not time that we were doing something to bring about better conditions? Next March the eight-hour law goes into effect in a lawful sense; but do you suppose for a minute that the railroad companies are going to put it into effect without some specific action on our part? Well, I guess not. Look at “SQ,” “VO,” “BY ,” “RO” and “GD,” with their heavy interlocking plants, ranging from eighteen levers to thirty levers, and at junction points working twelve-hour tricks. How these boys manage to keep on their feet from day to day, as they do, I do not know. It is certainly most encouraging to see the interest manifested among the boys to get new members and keep lined up. I trust that this in- terest will continue until there is not a non left on the line. * Ceht. No. 25. Lancaster Division, No. 9. At our regular monthly 'meeting, held August 20, a goodly sized crowd of faithful O. R. T. boys turned out to help transact a volume of im- portant business on hand. All regular officers were at their respective stations, excepting Bro. Ebersole, who was lawfully detained, through a misunderstanding with his bunch of ball tossers, who are about winding up the season. Many strange faces were seen at this meeting, and all of them made special mention of being well pleased with our policy of doing business, assuring us that they will be on hand at all future meet- ings whenever possible to do so. All present expressed themselves well pleased with the attendance and the interest taken, not- withstanding the fact that so many of our boys are away at present, enjoying vacations. Among those addressing the division under “Good of the Order” were a few faithful ones from the Philadelphia district, who explained that they left their homes and traveled such a distance in order to connect themselves with the division which upholds all the true principles of O. R. Tism. Bro. W. L. Reneker, middle trick, MQ, Enola, is doing extra duty in “UD” office, Harrisburg, at present, while the regular boys are on vaca- tions. Bro. H. M. Shields has been off duty several weeks, enjoying a vacation, and during that time, found enough time to attend the meeting before leaving. As the base ball season is now over, Harry has promised to attend all meetings during the coming winter, and we can count on it that he will make good. Bro. Harry Good, days at “SD,” Schocks Mills, is also enjoying a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. G. L. Lindsay is working days and extra man, C. VV. Thomas, filling in at night. Before leaving, both brothers squared up with the Secretary, and their cards will follow them. Bro. C. H. Crist, of “U” Tower days, has been doing extra eight-hour duty at M. B. Branch In- tersection last month, with Extra Telegrapher Rose, filling the vacancy at “U.” Bro. J. K. Robinson, 10 to 7 night telegrapher, “UD,” Harrisburg, has returned to duty after a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. E. R. Ebersole, nights at “KU,” Rheems, has taken a western trip for ten days, and before returning to duty served as a delegate to the P. O. S. of A. convention, being a representative from his home Camp at Elizabethtown. Bro. G. H. Eckman, extra, from Lancaster, is filling Bro. Ebersole’s vacancy. Bro. J. B. Longaker, day telegrapher at “WV,” Howcllville, the past eight years, has given way to a telephone operator since August 1st, and is now working days at “OV,” Berwyn, and it is needless to say that “Rq” is well pleased with the change. Bro. B. G. Kern, 11 to 7 at “NV,” Landisville, has been off duty two weeks, on account of sick- ness, but is again on duty, fully recuperated. Bro. L. K. Stanford, 11 to 7 at “ES,” Conestoga Bridge, spent several days with his family, at Atlantic City, last month. Thus far your correspondent has gathered to- gether as much news as possible, but feels sure our membership would enjoy much better reading matter if he had several assistants in this work. “Come up with your goods, boys.” Div. Con. New York Division, No. 44. Regular meeting for Saturday, August 10th, was postponed, and an open meeting and sociable was held instead. The following was the program: Address of welcome by our worthy chief, Bro. Van Nostrand. Musical selections by the famous Frank Walker orchestra. Monologue by Hughey Livingston. Piano duet by the Aston Brothers (sons of our Teddy). Popular songs by Mr. and little Miss Carney, friends of Bro. Fuller. Pleasing addresses by General Chairman, Bro. Surine, and Trustee, Bro. Leonard. Vocal selections by Mrs. Josephine Thompson. Presentation of a handsome engraved silver loving cup to our brother and sister, Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Martin, by the entire division. Refreshments consisting of sandwiches, cake, coffe and ice cream were served by the members. The meeting broke up at 12 o’clock, and all present declared they had spent an enjoyable evening. Every member present worked hard to entertain our visitors, and it is modest, at least, to say that they were successful. Bro. Fuller was a busy man. He was here, there and everywhere, as was Bro. Hudson and a host of other brothers, seeing that all were made comfortable. The night was very warm, and for that reason there was not quite as large an attendance as we expected. However, about one hundred guests, Digitized by CjOOQle

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1514 The Railroad Telegrapher. including many ladies (wives, friends and rela- tives) of the members were present. Bro. J. L. Haley, who has been touring the Southwest, is again with us. Bro. G. J. Turner, of Oakdale, is enjoying a leave of absence. F. E. Warlow has resigned as agent at White- stone. Bro. Collyer is* now the agent at Westbury. Frank Horsch, who has been assistant to Agent R. J. Edwards, of Ozone Park freight office for the past two years, has been appointed ticket agent No. 2 at F. B. Ave., Brooklyn. It’s a good warm game, that F. B. Ave. job. P. L. Bradley has resigned the agency at Bush- wick Junction, and before this gets into print, will be down in Panama with Bros. Webster and Belle. Brad says he is going where they pay the (high dollar). Jessie Mills has resigned at St. Albans, on account of ill health. Bro. Keiser has the place. H. A. Cooper left Valley Stream to take the ticket agency at F. B. Ave., but did not like the latter place and has left the service. Bro. Kays, of the Grand, accepted Valley Stream, temporarily, but was held there too long to suit his taste, and has left the service. At this time the job is up for bid. Bros. Jim Dooley and Mike Goehegan, of Div. No. 8, attended the open meeting. Also Bro. Brooker, of Div. No. 29, and Bro. Armstrong, of Div. No. 35. As far as we know, all our members that were on the sick list are on the gain. Bro. Surine is improving, and the same may be said of Bro. Van Nostrand, and other brothers who have been under the doctor’s care. Bro. Jack Martin broke his arm one night this week while sliding (the down and out) at Til- yon’s Steeplechase Park, Coney Island. Bro. Van Nostrand, who was with him at the time, attended to his wants and saw him safely home. Bro. Walker, of Rockaway Beach, has not been in the best of health this summer, but being in a position to receive the advice and constant at- tendance of Dr. Barth, has been able to stay at work through the busy season. Bro. Robinson, a member of the General Com- mittee, has resigned at Bridgehampton. Bro. Robinson has gone into the lumber business in that town. He has the best wishes of all the brothers. Bro. Rhoades, also a member of the General Committee, has resigned as telegrapher at “GO,” L. I. City. Have not heard from the east end of the Island in some time. Wish Bro. Whitman, of Montauk; Bro. Smith, of Easthampton; Bro. Johnson, of Westhampton; Bro. Phillips, of Southold; Bro. Hill, of Riverhead; Bro. Corwin, of Sag Harbor, or Bro. Robinson, of Manor, would drop the Secretary of our division a line. He will see that it gets into the proper hands; or, better still, come to the next meeting. In the next issue we will have something to say about the strike. At this time, all that can be said is, that the members of this division, with possibly one or two exceptions, have lived up to their obligations to the letter, and have performed such telegraph service as is a part of their regular duties and no more. The spirit shown has been admirable. We are working on a scheduled road and we must carry out our working agree- ment to the letter. Div. Con. Sunbury Division, No. 12. Bro. L. A. Dreese, of Lewistown Junction, was off for a few days on account of sickness; re- lieved by Bro. Kline. Local Chairman, Bro. C. W. Kase, of Lewistown Junction, days, is the busiest man on the pike. Boys, give him your assistance whenever possible. He is a hustler, and am sure he will not come back empty-handed. The company is preparing for the usual winter rush, erecting a large and up-to-date water tank on the Middleburg wharf. “13” it will be Sister Conser instead of Miss Conser, at Paxtonville, ere this is in print. Bros. McCracken and Ashworth, of Sunbury, were noticed taking in the sights along the S. 4 L. lately. It is with deep regret that Division No. 12 accepts the resignation of Bro. J. R. Brandon, and hope our loss is his gain. As Local Chair- man he proved a good man and was well liked by the members. He has accepted a position with the Union Pacific at $80 per month, with good chances for promotion. The membership is steadily increasing, and we feel our efforts have not been in vain. Every {member in our division works together, and there is no friction whatever. Hence our success and large membership. CatT. m. Boston Division, No. 41. Indifference. A simple word, but one which seems to express the attitude of the members of Division No. 41 individually toward the division as a body. When an important matter, such as was to have been brought up at the August meet- ing, only brought out twenty-eight members, it certainly shows a lack of interest on the part of a large majority of the members. The idea of having an outing by the division, in a body, or as many as could get around, was taken up in regular form at the July meeting, and a committee of ten appointed to canvass their respective districts to see about how many were in favor of it, and to report at the August meeting. The idea was to have a pleasant boat ride down the harbor, with dinner, and return so that the members could take the evening trains home, thus bringing the members together and having an enjoyable time. The committee attended to their duties, but there was little or no interest, one member not even acknowledging his letter of appointment, and another member sent out about thirty letters, ex- plaining the object of the meeting, and received but one reply. At the meeting there was about the usual attend- ance, with one exception, which should be noted. A member took pains to come seventy miles and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1515 go to the expense of staying over night in Boston in order to show his interest in the matter. Had some of the members right in the vicinity of Boston a small grain of Bro. Walcott’s snap, the question of an enjoyable trip would not have been quickly “squelched.” All other organiza- tions of a similar nature have their yearly pleas- ure trips, either by rail or water, but they man- age to get enough at a meeting to express the opinion of the majority. The matter of a trip over the B. & M. could not be taken up, as we could not depend upon only about thirty, and ihe committee could not go to the management and ask for a train unless a couple of hundred could be counted on. We had a very reasonable rate for a water trip, but would have to have a guar- anty of at least a hundred. So, there it is, no one seemed to care enough to attend. Say, brothers, I don’t want to be finding fault every month; I will soon get the reputation of being a common scold; but this lack of interest is something that should be changed, and changed at once. No division can do anything unless all pull together in matters pertaining to the welfare of the division and the good of the Order, and 1 am afraid if I continue to hold my job as divis- ion correspondent, you will think that all I can do is to find fault every month; but don’t give me a chance and I won't. The August meeting was called to order at 8:30 p. m. by Chief Chase, only routing business was transacted. The report of the committee on the question of an outing was accepted, and, owing to the small number present, and the ap- parent lack of interest, the matter was dropped and the committee discharged. Four new applications for membership were re- ceived and acted upon. New names are brought in every meeting, and only a few stragglers are now left out in the cold, some of which we hope to gather in soon. There are a few cases that seem hopeless, but we hope to win them over. With the new members added since last year, the committee will have a largely increased per- centage back of them when they interview the management this winter. That brings up another idea. The members should take up the different points of the schedule. See if anything occurs to each and every one in the way of changes for the benefit of all concerned, and take the matter up at the meetings for discussion, or if unable to be present, take up either with the General Chair- man, or with the Local Chairman, so that the views of all may be had when the matter of a new schedule is brought up. There are only two or three meetings now in which this can be done. Bro. Tuck, our hard-working Secretary and Treasurer, is enjoying a well-earned vacation. He will be on hand for the September meeting. Bro. Cole, of Arlington, was not present at the meeting, as he was unavoidably detained. Bro. Quilty has been heard from, and reports enjoying his vacation very much. Bro. Walcott’s remarks were right to the point. It is too bad he can not be present at every meeting. Cert. 80. Oskaloosa Division, No. 71. Not much business on the “Hook & I.” right now. Several changes have taken place and several new men on the road since the last write-up. Bro. Cross is now located at Gordensville. New man at Faulkner, a Mr. Wagner. Burn- ham resigned on account of no wires in depot. Bro. Urbine, of Union, is taking a vacation. Bro. Nessa, formerly of Steamboat Rock, is doing relief work. Ray, from Marshalltown days, to Grinnell nights. Bates relieved Ray. Bates is an old man on the road. Do not know if either of them is lined up or not. If not, why not? Other changes as follows: Kiene, of Martins- burg, to Gilman. Vannoy, of Killduff, to Martins- burg. Rankin, of Sheffield, to Killduff. Vannoy and Rankin new men on the road. Mr. Burnham, formerly of Faulkner, is at Albion, while Bro. Brush is away on two weeks’ vacation. Am informed that Bro. Arnote, formerly of Gilman, is now located on G. N. Ry. at Jennings, Montana. There is a rumor afloat that the Iowa Central, M. & St. L., C. & A., and T., St L. & W. (Clover Leaf) Rys. are to be consolidated into one system in the near future. Hope there is something in it, as it will help the Iowa Central greatly. Now, some one from the east end wake up and give us a “spiel.” Bugaboo Bill. Pittsburg Division, No. 52. Regular meeting of August 10th opened with Bro. Kiger in the chair, twenty members being present, which is a very creditable turnout, con- sidering the hot weather and the number of mem- bers who are away from the city enjoying their annual vacations. Eight petitions, including four from the Alle- gheny Division, P. R. R., one from the Mononga- hela Division, P. R. R., one from the Pittsburg Division, P. R. R. and two from the P. & L. E. R. R., were favorably acted upon and our member- ship roll increased just eight more. Let the mem- bers keep up the good work and we will soon have all the desirable nons on this district. Bills amounting to $41.31 were read and ordered paid. No sick claims were presented, although there are several members on the sick list. The death of Bro. Geo. O. McCoy was reported August 1st, after a lingering illness from heart trouble, which fact the division was very sorry to learn of, and his family have the heartfelt sympathy of each and every member of this division. Bro. Young was elected a delegate to the Iron City Trades Council, with which body, it was de- cided that we once again become affiliated. Meeting closed in harmony at 11.25 P* m. I am again compelled to mention Bros. Dal- rymple, Campbell, and Thompson, Local Chair- men on the P. & L. E. R. R.; Bros. Kiger, Roberts and Courtney, Local Chairmen on the Digitized by LjOOQle

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1516 The Railroad Telegrapher. Pittsburg, Monongahela and Conemaugh Divisions, P. R. R., respectively, as not having contributed notes from their respective divisions. The various lines of railroad in this district, particularly the P. & L. E., are putting all offices on eight-hour basis, just as fast as they can secure the men to do it with. They evidently do not want to be caught napping when the nine-hour law becomes effective on the 4th of next March. I understand that some of the telegraphers who have recently been advanced from twelve to eight hours are not giving as satisfactory service while working the shorter hours, as they did before the reduction in hours was made. Boys, that is dead wrong, and each and every one of you should be “Johnny on the spot.*’ Not much doing this month on account of but one meeting held during the month, and there will be but one meeting during September. Be- ginning October we will again hold two meetings each and every month, the second and fourth Saturday nights. Kliwg. New Haven Division, No. 29. Another regular meeting held and a few more links welded in our long chain of glittering prog- ress. The attendance recorded its usual goodly numbers, with the time accustomed celebrities in their regular stations. Worthy Chief Bro. L. H. Dowd presided with more than his usual becoming dignity, owing, it is fair to presume, to his dual personnel as chairman of the “special committee,” whose report he had to make because the other members of that committee urged that he render the report, irrespective of the technicalities of par- liamentary practices. Various subjects of importance were discussed and disposed of, and to those who were not pres- ent at that meeting, and who would learn what is going on in this immediate vicinity, this timely reminder is given as a gentle admonition that the place for all members on the first Friday night of each and every month is at the division room. This column is not at our disposal to make public all of the division room’s business, nor any of it, in fact, for to do that would not only be highly improper from a lodge room point of view, but would ultimately negative the very purpose for which they are established and set up in their place “lodge meetings by correspondence.” We are gratified to observe that we never lack for a quorum, and a very large quorum we always have; even after the early-train contingents de- part; yet, when the subject is as important as that which was under consideration at the meeting about which we now write, many of these early- train-departers take the “owl” rather than miss getting in on the discussions and consequent dis- position of subjects, the final solution of which so vitally affect the welfare of all telegraphers on this system. The September meeting holds more than ordi- nary interest, for it promises to reduce to the con crete those matters which now are in the abstract, and it is urged upon each and all to make a spe- cial effort to be present and participate, either actively or tacitly, in the deliberations and dispo- sition. A size-up of the room showed many represen- tatives from the Shore Line Division, New York Division, Berkshire-Naugatuck Division, Air Line- Northampton Division, Highland Division, New Haven Terminal, the general offices, and the Hart- ford Division. With such an extensive territory to draw from we never need to fear the diminution in attendance, if physical endurance will only hold out, for it is obvious that where interest is alive, personal comfort is not primarily considered. The Clam Bake Committee registered a disagree- able grievance, and it is right that they should, for, when men willingly accept the responsibilities of committee work, it is the incumbent duty of a'l to assist them in a satisfactory culmination of their duties, and not add to their worries the fears of very distasteful reflections. In this case those who had tickets to sell had not reported the amount of their sales, and, consequently, the com- mittee were without knowledge of the probable numbers who might attend. This is a business proposition of the strictest kind, and should be so regarded by all. However, the clambakers appeared in surprising numbers, and brought their today’s, tomorrow’s and yesterday’s appetites with them, and, as for their thirsts, well, ask the waters of the placid Housatonic about that. I’ll never tell. The weather was fine, and the hay field afforded a model ball field. Shore Line, West — Running train wire No. 33 through New Haven to Providence, and doing away with three dis- patchers at New London, certainly does not seem any improvement in the service. The present staff of dispatchers is Arnold first, Rowley second, and Brooks third. Bro. C. F. Platt, who has been working at Hart- ford since last fall, has again returned to his old job at Clinton nights. Bros. E. H. Williams and E. S. Brimmer have purchased two promising fox hounds, with an eye to the bounty on fox in fall. We fail to see that promised rush of application* from the Shore Line since the revised schedule went into effect. Surely some men have a “nerve.” T. J. Donahue, “non,” who was covering Madi- son nights, has left the service, and gone to the C. N. J., at Newark. Bro. J. P. McCoy, second trick at East Lyme, is on leave of absence for 30 days, owing to impaired health, has gone South. We all hope to see him return fully recovered. Bro. Raymond, from the east end, is covering second trick at East Lyme during the absence of Bro. McCoy. Bro. P. A. Hardaway, formerly of this division, and later with the B. & M. road, is again back on the system, located at Needham, Mass. The new bridge at Connecticut river was put in service August 5th, with Bro. F. M. Wilcox look- ing after details from the new tower at Lyme. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1517 The first paragraph. Rule x8, of the revised schedule, is a concession that all telegraphers at interlocking towers should take advantage of, and not spoil it for those who are anxious to see it enforced. Notify your superintendent when your tower needs cleaning, and keep a copy of the cor- respondence so in case he does not comply, you can turn the matter over to your local chairman. It is reported that improvements are soon to be made at Bramford in way of straightening the b:.d curves at that place, and the erection of a new tower. Hartford Division — Bro. Kingsland, from Wallingford nights, has bid in “S’* office, branch switch, Hartford yard, nights. Three of our division night offices have been closed. North Haven, Yalesville and Windsor, on account of the company cutting expenses. Bro. Fitzpatrick, from Yalesville nights, has bid in Wallingford nights. Mr. Dwyer, from Windsor nights, is at present holding down Berlin nights. Am at present un- able to say whether or not he holds a card Since the branch from Berlin to Middletown was electrified, Bro. Cooke, at Berlin, is kept busy with ticket business, which has almost doubled. The freight work on the branch is done between 12 midnight and 6 a. m., when it comes under Hartford Division, at other times it being under the control of the Connecticut Company. Newington, on Hartford Division, has been closed as a telegraph office, and all wires and in- struments placed in Highland Division office, where our worthy Bro. Reese is kept busy with two dispatchers. The dispatchers are at present taking their va- cations. Mr. Griggs, from Avon street tower, Hartford, substituting. Mr. James O’Day, who left the service some time ago, has returned once again, and is filling in “F,” Meridian freight house nights. We have been after. Jimmie a long time, but as yet he is outside the fold. “A x.” Highland Division — Bro. Reddish, who worked nights at Meridian Junction, is now located at Van Courtlandt Park, on the N. Y. C. Bro. Steede, formerly of Meridian Junction days, is now working at Spuyten Duyvil, on the N. Y. C. At last our old friend, J. Burke, at Waterville siding nights, has had a change of mind, and filled out the necessary papers. He is the boy who can tell of many thrilling experiences when he worked for the P. R. R., many years ago. Bro. Mills, of “BX,” Waterbury, has returned to his old job, after subbing nights in “SK,” Hart- ford, for two or three weeks. Bro. Virkler, of Meridian Junction, has gone to his home in New York State for three weeks, being relieved by Sister Cullen, from “WA,” Wa- terbury. Bro. Umphrey, of Bristol days, spent ten days in New York State, and reports a fine time catch- ing bass. Sister Cullen held down the key in his absence. Bro. Dunbar, of Danbury, is batching. His wife and children are enjoying an outing in Massa- chusetts. C. N. E. — V. M. Coe has been on vacation for two weeks; the position being covered by M. Joyce. S. H. Flint is on vacation for three or four days; L. Wheeton, from Ashley Falls, in his place. Clinton Corners is up for bids; $1.75 per day. A. J. Whitman was appointed agent at La- Grange, N. Y., vice E. R. Schryver, resigned. George House spent Sunday with friends on the New York Division at Port Chester. Understand Bro. Wheeler, at Sanfordville, has a new auto. The two new men at Norfolk have had the pa- pers served on them, and we expect to hear from them soon. Last month was the first month the C. N. E. has had a word in Tub Telegrapher in a long while, and now we have started it, why not keep it going? Let each one help our Bro. Terry out, and send him a few words once in a while. Boys, it’s a long ways up here to get news from New Haven, so try and help him out a little. I think I have done my share this mbnth, so will ring off. G. S. H. Providence Division, No. 35. Once a year the members of Providence Divis- ion 35, elect a division correspondent. In their elation at having escaped this irksome duty them- selves, they congratulate the victim, and assure him of their confidence in his ability to perform the duties of the position to the credit of both the division and to himself. His work is to be made easy in various ways. Large bunches of notes will come to him on the twenty-fifth day of each month from duly accredited sources. Items of interest to telegraphers employed on the New Haven road, as well as those in the employ of other roads. Enough to fill two or three pages in the railroad man’s Telegrapher. It looks like easy meat, and the newly-elected correspondent congratulates himself that his path lies in such pleasant places. Then comes the sad awakening. This division correspondent stunt is by no means a new one to the present incumbent, and he is naturally suspicious of the “I’ll help you out, Bill; go ahead and take it” promises, but along about the 25th of the month he begins to sort the mail carefully, looking in vain for the large, fat en- velopes containing “notes” of general interest, and in large quantities. Nothing doing. He gets mad, and grabs the phone, calls up a few old re- liables who do not promise, but who always know what’s going on. Thus is the division letter fear- fully and wonderfully constructed, and mailed, usually a- day late, but it always gets in — such as it is. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1518 The Railroad Telegrapher. The attendance and interest shown at the Au- gust meeting was equal to that of the past year. Applications steadily pouring in, and new candi- dates being initiated. Several matters of vital importance to the mem- bership were discussed, and action taken which will undoubtedly be referred back to them direct in the near future. The O. R. T. on the New Haven road has grown since 1899 from one little division, located in this city, and a few members scattered over the road, to its present prosperous condition, with a membership of practically all the telegraphers em- ployed thereon. There are five large local divis- ions, composed solely of New Haven telegraphers, and two or three other locals just off our lines with some New Haven membership. There are 13 divisions represented on our general committee. Schedule negotiations, when prolonged, are ex- pensive, and assessments are disliked as a matter of principle. It is therefore up to the organiza- tion to run itself as a business affair strictly. We are regarded in that light .by the officials of any railroad company when we become strong enough to be regarded at all. A movement is on foot and will undobutedly be reported back to the local division before these lines are in print to put the organization on a strictly business basis, reduce the expenses to a minimum and to provide for the maintenance of the general committee in any emergency without the necessity of assessments or hurry calls for “cash.” This can be done, and easily. It is only a question of the manner of doing it. One of the pleasant features of the August meeting was the visit of several of the officers of the new C. T. U. Local, No. 133, recently formed in Providence, Bros. Murphy and Secre- tary Hockin, also Fleming, of Worcester. A re- cess was declared, and the brothers, in a very able manner, outlined the causes which led up to the present struggle between the C. T. U. and the commercial companies. They also gave reports from various parts of the country as to the prog- ress of the strike. The members of Providence Di- vision 35 can be of great assistance to this new local, and the boys assure any of us a hearty wel- come if we should drop in at any of their meet- ings. Bro. Fleming, of Worcester, proved to be quite an orator, and when he once got into action made some of our local performers ait up and take notice. The news that our popular and hard-working secretary and treasurer, Bro. R. A. Brown, has had to quit work for a time, came as something of a shock to many of the boys. It is doubtful if Bro. Bob will do much tower work for a time, but he has the heartfelt sympathy of every mem- ber on the road, and they all hope to see him speedily recover. Div. Cor. Worcester Dizision — Bro. L. A. Bigelow, day telegrapher at Valley Falls station, has resigned to accept an agency on the Bangor & Aroostook, near his home. Sorry to lose him, but there’s no place like home — a home down in Maine. Bro. Aldrich bills the “hoss” shoes for a while. Bro. Stevens back to Woonsocket tower nights. On vacations: Bro. McCrohan, of “SK,“ South Worcester, relieved by Bro. Roberts. Bros. F. Brady and Joe Graham, of “BA,” Brayton avenue tower, partly relieved by “Slim” Green. Norman Manchester, for many years with the motive power department at Valley Falls and Charles street engine house, has bid in Olneyville tower nights. Bro. Weeks is at East Providence tower during the illness of Bro. Brown. Cor. Shore Line, East End — Everybody happy and wearing the glad smile with either an up-to-date card or the papers on file. Once more we are solid to a man on the S. L., for which Bro. Lippincott, Division 35, and Bro. Bowler, Division 29, are to be congratulated. The other divisions will have to go some or take their hats off to us. George Beatty, at Apponaug, has joined hands with us at last. He says since he has so many good neighbors he could resist no longer. At Davisville we find the genial Eddy Smith, who has just invested in a new motor boat, which he has placed in Worden’s Lake. He says there arc ducks and fish enough to go around, and if any of the boys with up-to-dates, care to come down, they are welcome to a day’s sport. Bro. Paul Hardaway, formerly towerman on the Shore Line, now working extra on the Providence Division. Old Gen Ham, of Kingston, away on a two weeks’ vacation in New Hampshire. Bros. Young and Burns doubling. Cor. New Rochelle Division, No. 37. There having been nothing in The Telegrapher for the last two or three months from this divis- ion, will try and let the other divisions know Division 37 still exists. All the local trains from New Rochelle and seven from Portchester are being pulled by elec- tric locomotives. It is the intention to have the electric trains from Stamford by September 15. The new electric engines have been a success, and made better time than steam. New engines are being tried out every night between Portchester and Woodlawn. Bro. Langdon, first trick at 76, was off for a few days to attend the funeral of his four-year- old nephew, who was accidentally burned to death. Bro. Risler working first trick, Bro. Lewis second, and relief, Bro. Rice, third. Bro. Seaman attended the Thomas Jefferson outing recently. Bro. Clay, of first Van Nest, attended the clam- bake, and by good luck managed to catch the last train home. Bro. Wm. Mohrback, second Van Nest, has returned from a two weeks' vacation in the coal Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1519 fields of Pennsylvania. He is much improved in his health. Bro. Donovan, first at Mamaroneck, is off on his annual 30-day vacation. Job being covered by Relief Telegrapher Bro. Putnam. Bro. Hill, from Long Island, is holding down second trick. Bro. Lynch, of Division 29, third trick. Mr. Hoyt, former agent at Van Nest, is at Har- rison days. Mr. Lynch nights. Bro. McDonald is off sick at present. Relief Telegrapher Rice working his job. Bro. Reif, nights at Cos Cob, has returned from a two weeks' vacation. When in the vicinity of Cos Cob get a pass from Mr. Jones, superinten- dent, and go through the company’s power house there. It is worth seeing. Bro. Collins, at Riverside, is enjoying a two week's vacation. Relief Telegrapher McCloskey working second while Bro. Collins is absent. W. Brewer, who formerly worked second at * Riverside and resigned a few months ago, has re-entered the service, working extra. Cert. 106. Springfield Division, No. 38. It has been so long since there has been any- thing heard from this part of the State, that it has become a foregone conclusion that No. 38 had retired from the field, but am happy to state that we are still at 33 Lyman street, Springfield, Mass., doing business, and that the latch-string is always out for the brothers who may happen to be in our city. At our regular meeting, held in July, we had as our guests Second Vice-Presi- dent Thomas Pierson, Bros. Manion, Lcitch and Terry of Divisipn No. 29. Their presence and oratory was greatly appreciated by all present. There was a very large gathering; in fact, the hall never held so many since No. 38 was organized. As one of the members said: it repaid him for the many nights when there were not enough to fill the chairs. Now that the good work has started, keep it up. One word to the boys of the B. & A.: Get a little more ginger into your backbone; do not be afraid of your $1.50 per. The Boston & Maine and the New Haven road are looking for men; willing and anxious to pay a fair wage. At our meeting in August there was a fair at- tendance, but not as it should be, with 150 mem- bers enrolled on our books. The boys on the west end should try and get out to the meetings; and as for the members who live in this vicinity, they should at least try and show up better in the fu- ture than they have in the past. Nine applications were read and voted upon, and we expect at the next meeting in September to have 25 more. There is no news this month, as the brothers did not send in any, but we expect that 38 will be represented in the journal hereafter every month. If any brother has items of interest which he wishes to have appear, send them to Fred Mc- Carty, 95 Everett street, Springfield, Mass., and he will see that they reach the proper person. Cert. i6. Camden Division, No. 84. It has certainly been a long time since notes have appeared in the journal from our division, and it may be that some of the brothers in the outlying districts have arrived at the conclusion that Division No. 84 has been wiped off the map. Such is not the case. We are still at the same old stand, taking in new members, some of whom have been working for thirty years in the tele- graph business, and have just found out that they want to become members of the O. R. T. Now that there has been a liberality shown in regard to transportation, there is no excuse what- ever for not getting into Camden once each month to attend the division meeting. While the meet- ings have never suffered for lack of members to fill the chairs and decorate the side seats, still we want to see you all present. There is enough room in the Division room to accommodate all who belong to Div. 84, some 300 or more, and when the room gets too small, we will move to larger quarters. W'est Jersey Jim sometimes goes out for smokers, and he likes to see all the boys get the benefit. He firmly believes in union brand goods, and consequently the boys of No. 84 re- ceive the benefit of his experience in that line. Our Local Chairmen have been sending out blanks to members and non-members, located on the W. J. & S. and Amboy divisions. Quite a few of these blanks have not yet been returned. It is the interest of all employed to furnish the in- formation asked for, and it would be well for those who have blanks to return them properly filled out, to the brothers designated to receive them. Kit. Shamokin Division, No. 117. No doubt there were quite a few of the broth- ers disappointed by not seeing anything from this division in our last journal. Yours truly was there with the goods, but I presume the items failed to make connections. On account of being under the weather was unable to be present at our last meeting, but understand there was a pretty good attendance. As I have received but few notes from the brothers, you must not be disappointed if this communication is brief. I would like the members to notify me if they know of any changes or pro- motions along the line. Just drop me a note. You may think it a small item, yet at the same time it may interest some of us. There are enough of us along the line to make some showing in the journal. J. J. Kane, agent at Alaska, is enjoying a vaca- tion. J. W. Gonson, night man, was put on days in agent’s place. He wanted to go back nights, but our chief said “nay,” and he quit. Bro. Crane, formerly Rupert days, is now regu- lar night man, and Relief Telegrapher H. W. Brecken is agent pro tern. Bro. Fisher is now regular days at “RU,” and Bro. Sheats regular nights. Mr. Runyan days, Grovania, is enjoying himself down in Jersey. He is still on the fence, but I Digitized by Google

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1520 The Railroad Telegrapher. think he will come our way in the near future, as he is too good a man to stay out in the cold. Mr. Hosier, days at “BY,” is on the sick list; is relieved by his brother regular night man at same place, and Mr. Hart, formerly flagman on train, is doing the night trick. Bro. Fisher, “RU,” days, was enjoying himself down on the beach recently. There are quite a number of nons among us, and we should each endeavor to show them the benefits to be derived, etc. Be prepared to give them all the information necessary. It would be well for each member to procure a list showing the amount necessary to remit to establish membership in the various months, and always have it handy, so if asked the question you can give the information. Send notes for the next journal. You can each send at least one or two items. “Every little helps,” you know. Cert. 15. Boston Division, No. 89. Providence Division — Old home week was largely responsible for the absence of the ever-present, always-on-hand broth- ers, and those in attendance found it hard work to tear themselves away from the magnificently illu- minated streets, fireworks and music, to take part in our meeting. Much business was transacted and many appli- cations read and accepted. The fruits of our last schedule are ripening into a greater and mightier brotherhood. Many visitors were present, including Bro. Brady, chief of Division No. 35; Bro. Dowd, chief of Division No. 29; Bro. Culver, Division No. 29; Bro. Hannan, Division No. 37, comprising the committee to promote the office of paid general chairman on this system. Bro. Mullen, of Ayer Division, made a very forceful argument against a paid general chair- man, and gave us some points that set many of us to thinking. Notwithstanding all that was said to the contrary, a motion was passed and commit- tee appointed to confer with like committees ap- pointed from each division to devise ways and means for support of same. Bro. Hardway, relieving Mr. Joseph Ellis at Broadway tower. Bro. Maclellen received a badly-sprained wrist. Bro. Kenyon, Yarmouth street tower, on three weeks’ vacation. Relieved by Mr. Dixon. We are glad to welcome an old, staunch mem- ber, like J. D. Stevenson, back to the ranks. Mr. Joseph Laberge spent two weeks with his family at Montmagny, Quebec. Bro. W. F. Marvells and family are spending vacation at Ocean City, Md. Bro. Clark took a day off recently. Doc. Dannell spent a week’s vacation at Pem- berton. Bro. Corbett and family spent two weeks* vaca- tion at Edgartown. Bro. Wry is holding down third trick at Canton Junction. Mr. Jerauld is the happy father of a bouncing baby boy. Mr. Martin Kindler is relieving Mr. Geo. Knowlton, Last Fexboro. Plymouth Division — The following changes have taken place during this month on the Plymouth Division: Bro. J. N. Walker, Braintree station nights, to Braintree tower split trick. Bro. J. McDonald, split trick Braintree tower, to Neponset nights. Bro. J. M. Smith, Atlantic second trick, to Savin Hill, first trick. Bro. E. W. Atkins, Swett street third trick, to Savin Hill second trick. Mr. M. P. Riley, of Readville, to third trick at Savin Hill. Bro. Clifford, Savin Hill, third trick to second trick Atlantic. Bro. Tommie Prince, Neponset, to third trick Swett Street Junction. Bro. J. W. Colbert, ticket agent at South Brain- tree, is on a month’s vacation in the Maine woods. Bro. J. J. Foley is relieving Bro. Colbert. Mr. Lyons is covering the night trick at South Braintree. Bro. H. G. Ford, Quincy Adams, is acting agent at East Milton in the absence of Mr. Bearsc. Bro. Lake, Mayflower Park, has returned from a two weeks’ vacation spent at Douglas, Mass. Mr. Riley, of Randolph, covered Bro. Lake’s job. The brothers are congratulating Bro. Dugas on his lucky escape from death at Campbells, July 28. Bro. Dugas was fireman on the passenger extra which collided with the Cape freight. Bro. Dugas went into the wreck with his engine, but escaped with a few bad cuts on his face and head. Bro. Geo. Broderick, of Tremont, has bid in Sagamore. Miss E. A. Murphy is covering Yarmouth tem- porarily. Midland Division — The brothers of the Midland Division, with one or two exceptions, were again conspicuous by their absence from the regular monthly meeting. This is, indeed, a poor showing for so large a division as the Midland. There are enough brothers who are employed days to materially swell the attend- ance, but for some cause or other refrain from doing so. Is it because they belong only for the monetary benefit derived? While this may show good business acumen, it does not fill the standard required of a good brotherhood man. The O. R. T. was not instituted alone to raise wages and shorten the hours of labor, but to elevate social, moral and intellectual conditions as well. This is done in the meeting rooms, where our morals are corrected. There we are imbued with the spirit of brotherly love, and divorced from selfishness. Essentially this will make us good citizens and good union men and employes. Let us, then, look forward to a larger attendance in the future, for Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1521 many of us are in need of the above-mentioned graces. The new tower at Putnam is nearing completion, I “13” this will be a first-class tower, motor sig- nals, etc., and, no doubt, three tricks. The brothers at “DU,” East Douglas, were kept busy last month with the Baptist camp-meeting. Mr. Raymond, of Woonsocket air line station, will ride the goat at the next meeting. Bro. Dan Scully, of Milford station, has been transferred from Division No. 35 to Division No. 89. The engagement is announced of Bro. Paul Gilbert to Miss Ida Campbell, both of Franklin. Mr. Currie, agent at Ashcroft, has resigned to take up a business college course. Bro. Moore, of Bellingham, has moved into his new cottage on the pond. Bro. Cuthbertson is working days at Blackston, while regular man is off. Bro. Aldrich is sub- stituting nights. Bro. Frank Mosher is making his monthly rounds again as relief towerman. The brothers at Putnam have moved into the new station. They are delighted with their new quarters. The brothers of Franklin station and tower are enjoying the good fishing at Lake Pearl, where they have the use of Bro. Pendelton’s commodious house boat and tender. Bro. Sullivan is back to Woon Junction, after substituting at different offices. Quite a number of the brothers visited Boston during Old Home week, where among the numer- ous attractions was a giant model of the original Morse telegraph key, outlined in electric lights, at the birthplace of Prof. Morse in Charlestown, Mass. Cert. 226. Olean Division, No. 135. I will endeavor to represent Division 135 in this issue. If the boys will kindly send me news items I will try and write them up, having been requested to do so pending the appointment of a regular division correspondent. Not being very we 1 acquainted, my success will depend to a great extent on the interest manifested by the members of this division. Bro. W. C. Richards, at 45-mile siding days, we understand, has bid in Irvington days, on the river, and will soon be transferred to same. We miss Bro. Brown, from the Nickle Plate station in Dunkirk. Understand he has taken day job at Brocton, on Nickle Plate, and that Bro. E. C. Stark is at ”AK” now. Bro. Salisbury is right after his day man at Plate, Mr. Kittleberger, and we hope to soon call him brother. Mr. G. W. Dean, recently appointed agent at Lake View, will be in the ranks as soon as circum- stances will permit. Blasdell is held down by Bro. V. M. Taft, agent and telegrapher, formerly from Brocton nights. Only two of the boys of the Chant Division at- tended the meeting at Olean July 16th they being Bros. Ide from B. S. and Thompson from Irving. Our next meeting should be well attended as we need a chairman and local chairman over here, and there is other important business to be trans- acted. Let us all turn out and get acquainted. Owing to my slight acquaintance south of Broc- ton, I will not attempt to go beyond that point, but if the boys from Oil City, north, will but lend a hand and send me news until a regular di- vision correspondent is appointed, I will see that the Chant Division is represented each month in the journal. Cert. 141. Trenton Division, No. 85. Bro. Palmer, at Phillipsburg tower, has returned from a four week’s vacation, having spent most of his time at Lake Hopatcong. A few more of the brothers are enjoying a week to three weeks’ vaca- tion at different points. The traffic is extremely heavy on the BeL Del. Division this summer, which keeps the boys on the jump. The events of the past few days have brought the telegraphers to a realization of the fact that they hold responsible positions, and the diet of seven days per week and only one relief day a month is a pace that will put most of them into “clear” after a few years of such work. Tir. Woodsville Division, No. 45. Not having seen any news from this division for several months, and thinking it rather strange that a division of this size should not be repre- sented, I will attempt to mention a few items of interest. Bro. W, H. Bailey has bid in the night job at Summit Siding. Bro. Taylor has bid in the position of assistant and telegrapher at Wilder. Bro. R. L. Lilly bid in the night trick at Nor- wich and Hanover. Bro. H. L. Smith, formerly of Norwich and Hanover nights, has bid in the agency at Ely. Why are our monthly meetings so poorly at- tended? They are held for our benefit, and we surely should take enough interest in our own wel- fare to put in an appearance occasionally. We certainly can not hope to advance our own in- terests if we all hang back and wait for the other fellow to do the work. Bro. Chase has resigned the position of night telegrapher and ticket clerk at St Johnsbury, a position which he held for seven years. Bro. Chase is rather undecided as to what his next position will be, as he has several good offers. Bro. Brown, of Newbury, had the misfortune to lose his house and barn, wnich were struck by lightning recently. Remember, it is nearly time for our Committee to go to Boston for a revision of the schedule, and in order to make known what is desired, every member should make it a point to attend meetings until the committee leaves. We want your suggestions and advice. Let us all be pres- ent at Woodsville Saturday, Sept. 21st, and make it one of the best attended meetings in the history of our division. Cert. 99. Digitized by Google

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1522 The Railroad Telegrapher. Hocking Valley Ry. The first meeting of the agents and telegraphers of the Hocking Division was held at Logan, Au- gust 5th, at the Ambrose Hotel. The meeting was well attended, owing to the fact that Bro. Tan- quary, deputy president, was present. Meeting was called to order at 8:30 p. m. Bro. Tanquary made a very interesting speech, and complimented us on the progress we have already made. The overtime subject was discussed.. This was not thoroughly understood previous to the meeting. The schedules of the different roads entering Ohio, including the H. V. Railway, were discussed. Several suggestions were made to the committee which will be taken up at the next meeting with the officials. The intentions are to hold meetings once a month. The meetings will be held at dif- ferent cities, so as to allow all members to attend. The intention is to hold the next meeting at Cols, Ohio, with the Toledo Division boys. All members are requested to be present at this meet- ing. Bro. Mattison, day telegrapher at East Clay- ton, has been laid up for a few days on account of a bad cold; relieved by Bro. Jolley. Mr. Grif- fin, from Toledo Division, doing the owl stunt. Bro. Applegate night man at Armitage, resigned recently. Understand he is going West in search of a better position. Telegrapher Davis, of Hamley Run, still contin- ues to have a lot of excuses. Think the boys are getting tired listening to them. We hope he will line up soon. Telegrapher Smith, Old Town days, continues to have same old gag: “Going to leave the serv- ice,” etc. We invited the Toledo Division boys to attend the meeting held at Logan, Ohio, August 5th, but on account of train service they were unable to attend. Bro. Miller made a business trip to Nelsonville this week. Bro. Davidson, of “DU” office nights, has se- cured a house, and is going to move his family to Nelsonville in the near future, we understand. The intentions are to hold a joint meeting at Cols, Ohio, in the near future. There are still a few nons, but fail to hear them making any kick about their improved con- ditions and the increase they got through the O. R. T. F. E. M. Chicago Division, No. 91. Notwithstanding my request, made the last month through The Telegrapher, but one member on the Monon accepted my invitation to go fish- ing, so I suppose we will have to call the picnic off. It seems to be almost impossible to instill any life in our Monon brothers. Perhaps some of them can suggest some means by which we can get them together and do business. If we can organize the line up to about 90 or 95 per cent we will have another try for a schedule, but will have to get busy if we do anything this summer. By the time this appears in print our brothers will have a schedule on the C., I. & S., as at the present time (August 15th) their committee is in Chicago draft- ing one up for presentation to the management Now, boys, you should understand one thing, a first schedule is never very satisfactory to the members, but, regardless of whether we gain any benefits from it at all, it gives us the right to go in year after year and build upon it. It gives us some rules and regulations to work under, and gives the men a chance to apply for the better positions when they become vacant. I say this in order that our members may not be disap- pointed and withdraw from the Order. Rome was not built in a day, and the Constitution of the United States needed a great many amendments before it became as perfect as it now is. What I wish every member to do is to pay his dues and assessments promptly, and get after every other member and see that he does the same, as it is a hard thing to get a road lined up for the second time after the members drop out. If a non member shows up in your vicinity get after him. I am sorry that the brothers on the E., J. & E. and Monon could not have organized themselves to such a per cent that Fourth Vice-President Der- mody could have taken charge of their negotiations at the same time he took charge of those of the C.. I. & S. I am in receipt of a long line-up from Bro. Barnes, which I shall have to cut out as it is against the rules to publish line-ups. All the telegraphers on the C., I. & S. seem to be fully alive to the situation, and don’t think any of them let anything get by. A notable change is in the number of students. In February it was almost impossible to count them, now I believe you can travel over the entire system and find only two or three. Don’t you see how you have already improved your positions, if only in the matter of permanently securing your positions? While some of the officials on the C., I. & S. are fair to the men, those who are not can not discharge a man for nothing, for the simple reason that they have no students to substitute for him, and it is almost impossible to secure a good telegrapher to take his place. The final result is that they have to voluntarily advance the wages and ameliorate the working conditions. About one-third of the members of Division No. 91 are on strike at this writing; about that num- ber are employed by the Western Union and Postal in Chicago, and every one of them walked out on the signal. The fact of the matter is, we have nothing to lose but our chains of servitude, and everything to gain. Local Chairman Driscoll and the secretary and treasurer took a little trip around the terminals of the Indiana Harbor Belt, near East Chicago, on a rather hot day. After following the secre- tary and treasurer for four or five miles on a dog trot Driscoll cried, “Quits.” It would be a good idea for divisions to put sprinters in as local chairmen, or else furnish them with speeders or automobiles. There was considerable difficulty in getting relief for the chairman from the Dan- ville Division, which delayed our work for some Di ' ized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1523 time. I understand Bro. Wilmington has bought an auto. How about it? Bro. Wilson is doing the relief work in the dispatcher's office. We have several ex-Order men employed on the Danville Division, wonder why some one can't get them back into the fold? We were very sorry to lose Bro. Newberry, our ex-local chairman, but believe we have a good man in his place. Am sorry to see so many of our boys leaving the C., I. & S. for other roads, but can hardly blame them at present, as their conditions are so materially bettered. Well, boys, if you have any kicks make them and then when we satisfy you forget them and keep up the good work. In dropping the Order you injure no one as much as yourself. Would be very glad to have some notes sent me by the boys on the “J,” Indiana Harbor Belt, Terminal, Mo* non, C., I. & S. and Pennsylvania lines. Geo. H. O’Brien. Central of Georgia Railway. Chattanooga Division — It seems that our division correspondent has gone out of business, hasn’t time, or something is wrong, so I will take a shot at it: Nothing special to write about. Everything moving along very nicely. Mr. Reid, agent at Trion, resigned; relieved by our traveling auditor, Mr. F. H. Naylor. Our regular meeting was held at Lyerly on Sunday, August 18th, with a full attendance, and was enjoyed by every one present. We especially desire to thank Mrs. A. C. Powell for the dinnei she furnished us. It was appreciated by ever} member present. Bro. J. A. Lowe, of Felton, has just returned from a 15-days’ trip to Texas. He reports fine time, and enjoyed meeting some of the good old 0. R. T. boys in the West. Bro. Lowe is a wide- awake O. R- T. man, and never fails to speak a good word for the Order when he can do so. Bro. S. O. Addison, of Buchanan, is off on a vacation to his old home in South Carolina; re- lieved by Bro. Mothershed. Bro. A. C. Powell, of Lyerly, who has been off on a vacation for several days, has returned. He was relieved by Bro. W. M. Holmes. Unable to learn where Bro. Holmes is located now, but pre- sume he will let us hear from him after he is set- tled. Bro. Harris, better known as “Kid Harris,” is back doing the owl act for Bro. Powell at Lyerly. I notice our Savannah correspondent is “kinder ripping us up the back” for letting our correspon- dence get behind, but we will endeavor to do bet- ter, and not get in the background any more. It speaks bad for us, but we hope to be forgiven this time. We nose a very encouraging letter from our brother correspondent on the Chattanooga Divis- ion of the Southern Railway. We are certainly glad to know that they are doing so nicely. We should all pull together and make this division one of the best on this system in every respect. Our new superintendent, Mr. Cotter, and our traveling auditor, Mr. F. H. Naylor, will appreci- ate seeing this division put at the head of the list, and I am sure that none of us will ever regret it in any way. So, boys, let’s get right down to business, and let’s get on top, and stay there. It’s easy if we will only try just a little. Cert. 43. Savannah Division — August Telegrapher just received, and fail to locate any write-up from any division on this line, except the Savannah Division, and in order that we will be represented, as usual, and not run the risk of depending on the other divisions to see the Central of Georgia in print, will endeavor to give a few changes this month. Understand Bro. B. O. Edwards, assistant local chairman, has left Milledgeville, and accepted a job in Mr. Carlisle’s office at Macon. Haven’t learned who relieved him. Sister Holland, Dover days, off on a much needed vacation, visiting relatives in South Caro- lina. This is the first rest Sister Holland has had in some time, and, no doubt, she is enjoying herself. Sister Sistrunk, Bloomingdale agency, has left the service of the company, accepting a position with the C. W. C. Railway. Bro. Shearhouse, of Gordon days, assigned the agency. Mr. Jerome Kennedy left Halcyondale agency. Only stayed a couple of weeks; relieved by a new man, Mr. T. F. Brown. Haven’t learned whether he is of the right material or not. Mr. A. J. H. Williams has given up the Brew- ton agency. A Mr. Douglass relieved him and has already asked for blanks. Mr. Williams, brother of Bro. N. A. Williams, nights at Dover for a short while, until Sister Holland returns. Bro. B. R. Bloodworth has been on the sick list a few days; went to his old home, at Gordon to get well. Glad to hear him back on No. 8. Also Mr. A. L. Armstrong, who has been off for sev- eral weeks on account of a case of typhoid fever, has returned to “GO” office. Bro. Mabre has left the service of the company. Haven’t learned his whereabouts as yet. The joint meeting with the S. A. L. boys proved a very successful one, nevertheless our boys let the S. A. L. delegation outnumber us. There was several of our boys who went to Sa- vannah, but for some reason failed to put in their appearance at the hall. We were treated royally by the C. T. U. A. boys, who served refresh- ments, etc., and made us feel perfectly at home; so those who miss these meetings not only fail to learn the happenings of the division but also miss an enjoyable time. It is hoped that every man on the Savannah Division will respond promptly to the call for as- sistance to the amount of $1 each for the C. T. U. A. strike fund. I feel sure before this is in print there will not be a member on this division but what has remitted the amount. Let’s hear from our sister divisions occasionally. Cert. 3. Digitized by G,OOQle

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1524 The Railroad Telegrapher. Elmira Division, No. 100. Elmira Division, No. ioo, met Friday, August 16, with eighteen members present, mostly from the north end. Bros. Baker and Brewer were the only representatives from the south end. Surely the train accommodations are as good south of Elmira as they are north, and the brothers from the south end can attend meetings with as little inconvenience as those from the north end. Messrs. G. A. Knapp and F. B. Miller, now at Coal Switch tower. Mr. H. L. Baxter, at Stanley nights. Bro. C. M. Weeks on vacation. Bro. Davies working days during Bro. Weeks’ absence. Bro. Kyte, from Enerdale, was in attendance at last meeting. Mr. Baker, late of Hall nights, has left the service per request. Mr. R. J. Pollock, now at Snediker, where the work is light. Bro. Dunning visited the Jamestown Exposition during his vacation, but he hasn’t made any re- marks as to what is to be seen there. However, if there was anything worth seeing, Bro. Dunning may be depended upon to have seen it. No signs of fee or applications from Cogan Valley yet. An organizer will find fertile soil there. Bro. Miller, of Trout Run, expects to start on vacation, August 19. We may now call T. S. Blake brother, along with Bro. McLaughlin, and the Irish girls around “Q” tower. Mr. Lundy doing ten days for No. 9s detention August 7, seventeen minutes. Snediker on advertised list for a night man, also days for a while until Bro. B. T. Bryant, agent at Avalon, N. J., returns this fall. Gillette night office now operated by phone. ”13” it will be Bro. Laughlin’s soon. Peterman, from Snediker, goes there also. Bro. Bambury now at Fassett. Bro. White, who has been on three weeks’ leave of abs; <e, resumes relief work. Bro. Hayes, after a few days’ vacation, is back, apparently as good as new. Bro. Dunning resumed relief work on the south end August 5. This end seems to be pretty well off for telegraphers. Phone offices at “NE,” “FI,” “GB” and “DR” nights. There are seven $49.50 and on relief day jobs on the south end. D. R Hanmer, from Watkins, now at Hall nights. C. C. Lee, from Troy, worked at “K” tower two nights during Mr. Johnson’s absence. Mr. C. B. Johnson, of “K” tower nights, was off three nights attending the burial of his sister. Bro. C. H. Cay ward, Pennyan nights, just back from a week’s vacation. While Division No. 100 may be in the infant class, we are coming to the front. Five applica- tions last meeting is a pretty good showing, and when one considers that many of the men are not yet eligible, the fact that we have almost doubled our membership since May, looks encour- aging.. The way some of the boys are getting after the nons is a caution, and the only way the poor non can acquire peace of mind is to join. Both Johnsons at “K” towir have a two weeks’ vacation promised in September. Mr. C. B. John- son expects to go to Jamestown, while Bro. John- son will put in his time picking his apple crop, and forking out his “spuds.” Bro. Davies, having been relieved by Bra Weeks at Stanley, is taking a week off, having a good time, we understand. Here’s hoping the brothers from the south end will strain a point and have a stronger represen- tation at our next meeting. They are missing a lot of good things by not showing up. Div. Cot. Philadelphia Division, No. 102. On the evening of July 27, Division Na 102 held a large and enthusiastic meeting, with Bro. H. B. Perham, our worthy president, acting as chief. The large number of P. & R. boys who attended this meeting shows conclusively that they are wide-awake and are capable of bettering their con- ditions, which is coming their way in the shape of an O. R. T. schedule soon. We had the pleasure of the presence of O. R- T. Organizer J. W. Riggins, of St. Louis. General chairman of the O. R. T. General Com- mittee, representing the P. R. R. lines east of Pittsburg and Erie, was with us, and helped moth in making this meeting one not to be forgotten in a long time to come. After the regular order of business was dis- pensed with, of which there was much conducted in the interest of the boys on the P. & R., the Old Reliable and Trusted, our worthy president, Bro. H. B. Perham, gave us a most encouraging and interesting address. We also had with us Bro. Cunningham, of the Grand Division, who used to pound brass for rail- road companies, but who is now working for Uncle Sam as postal clerk between Philadelphia and Pittsburg. Bro. Lew Thurston, formerly of the A. C. Di- vision, P. & R., now conductor for the Gloucester Traction Company, was with us. Lew is just recovering from an accident which befell him while on duty. Aw Old Vrr. Our regular meeting was held on August 24. the regular meeting place, with Big Chief Mennig in the chair. It was noted that several members were absent who should have been present. They were the losers thereby, because they missed a very interesting meeting. Besides transacting the regular routine of business, we donated to the C. T. U. of A. the sum of $25. As the brothers all know, they are out on strike and their fight is also ours. A victory to them means a victory to us. We are living right up to Bro. Quick’s instruc- tions of doing no more and no less. As a gen- Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1525 eral rule it is very much less. Most of our reg- ular patrons have stopped using the telegraph be- cause Uncle Sam can give just as good service at the present time for less money. I understand that there are only a few of our members who do not carry the blue up-to-date card. Hope that they will wake up and get in line. Also realize that they are not in good standing from September x. Division No. xoa was never so prosperous as it is now. The outlook is very, very bright I am glad to say that every brother employed on this system is doing his duty, and the officials are beginning to realize that the O. R. T. man is the right kind of stuff. He can always be depended upon. Bro. Rowan doing the night stunt at Valley l’orge. Bro. Mennig, our C. T., who is also a chief of the P. O. S. of A., marched at the head of his column in the parade, at the recent convention in Philadelphia. Bro. Righter is working at Nicetown nights. Chris. Southern Pacific Ry. Salt Lake Division — For the benefit of the telegraphers in the Middle West, I would like to publish a few lines regard- ing the “Short Line,” a portion of the S. P Co., and particularly the west end of the Salt Lake Division. The munificent pay of $77.50, with an occasional 25c extra for a meal hour, begrudgingly allowed, may look big to some of you; but the conditions are different. Most of the stations are located on the desert. I confine my remarks strictly to the district, Winnemucco to Sparks, one division 17 1 miles, having fourteen day and night offices on its time table. Of these, only four have what might be called towns, where a telegrapher can get board and room. A desert station is a telegraph office, with three or four rooms for the men to work, live and sleep in, a section house and some tie shacks for the foreign laborers or section gang, and a signal main- tainer house. The nearest neighbor Is usu- ally the next telegraph office. Water is hauled in cans, and a cistern filled for common use; frequently empty on account of commercial freight taking preference over the wants of the employes. The telegraphers work twelve-hour tricks. If one goes to town for provisions, the other has to work extra. Local freight rates are high and service slow. Often way-freight is three to twelve days coming from any town on the division. No post office. No express office, and the only way a telegrapher gets his mail is by special favor of some freight conductor. The signal maintainer is furnished a good four- room cottage, cement foundations and cellar, kitchen sink with sewer, pantry, shelving, drawers, closets, good windows and doors. A modern building, and dust and cold-proof. Good wood- shed and store-room. His average daily work is three hours. Has an annual pass, and goes to town any time. He is furnished with ice daily by the passenger train. Can eat meat, butter or vegetables during the hot weather. His pay is $75 The telegraphers have a three or four room, cheap shack, not protected against heat, wind, cold or dust, and used in common by the two. He pays full first-class freight rates on his provisions. The section men or foreign laborers get a half cent a ton per mile rate, or 25c on two or three hundred pounds of provisions that would cost the telegrapher $3 to $5. He gets no ice and can't eat meat during the hot season, and uses butter out of a bottle. Fresh vegetables or fruit are unknown. In the towns the pay of the telegrapher is inadequate. Last winter I saw two rooms occu- pied by a telegrapher in Reno, Nevada. Rent, $20. A sack of blocks from the planing mills cost one dollar, and would barely serve to warm the room and cook for one day. Bacon costs 25c per pound; potatoes have been 3c to 6c per pound all winter and spring. The officials treat the telegraphers in the most cold-blooded manner. As an instance. Operator Merigan, a youth, the only support of a widowed mother, a good all-around boy, well up in station work, worked in Lovelock where the ticket sales a/nounted to $20,000 for February, last, was de- barred from station work by the bond company on account of his age. He took an O. S. job at Parran nights. The weather was very hot last month and he found it impossible to sleep after 10 a. m., on account of the heat and flies. Three or four nights did him up. Not being able to get transferred, he quit. For this he was taken out of the service and properly blacklisted. Two telegraphers, McCoy and Hoover, worked 't Hazen last winter, during the time of the artificial coal famine. The weather was intensely cold, and because they went to the hotel to get warmth that they were not furnished in the telegraph office and refused to stay and work in a cold office, were taken out of the service. Over a dozen such cases occurred within the past eight months. At one time nineteen teleg- raphers had their resignations in and waited weeks for relief. This was between Carlin and Sparks, two districts, 288 miles. The telegrapher gets less pay, less consideration, does more work, and works longer hours than any other class of men on the Short Line. Freight conductors make $200 to $220. Two freight brakemen on the local last month got $170 each, and the average pay of a freight brakeman is about $140. Most of the telegraphers on this division are transient, pay their dues in St. Louis, and have no local interest in affairs; only to knock out a few months' pay and go elsewhere. The Short Line makes this their policy. Keep the men going. Discharge as many as possible. Get new blood and give their men no chance to get organized and make a stand. We have a State eight-hour law, effective since March 29th, last, but it is ignored by the Short Line. Cert. 767, Div. 53. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1526 The Railroad Telegrapher. Tucson Division — For some time I have looked in vain for notes in our journal from this division, so at last have concluded to try my hand at it. Tucson, the place where the division officials and our twelve trick dispatchers hold forth, an i where we all have to go through “the mill** before starting our career on this division, is now provided with a fine new depot, with more commodious and pleasant accommodations for both passengers and employes. The boys working at that point appreciate the change. Varous rumors of mighty hot weather along the line west of Tucson have been noised abroad of late. These may be all false, but we notice many a poor “owl" has come to grief lately, not being able to keep awake at night, on account of being unable to sleep days. If any eastern brother wonders why we get a little more money than he does and are asking for more, let him try a night job on the west end of the Tucson division of the Southern Pacific during the “warm" season. Bro. Page, at Anapra, advises us he is soon to have a post office, and that be will at least get his postage stamps back in cancellations. Agency at Deming is listed on the current bul- letin. This will, no doubt, mean a move for several old-timers in the course of the next few months. Bro. W. E. Moore bid in Lordsburg agency. Bro. W. H. Lawrence and wife are enjoying the California sea breezes, while Bro. C. H. Ward checks the express and bills out the ore at Cochise. Our worthy chief dispatcher, Mr. Stewart, is taking a well-earned vacation, with Night Chief Fairbanks relieving him. Mr. Hamilton, one of the new dispatchers, is acting as night chief in Mr. Fairbanks* place. Bro. R. E. Cushman secured Dragoon agency on June bulletin, but is at present acting agent at Red Rock, on account of shortage of competent relief men. Bro. H. A. Foster, of Estrella, is on extended leave of absence and “13" he does not intend to return. Bro. A. G. Brinley, who figures on the incoming drags at Gila, is visiting friends in El Paso, being relieved by Bro. C. Q. Leslie. Night office at Aztec is closed temporarily, and our Local Chairman, Bro. R. C. Weyer, says the overtime is a good thing, but that working twelve hours in the day time and meeting three passen- ger trains at night is no joke. Red Rock agency appears on the current bul- letin, and will fall to the lot of one of the old heads, no doubt. By the time some of us young- sters have worked our seven, ten and fifteen years on this division, we will think we should have first chance at the good jobs, too. Bro. C. G. O’Connor, who has done the owl act at Mohawk so long, has taken unto himself the duties of a long-suffering station agent and bid in Sentinel, Mohawk nights being listed on August bulletin. Bro. D. H. Inman, Wellton days, is on extended leave of absence, being relieved by Bro. W. C Veyl. Bro. Fred Ewing, who left the service some time ago, and who has been firing on this division since, is taking a vacation from his duties in the motive power department, and is doing a little extra work in “BY" office, Yuma, for a change. Bro. J. T. Clayton, the genial agent at Yuma, is on the Coast, with his family, at present, and, it is said, that he intends going into business for himself in California, and will resign. Bro. C. F. Crane is doing the relief agency work until Bro. Clayton returns. Many of the older men arc leaving the service. Competent relief agents are as scarce as the pro- verbial hen’s teeth, and to quote from our non- union friend, Mr. Post, “there’s a reason.” Men who have ability sufficient to handle a large rail- road station successfully can secure better salaries elsewhere; or if they have the capital, can often do well in business for themselves. No doubt there are many items of interest that I have omitted; but, even so, a few items are better than none, and we don’t want any one to get the impression that the Tucson district, Div. 53, is a “dead one," for it’s not. Cert. 766. Cresson Division, No. 109. The Cresson Division, No. 109, held two meet- ings during the month of August, 1907. the firM meeting being held on Thursday evening. August 1, in Brown’s Hall at Cresson, Pa., and the second meeting, held in Custer Hall at Conemaugh, Pa., on Saturday evening, August 24. The attendance was good at the former meeting, whilst at the latter the attendance was somewhat below our expectations, due, possibly, to weather conditions, but we are glad to note that there were a few of the old standbys visible at both meetings in question, nothing daunting them, even though greatly inconvenienced to get there. We cer- tainly admire such courage asserted among a few at least, and trust more of the boys will awaken to a sense of duty and favor us with their pres ence, as there is nothing so encouraging as a good attendance at our regular meetings. The Cresson meeting was principally taken up with routine work, under the direction of Bra Jolm Kiger, of Pittsburg, Pa., who was a visiting member from Division No. 52, and this being our first regular meeting held since the institution of the new division, there were questions not clear to the presiding officers, therefore, Bro. Kiger's assistance proved very valuable to us. Bro. Kiger also favored us with a short address, defining his duties as local chairman, which was very instruc- tive to the boys, and at the same time highly ap- preciated by them. Come again, Bro. Kiger. There were two applications presented and favor- ably acted on at this meeting, which added two more sisters to the membership of Division No. 109. Who will be next of the fair sex to get into the band-wagon? There is still plenty of room. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1527 The Conemaugh meeting was similar in character to our Cresson meeting, there being four appli- cations presented and all acted on favorably, which clearly demonstrates that we are gaining strength in our membership in this section, and, doubtless, bear us out in making the assertion that we pro- pose making Division No. 109 the banner division in Pennsylvania. Samuel K. Bosley, who formerly worked for the P. R. R. Co., but recently employed in the steel car department of the Cambria Steel Com- pany, at Conemaugh, Pa., has again accepted a position with the Pennsylvania Railroad, in the telegraph department, and is doing extra duty at various points on the Mountain Division. Wc are glad to bear of his return to the service on account of the scarcity of telegraphers, and at the same time his name has been added to our member- ship roll as a solid O. R. T. man. Bro. J. H. Ritter, second trick at “C” tower, was called very unexpectedly to Manheim, Pa., on ac- count of the sudden death of his brother, Andrew J. Ritter, who died, after a brief illness, of paraly- sis. We, one and all, extend our sincere sympathy to this bereaved brother in his time of loss and sorrow. Cor. B. & O. 3. W. Ry. Indiana Division — I note brothers along the line asking off for dinner between the hours of 11 and 1, when they have only twenty-five or thirty minutes in which to gulp down the viands. This is not right. It’s a direct violation of one of the most enviable con- cessions in our last agreement with the company. If you are unable to secure the full sixty minutes between the hours of 11 a. m. and 1 p. m., or 1 1 p. m. and 1 a. m., you should not ask off at all until after the 1 a. m. or 1 p. m., after which hour you are allowed thirty minutes, if feasible. It was only after hard work, of a month, or more, that our committee pried loose these concessions from the ever-vigilant officials, and they ought to be lived up to. They certainly were not gotten to be violated at will or with impunity. What makes it appear the more grievous is that the violation is being carried on mostly among the old “scouts,” who should be setting a good ex- ample to the younger element, instead. The towermen and block telegraphers received instruc- tions from the general supperintendent that the meal hour would not be allowed them on account that they were to receive one day off each month with pay. Now, the two rules covering these two concessions can in no way be construed so they will conflict in this manner. The general under- standing is that the towermen and block men being held to their work twelve consecutive hours, seven days a week, were, in lieu of their in- ability of getting any time off from their work- ing hours, allowed one day off each month in addition to the meal hour, which they are com- pelled to work each day. Because towermen and block telegraphers are unable to get off for dinner they are not allowed the meal hour, and other telegraphers, who generally are able to get off for the meal hour, are allowed it, because they don’t need it? I can see no logic in such reason- ing, nor can any one else. Our General Chairman has the matter in hand and will evidently have the kink straightened out ere the reader gazes his optics on this article. Every manipulator of the magic key is on the qui vive, anent the eight-hour day, which I feel will have arrived next March, the 4th. The railroad corporations will be there, of course, making the sad appeal that they are unable to lasso the desired number of brass-pounders in that short 'time, and in consequence, plead for a year’s extension of time. But I feel sure that it will be no go, for I am of the opinion that certain gentle- men will step forward at the psychological moment and say “we can furnish the necessary number of telegraphers.” The company have been living up to the agree- ment of relieving the towermen and block men one day each month, all right. Porkopolis seems to be a center toward whence they all seem to gravitate on their holiday. Bro. John Woods, recently day man at Law- renceville, is now doing the stunt nights at Fern Bank, on the Big Four. Bro. Leo Hicks has left the service of the B. & O. S. W. and is working nights at Crane St., Cincinnati, on the Pennsylvania. Bros. “Red” Huntington and “Patsy” McKay have resigned and left for fields more remunera- tive. T. P. Flanagan, formerly second trick on Cin- cinnati district, is now working a trick out of Parsons, Kan., on the Katy. Bro. Everett Erwin, formerly telegrapher on the B. & O. S. W., is now working a trick out of Lima, Ohio, on the C. H. & D. Bro. H. Russell Huffman, formerly night man at Cook’s Tower, is now working nights in the yard office of the N. P. at South Tacoma. Huff has moved his family out there, and is very enthusi- astic over that part of the Occident, presaging great things for that country in the future. Bert Thompson, formerly employed on this pike, is now working for the Canadian Pacific at Medicine Hat, copying in the dispatcher’s office. Bert was working for the W. U. at Montreal, but dutifully left his key when called out. Bros. Arthur Richardson, Will Johnson, Bert Siemantel and Chas. Blackmore spent their holi- days in Cincinnati. John Young spent his in Os- good. All report “this one day off a month” as fine “biz.” Will some kind brothers tell me how I can dispose of The Telegrapher after reading its fair pages. Time was when I could send it to various nons along the line, but now things are different. We are solid O. R. T. from stern to stem, which I am proud to chronicle. Now, that I have broken the ice with a few lines from “home,” let some more competent brother take up the cudgel and keep the ball rolling, so that we may be represented each month in our decidedly interesting and valuable journal. Cert. 7, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1528 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Boileau had a pleasant visit in New York and the East for several weeks. Was relieved by Bro. Patmore. Mr. Thos. Kesheimer has joined us and is a brother. He relieved Bro. Huber while Bro. Huber was enjoying fifteen days' leave of absence; also relieved Bro. Hutchinson, nights, for two weeks. Mr. J. J. McGinnis promises to fall in line pay-day. Only a few more nons left. Brothers, get busy and line them all up by pay-day. Bro. Brown is now relief telegrapher. Bro. Parker is doing first stunt at “NA,” Bro. Howard second, and Bro. Keck third, Mr. Terrell leaving the service of this company. New schedule took effect August ist. Noon hour still pending, although the company agreed to give us an hour for meal time or overtime therefor. Hope by the time this goes into print matters will be adjusted by our committee. Brothers, send in a few items. Every little helps. Seems like we are all afraid to write. Cert. 262. Mobile & Ohio Ry. Murphysboro District — In last month's issue of The Telegrapher ap- peared the first write-up of any kind I have yet seen from the M. & O. Of course, the write-up did not cover the entire road, but it helped to start the ball to rolling. If all the members will send me items of some kind each month relative to what is happening on the line, I will forward them for publication, and let the brothers through- out the country know that there is a solid bunch of O. R. T. men on the M. & O., with the excep- tion of a very few. Now, boys, we have got to push; there’s no use in talking, and if we don’t get together and shove the same direction, we wi’l accomplish nothing. What good is our Order to us if we don’t use it? We notice a great deal in the journal relative to the eight-hour day and $75 minimum. If we don’t get together and work to that end we will never obtain results. The officials are not coming around to us and say: “You fellows need a raise,’’ and give it to us. Now, brothers, let’s all get together and try and accomplish something; and whatever you do, keep the students out of the offices. They are not mak- ing you anything. Some of the brothers are lia- ble to lose their cards if they persist in teaching students. We have no less than seven students on the Murphysboro District. If we ever hope to at. tain success, it must be stopped, and vigorous measures should be taken to do it. Give the company your best service, and show them we appreciate our first schedule, and when we go for a revision it will not be so hard to get. Bro. J. O. Bryant is back with us again, after his trip. Hope he will stick with us this time, and get a first trick shift, when the nine-hour law goes into effect next March. Bro. Sisk, who has been at “SY’’ tower for the past 15 months, has gone to his home in St. Charles, Ky., to enter the newspaper business with his brother. Good luck to him wherever he may be. Bro. Stearns, our local chairman, will leave us the first to attend medical college. Understand Bro. C. B. Paynes, from the I. C., will relieve him as agent at Red Bud. Bro. Stearns has our best wishes for success as a physician. Haven’t heard as yet who will succeed him as local chair- man. We certainly regret losing him, as he as- sisted in securing our first schedule, and hope he will return when the term of school is out Bro. Geo. Habermeht has been successful in landing the position at Bixby, with the Cotton Belt, working six hours per day and Sunday off. Bro. Chas. Kistner, of the Missouri Pacific, is visiting his mother in Union City, Tenn. Bro. R. Bailey and wife, of Union City, have been visiting relatives in Bardwell, Ky. Bro. J. S. Hayden, of Marion, Ky., is visiting relatives in Cairo, Ills. Cert. 1024. NOTICE. To All Members O. R. T., St. Louis Dixnsion , No. 2, Mobile & Ohio R. R. Co.: Having been appointed to the position of local chairman of the St. Louis Division to fill the un- expired term of Bro. Stearns, with your assist- ance I hope to make St. Louis Division the ban- ner division of the system. Don’t fail to give me the tip when a non shows up, or when a brother from another division comes along; be sure to give me his name and address, same as you would a non. By doing this we can keep posted, and work to a much better advantage. Any assistance I can render you in any way don’t hesitate to call on me, and I will do my very best. Soliciting your co-operation, I am, Yours fraternally, W. H. Polsgrovk, Jr., Jordan, Ky. Local Chairman. Ayer Division, No. 104. Bro. Dugdale is reported working for the South- ern Pacific at Anaheim, Cal. Bro. Collicutt, Marlboro Village, is away on vacation. Relieved by a Mr. Pickering. Bros. Healey and Sinclair, of Clinton, took their vacations this month, doubling for each other. Telegraphers Charlton and McCall, C. T. U. A. members, working at South Lancaster nights, while that job was up for bid. Bro. Fetch has been relieving in dispatcher’s office, Nashua, for a few weeks while vacations are in order. Mr. McCall has been working at Sterling Junc- tion while Bros. Monahan and K. H. Bates were away on vacations. It is reported that Bros. Sinclair and Healy, at Clinton, are to leave September 1 for Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they have secured positions. Bro. Lucier is now located at Winnipeg. Telegrapher Gokey bid in “AY/’ Ayer days. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1529 Bro. Patterson bid in agency at Harrisville, and, after working there a few days, bid in South Lan- caster, nights. Bro. McLenna bid in "MU,” Ayer days. Teleg- rapher Haggerty being promoted to assistant yard master at Ayer. Telegrapher Defoe bid in East Littleton agency. Understand Mr. Defoe has made out an application for an “up-to-date.” Mr. Keniston reconsidered his resignation and is again working at Harrisville. Cert. 4. Union Pacific Ry. Western Nebraska Division — Can’t stand it any longer, boys. I’ve wa'clTed the U. P. write-ups for a year now, and have yet to see the first write-up from the West Nebraska. But we all take a pride in this district, and I am sure there are those who have been with us in times past who would be glad to see us repre- sented here, even though it be the same old story that we hear the country over. Don’t know that I could report any vacations, for, honestly, I don’t know of a single man taking one now, and the number getting them at all this summer has been very few. Men of any ability are so scarce that it seems to be the policy of Mr. Anderson, our chief, to allow no vacations. If you want off you quit. While it is not his fault, it is very incon- venient to us fellows when we want off. Haven’t had a line-up of the district since spring, but at that time there were only three or four nons on the district, including branches, and I am confident it is as good now. Really, it would have done your loyal hearts good to have seen the way the boys obeyed that fake telegram, cir- culated when the C. T. U. A. boys first went out, purporting to come from headquarters, and ask- ing us to handle no "W. U. biz.” Not a man on this district handled them. The W. U. wires were completely tied up during the period those in- structions were good, with the exception of Kear- ney and Grand Island, up-town offices, not rail- road offices, which are scabbing. When the news came that the telegram was all a fake, the boys all raised a howl, and did not want to take them, but they showed their respect for their lead- ers’ instructions, and gave in. All the messages are mailed from Omaha, and are as promptly mailed to the Denver Post, which shows through its columns, as that paper is printing these mes- sages. Boys, hang on; every one push, for we are al- most to the top of that greatest hill, or thorough organization. When that is reached, the others can be surmounted with case. Great and vital questions are presenting themselves to us as a pro- fession. What stand is the O. R. T. taking? We must look to the Order as our only logical spokes- man and representative. The people of the Uni cd States have a Congress to handle knotty problems, and we must have an organization to attend to ours, and that organization is the O. R. T. Like Bro. Johnson says in his introduction to the Burl- ington write-up for August, this talk of $75 mini- mum, etc., makes me tired. We must do some- thing. Opportunity knocks once at every man's door; it is knocking at the door of our profes- sion now. The nine-hour law has been enacted; all Congress could do, and will try to be side- stepped by the railroads. We must have the fig- ures in rebuttal of the excuses they will make; in other words, must “show” the commission. I’ll wager a good fat horse from ray farm that you have never answered Bro. Perham’s letter of some time ago inquiring about telegraphers in your neighborhood engaged in other business, and on what terms they would return to the profession. He must have this information, and the only way he can get it is through you. Wake up, now, and give it to him. Agency at Miller, on the Callaway branch, and day telegrapher position at “GD,” Grand Island yard office, open on last bulletin, caused by the resignation of Bro. Johnson at the latter, and Bro. Gard at Miller, getting Shelton days, as telegra- pher on bid. Did not learn where Bro. Johnson went. Bro. J. A. Manus resigned as third day teleg- rapher “GE,” Grand Island relay office, and re- turned to his old home at Carbondale, Ills., or near there, for a visit preparatory to going to San Francisco, where he has a position in sight. Sorry to see him go, but here's luck to him. He was re- lieved by Mr. Richardson, of Kansas City. Bro. Root, our local chairman, relieved a few days at Wood River agency. Understand to at- tend to Order business. Relieved by night man, whose name I did not learn. While Bro. G. C. Gabriel, from Callaway, on the branch, went to Wood River nights. Bro. Freeman, agent at Shelton, bid in Spauld- ing, on the Eastern District, O. R. V. branch, and Shelton has been transferred permanently to Bro. Buskirk, formerly relief agent on the East- ern District. While we are glad to have Buskirk with us, we hate very much to lose Bro. Freeman, who, besides being the up-to-date man he is, had the “rep.” of being the most tidy and neat station agent on the district. Those are the kind of men we like to point to with pride as Order men. They have closed several night offices lately, including Alda, Buda and Shelton, on account of the new double track between Silver Creek, on the east, and Watsons Ranch on the west. The track is a great help in the dispatch of traffic. As for the cutting out the night offices that will in- convenience no one except, probably, Bro. Helber, at Alda, who has to hang two mails outside of reg- ular hours, but as this nets him a dollar more per day, the old saying: “The jingle of the guinea helps the hurt that honor feels,” will surely hold good here. A new position, second day telegrapher, created at Lexington recently. Bro. F. E. Rice, of Brady Island, getting in on bid. Bros. C. Winters, of Gothenburg, and Jas. Na- gel, of Kearney days, each served a “term” in “GE,” Grand Island office lately. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1530 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. C. W. Horne, agent at Maxwell, just back from a vacation, being one of the lucky few to get a lay-off. He was relieved by Bro. F. A. Thornburgh. Bro. G. F. Birmingham off on account of sick- ness. As I haven’t been in touch with the Ord branch since spring, don’t know what is going on up there, but you can bet they are all lined-up about as solid as the main line. Understand Bro. W. C. Stevenson, of Pleasan- ton, is taking a short vacation, but do not know his relief. “P. T.” Wyoming Division, Sixth and Seventh District — Western Union business temporarily suspended, awaiting the attainment of the desired results. We regret very much that Bro. Peckinpaugh, of Laramie, met with misfortune, but trust that lie may prosper elsewhere. Bro. A. C. Donart, late from Indiana, has taken up his abode on the U. P., and we hope that his feet are not too tender for our initiating cactus. Bro. Chism holding down the day job at Wol- cott until the ■ vacancy is filled on bulletin. The “Boomers” are rather numerous on the pike, but Hanna nights, gets a majority of them. Bro. Phligar, from Missouri, holding Hanna nights, at present. Sister Horton at Lookout has adopted the block and tackle system to handle the interlocking plant at that point. Seems that these interlockers could be so ad- justed that it would not be necessary to resort to this kind of a contrivance. Glad to note the sister has the pluck to stay with it, just the same. Bros. Brackley and Klein are in a tool house with their instruments since the burning of their depot at Dana. Bro. Stump, general chairman, we understand, is covering a part of the system. Would be pleased to have him come out on the Wyoming Division, Western District. We need him. There are quite a number of transfers being made from foreign divisions, and the nons are get- ting very scarce. Why not all brothers transfer to Division No. 6? We will endeavor to treat you as well, at least, as you could be treated in any foreign division; so, what is the objtct in paying your dues into a division from which you derive no material benefit? Bro. Prentice has severed his connections with the U. P., and is now working for the S. P. in Nevada. Double track now in operation between Solon and Rawlins. This will necessarily add to Bro. and Sister Ford’s duties for the present, or until the track is extended farther west. We are pleased to note that the rumor going the rounds to the effect that there was a scab em- ployed in the Rawlins relay office was without foundation, as Bro. Knightlinger advises bis office is solid O, R. T. Bro. E. L. Duffy, who relieved Bro. Ablard at Bitter Creek, was in turn relieved by Bro. Col- ony; Bro. Duffy going to Latham nights. Later relieved Bro. Sherman at Creston, who took a few weeks’ vacation back in Missouri and a side trip to Denver. On Bro. Sherman’s return, Bro. Duffy left the service, headed for Arizona, we under- stand. Bro. Ingham, Rock Springs nights, also enjoyed an extended vacation, being relieved by Bro. Mil- ler. On Bro. Ingham’s return, Bro. Miller trans- ferred Latham nights. Says he is thinking of cast- ing his lot with the S. P. in the near future. Quite a number of C. T. U. A. men among us at. present. Welcome to our ranks, brothers, but would be pleased to see you take out O. R. T. cards, as we need the money in our division. Mr. Snyder, Wamsutter nights, met with a pain ful accident recently, having placed a quantity of dynamite in a tin can, stepped off a few paces and shot into it. Needless to say the dynamite exploded, and a fragment of the can lodged in his arm, necessitating his going to the hospital. Mr. Long, Tipton nights, called home to Indi- ana, we understand, on account of the serious ill- ness of his wife. This is another non who has made faithful prom- ises, but up to present writing is still “outen the fold.” Bro. Shaw, Wamsutter days, also called home on account of the serious illness of his wife. The brother has our sincere sympathy, and trust we will have the pleasure of welcoming him in our midst before many days. Bro. Glasgow, of Wilkins, has also asked for relief on account of the illness of his wife. Bitter Creek been bulletined over a month, but no assignment made. Bro. Yantiss is in Denver attending a meeting of our general committee. The response of the mem- bership to the general information letter sent out was far above the average, due to the untiring ef- forts of Bro. Burch, assistant local chairman. Bro. Trapp, we understand, has left Green River for some point in New Mexico to take a trick. Vacancies occur at Green River quite frequently on account of the work being heavy and living expenses high. Telegrapher Strauss, one of the best that has struck this pike for some time, has resigned and gone to Indianapolis. Bro. Cue advises the Grecji River office is solid; no card, no favors, is the motto, and any brothers coming in off the line will meet with a royal wel- come from the brothers stationed there. We have no occasion to doubt the brother's hospitality, as he shows his genial good fellowship in his work on the wire. Cert. 410. Wyoming Division, Eastern District — Bro. N. Johnson, ex-bridge dispatcher from Omaha, is working North Platte, “NO” office nights. With this exception the force stands as usual, and a fine set of boys, too. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1531 Bro. F. L. Murphy, formerly days at Birdwood, is with the work train at the front on the North Platte Valley branch, since work was resumed there a few weeks ago. It is supposed that a train will be put on that line soon. Mr. W. H. Ben- ham traveling freight agent for the Union Pacific, made a trip up the branch a few days ago, look- ing after the freight business. Bro. M. J. Harrington, who was working nights at Birdwood, when Bro. Murphy took the work- train, was placed as day telegrapher, temporarily. Understand Bro. J. W. Carman, from Fort Steele, bid in the day job on bulletin. Night office is closed at present, Bro. Gilley having resigned a week ago, and left. Bro. John Bock, newcomer from the Missouri Pacific nights, at Big Springs, while that persistent non, Mr. Mathers, who claims the reason he stays out in the cold is that he saw a couple of members of the Order take a glass of beer together, continues to work days. Bros. Seibert and Hall, at Brule. A new station, with elegant living rooms, is just being completed a that point, and as the town is growing rapidly, promises to be a good job. Understand a depot on the same plan will be built at Roscoe this fall, which will probably enable the company to hold telegraphers there, as heretofore the “box-car batchelor” proposition didn’t look good to them, and their stay was usually brief. Mr. H. V. Hilliker has been appointed train master, vice J. F. Clabaugh, resigned, and Mr. O. W. Brandt has been appointed chief dispatcher, vice L. L. Brown, resigned. Don’t see very many bulletins lately. Boys must he very well satisfied. We expect to have a revised schedule by Octo- ber ist, and expect some other points to be gained, which will make it all the more satisfactory. Now that the ball is rolling, why not get together and ask the Western Union for about 15 per cent to 25 per cent commission on receipts. They claim they are handling all the business perfectly, but messages continue to arrive by mail, and not a single effort is made to reach the office to which the message is addressed, by wire. It is easier to hire a “school kid'* to lick postage stamps and ad- dress envelopes than to hire competent telegra- phers to transmit messages by wire. But the in- nocent public pay the full price, thinking to get quick service. It is very pleasing to note how well the Union Pacific is represented in The Telegrapher. A few months ago hardly a single division was in evidence, while this month (July), every division on the system is heard from. There are two good men even in this small town who are competent telegraphers, but who choose other means of livelihood on account of long hours, short pay and the thousand other grievances the telegrapher has to contend with. When the nine-hour law goes into effect, if sal- aries are made high enough to enable one to make a decent living, these and thousands of other men all over the country will gladly return to their old profession, so there will be no scarcity of telegraphers, and no one should teach students because some official may put up a mournful cry about being unable to get telegraphers. Cert. 616. Kansas Division, Eastern District — Mr. A. T. Palmer, our assistant superintendent, has been on the sick list. Mr. Joe Johnson, our accommodating first trick dispatcher, had the great misfortune of losing his baby boy. Cholera infantum being the cause. Wc all join in extending our sympathy to the be reaved parents. Bro. C. B. Plank, from the K. C. S., doing relief work in “GN” office, Kansas City, while Mr. Haw- kins and the brothers there are taking their sum- mer vacations. Bro. Schuchman, “Z” office, Kansas City nights, taking his vacation. Unable to learn who is re- lieving. Bro. M. L. Guyton, “JC” nights, was off for a couple of weeks, being relieved by Mr. H. O. Bird, from the Burlington claim department. Bro. Guy- ton has been transferred to this division. Bro. C. C. Edgar bid in Tonganoxie; being re- lieved at Muncie by Mr. Heathman, the helper from Randolph. Edwardsvipe holds the record for “spuds,” hav. ing shipped over 150 cars with Linwood and Lor- ing fighting for second place, and Lawrence third. Over 800 cars having been shipped from the Kaw Valley on this side of the river this season. Bro. A. B. Campbell, who did the extra stunt along here a few months ago, was seen riding the plug a few days ago. Bro. Campbell didn’t say, but it must have been Perry. We received a card from Bro. H. Patton, one- time mayor, chief of police and agent at Fall Leaf, who is now located at Camp Meeker. Cali- fornia. The most important points of interest about the card being the busy agent with his big O. R. T. sign on one side and a fine large crowd of girls on the other. We wish to thank Mr. E. L Raines, a brother of Bro. F. G. Raines, at Williamstown, for services rendered this organization. If, at any time, you can return the favor do it. Bro. Chas. Alexander, Silver Lake, comes to the front this month with two applications to his credit, in addition to helping the cause along in various other ways. Mr. Hooven and Mr. Hendrix, of Wamego. both have their applications in. This makes the telegraph department at Wamego solid. Let’s land Mr. Thomson, the agent, next. Bro. G. E. Payne, second days, Manhattan, tak- ing his vacation. Last reported from Los Angeles; being relieved at Manhattan by Bro. Ross, from St. Mary, who was relieved by the St. Mary’s helper, Mr. Farrel. Bro. Ross was relieved at Manhattan by Mr. Bethmann, who was too light for the job, and was relieved by Bro. Marshall, from N. P., Seattle- Bro. G. C. Shaefer, formerly of Russell, now taking care of the plaster at Blue Rapids. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1532 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Klasse relieving Bro. McDonald at St. George, who goes to Onaga to attend a M. W. A. convention, and from there to New Mexico on business. Bro. H. C. Wiggle, from Division 93, now at Fort Riley. Bro. Weeks, Belleville, taking his vacation in Minneapolis, being relieved by Mr. Bradley, who is in business on the Junction City branch. Bro. Hughey, to Denver, with the committee, being relieved by the boys doubling at Junction City. To look at him no one would suspect that Con- ductor P. C. Kinney was a poet. But such is the case. Recently a gem of his, which follows, was unearthed, which Kinney explains was written un- der great stress of mind to D. C. Leach, one-time general chairman of this division, who at that time was working a trick in Kansas City: Was called to leave on the local train, 158, With an order to meet an extra at Eureka Lake. Sojourned one hour and forty minutes at Man- hattan Beach, Through the courtesy of trick dispatcher Leach. Crew very much disappointed; naturally, a little sore, And wondered what had become of the 1474. — P. C. K. At the present time the C. T. U. A. strike has put the lid on the Kaw Valley good and tight. Very few messages have been received at any of the stations on this end, and these few by mail. I recently heard a brother “knocking” one of our division officers, and to a non-member, too. There is nothing that will hurt our organization more than this “knocking** and dissatisfaction in the ranks. Put away your personal feelings in the matter and work for the good of the Order. If you have a “knock** due you, go out in the wood- shed all by your lonesome, and “knock” to your heart's content. If you don’t like the way your union is being run, dig in and help run it, but don’t be a “do nothing” and complain because others are doing the work you should help do. If a clique is running things, join the clique. They are the workers, without whom the local would go out of existence. Any one can be a “knocker;” it takes a good man to be a worker. By the time this is in print our committee will have met the management. What they will secure for us is all speculation; of one thing you can be sure: They will get all that is possible. While they are working for us, let’s all get busy and work for a solid membership. We can do it. There are only three telegraphers and two exclusive agents out of the fold, who can now be taken in. When you get your new schedule, don't sit down and find fault with it, but be thankful for small favors, and work for a better one next time. It may be a surprise to some of you, but it was next to impossible to get information blanks out of some the telegraphers. One man going so far as to say he would send it in if we wanted him to. I wonder if he thought it was an ornament? There were some almost useless. Ho. Bessemer A Lake Erie Ry. Will make another effort to represent our divi- sion as correspondent. Bro. S. P. Duffy is off duty on account of sick- ness in his family. Mr. J. H. Hogg is filling the vacancy. Bro. H. C. Walters, of “VE” tower, is taking his yearly allowance, a ten-day vacation. Bro. R. G. Loveday, night man at “VE” tower, taking days, and Mr. W. L. Craig, only with this company one month, is working nights. Bro. E. G. Resinger, from supervisor’s office, gave the south end boys a visit recently. Bro. Fitzmartin, of Pittsburg Junction, has been off attending the funeral of his brother, who died in Ohio. Bro. G. H. Hilliker, transferred from Blacks Run to first trick at “XB” tower; relieved by Bro. Elder from Division No. 5 2. We have the applications for membership of R. F. Kingdon, Plum Creek nights, and W. Wads- worth, second trick at “XB” tower. This makes Plum Creek and North Bessemer solid. Mr. D. S. Braden is working nights at Horne. Bros. C. W. Smith, of Springboro, and C. R. Lupper, of Girard, have returned from a ten days* vacation. Mr. Wright was doing the stunt as helper, with the assistance of Bro. Lloyd as teleg- rapher, while Bro. Lupper was absent. Bro. M. C. Hahn has transferred from “RX” tower nights, to “NA” days. Bro. H. C. Herrick, transferred from Springboro nights to the agency at Cranesville. Mr. Walls has resigned at Pennside to take up his life of travels again. Bro. Cassidy is fill- ing the vacancy. Bros. Smith and Fleeger are still holding down Springboro, with Mr. Spear nights. We hope to call Mr. Spear brother soon. Bro. Hill is doing the stunt at Exposition Park this season. Mr. W. S. Filson is at “AK” tower. Am sorry, but “13” he has fallen by the wayside. Hope he will brace up, get wise, pay up and square him- self with the boys. Bro. Blake Smith is working all by his lonesome, as they have moved the block office from the station to a little hut north. Bro. Smiddtt has been transferred from “NA” tower to “JN” tower, third trick. Bro. H. DeRusha, formerly third trick teleg- rapher at “KO” Junction, and days at Conneaut Lake, has resigned and left for the far West. Destination unknown at present. Bro. F. H. Myers was transferred from the agency at Claytonia to the joint office with the Lake Shore at Osgood. Bro. J. S. Nearman, day telegrapher for the Lake Shore, now working second trick at “KO” Junction. There have been several applications for admit- tance to Division No. 51, among them are Mr. A. Bonner, Shenango; Mr. Boyle, third trick man at Butler transfer, and Bro. Pfabe, of Houseville, who joined last month. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1533 List of nons and back sliders on the Conneaut Branch for some reason seems to remain the same. Gilt-edged promises have been given from time to time, and in one or two cases sickness has pre- vented, but for those who are still out we see no good excuse. Bro. R. R. Snyder has lost his happy home at Carter on account of that office being closed, and will take “HX” tower days. This will put Bro. T. S. Hughes back nights. Bro. D. E. Langdon, employed on the Bessemer at one time, gave us a short visit last week, and is now employed with the B., R. & P. at Buffalo. Bro. A. C. Bond, night man at Pittsburg Junc- tion, has resigned, going to his home at St. Thomas, Ont., for a visit. Bro. H. G. Kughler, first trick man at "YA’’ tower, is enjoying his yearly allowance — ten days’ vacation. Bro. Whitford is off on a ten-day vacation. Bro. Wm. McClung and wife spent Sunday vis- iting relatives in Newcastle, and reports seeing Bro. C. A. Rood, of East Newcastle. Bro. J. R. Patterson, general chairman of Divi- sion No. 51, resigned same, taking effect August 17. Bro. Patterson has also resigned his position as agent at Hilliard, having bought a half interest in a hardware and lumber firm. Best wishes of Division No. 51 go with him in his new work. The General Committee elected Bro. C. V. Pat- ton to the position of general chairman. Bro. Patton is local chairman of District No. 3, and needs no introducing, as he has already acted as general chairman on several occasions. Meetings of Division No. 51 have been discon- tinued during the months of August and Septem- ber, on account of small attendance. Business too brisk for the boys to get away. Meetings will be- gin again October 18, unless otherwise instructed. Div. Coa. H. A T. C. Ry. Division No. 57 has been considerably stirred up during the past month or so, principally on account of the eight-hour law and bulletin inci- dental thereto. Quite a string of positions were bulletined, mostly of the eight-hour class. Quite a number of changes will result, and, possibly, a few new vacancies, as we understand there is a prospect that a few may leave the line after the places have all been filled. Boys, we have a lot of work to do and want to see you getting busy. A recent check of the line shows several non-members, twelve or fifteen members of other divisions who should be trans- ferred to No. 57, and two or three C. T. U. A. men, who will take out O. R. T. cards if asked to do so. We hope to be able to secure a suitable hall at Dallas before long and get our regular meetings scheduled. We will be able to add some twenty or twenty-five members who are working in Dallas and attached to the Grand and other divisions. On Sunday night, after the commercial strike was called, I visited the C. T. U. A. meeting, by in- vitation, and promised them our moral support and sympathy, and told them if they needed it our purses would also be open to them. Such proved to be the case, and I wish to heartily thank our boys for the prompt and liberal response given to the call. When I made the promise I had not consulted a single one of our members, but I know them and knew that the appeal would not be in vain. We have turned over to them a very neat little sum, with another division to hear from. The division south of Hearne did exceptionally well. That the response has been duly appreciated by our C. T. U. A. brothers and sisters goes without saying, and at a meeting held August 25, they passed a resolution warmly thanking the O. R. T. boys of H. & T. C. Division, No. 57, and the trainmen on the H. & T. C. for their support. We all feel proud of the men working on the old reliable Houston & Texas Central. We are one large family, including all departments, and no call for aid, no matter who from, or what for, ever goes away unheeded, if at all worthy of attention. We hope to see troubles all ended and the dove of peace perched upon the C. T. U. A. banner before this is printed, but if it is not to be the case, we will still be found doing all we can to assist them with substantial aid and good cheer. Fraternally, W. J. Bueke. El Paso A Southwestern Ry. Eastern Division — It is so long since we have shone forth from the pages of the journal that some of the old timers will think this a false report, we hear so many false reports nowadays. They are chiefly confined to the claims made by the El Paso Times regarding the commercial tel- egraphers’ strike. None of the boys here have been much bothered with the Postal business since the strike began, and from all appearances the end is not yet. No use to say we are with them. They all know that and we all mean it. Bro. I. W. Anderson, of Tularosa, has lately returned from a month’s trip to East Texas. Bro. E. A. Roberts, lately of the South Ameri- can Cable Company, at Vera Crux, Mexico, re- lieved Bro. Anderson at Tularosa, and is now on the owl shift at Rio Grande. Bro. Jack Mooney is back at Rio Grande from a ninety days’ leave. “13” he has been up in the northern peninsula of Michigan. He came back single, but answered all questions with a "not yet, but soon.’’ Mr. P. L. Rogers has been transferred from days at Rio Grande to third trick dispatcher at Carrizozo. Tf Pat can hit the ball on the dia- mond like he does on the third trick, he can sign with the White Sox next season. There seems to be a professional prejudice against the Carrizozo "C” office. Can’t keep track of the changes there at all of late. May be on account of the general scarcity of telegraphers in these parts. Digitized by Google

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1534 The Railroad Telegrapher, If all of the boys will inform of the changes and any news of our division I will be glad to continue with a monthly write-up. For this time I am unprepared and submit what I can with hopes that it will start the boys into action and cause them to help me to get out a good report next month. Let us make brothers of our nons and we can all feel saintly for having done good deeds to the erring and unfortunate. Business is good here. Our pike has much more than it can handle. The stockholders should be happy. Let us make our local organization thor- ough and when that is done we can demand better returns for our investment of brains and labor in this enterprise, and be happy and prosperous. El Toro de la Sierra. C. B. & Q. Ry. Some criticisms have been made concerning my July article in The Telegrapher, but I have failed to locate anything therein which is improper. It has always been and, doubtless will always be, a fact that a telegrapher has to work very hard for the small salary he receives, therefore, I see no reason why any of us should endeavor to teach telegraphers the habit of doing nothing and expect a lot for it. We must teach men to work for what they get, do their work well, have a system of doing it, and follow that system at all times, and thus shorten the time required to do a certain piece of work, and finally cut out the habit of working fourteen to eighteen hours for twelve hours’ pay. There is no more reason why a telegrapher should work fourteen to eighteen hours for twelve hours’ pay than there would be for him working forty- five days for a month. There are a great many stations that have plenty of work for two men and only one man to do the work, but that is no reason why the agent should work day and night. If he can not do the work in twelve hours, then he should be given help to do it. If he works over twelve hours a day there is no reason why he should not be paid overtime for the extra hours. I do not believe in the policy of being niggardly about anything, but I do believe in the policy of working the number of hours you are paid for and no more, that is, of course, there is some little exception to the rule frequently, where cir- cumstances warrant it, however, the policy of some men who work from one to six hours' overtime each day and donate it, is something that is cer- tainly bad. I have never in all my life heard any railroad company ask such a thing of their men, and, to be sure, I have never heard a railroad official in- struct men not to do it either. A man is sup- posed to work twelve hours and work diligently. If, at the end of that time, his work is not done, then he has too much work for one man. Some might say his ability was not as great as some other man’s. That may be true enough, but if railroads expect to fill all their positions with men of like ability, they may as well quit business, as it can not be done. I say there is no reason for this working so much overtime as a donation. I do not want to be unfair, but I want to be right I do not desire men to shirk their duty; let them do a day’s work, not a half day's work, and when the day is up quit and do the rest the next day. Then, if the work can not be kept up, there is need for a good helper. Some agents are furnished helpers that are not helpers, and are paid from $15 to $25 per month. They are helpers in name only. I never was a believer in cheap labor, and I am sure I never will be. The evidence of cheap labor is too plainly seen to convince any sane man of its desirability. Thus, these cheap help- ers arc not only a drug on the market, but a detriment to the company. There are a few men, as I stated before, who arc not worth half what they are getting. Let me explain who they are, but first let me say that the man who toils on from day to day as we do are unquestionably worth a great deal more than we are getting. The class that I particularly refer to is the class that are much like the Irishman’s flea, “Now you have got him and now you haven’t got him.’’ In other words, it is the class of men who will not stick to anything, and are never known to have any money. Simply go from place to place, working here a few days and there a few days. These are what I term the bum element. I want to say right here and with considerable emphasis, that I have never permitted myself to defend such a class of men, and as long as my cerebellum and cerebrum contain the proper amount of avoir- dupois I never will defend them on any pretext. Some may think it better not to discuss this class of men, but I say the more we agitate the ques- tion, I believe, the quicker we will rid ourselves of the element; surely, we can not dispense with them by giving them the same footing we do good, honest, sober and industrious men. One of the objects of this organization is to make a better class of men for railroads to employ; not to push forward any and everything that comes along, just so he can wear a button and “OS” a train. Wha: we want is a good, sober and industrious lot of fellows that we are not ashamed of, and whom we can point to* with pride and admiration. It is not the ordinary man, but the low class that is not worth his hire, therefore, if chief dispatchers and superintendents would assist the organization in ridding the country of the class of men referred to, and not give them work, they would be work- ing hand in hand with this organization, and we would soon accomplish that which we have been working so diligently for these past few years. I want to again say that the telegraph operator wbo makes telegraphing his business for a live- lihood, and pursues it diligently, and does not wander all over the earth, is not being paid half the salary he should get for his labor. What is $45* $50, $60 or $65 per month, the way the cost of living has advanced? The salaries are extremely low and no one can lay up anything for a “rainy day,” that is cer- tain; so it is that wages paid telegraphers must be materially increased within a short time or the Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1535 number of telegraphers who leave the service to enter into other vocations of life will increase a hundred fold, and so cripple the service that it will be difficult to get a sufficient number of men. Let the salaries be advanced to the proper figure and there will be no trouble in getting a surplus of men. I want to call the attention of the telegraphers and agents on the Burlington to the fact that a great number of them do not seem to understand the rules of the company regarding the number ot attendants allowed to accompany live stock when being shipped in car loads to market or otherwise. There is a reckless regard given to the rule, and, as a warning measure, I would say that a word to the wise is sufficient The law is very strict now and unless you pay strict attention and live up to the rule, and thereby obey the law, ycu will have to suffer the consequences. This is a reminder, that is all. One man in each direction, with two or more cars; two with five to ten cars, three with eleven or more cars, which Is the maximum with any one shipment. Some people still carry the idea that a teleg- rapher is a machine that can be run at pleasure, and when the old thing gets old and worn, dis- card it and throw it away. See that you get a salary large enough that it will permit you to lay aside enough each month, so when you get old you will not have to work every day, as you do now, Sundays and holidays included, in order to keep the wolf from the door. When a man tells me that a telegrapher who has to work for $50 to $60 a month is getting enough, I think he should be compelled to work for the same wages himself. If railroad officials could have the tables turned on them awhile, and have to draw the same enormous salary the telegrapher gets, I think we would soon hear a howl; it is the other fellow that is affected, hence they do not care. They do not have much regard for the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would wish to be done by.” The time is coming when the telegrapher will not work for $45 per month. No man with any ability will now work for that wage; if he has ability he can make more money as a peanut vender on some street corner. There is but little excuse for men working for such salaries. Brothers of Burlington System Division, No. 130, who are employed on the Burlington, when you have grievances file them at once with your local chairman. If dismissed from the service, immediately ask your superintendent for an in- vestigation, do not put it off or wait for the local chairman to do it for you. If you do not take an interest in your welfare, how do you expect others to do so. The following is a list of your local chairman, keep them in mind: W. F. Denton, Wymore Division, Sterling, Neb. K. G. Carter, McCook Division, Naponee, Neb. J. T. Maddox, Sterling Division, Sidney, Neb. A. M. Bagley, Alliance Division, Berwyn, Neb. J. P. Meehan, Sheridan Division, Ulm, Wyo. F. R. Hubbell, Lincoln Division, Yutan, Neb. J. D. Morgan, St. Joseph Division, Forbes, Mo. J. F. Carder, Centerville Division, Promise City, Iowa. P. H. Porter, Brookfield Division, New Cambria, Mo. A. J. Ingram, Hannibal Division, Salem, Iowa. G. A. Shields, Ottumwa D'vision, Russell, Iowa. C. G. Belding, Creston Division, Lenox, Iowa. G. A. Oliver, Burlington Division, Hamilton, Iowa. John Foster, Galesburg Division, Abingdon, 111. J. T. Cole, Beardstown Division, Keyesport, 111. H. Miller, La Crosse Division, Fountain City, Wis. E. F. Todd, Aurora-Chicago Division, Leland, 111. Have you paid your dues for the term ending December 31, 1907? If not, why not? Get an up-to-date at once. Do not be the last. . M. J. Johnson, Genera I Chairman. Wymore Division — Do you carry an up-to-date card? Just a word to the brothers who have not paid their dues for the present term: Can you afford to longer put this matter off? It will not be a great while until it is time to pay dues for next term. Will you then pay for both terms or will you follow the example set by the majority of members who find themselves in arrears, and drop out? You can not afford to do either, so come up with the cash and get up-to-date without further delay, then resolve that in the future you will pay your dues thirty days ahead of time. We arc gaining new members rapidly, and I am sure none of the old members wish to handicap the work of the Order by dropping out, thereby cast- ing a stumbling block in the path of those who are working for the interest of us all, but that is just what you will do if you do not pay up promptly. Let us all pull together and have for our motto, “No card, no favors.” Bro. C. C. Vaughn, recently nights at Falls City, has left the service, and is now with the D. & R. G. We wish him best of success. Bro. C. C. Robertson, from the Missouri Pa- cific, is holding down Fortescue nights. Mr. Tipton, who has been working nights at Rulo, has been transferred to Wymore “SN” office. W. S. Kinsey, formerly dispatcher at Wymore, was recently seen riding over the Wymore Divi- sion on the rear end of a Pullman, smoking a stogie and showing other evidences of prosperity. Dispatcher Hammond recently made his regular trip over the division. Mr. W. F. Sanders, a new man, on nights at Sterling, relieving Mr. Daley, who leaves the ser- vice. General Chairman Johnson had the misfortune to lose his youngest child by death last month. Bro. Johnson has the sympathy of all. Bro. Ed. Rosling, nights at Humboldt, was rather startled one morning recently when cinders Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1536 The Railroad Telegrapher. from the burning depot commenced to drop down on him. He had but time to notify central, grab a typewriter, and hit the high places. Everything else, including United States mail and express, was destroyed. Bro. S. P. Hamm transferred from nights at Sterling to nights at Rulo; was relieved by Frank Daley, with a C. T. U. of A. card. Mr. Poe, agent at Bennet, reported to be on a vacation; relieved by Bro. Wyatt. Bro. R. C. Zink, day telegrapher at Table Rock, and wife, have been enjoying a vacation in the wilds of Michigan; relieved by Bro. Ed. Cox, nights, while Bro. Reneau does the night stunt. F. W. Quick, the genial agent at Belvidere, has decided that our way is the only way, and has filed his application and will be wearing the but- ton before this appears. Mr. Hadsell, agent at Geneva, has been on vacation; relieved by Bro. A. E. Miller. Div. Con. St. Joseph Division — The following new members this month: B. R. Newlon, agent at Clearmont; L. C. Matthis, agent at Nishua; G. W. Potter, nights at Bartlett, and J. F. Hillhouse, agent at Redding. Not quite so many as last month, but prospects for next month are very bright. You who expect to see a write-up of this divi- sion had better get busy and send in something. We came very near losing out altogether this time. Bro. J. M. Cash is relieving Mr. Thichoff at Wadron, on account of sickness. Bro. Morgan, nights at Forbes, relieved a few nights by Bro. C. C. Lee. Bro. Lee also reliev- ing Bro. Hull at Amazonia, while he takes a trip west for about thirty days. Mr. Brown has returned to his old position as night telegrapher at Nodaway. See if some of you can’t come through with a few notes of interest not later than the 25th of September. Just a few items from each would make a fine write-up. Cor. McCook Division — Bro. Peterson, days at Orleans, is enjoying an outing in the mountains. Bro. Carl Ketler returned from Edna, Kans., where he had been called by sickness, being re- lieved by Bro. A. L. Morris, an old-timer with the Burlington. Mr. Morris has since been made cashier at Nor- ton permanently. Bro. T. Darnell, of Herndon, to Axtell, relieved by Bro. E. S. Lohr, formerly cashier at Minden. Bros. S. L. Rohr, of Eckly, and F. Howard, of Traer, have traded stations. Transfer to be made at once. A. W. Bauer, formerly of Funk, where he re- signed several months since to engage in the mercantile business at Beaver City, has returned as night owl at Otis, with good prospects of land- ing the agency at Heartwell in the near future. It is whispered around that W. Bardon (the non at Danbury) is to get Wray in the near fu- ture. How about it, boys, would you not like to see it bulletined? I have it from a reliable source that one of the boys on this division has recently been let out for sleeping on duty and failure to properly block passenger trains. This kind of work is applying the brakes to our prospects. This is not the end of it. These cases are framed and sent to the general manager’s desk and thrown up to our committee when they go in for a revision of the schedule. Do not hesitate to let loose of that little old dollar recently asked for. This is the golden opportunity. Div. Cob. Aurora and Chicago Dh’isions — Bro. Kebler, night telegrapher at Zearing, had the .misfortune of breaking his finger while playing ball, and is unable to work. Mr. Eck, agent at Malden, who is laying off on account of sickness, is improving slowly and hopes to be back to work about September 15. He says he is going to join the Order when he starts to work again. Bro. Sandy, from Riverside nights, off on a ten- day vacation; relieved by Bro. Koffa, who just returned from the West. We understand Bro. Sandy is going to take in the sights at Denver while off. Bro. J. P. Roosen, from Western Springs nights, on a week’s vacation, says he is going to St. Joe, Mich., before he returns to work. Mr. William Boreman, of Hinsdale, a beginner, relieved Bro. Roosen while on his vacation. Mrs. Wattles, of “W” block, off on a week’s vacation, being relieved by the former helper at Eola. Mrs. Saunders, of Berwyn, on a six weeks' va- cation, being relieved by Bro. Saling, from Ot- tumwa Division. Mrs. Russell, from Berwyn, on a few days’ va- cation, relieved by new beginner from Earlville. Bro. Pratt, agent at Sandwich, is taking a va- cation. Mr. Karman is relieving him. Bro. McNamara, of Plano, went to St. Joe last Sunday. At 3 o’clock, August 5, they connected the teleg- raphers at Leland with the new interlocking plant, and if they don’t get it to run a great deal better they will have a chance to connect some one else. Mr. Butterfield, day telegrapher at Earlville de- pot, is filling out application blanks. Bro. Filkins, of Montgomery depot nights, at- tended the Chautauqua at Aurora, 111., Sunday, August 11. Bro. Stoneberger, of Somonauk Cabin, was called to Wyanet. His brother’s wife was very low. Bro. Stroud and wife visited Garden Plain, 111., a few days last week. Bro. Martin relieved him. Chief Dispatcher F. C. Runnels returned from his two weeks’ vacation from Denver. Division Superintendent F. H. Ustick has been away on a vacation; returned home last week from the West. Digitized by C.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1537 Mr. G. C. Scott got Wyanct days. Bro. O. F. Butler worked the position days while on bulle- tin. Mr. H. E. Miner, a new man on this division, to Altona nights, on account of being vacated by Mr. G. C. Scott. Mr. C. L. Keener, of Wyanet days, to agency at Oregon, HI. Some changes at Galva tower and depot, but do not know who or what they were. Bro. W. J. Butler, formerly of this division, now located at Grand Island, Neb., for the Union Pacific Railroad. Bro. H. W. Kibler, of Zearing nights, visited his folks in Old Virginia, also taking in the James- town Exposition. Bro. Hodges is taking in the Jamestown Expo- sition. Bro. T. L. Cleary at Center Point days. Bro. Morgan, who was working nights at Ar- lington, has quit the Q. Bro. Sexton, agent at Leland, went to Chicago last Sunday. While there he took in the White City. Bro. Ranger, of Sandwich days, visited Bristol and Leland last week. Bro. L. C. Russell, Downers Grove nights, will be asked to take the assistant local chairmanship of the east end. Bro. Russell is a hard worker for the Order. Bro. A. P. LaCure was married last week at Aurora, 111. Congratulations from the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. Bro. LaCure was at one time local chairman of the division. Mr. Wilsey, formerly day telegrapher at Men* dota, has quit the C., B. & Q. and taken a posi- tion as manager commission office at Mt. Sterling, 111. F. H. Homasser, the ex-telegrapher at Downers’ Grove station has fallen from grace and is doing the stunt as a “scab” in Western Union at Chi- cago. If he does no better there than he did on the railroad it won’t hurt the boys much. Bro. Fred Ernest, at Princeton, has scratched his name from the “non list,” and carries a new card. Mr. A. F. Johnson, from Montgomery, is re- lieving Bro. Kebler at Zearing. He says he is going to join as soon as he can spare the change. Local Chairman. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Death has removed from this life a son of our worthy general chairman, Bro. M. J. Johnson; therefore, be it Resolved, That we, the members of Chicago and Aurora Divisions, C., B. & Q. R. R., Division No. 130. Order of Railroad Telegraphers, extend to Bro. Johnson our sincere sympathy in this, his hour of affliction, and be it further Resolved , That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes, a copy forwarded to our brother, and also to The Telegrapher for publi- cation. E. F. Todd, Local Chairman. Sheridan Division — On account of our correspondent, Bro. Kesinger, taking a much-needed thirty-days’ vacation, I pre- sume I will have to give the pen a twirl myself. There has been a number of changes since the last write-up, so 1 11 endeavor to mention them. Bro. Forbes, agent at Dewey, relieved by Bro. Richardson. Have no idea who relieved Bro. Kesinger days at Rozet, but Sister Clara Shaughnessy retains the night trick. Mr. Mettz is away on a vacation. We are very glad* to have Bro. Vacek back with us; says he enjoyed his trip fine and dandy. He is at his old stand as cashier. W. H. Garwood will have the colors in a day or two. His wife comes in the first of the month. We find we have two new men at Croton, both up-to-date men, by the names of Brasfield and Gannon. They relieved Bros. Vanlandingham and McCollich. Have not learned what became of Van and McCollich. R. Bothwell, from Ranchester nights, to Ulm nights, relieving Telegrapher McKinley, the lat- ter resigning to prove up on his timber claim in Montana. Bro. Wogan, formerly agent at Felix, is now at Toluca. Dispatcher C. J. Smith, from the N. W. Ry., is working the second trick on the Middle Division in “Z” office, relieving Mr. Gurley. The latter is on a vacation. Dispatcher Lamb has returned from his vaca- tion, looking the picture of health. Our chief dispatcher, Mr. C. D. Peckenpaugh, was over the division last week, and we are all pleased that he found everything in a very good condition. That shows the advantage of dealing with O. R. T. men. There are only a few nons on the Sheridan Di- vision now. Brothers and sisters, let us lend our aid in making it one of the record divisions on the C., B. & Q. Ry. We have plenty of applica- tion blanks and they can be had for the asking. Mr. S. Wilburn is our new roadmaster now, vice A. H. Sandusky, who resigned to go into other business. Anything but railroad work. See how many notes you can scare up for next month’s write-up. Only takes a penny to forward them. “SX.” Sheridan Division — Bro. P. C. Ganley, from Upton, has been checked in at Frannie, as agent. Glad to have him among us. W. A. Parsons, from Frannie to Lovell, August 10th. A. E. Engstrom from Lovell to Clearmont, July 23d; was relieved by Sister Norton, from Basin. Creston Division — What’s the matter with eight hours and thirty cents per hour? Let’s hear from every one. We haven’t very much longer to talk about it. Let’s act. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1538 The Railroad Telegrapher. A few new men drop in occasionally, but from the length of time it takes to get relief it seems they don’t stay long. Understand some of the brothers working nights are allowing youngsters to learn the business. This is in direct violation of our obligation and if per- sisted in charges will be filed. A new man at Cromwell, vice Bro. Templeman, laying off. Temp, thinks he will see it all in Den- ver. Bro. Thompson, who resigned at Malvern nights fhe ist of July, is back at work, relieving Mr. Gillis, Corning nights. Bro. Adkins is manager of the Nodaway ball tournament The Maryville Business College has a ham fac- tory attached. Understand the professor can even telegraph. Isn’t it strange that some farmers who know nothing about the business can turn out first-class telegraphers? Wonder why the railroads don’t employ the men these fellows put out? Mr. Jarvis, Barnard; Mr. Brownlee, Bolckow; Mr. Goforth, Maryville, and several of the other south branch men have been taking their “annu- als” lately. Mr. Liser, Henderson, took his vacation a short time ago. Where are those brothers who should be sent along the line when there is a vacancy? Have failed to see any for about a year. Has any one been receiving two at a time? Understand Bro. Ennis, Malvern nights, took fifteen days a short time ago. He was relieved by R. A. Carson, who resigned upon Ennis* return. Mr. Peterson, Emerson days, is taking a lay- off now. Don’t know who relieved him. Think he is a brother. Brothers arc pretty thick along this old pike nowadays. Bro. Mitchell, Balfour days, strained his back pulling on those levers and is taking a sick leave, being relieved by Mr. Brooks, his night man. Mr. Cook, Barnard, relieved Mr. Brooks. Be sure and keep track of the time it takes to “OS” trains, and to block trains, etc. It may result in something to our mutual advantage. Let’s hear from the Creston Division every month. Cert. 722. Galesburg Division, Quincy Branch — R. L. Storey layed off for part of the month; relieved at “YD” by Bro. Long for a few nights, who was in turn relieved by a Mr. Murphy, for- merly of the Peoria Branch. Bro. Long was not overly pleased with the raw- hiding at “YD,” and one night supplied his entire desires. Don’t know positively, but think he went to Galesburg. Mr. Murphy was relieved by Bro. Cox, who re- cently returned from San Francisco, and was for- merly nights at Bushnell. I “13” Bro. Wizehart, at Saluda nights, has in his application for a short lay-off after pay- day. Bro. Malone has in his application for thirty days after pay-day. He expects to visit his home at Kalamazoo, Mich. He has not been there for eight years, having served considerable part of this time in the telegraph service for Uncle Sam in the Philippines. The signal “HF” can still be heard on the wire occasionally, which means, I suppose, that the in- cubator at “PM” is still in full blast. Bro. Long took a trip to Denver, but has re- turned. He says Denver is swell biz, but it takes some junk to stay there. Bro. Boyles is back at Quincy after a month’s vacation. Bro. Fred Roberts, of Macomb, has resigned his position and accepted a position with the Gravel Springs Company, at Jacksonville. Guess he gets considerable raise out of the deal. Very sorry to see Fred go, as he was one of our most earnest workers. The new block machines are about all in now, but not yet connected with the wire. Mr. Ray Holton, who has been working the “MF” job at Moline, is now working at Peoria yard office. Wonder why a good man like Ray is without a card. The night offices at Tennessee, Fowler and Au- gusta are now closed. Any member knowing of any changes of in- terest will greatly help our write-up by sending them to me. R. N. Burlington Division — Bro. E. S. Hubbard, of Colusa, 111., relieved Mr. A. C. Steffer, agent at Basco, 111., during the sickness and death of his little baby boy. New man at Hulls, 111., for a few days. Mr. O. D. Klitz, agent at Fall Creek, 111., spent Saturday night with his folks at Marblehead. Bro. M. C. Ray is laying off on account of the sickness of a child. Bro. E. S. Hubbard is doing the act at Ford this week. New man working nights at “JC,” Des Moines freight office, by name of McNeil. Do not know whether he holds an up-to-date or not. The local chairman is after him. Bro. J. V. Datin, our worthy agent at Bussey, expects to go about the 12th of August for a twenty days’ visit in California and Oregon. Says he has one of those great long passes and expects to ride it out. Bro. J. H. Barnard, our worthy agent at Lov- ilia, expects to take about six weeks off as soon as he can get relief. He says he is going to see Denver in all its glory before he returns. Bro. E. M. Cunningham, extra, is relieving Mr. J. McCohcney, regular telegrapher at Washington, who is enjoying a few weeks off. We understand that some of the members in Division No. 130 are a little slow about paying upon the $10 basis, but, boys, you don’t want to be so backward, it will all come back again in due time. Our local chairman is glad to say that he has heard from eighteen of his men in regard to the pay-up deal, and they all say they are paid up to date. This is right, boys, the only way to show the local chairman that you are appreciating his work. L. C. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1539 Lincoln Division — I trust all brothers will overlook my brevity and that each and every one will remember what our local chairman said relative to assisting the cor- respondent in securing items, thereby making our write-up in the Fraternal department as interest- ing as possible. If each member of the division will send in one local per month we will be represented in every issue of the journal. We are always anx- ious to know what is going on over our division. A division of which we are justly proud. Let us keep in the lead. Great good can be accomplished if we all put forth an effort. Bro. C. Tanner, of South Omaha office, visited with Crete friends over Sunday. Bro. G. R. Fowler, of Berks Station, has re- signed from this division. Understand he has been given a more lucrative position on Iowa lines. ^ Mr. Dillion, of “NI” office, Lincoln, visited in Dorchester Sunday, the guest of his parents. Bro. Earl Denton, of Denton Station, was shak- ing hands with friends in Crete and Lincoln a couple of days this month. Bro. A. H. Dean, day telegrapher at Crete, spent several days at Lincoln this week. Bro. D. B. Bangert, of Farwell, off for a few days; relieved by Bro. Nye. Bro. Kerblum got Palmer Station on bulletin. Bro. J. W. Johnson, agent at St. Paul, is visit- ing in the East; relieved by Mr. Danielson. Mr. J. C. Cogie, telegrapher at St. Paul, has promised to be among us pay-day. Bro. H. Peterson, of Germantown, is now lo- cated at Dixon, Colo. Soon as Bro. Peterson is “twenty-one” he will return to this division. Bro. Plots, of Hampton, is enjoying the sights in Iowa; relieved by Extra Agent Ticnor. C. J. Kauffman relieved Bro. Florence nights at Hamp- ton. Bro. Florence resigned. Mr. Welsh, night chief at Lincoln, is enjoying a two weeks’ vacation in New York. Lincoln Division has three lady telegraphers. Two are nons, we are sorry to say. Bro. Rodgers, of Dorchester, transacted business in Lincoln this week. Has it ever occurred to you, brothers, how much good would be accomplished if we had a meeting once a month? We could become better ac- quainted, talk over business affairs, and become more united. What do you think of this? Bro. Baand, “owl” at Aurora, called home on account of sickness; relieved by Bro. Best, from Ashland nights. E. B. Johnson, Grand Island, will soon be wear- ing the gold, papers in the 15th. Bro. Geo. Eckhardt, Ravenna days, went to Hastings one day this week to attend a wedding. Not his own, however. Ray Hoenshell, of Greenwood, spent a week with friends at Sheridan. Burt Hazlet is now employed on Sheridan Divi- sion. G. H. Murphy, agent at Aurora, transferred to Hastings freight house. Agent Wagner, of Oakland, resigned to accept a position on D. & R. G. Ry. out of Denver. Telegrapher Karns, of Oakland, will soon be wearing the wreath and sounder. He has asked for the necessary papers. Bro. Abbott, cashier at Ashland, has taken the night position there. Mr. Nichols, a new man on the pike, stationed at Fairmont Bro. Hufnagle, nights at Utica, returned to work after a two weeks’ honeymoon trip. Here’s wishing Bro. Hufnagle and bride all kinds of good luck. Bro. Purington, Aurora days, off ten days in July recuperating; relieved by Bro. Nye. Cor. Brookfield Division — The greatest strike of the telegraph fraternity is now on, and I hope every brother on this divi- sion, as well as others, will lend their aid, finan- cially as well as fraternally, to the commercial brothers and sisters. The call for funds should be answered as promptly as possible, as they have been out some time, and the salaries they have been receiving would not alow them to lay very much by for such a time as this. I am very much pleased the way the majority of the boys arc handling the situation, and hope they will continue in the same spirit to the end. The write-up will probably be a little short on account of the correspondent being too busy with other matters. Bro. Rightmire is giving Bro. Skinner a vacation. E. C. Weatherby is working the night trick. Bro. Ritter is now organizing ball teams and attending meetings of the City Council, of which he is president. Seems as though our services are needed by the public, as well as the railroads. W. E. Quigley, agent at Cameron Junction, is on his vacation; Wigle is yrorking as agent, Cra- mer as day telegrapher, and Bro. H. J. Rouse, from Osborn, working nights. R. E. Lauck is working nights at Osborn; Bro. Jenkins working days. Bro. Smith, from Nettleton, got Kidder nights, on the bulletin. Allen going to the Rock Island at Cameron Junction until September 1, when he returns to complete the course in school at Kidder. Allen has acted as assistant local chairman for the past few months, and while his work has not been without censure, he acted as he thought was best, and went the way of those who dare to do what they think is right. Bro. F. E. Snow returned from his western trip, and reports a fine time and likes the coun- try. There are several other changes that will be re- ported next month. The boys seem to have plenty of money, judging from the way they are laying off. I wish to thank the brothers for the support they have given me, and, while I leave them, I am not far away, and my heart is always with them. Ckrt. 294. Digitized by Google

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1540 The Railroad Telegrapher. c., R. i. & P. Ry. Indian Territory Division — Many things have happened since last write-up, and I will endeavor to give you a few of them: It is gratifying to notice the way the telegraphers are waking up, and the way they are handling things demonstrates that they now mean business. Brothers, we have been holding down that back- scat too long for our own good, and it is time we were getting up in front. No other organiza- tion on a railroad, or elsewhere, has the means of securing and demanding consideration like the telegraphers. At last they have learned to value the power they hold in their hands, and it is safe to say are using it to good advantage. We have bent over the edge of the telegraph table for 12 hours a day, 365 days a year, too long, and as we are human, we have the right to enjoy the sun- shine and recreation as well as anybody else. Men work to live, and not live to work, so let’s get that which is rightfully ours; sufficient sal- ary, eight hours per day and recreation. What is the first thing in our way in getting this? It isn’t the railroad company, nor the Western Union Telegraph Company. Then who is it that is in our way? It is the telegraphers them- selves. Brothers, perfect your organization. You are the fellows who make it what it is. Make your Grand O. R. T. and C. T. U. A. solid with men that you know, then work together, and you can get this When a man comes to your station to work, or on the line, for that matter, your first duty should be to get acquainted with him and find out whether he has a card. If not, and he is eligible, invite him to join. If he is indifferent, • show him the advantages, etc., the O. R. T. holds out to him, and if he is broad across the forehead be will see the point and line. Bro. Carter, Shawnee shops, has been on a va- cation to Colorado, enjoying Colorado sunshine and Rocky mountains. Mr. C. L. Taylor has been relieving him. Mr. Taylor will, no doubt, be one of the crowd before long. Bro. J. F. Emerich, of Shawnee passenger depot, has just returned from his honeymoon. We wish him much success, and a long and happy married life. J. F. Shirley relieved him. Mr. Shirley has left the telegraph service to enter another field. Bro. Salmon, of the Frisco, is working nights. Bro Salmon has been on the sick list, but is again back at the old stand. We are glad to see his smiling face amongst us again. Mr. J. E. How- ard was relieving him during his sickness. Bro. J. E. Rogers is now agent at Tecumseh. Bro. E. G. Mason has resigned. Mr. J. E. Howard is cashier and telegrapher at this point. Mr. Howard will line-up as soon as he gets the coin. Sister M. D. Alexander, Asher, Okla., has re- signed, and is being relieved by Mr. Gilstrap. We regret to lose Sister Alexander, as she is an old- timer amongst us, having been agent at Asher a number of years. Bro. J. F. Wilcox has returned to Earlsboro, Okla., nights, after a long spell of sickness. We are glad to see him back again. Bro. J. Simmons, of Haileyville, I. T , is on vacation in Colorado. Bro. J. I. Poole acting manager during his absence Bro. Walters worked at Shawnee yards nights, while Mr. Taylor was relieving Bro. Carter at the shops. At Wilburton, I. T., H. E. Allen days, relieved L. A. Stuart, resigned. Mr. Hooper, a new man, on nights. If everybody would send us a bunch of news each month this division would be written up in first-class style, as Bro. Carter has the habit. J. W. Martin, Local Chairman. Nebraska Division — About the first thing that I hear every time that I go up town, is: “How is the Western Union coming?” The only answer that I can give, and stick close to the truth, is “that it is neither com- ing or going, that I can notice.” I think that comes very near being the fact, as I have not heard enough Western Union business pass over the line since the commercial telegraphers struck to pay to keep up the battery on a local instru- ment, and if it is that way all over the United States, I am sure that there will be no big divi- dend declared on account of the large profits made this month. Let us hope that the boys will win out in the end, and give them all the assistance that we possibly can. We had a very interesting meeting at Belle- ville on August 17th, considering the attendance and the hot weather. On account of the train serv- ice the boys from the east end are unable to come to the meetings and get back to their work, but the local chairman advises me that he is going to call a meeting at Fairbury in the near future, and I hope that every one who can will attend. There has been very little doing on the divis- ion in the past month in the way of changes. Bro. Sheck, days at Belleville, back to work again, after enjoying a three weeks* vacation in Milwaukee and other places. He was relieved by a Mr. St. John, who, at present, is working nights at Kensington, while Bro. Henry rests up for a while. Mr. Miller, who had the ticket job at Belleville, resigned, and Bro. Geo. Manion relieved him. J. Oliphant, agent at Belleville, laying off for a while; relieved by Mr. Van Houses, who at- tended our meeting at Belleville to get acquainted with some of the boys. Mrs. G. W. Barnes was given the station Rich- field, on bulletin. Dick Lewis at Pawnee for the present, reliev- ing Bro. Shepherd while he is on his vacation. Telegrapher position at Sabetha bulletined. “13” Bro. Fuller is going on the extra list. Understand Bro. Goshert’s wife has been quite sick, but is some better now. Bro. Green, local chairman, advises that he has received application papers from N. W. Hubei. Kensington. This leaves the west end solid with the exception of three or four men. I trust it won’t be long until we can say that there is not a non between Fairbury and Phillipsburg. J. A. M. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1541 St. Louis Division — N. B. Stockton, agent at Summerfield, was off on vacation 10 d^y9 in August, visiting friends in St. Louis, Eldon, etc., E. F. Gidinghagen re- lieving. J. J. Flint returned from his western trip Au- gust 2d; resumed work August 18th. Relief Agent Emmett Smith going to Windsor to work nights. Former Agent C. H. Palmer, of Freeburg, who has been in business at Eldon for some time, was at Gartsite August 19th, prospecting. He expects to re-enter the railroad service again in the near future. Henry Son is holding down Belle nights. Telegrapher Holloway, formerly of Bowen, was working the day trick in Eldon relay office Sun- day, while "ND” was seeing the sights in St. Louis. Dispatching force at Eldon doubled up Sunday, August 18th, in order that Dispatcher Owen might have a day off. Relief men are in demand on this division. Every one wanting a vacation this warm weather. Your correspondent returned to work August 24th, after a three weeks’ vacation, fully enjoyed visiting friends in Festus, Mo., and relatives and friends at the old homestead near Le Roy, Kans. Agent W. Morton, of Windsor, took a flying trip to St. Louis August 24th and 25th; relieved by Mr. Geo. F. Reinhardt. Bro. Emmett Smith started to Freeburg, Mo., August 25th to relieve Agent Ira B. Lakin for a few days. S. S. Franse, night man at Versailles, got mar- ried one day last week, and is away on his honey- moon. We have not learned whther he will re- turn or not. There are still a few nons on this division, I am sorry to say. I would like to have every mem- ber on this division write me advising how many of these non-members he has written to, as re- quested by our local chairman. I am proud to say that our Order has won the confidence of the best men on this division, and I truly hope they will never have cause to regret joining hands with us to work for the improvement of our condition as telegraphers. Cert. 480. Des Moines Valley Division — Where is those news items the brothers were going to contribute? Must say that I have only Bros. Brokaw and Huston to thank for the few we will have this month. J. S. Chinn left for the northwest a few weeks ago, where he anticipates remaining if conditions are favorable. E. L. Hughes is relieving Jim at Rossie, and he says he will be with us soon. Don’t give him a chance to forget it. The C. T. U. . A. is now having the fight of their lives. While we are bound by contract to handle commercial business we can do a great deal by assisting them financially, which I am sure every member on the D. M. V. Division will gladly do. Bro. H. L. Failing bid in Hartley, and reported for duty there August 3, relieving Geo. W. Ja- cobs, who went to Jamestown, N. D., to engage in other business. Bro. Failing relieved at Harvey by Bro. S. W. Fowler, who, in turn, was relieved at Given by a Mr. Manning from the main line. News comes from a very reliable source that former agent, J. W. Martin, who used to be at Moneta, is now “scabbing” on the “Katy” at La- bette, Kans. While this is not surprising, owing to his past record here, we hate to have it said that he came from the Rock Island lines. Say, how do you like the ruling recently handed you in regard to scrubbing out? Guess that will help some. Now, let’s see how neat and clean we can keep our offices and waiting rooms. Traveling Auditor McCain paid a very high compliment to Bro. Huston, saying he had the neatest office in his territory. Many will be surprised to learn of Mr. Mc- Cain’s sudden death recently in Minneapolis. He had many friends on the High Line. Local Chairman . Brokaw writes that the neces- sary papers and funds were received from Chas. Dain, agent at Atwood, to enable him to be called brother. Hoping every one will appreciate these attempts at furnishing the D. M. V. news enough to send me in one or more items before September 20th, I will ring off. Cert. 695. Arkansas Division, Boonez'ille District — Not very much. news in this neck of the woods. Bro. Jacklin, day telegrapher at Newport, is doing the agent’s stunt at Newport in place of Mr. W. R. Thompson, regular agent, who has taken a leave of absence .for 30 or 60 days. Bro. Cotney, of Grays, is filling Bro. Jacklin’s place at the key at Newport. I do not know who is polishing nail-heads and pressing brick at Grays in place of Bro. Cotney. I regret to have to report the illness of Bro. H. L. Strickland, of Grays. Understand he is “chilling.” Hope he is on the road to recovery ere this. It is pleasing to look back over the line of bat- tle and view with pleasure the many soldiers that have joined in the battle of unionism. We are 99 per cent strong on this part (W. B. Branch) of the Rock Island, but we have not stopped work- ing. We are writing to non members on the main line, and are sending blank applications to our friends on other roads, even as far as Old Mexico, and what is more pleasing than to know that our efforts have borne fruit? Let us not con- fine ourselves to Division 126, but whenever we see a chance to land a man on another road. Do it! Recollect that when you secure a member, regard- less of whether he is employed on this division or not, you are strengthening the “army of toilers,” and it is to “our” interest that we should be well armed and fortified. Cert. 814. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1542 The Railroad Telegrapher. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Death has visited the home of our esteemed brother, E. Miller, and removed there- from a loving little child, and Whereas, In token of our respect and sympathy for our brother and his family; be it Resolved , By the members of the Nebraska Di- vision that we extend our sincere sympathy to them in their bereavement; and be it further Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the division, published in Th* Telegrapher and a copy sent to the bereaved family. E. C. Green, C. E. Blauvelt, J. A. Merrill, Committee. A CARD. Richfield, Neb., July 26, 1907. To the Members of Nebraska Division, C., R. I. & P.: Please accept my most sincere thanks for the beautiful flowers sent at the time of the death of my husband, Guy W. Barnes. It is a comfort to know that your friends think of and sympathize with you in the hour of death and sorrow, and hope you may all find such friends when sorrow comes in your homes. Very sincerely, Mrs. E. C. Barnes. Atlantic Coast Line Ry. Norfolk District — Correspondents seem to be scarce from this dis- trict; however, we have one consolation, that is we are considerable distance ahead of the Rich- mond District. Boys, this will never do. Wake up and see what is going on. There is no union or anything else that will progress unless some in- terest is taken. There is nothing in a union for you unless you are going to do something. Every man and woman should feel interested, if noth- ing more. The great strike of the commercial telegraphers, as you are aware, is now on. Remember your duty to your employer, and nothing more. We are expected to do our duty to the railroad, then, if there is any favors left, they go to the com- mercial telegraphers. I am advised that Norfolk, “N,” is still firm. T. B. Capps is now working for the Western Union in “N” office. Quite a number of changes have taken place re- cently. “Mr.” Parker has resigned to accept a position on the Fayetteville District, and will be located at South Rocky Mount, I understand. The boys are making a run on the Old North State who has been good enough to give them eight hours. When a non-union man is sent to fill a position in your office you should consider it your duty to see that he is one of us before he leaves, pro- vided he is desirable. Application blanks cost you nothing. You should keep on hand a supply ready for immediate use. There is nothing like thorough organization, and one man can not do it all. Did it ever occur to you that the Seaboard & Atlantic Coast Line were among a few other lines who pay the poorest wages of all the others sys- tems of the United States? Who has raise 1 the pay of telegraphers on other lines? There is no reason why we shouldn't be allowed the same as any line east of the Mississippi river. Cert. 381. Savannah District — Hope to see the applications rolling in within the next few days, as it takes men and money to do business, and this is a business organization. Hortense agency bulletined July 28th, and bid in by Mr. W. M. Harvey, who was checked in as agent August 19th. Mr. Harvey promises to for- ward his papers next payday. Bro. J. D. Harvey, who has resigned the Hor- tense agency, will go to the Waycross District, but have not learned to what point. We are very sorry to lose him at Hortense, as he has done some good work there, and leaves his sub-district solid O. R. T. Bro. C. V. Yoder, formerly agent at Hortense, is visiting friends and acquaintances at that point the past week. Bro. I. Lang, manager of “SD” office, in Savan- nah, and member of the local board in charge of that territory, has accepted a position with the Central of Georgia in dispatcher’s office in Sa- vannah. We lose one of the best men we ever had in Savannah, he having built up the Order until he had it almost solid in Savannah, and we are very sorry to lose him, but congratulate the Cen- tral boys on their gain. Bro. Porter is now looking for some one * Bro. Lang’s position on the local board in Sa- vannah. Bro. J. B. Simpson has returned to duty after being off sick quite a while. We are glad to see the brother back at the old stand. Bro. Dawson Haylow is holding down the Wil- mington quod in “SD” office. Mr. B. D. Harrell, of Tifton, is working the split trick in Savannah office. Mr. O. R. Hull has resigned his position with the A C. L. as relief agent to accept a position with the Central of Georgia. Mrs. E. C. Clark, wife of our clever first trick- dispatcher, is visiting relatives in Millen, Ga. Manager W. C. Mason, of the general telegraph office, Wilmington, and Manager Thomas, of the Waycross office, are visiting friends in Savannah the past few days. Trainmaster Z. Middlebrooks resigned August 1 st to accept a better position. We understand with the G. F. & A. as general manager. The best wishes of all go with him, and while we are sorry to lose him, we extend congratulations and best wishes for his success in his new position. Mr. J. W. Daniels has been acting as train- master since August 1st, and we hope to see him get the position permanently. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1543 Some of the boys are making it unpleasant for Bro. League, of Bologne, on account of his teach- ing his brother. For the information of all, and to prevent any further annoyance to Bro. League, I append herewith a copy of his official dispen- sation: St. Louis, Mo., August i, 1907- Mr. W m. A. Lea gut, Bologne , Fla: Dear Sib and Bbo. — Agreeable to your request of recent date, official dispensation is hereby granted authorizing you to instruct your brother, A. G League, in telegraphy. Yours fraternally, H. B. Pebham, President. Attest: L. W. Quick, G. S. and T. Bro. League, having complied with our laws, I trust he will experience no further trouble from this source, as this is the proper method for any member to pursue, and no censure whatever at- taches to it Having received several requests for informa- tion relative to “fair” and scab magazines, etc., I wrote Bro. Quick requesting that he publish a list of the standard magazines that were union, and he advises he will do so as soon as the same is received from the president of the Typograhical Union of the printers. This is good unionism, boys. A dollar paid to a scab paper or magazine is a dollar paid to your enemy. Bra Hatch ell, of Folkston, has just returned from his wedding tour. We extend congratula- tions, and wish them a long and happy wedded life. Bro. L. M. Dixon, working Folkston during Bro. Hate hell's absence, went to Bologne, Fla., to re- lieve Bro. League, who took a short vacation to vist his home folks. Bro. J. A. Daughtry, of Callan, called for two sets of blanks this month, and is getting busy among the nons. Bro. Bennett continues to land his man every day or so. He has become one of our best push- ers on the south end. Mr. H. G. Vavasour, Andrews, Fla., and Mr. W. C Renfrow, Hilliards, Fla, are both promising timber for the O. R. T. Can’t some of you boys show them the way? A Mr. Robinson and a Mr. Best holding down the Dyal job. Two more men who should be with us and Mr. Murray, at Callahan, is another we want to see take a seat in the O. R. T. band- wagon. These are all good men, and should be with us, and I trust some of you will be able to reach them, and get their papers in the near future. Presume most of you will have received the official notice of our failure to secure favorable action on the eight-hour law in this Legislature, but for the benefit of those who have not, I will say that every effort was made that laid within our power, but the railroads were too strong for us, and we lose. However, we can not expect to win in every race, and it is quite an accomplishment to be a good loser, and we will try and profit by the experience. C backer Joe. Sanford District — It has been some time since this district has had a write-up, and I think it is time we wake up an<f let them hear something from us. I have just been appointed correspondent for this district, and have had practically no exper- ience in this line of work, but I am not a man to shift my duties onto some one else. I am willing to do all that I can, and I ask all the boys on this district to help me in getting up the items and send them to me so that I can get them in the editor’s office before the aoth of each month Now let’s try to have this district represented each month. I am glad to note that all the boys appear to be taking more interest in our Order. We want to constantly keep after the “nons,” as this is the only way we will ever become solid. There are a few nons on this district, and we want them with us. Nothing would make me feel bet- ter than to know that every man on this district holds an up-to-date card. Not having sufficient time to get all the information, I would like to have, and rather than miss getting our district rep- resented this month, I am sending in what I have. The following changes have taken place since the last write-up: Bro. J. S. Johnson, day copyist, dispatcher’s office, has been promoted to second trick dis- patcher. Bro. Johnson is a good man, and has our best wishes. Up until quite recently he was our local chairman. Mr. Ferino (can’t say whether he is a member or not), from the “YN” office, is filling the posi- tion made vacant by the promotion of Bro. John- son. One of the nigh* men in the dispatcher’s office has been taken off, and one man is now working both sides. Bro. Searcy, of Longwood, is preparing for his vacation. Understand he will leave in a few days for Tennessee. He is being relieved by a Mr. Goodwin, a new man. Mr. Goodwin is anxious to join us, but has not yet had enough experience. Bro. Sigler, of Winter Park, returned some time ago from a month’s vacation spent in Kentucky and Indiana visiting relatives. He was relieved by Bro. Norsworthy. Bro. Braddock, of Auburndale, was granted leave of absence, being relieved by Mr. Bailey. Understand Mr. Bailey is now relieving Mr. Cor- bet, agent at Carters. Bro. Bingham, formerly of Port Tampa, has ac- cepted a better position with the Tampa Northern. We are sorry to lose Bro. Bingham, but glad that he has a better position. Bro. Bingham was re- lieved by Mr. R. D. Stevens. Do not know whether he has a card or not. Bro. Hazen, of Thonotosassa, passed through en route to Wisconsin for a vacation. Unable to say who is relieving him. Mr. R. C. Webster, nights at Ports Tampa, “KI” office, has asked for blanks, and will soon be with us. The office at Carlow has been discontinued. Cebt. hi. Digitized by Google

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1544 The Railroad Telegrapher. Canadian Pacific Ry. Western Division, District No. i — Since the Western Division was last represented in The Telegrapher, a number of changes have been made, a few notes of which I will give later. I am sure we all perused our “convention number” with interest, particularly in reading of the wonderful strides our Order has made during the past two years. Great as it has been, no doubt two years hence, in looking back, we will see even greater accomplishments, and the gain from “revisions” will certainly be due us. How- ever, the success “to be” rests upon individual effort to quite an extent, so let us see that we neglect nothing; so that the retrospect at the next biennial convention in 1909 will be inter- esting history. Well, to follow up in regard to changes. On June 1st the management created a new district, making three in place of two districts on the Western Division, the headquarters of the new district being Medicine Hat, where J. S. Law- rence, recently of Nelson, B. C., was appointed superintendent. Two sets of dispatchers were moved from Calgary to Medicine Hat, the staff being A. Allan, C. D., Bros. H. J. Humphrey, O. E. Barker, R. A. Sewell, C. H. Sherwood, S. W. Dean, Mr. H. E. Kelly and Mr. R. R. Smart. The latter are expected to renew their membership at once. Bros. Meir and Bateson handling message busi- ness up-stairs, with Bros. McIntyre, Short and \fanning clearing trains down-stairs. Do not pro- pose giving a line-up, but simply make mention of these on account of change of districts. A meeting was held in Masonic Hall, Medicine Hat, on Sunday, July 14th, with a fair attendance. Bro. Finch, of Dunmore Junction, not exactly (the father of us all) but the “dad” of the bunch, had charge, but owing to the absence of our newly- appointed Local Chairman, Bro. H. J. Humphrey, who was on committee work in Calgary, not very much business was transacted, not having any par- ticular material to work on. However, one of the objects of the meeting was gained in getting to- gether and talking things over. In future we hope to have some cracking good meetings. So, boys, write in good time for permission. Our chief will relieve all he can. Ere next publication we hope to have a pretty fair schedule. Our General Committee is working hard on same at the present time. A revision is badly needed and we should at least receive as good salary as our brothers on the other side of the line working on competitive lines. The C. P. R. can hardly claim any inability to a raise in the face of over $25,000,000 profits for the fiscal year just closed. Cert. 329. Central Division, Fourth District — This district is seldom represented in the jour- nal, so mentioning the fact will, perhaps, rouse up the division correspondent, and bring him to a sense of his duty, so that he will see that this district is represented in each and every number of the journal. The meetings recently held in Moose Jaw were remarkably well attended, and each and every man was chuck full of enthusiasm, for the good and welfare of the Order. This is a capital idea of Bro. Goulding’s, the holding of these meetings once every month, bringing the men together, thus affording an opportunity for an exchange of ideas, not only regarding the Order, but also in connection with our work, which will be beneficial both to the company and ourselves. Bro. Dean, day telegrapher at Estevan, has re- turned from a vacation trip to the Pacific Coast. He was relieved by Bro. Wilson, late from the Grand Trunk. Bro. C. J. Ryan transferred from Estevan nights to Swift Current days. Bro. W. H. Thompson has resumed duty at Estevan nights, after a prolonged absence on ac- count of sickness in his family. Bro. T. J. Lewis, lineman at Estevan, has re- ceived his transportation for a trip around the world and return. Most of his time, however, will be spent on the Pacific Coast. During his holidays he will be accompanied by a few old- timers whose names we have not yet learned. Business is booming on the “Soo” Line division of the C. P. R. between Portal and Moose Jaw, with six daily passenger trains and many pas- senger specials with private parties, enroute to the Pacific Coast from points in the Southern and Eastern States. This is becoming a very popular route for tourists. We are not very well posted on the doings of the Broadview and Swift Current sections. Under- stand there are some changes being made in the dispatching staff at Moose Jaw, but do not know the particulars. T. A. Kellagher, night man at Wolseley, has been handed the necessary documents and is now one of the elect. Bro. B. F. O’Toole, the C. P. R. representative at Belle Plaine, is enjoying a well-earned holiday at the Qu’Appelle Lakes, with his family. Bro. E. L. Maynard has returned from a two weeks’ vacation at Banff Hot Springs. Bro. J. W. Webber, of Kisbey, is waiting for relief, and needs it badly. Bro. C. E. Jestley, of Stoughton, is away on his honeymoon, being relieved by Bro. Mc- Elhone. Bro. Crosby, of Heward, is also on vacation. Mr. A. H. Gordon has been appointed agent at Creelman. Cert. 1,221. Pacific Division, District 3 — Have been a reader of The Telegrapher for the past five years, and to my knowledge, have seen only one write-up from this district. Now, this should not be. There are some among you at least who could spare a few minutes of their time to let the outside world know that we are alive. A Division Correspondent was appointed at our last meeting, and favored us with only one write-up. What has become of him? Is he still on the pay-roll, or has he gone to toil at a more lucrative calling? This shows the lack of inter- Digitized by LjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1545 est that is manifested by our fraternity in any- thing relative to labor organizations. Some on this division when having a just grievance will appeal to the officials for justification, as if it were a special favor, instead of what v^as their just due; and even some would rather trudge along with their rights trampled on than approach the officials and show them where the schedule has been ignored. Why is this? Are you scared of your jobs, or are you stuck on calling crews, checking cars, unloading way-freight, helping sec- tion foremen put in ties and labeling bad order cars? If you are, you’re a poor specimen of an up-to-date union man. If you ignore one clause of the schedule, do they hesitate to “bawl you out” on it? No. They do not. Then, why should you beat around the bush in calling their attention to the same fact? There have been several changes on this division of late. Bro. Clements, agent at Grand Forks, has re- signed, to accept the position of general yard- master at Vancouver. Sorry to lose Bro. “C,” but glad he has received well-deserved promotion. Bro. Moir, from Phoenix, has bid in Grand Forks agency, while Bro. C. A. Arnott, from “Ry” office, Nelson, has bid in Phoenix. Under- stand Bro. Arnott had a hard time to break himself away from “Ry,” and old associates. You can now hear him, in the balmy air of evening, sing- ing Burns' melody of “Charming is My Jean.” Eholt Junction, as usual, has undergone more changes than any place. We find Bro. McPher- son agent, with Mr. Fizee days, and Mr. Fraser nights. Don’t think the latter two are brothers, but Bro. “Me” will soon land them in the fold. At Greenwood, we find Bro. Redpath and Bro. Baggs. Understand the latter does the relieving stunt in “WD,” while at Boundary Falls, Bro. Helgason is doing the honors. “AH” says there is work enough in “BA” for six men and a lady. Bro. Stevenson, at Midway, has taken on him- self a side-partner, so there is no use in breaking your arm off calling “Mi.” He is out driving with his lady fair. Bro. Thompson, from Cascade, has bid in Smelter Junction agency, vacated by Bro. Scho- field’s resignation, the latter having been elected to Parliament last February, which shows that we have men of ability and influence among our craft. There we find Mr. Selleck on days and Mr. Bean nights. The latter has promised to come into the fold when eligible. In Cascade we find Bro. Walmsley doing the “short” and “overs.” At Roseland we find Bro. Clark passing the “Havanas” over the arrival of a bouncing thir- teen-pound girl. There we also find Mr. Mullin dishing out skeletons by the yard, relieving Bro. Mclsaac, who has resigned and gone South. In the dispatching office we find Bro. Harbor, our Local Chairman, first trick, and conceded by all to be the right man in the right place. Bro. Young, second trick, and Bro. Choate, an old Eholt war-horse, third trick, and Bro. Hyde writ- ing up his “exams” for relieving “detainer.” It is not every dispatching office that can boast of a solid O. R. T. bunch. In “Ry” office, Nelson, we find Bro. Sherman doing the local ticket reports, relaying and look- ing after Bro. Arnott’s interest in general, but don’t think his jurisdiction goes as far as the “ News ” office. At Slocan City w« find Bro. Helsby, swinging from barges, while Bro. Garret is taking a holiday before taking the agency at Eholt Junction. Bro. McPherson goes to Granley when relieved at “Kn,” and Dame Rumor tells us he is to be assistant manager at “WD” office, if Bro. Baggs don’t butt in. As dispatcher is calling vigorously for an “OS” I’ll say “30.” Cert, i -’88. Pacific Division , District No. 1 — We have a minimum of $60 per, with the ma- jority of offices paying the minimum. We are within a few hours of the greatest wheat producing country of the world, yet flour costs us $3.40 per hundred, or about 40 per cent more than it does those a couple of thousand miles more distant from the wheat belt. West of us is Vancouver, where the largest salmon canning factories in existence have their plants. Salmon can be bought in Toronto or Montreal, 3,000 miles distant for 15c per can, while we, at $60 per, within 300 miles, are obliged to pay 20c for the same goods, and so it goes all down the list. New potatoes sold at per pound, yet at Ashcroft, B. C., they have a record yield about every other year. Farmers in On- tario claim they are well satisfied to receive 50c per hundred. Of tomatoes and other such vege- tables, an operator, at the minimum, fearing heart disease, never ventures to ask the price. Beef cattle pasture in thousands upon our prai- ries, within 100 miles of us, yet we pay more for fresh beef than is charged on the open market in London or Liverpool on these very same cattle when shipped across. Our local merchants claim that the Canadian Pacific charges such high freight rates that they are compelled to quote prices accordingly. It looks to us as though what little the company hands us in the way of remuneration only changes hands temporarily, as a good percentage must re- turn to their coffers through the merchants, and now they have told our general committee that our demands for a $75 minimum and double overtime is unreasonable to discuss. The express’ company gathers in what is left over, if there happens to be anything. I know of one operator who was taxed $1 by them for bring- ing an empty 7-lb. rifle fifty-two miles. Almost two cents per mile for an article which took up less space than one of the messenger’s feet, and doubtless weighed less. Single men have to pay 75c per day straight for board, and pack around their own bed cloth- ing and mattress. The board in outfit cars is, in the main, very fair, but sleeping accommodations are about as poor as can be imagined. Our brothers, the linemen, also have a very pronounced Digitized by t^ooQle

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1546 The Railroad Telegrapher. grievance on account of expense allowance of $i per day being insufficient when absent on service from their base. Single meals cost 35c each in the majority of outfit dining cars. This amounts to $1.15 for three meals. Does the lineman sleep up a tree, or does he only eat twice per day? Most of our linemen are heads of families, clean, decent men. Surely, the company does not re- quire them to sleep in between a brace* of nice garlic-eating dagoes, or spend the hours supposed to be devoted to repose in scratching and sweat- ing amidst a car load of Galicians or Doukho- boors. One unfortunate brother complained this morning that he had been compelled to discard two suits of underclothing already this summer on account of vermin contracted sleeping among such company, and the season is still young. He was on his way to do some work on a Hindoo lay-out, and has our sympathy, as this is one class of British subjects who consider it sin- ful to bathe. Last, but not least, come the troubles of our long-suffering train dispatchers (all up to date), and we are not looking for either a hand-out or a dishonest call, when we assert that they are as square a bunch of sheet scratchers as exists. They have, for months, been trying to do business with several offices closed and about seven men short on the division. To make matters worse, they have had saddled upon them numerous so-called oper- ators whose knowledge of even the first rudiments of the business is lacking, and who cause all sorts of confusion and delay by their ignorance, and, as is customary with this class, are possessed of the idea that they were put on that particular job to teach the train dispatcher his business. Will some one inform me how or why it is that oper- ators of this calibre will not be allowed to handle commercial business, and are passed by a chief train dispatcher and permitted to butcher train orders. I figure it out that our remuneration and living conditions are such as to discourage good men from coming to us, and it is a case of nail anything that comes along. The funny part of it is we have so far been unable to dig up a suffi- cient number, even of dubs, to man our vacant offices. The Pacific Division is also just now without a permanent chief train dispatcher. It is true we have men who have served the company ably and faithfully for years, and at times successfully but temporarily filled the chief’s chair, yet now that the vacancy is a permanent one until a suc- cessor is appointed, the powers that be, have stated that they require sixty days to meditate upon whom to appoint. Encouraging to local talent? Our General Committee is now in session at Winnipeg. We should have considerable coming to us. Let us not growl if they do not come out wholly successful. There is another year coming. Sit down and write your representative a nice, cheering letter, telling him to dig in and do his best. Also tell him you are behind him, win or lose. The job you have steered him up against is the reverse of agreeable, and we can assure you, from past and personal experience, that the assurance of your confidence and support will do more to stimulate his efforts than any amount of grumbling. Have you paid your dues? If not, do so. Cert. 1,158. Michigan Central Ry. At a meeting of our division, held in Detroit August ad, it was decided to hold regular meet- ings each month, commencing with the third Mon- day in September, at 7:30 p. m., in Prismatic Hall, 140 First st., Detroit, Mich., and on every third Monday of each month thereafter. This will give our members within a radius of seventy- five or a hundred miles of Detroit a chance to attend, and it is to be hoped that all members who can will avail themselves of the opportunity, as there arc many important matters to come up for discussion which can only be properly settled in our meetings. Bro. M. Handley, who has worked at St. Thomas for a number of years in the capacity of telegrapher and chief, has resigned. Understand he is working at Jackson, Mich. We wish him success wherever he may locate. Bro. Canfield relieved Bro. Farr at Niagara Falls for a few days, on account of sickness, bat owing to sickness in Bro. Canfield’s family, be was compelled to return home, being relieved by Bro. Gleason, of Perry. Bro. Lome Porter, owl at Montrose, is on the sick list, being relieved by Mr. Francis. Bro. Bolgcr writes from Lima, Mont., that he is now working for the Oregon Short Line, and likes the country splendidly. Bro. Langford, who has for the past two years been working as relief agent on the Canada division, has resigned, and is now working the day trick at Kinora, Ont., for the C. P. R. Bro. Chas. Barnes has been transferred from Tilbury nights to St. Thomas. Bro. John Abbott, who was badly shaken up in the explosion of nitro-glycerinc at Essex, is re- ported to be doing fine. Also Mr. Stimers, the agent, who was seriously injured, is said to be in a fairy way to recover. Bro. Seth Wilford, owl at Welland, is enjoying a vacation, he is visiting relatives in ‘‘dear old England.” Bro. Rosehart is relieving him. Bro. Milton Granger, Chairman for the Sag- inaw and Mackinaw divisions, stationed at Mack- inaw City, has entered the ranks of the benedicts. The brothers extend congratulations and wish you a long and happy wedded life. “Dooley. ' NOTICE. Bro. G. W. Lewis, of Middleville, Mich., has been appointed General Correspondent for our division. Any member who has any items of in- terest will please forward them to Bro. Lewis Now, brothers, every one of you assist him in keeping our division well represented each month. Fraternally, J. H. Staley, Gen. S. & T. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1547 Middle Division — A local meeting of the members of Division No. 16 was held at Sauer's Hall, Jackson, Saturday evening, August 17. The “East End," Middle Air Line and Valley was well represented, as usual. The object of the meetings are to pro- mote good-fellowship, the interests and welfare of the men, and the duty they owe themselves and their employers, and as the company agrees to furnish transportation and arrange as far as pos- sible for the men to attend these meetings, it really seems as though more should be in attend- ance. Forty to fifty makes a good turn-out, and these are usually enthusiastic, and have a rousing good time, and feel that they have been benefited by attending, but seventy-five to one hundred would be a better turn-out, and those that have never attended, or have not attended of late, would not only enjoy themselves, but would learn of things to their advantage that is almost im- possible to find out unless they attend, as matters that are of most importance to us are only dis- cussed in the lodge room, and the best way to obtain the good that these gatherings bring about is to be there, and it is hoped that the brothers will give this more serious thought and put forth every effort to be in attendance at every meeting from now on. Seaboard Air Line. In picking up the journal for the month of July I regret to find that not one of the seven divisions are represented by even a small write-up. This is not encouraging. What has become of the several correspondents? The boys take pleasure in reading the journal, and when we fail to send in our letters they feel blue. “Every division but ours,” is the cry. Now wake up, and let us have letters monthly. Under date of June 20th,' official ballots were mailed out calling for votes on increase of dues and paid general chairman. July 19th Bro. Smith, local chairman Fifth Di- vision; Pope, local chairman Third Division, and Benn, local chairman First Division, were ap- pointed as board of canvassers to count ballots. Returns showed that nearly the entire member- ship voted, and that only seven voted not in favor of either. This is very gratifying, and shows that the mem. bership favors what we are badly in need of, and that which will greatly add to the welfare of the Order. July 19th I was authorized to issue a circular asking for an assessment of $2 to defray the ex- penses of the general committee, which expects to convene at Norfolk on or about the 20th of ths month. This was approved by the president. This is a very important matter, and should be attended to promptly. Time for payment expires September 30th. All who do not reply favorably become liable to suspension from the Order. Reason for levying this assessment is to avoid any embarrassment in paying the necessary ex- penses of the general committee during these meetings, and for the purpose of placing a paid general chairman on the road. I beg that all members respond cheerfully, and at once, to save further trouble. What is the trouble with the members on the Birmingham Division? Wake up, and put your shoulders to the wheel, for we must have your co- operation to insure success for you. You should not throw all the responsibility on the shoulders of your general chairman. All other divisions have been active in procur- ing new members and holding monthly meetings, but we do not hear from the Birmingham boys. The increase in membership from other divisions has been very gratifying, and we hope that it will continue. In remitting please avoid using postoffice money orders as much as possible. These orders cause delay. F. O. Cumming. Second Division — I missed the August and also July number, but I had a good excuse for missing. Was sick for three weeks. When I came back to work I found more than I could do during the next two months. You all know how things go when you are out for two or three weeks, and relieved by an inexper- ienced man. However, yours truly is able to say well done; I am about straight, so here I am again. Isn’t the Second Division something to appre- ciate now? Never saw the roadbed, right-of-ways, sidings and stations so clean before in my life, and while you are reading and thinking about the conditions of the road, don’t forget to think about how clean the division is of “nons." Well, brothers, who are still on the other divis- ions, the membership on the Second Division sur- prised me. It began to look at one time like the entire division was going to sleep, but when the railroads commenced to nurse the corporation com- mission it reminded me of that old flag you all know so well: “Don’t tread on me.” Just so it was with the boys then. We went to Raleigh with flying colors, and carried signals, I think, in four sections, and every man made a round trip. The clerk at the Yarboro House wanted to know of me: “What you fellows going to take away with you?" I said, “the good will of the public and corporation commission." Wiell, he says, what are you bringing with you? I says some startling facts, which will open the eyes of the entire State. Of course, the clerk expressed his ignorance of the meaning of these peculiar expres- sions, but the News and Observer, the always faithful, told him and the rest all about it the next morning. Speaker Justice, Judge Studwick and Upchurch did not go to Raleigh expecting to learn something, but they did learn something, and who says Justice didn’t put a few of the offi- cials in a peanut parcher and shake them until they acknowedged their guilt of fibbing. Well, it’s all over, and there was fun for both sides. The railroads lost part of their requests and the telegraphers did not get as much as they thought there were due them. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1548 The Railroad Telegrapher. I’ll have to ring off now; my little Topsy has come for me to get out and swing the ax for enough wood for breakfast. Be good; remember it is your duty to give your faithful local chair- man, Bro. Booker, all the support you can. He’s going next week to fuss for more money and bet- ter working conditions for us, and I tell you, boys, he is absolutely without strength when he has a poor percentage. North Carolina. Sixth Division — It seems to me that with the number of mem- bers we have who have plenty of time for such work, our division could have a write-up each month. Is there not a division correspondent down here? If not, why does our local chairman not appoint one? This should be attended to at once, as this is a very important matter. Then, when he is appointed, let each one do his share, and help him to make the write-up complete each month. There is lots of work to be done on this divis- ion, as there are a great many nons down here, and it will take some hustling to bring them into the fold. Let’s see who can get the greatest num- ber of new members by the first of January, and bend every effort to make our division solid. Un- derstand our committee has gone before the man- agement, but haven’t heard how they came out. But very few changes of late, so far as I can ascertain. Bro. Morris relieving Mr. Hough, days at Ocala. Mr. Hough gone to parts unknown. Bro. McGeachy back nights at Tampa, vice, Mr. Lyvers. Understand Mr. Cason, of Turkey Creek, in- tends leaving us in a few days to enter college. They are now building a new and much larger coal chute at that place, and we understand they are going to put in about two miles of sidetracks. Hope Mr. Cason’s successor will be up-to-date, and also hope he will land the night man, Mr. Johnson. Sister Frier, of Coleman, off for a vacation. Haven’t learned who relieved her, or whether he has the “wherewith.” All of our dispatchers have been taking vaca- tions recently, while Mr. Lipscomb, of Plant City, relieved them. Hope we will have a better write-up than this next month. Now, boys, get busy and do something to help our cause along. Seems as if some one would give us a report of the meetings at Wildwood. Cert. 436. Third Division — As I have never seen anything from the banner division, thought I would “scribble a few,” and let the boys know what’s doing on this pike. Our last meeting, held at Athens, Ga., August 11th, proved to be a grand success. I was sur- prised to see so many members out, but, at the same time I regret to say that we did not have a brother present from north of Mountville. I sin- cerely trust in the future they will attend from the north end, and help make our meetings a suc- cess. Among the speakers at Athens last Sunday were Bros. D. May, general chairman; W. B. Pope, lo- cal chairman, and S. P. McDaniel, assistant chair- man. Bro. May made one of the strongest and most instructive talks I ever heard, and a good many boys missed a treat by not hearing him. Bros. C S. Compton, W. E. Crisp and J. D. Miller also gave some wise suggestions for the benefit of the Order. Bro. R. M. Summey relieved Bro. C. S. Comp- ton a few days last week. Compton has been oat on a vacation. Bro. Guthrie, agent at Cross Hill, is out on a vacation. Bro. G. W. Wright is relieving him. Wright is from the Fourth Division. Mr. Nons, are you going to allow your fellow- workers to pay all assessments and you reap the benefit? You make all kinds of excuses, except good ones. Are you ever going to wake up and ste what the O. R. T. is doing for us all? Haven’t we secured several raises since 1904? Haven’t we a schedule the same as the trainmen? And yet you make excuses that a baby would not listen to. I heard an engineer say the other day that he admired a scab more than a non, on the grounds that a scab has helped the Order to some extent, financially, but crawfished out when on the test for want of intelligence, grit or nerve, whichever you prefer to call it, and a non has never even tried to help the Order, and nine times out of ten would do the same as a scab. I know of very few nons on this division, I am glad to say, and I trust they will see the importance of the 0. R T. and become brothers. We had the pleasure of meeting Bro. Ewing, of Atlanta, “A” office. He is anything but a desd member. Cert. 389. Southern Railway. Washington Division — At our meeting, held at Charlottesville on Sat- urday night, the 19th, the south end was well rep- resented, but on account of the fact that the local train from the north being late, Bro. Shelhorse was the only north-ender present. This was Bro. Shelhorse’s first visit, as he was only initiated a few days ago. He was made very welcome, and hope he will come again. The following officers were elected to fill the un- expired term: Bro. C. W. Grim, chief telegrapher. Bro. G. B. Dearborn, secretary and treasurer. Bro. R. D. Saffell, first vice-chief telegrapher. Bro. Nick Moore second vice-chief telegrapher. Bro. T. C. Roberts, past chief telegrapher. The following brothers were appointed: Bro. L. M. Brittle, marshal. Bro. Roy Lockett, outside sentinel. Bro. W. M. Arrington, inside sentinel Bro. D. H. McLearen, division correspondent. The meeting was a decided success, and greatly enjoyed by all present, and we hope to have a still larger number present at our next meeting. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1549 Bro. J. L. M unday, of Covesville, Va., who had lock-jaw, and was so very ill a short time since, has recovered sufficiently to be taken away from home to regain his strength and health. We were very uneasy about him for some time, and rejoice that he is now out of danger. The meal hour overtime question has at last been settled satisfactorily, and all tickets which were turned down, and were referred to our local chairman for collection, have been paid. We are not to accept our meal-hours after i o’clock, day or night The middle relief position and the night position at Cool well, Va-, were bulletined this month. The relief has been accepted, but Coolwell still open for bids. We were deeply grieved to hear of the death of the sister of Bro. J. W. Mays, of Rio, Va., and our hearts go out in sympathy for the loved ones left to mourn. It is very encouraging to see that the majority of the few remaining nons are realizing the error of their way, and coming over to our side to join the united band, which is pressing onward for the advancement of the telegrapher’s cause, which needs uplifting from out of the old rut of drudgery to tne goal of success. Hope the conflict between the C. T. U. of A. and the Western Union will terminate satisfac- tory. These conflicts are not desired, and are only resorted to when all other efforts to obtain a peaceful settlement avail nothing. The strike puts the general public to a great inconvenience, which is regretted, but it is often necessary to re- sort to this in order to obtain fair treatment and a living wage. Most of the roads in the United States are now scheduled, and it is to our interest to live up to the agreements, and to see that they are also ful- filled by the railroad company. We appreciate the treatment received from our railroad officials, and it is our desire to return good service. The dis- patcher may have to do a little extra calling some times, but not often. It’s rather tiresome to be buckled down to it for 12 hours. We live in hopes of seeing a shorter working day. Here’s hoping all of us may be able to assem- ble in the meeting room next time, and not be side-tracked on the way. Div. Cor. Atlanta Division — Much interest is felt by our membership in the general struggle of our brother commercial teleg- raphers; their demands seem in all respects reason- able and just. They are making a brave stand for that which is due them. Not only does all or- ganized labor realize this, but the justice-loving public seeing the united heroic efforts of this im- portant body of men, join in sympathy and hope for their success. Although 90 per cent or more of their skilled telegraphers have left them in a body, pending justice, we find the officials of these unfair telegraph companies boasting that their business is not seriously affected; that they will not recognize this force of men except as indi- viduals; that the strike is over so far as they are concerned, and even that they do not know a strike is on. The fair-minded public is, however, too wise to believe any such misleading sta ements. The writer personally knows of numerous villages and towns where ordinarily there is an immense number of commercial telegrams handled daily, that have not sent or received one message since the commercial telegraphers’ strike was called, nor is there any hope for the public to again receive this service that is due them until these corpora- tions shall have dealt fairly with the organized telegraphers. We, as railroad telegraphers, concur with the commercial telegraphers in their sincere regret that the public must suffer until such time as these stubborn corporations realize that there is really a strike on, and are willing to treat fairly with these deserving men and women. We are urging our men, the railroad telegra- phers, to be mindful of the duties they owe the railway companies to see that wires are given spe- cial attention; that railroad messages are handled without delay; that the movement of all trains be carefully looked after; and, in other words, not forget any part of our duty as employes of roads fair to our organization. This is done to guard against possible chances of railroad telegraphers neglecting some duty -due the railroad company while so earnestly in sympathy with the commer- cial telegraphers. It is gratifying to note the man- ner in which the railway telegraphers have kept the company’s interest at heart; not a complaint having been made by the railway officials up to date. It is hoped that before this shall have gone to press each member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers shall have contributed at least $1 to the commercial telegraphers, and thus aided and encouraged them in this battle for justice. If they lose it means injury to all organized labor. They must win. Their battle is just. Many of the striking telegraphers have already secured employ- ment on railroads, and if the Western Union and Postal don’t “hurry up’’ with a fair settle- ment, they will no doubt fail to secure the serv- ice of many of their skilled, tried and true men. Applications for membership continue to come, and the condition of our division is rapidly im- proving. Ere many more months have passed I fancy I can hear the boys saying: Atlanta Divis- ion is second to none in Division 59, and System Division 59 is equal to any in existence. In July number of Thb Telegrapher I men- tioned the list prepared and sent out over the di- vision by Bro. S. E. Smith, giving the member- ship and its friends an opportunity to assist the local chairman in paying for a typewriter, re- cently purchased. This list continues to grow, and from the fact that this substantial aid comes without the asking, leads me to believe that the telegraphers appreciate my humble efforts to serve them as local chairman. I desire to thank those who have felt disposed to assist me in this pur- chase, and trust that not one letter may ever leave this mill of which you might be ashamed Follow- ing is a list of the brothers, sisters and friends who have signed the list, practically all of whom have already forwarded 50 cents to $1 each: Digitized by Google

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1550 The Railroad Telegrapher. S. E. Smith, H. H. Moon, J. S. Garmon, W. A. Foster, J. O. Underwood, W. J. Weatherly, J. M. Westmoreland, A. J. Vining, B. H. Harkins, J. O. Williams, G. E. Gill, E. C. Gentle, Tom Smith, Mrs. A. M. Scarborough, G. W. Clegg, G. A. Scarborough, H. C. Harris, A. R. Field, S. E. Graham, J. M. Bartee, J. R. Winters, M. Doster, W. B. Foster, R. L. Burgess, J. N. Hanna, B. Powers, R Gibbs, J. E. Brown, J. F. Rhodes, M. G. Clay, E. E. Swofford. H. L. Blair, J. I. Hardin, B. F. Blair, O. M. Nix, W. A. Beaty, J. S. Ridgdill, C. H. Gheesling, W. G. Barber, H. A. Henderson, P. O. Parker. Fraternally, C. E. Moss, Local Chairman. Macon Division — The meeting of this division at Flovilla, was well attended, and while camp meeting at the old camp grounds held many attractions for them, they felt enough interest in the business of the Order to spare a few hours. This was much appreciated, and much good was accomplished, results of which are already apparent. Come again, boys; we need your help and counsel, and your presence is inspir- ing to the balance of us, and will do much to in- duce another brother to put a few hours with us when he can get off. - Sorry some of the boys who intended to come could not get relief. Next meeting will be held at Helena, Ga., and we hope all the north end boys who can get relief will attend. The south end will be represented by at least one man from every station. A few items have been received this week, mostly from the north end, while I have failed to gather anything whatever from the south end. Boys, let me have a line or two, changes and such like from your end, if you wish to interest others in the wel- fare of the division. Mr. R. L. Bray, days at Roseland tower, back again after a week’s vacation. While off Bro. Huckaby, night man, did the day stunt, relieved at night by Bro. Oliver. Bro. R. M. Cason, days at Constitution, has returned from two weeks’ vacation to his old home, Warrenton and Chalker, Ga. He reports ex- cellent time. Bro. Allen, nights, relieving him, and Mr. J. E. Guyton doing the night work. Mr. Guyton says as soon as he has passed the neces- sary age required, he will carry the up-to-date card. Mr. J. G. Coleman, days at Ellenwood, has re- turned from a visit to his home, relieved by Bro. C. R. Stephenson doubling. Bro. Stephenson holds forth during the watch of the stars. Mr. H. E. Guyton, formerly nights at Flippen, now nights at McDonough; he being relieved by Mr. J. E. Guyton, nights at Flippen. Understand new night man at Jenkinsburg; have not yet learned his name. Bros. Clifford Pitts, nights at Locust Grove, ard his brother days, have returned from an extended trip to Mexico and other western localities. While away they were relieved by Bro. Huff days, and J. W. Chambliss nights. Bro. H. L. Allen, nights at Constitution, has re- turned from two weeks* vacation to Brunswick, and his old home near Forsythe, Ga. Bro. Allen was relieved by Mr. J. E. Guyton. We don’t want to make any complaint, but some are growing careless in their work, especially in handling “orders.” Since last write-up our gen- eral secretary has received complaint from the general superintendent that no less than two col- lisions have occurred, and same traced directly to the carelessness of telegraphers handling “orders.” If we want to make an impression that will be of benefit to us, we must do our business right, and those that wear the “wreath and sounder” should endeavor to show the officials that the Or- der man is superior, both in intelligence and abil- ity to the “non,” otherwise they will prefer to em- ploy the non, as he comes cheaper. Handle “or- ders” as though you realized what they mean, for you hold many human lives and often millions of property in your hand, and <thesef should be handled as if they were valuables, indeed. Let us all try to see that this is not again charged to union men, and try to bring the standard up in- stead of letting it down, for it is low enough now. Trouble with the Western Union does not af- fect us so much as long as we don’t have any business to handle with them, but it leaves us in a very undesirable position. From my point of view I think the complica- tions that arise from this should be corrected by our committees at first opportunity, by getting the commercial business separated from the railroad business, and not require the railroad telegraphers to handle this business, when it should be handled by the company that receives the money for it We have many grievances, however, and they have been imposed upon us for years, and we can not hope to get all our troubles adjusted in a year, or in several years. Let us look after the nons and keep the tardy members up-to-date. Get in line ourselves; stay in line, and get the nons in the same regiment; treat them gentlemanly, if they are worthy of such treatment. Be patient with them; explain all the advantages over and over again, if necessary, and in the end you will gain a loyal member. Don’t forget the meeting at Helena, and all who possibly can attend. Bro. J. W. Crumpler, at Lumber City, will give you all the information you desire concerning it. Div. Co*. Knoxville Division — August meeting was called to order at 8:30 p. m. by Chief C. N. Griffith, with the officers in their respective stations. Membership present numbering about 15, a smaller attendance than was expected. Nevertheless, we had a very good meet- ing. Those present were as follows: Bros. Gray and Sharp from Coster Division, Bros. Cord, Stamberry and Harris from Chattanooga Divis- ion, Bros. Stafford, Vaughn, Chandler, Yates, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1551 Houston and Barkley from Knoxville Division, and some three or four others; I do not remember their names. At this meeting the writer was elected correspondent for Knoxville Division. Will appreciate the assistance of any of the brothers who send in items. Another matter I wish to impress on the minds of the brothers, and that is to keep all railroad wires working, and in good shape. We are not asking you to act as linemen, but watch your board and see that no wires are left open or grounded in your offices. Four or five of the C. T. U. A. boys were pres- ent at our meeting and gave us a nice talk in re- gard to the strike that is now on. They are very well satisfied the way things are moving at the present time, and say they are in this fight to win, which is the hearty wish of all union telegraphers. Bulletin came out during the month covering all the positions that were vacant. Bro. Solomon away on io days' vacation; re- lieved by Bro. Leeson. Bro. Vaughn off on 30 days’ vacation; relieved by Bro. Olem. Bro. Barkley on sick list; relieved by night man, Bro. McCubbins. Bro. Thompson has gone to the N. & W. Bro. Bibee away on 10 days’ vacation. No card, no favors. Div. Co*. Asheville Division— While the boys arc very earnestly discussing the $75 minimum I will try and give you a few dots from the Asheville Division: Haven’t heard anything from the A. & S. end since May. Won’t some one or all send me a few items each month? Wake up and be doing . Show the other divisions that we are right in line. Bro. Alexander, of Drexel, made a visit to Jamestown in July, and reports a fine trip. He also went to Washington on the committee in re- gard to reducing the salary of eight-hour offices and cutting out overtime. After failing to reach an agreement in two days the committee granted the Southern’s wishes, the latter promising to meet the committee again the first of January. Bro. Walker, of “MY,” Salisbury, third trick, paid a few days’ visit to his relatives in Ruther- fordton last month, being relieved by Mr. J. E. Brookshire, of the Knoxville Division. After Bro. Walker’s return Mr. Brookshire went to Morgan- town nights. Bro. Winecoff, of Majolica days, has been con- fined to his bed several weeks with typhoid fever, but is improving. Wish him a speedy recovery. Bro. Winecoff is being relieved by Mr. B. D. Mc- Cubbins, who is a new man in the railroad world, but promises to get an up-to-date this month. He has been a commercial telegrapher some time. Mr. Finlayson, of “MY,” Salisbury, after being out quite a while, promises to come into the fold again this month. Can’t Bro. Alexander set a date for a genuine O. R. T. meeting? We are all anxious for it, and will do all we can to have, a good attendance. Bro. W. L. Gilbert, East Hickory, has returned from the hospital, where he had to undergo an operation. We are glad to see him back at his post. Bro. Gilbert is an enthusiastic member, and a hard worker. He is getting out a journal now in the interest of Division 59, and in which members of same may keep posted as to what is transpiring on^this system, and thereby keep in closer touch with each other. He offers its columns to the officers and mem- bers of this division, and other near-by divisions for official notices and announcements, as well as other communications of general interest to mem. bers of the O. R. T. and C. T. U. A. In his journal he will advocate, among other good causes, the building of a telegraph system, to be owned and operated by members and offi- cials of the O. R. T. and C. T. U. A. Brothers who are interested should write Bro. Gilbert, Box 274, Hickory, N. C., ask for sample copy and give him their support and encouragement. It is a matter of deep regret tnat your corre- spondent is compelled to report, on authority, that one of our brothers at Facil is teaching a student. It is also said that the agent at Claremont, also a member, is in the same business, and is drawing two men’s salaries while doing so, at least, his student’s name is carried on pay roll, and he does the work and draws the money. This matter will be investigated, and charges filed if the practice is not discontinued. Then there is Booth, at Catawba, making it * regular business turning out haras. Wonder if h s students’ names also appear on the pay roll? Shame on them all! Telegrapher-ticket Agent Harry Little, Hick- ory, N. C., is off on an extended vacation in the west. It is said he is tired of holding a two-man job, and is not expected to return soon, if at all. His relief, Mr. Booe, is trying every means to be relieved, and may have to get sick. Truly the way of the transgressor is hard. Moral: Repent at once and get a card. Madam Rumor has it that Bro. A. E. Huffman, West Block, Hickory, N. C., is soon to join the order of benedicts. Bro. H. A. Quickel, West Hickory, has resigned and accepted service with C. & N. W. at Lin- colnton, N. C., his home. He was relieved by Bro. J. E. Hudson, who was relieved by Mr. R. L. Cooper on third trick. Mr. Cooper promises to get a card as soon as he is eligible. Mr. D. K. Summers, of Catawba, to third, East Hickory, vice Mr. R. L. Huffman, resigned to en- gage in other business. Mr. Summers says he will have an up-to-date next pay day. Cert. 581. Chattanooga Division — I have just returned from a trip over the di- vision, where I have been working in the capacity of organizer, collecting dues and doing other things for the improvement of the service, and the upbuilding of the organization and Division 59. Digitized by Google

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1552 The Railroad Telegrapher. I am glad to report that the Chattanooga Di- vision is in good condition, there being a com- plete change in the past year, making us at least 90 per cent strong, and I feel safe in saying that our division is in as good shape, if not better, than any division of the system. We have as many again members as we had last year, fewer scabs, and above all, fewer students, which goes to show that the boys on the Southern are putting forth their efforts to bring things up to the stand- ard, so they, too, will be in a position to demand some of the good things that are enjoyed by the brothers on other roads. I do not wish to forget to make mention of the fact that we have as competent and intelligent a set of telegraphers on the Chattanooga Division as will be found on any division; a thing unheard of on the Southern in days gone by, but as time rolls gently on, and the organization is becoming stronger, conditions are changing, and today we can boast of a good set of telegraphers. There are several reasons for this, the chief of which is that the system is organized, and the men have learned the lesson that through organization they may obtain fair wages and just working conditions, and that this is their only hope. The labor problem, so-called, is a part of the greater problem of life or relationship, and as such can not be well differentiated from that prob- lem. The O. R. T. seeks to develop justice be- tween the telegraphers and the company. It tries to teach wage earners that they can do better for themselves by trying to help lift one another up, rather than by following the policy “of each man for himself, and the devil take the rest.” It tries to convince the employer that it is for his interest to treat his employes as men, rather than as parts of machinery, and that it is a wise policy to recog- nize the fact that there should be two sides to the labor question as well as to other questions. Or- ganized labor is necessary to man. It is necessary to peace and prosperity of the country. Labor is merchandise that will not keep. Individually it is helpless, and must take what it can get. It can not go to another market, for when it leaves home the wife and children suffer. Every movement of the union offers improve- ment of condition of its members. Helps and up- lifts not only the non-union man, but adds ma- terially to the social uplift of the entire human family. Labor has a right to do something better. It has a right to organize to get it; both are nat- ural rights in perfect accord with higher prin- ciples that ought to control humanity, for the employe is neither a machine nor a beast of burden. I want to impress upon each member the import- ance of doing his part for the upbuilding of the Order. At this time we should not sit idle and wait for the other fellow to get in the lead. May each and every brother keep engraved upon his heart the circular sent out by President Perham regarding this important matter, and the student question, and it will not be long until we will be close on to that long-looked for eight-hour day and $75 minimum. Don’t build too much on legisla- tion, as we may yet have to take things in our own hands before we realize any better conditions. If every man will do his part, and get busy, it is my opinion that next year we can all join in and sing: “Though many years have passed, we’ve won the fight at last.” We can not expect our union to be powerful if we refuse to furnish the ammunition. Flowers will not bloom if neglected or abused. They must be watered, cultured and given constant care and attention. This is like- wise true of unionism, which will not grow unless every member does his part. No victory was ever won without expending some effort, and 1 hope all will wake up and lend a helping hand to assist in reaching the goal. A word regarding the non: It is a very com- mon thing to hear a non condemn the union, but you never hear them condemn the union pay day; the increase secured by the union, the union short work day, the meal hour, the overtime, or any- thing else the union has secured for them, but they accept all of them, and when approached re- garding their application, they will always give you a “spiel” to put you off. The non knows, and so do we that whatever the union gets for its members will also be given to the non who is em- ployed in same class of service. Wonderful changes come with the tide of time. Two years ago when I came to the Southern Rail- way the O. R. T. here was a very small item. There were some few members on this division, but they had no agreement with the company, and it was very seldom that you would hear any one talking unionism for fear of being dismissed from the service; in fact, there was one or two telegraphers dismissed from the service for being active workers for the O. R. T. I am well ac- quainted with the brothers and the particulars of both cases, and could give names of same, but prefer not to do so here, but will say, however, that one of the brothers was reinstated, and is still with the Southern, working for the upbuild- ing of the organization. Two years ago a telegrapher on the Southern never knew what day some favored person would step off the train and take his job, regardless of how competent a man the telegrapher was, nor how long he had been in the service of the company, faithfully discharging his duty. This was fre- quently done, and at that time there was no way to prevent it. There was no schedule, no over- time, no recognition of seniority rights, no limit to the time you should work, but you had to take the medicine the officials wished to give you, or leave the service, and, of course, many left, and in every case bettered themselves. Under such conditions the life of a telegrapher on the South- ern was anything but pleasant, but thanks to Prov- idence and the O. R. T., that such a state of af- fairs no longer exists on the Southern Railway. We have an agreement. We get overtime, meal hour, seniority rules, and no more discharging a man on account of his affiliation with the Order. No more family pie business, and the officials can Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1553 no longer send a friend or relative to -take your job without just cause. Equal rights to all and special privileges to none, and the brothers should see to it that they get a square deal. Of course, we are far from what we justly deserve, but how much better is it to work under present condi- tions than under conditions that existed two and three years ago? But recently one of the oldest men in the service of the Southern said he would have never believed that such a turn of affairs could be brought about on the Southern Railway after the 1900 strike, but, he added, that it was all due to the men uniting, and could have been ac- complished no other way. Now, brothers, before I close, I wish to again impress upon you the importance of standing by your union. I turn the division over to you in good shape. I have worked hard to line it up since I have been local chairman here, and taking into consideration the many disadvantages with which I had to work, such as scabs, students and incompetent telegraphers, I feel proud that things are in such good shape, and I ask that you help keep the division in good condition. I think it is no more than fair and just that you brothers help in the work, and thereby help to carry the bur- den that I have carried almost alone for a year. It may be that I will not be with you but a short while longer, as I anticipate making a change, and you may need a new local chairman. However, I hope you will keep the Chattanooga Division in good shape, and though I may not be here with you I assure you that my heart will be, as I have always felt deeply interested in the welfare of the brothers on the Chattanooga Division. If I ever wanted to see a division climb up, it is the Chattanooga Division, and, in fact, the Southern System in general, and I assure you I have ex- erted my best efforts to bring this about, and all I ask in return for my services is an occasional thought from the brothers. I have stood up for what was just and right, always contending for that which was justly ours by virtue of our agree- ment, and claiming nothing that did not belong to us. The pathway of a local chairman is not always strewn with roses, as President Perham said in his report to the convention at Minneap- olis last May: “A man who takes the lead in battles such as an organization like the O. R. T. has to fight, a local chairman or any other official of the Order, by the nature of his business, is bound to make for himself powerful enemies, and has trials enough to endure without feeling that he must be on his guard against enemies and trait, ors in our own ranks; those who ought to be our staunch friends and supporters.** Like many oth- ers, I realize that I have faults, but since I have been acting in the capacity of local chairman, I have endeavored to do my duty, both to the mem- bers and the company, and shouldered a great deal of responsibility in behalf of boys on this divis- ion. Whether I get any thanks or not, I will al- ways feel better for having done my duty, and a good work for the organization in general. To those who have been with me in this work I wish to tender my thanks with the assurance that it will repay you many times for your work. I may not be local ohairman but a short while longer, but I assure you I will always be found working for the upbuilding of the organization, and expect to die as I have lived, with an up-to-date card in my pocket. With best wishes. Fraternally yours, Wade H. Cord, Local Chairman Chattanooga Division. Danville Division t South End — Our division correspondent has never given this end of the division a good write-up, and I am tak- ing k upon myself to give the boys an idea of how we stand: Mr. H. L. Griffith, formerly agent at Ruffin, now working third trick at Pelham Junction. We do not know who relieved Mr. Griffith at Ruffin. Bro. Fitzgerald is doing the owl act at that place. Bro. Coleman, formerly day telegrapher at Sad- ler, is working second trick at Reidsville, being relieved by Mr. Aycock, formerly night man at that place. Bro. Somers is working third trick at that place, and always carries an up-to-date card. Bro. Crowder, agent and telegrapher at Denaja, has just returned to his post, after taking a few days* vacation; being relieved by Bro. Smith from Browns Summit, formerly regular night man at that place before the night office was closed. Bro. McCain relieved Mr. Lee, who went to “MC,** Greensboro. Bro. Yoder went to Spencer to take an eight- hour trick at a better salary. We are sorry to lose him, but glad to see him get a better position. Boys, we want to keep our eyes open. Let each and every man do his best to get the line solid. “Happy Jack *' Danville Division — Our regular monthly meeting was held in Greensboro, Saturday night, July 27th. Owing to the fact that we could not secure the keys to the Odd Fellows* Hall, our regular place of meet- ing, we secured a suitable room at the Hotel Clegg. The meeting was called to order about 8:30 p. m. Adjourned at 11 p. m. with Bro. Duncan in the chair Our general chairman, Bro. McDaniels, was to have been present at this meeting, but for some reason he was absent. Opening of the meeting was followed by a lengthy speech from Bro. Duncan, then followed short talks from Bros. Baxter, McCain, McLaw- home and Reed, which were approved by all pres- ent. The question of greatest importance was the much-talked of reduction of wages in all our eight- hour jobs. Are we going to stand by and see our salaries reduced to such an extent that we will barely earn enough to enable us to live, simply because the law of the State has given us an eight- hour day? I say 'Wo/* and I think every one else will say the same thing. We want to stand Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1554 The Railroad Telegrapher. together and pull in the same direction, and we will soon have things coming our way. The Order is just what we make it, and if it docs not prosper who is to blame? We are, of course. Come to the meetings and help us along. Your presence in the lodge room is a big encour- agement. We need you. There is no reason why at least one from each station could not be pres- ent. Come to the meetings, and you will know what’s doing. Stay at home, and you will know nothing. It is your duty to attend, as we need your assistance and co-operation. Give us your ideas and let us know we have your support when the time comes for action. If any brother knows of a non go after him by giving him a set of blanks and a good lot of talk, and I think you will be able to show him he is in the wrong boat. We are glad to see a button bearing the em- blem of the Order adorn the coat of Bro. Darden, of the “MC” office, which makes that place solid. Bro. Darden says he is with us to stay, and we understand the reason for his being a non so long was because he had been booked as a 1900 scab. As soon as Bro. Darden found this out, he did some tall “doings,” and secured clearance papers showing he was not in the service at that time. Our next meeting will be in Greensboro, on the fourth Saturday night of August, and we want to sec a large attendance. We are to have regu- lar meetings in Greensboro in the future. Under- stand this is to be every month, and on the fourth Saturday night, unless there is a change made, and if so you will be notified. So come along and bring all the new applications you can. If you have not paid your dues, do so at once, and get one of the blue cards. Div. Cor. “Between Knoxville and Bristol ” — Everything coming slow but sure on this end. Bro. Craig, who has been working nights at New Line, bid in the night job at Morristown. Bro. Daily went from Morristown to New Line until New Line is advertised. Operator Remine, from Johnson City, off on vacation. Bro. Stafford, our local chairman over on this end recently. Understand Bro. Mason, night man at west end double track, near Jeffer- son City, was injured by a freight train turning over on the office. Bro. Solomon, from Bulls Gap, off on vacation; relieved by Bro. Leeson. One thing we can say, we have most all paid dues and received new cards. . We have some good telegraphers on this end who ought to be in the Order, and I believe if we will do our part they will come in. I never could see why it is, but you can ask some of the broth- ers if Operator “So-and-So” is an Order man, and half the time they don’t know. The idea! Block trains with a telegrapher and then not be able to state whether or not he is an Order man. Let’s get out of this and get after the “nons,” and show them we want them to be an O. R. T. man. This is too important to neglect. “Sunshine.” Bangor & Aroostook Ry. On August nth we had one of the most suc- cessful and largely attended meetings at Houlton that we have ever had since this division was organized. And we can truthfully say that there were others who would have attended had they the opportunity to get away. It has been decided by all to have a little something doing before many months at least, and we are all thankful that the boys are all of the same spirit and got the push behind them to keep it up. It’s time Brownville days, Brownville freight office and Norcross and Schoodic were put up for bid. “NC” and “SC” nights, you “13.“ There will be two or three new stations for some of the boys when the Schoodic cut-off is completed, early this fall. As to the changes, as far as we know: Bro. Leighton is relieving Bro. Crozier, at Nor- cross for an indefinite time. Bro. Taylor, recently at Searsport, is relieving Bro. Mclnnis at Stacyville. Bro. Price, we “13” is relieving Bro. Donoghue at Sherman. Bro. Buchanan has recently bid in Milo Junc- tion agency and has commenced his duties there. We all know our brother telegraphers, the G T. P. of A., are out on strike and standing up for their rights, and why can’t we, and all other divisions, give them moral and financial assistance. Help the boys out. They need it Some time they may have a chance to return it, and will do so with pleasure. But that is not what we are thinking about. The main thing is to help them out. DO IT NOW! Well, we are very near solid. Only a very small number of nons hanging around now, and some of them are going to see the better way of the world before many moons and get busy and get in with the boys and be somebody. How is it, boys, come on and get busy and send me some items, won’t you? I have been writing for The Telegrapher every month for over a year, and it is generally the same thing right over and over. It is hard to write up any- thing of interest when you are not informed as to what is going on, and if some of our brothers would just bear this in mind, they would help out wonderfully, and, their kindness would be greatly appreciated. Bros. Brown and Thorpe, members of Co. L, Second Maine Regiment, have returned from Portland, where the army maneuvers took place this summer. Both report a good time and plenty of work. Bro. Kelley, of “KX” office, Houlton, made a flying trip to Brownsville recently. We will have to ring off, for the reason that I haven’t any more news to write. You sec, now, where some notes would come in handy. Let us not forget next month’s notes and our brother telegraphers. Yours for more pay and shorter hours. Div. Cor, Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1555 Norfolk & Western Ry. Radford Division — Another month has passed and gone, also an- other good O. R. T. meeting has been held at Portsmouth, O., which, I understand, was well attended. One of the most important things done at this meeting was the election of a system cor- respondent. This duty having fallen on Bro. M. G. Harper, of Bristol, and Bro. W. M. Jaynes, of Hamden Junction, O., appointed as assistant from Scioto Division. Assistants will be appointed on other divisions as meetings are called. This is something that has been badly needed for a long time, and if Bro. Harper is given the hearty co- operation he should have, it will undoubtedly prove very beneficial to the organization and we will have something every month from each divis- ion of the N. & W. in our journal. Those of you who have been appointed as assistants should get your notes to Bro. Harper not later than the 25th of each month as they must be arranged, and in the hands of Bro. Quick not later than the 28th. Now see that this is done, and done promptly, otherwise Bro. Harper can not handle the office successfully. It is very objectionable to the men on the N. & W. to be compelled to handle Western Union busi- ness during the strike. However, they see that rt is their duty to do so in justice to the N. & W , and in fulfillment of our present agreement, and are all handling this business with as little delay as possible, regardless of personal feelings in the matter. We are glad to see that our organization has complied with all instructions in regard to this matter, and we hope that proper appreciation will be shown for their loyalty when the general committee calls for another agreement. One of our great needs at present is good teleg- raphers and good service. It has been talked by some of the train men, and even by some who are officials, that the service is not what it should be, and that the worst service is coming from eight-hour jobs. Now it will be expected, of course, that something of this kind should be said of eight-hour positions by some of the offi- cials, and especially those who have not as yet ascended the ladder of railroad fame to a very great height, as we all know that it costs the salary of one more man to handle an eight-hour job than a 12-hour job, and, again, aside from the monetary standpoint, we, of course, have to take and expect the usual knocking that has been given the telegraphers since they began to advance in the ranks of union labor; therefore, the complaints that some have advanced have been long expected, and we are not at all surprised; however, I do wish to say right here that we must see that such statements can not be proven, and we must at all times use our best efforts to improve the service. We note, with regret, that we have some who are not taking proper interest in the company’s work; who are working as telegraphers, however, I am glad to state that the one to which I refer docs not belong to our organization, but this makes no difference to those who are always looking for an opportunity to criticize the telegrapher. It’s always up to us. The case I have in mind is this: A train had two pieces of drummers’ baggage for a station which was a flag stop. The conductor stopped the train for unloading this baggage, and found no one on hand but a young fellow apparently 16 or 18 years old, with a pencil prominently placed be- hind his ear, who informed the conductor that he was the night man on duty, but that he could not handle the baggage, and would have nothing to do with it; leaving nothing to be done but for the baggage to be carried to the next terminal and re- turned. This station was so located that after the baggage was unloaded to the ground, it could have been handled to the station platform by a 10-yea * old boy. The platform being level with the ground. Now, in my judgment, a man who has so little interest in the company’s business should not be allowed to work. Still the officials will continue to employ such men (or boys, I should have said), and every complaint that comes from their poor service is charged to the telegraphers* organization. This is something that should be gone into care- fully, and when our committee again meets the management, let it be distinctly understood that we will not assume any responsibility for the actions of such incompetent employes. However, I am thankful to say, we have very tew of them. Very little news this month on account of not yet having arrangements completed for getting notes from all divisions. Bro. J. M. Hodge, one of the old reliables, who has been spending his vacation at Jamestown and New York City, has resumed duty, and reports a pleasant trip. He was relieved by second trick man, Bro. T. T. Parrish. Mr. Docker, who will soon be entitled to the “brother,” working sec- ond. On Bro. Hodge’s return Bro. Parrish also left for Jamestown. Bro. Asbury, first trick man at Glade Spring, is spending his vacation in Arizona and Mexico. All the men at this place pushed up a trick with a new one; Gordon Allison as third. Cert. 177. Scioto Division — Brothers, it has been quite a while since I have written an article for The Telegrapher, and am somewhat rusty at the business, but if you will be attentive for a few moments I shall endeavor, nev- ertheless, to give you a few points of interest and, perhaps, some of you will agree with my ideas: Of course, you are familiar to a certain cx'ent with the strike situation, and have your own ideas, but I want to give my idea: The trouble our sister organization is having with the telegraph com- panies is what might be called a thing of a serious nature. The probability is that they will win, and I am sure every member in the Order of Railroad Telegraphers is in sympathy with them, and feels they would do anything for them, while there may be a few who say: "The Commercial Telegraphers* Union has never done anything for us, and why should we inconvenience ourselves on their ac- count?” But why? Because their membership has Digitized by CjOOQle

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1556 The Railroad Telegrapher. never justified it, they have not been strong enough, and only recently has their membership increased to a winning standard. For the O. R. T. boys to strike would evidently prove beneficial to them, but why should we strike? We have no grievance; it would only be doing our employers a great injustice, and it would merely be going out in sympathy with them. Get in line, all of you, and pay as many times as you are assessed. That's the way to help the commercials. We are all aware that the commercial telegra- phers, likewise the railroad telegraphers, do not make a salary equal to that of the foreigners who are brought here by the railroads and other large concerns, and most of them who have about as much of an education as a mule. Do we blame them for striking? Certainly not. They are enti- tled to much more than they are getting, and the telegraph companies have always taken advantage of them, and rated them to suit themselves. Scioto Division is lined up in pretty good shape now, and the boys are due much credit.- Stay with it, boys. If you realize that it’s where we get our bread and meat, in a true honest way. I think all are satisfied with the conditions of the Order, and are pleased with our employers. Would like to offer something of interest in the way of changes on the division, but there are none with the exception of the extra men, and they move as much as men in a checker game. Let us have something from some o:ber brothers, any time or anything. Think I shall have to wind up. Trusting none of you tire of the contents of this item, I am, *'J. N.” Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie Railway. Winnipeg Division — Assistant Correspondent Dalton is on the sick list this month, and is on a 30-days’ leave of ab sence; therefore, there will be little news from the Winnipeg Line. Bro. Clark, of Viking, has just returned from a three weeks' trip through the western States, and remembered his duty to his fellow telegra- phers, and told the correspondent of his experi- ences. In one point on the U. P. they were short five telegraphers, he says, and that all along the lines they are after good men that will stay with them. He reports the commercial boys as having a good time, and are well organized, and predicts that the companies will be the first to tire of wait- ing for something to happen. Bro. Vergowe has returned from a trip South, and reports the same conditions prevailing there. Understand Bro. Crandell has been awarded Bisbee. Nekoma and Conway are now on the board for applicants, and we understand there are a number after Nekoma. Who will say the seniority rights are not a good thing? Bro. Cannon, of Adams, has been trying to get a lay-off, but in the last eight weeks has been un- successful. The same holds good in regard to Bro. Olson at Conway. New man in a new office, UC,” in connection with “DI.” Have not learned the name of the brother working there, but we are sure he has a card. This fills a much-needed want, and will re- lieve our trick men of a lot of hard work. Dispatcher Ellert has gone to Bismarck as chief, and while we are sorry to see him go, we are glad that he has been promoted, and we know the boys on the Missouri H»ver Division will find him ready to help them at all times. We wish we could hold this write-up until after the meeting at Glenwood on the 25th, but that would make it too late for the current issue, and we will have a report in the next issue. Bro. Lewis, our general chairman, returned to work August 10th, after going over the greater portion of the line in the interest of the telegra- phers. Bro. Wilson, of Erskine, is relieving Bro. Dono- van, of Lankin, and while Donovan is away the carpenters are building him a new home. The old depot was destroyed by fire some time ago. All the records and freight were saved through the heroic efforts of Bro. Donovan. Agent Kruger, of Egcland, laying off. Can not say what is the trouble with Kruger. Was a go d Order man on G. N., and since coming here has dropped out. Third District solid, with the exception of Rad ium and Warren. Bro. Herrick, at Thief River Falls, is back at work. Bro. Boyce goes on nights. There is a good deal of changing going on, and I wish to call your attention to the fact that you must keep the secretary and treasurer posted in regard to change of address; this is very necessary so you may get your mail on time. Wheat will be moving when you read this, and you must not forget the correspondent hears no more news than you do, so buck up and send in a few items to Adams, N. D. Div. Coe. Norfolk 6, Southern Ry. The telegraphers of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Company held a meeting in Norfolk, Va., on Sunday, August 18th, under very favorable auspices. The entire system was represented either in person or by letter, except a very few points where the telegraphers have grown gray in the service of the company, and feel that they owe a deeper debt of gratitude to the company than to their fellow telegraphers. We had several addi- tions to the ranks of the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers, and several others expressed a willingness to come in with us just as soon as they can re- lieve a few local conditions which prevent them at present. These local conditions were fully ex- plained to the meeting, and were accepted as rea- sonable excuses. We now have over 50 per cent O. R. T. throughout the entire system, and we feel that one or two more months will see us solid, with the exception of one or two undesirable men Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1557 whom we will not again ask to become members of the 0. R. T. The boys over here haven’t enough “git-up-and- git” about them fo keep things moving, conse- quently, we have lost one or two good members who would otherwise have remained with us. We find that we have to keep “everlastingly at it” in order to accomplish anything in any business, and one single unguarded point places the enemy at an advantage over us which may never be re- gained. A wasted moment is irretrievable, and we neglect one single opportunity to mention O. R. T. to one almost persuaded, we lose a golden oppor- tunity to work good to the Order and to our- selves. Boys, in view of this, let’s all sing O. R. T. from early morn to dewy eve to every non within reach by wire, and write to those we can not reach in this way. “Let us be up and doing, With a heart for any fate. Still achieving; still pursuing. Learn to labor and to wait.” — Cert 506. Erie Ry. Susquehanna Division — By the way our organization is progressing on the Erie, it is evident that the telegraphers are going to find it profitable, and have decided that, even with shorter hours, something better than starvation wages must be had. The Commercial Training School at Elmira has enlarged its capacity of handling hams, and is now located in the Lyceum block, Lake St., El- mira. It is some consolation for the telegraphers to know that while, perhaps, fifteen or twenty of the raw material are trying hard to copy Morse from the wire running through the smoke house, they have no way of breaking the circuit. According to accounts from the News sheet, of Binghamton, E. A. Baird, manager at that place, took a gang of “scab” telegraphers West to break the commercial strike. At this writing he has not made progress in doing so. We are loth to be- lieve that all of the Bairds are crooked, and re- gret very much that another has gone wrong. Edward A. Baird is a close personal friend of Superintendent of Telegraph E. P. Griffith, but this does not signify that he will break the strike. A man may work for the wage he choose, but when he takes a man’s place at increased rate he rightly deserves the name of “scab.” East End — ~~ Telegrapher Covert starts on a ten days’ vaca- tion the 22d. Bro. Pete Shaughnessey, of Binghamton nights, is on the sick list, we regret very much to say. Bro. Tom Creagh, days, has returned to work after a very pleasant vacation. Bro. Nate Kinney, days, has been off for some time; relieved by Bro. Lawrence. Bro. Smith has been off for a week; relieved by Bro. Coolon, he being relieved by Extra Teleg- rapher Collins, of Owego. Ackerman has gone back in the signal gang and expects to stay this time. This will make a day job for some good man. Telegrapher W. J. Malone has returned to work after quite a leave of absence. The section foremen along this division received an increase of from $10 to $15 per month, com- mencing July 1. West End— Bro. H. Knickerbocker, of “DI,” Addison, was absent five days on account of the death of a relative. Bro. H. E. Blizard returned to “FD,” Corning, nights, after an absence of thirty days, doing extra work at Waverly and visiting the Falls. T. J. Ryan, “FG,” Big Flats, days, took a va- cation of five days in August; relieved by Bro. V. Hadley. Bro. N. L. Geer, Post nights, took a vacation of seven days; spent in Norwich, N. Y. Bro. Marsh, of “Q,” Corning, took a week off; relieved by Telegrapher Walbridge. Bros. Hadley and Horey, who returned to the Erie a short time ago, are contemplating taking positions in the capacity of brakemen on this divi- sion, who hope that shorter hours in the telegraph field will appeal to them after they have had a trial at braking. No meeting was held this month on account of the warm weather, and many wishing to take vacations. Since the passing of the eight-hour law the extra list is growing slightly, there being several new arrivals. Some tempting offers are being made to men in this vicinity, but they have decided to await the arrival of the eight-hour day before acting. R. Varicn has been promoted from No. 1 wire days in dispatcher’s office, to third trick dispatcher on east end. Understand No. 1 bid in by R. P. Young, of Rathbone Station. Div. Cor. New York, Susquehanna and Western and Wilkes - barre and Eastern Districts — Lest we forget, Bro. C. L. Bridge, of Deposit, N. Y., is our general secretary and treasurer. We presume he is glad to note that the S. & W. boys are prompt, as regards dues, and that we are turn- ing over a number of new members to his care. The following figures may prove interesting, especially to those of us who have grown corpulent and wealthy in the service. As most of us are aware, our organization was perfected in the latter part of 1902, and schedule obtained effective March 1, 1903. This schedule gave us an increase of 7 per cent, or an average increase of 12 per cent to the sixty-three positions affected. Revised sched- ule was secured, effective June 1, 1907, with an increase of about 5 per cent, or an average in- crease of about 10 per cent to the fifty-two posi- tions affected. We also have an overtime rule that overtime will be paid for at a rate of twenty- five cents per hour. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1558 The Railroad Telegrapher. Prior to 1903, the average salary of telegraphers on the N. Y., S. & W. R. R. and W., B. & E. R. R., was $42 per month; the average salary is now $46.77 per month. The above figures are as near correct as we can get them, and are not far out of the way. We hope that the attention of all the nons may be directed to the above figures, that they may try to figure out how it happened To those who are not entirely obliv- ious they, the figures, appeal to reason. A retrospect shows plainly that we can prevent retrogression and improve existing conditions only by maintaining and enlarging our membership. With a solid organization we can further improve condi- tions and increase salaries, as there is plenty of room for improvement, and most of us could stand a further increase of salary without being obliged to have our pockets enlarged. We “sec by the papers” that Mr. S. J. Hill, of “BS,” has two months’ leave of absence, being relieved by Mr. Wm. Fredericks. Mr. L. Carpenter has been acting agent at Vreeland Avenue, in the absence of Bro. Wilkin- son, who has become a benedict. We offer con- gratulations. Bro. Roys’ freight house is too small for his large business, but he finds time to talk O. R. T. when occasion requires. Mr. W. D. Brown, of “CS,” has been on the sick list; relieved by Gus Birkland. Bros. Hoskins and Fredericks are rounding up the nons. “H” has his territory nearly solid and has sent for more blanks. Bro. J. A. Dillon, of “HX” tower, spent the Fourth of July in Philadelphia, making the trip on his wheel. Bro. Van Delinda worked in his place a few nights, Bro. Ward working days. The station, known as Passaic Junction, has been moved a few hundred feet east of its old location, making it more accessible to the public. The number of nons on the pike is growing beautifully less, though we still have a few, most of whom we expect to have with us soon, as they appreciate the fact that they have been benefited through the efforts of our organization. Two new towers going up. Here is the chance for high positions for athletes. By the time yota read this we expect to have covered the pike and gathered in all the available membership material that we can beg, borrow or kidnap. We walked nine miles, a few weeks since, and acquired three new members, several promises and a terrible thirst. We have attended to the new members and the thirst, and will look after the promises later. Ceet. 273. Lima and Chicago Divisions — For some time Lima and Chicago Divisions, as well as other divisions of the Erie Railroad, have been well represented in the columns of our jour- nal, and, brothers, it is certainly gratifying to all of us to see something from our own division each month. It keeps us interested and makes us feel like we were up and doing something same as others. All keep a lookout for items and send same to your local chairman by the 18th or 20th of each month, and we can have a still better write-up. Remember, it only costs you two cents and a little time. Division No. 42 has gathered in 165 new mem bers since January 1. That is going some sure, and since our last write-up we have received sev- eral applications and the necessary coin to cover, and have a lot of promises on file to be acted upon later on. If promises counted, we would be 115 per cent strong, but we feel as if quite a number of the old hard-shell nons have at last made up their minds that they can not longer conscien- tiously accept the liberal increase and the five days’ vacation which we have secured for them without coming in and paying their pro rata. We think that by the time another sixty days rolls around we will see most of them with up-to-date cards. Any sane man can certainly see, at a glance, what the O. R. T. has already been able to ac- complish for the railroad telegraphers, and if all will come in and help us we can get anything within the bounds of reason. Mr. C. F. Hallar, nights at Kenton depot, has shown his appreciation of his increase in pay by handing Bro. Aldrich his application and the necessary amount to cover. Bro. A. L. Dempster, nights at “HN” tower, accompanied by Mrs. Dempster, is taking in the sights in New York City during his five days' vacation. Mr. A. L. Creps, agent at Westminster, says he could not longer accept the increase and five-day vacation without giving us his support, and has given his application and the long green to cover, and will hereafter be called brother. Telegrapher L. C. Coomler, nights at “5J" tower, expects to take his five-day vacation m September. We understood A. J. Strode, nights at ”SV” tower, has a student. That looks bad after what the brotherhoods of telegraphers, trainmen, con- ductors and engineers have done for him in the past few years. Bro. J. V. McVey has resigned his position as agent at Bass Lake and accepted a clerkship at North Judson. Bass Lake agency now on bulletin board. The new interlocking plant at Montery will be in operation within a few days. This means more hardships on Bro. J. R. Scnnett and the night man, Bro. A. E. Votan. Bro. Sennett is thinking of giving up the agency and taking a night job where there are no levers, as his health will not permit of his handling levers. Bro. L. E. Coakley was off one day recently trying his luck after the finny tribe. J. S. Witt, from Huntington, relieving Bro. Cookley. Bro. Cookley at present attending court at Warsaw, Ind., being relieved at this time by Extra Telegrapher C. A. Halverson. Mr. Halverson shows himself to be a fair-minded man when he says he would not think of working with us and not help support our cause. 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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1559 Bro. H. L. Aughenbaugh off duty one night recently, attending the funeral of a relative, being relieved by Extra Telegrapher Seitner. Bro. R. A. Zellar, agent at Germany, off duty attending picnic at Leiters; relieved by Extra Te- legrapher Seitner. Bro. B. W. Lidgard, agent at Aldine, has re- signed, and will accept a more lucrative position with the Southern Pacific in California. We re- gret to see him go, but wish him greater success in his new position. Telegrapher R. C. McVey, from Griffith, now working at Aldine. Bro. Anderson, nights at Delong, was off one night recently, being relieved by Extra Man Seit- ner. The interlocking plant at Griffith Junction, re- cently rebuilt, will be put in operation at noon, August 29. The handling of the levers falling to the telegrapher, as a matter of course, making another very heavy job, as the telegraphers cer- tainly had their hands full before the advent of the levers. Bro. C. H. Appleman was taken suddenly ill recently, thereby spoiling his entire vacation. How- ever, he has so improved that he is again able to be at the key. Extra Telegrapher A. F. Peebles relieved him. Wm. McGrath, agent at Palmer, has left the sen-ice of the Eric and gone to some Western line; the Santa Fe, we presume. Bro. L. C. Appleman, now agent at Palmer. Bro. J. H. Nelson, the oldest telegrapher on the Chicago & Erie, expects to attend his family reunion the last of September. Bro. Nelson has a record seldom enjoyed by any railroad man. Bro. Z. McDowell, agent at Athens, is now on a ten days’ vacation, being relieved by the extra agent. Bro. G. L. Overmeyer is off duty, taking his vacation, being relieved by an extra man. R. C. McVey and C. M. Sennett have promised to invest in a card at an early date. Bro. Hamilton spent his vacation at Bass Lake, fishing. Chicago & Erie section foremen now have a minimum wage scale of $60 per. Good for them. Si Slocum. Mahoning Division — The notes of interest, as your scribe has been able to gather them this month for the old Mahon- ing Division, are as follows: Sharpsville nights advertised, and as this is at the extreme east end of the division your scribe did not learn what became of J. C. O’Neil, the night man. Frank Fox, of Mineral Ridge, on Lisbon Branch, is off sick and is not expected to recover. C. W. Mitchell, of Warren days, went to Min- eral Ridge, but only stayed a few days. F. E. Brooks, of De Forest tower nights, has gone to “SN” tower, Leavittsburg, days. De Forest tower being held down nights at the present time by C. R. Musgrove. W. S. Lowrie, of Leavittsburg, the manager of that office and also our local chairman, was off a few days on account of the death of his father. We all sympathize with Bro. Lowrie in his loss. W. V. Saltsman, of Phalanx days, is off on account of his wife being seriously ill. Saltsman relieved by R. N. Babcock, of “SN” tower nights, and Babcock relieved by G. W. Taylor, night yard clerk at Leavittsburg. Ray Cassidy goes from “SN” tower days to Brier Hill tower nights, on account of J. C. John- son, of Brier Hill tower, leaving the service. C. W. Morse, of Niles days, is off sick. This puts G. E. Morrell, the night man, on days. Please remember there is a meeting at Warren the last Saturday night of each and every month. Div. Cor. To all Members of Division No. 42, Erie System: This information for all members of Erie System Division No. 42. We initiated 153 members during the first six months of the year, and all the mem- bers are paying dues very promptly. We have started off for the last six months of this year by initiating thirty-three up to the present time, and good prospects of more soon, as all the boys are realizing their mistake and coming with us to help better the conditions of themselves, as well as others who arc following the business. Wc have a law, taking effect in New York State October 1, providing an eight-hour day for all telegraphers and telephone operators, of which wc are justly proud. This should make some of the sleepy nons wake up and see what is going on around them. We can give our worthy general chairman credit for a good share of this. Remain respectfully yours, C. L. Bridge, General Secretary and Treasurer. Delaware Division — Again we hear the ominous prediction of prede- tary wealth, that we are on the brink of a great business depression. They, who in their greed for greater gain, have been plundering the poor, stifling competition and driving many honest, industrious retail dealers to the wall, who, in fact, done as they pleased and considered the government as a tool to further carry on their illegal practices have recently been brought to realize that there is still a power higher than they; the working man is beginning to assert his independence, and their concerted actions in causing laws to be passed, and placing men in power to see that these laws are enforced, is filling predetary wealth with con- sternation and alarm, hence those direful predic- tions. We, the railroad, telegraphers, have awakened from our long slumber, and the results of a con- certed and wide-awake membership is apparent on every hand, with much improved working condi- tions, yet far below what they should be, with the passage of the laws in the different States lim- iting the hours of labor, and also by the passage of the national nine-hour law, and a determination to see that these laws shall be enforced, shows Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1560 The Railroad Telegrapher. what power the working man possesses, and which he is beginning to realize and put in practice. Understand that the eight-hour law which takes effect October i in New York requires that there should be eight passenger trains each way or twenty freight trains. This cuts out the Delaware Division, as our standard does not quite reach this. I am in receipt of the following items from Bro. W. A. Terry, who has taken “SR,” Susque- hanna, days, under the thirty-day rule. Bro. Millard Teeple, late of the B. & O., has returned to his “old love,” the Erie. He is re- lieving Bro. Callahan, of “SQ” days. Under- stand Bro. Callahan is going to be away about two weeks. Bro. Kelly, of “SR,” was absent the latter part of July; relieved by Bro. Hempstead. Bro. Hempstead is holding “CP,” Susquehanna yard, nights, during Bro. Crowley’s absence, who is taking his vacation camping out. Bro. Murray, of “BN,” Stockport, tower days, is doing the owl act at “XR,” Comstock, tower during Bro. Hempstead’s absence. Extra Telegrapher Lee is holding down “CP” days, in Bro. Downie*9 place. Understand Bro. Downie is on the sick list. We hope to hear him back at “CP” in a few days. Bro. McGuane, of “GH,” dispatcher’s office Sus- quehanna, relieving the dispatchers in Carbondale while they take a vacation. Eli Van Aken, “NS,” Susquehanna depot, relieving Bro. McGuane and Bro. Laughlin, of Forest City, relieving Van Aken. Since our last write-up Telegrapher Swoke, of “UB,” Long Eddy, has left the service. Under- stand he has started in business for himself. Bro. Tyler bid in “UB” nights, leaving “OR,” Lordville, vacant. Bro. Geib is holding Lordville down until a man is assigned there. Bro. Bridge, of “DE.” Deposit, has been taking a vacation. Bro. Stiles doing the stunt at Deposit. At the present writing the commercial telegraph- ers are on a general strike. Here’s hoping they win out. Div. Cor. W. & L. E. Ry. West End — Bro. J. E. Sinclair, night man at “W,” Willis- ton, is going home. He leaves September i. Bro. Weirick, from Limestone, on vacation; be- ing relieved by Mr. W. J. O’Hara. We “13” Bro. Weirick is in the harvest field for his health. Mr. S. F. Maris, regular night man at Oak Harbor, on his vacation, being relieved by Mr. W. F. Benien, who is from Pennsylvania. Bro. Rinebolt, “B” office, Bellevue, off on vaca- tion; “13” he was enjoying farm life in Michi- gan. Mr. H. C. Fry, formerly day man at “Q” office, on Cleveland Division, has Huron Junction nights regular. Bro. C. A. Kuntz, day man at “HX” office Huron, is laying off. Bro. C. S. Meek, regular night man is working days. Bro. A. R. North, who is a member of Division 33, and, later, from the Erie, has Clarlcsfield nights regular, with the old stand-by, Bro. Mullenkop, as agent. Bro. B. E. Miller, day man at Spencer, on vaca- tion, being relieved by Mr. Benien. “13” Mr. J. H. Homan as telegrapher and chief clerk at Massillon. Bro. Kneffler, better known as “Nick,” at Co- lumbia yard office, on his vacation, being relieved by Bro. R. A. Brigmyer, from “D” office. Canton. “13” Bro. Brigmyer has accepted “DX” days, reg- ular. Bro. Crosgrove went to Scio nights, regular. Bro. Ayers, formerly agent at Williston, now at “OD” B. & O. crossing nights, regular. Bro. G. W. Robenette has agency at Williston. Mr. Kronberger relieved Bro. Monbarren, regu- lar nights at Sherwood. “13” Bro. Monbarren is going to B. & O. “73” to our brother in his new field. Mr. F. C. McMillan, assistant telegrapher at "DX*” goes to the east end yard office, Columbia. Mr. Pete Burns, chief clerk at Bellevue, Ohio, has accepted the position of agent as Lodi. Mr. Herbert Wise filling vacancy at Bellevue.- Mr. D. W. Wells, formerly agent at Lodi, trans- ferred to agency at Massillon; D. E. Lents, for- merly agent at Massillon, to Adena. Regular agent at Adena resigned. Mr. Hoffman, relief agent, working Adena until D. E. Lents arrived. Mr. Hoffman lost, can’t locate him. Bro. Ed. Lines, who left some weeks ago to work for L. S. & M. S., has returned to his old position, acting “owl” at Williston. Membership on W. & L. E. is slowly, but surely, growing. There has been a few of the boys turned in their iron men for a new card since we got the increase, which was the proper thing to do, while a couple of others are just as tight as ever, with the same old story, “no mun.” Can’t some good brother contrive some way to corrall these fellows. There are a few more on the west end we can get if we just keep after them. So let us all keep our shoulder to the wheel. I trust some of the brothers east of “RD,” Hartland, will send me a few notes each month, so we can be represented regularly. Call the owl at “V,” or drop me a few lines. All news will be highly appreciated. Bro. Ream, on vacation, taking in the street carnival at Tremont, Ohio, also spending a few days with the finny tribe of the lake at Sandusky, Ohio. “13” Mr. Burras, at “RD,” Hartland, left the service. Bro. J. L. Harpster, of Division No. 4a, work- ing “RD” days until it can be advertised. Mr. J. E. Jesser, doing owl act at Pawnee. Don’t know where Allen went. Fraternally yours, Div. Cor. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1561 Georgia Southern & Florida Ry. As time flits away into oblivion, and each day places one day nearer to the end of the number of years allotted to man, we become more educated, more thoroughly convinced that labor and capital should be in closer touch with each other, thereby making it possible for grievances to be properly and speedily adjusted, without financial loss to either side, and without placing the public to any inconvenience, such as is caused by strikes, etc. Strikes are very detrimental to all concerned, but how are we to avoid these strikes when the capi- talist absolutely refuses to concede to our most humble demands. They object to our committee spreading the unfair conditions before them, under which we are forced to labor. I have never read or heard of a union committee asking or demand- ing anything that was unreasonable or unjust (only in the eyes of the capitalist). The capitalist will say that we, as individuals, are all right, but not as a body. Why so? The reason is obvious. It is far easier to hold one ox in subjection and keep him from the sparkling waters of the little brook on a hot August day, than to keep a dozen or more under control. He realizes the fact that if we attempt to deal with him as individuals he can hold us in subjection. With the exception of the telegrapher, nearly every other profession has enjoyed prosperity to its fullest extent for the last year or so. The telegrapher hammers along in the same old rut, while the salary of the telegrapher has been raised to some extent, the advance has not been com- mensurate with the advance in the price of the necessities of life. So you see the great importance of appointing yourself a committee of one, to wait on the man next to you. Drop him a few friendly lines occa- sionally. Send him your journal and ask him to read it. Let this individual feel that way down in your heart you have a feeling for him. You will find in your travels through life two distinct classes of nons, one is foolish from birth, and has never made any progress in the way of eliminating this blot which Providence placed upon him. The other acts foolishly through pure un- adulterated ignorance. The first mentioned will laugh in your face and tell you that there is no good to be obtained through unionism, although he has just stored away in his jeans ten bucks which our committee secured for him. You will find the other individual not enjoying the true spirit of unionism, merely because he has not been intelligently tutored in the great and grand old workings of unionism. Place this matter be- fore him in an intelligent manner. Show him that his only salvation is to fall into the union band- wagon, repent and sin no more. Occasionally you will hear some representative of the favored class place us in the category of anarchists because we unite in order that we may stand in one great body and demand that justice be meted out to one and all alike. But while they combine their “al- mighty dollars" that they may be enabled to raise the price on every necessity of life, place a price on the sweat of your brow far below the cost of living, that their coffers may be filled to over- flowing, they call it financiering and manipulation. The great telegraphers’ strike is now in pro- gress and the commercial companies have spent thousands of dollars in order to stamp out the telegraphers’ union. Why should they spend so much money to stamp out of existence an organ- ization, if it is of no benefit to the union men of this great country of ours ? Why would they rather spend $50,000 or $200,000 to defeat the strikers than to raise the telegraphers’ salaries a few paltry dollars, which would not amount to half the sum it will take to fight the strikers? They have an object in view. If they can whip the telegraphers into submission, they can soon make up the deficit caused by the strike, by forcing their employes to continue to work long hours for small salaries. “The man that dances must pay the fiddler.” Some of you still hold off and don’t attend your meetings, the third Sunday in each month at Tif- ton. What is the trouble? How do you expect to get your neighbor interested when the fact is you show no interest yourself? We had a good many with us the 18th. Had a “cracker jack” good meeting, but of course it would have been better had all the boys put in an appearance. We learn with regret, that Bro. Mallett, of Grandin, is contemplating leaving us at an early date. “13” he is going to the Southern. Should Bro. Mallett leave us, matters not where he goes, he has the best wishes of the fraternity. Bros. Mahone, of Unadilla, and A. S. Wright, of Arabi, left this week for Jamestown to take in the sights of the fair. Bro. J. M. Wooten, of Pinehurst, has resumed business at the same old stand, after taking in the Jamestown sights for over a week. We take pleasure in announcing the improved condition of Bro. O. H. Watson, our secretary and treasurer. While Bro. Watson is up it will be some time before he will be able to resume duty. Bro. Watson has had quite a siege of it, and he has the sympathy of the boys. We learn with regret that Bro. Schneider, of Elko, leaves us this week. Am unable to say where he goes. Red. Pennsylvania Ry. Allegheny Division — The meeting at Kittaming Sunday, August 25, though not very well attended, was a great suc- cess, and all seemed to enjoy themselves thor- oughly. The main topic discussed was, of course, the Commercial Telegraphers’ strike, and all pres- ent expressed the hope that our sister organization would score a victory at an early date. It is too bad that more of the members do not attend these meetings, when they are arranged for their special benefit. Your Local Chairman devotes his Sunday off to attend them, the com- mittee takes the trouble to secure a hall, and it is very discouraging to have only fifteen or eighteen present. Try and do better in the future. Bro. A. J. Rimer, of Rimerton, was off recently and it is rumored that he took unto himself a Digitized by CjOOQle

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1562 The Railroad Telegrapher. wife. If such is the case, we wish to extend our best wishes for a happy journey through life. Bro. A. C. McCormick was off duty a few days recently, on account of an attack of rheumatism. Bros. C. A. Shuster and W. W. McCollum spent their vacation in New York City. They report having had a fine time, but were glad to get back to the “simple life.” Bro. C. J. Rimer, of Mosgrove, has returned to duty after a short vacation. Bro. C. H. McElhinney has returned to duty at Red Bank after spending a few weeks fishing and camping. Most of his time was spent at Temple- ton. Bro. L. E. Swinney has a new job, having ac- cepted the position of “car detective.” He does amateur photography on the side. Bro. M. A. Boyd secured the day position at St. Charles, relieving Bro. Winslow, who went to Falls Creek nights, a newly created position. Bro. George Logue bid in “Md” Tower nights, and Bro. J. W. Campbell was the successful bidder for the day job there. Bro. A. T. Conley went from “Md” days to Parker nights, in order to be nearer home. O. T. Beatty, days, and Roy Stoner, nights, at Rock Run. Both have promised to fall in line soon. Sister Blakely, of DuBois, was a recent visitor at Atlantic City. Bro. H. G. Showalter is doing the extra stunt at Rcynoldsville, while the boys take vacation. Bro. H. T. Love has accepted the relief job on the upper end. Bro. O. T. Arnold and wife just returned from a few weeks' visit to his old home in York State. Bro. W. P. Burns, of “Bn” office, Pittsburg, has returned to duty after having been off nearly three months with typhoid fever. We are all glad to see him back at his post. More later. Brigham. C. & E. I. Ry. Illinois Division — Bro. R. J. Hooks, who has been taking a thirty- days vacation, has resumed duty. Bro. Moss, who was relieving him, is not working at the present time, and is visiting his home at Marion, 111. Understand he is going to retain the position as relief. Spillertown agency opened up July u, with Bro. S. Spurlin installed as agent. Understand the Spillertown mine will be in service in a short time, which probably is the reason an agency was opened there. A day telegraph office has been opened at Ullin, 111., effective July 23, with Bro. Davis installed as agent and telegrapher. There is going to be a transfer made at Karnak the 15th of this month. Do not know who is there now, or where he is to take charge, but understand a Mr. Friend is going there. We are indebted to Bro. J. M. Fitch for a good portion of this write-up, and ask him to come again. Agent Dowdy, from Goreville, went to Chicago on business August ad. Mr. J. B. Shore, night telegrapher at West Frankfort yards, has asked for the application blanks, and will be one of us as soon as the blanks are received. Think that Mr. Maret wili also be in line in a short time. The position of cashier and telegrapher at Villa- grove is bulletined at present. This is a good position and some good man should get it. Have not heard where Bro. Tucker is going, but hope he will not leave us. What is wrong with having a meeting so that we can get together at least once a month, also arranging to give the members sufficient notice, so that they can arrange to get relief and trans- portation. This will create a better feeling and enable us to get acquainted with each other. I will venture to say that there are members on this division who have not been to a meeting in the last two years. Another thing. How is our Committee going to know what we want if we do not get together and discuss our working conditions. They may be mind readers to a certain extent, but there is a limit to all things. Cert. 67. Chicago Division — - Bro. D. M. Adams, formerly night man at Atherton, has been removed to “HY” tower. Also “13” that Bro. Geo. Hughes, night man at Jackson, has been transferred to some other point; unable to learn where. Bro. A. W. Lanquist, day man at Lyford, has been transferred to Pittwood tower, and is doing the night stunt at that office. Bro. L. E. Sherrill, formerly day man at Pitt- wood tower, has been transferred to agency at Pittwood. Bro. J. H. Toler is at Woodland Junction nights. C. R. Young, day telegrapher at Wellington, has been appointed Division Correspondent. Please send your items to him, and he will do his best each month to have our division repre- sented in the journal. Div. Cor. Now is the time to get busy. Get after the nons next office to you, or those who may be em- ployed in your office. Let us support our grand and noble organization. I have heard some swift ones on the wire often say. “get off, you ham.” Boys, be careful. I think, and will still say, a ham as some of us have been called, is far superior to a non. If the ham has a little up-to-date blue card-board, I prefer him to all of the swift ones who still say the O. R. T. never did them any good. I don’t understand why we don’t hear more of our division. Each one should send what items be can hear of to his Division Correspondent. If you don't know where he is located, send them to our Chairman. He will see that they reach the proper place. Cert. 175. Digitized by u.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1563 Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Ry. Houghton Division & Mineral Range Ry. — Bro. Hoskins, Arcadian Junction, transferred to agency at Dollar Bay. Mr. E. T. Nelson is his successor, but can not say whether he is up-to- date or not. Bro. Knepple, agent at L’Anse, was called to Wisconsin on account of the serious illness of his father, a few days ago. Not a thing from the Western division this month. Now, boys, remember the motto, no card, no favors. But sometimes it is necessary to draw a line. There are a good many times a man comes along who, through no fault his, can not pass up for inspection an up-to-date card, and if he be known to you as O. K., make an exception of him, and by so doing, you might win a good and worthy member to the Order. “Fatty." Mackinaw Division — Bro. Sheehan, of Union Depot, Soo, has trans- ferred from G. N. division to No. 116, and we have only one non in that town, the owl at the freight office. Keep after him, as we need him and he needs us. Bro. Guck, of Wellsburg, has been appointed freight agent as well as ticket agent, which is a welcome relief to Bro. Gilbert at Brimley on the freight deal. Bro. Questand, of Soo Junction, expects to leave us in a short time, and will go to the G. N. or N. P. Bro. Holmes, who has been holding down Muni- sing Junction, has been transferred to Trout Lake agency. Bro. Wallace, of Seney, just got in line, which makes that place solid. A new man at Munising Junction. Unable to give his name. Bro. Kemp has moved again, and is now lo- cated at Checolay, Tyega Junction having been closed. Cert. io. Fere Marquette Ry. Chicago Diiision — Another month has rolled around and still no news items received. Well, I am going to have my own way once more and have an article in the journal in spite of you. Telegrapher F. D. Keeler, “FK,” has returned from a two weeks* fishing trip and is again sling- ing lightning via the “Vibro Route,’* from Grand Rapids relay office. Telegrapher W. C. Blake, “K,** made a two days’ visit to relatives in Chicago. Mr. Blake and Mr. Keeler are of the material that makes good union men and should give up that old “ain’t got the money’’ excuse and join us. Telegrapher H. J. Hall is holding forth at Waverly days. Bro. Storey, agent at La Crosse, has a new day man, and I understand that he has a big bunch of cards on display. Telegrapher Putnam is now working at Wyo- ming nights. Dispatcher C. J. Bailey, new man, is now work- ing third trick, south end. Dispatcher Mitchell is again working his regu- lar trick. Telegrapher L. E. Blake relieved Mr. Keeler during the latter’s absence, but has now left to take a position with the Santa Fe at some point in California. Glad to see so many of the boys paying dues promptly. Those who have not done so should attend to this important matter at once. Also give the request from Bro. Quick, regarding the C. T. U. of A. your immediate attention. Am glad to be able to say that a new schedule is being planned, and that the Committee will probably meet in Detroit this fall. It is high time that the boys on the P. M. caught up with our neighbors in this matter, and we can do it, too, as times were never better than right now. E. M. O’Connor, former agent at Waverly, is now working nights at Benton Harbor. A first- class man, and it would be a great thing for this division if some brother could persuade Mr. O’Connor to take out an “up-to-date.” G. E. D. Petoskey Division — Bro. Hutchinson, day telegrapher at Kaleva, has been relieved of the position as U. S. mail carrier, and understand that that is looked after by the target man at that point. Hope the time will soon come when we will all be relieved in the same way. Telegrapher Muschott, day man at Boardman dispatcher’s office, has just returned from a ten days’ leave of absence. Says he spent several days in Chicago, Benton Harbor and Holland. Bro. Cunningham worked day trick during regu- lar man’s absence. Dispatcher Kellar, first trick at Boardman, ha9 resigned. G. E. D. Saginaw District — At our meeting, held in Saginaw, August 18, the writer was elected correspondent for the Saginaw district. The above meeting, which was held in Train- men's Hall, Saginaw, August 18, was well at- tended. There were thirty-five present. We were disappointed to learn at a late hour that Bro. C. I. Mead, General Secretary and Treasurer, could not be present, on account of derailment near Smyrna, which held him on duty. After a few minutes’ discussion of business matters, the meeting was adjourned and a flying trip was made to “Riverside Park,” to take in a few of the sights. Bro. John Lemley, our genial train master, has returned to his old position as agent at Belding. Mr. Blaine Garrett, former trainmaster, succeeded Bro. Lemley in same capacity. Bro. T. H. Wallace, agent at Greenville, is on a leave of absence for thirty days, and has taken a trip to the Coast Digitized by k^ooQle

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1564 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. E. S. Higbee is relieving Bro. Fea at Breckenridge for a few days. I understand Bro. Dygert, now agent at Amble, has resigned and is going to work for the G. R. & I. R. R. Sister Luella Eaton, telegrapher and ticket agent at Greenville, has just returned from Niagara Falls, N. Y., where she has been spending a short vacation. She reports a very pleasant trip. Bro. T. E. Crane, telegrapher and clerk at Edmore, went to Ludington on an excursion on August 18th. Let us arrange for another meeting at a point where it will be most convenient. There are several important things to be considered. Cert. 35. Ann Arbor Ry. Bro. Suydan, second trick, Hallet tower, is again at work, after two weeks’ illness. Bro. Lanham, former agent at Ann Pere, bid in third trick at Hallet tower. Bro. Bohne, of Federman, is again heard, after a week’s illness. Bro. Coffe, formerly of Dundee days, has ac- cepted a position in D. T. and I. dispatchers’ office at Napoleon, Ohio. Bxo. West is holding down the agency at Lakeland, no one as yet having bid it in. Bro. Ide, of Whitmore Lake is helping him out. Bro. McNamee, formerly of Lakeland, bid in agency at Alma, Bro. Barnes leaving the service. Bro. Healy, who was relieved by Bro. Lanham at Ann Pere, has accepted a position with the P. M. at Fowlerville. Bro. Herrick, of “OD, Owossa nights, is now at Vernon as agent, relieved by Bro. Kerwin, from Clare days. Both places filled by bid. Bro. Coleman, agent at North Star, resigned to go West. Station bulletined and bid in by teleg- rapher C. C. Clark, of Elsie. Bro. Gregware, formerly of “KI” tower, Clare nights, bid in days at “CH” Clare, relieving Bro. Kerwin. Bro. Gregware relieved by teleg- rapher H. A. Briggs, who says he has the papers all made out and will soon be in line. We will leave him to the tender care of Bro. Axford. Telegrapher Hackett, of Marion nights, re- signed to go to the G. N. Relieved by telegrapher W. N. Roof. Bro. Batten, former agent at McBain, is re- ported improving, but is not yet able to resume duty. Bro. Tirrell, formerly agent at Harrietta, bid in Ann Pere agency. Relieved by Telegrapher H. A. Briggs, who was in turn relieved by Bro. Underwood, formerly of Thompsonville days. Bro. Bailey, at Thompsonville, is short a day telegrapher. The place is bulletined and should soon be filled. “Prof.” Reemsten is still conducting a ham factory at Beulah, but I have not as yet met any of his graduates. Bro. Caldwell, of “VO,” Frankfort nights, has accepted a position with the P. M. at Suspension Bridge. Place bid in by Bro. L. A. Potter. Word comes from Bro. Heffernon, at the hos- pital in Detroit, that he is in very bad shape, having undergone two operations for stomach trouble. Let us give all the support we can to our sister organization, the C. T. U. of A. during their trouble. We are sorry to hear of the death of Bro. Ax- ford’s little son, and we extend to him and his family our deepest sympathy. Our dispatchers are now taking their vacations, Local Chairman, Bro. Randolph having taken first, with Bro. Waterman going soon. Bro. Godkins is filling second trick, dis- patcher’s chair, and General Chairman, Bro. Tobin, is doing third trick. Every one seems to think well of our schedule, as it affects a great many on the overtime deal, and if we keep on as we have started, we will soon have as good a schedule as there is in the territory. Have you a neighbor that is a non? If so, get busy, and don’t stop till he hands you his appli- cation. “R. A.” Indianapolis Southern Ry. Your correspondent missed last issue, as no notes were received. Only one in to date, but somebody must make a noise, so here goes for a very little. There ought to be lots of news since there are so many changes. I hear of a great many, but can not get hold of the exact facts. Send in your notes and we will try and see that they get into print. The following is all that is known to date: Bro. I. S. Draper, Chairman, has been trans- ferred to Bloomington agency, vice Mr. J. T. Woodward, who goes into the right-of-way service. E. C. Crossard is doing the night stunt at Solsberry. Bro. H. O. Bean is laying off. It is rumored that he is searching for a lifetime companion. Bro. G. P. Rutherford, of Bloomington, days, has returned from an extended trip through the West Bro. A. A. Howard, of Unionville, has been making frequent trips to Bloomington lately. Every one is displaying the greatest interest in the C. T. U. A. strike. No other class of or- ganized labor seems so closely related to us, and it is only proper that we give them our warmest sympathy and support It is time for another meeting, and we may hope for one soon. Train connection is rather poor, so that we can not all get together, but those who can should come if arrangements are made for the meeting. Bro. Draper was relieved at Sullivan by G. D. Clements, former cashier at Bloomington. With these few brief words I bid you farewell for this month. It is rather discouraging to try to send in write-ups without help. Let us have a few notes next month, and perhaps we can swell the size of our write-up. Whatever you do, don’t let up on the nons. Div. Cor Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1565 Illinois Central Ry. Chicago Dizision — The regular monthly meeting was held at Gil- man July 27 th, thirty-five members being present from the Chicago Division, and six visiting brothers from the T. P. & W. Our General Chair- man, Bro. Mulhall, was present, which was quite a pleasant surprise, and it being necessary for him to take No. 3 for the South, the members im- mediately proceeded to the K. of P. Hall upon the arrival of No. 25, and were treated to an informal address by Bro. Mulhall on the general condition of the Order, touching on many subjects of vital importance. It is to be regretted that it was necessary for him to leave so early, it being our first meeting with him, and the impression he left was that he is a heavy-weight and will deliver the goods. He promised, however, that he would be with us at a meeting in the near future, and guide the goat around at the initiatory ceremony. Just after Bro. Mulhall left, and we were getting down to business, we were again surprised; this time by quite a number of ladies arriving at the hall with ice cream, cake, etc — but not for us. It seems that unfortunately the dates had got mixed and the ladies' society of some kind had a meeting booked at the hall themselves, so we had to hike, finally landing at the City Council Chamber, where the business of the meeting was concluded, having to dispense with all secret work, on account of the publicity of the place. We trust the next time we meet at Gilman we will have better luck. We were glad to see the T. P. & W. boys out and hope they will come again. The attendance, however, at this meeting, was disappointing. We should have had at least fifty present. Gilman being a centrally located point, accessible to both the main and Gilman line, we should have had a much larger attendance. Get the habit, boys, it will do you good to get out and meet each other once a month. Ask the superintendent for trans- portation in good time, make arrangements and then go. It's up to you to make Division No. 93 the banner division, and not the other fellow. Always remember that. There are two or three fellows on this pike who might well be termed "invincible nons,” drawing from $5 to $10 per month more in salary secured by the Committee. They take the money with as good grace as if they had been instru- mental in securing the increase. Just a word right here to the nons and has- beens. Don’t think for a minute that the com- pany values your services so highly that they are increasing your salary from $2.50 to $5 per month occasionally. Just let the rest of us go to sleep and drop out of the Order like you have done; then watch how quick you will drop back into that little old $45 per month "rut” that we were so long getting out of. Then, who would be to blame? Certainly not the company. And don't think for another minute that we don't know who you are. It might be a good plan to publish the names in these columns once and let the members know just who the shirkers are. Get wise, be men, and get in the Order where you belong, and stand for your part like a man, thereby commanding the respect and esteem of your fellow workman. You certainly can not do so so long as you continue to dead-beat your way. This may sound prety strong, but it’s busi- ness and the truth. Bro. Will Davis, at Kankakee "Kb” tower, is off for the West on a thirty-day vacation, being relieved by Mr. Schneiderjon. Bro. Dugan, from Chebanse, leaves in a few days for a thirty-day vacation, being relieved by Bro. Baugh. Understand that Bro. Dugan is going west to buy a few more farms. Bro. E. J. Wolfe, at Clifton, is also off for the same purpose, being relieved by Bro. Dan O’Con- nell. Bro. Hupp has returned from his vacation to the agency at Ashkum, relieving Bro. Hobbs. Bro. Flora at Gilman nights, coming from Pax- ton nights. Bro. West has returned to the agency at Buck- ley, relieving Bro. Phelps, who has again resigned and is going to try the wild and woolly West some more. Hope he has good luck. Bro. Hubbard is relieving Bro. Flora nights at Paxton. Bro. Carbaugh, at Ludlow, is taking a vacation. Not able to say who is relieving him at this time. "Stag,” otherwise known as the "Mascot,” at Kankakee "Hn” office, and sometimes called “Freddie,” has taken himself up to Monee as helper. Bro. Pendergast, at Merna, is off for thirty days’ vacation. Relieved by Bro. Potts. Bro. Potts has been working at Graymont for Bro. Buckley, who we are glad to say, is able to be at the old stand again. We hope to see a fine, large crowd at the meet- ing at Champaign next Saturday night, August 24th. Div. Cor. Gilman Line — The time is approaching to mail our items, if we wish to be represented in the next issue of the journal, and as we have failed to hear from any of the boys along the line, the write-up will be, as usual, "on the bum.” It is quite a task to settle down to chronicle the events on a district when you do not hear a word from any one, and are not in a position to travel to take notes. We have no other complaint, except would like to see the Gilman Line better represented in next meeting. Bro. Poe, of Laurette, made a flying trip to Holder one day last week. Bro. Newman, owl at Belleflower, doubling, did the lever act while Bro. Poe was absent. Bro. Sam Newton, of Weedman, went to St. Louis last Sunday. Boys, try your best to attend the meetings. There is always important business transacted, and you will be greatly benefited by attending. It is worth your time just to see the boys and hear what they have to say. Dist. Cor. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1566 The Railroad Telegrapher. Freeport Division — The bulletins for the past month were: Polo days, Hart nights, Corbin nights, Plato Center nights, Dixon days, Haldane nights, Kerrick agency, Buckbee nights, Seward nights. Bro. S. Bellows relieved Bro. J. H. Ransford at Parkway nights, Bellows having received same on bulletin. Mr. J. W. Swords relieved Bro. W. R. Keister at Hart nights. Mr. Swords promises to make good as soon as he gets straightened around. Bro. F. H. Kochsmeier worked a few nights at Haldane. Mr. Boyer filled Mr. Kochsmeier’s place at Seward nights. Mr. J. McGowan received Wenona nights on bulletin. Mr. R. J. Steele relieved Mr. Mc- Gowan at Plato Center nights. Bro. W. T. Jones is at present doing the stunt at Corbin days. Bro. Jones is from Division No. 23, and has applied for transfer papers to this division. Mr. John Eickman is at present doing the night stunt at Corbin. Mr. Eickman has not yet worked the required time to become a member, but will make good as soon as he has. Bro. A. B. Fretze is at present enjoying a two weeks’ vacation, taking in St. Paul and Omaha. Bro. VV. R. Keister, w'ho was successful appli- cant for East Junction nights, relieved Bro. Fretz at East Junction nights. Bro. Geo. Cox is going to take thirty days’ vacation. Mr. H. E. Dresser worked a few nights at East Junction while Bro. W. R. Keister was at Genoa moving his house hold goods. Bro. F. H. Kochsmeier was successful applicant for position as day telegrapher in “DR” office, Freeport. Bro. B. T. Ireland was successful applicant for position as day telegrapher at Dixon. Bro. F. H. Koclimeier was successful applicant for position as night telegrapher at Hart, relieving Mr. J. W. Swords, who worked there while the same was on bulletin. Mr. J. W. Swords relieved Bro. Kochsmeier at Haldane nights. Mr. J. A. Engle was successful applicant for position as night telegrapher at Corbin. Bro. Wm. Powers was successful applicant for position as night telegrapher at Rockford. Mr. Eickman relieved Bro. Powers at Corbin nights. Bro. Wm. Powers is at present taking a vaca- tion, being relieved by Bro. E. A. Norville. Bro. M. P. Layton returned to work at Minonk days after a five weeks’ rest. Bro. Kelly, who was relieving him, returned to his old night stunt. Bro. C. G. Schultz, who was relieving him, re- signed. Bro. F. Carrithers, of Hudson, has been laying ofT for a few days on account of the serious ill- ness of his son. Mr. C. G. Shepherd, of Rutland, one of our strayed sheep, has again returned to our fold. He says he is going to keep paid up hereafter. Bro. B. C. Barber, formerly nights at Wenona, has resigned, his intentions being to re-enter school. Seven days per week is too much for him, so he is going to fight his way to something higher. May success follow our brother. Bro. Howard, of Lostant, was visiting a few days on the Chicago division. Upon his return the local freight tried to “loop the gap” at the interlocking plant, seriously injuring engineer and fireman. Bro. Blackwell received Amboy nights upon a recent bulletin. Some unknown parties broke into the depot at Rutland and smashed up the safe. They secured twenty cents in pennies and fifteen or twenty sticks of gum out of the gum machines. We have a few changes on our official list. Mr. M. G. Flanagan, formerly chief train dispatcher on this division, was appointed train master on the Amboy district, vice Mr. G. E. Patterson, who went to Kankakee as train master. Mr. C. O. Richards, formerly first trick dispatcher on the east end, was appointed chief train dispatcher, succeeding Mr. Flanagan. Mr. T. Davis was ap- pointed first trick dispatcher and Mr. L. S. Taylor third trick dispatcher, and Mr. Wm. Lane second trick dispatcher. Bro. F. A. Henion is at present doing the extra stunt at Buckbee days, while Bro. Norville is working at Rockford nights. Mr. W. C. Silvey, formerly at Munger days, is scabbing for the W. U. in Chicago. “13” he is getting $76 per. Guess they are not particular about the product if this is the case. Bro. J. P. Haire enjoyed a few days’ vacation, being relieved by Mr. Dorse. It is time that something was done to stop the foolishness on the wires at night, and the day time also, for that matter. This has been going on now for several months, but has become more noticeable at nights here in the last few weeks. They do not seem to be satisfied with breaking someone in a conversation, but have begun to use profane language over the wires. Be careful. The company has a spotter out, and you are sure to be caught in the end. “A word to the wise should be sufficient.” “Shorty.” Tennessee Division — We are sorry, but we could not avoid missing out last month. Continued sickness in the family of our correspondent was the cause. In the future we will try and get as nice a write-up as possible. If the boys will help out a little by sending what items they may have to the correspondent, not later than the 20th of each month, it will be greatly appreciated. We like to see our division represented, so let us all make a note of anything of importance and send it to the correspondent at Halls every month. Bro. McMillen, new yard nights, is off on a few days’ vacation. Relieved by Bro. T. L Allen. Bro. Allen is recently from the West, but used to be with us about eight or ten months ago. We are glad to have him back in our midst again. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1567 New man working days at new yard. Have not learned his name, nor seen his card. Bro. Curd, at block office, Fulton, says he ex- pects to resign soon, as the work is too heavy. I “13'’ our chief dispatcher, R. M. Alford, is off on a vacation. May his vacation be a pleasant and beneficial one is our wish. Bro. Glisson, agent at Polk, is off a few days; relieved by Mr. Sommerville, from extra board. Mr. Sommerville is an ex-telegrapher, also an ex- member of the O. R. T., but dropped his mem- bership when leaving the service about two years ago. Bro. Reeves, from Covington days, has been appointed regular man in “FU” office, Fulton, Ky. Haras are getting pretty thick again. It is another production of those over-faithful student teachers. I wonder they don’t get rich soon, as business seems to be pretty good all the time with them. Bro. C. Jackson is again on the extra list, on account of his regular job being made a non- telegraphic office. Boys, we can do better next month if you will all send us in a few items. Dxv. Cor. Omaha Division — J. A. L. Burnett, up-to-date, from the Mo. P., decided he would try the I. C., and is now doing the owl stunt at Rockwell City. Bro. Garrick, who has been working as relief agent at Blairsburg, is back to his old stamping grounds at Parkersburg nights. Bro. F. G. Kitchen, who was relieved by Bro. Garrick, at Parkersburg, is in turn relieving Bro. L. James, nights at Cedar Falls. Bro. James is laying off to take a trip to his home in North Dakota and also a trip to the West before coming back to work, when he will relieve Bro. L. Markussen, days at Cedar Falls, who will take a run out to the wild and woolly West. Understand Bro. Markussen will relieve Bro. J. H. Myers, agent at Cedar Falls, for a month or so, when he returns. Unable to state where Bro. Myers will spend his surplus “wampum.” Glad to hear that we can extend the glad hand of brotherly friendship to Bro. C. N. Thwing, agent at New Hartford. Feel sure he will never regret that he has seen the light and come into the fold. Bro. Kiler, from Iowa Falls nights, is now work- ing the side-table nights, in dispatcher’s office, Ft. Dodge. Bro. T. H. Conway, from the C., M. & St P., Mapleton, Wis., relieved him at Iowa Falls. Mr. G. W. Newcom, new man, agent at Boyd, is with us in spirit, but has not worked long enough to get in. Will be with us as soon as he is eligible. Bro. F. W. Bennett, formerly agent at Wilke, is now agent at Blairsburg, which he got on a bulletin. Bro. H. A. Dodge has resigned from the service and has gone into business for himself at Blairs- burg. Success to him. Bro. W. R. Foster, agent at Webster City, who has been out West on a vacation, has returned to work after a pleasant trip. Unable to say where Mr. T. H. O’Donnell, who has been relieving him, has gone. Bro. E. A. Liapple got Ackley nights on bulle- tin. He has been working extra there for some time. Bro. J. S. Weiss, from agency at Blairsburg to day telegrapher and leverman at Rockwell City. New man at Wall Lake nights. Unable to learn his name. Bro. Holderman, new man at Tara nights. Sister. M. Gibson, days at Tara, is off on a vacation. Believe this covers all the changes. If I have missed any, will have to ask you to overlook ’em, and will try to get them next month. Noticed on a list which Bro. Empie kindly furnished us, that some of the brothers are behind in dues; not very much, but just enough to be behind. Now, brothers, if you haven’t already squared yourselves up, you’d better “hy.” Think, if you will stop and consider a minute, you will find out that the O. R. T. is a pretty good in- vestment, aside from the friendship and brotherly feeling which it creates. You know yourself how you feel when you hear some one say: “Well, I used to belong, but I just dropped out. I’m going back in again as soon as I get a stake.” Don’t you feel as if he was a sort of a “moocher.” Will get “25” now. Please send news of any kind. Address me by U. S. mail at West Belt Junction, Waterloo, la. “W. Q.” IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, The Almighty God has deemed it wise to remove from our midst Bro. Ray C. Baughman, and in memory to our brother, who has been taken from us, and in sympathy to the bereaved family, be it Resolved, By the members of the Omaha Divis- ion, Illinois Central Railroad, Division No. 93, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, that we extend to the members of the family of the deceased brother our heartfelt sympathy, and we commend them to Him who doeth all things well and who will comfort them in this dark hour of sorrow; be it further Resolved , That in the death of Bro. R. C. Baughman, Omaha Division of the Illinois Central Railroad, Division No. 93 of the Order of Rail- road Telegraphers, loses a true and faithful mem- ber, and the wife a loving husband; be it Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our deceased brother, a copy spread upon the minutes of this division, and a copy forwarded to The Telegrapher fo*- publication. Signed. C. D. Brace, E. E. Empie, R. W. Quante, Committee. 6. Digitized by GOOQle

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1568 The Railroad Telegrapher. Wisconsin Central Ry. Since our last write-up we have added quite a number of new names to the roll, and now the third and fourth districts are very nearly solid; only a few left. There have not been as many changes of late as during several previous months. We find Bro. Cowen transferred from Abbotts- ford yard nights to dispatcher's office, Abbotts- ford nights, in place of Mr. W. F. Bryan, now on the sick list. Bro. Carr, of the C. & N. W., re- lieved Bro. Cowen at the yard office. Bro. Lake has resigned as agent at Butternut, and expects to go on the south end in the near future. Mr. J. P. Temby, holding down Butter- nut, has promised to come in before long. Bro. Seeley, day man at Hurley, promoted to the agency there, and Triff Goodwin now has the day telegrapher’s position. Agent Schwindt, of Prentice, has resigned and “13” he expects to move to the southern division. He promises to join our ranks soon. Bear that in mind, boys, and see that he does. Have not heard who got Prentice. Bro. O. R. Barber, of Allenton, Local Chairman, first district, is taking a much-needed vacation. Do not know who is relieving him. Bro. Mochross, of New Richmond nights, and Bro. Rave, of Stanley nights, have exchanged places. This brings both of the boys closer to their homes. Bro. Beebe, of Owen, is taking a trip to Oregon, aqd is being relieved by Mr. Goodrich, formerly agent at Curtiss. He has been in business at Lubin, Wis., for the past year. Mr. Goodrich used to be a brother, and says he will come in again if he decides to stay with the road. Mr. Van Alstine has been doing some relief work as agent at Prentice, Boyd and Cadott. The brothers at Boyd and Cadott (I think it is brothers) have been enjoying a vacation. Am in receipt of a letter from our former Gen- eral Chairman, Bro. A. D. Rouse, who is now lo- cated at San Francisco, Cal., with the Prest O- Lite Co. He says, “The work I am now doing is like a big vacation as compared with railroading, and expect to take charge of a new office in Los Angeles soon. I shall keep up-to-date in Division No. 1 21 and will look for items for the W. C., of course.” Bro. Rouse is a first-class fellow, and one who will make good wherever he is. We wish him much success. Understand some of the exclusive agents say it is no business of the O. R. T. if they did get a raise in May. Wonder how many of them would be getting that extra $5 or $10 if our committee had not gone to Milwaukee? The greatest war ever known is now in progress between labor and capital, i. e., the Commercial strike. Our No. 117 wire seems to be unusually quiet, which goes to show that the strike is making a lot of difference in the amount of business done. The loss in revenue since the beginning of the strike would have undoubtedly paid the small in- crease and other concessions asked for for several years. Although we can not join with them in the strike, they have our sympathies and all assist- ance, which we can consistently lend. It has come to my notice that there is more or less discontent among the boys in regard to seniority. Younger men are getting preference jobs while the older ones are turned down. Now. boys, don’t be afraid to speak up when you are not getting what is coming to you. The company will never change its attitude unless we kick and show them that we expect them to live up to their part of the schedule and we will do likewise. This was the intention of Mr. Potter, our general superintendent, when he signed this schedule. Of late no bulletins have been issued for va- cancies at various points, which is a disadvantage to a number of the members. These failings should be reported to the General Chairman in order that he can take them up with the proper official for adjustment. The following suggestion has been made, which I think is very good: If when any member leaves a position he would drop the General Chairman a note, giving this information, also where he was going, the General Chairman would then be able to check these names off against bulletined jobs and keep track of the situation. Members at neighboring stations should watch out to see that this is done, and this would undoubtedly be a great help in getting things righted. You know it is impossible for one man to keep track of all these things, no matter how hard he tries, and he must give him a little individual help. It costs little, only an occasional postage stamp and a few minutes of time. It will work wonders. Try it. Also a little of the same kind of push to help round up the few remaining nons, and furnish the correspondent with an item or two for the write-up each month. So far, I am indebted to four or five of the brothers only for items, of whom Bros. Ensinger and Andre take the lead. Commencing next month there will be a correspondent for the south end and one for the north end districts, which, I nust will bring forth better write-ups. How about meetings? Talk this over with your neighbor and see if we can not arrange for regular meeting nights, and then be sure to attend. I must now bid you adieu. Yours fraternally, Co EXES PON DEJIT. Queen & Crescent Route (South). V. o. & N. E. District— We looked in vain for a write-up from this di- vision in the July number, as it was generally thought by the boys that our general chairman, Bro. Shields, would have something to say about his trip to Minneapolis, but we suppose when be came back home his time was taken up with the Senatorial or Gubernatorial race, and he didn’t have time to write. Isn't it time we were beginning to think about and figure on what we want in the revised schedule? There are several places where the old one needs filling ip qnd equalizing, and the best way Digitized by Cjooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1569 for us to let the general committee know what wc want is to find out ourselves just what we need and then advise the committee so they can arrange to get what is needed all over the division, instead of in a few places. Six new members by initiation, and two ad- mitted by card is our record for July. If we are to do good work towards securing a better schedule, we should all have up-to-date cards, and be prepared to ask for what we 'want, and no man can do that with the force it should have if he is behind with his dues. Our relief agent, Dearman, is again in the fold, after having “drifted with the wind” for over a year. Seems like they just can’t let a good thing like the O. R. T. pass. There are still several nons on the N. O. & N. E. Some of them have promised to come in, but for some cause they are slow about keeping their promise. If any brother having any news will kindly send it to the general secretary by the 20th of each month, there’s no reason why the old 69 shouldn’t be represented in each number of The Telegra- pher. Try this. Div. Cor. C. G. W. Ry. W. M. & P. Division — Those who failed to attend the meeting at Oel- wein August nth, missed a very interesting and instructive meeting, as well as a royal good time. We appreciate the fact that a great many of the boys on this division are so located that it is nearly impossible for them to get away; but those who are more fortunate should make it a point to go. You don’t know what you have missed until you have attended one. Elysian bulletined for an agent and Mankato for a telegrapher this month. “13” Mr. J. S. Hall has been assigned to a permanent position at Elysian, and that Mr. Gibson goes to Mankato as telegrapher. Unable to say what berth Mr. Temanson gets, but understand he will relieve Bro. Peery at Racine for a few days. Don’t forget to send in that special assessment, for “money makes the mare go,” and she has sure got to go some this fall. When you get those information blanks, sit down and fill them out properly and carefully. The information called for in there is for the use of the General Committee, and each question should be answered fully, and at the same time give only such information as will aid the committee in getting a clear understanding of the conditions on the different parts of the system. Our dispatchers are having their annual vacation this month. Mr. T. G. Connors, off for a couple of weeks the first of the month, has returned and is now working first trick while Mr. Alexander takes his vacation. Understand the boys have a new schedule, granting them a raise of $5 all around. This looks good; only sorry it was not more. Bro. Berg, of Altura, off for a few days, re- lieved by Mr. R. J. Neill. Mr. S. O. Harris, of Kansas City, has taken charge of Rochester station permanently. We hear “SO” on the line quite frequently, but have been unable to find out if he carries the little paste- board. Now, boys, don’t allow your interest to lag. Keep after the nons and get them lined up. The time of reckoning is near at hand, and we need the assistance of every one of them. If they don’t answer your first letter, write another and call them up on the wire. If you can’t get them loosened up in any way, turn them over to some one else, and so keep the ball rolling. There are several on the division who have promised to come in “soon or next pay-day.” When you get a promise like that, make it your business to see that they keep it. Don’t you know that the reason some of them have not come in before is that they were not sufficiently urged. Wish to thank Bros. Potter and Beardsley for items sent in this month. Let us see how many will respond next month. Keep busy. Div. Cor. Northwest Division — At a meeting held at Oelwein, Iowa, August 11, resolutions were passed to make a demand on the railroad company, beginning March 1, 1908, that no agent or operator be obliged to handle the U. S. mail, and that this be published in our journal so that all other divisions may act on the subject. It being burdensome and unreasonable on the part of the railway companies to ask telegraph operators and agents, who are also telegraphers, to perform these duties. Who else will make this stand? A very social and beneficial time was enjoyed by all who attended the meeting, as matters of vital importance were discussed by the members. We had a fair attendance from all the divisions except the Ft. Dodge. Bro. Hodges stated that on account of the train service members from that division were unable to attend. Transfers and changes: Bro. F. L. McKinston, day operator at Sumner, Iowa, gets Hayfield agency on bid. Bro. Kindree, nights, gets Sumner days, on bid. Bro. J. B. D. Day is relieving Bro. Soterstram at Randolph, Minn., during his vacation. Bro. Day has just returned after a two months’ vacation, and all welcome his old-time fist on the wire. Understand Bro. Grannis, our worthy Local Chairman, has stirred up a hornet’s nest amongst the nons, and they all say pay-day. Hope it will be so. Cert. 83. IN MEMORIAM. Bro. A. A. Hayden, of many railway and com- mercial acquaintances, who has been a sufferer from tuberculosis for the past year, answered “I,” “I” to his final call on Sunday evening, August 25th, at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Hayden, of this city. His last telegraph service was while in the em- ploy of the C. G. W. Ry. at Sycamore, 111., in November, 1906. On account of failing health he Digitized by Google

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1570 The Railroad Telegrapher. was compelled to come home, where he remained for a time, but finding no relief, decided to go West in hopes of regaining his health. Accom- panied by his father, they left last June for Salt Lake City, Utah, but not being benefited by the change, he returned home, where he spent the re- maining days with his loving parents and friends. He was a model son and brother, and a member of the Grand Division, holding certificate 4,418. The members here, including the C T. U. A. mem- bers, assembled and went to his home in a body to pay their last respects, and to present the beautiful O. R. T. emblem wreath. A meeting of teleg- raphers was held, and the following resolutions were adopted: Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God in His infinite wisdom to call to his last home our brother, A. A. Hayden; therefore, be it Resolved , That we, brother telegraphers, extend to his bereaved family our sincere sympathy in their great sorrow; and be it further Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the official organ of the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers, and a copy sent to the bereaved family. J. J. Madden, D. J. Mahoney, D. R. Carrell, Committee. Waseca, Minn., Aug. 27, 1907. Canadian Northern Ry. Fourth District — Information regarding our new schedule seems to be hard to get. However, we presume the mat- ter is being pressed as far as is expedient. Correspondents have fallen down, hence the lack of news in our write-up. Humbolt Division — Bro. J. A. Whelhan, night telegrapher at Hum- bolt, appointed agent at Veregin, succeeding Agent Bryden. Bro. Dixon, night telegrapher at Inverraay, gone to Innisfree Pit for the summer. Bro. Russell, agent at Wadena, appointed agent at Humbolt; succeeded by Mr. Robinson, relieving agent. Understand the latter is up-to-date. Telegrapher H. Squibb, who recently relieved our local chairman, Bro. Lister, of Langham, is now acting agent at Watson. “13” he is going to fill out his papers soon. Night telegrapher has been put on temporarily at Watson on account of work trains at Watson Pit. Don't know his name. Bro. McMillan, late agent at Humbolt, resigned, and has gone into the hotel business at Humbolt. Bro. Schwolm, agent at Invermay, has been appointed to represent the east end of the Fourth District on the board of adjustment. Night telegrapher at Humbolt promises to join the ranks shortly. Battleford section has but two exceptions. Vermilion Division solid. Edmonton Division is in fair shape, with one or two delinquents. Q. L. L. & S. Branch — Glad to shake hands with Bro. W. Y. Grene, Bladworth, who has sent in the necessary. Bro. Bryce has returned to the Hague, after three weeks' fun in Winnipeg. Bro. Henning, Davidson, left for two months’ holidays in western Ontario; relieved by his as- sistant, Bro. Meraw. Understand the men at Dundurn and Bethune are changing jobs. So far I have received no encouragement from the boys to help make an interesting write-up. Why can't we hold a meeting at Saskatoon SMoe Sunday to talk over matters of interest to us? Let's work up a little enthusiasm. Everything may come to those who wait, but it will come much quicker if we go after it. What’s the color of the card you now hold? I have to thank Bro. W. R. Fowler, Osier, for above notes. Get busy, and help him hold a meet ing. Cot. Queen & Crescent Route (North). IN MEMORIAM. Lexington Ky., September 10, i9®7- Whereas. The Almighty God, in His infinite wis- dom, has taken from our midst our much beloved brother, William A. Wallace, and while humbly and sorrowfully submitting to his will; be it Resolved, By the members of Queen & Crescent (North), Division No. 62, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, that we extend to the parents and wife our heartfelt sympathy in this hour of sor- row; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished the family, a copy spread on the records of this division and a copy furnished The Telig- rapher for publication. J. W. Collins, W. E. Hines, W. J. Brell, Committ**- Mineral Range Ry. It has been a long time since I have seen any- thing in the valuable journal from the Mineral Range, so I will give a few items as far as my knowledge will permit: The Keweenaw Central is making quite a show- ing these days, running four passenger trains daily, and doing all kinds of business, too. They run over our tracks from Mohawk to Calumet, Union depot. Mr. Galby, late of the W. U., in Chicago, is lo- cated at Snowshoe. Calumet yard office is short a night telegrapher on account of scarcity of men, and Bro. Gibson is making considerable overtime. He recently un- derwent an operation, so, likely, he can use all the “lucre” he can get for doctor bills. The dispatcher’s office is now located over the freight office, with Mr. C. I. Bashore, chief, and C. A. Johnson, trick dispatcher. Excuse my haste. May be able to do better the next time. Cor. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1571 Vandalia Ry. St. Louis Division, East End — While all the boys are very anxious for better working conditions and salaries, and should stand firm in working for these things, a good union man never overlooks the fact that the company pays him his money; that his superior officers* wishes must be respected, and that the company wants, above all things, careful, conscientious service. In fact, the writer, after talking with several employers of many men, found that their main objection to unions seemed to lay in the fact, as they claim, that union men become arro- gant, and that it was almost impossible to main- tain discipline. We mention this so that our boys may guard, as much as possible, against giv- ing our company grounds for such a complaint. We all understand that a certain amount of discip- line is absolutely necessary, and must be main- tained by the company, and should be accepted without complaint, as it is meant for the good of the service. But, aside from this, we are strongly of the opinion that the more attractive the teleg- raphers' positions are made, in the way of salary and working conditions, just so much more highly the positions will be prized, and just that many more reliable men will engage in, and stick to the profession; as a result, to maintain a highly dis- ciplined set of men will be comparatively easy. We have it from a reliable source, that the con- ference our committee held with Superintendent Downing, on August 13th, was very satisfactory. You will all have heard before this is in print what the agreement is. The writer is confident that every one will be pleased, and is also assured that the company is well satisfied, asking only that we give good service. Bro. H. C. Barnes, “KR," Terre Haute, rights, has accepted “DS," Terre Haute, nights. Mr. H. B. Morse, who has been working this trick, ac- cepted the “owl" trick at “KR." Bros. C. H. Johnson and C. C. Johnson, “RS,” Reelsville days and nights, were off on a vacation about all month, visiting their home at New Paris, Ind. Bros. R. H. Yates, F. A. Goodwin and M. T. Tobin worked days, and Bro. H. S. Miller nights during their absence. Bro. C. C. Chesterson, “SU," Summit, nights, was off a few nights visiting at his home at Craw- fordsville, Indiana. Bro. O. M. Coffin, “FM,” Fillmore, nights, relieved him. Unable to find out who relieved Bro. Coffin. Bro. H. L. Hearn, “KV," Knightrfville, nights, after spending a couple of weeks with his people in Illinois, has returned to work. Bro. R. H. Yates, extra telegrapher, who worked last at “RS," Reelsville, has resigned. We are sorry to see Bro. Yates leave us. Twice this month the Big Four trains have been detoured over our line on account of accidents which blocked their tracks. Mr. H. B. Morse, “KR," Terre Haute, was sick one night. Bro. H. C. Barnes, “DS," Terre Haute, nights, relieved him, and Dispatcher Cotton relieved Bro. Barnes at “DS.*’ Bro. D. R. Ransburg, “GA," Eagles, days, re- turned to work, after having spent a month vis- iting bis people at Pleasant Lake, Indiana, and traveling through the East. Bros. O. O. Scanland and M. T. Tobin relieved him. Bro. J. W. McCollough, “HN,” Harmony, nights, was sick one night. Extra Telegrapher Clark relieved him. Unable to find out if Mr. Clark has a card. Bro. W. A. Vaughan, “NE," Greencastle, days, was on No. 33 the other night headed west. Bro. Geo. Stevens, “GN," Greencastle, days, was off for some time on account of poor h-alth. His night man, Bro. E. C. McCollough, worked in his place. Unable to find out who worked the night trick. Bro. B. A. Watts, extra telegrapher, was seen on No. 34 the other day, having been to Limedale to visit with his people there. Bro. J. N. Jones, “KV," Knightsville, days, wai off for a couple of weeks. Bro. O. Wilbur, an ex. tra telegrapher, relieved him. Bro. C. R. Shortridgc, “CO,” Coatesville, was off duty a week. Bro. O. M. Coffin, “FM," Fill- more, nights, relieved him. Bro. W. L. Darner, “FN," Farrington, nights, was seen on No. 34 one day this month, having been to Limedale on a visit. Bro. D. F. Wilson, “BR," Brazil, nights, was off duty a couple of weeks this month. Bro. C. A. Wilson, “WA,” Watson, nights, relieved him. J. W. Gornett relieved Bro. C. A. Wilson at “WA.” Bro. J. H. Harrold, “J,” Limedale, days, was off duty for a week. Bro. F. A. Goodwin, extra man, relieved him. Bro. Fred Farris, “HK,” Hamrick, nights, has accepted “MD,” Almeda, nights. F. I. Stanberry is holding down the “owl" trick at “HK.” Bro. O. Hixon, “SV,” Seelyville, nights, was off duty a couple of weeks this month. Bro. B. H. Byrd, extra telegrapher, relieved him. Bro. V. A. Woodward, “NE," Greencastle, nights, was off duty a few nights. Bro. B. H. Byrd relieved him. Mr. J. E. McNeeme, “CO," Coatesville, nights, was off duty a couple of weeks this month. R. D. Elliott, Mr. Allen and Bro. J. Stewart relieved him. Mr. Elliott went to “GM," St. Louis, to work. Unable to find out whether he had a card. Bro. A. J. Luty, “BD," Ben Davis, days, off duty a couple of weeks. Bro. Francis, “HB,” Hobbs, nights, relieved him. Bro. Benefiel, “BD," Ben Davis, nights, was off duty a couple of weeks. Bros. I. S. Hixon and O. R. Ball relieved him. Bro. B. H. Byrd, extra telegrapher, has resigned on account of his health. We are sorry to lose Bro. Byrd. Bro. O. R. Ball, extra telegrapher at Gibson, was relieved on account of being sick by Mr. Clark. Bro. B. H. Byrd, “SV," Steelyville, having re- signed, Bro. O. O. Scanland relieved him. Telephones, from tower to each end of passing track, are being installed at all remaining block Digitized by CjOOQle

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1572 The Railroad Telegrapher. stations, where heretofore their use had been con- sidered unnecessary. An inspection party went over our end one day this month in the Vandalia observation car. We wish to impress upon all the boys the im- portance of promptly answering all correspondence or messages from our officers asking for informa- tion or a vote. Some of the boys do not real'ze how important these things are, and even neglect to answer at all, leaving our officers uncertain as to either their suppdrt or sympathy. The correspondents find it difficult to get all the items without help, and have been endeavoring to get the boys to help out by sending them in, but have failed to receive any so far. We wish the brothers would help us out in this by sending all the items they can get to our secretary and treasurer. Co*. Middle Division — I failed to see much in the journal last month from this division, but we are still with you, just the same. The boys seem to wait on one another to do this work, and, consequently, not much is done. We still have a few nons, but they are getting scarcer every pay day. Now let’s keep after them, and we will soon have them all on our side. Bro. J. Q. Adams is back at Effingham nights, after being off a few days to get the kinks out of his legs. Bro. C. B. Beck, Smithboro days, is contemplat- ing a trip to Denver, Colo., in September. We are sorry to see “CB" leave us, and only hope he will return to the Van. Bro. C. U. Hutchison, Jewett nights, is laid up with rheumatism. Extra Telegrapher T. O. Grissom is relieving him. Bro. L. McFadden, nights at Vevay Park, is off for a few days. Ex-telegrapher D. V. Carter is relieving him. Carter quit the Van some time ago to accept employment with the Ohio Oil Company, south of Casey, but it evidently did not suit hm, as he soon came back to the Van. Whatever you do, stay awake, and give your work preference over everything. Remember, you have a number of lives in your hands, and let your motto be: “Business before pleasure.” Let’s see what a good record we can make for ourselves, and not have any unnecessary delays marked up against us. Bro. W. P. Hiner, days at Schoyer, is going to lay off during fair week at Indianapolis. New man at “WB,” Woodbury, nights. A non, I “13.” Bro. R. Danner, days at Marshall, is back at the key, after a few days off. Bro. W. G. Anderson is back at work, after a short vacation. Bro. W. H. Fuller, who relieved him at Farrington days, has taken to himself a wife. They have our best wishes. Bro. W. O. Setty, formerly of the Van, now of the Big Four at Danville, Ind., is at home at Jewett visiting his parents. Bro. J. L. Brown and wife, Jewett days, were very much surprised on returning home the other evening. They found the house full of their neigh- bors and friends, with five gallons of icecream and well-filled lunch baskets, it being Mrs. Brown’s birthday. A very enjoyable evening was spent Music, games and recitations were rendered by those present, and it was in “the wee sma' hours” when “J” and wife retired, with wishes for many more years of happiness and prosperity ringing in their ears. Our chief, Mr. E. A. Hallinin, was on the pay. car last month, shaking hands with the boys and inquiring after their welfare. Ceit 63. Great Northern Ry. Minot Division — Failed to find a single item in the last num- ber from Division 70, so I have appointed a com mittee of one (myself) to do the necessary. We are not dead on the G. N. by any means. Wc are very much alive. Our worthy brother acd organizer, Mr. Delaplaine, thinks so, as he found this pike pretty solid after the house-cleaning it had in 1905. Look at the new schedules that are blossoming out? Are we going to be content to sit and sound brass 12 to 16 hours per day like our forefathers in the business? We all say: “Something must be done.” But unless we get busy, we can not say: “Something has been done.” Now, for a finish: Le me say to each and every brother, if you have a non near you work at him night and day until he shows a card. Don’t be afraid to talk O. R. T. to him. Shove it at him in chunks. We must have him, and when we once stand solid, we will raise our colors again, and rally ’round the flag. Mr. C. E. Leversch appointed superintendent, vice G. S. Stewart, transferred to Breckcnridge Division. The stock rush will soon be on, and then wc work some more. Bro. D. H. Roberts, nights at Rigo, formerly at Penn. Bro. Burnside made a flying visit to Rigo from Wheelock. Charley always wears a smile and a button. Mr. H. L. Chranch, an old-time telegrapher and conductor, at Tagus while W. P. Vannoy is away on vacation. Mr. Chranch holds an up-to-date 0. R. C. card. B. F. Aikin, night man, goes to Lone Tree August 1st, as agent. Blaisdell to be opened as an agency as soon as can secure a man. There are only one or two nons on the east end now, and will have them soon. Now is the time to get your vacation. Bro. D. C. Burnside, formerly night man at Wheelock, was relieved by P. J. Carrico. Did not learn where Burnside has gone. “13” from Bro. Klabo that Wheelock will be solid after August aoth. That’s good news. The glad smile of Bro. Delaplaine has been among the west end boys the last few weeks. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1573 Wonder who will be the lucky man to represent us at St. Paul this fall? Bro. R. Patterson, formerly of Granville, now night owl at Rugby, with Bro. W. J. Kelly days, and Bro. F. G. Wells at the new passenger sta- tion days. Our committee is now in St. Paul, and will soon have a schedule in shape. Just had word from Bro. E. E. Delaplaine, from Kansas City, where he was called on account of sickness in his family. We all hope for a speedy recovery of the sick one. Wish to thank the brothers on this division for the news items, and request that they drop me a line any old time they have a word for the next issue. Let's see a write-up from the other divisions. Cert. 601. Kalis pell Division — The writer has looked long and anxiously for news from this division in The Telegrapher, but so far has been disappointed. The best way to have a thing done is to do it yourself, and so, at the request of the local chairman, we have promised to get busy. Don’t think because we have not been represented every month, that we are not getting lined-up. We have been so busy after the nons and doing a big “biz” for the company that we have hardly time to write, but hereafter we in- tend to be represented every month. We are solid on this division, with the exception of about half a dozen nons, and we are after them hot, and expect to have them lined-up before the next jour- nal is issued. Our committee is now in St. Paul. We want to get every one on the roll of honor who is not there now, so, boys, wake up and get after the few scattering nons, and bring them in'o the fold. Our old chief, Mr. Wingate, has resigned and gone to Spokane to take a trick on the Spokane Division. Sorry to see him go, but Mr. Glennan, who takes his place, is a line fellow, so we can not kick about the change. Bros. Hodges and Downey, who have been hold- ing down Hillyard for some time, have been trans- ferred to Troy terminal. Bro. Easterly, formerly day telegrapher at Browning, has been transferred to the agency at Jennings. Bro. Mansell has been transferred from Summit to Jennings as telegrapher. Bro. Mansell hails from the far east, and says he likes the western life line. Bro. Klemo has been transferred from Jennings to Rexford nights. Bro. Neuman, from Syracuse, N. Y., is holding down Fernie nights. His wife has just started back home on a visit. It will be a little lonesome up in the hills alone for a while. Bro. Mead, day telegrapher at Midvale, has taken unto himself a wife, and quit this batching life. The 0. R. T. extends congratulations. Sister Robinson and Sister Shields, of Fielding, have just returned from a trip to Chicago and Zion City. Sister Robinson is at present working in “WF” office at Whitefish. There has been several new offices opened lately: Highgate, Skyland, Java and Peola. I have not as yet found out who has been appointed. Better come out in the hills, boys, where the water is pure, big game is plentiful and the foxy trout roams the streams. Cor Wabash Ry. St. Louis Division — The time for a revision of our schedule is fast approaching and will soon be upon us again. We will then be entering upon our third year as a scheduled road. How wonderful it sounds to us old-timers, who have been with this company some ten or twelve years, when we hear the Wabash mentioned and classed as a “union road.” How well we remember the time when you could not find a union man on the road with a micro- scope. When some one spoke of organization they met with little or no encouragement. They were told “You can never do anything here.” The old saying, “You never know what you can do until you try,” has been again verified. We did do something here. The results of our efforts have been very gratifying, both from the stand- point of remuneration and working conditions. As we continue on in our march of progress the questions that appear before us with which wc have to deal with become more difficult. This is common in all things where advancement is made by degrees, the simplest problems are taken and disposed of first. Among the questions that will be brought before the committee this fall is the one of abolishing commissions on local tickets and putting the agents on a straight salary. To the average outsider at 5 or xo per cent commis- sion on local tickets looks fabulous, and I don’t think you need any argument here to convince you that you are the loser on the commission plan. For instance, you are paid a stated salary of say $30 and 10 per cent on local tickets. It looks as though you ought to make at least $65 to $75 per month. The first thing you are up against is the mileage book issued by the passen- ger department. Seven out of ten traveling men carry mileage. You check and handle their bag- gage and sell no ticket. About the next thing you are up against is a competing line building into your town or touching your territory, taking away a large portion of your ticket sales, or an interurban line comes into your town, and again, the two-cent fare enacted by the State goes against you in the latter case. Many of us were very fortunate to have a guarantee of $50 per month. For the purpose of understanding this question more fully, and hearing all sides to it, I think it necessary that we have a meeting at some con- venient point, say at Montgomery. All interested should be able to attend a meeting there, those west of Montgomery could take No. 64, and those east No. 51. As these meetings do not occur very often, we should not hold back for fear of losing one night’s sleep. We have other matters of im- Digitized by Google

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1574 The Railroad Telegrapher. portance to discuss, among which is the “student question.** The question of raising our dues is another. It is an established fact that on roads where the best wages are paid and working rules exist, dues are $10 to $12 per year. It takes money to carry on and keep up an organization. There has been but one assessment made on the Wabash for committee work since the organization was started here some four years ago, and that assessment was for $2.50. Raising our dues to $10 a year would do away with spe- cial assessments for schedule work, as the extra $2 would be sufficient to cover that expense. I will try and arrange with one of our officers in St. Louis to be with us at this meeting, and have him open up hostilities that evening. Think our secretary, Bro. Le Fever will gladly help us out. Bro. F. Krome, of St. Charles nights, is work- ing at Bridgeton as agent, while the place is be- ing bulletined. He was relieved by Bro. C. B. Maddox. Bro. Sam McCoy has resigned the agency at Bridgeton, and contemplates going south to work. Bro. B. D. Erwin, agent at St. Peter’s, resigned the agency there to accept the night job at Wells- ville. He was relieved by Mr. Smith, from the north end. If Mr. Smith will examine the rec- ords at St. Peter’s he will find the salary at that station has been increased from $3 to $5 per month through the organization, and we think the Order is now entitled to some of his money. Have you remitted your contribution to the relief fund for the C. T. U. of A. men? If you haven’t, do so at once. These men are asking for only what is right. Their interests and ours are closely allied, so that you are practically contrib- uting to your own cause when you give to them. Wonder what broke loose on the Sixteenth Dis- trict last month. This is the first communication that has appeared from that locality. On many occasions I have asked certain members to act as correspondent from that district, but without success. Cert. 562 ought to keep things going now that he has broken the ice. Bro. E. Bane, who worked at Benton City a few years ago, is now with the Union Pacific at Hershey, Neb. He says that nothing but O. R. T. goes out there. Wish every one who is interested would write me regarding our proposed meeting. Would like to have this meeting some time in October. After enough of the employes make known they desire to hold a meeting to discuss things pertaining to our betterment we can then arrange the date. We should by all means have a meeting before the committee goes in this fall. Let me hear from you. Local Chairman. Peru Division — I was honored the other day by almost a day’s visit from our division correspondent, Bro. J. K. Lipsett, who is at present enjoying a two or three weeks’ vacation. lie was en route home from West Lebanon, where he had visited friends (?) awhile, and stopped off between trains. On account of Bro. Lipsett’s absence, be in- formed me that it was up to me to fix the “write up’’ this month, so will do my best. I am in debt to Bros. J. F. Hetrick, B. S. Harris and G. C. Delamater for items. The big war is on between the C. T. U. and the telegraph companies. I hope we all appreciate the close relation of this organization and our own, and that any call for financial aid will be cheerfully and substantially responded to. In an attempt at a “write up’’ for July, in speaking of knowledge we had of certain nons who kept students, I said, “Under a competitive system we must protect ourselves and not flood the market with our line of goods.’’ I wish now to carry that a little further, for the benefit of all, whether members or nons. I assume we are all business men. It matters not whether we have investments made or not. It has been pretty generally understood that when you speak of a “business man’’ you mean some employer of labor, a merchant or some other such person. You might think I am becoming more or less dignified or “stuck up’’ when I say that when talking to any one, and they speak of busi- ness man, I ask, “what particular kind, teleg- rapher, section man, street sweeper or merchant?’* It is necessary to designate “which** nowdays, if they talk to me, because if they are back num- bers and still have the antiquated idea that labor- ing men are not business men, it’s impossible to follow their train of thought or argument. Now, brothers, it matters not whether we have a cent invested in stocks, bonds or real estate, if we are making only a living for ourselves and families we are business men. Our commodity on the market is our labor, which we sell in the labor market, and the sale of which is a business trans- action. The merchant in your little town that you say is a successful business man, is successful why? You say, “Well, he buys his wares at a certain price and sells them at more than they cost him,’’ and I guess you are right. I now ask you, “arc you a successful business man?” Let’s see. Our ware, I said, is our labor. Do we sell it at more than it cost us? Study on that just a minute- We are not good retailers. We are not even wholesalers. We bunch it in job-lots and sell it at jobbers’ rates, and in the immediate past we of the Wabash had very little to say as to even what price we would accept at that. In fact, we could take what was offered, even if it wasn’t a decent living, or could let it alone. We laboring men have been a little slow at catching on to the modern business methods of protecting the mar- ket. Our little local merchants have their agree- ments as to certain prices and certain hours to open and close. The larger concerns have their trusts, which protects the market for them to a “queen's taste,’' and to a great many things that we don’t taste. We can all testify to that. Whether we are learning from them or whether we discovered it ourselves, it is true that we are learning. Bro. Lipsett and I were talking the other day about some of the business deals we, of Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1575 the Wabash, have pulled off recently, and how it compares with a few years ago. We have a dinner hour now, where before we got dinner if we could do so, in a few minutes, or we could do without it if the few minutes could not be spared us. So we “threw in” that hour for good measure at the same cost to the purchaser of our day’s labor. We used to “tote” switch lamps morning and evening, and “threw that in” to make sure some- body got their money’s worth. A great many of us came to work long before 7 a. m. and remained on duty hours after 7 p. m., and were also called during the night, and if we protested had it care- fully explained “that it was part of the duties of a telegrapher” and admonished “not to complain, that no doubt we would be president some day.” So “in” that went for good measure. Along with these presidential possibilities, and the like, there was some other stuff handed out to us about remaining out of labor unions, being good and doing all we were told without complain- ing, and we would get our reward when we died. But this “throwing in” business a large majority of us became tired of, and such remuneration as above mentioned we decided was “deferred pay- ments,” and, besides, we felt these “rewards after death” were coming to us anyway. These “rain- bow propositions” and this “hot air” talk might do if we were living up in the air, but it takes something more substantial to clothe and feed our wives and little ones during our short stay in this particular part of the universe. So we commenced to have something to say as to the price of our commodity.- Something to say as to the time of going to and returning from our places of busi- ness. Something to say as to the rights of those in the service. Something to say as to a minimum wage and as to a wage at the heavier positions. You all know what I am driving at whether you be member or non. How did we arrive at the point of having any “say” as to these, our busi- ness affairs? Do you want anything to say as to the price of your ware on the market, Mr. Non? Or would you rather take what is offered, or what your craft’s business association brings you? If the latter, you put yourself in the posi tion of being a parasite. If you are abreast of the times you are up-to-date in your line of business. If you are in the oil business you are part of the oil trust. If a merchant you are in your local merchants’ association. If you are a telegrapher, you should be in the O. R. T., because it is through that organization we have arrived at hav- ing a “say” and at the point of protecting our market. We have only commenced, too. We are still “throwing in” for good measure lots of hard work that we should receive some remuneration for or some one else should do. We claim we should have an eight-hour day (and we see it coming in the near future). If this claim is right we are now “throwing in” four hours per day, most of us. We are lugging mail to and from the postofficc, transferring it, loading it on and taking it off of trains, and assuming the responsibilities of its proper dispatch and care, with no allowance of pay, but a fine if we fail to do it. In other words, it is worth nothing to put a mail pouch on a train, but $1 if we don’t. Great logic, ain’t it? The United States Government has well-paid employes in the mail cars and post offices whose duty it is to look after the mail, yet many of us go through rain or snow, heat or cold, lugging the mail back and forth, while the postmaster is toasting his shins by the fire, or fanning himself in the shade, as the case may be. Gee, but we are easy, oblig- ing, patriotic mules, eh? It is drawing near the time when your com- mittee is going after a revised schedule. Let me impress upon any brother who has not yet re- newed his card to do so at once. Several who were out in the cold have done the necessary re- cently, as the August journal shows. Now, you few remaining nons should follow 9uit. Don’t be a parasite. The amount of good things to be obtained depends upon the support you give your committee. The time has passed when the excuse of “not being able to pay the fee, or keep up dues” is a reasonable one. As has been said before, you are all, members or nons, realizing directly or indirectly from the organization more than it costs to keep up-to-date. This being true, how can you afford to remain out or become delin- quent? How can you afford it financially or from the standpoint of manhood? To remain a non makes it appear that you are laboring under the misapprehension that this coun- try is still composed of independent citizens. This is a grievous error. It is composed rtierely of con- ditions and men are simply the atoms which go to make up the different clashing classes. The em- ployer is but little more independent than the employed, each is governed by qualifying condi- tions, stronger than mere taste. The employer who is struggling to maintain his individuality among his jealous and crafty peers, is but little more to be envied than the workingman who is struggling to maintain his very existence. The thing to realize is that the sooner this change, which is foretold by every reliable indication, takes place, the sooner all may settle down to a period of peaceful enjoyment of the fruits of their own toil. No one docs more harm than the parasite, who, for a temporary sop, is willing to prolong a con- flict, the result of which is inevitable. Is there a man today who in looking back to the revolu- tionary period of our own history, would not hate to find that his ancestors were Tories — men who aided a foreign government in trying to continue the yoke upon the neck of this country? In glancing back at the struggle of the unions, it is impossible for a true-hearted laboring man not to feel pride in the position to which the union ha9 raised him. But can a man who refuses to iden- tify himself with the movement which is to result in raising labor to the dignified position it is bound to acquire, be called true-hearted? Is he, in fact, one bit better than the imbecile inheritor of income-producing property, who has not intel- lect or manhood enough to add to the world’s good, Digitized by Google

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1576 The Railroad Telegrapher. yet, like a leech, sucks out the nourishment which should go to the true producer. Tyrants have ever relied upon traitors. If every man would be true to his own cause there would be no tyranny. History proves this — select any portion you will and you will see the proof of this. Take our own militia, which is but a club for the employer, and it is recruited from the sons and brothers of the employed. And the irony of all is, that the tyrant invariably feels a contempt for the traitor, even when he uses him for a club. He marks him for a traitor and when he can once more avail himself of the services of true men he turns the traitor adrift with a sneer. It is no longer a question of choice, each man must study the class in which his own interests lie, and by aiding this class increase its strength until it can demand recognition. This will hasten the moment of adjustment and do away with the constant feel- ing of uncertainty in regard to the future. The great trouble has always been that all classes have been forced to get their news, their ethics, and their religion from the dominating class. But to- day there are papers which are capable of showing the true relation of every man to every principle, and a man who remains ignorant has no excuse. A man who continues to sit up and beg for his bone, after he has been taught how to demand his meat like a man, may continue to receive the spaniel’s caress for a time, but, in the end, he will be kicked from the door and then he will be ashamed to look his mirror in the face. If we are men, let us act like men. Mr. J. A. Cavanaugh, formerly agent at West Lebanon, has taken the day position as telegrapher at that point. Mr. Cavanaugh will, no doubt, do the necessary soon. Bro. Brey, formerly agent at Marshfield, trans- ferred to Andrews agency. Bro. J. F. Hetrick now agent at Marshfield, and M. J. Pryor, a new man on the Wabash, nights. Mr. Jones, agent at State Line, off on vacation. Bro. R. E. Helwig relief man. Bro. Dun woody, Newell tower nights, off sick; relieved by Mr. W. H. Pemberton. The brothers between Attica and Tilton have their hands full trying to keep the gravel trains moving, things balled up quite a bit nevertheless. Wonder if the boys on the Second District all contributed their little “mite” to C. T. U., Divi- sion No. 3? Reports from the east end show that the O. R. T. boys responded freely to the call. Very nearly a tie-up in Western Union business since the strike. The company is now sending “mailgrams,” instead of “telegrams.” How would you like to get a share of their dividends next time? Mr. Wm. Marsteller, a new telegrapher on the Wabash, writes your local chairman that just as soon as able he will have a card, and does not think that will be long now. This shows the right kind of stuff. Mr. Fackler, who formerly worked for the G., R. & I., and who has not been telegraphing for something like a year and a half, now working days at Hartman tower for a few days. Haven’t heard if he is up-to-date or not, but hope if not he soon will be. Bro. Tillock says he finds some of the boys do not know the secret work and fail to come back at him. How about it, brothers? Bro. Tillock, at Thurman, is going to have a new house built which will make it more pleasant for him. We understand Sister V. M. Baker, who baa been away some time, is going to resume work at Blakesley before long. Probably September i. We are assured that Sister F. H. Schottenmeyer “RY,” of Fort Wayne, trill return to work again, and that any rumors to the contrary are false. Bro. A. H. Barcklow is working “Z,” Peru, during the absence of Bro. Lipsett. Bro. R. R. Gladden, of Logansport, on vacation August i ft to September 3, visiting relatives and friends at Toledo and Chicago. Bro. D. C. Burke is doing the work days, Bro. W. S. Bandy nights. Bro. Lichstein nights at New Haven. Bro. King off on vacation of fifteen days; relieved by ex- Telegrapher Herman Schottenmeyer, who has re- turned. Spent time in the wilds of Northern Michigan. It comes from a pretty reliable source that the party in mind on the Second District who kept a student, has discontinued him, or will do so soon. Nothing heard from the others, and we hope the same has happened over there. Telegrapher Avey has under consideration an offer of a position with an oil company at Port Arthur, Tex., and will accept if he can be relieved in time to secure it. Bro. Agnew, at Butler, off for two weeks for rest. Telegrapher Smith, who was at Prairie Switch, is now working at Cecil tower. Mr. H. O. Eviston is working at Prairie Switch now, but has no card. Bro. Hanson has papers and thinks he will be O. K. next month. Today Mr. Wm. Mahoney, one of Delphi’s mer- chants, stopped me on the street to inquire as to the progress of the strike. After expressing him- self strongly in favor of the C. T. U. A., asked me if I would take a contribution of $5 from him and get it to the strike fund. I told him I would be glad to do so and it is now on its way to Bro. LaFever. Mr. Mahoney was once a union cigarmaker, and has a warm spot in his heart for the brothers and sisters of the C. T. U., who are struggling for better conditions. This is the kind of public sympathy that counts. Yours fraternally, W. P. Shutt, L. C. Decatur Division — Another month has chased and we are still doing what is in our power to better the Order. Last month's Telegrapher was an interesting issue and should be thoroughly read. Speaking of the commercial telegraphers’ strike now pending, I wish to thank the brothers, and also quite a number of nons for their loyalty to union labor, and for their good judgment by com- plying with all clauses in our schedule, and still Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1597 doing what was in their power to assist the cause of our sister union now involved with the Western Union and Postal Telegraph Companies. Mrs. Eslaman, of Staunton, and Mr. S. Shugart promise their applications soon. Mr. A. Moore, Raymond, has tendered his ap- plication and remitted the necessary, and we may now extend the fraternal greeting to him and call him brother. Bro. E. J. Carroll, who was stationed at Blue Mound, resigned his position and departed for Denver, Colo. Bro. Logsdon resumed duty at Clarksdale after being off on account of sickness; relieved by Bro. A. Townsend, of Southern Pacific Division No. 53. A Mr. E. S. Gaston, holds forth at Edsville Junction nights, and promises to affiliate with us in the early future. This time it is “we are after you, Gaston/’ instead of “you first, Gaston.” Bro. Wm. Norvell, of Chicago Ridge, visited his parents in Raymond the last month. Bro. Stone, of Litchfield, en route to Decatur several weeks ago, dropped in and introduced him- self to your correspondent. The following telegraphers doubled Harvel night position until Bro. Bergen returned from his trip to Indiana: Bros. Lovell, of Taylorville; Mont- gomery, of Stonington; Cash, of Decatur; Griffin, of Harvel; Moore and Hendricks, of Raymond, and Bro. Townsend, a new comer. Bro. Montgomery celebrated his thirty-seventh birthday working Harvel night job. Your cor- respondent does not recollect the date, but never- theless, we wish him many more birthdays and happy years to follow. A man by the name of Brewer is holding forth at Stonington nights. Bro. W. W. Renner, of “H,” Decatur, enjoyed a well-earned vacation, which he spent in the Queen City, Cincinnati. Bro. Tightmaster relieved him. Understand Bro. C. Y. Walton, of the dispatch- er’s office, is working nights in “H” office since he has made the rounds relieving the severat dis- patchers. Mr. L. E. Groves resigned Philo position. Un- able to say where he has drifted. A Mr. Reynolds bolding Philo for the present. Another meeting will be held in the near future and all brothers should be prepared to attend when the summons appear. Mrs. Grewcll has resigned Granite City night position. A new comer holding forth. Mr. Debellc, formerly of Brooklyn days, died in the Decatur Hospital, Thursday, August 22, after suffering and lingering for the past year. He was an honest and upright gentleman, always fulfilling his duties and, although not a member of the Order, was always interested in our wel- fare. He will be missed from our ranks as a teleg- rapher, and our sympathy is extended his be- reaved relatives, who mourn his loss. Bro. Moore doubled Raymond nights while Bro. Hendricks held forth at Harvel, while Bro. Custer acted as agent and telegrapher at Raymond during the shifting. Chas. Whitmer, formerly agent at Morrison- ville, is reported to be filling a position with the St. Louis Terminal at Madison. A Roy Brown, who filled a position in the Ter- minal office at East St. Louis Relay Station, was dismissed by that company and we understand he is now holding forth with the Southern Railway at East St. Louis, Broadway office. Be on the look- out for this party and put him on the unfair list, and show no “scab” a favor. Bro. Childers, of “JO,” Decatur, crossed the river and was sight-seeing in St. Louis recently, and reported he attended a meeting of the C. T. U. of A. Am not in position to say what induced our brother to vacate “JO” position, and sincerely hope he has not departed from our ranks. Understand Bro. D. L. Giffin has resigned Hai- vel agency and contemplates departing for the northern portion of the United States soon. Bro. Giffin was a faithful brother and employe, and we regret to forfeit him, but wish him suc- cess in his new field, and an occasional line from him would be appreciated. Bro. Bergan, of Harvel, was called to Brooklyn, Ind., to the bedside of his father, who, later, died. Our sympathy is extended in his sad bereavement Bro. Aikman and wife, of Honey Bend, spent Sunday, August 2 5, visiting friends at Litchfield Mrs. Grewell, the wife of Bro. Grewell, at Gran- ite City days, is holding down day position for the Big Four at that place. Business seems rather dull since the commer cial strike, as very little is being transacted on the Western Union message wires, and the old click of the sounder will sound familiar when a settlement is reached. The agents of the north end. Sixth District, can vouch for the generosity of our worthy local chair- man. We enjoyed a good feed about August 1 at his expense, and are thankful for the same. New man, named Guy Moreford, from Windsor, working days at Ccrro Gordo. Mr. Wingate doing the night stunt. Several changes in agencies have recently taken place or will in the near future, viz., Bro. W. F. Ayers, of Sannemin, goes to Morrisonville; Bro. Schwarz, of Staunton, to Blue Mound; Bro. Ball, of Mansfield, to Staunton; Bro. Brakhane, of Ives- dall, to Homer, and Bro. Soper, of Milmine, to Ivesdale. However, Ivesdale and Staunton have not been bulletined. The following stations will soon be bulletined: Mansfield, Saunemin, Milmine, and Hammond. Am unable to say what has caused the vacancy at Hammond. Hope our good brother, J. Loren Lewis, has not left us. Everything on the Eighth District is progress- ing nicely. Have had the promise of two new applications. We welcome Mr. Powers, from Homer, to our district. Do not know whether to call him brother or not. He bids in Sullivan. Mr. J. W. Patter- son deceased. Digitized by Google

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1578 The Railroad Telegrapher. We had a general manager’s special the 23d of July on this district. The officials did not make any local stops, but made it a high-ball run. (iuess they saw that all were O. R. T. boys and had things up in good condition. In conclusion, I may add that the lookout for increase of membership on this division appears favorable, considering the few nons existing, and we can justly boast of our increased membership during the past few months, much credit being due Bro. Hefner and those who assisted. Drv. Cor. Detroit Division — Bro. Carl Speicer, regular man at Belleville, is off for a short time; relieved by Telegrapher J. L. Phillips, a beginner on the Wabash. Bro. W. H. Sellers, regular man at Romulus days, is working the agents' job at Britton. Agent W. J. Clark is taking a few weeks* vacation with his son, Bro. G. W. Clark, who is regular day man at Britton. Bro. Clark was relieved by Bro. Roy Van Nest days, and Bro. Van Nest by Bro. Frank Beatty nights. Bro. W. C. Curry working days at Romulus, G. S. Shannon nights. This change is while Bro. Sellers is away. Bro. F. J. Jones has returned to work at Delray, after several weeks off on account of sickness. R. A. Bethel bid in Victoria Avenue nights, on the last bulletin of that job. Mr. Bethel has prom- ised to do the necessary. Bro. L. A. Yoder, nights at Milan, is off sick with a fever. We hope to sec him back at work soon. Sister Wiley (?) has returned to work after a few days’ relief at Cone days, and Bro. C. W. Shoup has resumed night work. Bro. G. S. Davis, agent at Holloway, has been relieving Bro. G. F. Gund at Adrian days, for a while. Bro. Davis relieved by Bro. John Bloom, regular night man. Am unable to say who is working nights. Notice there are some new fists at Sand Creek and North Morenci, but am unable to name them. If they will just furnish me with this data 1 will be glad to insert it. Telegraphers Ward Ritchie and C. Lowe, who have been with other lines since they worked here, are again in our midst. Bro. L. J. Miller bid in Westville nights, and Telegrapher Hilton took Whittaker, but under- stand he is going to Ennis. Don’t know who will line-up at Whittaker. Louie Jonas and G. A. Shultz both carry up-to- date cards. Don’t forget to extend to them the right hand of fellowship. Bro. C. J. Marsh, regular night man at Kings- bury, has been doing relief work at Montpelier and superintendent's office at Detroit for the last month; relieved at Kingsbury by Bro. F. Smith, who worked three nights and was taken sick. Smith iclieved by Telegrapher Miss Olga George. Bro. E. I. Crossley doing relief work at several places along the line, now holding down “MD” office at Detroit, and understand he has asked for Montpelier night office on the last bulletin. Bro. Crossley is a good worker and we wish him luck. The journal for July did not contain items and can't say whether the August number did or not. Have not yet seen that issue, but trust they will appear each month. The regular correspondent did not know why they were not in, though per- haps they were forwarded too late for publication. We note that Telegrapher C. Lowe, who came back to the Wabash to work in June, is now extra dispatcher at Montpelier, and it looks like he has got in quickly, there being two other men in this office much older than he is. Trust the boys will all insist on their rights, and if you don’t you have no one to blame but yourselves. If the brothers would send in a few items each month it would help out in the making of the writeup for the journal, and then they would not have to wonder why we are not represented in each issue. Being on one end of the line it is hard for any one to get what is going on at the other without assistance. I hope that each brother will help us out in this matter. Local Chairman. C., 8t. P., M. & O. Ry. Xehraska Division — Ouite a few changes have taken place on the division this month, and I will try and enumerate them all. If I leave any out it will not be my fault, as I have done the best I could, with no help from anyone at all. Seems the members do not care whether there is a letter from this divi- sion each month or not, but I will try and keep the thing going as long as I am working. Bro. Shellington, dispatcher’s office, Omaha, working branch dispatcher's wire days. Mr. Tay- lor now has trick regular, our good friend Halli- sey having left the service and accepted a $140 job dispatching on the G. N., up in Western North Dakota. Bro. Shellington has bid in side wire days for a permanent job, and ex-Bro. Hamblin is working the night trick side wire at present. A man from the M. & I. Division signs “VC,” working St. Paul wire temporarily while the boys are taking their vacations. R. A. Coyle bid in Florence Station, and has a vacation all the time now. Bro. J. F. Ballinger, of Emerson agency, was assigned to the agency at Tekamah, recently, and has taken charge. Mr. C. H. Hamblin, for many years agent at this point, has taken the cashier’s position, which will not be so arduous, and his responsibility will not be so great. Mr. W. B. Jacobson, who has performed the duties of cashier here for sometime, has taken the examination and gone on the extra list as relief agent and teleg- rapher. We wish him success. At present he is relieving the agent at Concord, who is taking a few days’ vacation. It is “Brother" P. P. Hayes days at Bancroft now, he having made good and now wears the button, along with that smile of his. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1579 Mr. Pinion, agent telegrapher at Thurston, bid in agency at Newcastle on last bulletin, and will soon transfer. We hope to have him among the seekers after an O. R. T. card in the near future. Bro. F. B. Smith, who for several years has so ably held the telegraphers* desk at Emerson, has been promoted to the agency at that place, made vacant by transfer of Bro. Ballinger. This is a deserved promotion and we hope Bro. Smith will have success. Mr. H. I. Smith is holding the wire down days until it is bulletined. Mr. Smith is almost a brother, as he has the necessary papers, and says he will send them in very shortly. Bro. Hutton, agent at Coburn, took a couple oi weeks* vacation recently, and visited his sister and family at Des Moines, la. He reports a fine time. He was relieved by an old-timer, Mr. Fers- tle, who is now located at Wakefield days. Mr. H. I. Smith was sent to Wakefield for a week and was relieved at Stock Yards by F. R. Sherman, a new production from the U. P. Bro. O. F. Bubb has resigned from the service and has gone to Denver to engage in other busi- ness with his brothers at that place. Good luck to him, hope he will strike it rich. Bro. D. C. Learner, the good old standby from Wakefield, is taking a much-needed vacation of sixty days, and ought to be as good as new when he returns. Do not know where he journeyed, but will venture that he has a good time- wherever he goes. Relieved by P. N. Petersen. Bro. L. S. Wise, agent-telegrapher at Newcastle, has resigned, and says he will try braking on the road, if he can get a position. We hope he will do well, for he deserves to if anyone does. The C. T. U. of A. brothers are still out on strike, and we hope they will eventually win out. A little assistance in the way of money at this time may be of great importance, and help them to gain their point, and we should all be liberal and do the little that each one is able to. Be prompt, brothers, and make your remittance at once if you have not already done so. Also, don’t forget to pay up your dues, if you have not already done so. Div. Cor. Minnero a and Iowa Dii'isions — WIN DOM MEETING. Sunday, July 28, will go down in history as a day long to be remembered. No. 3, being late, brought the west end boys to W'indom a few minutes ahead of the east end boys, and the big button was very much in evi- dence when train No. 3 pulled in, and the crowd that was unloaded from the east end should be complimented on the turn out, there being fifteen from the east end and nine from the west end. However, it is to be regretted that some of the boys turned down our meeting for a local picnic, or some other trivial matter. They should emulate the example of Bros. Beyer, Atkinson, Pluede- raann, Everett, Wenemark, Axt and Price, who were compelled to lose sleep in order to attend th* meeting. Bro. Beyer was compelled to leave home at 5 p. m. Saturday and was not able to get back until noon Monday. Bro. Atkinson had to make a drive of thirty miles to attend, and Bro. Pluedemann came from Montrose, S. I)ak., losing sleep, and also being at considerable ex- pense. If some of the boys who live on the main line would make half an effort to attend we could have meetings that would be both beneficial and profitable. After the arrival of trains Nos. 3 and 4. the boys were loaded into busses and driven to that most beautiful and popular resort at Swastika Beach, just forty minutes drive from Windom, and the way they enjoyed themselves was good for sore eyes. We were treated to a steam launch ride around the lake, returning to partake of the refreshments from the up-to-date refreshment counters located on the beach. Many beautiful and pleasant summer cottages adorn the banks, together with a dancing, or speaker’s pavilion. We returned to Windom about 7 o’clock, and as the inner man needed attention we repaired to the famous hotel known as the Pioneer House, for supper. Having done justice to the repast that was spread before us, we adjourned to the hall, where we were royally entertained by Messrs. Glick and Wagner. Meeting was called to order at 9 o’clock and much important business was handled. There were twenty-seven members pres- ent and from the remarks we feel safe in saying that no one regretted being there. Meeting ad- journed at 11:30 p. m. Bro. Beyer carried off the prize for the best story, while Bro. Glick was voted the “best what* is,’’ in the musical contest. The report of the custodian shows a healthy treasury, and the local chairman reported the Omaha as having the largest number of paid-up members in the history of the organization on this road. Bro. Tenney reported having secured fifteen new members, eight of which became members the 1st of July, and seven have banded in their papers to become effective the 1st of August. Some one remarked there would be only one non left when the committee went in this fall. We all returned to the depot to await the arri- val of our trains, and although somewhat sleepy and tired, we all felt that the day had been well spent, and that we would return to our respec- tive stations thanking our obliging officials for having allowed us to attend this meeting. Those who stayed away lost one day of perfect enjoy- ment. Our next meeting will be held some time in Oc- tober, and was voted to have the invitations in- clude the wives and sweethearts of the agents and telegraphers. So now, if you have no wife, it behooves you to spruce up a little and look for a best girl, so that you will be in line for the next meeting. After a short visit at St. James, Bro. Spatgren returned to his former duties, nights at Merriam. Bro. C. A. Fielder, of Farmer, was called sud- denly to Longsport, Ind., on account of the seri- ous sickness of his mother and his brother’s fam- Digitized by t^ooQle

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1580 The Railroad Telegrapher. ily. We learn that the sickness was caused by eating canned fruit. Bro. Fielder was relieved by Bro. E. L. Klingelhofer. Bro. Colfax, oi Fulton, returned from his West- ern trip and resumed work July 20. Mr. A. G. Lane taking his much-needed vacation. Bro. Tenney reports securing fifteen new appli- cations as a result of ten days’ spent with the boys along the line. Mr. A. G. Lane spent Sunday, the xst, at Wilder. He later visited with his parents at Slayton. Bro. C. N. Williams, from Division No. 1 19. now at Shakopce, has asked to be transferred to Division No. 76. Bro. C. B. Casperson, of Stone, has just re- turned after four weeks* vacation, during which time he visited his parents at Milwaukee, and took in the sights at Duluth, Superior and Minneapo- lis. He feels the trip has done him much good, and enters upon his duties of pounding brass with a new interest. Bro. Zimmerman, of Kasota, relieved at Man- kato nights, allowing Bro. Funk to take a short vacation. Later, Bro. Zimmerman took a two weeks’ vacation, visiting Chicago and Milwaukee. Bro. J. J. Long relieved Bro. Zimmerman at Kasota. Bro. Hamilton, of Belle Plaine, leaves the 2d inst. for a couple of weeks’ visit with his former friends at Austin, Minn. Unable, as yet, to learn who his relief is. Bro. A. R. Mann, who has been relieving at Lake Crystal for the past two weeks, took up his assigned position at Windom, July 30. Bro. J. H. Nelson, of Sioux City freight office, has been relieving at Mitchell. Returned to his former position August 1. Bro. Reed is relieving temporarily at Slayton, thus allowing Bro. Beek to take a much-needed va- cation. Upon Bro. Beek’s return, Bro. Reed will take up his assigned duties at Lake Wilson. Bro. Tenney and our friend, N. S. Costello, of Lake Crystal, made a flying trip to North Da- kota the latter part of July, with a view ot pur- chasing some of that land. Bro. Tenney tells us that he saw a vast amount of North Dakota sky while there, and if nothing happens, will be able to claim a small portion of that large State as his. Friend Nic was not so favorably impressed with the country, and boarded the first freight train back to St. Paul. Bro. F. W. Larson, who relieved Bro. Jansen at Madelia during the months of June and July, relieved Bro. Tenney at Lake Crystal, later rc lieved Bro. Mann nights. Bro. J. E. Smith and wife, of Bingham Lake, are viewing the sights at Seattle; relieved by Mr. E. E. Stolte, of Elmore. Bro. A. E. Hyde, of Windom. is relieving nights at Brewster. Bro. Beek, of Slayton, resumed work the 3d, releasing Bro. II. C. Reed. Bro. Reed will take a ten days’ leave of absence, incidentally visiting the city of Winnipeg, and upon his return will take up his assigned duties as agent at Lake Wil- son. Bro. Warburton, of Humboldt,, resumed work July 20. Bro. F. E. Anderson, who has been reliev- ing Bro. Warburton, is now visiting relatives at Centerville. Bro. Fiock, of Mitchell, resumed work the 1st. Telegrapher Regan, of Bigelow nights, was called to Mendota on account of the present agent being sick. Bro. Hyde is relieving temporarily nights at Bigelow. Mr. John Johnson has been doing the necessary at Barden for a few days; was relieved at Barden the 4th inst., and at present is relieving at Blake ley. Night position at Brewster has been closed on account of the scarcity of men. Bro. Fiock has resumed work at Mitchell after a long vacation. He reports a splendid time and is ready to get back into the harness. Bro. C. W. Hamilton, of Belle Plaine, days, has returned from his trip through Iowa and Southern Minnesota. He reports making a visit to Bro. Ted Hales’ new place of business, and says Ted has the biggest kind of snap, with nothing to do but take care of a few chickens. We are all glad to learn that Teddie is doing well and wish for his continued success. Understand Bro. J. M. Linehan, of Ashton days, is taking a lay-off; relieved by Bro. J. H. Nel- son. Bro. E. L. Klingelhoffer is back at his old stand at Luveme nights. Bro. J. N. Alvord, of Mountain Lake, visited at St. James the 17th. With individual effort there should not be a non left on the division when the committee goes in this fall. You all know that our concessions heretofore have been based upon the percentage of our membership, therefore it behooves us all to get busy and land the few remaining nons be- tween now and the time the committee goes in. Bro. Feyder and family and Bro. Enders and family, spent Sunday, August 1, at Truman. Bro. H. L. Glick is now in his new position at the general offices at St. Paul; relieved by Mr. Lane. Bro. H. G. Stumm is now doing his little stunt as night side wire man in the dispatcher’s office at St. James. Bro. Fairfield goes on days, Mr. Slaker, the second side wire man, having taken a leave of absence for a few weeks. Bro. C. W. Hartley is relieving Bro. Stumm at Heron Lake. Unable to learn name of the night man. Our old friend and former brother, F. E. Slaker, was shaking hands with old-time friends on the Omaha the past week. Fred is now located on the Southern Pacific at Los Angeles, as trick dis- patcher, and is doing well. Div. Co*. At a meeting of the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers, held at Windom, Minn., Sunday, July 28, 1907, it was the unanimous sentiment that, Wherfas, Three leaders of the Western Feder- ation of Miners have stood under indictment for Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1581 conspiracy in aiding the murder of a former Gov- ernor of the State of Idaho, and Whereas, These leaders, Messrs. Haywood, Moyer and Pettibone, were, in our opinion, the victims of a conspiracy to annihilate the West- ern Federation of Miners, and Whereas, By the verdict of the jury, Wm. D. Haywood has this day been acquitted of the charge brought against him; be it Resolved, That the members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers present at this meeting do hereby express their hearty approval of such ver- dict; and be it further Resolved , That a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this meeting, and also sent to The Railroad Telegrapher for publica- tion. R. Beyer, Jno. Atkinson, H. B. Levering. Eastern District, Wisconsin Division — Your correspondent has been too busy handling the extra business caused by the late storm to hunt up many items. A few items drifted in and for such I am duly thankful. Yours truly has been very busy lately and were it not for these items this district would be but very poorly represented. Bro. A. W. Hoffman, who has been working nights at East St. Paul, is relieving Bro. Goss at Altoona days. Bro. Goss is laying off sick. Bro. H. L. Nichols is working nights at East St. Paul, pending the arrival of Bro. Fritz Kottke, who drew the job on July bulletin. Bro. Kottke is enjoying a few days’ vacation; relieved by Bro. Donahy, who just returned from a trip down home. Northline night job was bulletined in error this month. It should have been Northline days, and same will appear on the next bulletin. Mr. D. Kanar, East Seventh street nights, is now a full-fledged member. Good boy! It’s a pity McGarrah at Roberts, Rylander at Lake Elmo, and Locke at Beldenvillc, can’t see it so, instead of persisting in drawing the benefits secured through the O. R. T. Yet they still refuse to help bear the burden. Telegrapher Geo. O'Brien reported for work and think he is at Lake Elmo nights. Bro. Davis, agent at River Falls, is off on vacation; relieved by Telegrapher Frost. He, in turn, was relieved by the night man from Solon Springs. Don't know his name. Agent Krause, Baldwin, also off on vacation; relieved by Bro. Hurst. Don’t know who is taking Bro. Hurst’s place. Bro. Gaffney, night man at Tunnel, drew Mills- ton nights on bulletin; relieved at Tunnel by Bro. Gray. Mr. Stucke (non), day man at Tunnel, drew Zazel Park on July bulletin. Bro. Gray took the day job and Bro. Lamm, from East Seventh street, took the night trick, Following are the assignments on the July bul- letin: Cable nights, Bro. J. C. Wilkins. Tunnel nights, Bro. J. S. Johnson. Humbird nights, Bro. S. F. Haskell. Eau Claire side wire, third trick days, Bro. O. T. Balgord. Eau Claire side wire, first trick nights, Bro. J. A. Devine. Eau Claire side wire, second trick nights, Bro. G. E. Anderson. Hazel Park days, Mr. G. F. Stucke (non), East St. Paul nights, Bro. F. C. Kottke. Van. Wisconsin Division, Northern District — The same time-worn complaint holds good, very few telegraphers have interested themselves suffi- ciently to write your correspondent a few lines as to what is going on in your immediate vicinity. Bro. Kovarik has returned to his night work at Boardman, after spending a month’s vacation in Minnesota. Bro. Kleeman, from Boardman to Clear Lake nights, and Mr. Funne from Clear Lake to War rens. Bro. Marquette and wife have gone to house- keeping at Shell Lake, after a wedding trip which covered thousands of miles in the Western coun- try. They paid visits to Yellowstone, Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake, Denver and Chicago. Bro. Marquette was married on July 16th to Miss Rosa- lie Beaudrie. R. F. Barlow relieved Bro. Marquette at Shell Lake during the former’s absence. A. E. Cantley, Shell Lake, is off on account of illness; relieved by R. F. Barlow. Chas. Beale laying off; relieved by Prof. Conrad at Haugen. Bro. Berg, of Lakeside, taking a vacation; re- lieved by G. M. Morris, a beginner. Bro. J. C. Wilkins drew Cable nights, on the July bulletin. Understand that Mr. North has left the service, and Mr. Hollingsworth, of Cameron, has also bid us goodby. Bro. Balgord now performs as third day man in the Eau Claire office. Bro. Blake, Itasca, is away recuperating, and Bro. Jacobs, regular night man there, working days. Don’t know who is at Itasca nights. It is with pleasure that we note the promotion of our ex-chief train dispatcher, W. J. Maloy, who has recently been made trainmaster for the North ern Pacific at Seattle, Wash. P. M. Olson is back from Washington, where he had been employed with the N. P. P. M. now carries an up-to-date card and expects to be with us again in the near future. Bro. Applequist has left New Richmond. Spent a few days at Spooner days, and is now located at Turtle Lake nights. Bro. Fouts now at Spooner till Bro. Essick is sufficiently recuperated to re- sume work. Bro. Palmer, Spooner nights, was taken ill the latter part of August and a superintendent, J. W. Welsh, took a turn at telegraphy again to keep things on the move. Digitized by Google

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1582 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. W. J. Mills is back to work at Bayfield, after spending a few weeks at the bedside of his wife, who was ill. Bros. L. C. Berg, A. W. Nordholm and L. Mc- Farlane each spent some time at the Bayfield job. Mr. Searing is back in harness again at Ash- land Junction. Bro. Kottke has taken up the duties of night man at East St. Paul, and Bro. Hoffman is now at •Altoona, relieving Bro. Goss, who is on the sick list. Bro. A. W. Nordholm relieved Mr. Posternock at Solon Springs, August 12. When an appeal for help in a good cause reaches you, ponder seriously, then if you think you are not sufficiently strong to stand even a small con- tribution, throw the appeal aside and crawl into your shell. If there be a single man, holding an up-to-date card, who refuses to contribute, he has not yet mastered the rudiments of unionism. Help along these men and women who arc in the pres- ent fight. Appeals for help will not be issued un- less they are absolutely necessary. New man, A. R. Chase, doing relief work now at New Richmond. New names to add to the list of members: Bros. S. Ingebretson, R. C. Jones and W. E. Neitzel. Most of the boys responded promptly to the first call by purchasing tickets for the benefit concert for Local No. 9, held at St. Paul on August 22. Div. Co*. C., C., C. & St. L. Ry. Cincinnati Dizision — This division, like all others, has its quota of confirmed nons, and our greatest desire is to get them into line and a great effort is being made by a few loyal brothers to do so. But it seems as though they can not be convinced that it would be to their benefit to be the bearer of an up-to-date card, or else they will not acknowledge it. The character of some people is peculiar, indeed. No doubt but what the motive of some of these peculiar characters in taking the negative side of this question is that it costs the sum of $9 to join the Order, and a matter of $12 or $15 a year to keep in good standing, and they think that they can reap the same benefit from the Order by re- maining nons, as there are only a few of them, and they must admit that the man who contributes toward the cause, financially and fraternally, is just a little bit more of a man than they are. The nons use various means and plans to shun the common-sense talk of an Order man. On one occasion a certain non on this division was ap- proached by several of the boys, and asked why he didn't fall in line, and he said it was a good thing, and that he already had his application in, hut it now develops that his application failed to reach headquarters, and he is still out in the cold. Certain telegraphers say they can not spare the money to join on account of sickness and other reasons. These excuses are three or four years old, and were dished out when we attempted to organize on a former occasion. The company is installing the eight-day lamps, and their coming is heralded with joy, as it means less walking and lamp cleaning. Understand some of the brothers did ample jus- tice to the pay-car this month on overtime, on account of having to double up. Bro. Kehoe, days at Avenue, is off on a vaca- tion. Bro. Stewart, night man, is woricing days during Bro. Kehoe’s absence. While a Mr. Compton, of Georgesville, is doing the owl act. Bro. Justice, at Dennison avenue, is off a few nights. Being relieved by a Mr. Rowe of Colum- bus. Bro. Dickinson, of Lilly Chapel, has charge of the agency at Catawba, Bro. Lippincott having resigned. Bro. Shefton, of “ZO” nights, bid in the night job at Lilly Chapel. Mr. Plymell, a new beginner, at “ZO” nights. Mr. Harrison, Myers nights, resigned. Mr. Debolt, who hails from a W. U. office in Spring- field, is doing the owl act. Bro. Franklin, of Plattsburg, spent a few days in Columbus visiting friends. Bro. Slagle, the night man at Plattsburg, is con- templating a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. Brown, of Brooks, resigned to go back to the green hills of West Virginia, where eight-hour jobs are plentiful. Bro. Howser, an old C., H. & D. man, at Brooks nights. Bro. Stabler at Brooks, had to double a couple of nights on account of no night man. Bro. Rogers of “AK” tower, Springfield, took a trip to Sandusky the other Sunday. Bro. Armstrong the night owl at “AK” tower, Springfield, is contemplating a two weeks' vacation in August. Bro. Laughrey, of “YK” tower, took a trip to Detroit, Mich., on the D., T. & I. Among our loyal brothers along this pike wc have a jeweler, Bro. Runyan, at Moorefield, ready at all times for a job of watch repairing. Bro. Stephenson, of West Chester, and Bro. Bestel, of Middletown, spent a day at the Miami Valley Chautauqua at Franklin, in company with a couple of estimable young ladies of Plattsburg. Bro. Littler, of Lackland nights, has resigned and gone to Nebraska to oversee his farm. There is quite a scarcity of telegraphers on this division on account of the eight-hour inducements existing on other roads. “Q” office, Miamisburg; “BM” office. Middle- town, Lilly Chapel and Brooks nights, and Ca- tawba days, bulletined open. Bro. Engle has resigned at “Q” tower to ac- cept a position with the Friend Paper Co. He was relieved by Bro. Hayes. Bro. G. W. Whitlock did the night stunt at West Carrollton while Bro. Stevick was off on his vacation. Bro. Smith, of South Siding, is relieving Bro. Swartz at Dayton yard. He is enjoying a vaca- tion. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1583 A number of positions were advertised during the past month which were, with the exception of one, all interlocking stations, and are paying overtime which amounts to $7.50 per month. Brothers, these are promotions if it’s the cash you are looking after. Mr. W. H. Keever, night man at Osborn, has asked for the necessary blanks and will be found with the proper credentials soon. Bro. Holtzman, of “Q” tower, spent a few days with Bro. Justice at Columbus. Mr. Stork is filling the position at Catawba nights. Have been unable to find out whether he has a card or not. Bro. Dickinson, of Lilly Chapel, bid in the agency at Catawba. Bro. Lippincott having re- signed. Div. Con. Peoria Division, West — Bro. Schlosser, our genial and efficient local chairman, has resigned, and we understand has accepted a better position on the P. & R. May he ever prosper and his light never grow less, is the wish of the “boys” on the P. & E. This brother has served us faithfully and worked un- tiringly to help us pull through our struggles of the past year, which he has done very successfully. Furthermore, in this brief sketch we wish to thank him again for his straightforward services and sincerely say, “Well done.” While we regret losing Bro. Schlosser, the va- cancy of local chairman has been filled by just as efficient and loyal a member in the person of Bro. Peckenpaugh, day telegrapher of Troy, Ohio. Now, boys, get acquainted with our new officer, and give him all the support possible. Let us be ever ready to assist and pull together. Remember, let’s keep the grand old O. R. T. banner floating full to the breeze, and be with the crowd at the front. Bro. Peck, regular “boss” at Lilly, has been working at Mahomet until Relief Agent Mr. Geo. Newlin, of Newcastle, could be on hand to relieve him. Bro. Peck was relieved by Bro. Rollings, of Rising, who was relieved by Bro. Hemming from the east end. Bro. Peck is a hustling member and has been appointed by the local chairman to look after the nons around Pekin and Peoria per- sonally. They certainly need attention. Bro. Houligan has taken up the agency vrork at New Ross, relieving Bro. Meade, who resigned to seek other employment. We are sorry to lose Harry, but hope he has a position that brings him more compensation. Bro. Livengood relieved by Extra Agent Mr. J. B. Howard for a couple of weeks, has returned to his regular duties. Bro. E. E. reports his va- cation a very pleasant one and finds the lake breeze quite invigorating. Bro. Deakin is absent from his duties until about October 1, or an indefinite time to improve his health, which we are glad to hear is much better, and hope he will soon be with us a “blooming sound man.” Chicago has been his re- sort for three weeks, but at present writing has returned to Fithian to visit relatives. Bro. Firebaugh is off on a week’s vacation; re- lieved by Mr. Howard, relief agent. He, like- wise, expects to spend a few days of recreation at the “Lakes.” Bro. Pinegar is rejoicing over the remodeling of his depot, which the company have completed lately. We have one veteran member on the pike known to your correspondent, Bro. Smith, agent at Mun- cie, a “grand old man,” owner of up-to-date cards since 1886, beginning with Indianapolis Grand Division, and working for different railroads ever since. Was with the Chicago and Northwestern for fourteen years, during that time they got *their first schedule. Bro. Vance, telegrapher at Mound City Pit, met with a very serious and painful accident which was a narrow escape from death. He was in the act of delivering an “order,” and in some way fell under the wheels of a fast-moving freight train, almost severing one of his limbs, that mem- ber being removed at Burnham Hospital at Cham- paign, where he was taken after the accident, and is now getting along nicely, we are *more than glad to hear. He will be in condition to be with us soon. He certainly will be given our welcome. Bro. Smith has been off duty at “DH” tower days, the past three weeks, visiting his parents, Bro. Smith and wife, at Muncie. He will return to work August 10. I am unable to learn who was relieving him. Mr. E. T. Linn, of Mace, and Mr. C. W. Martin, night telegrapher at Urbana yards, have J*,th promised to be members soon. “Skidoo” for the students and nons. What can be their hope on the P. & E. The social meeting of recent date at Fithian office with Bro. Berkeley, was quite an enjoyable one. Several of the boys were present. Refresh ments were served and a good talk on unionism was made by Bro. Schlosser, who was present. Another such meeting will be held soon at St. Joseph with Bro. Firebaugh. I would urge all who can possibly do so to attend, as I believe such meetings will prove a benefit to the members. Notice of date of meeting will be given. Bro. Berkeley is making arrangements to be off on a couple of weeks’ vacation, spending a few days at the Jamestown Exposition, Washington, D. C., Chicago, and at home for a short time before returning to work. I think it is a good plan if the members would just drop a line or two to the local correspondent every month, to be sent with the write-up for The Telegrapher. H any have been left out in this write-up, please don’t blame the writer, for news are exceedingly difficult to secure when one can not hear from the members. Cert. 398. /*. and £., East End — We have missed one or two months’ write-up in the journal for the reason that no one seems to care whether there is any news from this divi- sion or not. One man can’t keep posted on all Digitized by Google

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1584 The Railroad Telegrapher. the changes without help, so please help out, so we can be represented in each month’s issue. Bro. Cecil, who has been doing the night stunt at Durbin, has left us and returned to the Illinois Central, Mr. J. J. Scofield taking his place. Mr. Scofield promises to be with us in the near fu- ture. Bro. T. C. McCaslin, agent at New Carlisle, will leave us in a few days. He is going to work for the Pennsylvania Company. We wish him luck. Have not yet beard who is going to relieve him. Bro. E. P. Cooper, night man at New Carlisle, has also left us, says he is going West. Bro. E. N. Bower, from the C. & E. I. Division, No. 34, is relieving him. Bro. N. F. Stork, Troy nights, has left for the East, Bro. G. N. Kerr relieving him. Bro. Kerr at present is laying off on account of being sick. Mr. Fragan, of Ludlow Falls, is doing the Owl stunt. Mr. Fragan will be with us as soon as he has worked long enough at the business. Bro. J. E. Miller, day man at Arcanum, had quite a narrow escape a few days ago during a storm. The lightning struck the telephone wires and ran into the depot, and, as Bro. Miller was working on the wire at the same time, he got the full benefit of the shock, laying him up for a few days, but he' is back again performing his duties. Bro. Earl Odell, days at Lynn, was off on a few days* vacation recently. Understand Bro. V. T. Johnson is going to leave “RN” tower nights, to take charge of Marion days, on the C., C. & L. Understand Bro. E. C. Spitler, at Losantville, intends taking a vacation soon. We wish him a pleasant time. Bro. R. E. Lund has been off on a few days’ vacation. Bro. J. C. Fraizer, Newcastle nights, has re- signed. He is going to Baltimore. Have not heard who takes Bro. Fraizer’s place. There are a few of the boys who are not pay- ing up as they should. It is the first thing one should think of. Pay up so that when you get among the boys you will not have to give them some kind of a hard luck story to square yourself. A card is not the only thing it takes to make an Order man, it is the work you put behind it, and the interest you take in the work. Cert. 564. St. Louis Division, East — Another month has rolled away, and it is with great pleasure and satisfaction we look back and see how our noble Order has grown on this divi- sion in the last six months. We are almost solid at this writing, and in six months more we will be solid from one end of the line to the other. Of course, we still have a few none left, but they are all ready to come in soon as they see the pay-car a few times. Understand there have been some changes made at Avon lately, \Vm. Barker has been appointed agent and Bro. O. A. Hurin day telegrapher, and Bro. E. C. Bales night man. Perhaps Mr. Barker will take out a card later on. The night office at Sunny Side has been closed for some time. Mr. M. O. Denny, at Danville, and Mr. B. Tincher, at Hadley, both promise to be members long before this goes to press. Bro. R. N. May transferred from Hadley to Perth nights, relieving Kid Allen. “13” G. E. Gray, at Fontanet, can be called brother now. Telegrapher R. M. Hall transferred from “JB” to Fontanet. He promises to fill out the papers pay-day. Ed. Allen, of “D” days, is relieving Third Trick Dispatcher Walker on the west end for a few days. Ed. was relieved by Telegrapher Buchanan. Bro. L. C. Adams is back, after a thirty days’ vacation. It was a mistake about him leaving the service. Bro. Hammer, of Burnett, resigned; relieved by Bro. Ball. Telegrapher J. B. Reynolds, alias Tullis, trans- ferred from Burnett to “FS” nights; relieved by Bro. R. E. Cowger, from the C. & E. I. Div. Cot. St. Louis Division, West — Bros. Tonkinson and Davis, Lenox tower, off for a few days; relieved in turn by Mr. Huebner. Understand Sister Mary Carroll, Nameoki day**, has gone to Missouri. Bro. Delong, Dorseys, visited at Piasa Chau- tauqua. Bro. Robbins, Granite City, laying off; relieved by Bro. Smith. Bro. W. C. Carroll, from Hillsboro tower nights, to “DI,” Mattoon, days, while boys in that office are laying off. Will probably be signed regular nights at “DI.” J. W. M unday, extra man working nights at Hillsboro tower, will be carrying a card and wear- ing a button as big as a saucer before this gets into print. Bro. J. B. Taylor, “SI” days, left for parts unknown; relieved by Mr. Henderson, who man- ages to subsist on about two meals in twenty-four hours, pumping a car two miles for them. Mr. J. W. Crouch, an ex-brother, off for a few days; relieved by night man, Bro. Cook, who in turn is relieved by a Mr. Scott, another man fallen from grace, but promises to make good soon. What got wrong with E. A. Hill. He used to carry a card, but since he got to be agent at Gays, he don’t seem to need one, and also feels it his duty to carry a few students as a side line, just to make things interesting for the rest of us along the line, especially about practice time. Can any one say why McLean and Shanks, at Tower Hill, can’t be induced to come across. Both old heads, and have had at least $ro raise on strength of the work of the O. R. T., and now they are making gome more good money on meal hours daily, more than enough to pay all dues, now just why? Wanted, a good receipt for putting the lid on the famous old ham factory town of Windsor. Cor. Di • d by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1585 Sandusky Division — Telegrapher Evans, who has been working at Belle Center for some time, has resigned to ac- cept a position on the Cincinnati Division. Bro. Stokes, night owl at Huntsville, was oft for a few nights on account of sickness in his family. We are unable to learn particulars. Mr. Smith, night man at Kenton, has been tak- ing a few nights off, with Telegrapher Long, of Forest, relieving him. Bro. Huston, formerly with the Big Four at Kenton, now night man at T. & O. C. Kenton was around with old friends a few days this month. Bro. Royer, day man at Tiffin, made a business trip to Fort W'ayne, Ind., a few days ago. New night man at Green Springs Junction, Nickel Plate crossing, but we are unable to find out his name at present. We were pleased to gaze upon a fine schedule, lately secured by the T. & O. C. Ry. Let the good work go on. We are now having quite a number of excur- sions to Cedar Point on Sandusky Bay, over this division, and all seem to be crowded. Let us keep an eye on the present strike of our brothers, the commercial telegraphers, as they have the right idea, and victory is sure to be theirs. This strike will show what a factor the telegraphers are to the business world. If called upon to help in any way let every one give them hearty support. Not much doing on this division this month, so our news will be a little shy, but will try ro do better next issue. Cert. 364. Cairo Division, South End — The first meeting of the Cairo Division was held at Mt. Carmel, August 5, and was enjoyed by all who attended, although I "13” the attend- ance wii rather small. For the first meeting they had a good time, and got acquainted just the same. Now, boys, as our meetings have just com- menced we should do all in our power to make them a success and a pleasure, and we can do this by regular attendance. I am very sorry I did not get to attend our first meeting, but think I will have the pleasure of attending our next one, which takes place at Mt. Carmel, September 2. Now, let’s go and see what they do at an O. R. T. meeting. I never was at one and I am sure T will learn and be benefited by going, and so will everyone else who attends. Bro. Duncan, former agent and telegrapher at Texas City, resigned to go to the Illinois Central. The vacancy was filled by Bro. Lewis, an up-to-date man. We regret to lose Bro. Duncan, as he was a good worker and assisted us wonderfully in our write-ups. We wish him success wherever he may land. Bro. Thompson, former telegrapher at "DS” nights, resigned to go West. Vacancy filled by Bro. Moreau, an old head. Bro. Moreau has a brother working nights at “CA,” who is an up-to-date man also, and I “13” he is after his partner, Mr. Gus Schrader, non. and several more nons in his locality. Mr. Schrader seems to have a very hard shell, as most everyone has failed to crack it, but I hops he will see that he is deriving as much benefit from our struggles as any one, and come through. We hope to make this division solid in a few weeks. 1 have the promise of two applications, Mr. Gwin, owl at Gossett, and Mr. Carter, owl at Eldorado, just as soon as they can get the dough, and I know these boys mean to join, too. We have a lady working with us now on the night shift. "13” she is a non, but we hope to convert her soon. Mr. Moore, nights at Cowling, “CG,” has sent for his card. Bro. Kisner, who was married recently and took his honeymoon on the Niagara Falls excursion, has resumed duty. We wish Bro. Tony worlds of joy, success and happiness. Mr. Hart, who relieved Bro. Tony, has sent for his card, so 1 “13” Bro. Allen, regular night man at Texas City, “CX,” is off for a few nights on account of the sudden illness of his sister. He is being relieved by Mr. Fagen, non. Mr. Fagen says he will join as soon as he gets the dough. Nobody. Michigan Division — Our constitution requires that each division have a local board of adjustments, therefore our local chairman, Bro. E. L. Becker, of Goshen, has ap- pointed the following brothers to act on said board: Bro. E. L. Becker; Bro. Geo. Larengood, of Alexandria; Bro. H. S. Walters, of La Fon- taine; Bro. R. Leffel, of North Manchester; Bro. C. M. Long, of Leesburg, and Bro. E. E. Mid- dlekamp, of Jonesboro. Bro. Geo. Larengood to act as secretary. The above has been forwarded to the general chairman for his approval. We trust that this selection is perfectly satisfactory to all, and in re- turn can assure you that your grievances will be adjusted in the best way possible. Glad to report that Mr. Joe Michael, agent at Milroy; J. W. Ferverda, telegrapher at "HN," and J. A. Walters, of Silver Lake, can now be taken off the nons’ list, and be listed as up-to-date men. The writer wishes to receive items from the boys on this division. It is almost impossible to keep posted as to all the changes without the aid of the members. I’ll assure you anything you can scare up at all will be highly appreciated. Send your notes to *‘WA.” I would like to call your attention to the fact that we have too many students along the line. Brothers, go after the man next to you, and if he has a student give him a song that will ever remain fresh in his memory. We must put more vim into this business. Don’t go to sleep and leave one or two of us to do all of the work. Worry the life out of the nons, that’s the only way we can ever secure their applications. The following positions haVe been advertised in the past month: Soders, agency; Goshen nights, and North Vernon nights. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1586 The Railroad Telegrapher. We are grieved to hear of the serious illness of Bro. Becker’s sister. All wish her speedy recovery. Bro. King, who has been doing the owl act at Goshen, has been transferred to “VN” nights. Two or three more old trainmen have been laid off because they could not come up to the standard on examination on colors. Boys, give this a deep thought, are we getting enough so we can put aside something for the time when our eyes, too, shall fail. Think it over. Enough said for this time. Please let me hear from one and all, so the next issue will teem with news -from Michigan Division. Ed. Indianapolis Division — Owing to making a change last month it was impossible to get anything to the journal, but as I am settled down now at this busy little “OS” burg, where the excitement sometimes runs to fever heat, especially when a train stops to drench some hogs, I think, with the boys’ help, I will be able to get something written every month. We are getting them lined-up in good shape, and with the several who have promised to go in in Septem- ber it ought to make us pretty solid. That’s the proper spirit, boys, as we’ll need you next winter. Come on in, the water’s fine. Cut out the students, boys. Don’t be an incu- bator. Bro. Hanks, from the T. & O. C., called on us a few days ago. Says everything solid over there. Bro. Hess took in the meeting at Indianapolis the 26th. Bro. Rookey King is now at Versailles nights. I can’t get a line from the boys east of Belle- fontaine, so I guess they will have to look out for themselves. Bro. Neff, from the C. & O., is home on a visit. He says that’s the place to work, and good treatment is accorded. We notice some of the boys are not taking ad- vantage of the meal clause, only at times when they think they can make the overtime. Don’t do this, boys, demand your forty-five minutes every day, or they will think we do not want it Bro. Arbuckle, on a vacation, has returned to Harrisville as brown as a berry. De Brosse re- turned to nights. Bro. Lee Foster is no longer a volunteer, but a regular at East yards. Former night man has re- signed. Bennett is ba?k at “DX” tower. McCarthy, who relieved him, has been sent to Elroy nights. Chief Train Dispatcher Buchanan has been laid up for a few days with a fever. We all hope he will soon be O. K. again. Division No. 138 held an interesting meeting at Indianapolis, July 26. Fourth Vice-President Bro. J. J. Dermody favored us with his presence, calling th: meeting to order about 2 o’clock p. m. About fourteen members were present. Brothers, this will not do. You missed an interesting and in- structive address by Bro. Dermody. If you would attend these meetings you would learn something to your interest. More next time. Cert. 675. Missouri Pacific Ry. S alalia Diitrnl — Bro. Aylesworth, Clarksburg, off two weeks; re- lieved by R. Clawson. Bro. Popplewell, night man at Little Blue, off few days on account of sickness; relieved by Mrs. Best. Bro. Lampkin relieved Bro. Dore at Warrens- burg, Bro. Dore going to Gasconade as agent. Bro. Canfield, formerly at Gasconade, relieved Bro. Clifford at Little Blue until Bro. Davis is able to resume duty. Bro. Clifford relieved Bro. Taylor at Lamonte, a few nights. Bro. Wr. H. Davis, owl at Gasconade, off a few nights; relieved by W. D. Davis, of Berger. Bro. Reid, agent at Strasburg, is taking thirty days off, and is being relieved by C. Clawson. Bro. Williams, Lupus nights, on sick list; re lieved by Bro. Bass. Bro. Bobbitt, agent at Blackwater, is off on vacation, being relieved by Bro. Crockett, of Boon- ville. Bro. Johnson, agent at Napoleon, is seeing St. Louis, and is being relieved by Mr. Barnthouse. Bro. E. R. Collins, an old Missouri Pacific boy, but now at Pacific on the Frisco, visited his old friend, Bro. Dore, at Gasconade recently. E. F. Maus has secured the day job at Cole Junction, regular. Bro. McClain, nights at Holden, is seeing Colo- rado, and is being relieved by Bro. Clifford. Bro. Cromer, nights at Pacific, who has been on the sitk list for several weeks, made us a visit of several days. Bro. Thompson, nights at Greenwood, has been on the sick list, and was relieved by J. K. Hobbs Mr. Hobbs is now holding down the yard at Sedalia until Mr. Canfield gets back from Little Blue. Bro. F. J. Conger, formerly telegrapher at Rock Creek, has resigned, and gone to work for Uncle Sam at Kansas City. Bro. Conger says he docs not expect to return to railroad work until condi- tions are much better, and salaries some higher. We are very sorry to lose Bro. Conger, but of course we are glad to see him better his condi- tion, and wish him much success. At Terminals, St. Louis, we have Bro. Zetche, relieving Bro. Sitzman. At Tower Grove we have Bro. Powell days, Bro. Smith nights. Bro. Bonnell, Lake Junction, is touring the East, and is being relieved by Bro. J. H. Glynn. Bro. J. H. Glynn is being relieved at Kirkwood by Bro. J. J. Glynn. Bro. O’Meara is holding down the day job at Kirkwood. I had the pleasure of riding as far as Inde- pendence with Bro. Seal, one of our committeemen, last week. I am just in receipt of a copy of our new sched- ule, and our committee is to be congratulated, as well as all the boys on the system. It is getting to be a chestnut to ask the boys to furnish me with the news at their respective stations, as they seem determined not to do so. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegraphfr. 1587 but I would appreciate it very much if each mem- ber would take the time and trouble to do so. I am under many obligations to Bros. Davis, I’almer, Crockett ami Jones for the interest they take, and only wish that we had a few more members who would take half the interest in the Order these members do. I have my work to do, same as the rest, and it’s an impossibility for me to secure all the news, and the brothers can blame themselves if they arc not mentioned. W. L. W. L. and S. Division — Many changes have taken place at Webb City in the last month, and can not keep track of them. That office seems to be a hoo-doo, but the $10 raise will probably draw some man into it permanently. Night office at Webb City seems to be dosed indefinitely. Bro. C. H. Walz, day telegrapher at Carthage, took a ten days’ vacation and spent it in the mountains of Colorado. Have great hopes of landing Mrs. Baker, of Jasper, on the strength of the new schedule. E. S. Slater has taken Lamar days regular. Mr. J. H. Chenoweth took Lamar nights for a short time, but is now at Butler nights, relieving Bro. Pullaus, who took the day trick at that point in place of Mr. Geiger, who went West to settle on his claim. Bro. C. V. Rowe, of Irwin, has been on the sick list quite a spell this past month, conse- quently his duties as local chairman have been neg- lected. During his absence he wa9 relieved by his worthy better half. Mr. C. B. Wildman, our former trainmaster at Nevada, has been transferred to Van Buren, and Mr. L. B. McQiere, from the N. & M. Division, takes his place. Mr. D. H. Robinson, former chief dispatcher, goes to the N. & M. as trainmaster. Understand Dispatcher Jack Furgeson takes the chiefship. The boys in general regret Mr. Robinson’s trans- fer, as all considered him a very fair and impartial chief, but will probably find Mr. Furgeson to be O. K. Mr. A. G. Guinn, agent at Panama, keeps saying he will come across, although he has let two or three pay-days float by. Still, we hope to land him when he looks at his increase. Bro. P. K. Lane, day telegrapher at Rich Hill, is off on a vacation, being relieved by Mr. For- tune, former night man. Bro. Joe Livesay is doing the owl trick at Rich Hill. Bro. R. E. Patterson has bid in the day job at Adrain. Bro. McNamara having gone to Mound City as agent the night office at Adrain is still closed. W’e received the first news of our new schedule today and the boys seem to be very well satisfied with the work of the committee. We wonder how the nons feel. Don’t hardly see how they can withstand the pleadings of our brother members to get them to join the O. R. T., but we suppose the same old “hard luck” story will be shoved at “*• Cert. 481. .Southern Kansas Division — Brothers: Didn’t see anything in the August Telegrapher from the Southern Kansas, but, nev- ertheless, we yet claim to be the banner division in all that pertains to support of the organization. Since last writing, Bros. R. L. Livingstone, Lome E. Gartley, G. H. Fish, and R. G. Meringcrode have taken service with this company and have showed the right spirit by getting their up-to-dates. Have two or three others coming, and, possibly, now that we have the new schedule, granting them increases. Agents Stryker at Buffalo, and Jones at Belleplaine, may feel ashamed of accept- ing something from us, and giving nothing in re- turn, and meet us on the square. Remember we still have the two “Katy” men with us, L. Pelton at Niotaze, and Ernest Shaip at Milton. Our ex-brother, M. A. Spencer, agent at Peru, who has been drawing $85 and $7.50 per month overtime for so long, must be in bad with the management, as he suffered a $10 cut in the new schedule. Too bad, wc get so short-sighted. Our new schedule went into effect August 1, but is still far from what we should have and will get, if you will adopt the war cry of our commercial brothers in their hour of distress, and “stick.” What a world of meaning is contained in those five letters. What an organization we would have been had we always “stuck,” and what & flood of bitter memories it brings up to the “old-timers” on the Missouri Pacific, who haven’t “stuck.” For fifteen long years we have been working under a schedule, ours is one of the very first roads ever scheduled, and instead of being a leader, wc have been a follower, ever waiting for some other iine to blaze the way. Let us be thankful for what we have. Give both the company and the organization the best there is in us, and prepare for the future. Take “stick” as your motto. Sec that there are no nons, and get our general committee in by the first of next March, instructed to stand out for law enforcement and for one day’s rest in seven. Swain, Local Chairman. Northern Pacific Railway. Yellowstone Division — Up to date have not received any notes from any of the district correspondents for the next journal, so guess it is up to me to see what I can do. Bro. Smoot is in St. Paul again, expect he will be back at Mandan in time for the next write-up, and would like to have the correspondents mail their notes to him in the future. Bro. Follansbee returned from Pasco, and says the Yellowstone Division is good enough for him. He worked at Rosebud for a few nights and is now at Forsythe. Bro. M. J. Anderson transferred from Forsythe to Glenullen days. Telegrapher Hartley from Glenullen to Waco. Hartley was a former brother and we expect him to be signing up the papers again soon. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1588 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Pope, days at Glenullen, is away on a va- cation. Two new members on the Third District that I know of for this month. Sister Sullivan at Hoyt, and Bro. Pederson at Rosebud. This makes the Third District solid, with the exception of Long at Fallon, and Miss Swinehart at Tusler. Miss Swinehart may have signed the papers, as she has been intending to do so. As near as I can find out the whole division is in about as good a condition, and hope we will soon be able to say that the Yellowstone is solid. Let every one work to that end. At present we are all very much interested in the strike of the C. T. U. of A. boys, and from all we can hear they are in a very fair way of winning out. We should give them all the help possible, as their victory will be a great help to our Order. We receive W. U. messages here by U. S. mail. That shows the company's story of everything be- ing in a normal condition, to be very far from the truth. Here’s hoping that the boys win out, and we should all be ready to aid them in a finan- cial way if called upon to do so. Bro. Greene, days at Huntley, is away on va- cation. Bro. Nippert, formerly on night shift, now days, and Sister Pennewell on nights. There have been a number of changes lately, but have been too busy to keep track of them. This is something the correspondents should do for their districts. They should also ascertain if the new men coming on their districts are members, and if not should take up with Bro. Smoot. This will be all for this time, and hope you will all help Bro. Smoot to have a good write-up next time, and that he will be able to tell us some- thing about our new schedule. H. Fargo Division — Bro. Stevens is showing his fist at Oriska now days. Bro. Sprague, Sanborn days, off on a vacation, night man relieving him and Telegrapher Miles working nights. New man at Eckelson nights, name Anderson; off Soo Line. Don’t know how he stands, but hope he is O. K. Bro. Sprague, Mapleton days, off on vacation. Bro. Burnett, night man at Mapleton, working days, and Bro. Cheadle on nights. We notice several changes in offices at Fargo. Names not known. There seem to be several hams going out to work in the last few days. It surely can’t be that some good O. R. T. brother is making a ham factory out of his office. If so, he ought to know by this time that it never will pay him as well to do this kind of business as it would to put a stop to them blocking trains and doing nearly all the wire work. Telegrapher Spencer from nights Eckelson to LaMoure days. If the rest of the boys would send me a few lines it would help a great deal. Cf.rt. 711. St. Paul Division — Bro. Walters has accepted agency at Westport. Bro. Hark, from Cable days, to St. Cloud to fill vacancy left by Bro. Walters. Bro. McDonald, Rives nights,, to Cable days. “13” Bro. Durgin, from Watab, will go to Cable as soon as lie returns from his vacation, which he is spending at his home in Iowa. Bro. Larkin is relieving Bro. Durgin at Watab. Bro. Quinn has just returned from a ten days’ vacation spent with his brother at Winnipeg. Reports a good time. We are much pleased to hear of the speedy re- covery of Bro. Boon, at Sartells, who had to un- dergo an operation. Bro. Weber relieved him and will probably be assigned the position permanently. Bro. McDonough, Little Falls, took a few days off; relieved by regular relief agent Lowe. Lady operator at Cushing nights. Unable to learn her name. Understand we have several offices resembling ham factories, and brothers managing them, too. Cut this out, boys, or you will hear something more definite in the near future. One brother on the east end seems to think there is no harm in it as long as they are nice young ladies, with an ever-ready smile for him. Bro. Smith relieved Bro. Quinn at "UK.” From there to Big Lake nights. Understand Anaka nights is open at present By the time this goes into print we will prob- ably have reports on what our committee has done. They are in session at present, and expect to meet the management in a week or two. Was unable to get any items from the west end or branch. Some of you boys wake up and let us hear from you every month. Cert. 78 2. St. L., I. M. & S. Ry. Arkansas Division — Well, brothers, the time that we have all looked forward to has at last arrived. With a revised schedule that benefits every telegrapher on the system, some more than others, according to the stations that mostly needed it. We waited a long time for this increase in pay, but it comes in good when we get it. Too much praise can not be given to our worthy committee that represented us in St. Louis, and secured an increase that far exceeded those of the past. Now we should show our appreciation by remitting our dues and extra assessment promptly. And, again, let us show the company that we appreciate the increase by giving them first-class service. Answer the dispatcher promptly, and be ready at all times to give the dispatcher any information that will assist him in moving trains. I do not say this because 1 think we are being overpaid, as that is not the case. The telegraphers, as a whole, are yet an under paid class of men, but our committee has seen fit to accept this schedule as our present working conditions and wage scale, and we are in duty bound to render good service in return, not only that, but it pays to do it. How much Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1589 better is it for our representative to be in a posi- tion to say, when he comes to arguing your posi- tion, "We have a good, reliable man at that place worthy of more pay. He knows how to take care of the company’s business and does it. We can not afford to lose him." The telegraphers who have supported us in the present schedule deserve thanks for their support. It takes time, hard work and money to secure a new schedule, all of which must come from the telegraphers. Now, let’s see if you nons don’t see your mis- take and fall in line; all of you received an in- crease. I know you are not going to refuse the increase, and you should act in the same manner in securing an up-to-date card. There have been only two brothers sent me items during the past two months. Now you know I can not give you a successful write-up in the journal without your assistance. There have been numerous changes all over the Arkansas and Pine Bluff Divisions in the past month. With the ex- ception of two instances I have not received a line relating to any of them. It only takes a few minutes of your time each month to do this. You certainly can give that much to a good cause. Mail me your items before the 25th of each month, and give me a list of changes at your station. There has been quite a change in hours and salaries in "CF" office. Little Rock. Bro. H. F. LeGrande, manager, $110; hours, 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. Bro. J. W. Quiggins, chief, $95; hours, 4 p. m. to 12 midnight. Mr. Baldwin, $92.50; hours, 1 2 midnight to 8 a. m. Bros. W. D. Laing, H. F. Villars, J. A. Ward, W. B. Sowell, J. T. Turnipseed, W. A. McCully, and Telegrapher T. A. Rice, $90. Bro. W. T. Puller, $87.50; Bro. H. G. Brene man, $87.50; Bro. J. F. Smade, $85. These arc a few of the increases our general committee secured for us. Now, boys, quit your knocking, pay up your dues and stand by the Order. If you can not say something good of your brother telegrapher, say nothing. Don’t be a knocker. The committee also secured one additional teleg- rapher in CF'* office, and a minimum of $85. The telegraphers in "CF" are very thankful for their increase. Before ringing off there is one more item I want to mention to those that it concerns, "the ham factory," our very worst enemy. Now, broth- ers, there is no use of my going into details on this serious question. You know it is wrong and the harm that will come from it. In the first place you are violating your obligation with the Order; again, you are only cutting your own throat. The very person you teach will, in nine cases out of ten, take your job in case of trouble. It has been proven time and again. The man who spends his time teaching students, not only neglects his duty to the company and Order, but also to his family. Better not get too many irons in the fire, you may burn your fingers. C. A. LaForcf. Illinois Division — The Illinois Division seems to have an opening for a real live division correspondent. Don’t all speak at once. Bro. C. J. Kennedy has quit us at Bixby. Un- derstand he has gone to work for the Cotton Belt as a clerk. Quite a number of changes just prior to the new schedule, but the boys will likely settle down now. Valmeyer has two new arrivals, both up-to-date. They are Bro. O. F. Hall, days, and Bro. H H. Hall, nights, from Frisco Division, No. 32. Bro. Gwinup, at Prairie du Rocher, is very much pleased over his increase, and he has about decided to make it permanent. Bro. M. J. Flan- nigan is the new night man there. Bro. G. W. Stonington was lately transferred to Modoc agency, from Prairie du Rocher nights. Modoc also got a good increase. Mr. C. E. Allen and Bro. Renfro both have left Chester for other fields. Bro. Brcnneman, from Gorham, goes to Chester days, in place of Mr. Allen, and Bro. I. D. Under- wood, from Bush, takes the night job. Bro. F. A. Roberson goes to Gorham days, reg ular, and Bro. Cooper, from Bush, returns there nights. Bro. Dodds, a new arrival from the Big Four, goes to Bush days, and Bro. Deshon to Bush nights. Bro. A. T. McKenzie, at Herrin, has renewed his standing among the boys, which we are all glad to see. The Illinois Division is strictly up-to-date. Only two nons left after Bro. Holman’s visit. Bro. W. A. Lippard has accepted the agency at Gorham. We are glad to see him promoted, as he deserves it. We are going to give you something from the Illinois Division regularly, as this duty of divi- sion correspcndent has been neglected long enough. R. A. F. Fine Bluff Division — I have searched each publication of The Teleg- rapher diligently for a write-up from the Iron Mountain, but all in vain, so I take it upon my- self to let the boys know we are still in the land of the living. Things are running smoothly, at least on the Pine Bluff Division. Everyone seems to be well pleased with the new schedule. Our division is solid, with the exception of three or four, and they have promised to join us soon. However, suppose they are enjoying the full benefits of the new schedule. W. L. Smith, working nights at Varner, has recently filled out application blanks. Let’s keep the good thing going, and don’t stop until we are solid through and through. There has been several changes lately. Telegrapher Wall, days at Samples, goes to Red- field for a few weeks, relieving Bro. Coleman, who has gone to the hospital. Have not learned who relieved Mr. Wall. Digitized by c,ooQle

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1590 The Railroad Telegrapher. New office opened at Gould and being held down by Mr. A. A. Byarlay. “13” Agent Tillar is on the sick list. Bro. D. K. Byrd, formerly nights at Pine Bluff, is now working days, relieving Bro. Ellis Bryan, who resigned and is now with the H. & T. C. Bro. Byrd relieved by Bro. Hart, formerly of Argenta. Now, boys, let’s not stop with our $5 and $10 raise, but keep on and get the eight-hour law enforced. It is the law, w’hy not obey it. Texas has it, why not Arkansas? Volunteer. B. & O. Ry. Yeti’ Castle Division — The eight-hour rumor is with us again, and we hope it develops more strength this time than it did when it was with us in June. Bro. Robinson, New Castle Junction days, has returned to work after an absence of three weeks in the Northern woods, and reports a fine time. Bro. Woods, who relieved Bro. Robinson going to New Castle side- wires, second trick, while Bro. Pfeil relieves Mr. Griffin as wire chief, Mr. Griffin taking a vacation. Bro. J. L. Johnson, from Eric, No. 42, is • working nights at Lowellville, Bro. Maloney not being able to resume duty. We hope for Bro. Maloney’s speedy recovery. Bro. Flory having resigned from Haselton nights, Mr. Hynes is working the “snap" while position is being advertised. Bro. Davis, Ohio Junction days, has gone on a three weeks’ vacation in New York State; relieved by Mr. T. C. Cahill. Bro. Taylor, agent at Wayland, was assigned to “FS” tower nights, on last bulletin, but has not yet taken the position, Bro. Fisher still doing the night stunt. Bro. Green, first trick “NE" tower was obliged to turn down a tempting offer from the Pennsylvania Co. of a position in their signal de- partment on account of sickness in the family. Bro. Reid, agent at Monroe Falls, is taking a vacation in the upper lakes; relieved by Bro. Alexander, clerk at Cuyahoga Falls, Mr. Fowler working alone during Bro. Alexander’s absence. Lake Division is still doing a large business, 675 cars of ore being loaded at Fairport in one day, which is a record for that point. Mr. Ashwell, State Road nights, has resigned, but have not heard who takes his place. Bro. Bob Childs Warren, P. P. & F., has been given a clerk, which he has needed for so long. Changes on Lake Division being few, our write- up this month will be rather limited, but Bro. Browning is always on hand with the Lake Division doings. The balance of these items are what were fur- nished (?) from west of Akron. Uncle Tom. Cleveland Division — Bro. “Si," the regular write-up artist, is en- joying his annual vacation, and it puts it up to some one else to represent the Cleveland Division this month. I’ll make a stab at it and give you a brief write-up of events since the last issue. At our meeting, held in Massillon, August 16, a fair number of the boys turned out, but not as many as were expected. Sorry to say I was unable to be present, but my excuse is no doubt acceptable, as sickness prevented me from being on hand. This, however, is not the cause for several of the other boys not showing up. Entirely too many do not consider the importance of attending meetings. You are aware of the fact that you are not in touch with division affair* if you fail to attend meetings. One brother, I can refer you to who is able to get to Massillon almost any night during the month, but can not get there meeting night. The new brothers who have recently joined have not put in an appear- ance. Would like to see all on deck the next call. The time is not far distant when our com- mittee goes to Baltimore to meet the management. Come with your grievance and do your knocking to Bro. McCoy, and he will take your case up. After the schedule has been revised and signed, there is no opportunity for kicking for another year. A new brother, R. H. Johnson, has been ap- pointed agent and telegrapher at Boston Mills, relieving a Mr. Huber. The Valley boys will be happy to see this change, as Mr. Huber could not he induced to join our ranks. Bro. Tom Davis, formerly on Bridge 80. is hack for a short visit with friends around Mas- sillon. Bro. Darland, of Canton Scales, who has been working side-wire in “CS" office for two months, has returned to the old job at Canton. The new man taking his place signs “M." Don’t know his name. Bro. Stafford, Lorraine days, is taking a long- needed rest; relieved by Mr. Snyder, of New Philadelphia, who promises to be with us next pay-day. Bro. Stafford will be off one month. Bro. C. C. Kilway, dispatcher T. & P. Ry., at Big Springs, Texas, is going over the line shaking hands with the boys. Bro. Frank Landis, Columbia days, off a few days on account of sickness. While the other divisions of System No. 33 *re reporting their dispatchers as joining the O. R. T., we are right with them and can produce a ninety per cent bunch in Cleveland office. This should be a pleasure to the boys on the line. Appreciate it by giving them good service. Z. Monbarren, a new brother, coming from the W. & L, E., has gone to Benton nights, relieving Mr. Oakes. Bro. S. B. Shafer went to work at “ND” tower after three weeks visiting with friends and rela- tives in Indiana. Bro. F. X. Sengs, after doing Eastern Cities and the Jamestown Exposition for several weeks, returned to North Industry about pay-day; also resumed duty at the old stand. Bro. C. W. Curtis off for two weeks, blowring in the celery commission. Did not say where he was going, but he is not around New Berlin. Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1591 G. H. McCoy transferred from Columbia days to Bridge 80 days. F. W. Landis nights at Co- lumbia, goes on day job. O. R. Baumgardner from Bridge 80 nights to Columbia nights. M. Walker to Bridge 80 nights. All of them brothers except Mr. Walker, who has not followed the profession for two years, but can show cards while in the business, and promises to come in if he decides on staying at it. Bro. Van Horn, 1 understand, has resigned as night man at Lester; telegrapher Rice, from Uhrichsville, is to relieve him. It is rumored that double track will be ex- tended east from Bridge 80 in the near future; also that work will begin on new cut-off from Uhrichsville to Tennant’s Tunnel. J. B. Mears, of Uhrichsville, an old ex-order man, is now running the ham factory at Uhrichs- ville. “163.” Chicago Division , West District — We are sorry to note the turn affairs have taken at Garrett, but feel that this is a matter that all interested should be made acquainted with, especially the telegraphers on the Chicago Division. Our chief night dispatcher, F. N. Shultr, has taken upon himself the notoriety of conducting a ham factory in addition to his regular duties as night chief dispatcher, and at present has quite a number of students. Of course, this can be overlooked to a certain extent, as we all know his salary is such that he needs the money, but we do not need the material that he is manu- facturing. His assistant is E. H. Loomis, who is working nights in Garrett telegraph office. Loomis’ favors for such conduct are being heavily showered upon him as the boys along the line get wise. There are several that are not fully acquainted with the particulars and we take this means of enlightening them. We are glad to state that thus far, the professors have not been able to produce anything able to hold an “OS” job, although one was given a trial and had to be brought hack to Garrett to be recharged, and has not got out again. Understand Bro. W. S. Yeiser, of “AB,” Albion nights, is taking a vacation. Do not know where he went. Bro. E. W. Leslie, “MX,” Milford Junction nights, married recently. Wonder what’s the matter with all the telegraphers. Seems as though the matrimonial fever is contagious. Hearty con- gratulations to Bro. and Mrs. Leslie. There have been several changes at “JD,” Wolf Lake nights, in the last month. Seems as though no one wants to stay there. This has always been a hard place to get any one to stay any length of time. “C. S.,” Cert. 1,401. East District — Bro. Moore, of “RA,” Chicago Junction days, bid in night copying job in Garrett dispatcher’s office, and is working there days while the dis- patchers are taking their vacations. Bro. W. D. Walters is doing the night trick copying until Bro. Moore goes on regular. Bro. O. E. Lane, "RA,” Chicago Junction, who has been night telegrapher for a number of years, relieved Bro. Moore, getting the day job regular. Bro. F. M. Minard, “BI,” North Baltimore days, has returned to work, after taking a three weeks’ vacation, and brought a wife home with him. Best wishes from all the boys. Mr. A. C. Alwine, who has been working nights extra at Deshler, Ohio, relieved by Bro. J. C. Shoults, to accept the relief agency which was made vacant by Mr. A. D. Winner, who took the agency at Hamler, O., regular. Mr. Alwine has been making faithful promises for the past four or five months to get an up-to-date card, but has failed thus far to do so. He was induced by one of our energetic brothers to fill out the necessary papers for a card some time ago. We have learned since that he later tore up the papers and was heard to say the O. R. T. was no good and never got him anything. Seems as though he likes to work for a road that has one of the best schedules in the country — wonder where this schedule came from? He was also heard to ex- press a desire to get up a class of students and teach telegraphy while he was in Deshler, O. Too bad he didn’t get to remain long enough to carry out his desire. Bro. G. W. Smith got Hamler night job regular on application. Mr. C. M. Hildred, Hamler days, promises to get on the right side soon. Something we are pleased to hear, as this will help to cut the num- ber of nons down to almost nothing on the East- ern district. Bro. C. N. Suman, “HG,” Holgate days, has just returned to work, after being off a month on account of sickness. Bro. O. A. Pherson is regular relief man now, between Hamler and Hicksville, and is being helped out by Bro. H. A. Snider, as there is more territory than one man can cover each month and the boys on the block system are always glad to get their two days. Bro. W. H. Cook, who has been night teleg- rapher at “DR,” Deshler, for the past five years, transferred to “FC,” Definace days, on appli- cation. Glad to see Bro. Cook get a day job, as he has surely worked long enough to deserve it. Bro. C. F. Long gets Deshler nights, regular, on application. Cert. 1,401. Philadelphia Division — A meeting on this division was held this month at the home of Bro. W. Edgar Frasher, in Wil- mington, Delaware. Last April Baltimore Division, No. 17, elected five members on the Legislative Committee in Maryland, and previous to that asked the B. & O. to elect five to co-operate with them. Up to date, the B. & O. has one of that committee selected. We have waited long and patiently for some- thing to be done in this direction, but, apparently, our committee is as far from being elected as ever. Baltimore Division, No. 17, and the teleg- raphers in Maryland certainly have shown great Digitized by Google

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1592 The Railroad Telegrapher. patience in being put aside in this way. A sug- gestion made last April by Chief Skinner, of Baltimore Division, seems to be the only thing left to do, and that was, in case of failure on the part of Division No. 33 to co-operate with their committee, a meeting of all the telegraphers in Maryland should be called and this committee se- lected by them. This should be done at once, so that each telegrapher in the State can have a voice in selecting this important committee. Baltimore Division of B. & O. Ry., No. 33, held a meeting July 2 9, 1907, in the Caswell Hotel, Baltimore, Md. A suggestion was made that a meeting be held there each month, and the date published in The Telegrapher. But the date was omitted from the August Telegrapher. Bro. Richardson, of “GO” office, made some in- teresting remarks. Bro. W. Edgar Frasher was also on hand and told us some interesting inci- dents about the recent convention. The report in the August Telegrapher of the P. R. R. and other lines placing their offices through the West on an eight-hour basis, and the salary for them is higher than some on other roads for twelve hours, is an interesting item. This brings up before us the fact that the offices in Maryland the P. R. R. were compelled to place on an eight-hour basis, when the eight-hour law became effective, that they reduced the wages, and even today they are paying less than some of the other lines, which goes to show that the rail- roads are trying to influence legislatures and the people that it is unnecessary for them to pass laws for a shorter day; that they, of their own volition, are creating new eight-hour positions with higher pay. But still, the telegraphers in Maryland where the P. R. R. were first compelled to place on an eight-hour day, are being paid low wages — lower than other lines. But there are other causes for this, and it is hoped they will eventually find it out for their benefit. The sooner they get together and demand their rights, the better. N. Gorrell, Cert. 421. New York Central Ry. Electric Dndsion — At last, we have struck our gait, with the assistance of the legislature. Gov. Hughes signed the telegraphers’ eight-hour bill July 20, 1907, which was introduced by Mr. Northrup, and is effective Oct. 1, 1907. This bill, being a State law, puts all towermen on an eight-hour basis, which should have occurred long ago. The efforts of our committees in the past to create more eight- hour positions have always met with strong opposi- tion from the officials of the company, probably never taking into consideration the long hours of duty, particularly during the very hot summer months, when it was very trying to remain awake at night, after being unable to sleep during the heat in the day time. Considering all this and the low rate of wages paid, and large families to sup- port, it certainly was a hardship to be a towerman. There have occurred a great many wrecks re- cently, due to many men overworked, as statistics will show. This is probably the view taken by the Assembly and Senate members. Public senti- ment certainly would demand that a man work not more than eight hours per day during any twenty- four hour period, covering the duties of a tower- man. For the reasons explained above, for our Governor to fail to sign this bill, and put himself on record to say a man in the tower service shall continue to work twelve hours per day, as we have done for a great many years, would place our governor in a very embarrassing position in the opinion of the public and our craft. It is my opinion that this bill is one of the greatest humane acts that ever has happened for the benefit of our craft. For it will give us that which we have long craved, more hours for rest and recreation. Twelve hours on duty each day. including holidays and Sundays, and less than tea hours for sleep and recreation, is a life we long had to endure, and a very miserable one. A twelve-hour day is a very bitter pill; it puts me in mind of the old saying, “you must taste of the bitter before you can taste of the sweet." Wren you have worked an eight-hour job for a whiie, no doubt you will fully understand this compari- son. Let me offer my thanks to Bro. J. B. West for his efforts, and also thank the legislative members for passing this bill, not overlooking Governor Hughes. Cert. 536. Hudson Dixnsion — Little old New York has made good. An act, fostered by the banner bearers of the good 0. R- T. ship, and fathered by a real live labor man, the Hon. Frederick Northrup, whose photo should appear in this issue, has made thousands of hearts and homes happy. By this act, which terminateo in a State law, the telegraphers and signalmen will now realize in reality what they long ago hoped for, but never expected. They will be able to see their homes and families in the light of the sun, and enjoy the comforts of the homes they are toiling to maintain. I congratulate you one and all on this gTeat achievement, an achievement that six months ago was considered impossible; but, brothers, I am going to say to you, shake that “Doubting Thomas" disposition. Take an object lesson from this act, and see what we can do when we try. Don't think that railroad companies or corpora- tions are coming round to hunt you up to hand you something nice on a silver platter, without a hustle and effort on your part. Again I will ask a small favor of each member, and that is, each one appoint himself an organizer. Do a little hustling for the Order that is always hustling for you. If there is a uon within 'phone distance of you, get him in line. He will have to be pretty hard-shelled and thick-skinned to offer an excuse or argument now. At this writing inspectors are hustling geti.ng men to put towers on eight-hour basis, and I pre- dict before you read this you will all be enjoying the luxury. Block signal men are available, but not such good picking with telegraphers. Just a little more money to coax these good men back. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1593 On an eight-hour basis means every one on their job, giving their best service. Discipline will be in order and strictly enforced. A word to the wise is sufficient. Bro. Oneil is now entitled to all honors that goes with an up-to-date card, having paid the last installment. Here are a few of the names that we would like to see get cards and be with us: Mr. French, B. S. 36; Mr. Cummings, B. S. 37. There is no visible excuse for these men. I will also mention Mr. Groves, B. S. 46. All of these enjoying the benefits of our past efforts without contributing or offering any assistance, and now, through our efforts they will enjoy an eight-hour day. It should hardly be necessary to solicit their membership; it should come voluntarily. In signing our eight-hour bill, Gov. Hughes is quoted as saying, “of all the bills I have signed, none gave me the pleasure that this bill does.” W. U. office is to be taken out of P. D., and this office to handle R. R. business exclusively. This will make these men eligible to our Order. Brothers, if you know of any little items that will interest the boys, send them to me. Every one get in line to make the eight-hour ball a grand success, and the success of it de- pends on every one disposing of as many tickets as possible. Before we have this ball hardly launched, the press heralds it to be one of the grandest affairs ever held in the State. It is up to you to do your part to make this assertion good. I will cut out by saying that the past few weeks I have been working overtime, sending out re- ceipts and filing applications of new members. Cert. 525. Mohawk Division — Bro. Grant Johnson, of “GS” office, Utica, is city ticket agent at Lake Placid for the summer, and Bro. J. S. Reed, of “UT” office, is his assist- ant. Bro. Reed thinks Lake Placid is quite the nicest place on top of the earth. Bro. A. B. McDaniels, of Saranac Lake, recently spent Sunday with his mother in Utica, inci- dentally witnessing the ball game between the home team and the New York Giants. Bro. Mudgc, formerly at Syracuse depot nights, is now at Utica depot days. Bro. Sidney Smith, of “DW” office, DcWitt, has resigned. Bros. J. W. Dorey and F. M. Rulison are holding down “DW” days, and Bros. Garraghan and Edwards nights, until Sister Gorman returns from Saranac Lake. Bro. J. M. Owens is back in the superintendent’s office, temporarily. THE BRAVES OF No. 8. All along the Mohawk Valley, where the winding river flows, Now runs the Central’s four-track, where the red men drew their bows. Now, in this same old valley, where the Indian roamed so free, Roams a bunch of red men, known as the O. R. T. The “Big Chief” calls a meeting, at the right time of the moon, And to each “brave” he sends a greeting, “there’ll be doings soon.” Then they gather in the court house, in a well- known junction town, And the “Big Chief” calls “attention, now, boys, let’s gather round.” From each brave he hears their troubles, and also what they ask, As the smoke goes up like bubbles, in the at- mosphere to bask. Big Chief Wally, from the city, is not able to be there, But he writes to Big Chief Loring, what he wants is something fair. Big Chief Morey, always smiling, brings along the pipe of peace, And he says, “now boys, let’s start filing in our New York Central lease.” Big Chief Cavanaugh, comes with greetings, from the rocks at Little Falls, And says he the braves who come not to our meetings ought to get their “13” calls. Bro. Lynch, from the Big Wigwam, at a camp out in the woods. Takes a trip to this big city, but he always has the goods. Bro. Schcncmeycr goes a hunting, from his camp near spring “Great Bear,” And he says the price of living, is agoing up for fair. Bro. Salisbury, who shares a wigwam with our big brave, Brother Lynch, Says to keep the thing agoing on 60 per is by no means a cinch. One big chief don’t like the plumbing of the wig- wams on the pike, And he says it is stunning why the boys don’t start and “hike.” Now, there is a lot of red men, who never come at all, But they expect the chiefs to help them at the big council in the fall. So, when all the big chiefs gather, at the com- pany’s hunting grounds, Let us hope good luck will bless them, with ten thousand for the rounds. But if the big council don’t make peace, and the thing looks kind of grave, Let us hope the chief will find each warrior to be an Indian true and brave. Digitized by v,ooQle

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1594 The Railroad Telegrapher. Before we ring off for this time, let us call your attention to instructions by our former chief dispatcher, who asked us to be sure that the circuit is not being used before opening keys for any purpose. It is a fact that there is a great amount of breaking going on at present, which causes confusion, especially to the dispatchers. Please let us all strive to improve on this point and see if just as much work can not be accom- plished. Div. Cor. At his late home in the village of Stittsville. July 28th, at 1:40 p. m., occurred the death of our esteemed friend and brother, Ralph Raymer. In the death of Bro. Raymer we lose one of our most jovial and brightest workers in the Order. He always had a pleasant word for every one, and many a dreary day has he brightened for us all, and we shall miss him greatly. He had the wel- fare of the Order always at heart and had great confidence in its future. The funeral was well attended, and several of the O. R. T. boys were present to pay their last tribute of respect to our departed brother. One of the many beautiful floral pieces presented was from the O. R. T., representing three tele- graph poles and wires, with one wire broken. It is impossible to express the depth of sorrow we feel, or to tell how greatly his presence will be missed by us all, but we should all try to pattern after his bright and jovial disposition and kindly ways, so that when we come to travel the road over which he has just departed, perhaps in some small way a few of the many kind things said of him may be said of us. Edmonds. CARD OF THANKS. Canisteo, N. Y. We wish to extend our sincere thanks to N. W. Sheldon and other members of Division No. 42, O. R. T., who contributed the beautiful floral emblem of the Order, and their loving words of sympathy in our sad bereavement, in the loss of our dear son. Mr. and Mrs. John N. Preston. C., M. & St. P. Ry. S. M. Division — As my former effort ran the gauntlet safely, will try again. Not much doing in the way of news, but per- haps I can chronicle a few events that will be of interest to the members. The meeting at Austin the 18th was quite laregly attended by the S. M. boys, considering the train service. There was an understanding that there was to be an extra for the special benefit of those on the west end, but at the last minute they were forced to ride all night on stock extra and No. 64 in order to attend. Not a very large delegation from the north end of the I. & M. attended, although they could ride the cushions both ways. “Brose” Eggen, who was at Isinours for a num- ber of years, had the misfortune to have to under- go another operation and have his other limb amputated. This is a serious affliction and Bro. Eggen has the sympathy of all the members. Bro. E. J. Whalen, side-wire in La Crosse dispatcher’s office, was off for a week or ten days, being relieved by F. J. H. and Welch, from Chi- cago office. It is now Bro. Peter Berg at Isinours. Let the good work go on. Some one ought to have strength enough to separate V. Gillot at Wells from a few sheckels and get his application papers, but am afraid nothing short of a miracle would do that. The first division. La Crosse to Ramsey, is now solid, with one exception. Pretty good percentage, but wc ought to make it 100 per cent. The second division, from Ramsey to Jackson, has two nons, one being the aforementioned V. G.. who persists in retaining his bullion with a grasp like John D. The other non has promised to get onto the band wagon in the near future, provided he doesn’t go into some other business. Mankato line has one back-slider, and don’t know what his reasons are for dropping out. Some one with the gift of gab ought to round up these few stragglers and make it solid through and through. Victor B. Gillott, near dispatcher on the bug. is taking his annual vacation, with time going on and pay stopped. Funny he can get relief when some of the men have to get down on their prayer-bones and beg for a lay-off. Ed Malone is holding down Wells days in the abstnee of the old fixture. Easton Station, bulletined some time ago, at present being partly held down by E. Q. Stanley, pedigree unknown, and from all appearances, a little light with the necessary, but may ginger up. Mr. Jensen is laying off, but don’t know who is doing the relief stunt at Delavan. Have heard it rumored that “Shorty” Canfield, at Winnebago, was about to sever the tie that binds and strike out at something else. Latest bulletin shows Bro. O. A. Laugen assigned to Lake Preston agency. Sherburn station bulletined the other day, but too early to tell who gets it. Bros. O. A. Laugen and Henry Laugen have returned from the Coast, where they went for a vacation and pleasure trip. No authentic news items received from west end. In fact nothing whatever from that terri- tory has reached me. Have been able to gather a few items from rumor and other sources. Bro. Lieser was off for a few days while he accompanied his wife to Rochester, being relieved by Bro. Olson, from Hatfield. Bro. Elliott was called away by the illness of his mother. Did not hear who relieved him. Bro. Harmon/ returns to Winfred from Lake ^Preston. Bro. Snyder, from Jackson, to Flandreau, for six months. Jackson station open. Bro. McKcon, formerly at Lake Preston, is now located at Spokane as traveling freight and Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1595 passenger agent for this company. Good luck to him. Any one knowing where some of these members go and where they are located, would be con- ferring a favor if they would let me know. Many of the old men on this division are quitting and getting vacations. We arc all in- ti rested in their welfare. If I happen to stick Mr. in front of any one’s ratie when he has an up-to-date card, just call my attention to the fact and I will try and rectify the mistake. Of course, I ought to know every one who is a member, but sometimes mistakes will occur. Sorry I could not attend the meeting at Austin the 18th, but there was too much business and walking was pretty crowded. Will cut out now. Div. Coe. Chicago & Council Bluffs, Iowa Division — Bro. Nichols, agent at Aspinwall, and his wife have returned from their visit to Wisconsin. Nick was relieved by Bro. Carl Olcson, but he was later sent to Coon Rapids, to relieve the agent and Mr. Rose, owl at Aspinwall, took charge of the station, and he in turn was relieved by Bro. Elder. Bro. DeVoe has been enjoying a much-needed vacation the past couple of weeks, and Bro. Huyck, day leverman at Slater, had charge of Atkins station during his absence. Night telegrapher Marvin, at Elwood, now has brother attached to his name. Bro. Marvin is an old-timer and formerly worked a trick on the R. & S. W. Division for this company, and knows what the O. R. T. has done. Bro. Taylor, second man in “Ma” relay office, Marion, and his wife, are enjoying out-door life in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan. That is, Bro. Taylor is enjoying himself, provided he has found any relief for his hay fever. Boys, have you all paid dues for the current term? If not, you had better get “25” right quick and send Bro. Soyster the money for a new card. There have been quite a number of changes on the division during the past month on bulletins. Bro. Carl Olson landed Council Bluffs yard nights, vice Bro. Stuart, resigned. Bro. Metcalf, extra, from the Eastern division, got Keystone nights. Bro. House, from Collins nights, to Defiance nights, vice Bro. Hofstetter, who resigned to go to Dakota for a farm. Bro. Cashman, extra, landed Herndon nights. Mr. Crowe, from Bayard to Templeton nights. Bro. Renbarger, from day telegrapher, Madrid, to night telegrapher, Collins, and Bro. Hoesly, night man at Madrid, to the day trick. Bro. Snyder, from Rockaway nights, to Vining nights. Bro. Bethurum resigned as night telegrapher and leverman at Paralta, and is now working in Kansas, his old home. Bro. Flansberg, recently from the C. & N. \V., drew Paralta night tower job. Bro. Frymoyer, who held down Weston nights for a couple of years, has left this pike. He was taken out of service and had his case up for ad- justment, and after it had been fixed up, the C. D. at Perry was unable to locate him to put him to work again. The meeting at Marion on August 14th was quite well attended, there being about thirty mem- bers present. Division Superintendent, Mr. W. B. Foster accepted an invitation to be present, and spent an hour visiting with the boys while they were waiting for trains Nos. 21, 9 and 108 to get in. He then gave us a very nice talk, and it is really too bad that every telegrapher on the division could not have been present. We were all pretty well acquainted with Mr. Foster when he was train master on the Middle and Western C. & C. B., and now that he has returned to this division as our superintendent, we are naturally feeling very well pleased and know that every man is going to get fair treatment and all there is coming to him. Now, boys, let us hustle for all we are worth. Be “Johnny on the spot” at all stages of the game, and show that we appreciate fair treatment. If we have been digging in about as hard as we thought we could, let us just try and increase our speed just a little more. Good, faithful and conscientious service is what will win out, better your working conditions and get more money. General Chairman Renshaw was present and gave us a very interesting talk. General Secre- tary and Treasurer Soyster also gave us some very good advice and reported matters pertain- ing to his office in very good condition; boys paying up nicely, and nons being put out of busi- ness every day. Many of the other brothers also made nice talks and the meeting was a very pleasant, and, we hope, a profitable one. C. & C. B. /a.— Bro. Devoe, Atkins station, is taking his vaca- tion; relieved by Bro. Hayuk, of Slater tower days. Bro. C. E. Miller, of Woodward, is doing the Armstrong act at Slater; relieved at Wood- ward by a Mr. Griswold, who tells us he has not worked at the business long enough to be one of us, but we trust he will do the proper thing when he has served the required time. Bro. Sanders is on a vacation; relieved by A. H. Krasche, who we expect to be able to call brother by the time this is in print. Bro. Renbarger, of Madrid days, goes to Collins nights, as soon as relieved at Madrid. Appoint- ment at Madrid as day telegrapher not yet an- nounced. Bro. Whipple, agent at Slater, expects to leave on a vacation as soon as relief agent arrives at Slater. Bro. Whipple takes few vacations. We have rather an unusual list of delinquents this month, considering the fact that the majority or almost all of them are among the oldest in the service of the company on this division. This certainly shows a lack of interest in the welfare of the Order. Brace up, boys, and perform your share of the work and share the expense, and Digitized by Google

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1596 The Railroad Telegrapher. thereby cut out the imposition you force on the loyal members. Huxley has been opened again as a night office, with Jesse I. Carmany as telegrapher. Mr. Car- many has been but a short time at the work, but will be looked after at the proper time. Pickering night office was closed for a few nights on account of shortage of telegraphers. Young Elder is working extra nights at Aspin- wall at present. Bro. Anderson, of Dawson, made a two weeks’ visit at Green River, Utah, and other places, where he is interested in real estate. Nick. Third District — Through a misunderstanding, the Third Dis- trict write-up was not sent in last month, and the notes for both months are contained in this write-up. Bro. Sherman, of West Ave. “C” office, spent a week the first part of July up near Ellis Junc- tion,Wis., following the calling of Izak Walton, and he is a good disciple, as he returned with the proof, namely, some fine fish. Bro. Jas. Hickey, of West Ave. “WV" nights, secured the agency at Hermosa on bulletin. Bro. L. I. Perry, of Pacific Junction, second trick, has lost another child. This brother is surely having more than his share of trouble, as he lost a brother about four months ago, the brother leaving a wife and three children. Bro. Perry lost a child about two months ago, and now the second one was taken. He and his wife have the heartfelt sympathy of all. Mr. McEntee was at West Ave. “WV” nights for a while, and is now at Walworth nights. Dispatcher Larsen and wife spent a week at St. Paul, Minneapolis and Mankato. Report a very pleasant time. Dispatcher Babcock spent his vacation in Chi- cago, thus indicating that he considers this city as good a summer resort as the next. Dispatcher Hammond took a trip to the James- town Exposition, with some of the Savanna boys. At the present writing Dispatcher Jordan is enjoying the scenery out West, and looking over the new extension. It is rumored he is married, but think this is a false report, as “WJ” did not show any signs of being “foolish” just before he left. Extra Dispatcher Carrol has just recovered from an illness of a few weeks; came near having typhoid fever. All are glad to see him well again. He resumed work the 19th inst. Bro. J. L. Bloss was on the side-wire days for the past few weeks, having given up Galewood “GT,” as it is too much work and long hours for any one. Bloss is on a short vacation up at Green Bay, Wis., now. Mr. E. E. Courlard, late of the “Q,” from out West, was on side-wire nights for a few weeks. Understand he is going to the new office on the Oakwood cut-off for a short time. This man claims he used to belong to the O. R. T., and can see no good reason for him not getting in line with us. Some of the brothers look him up, and if he is gbing to stay on St. Paul, we want him in Division No. 23. Some good work has been done among the tower men on the Terminals, as the applications of some have been secured, and we hope to have all of them in line in the near future, as they come under our schedule and are eligible, and should not stand back because they are not telegraphers. The O. Rn T. got an increase for each one of these towers the last time the committee was in, and it is no more than fair that the ones getting this benefit should help as well as enjoy the benefit. Bro. C. E. Eckerly is at Galewood days at pres- ent. This man has been out of the business for quite a few years, and on returning took out a card at once. This should shame lots of the boys coming to the road as nons, and putting us off with promises from time to time. The prompt action of Bro. Eckerly is appreciated. Bro. Tuffley, of West Ave “WV” days, is going to take a vacation, and he and his wife are going to New York. Bro. Murback, of Union St, wants to act as relief agent for Tuffley, but Union St. could not get along without “M,” and besides, Tuffley would never get away if Murback came on duty before Tuffley was out of sight. Bro. Soyster was in town over Sunday, looking over the Commercial situation. Bro. Goodney, of Edgebrook is on vacation, and is being relieved by Bro. Beaver’s son. Bro. Brown, of first trick at Rondout, is on vacation and visiting his home in Ohio. Relief is a new man on this division. Bro. Moshier, of second trick at Rondout, left for a position on the N. P. in Montana. Under stand he is at Boseman. A Mr. J. S. Wren took the second trick at Rondout, and is doing good work. First-class man, and we hope to have him in our ranks in the near future. Was promised a write-up from north of Ron- dout, but the brother forgot his promise, so that portion of the road will have to be omitted. Bro. Bandy, of Tower A 68, left the road. Don’t konw where the brother went, but best wishes go with him, as he was a good man. Did not learn who secured the job made vacant. A good meeting was held at Libertyville June 29th. General Chairman Renshaw was with us and gave a good talk; outlined our position in event of the Commercial trouble that has since come to a show-down. Will not use any space on this subject as Bro. Renshaw has since advised all by letter. Our sympathy for the Commercial boys can be shown financially and in many other ways without breaking our agreement with the railway company, which we should live up to to the letter, if we are to expect the same of the company. Quite a lot of the boys from “CG” were in attendance at the meeting, and it does us good to see interest manifested by these boys, as it has quite an effect on the boys out on the line who never get a chance to meet these brothers except at an O. R. T. meeting. That office is very near solid, only three men working there without Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1597 cards, namely, Mr. J. Perkins, who signs “J” and works the Kansas City wire; Mr. M. J. Hughes, who works C. & C. B. 111. wire No. 24 and signs “M,” and Mr. M. S. Carr, who works all the wires nights and signs “MS.” Carr has promised to come in soon, and he surely will have all the chance in the world to make good. The boys working with these men should put in a word which will serve to let them know that we know their position, and that it is their duty to help support the organization that has raised their wages just as well as the rest of us. Let all O. R. T. men remember these three men, and not let up till they have made good or absolutely refused to join, so we can govern ourselves accordingly. A resolution was introduced and carried that the importance of the semi-annual dues of $1 be impressed on each member. This mdney is to de- fray the expenses of hall rent, also to reimburse the Local Chairman of the C. & M. and C. E. Divisions and the Chicago Terminals for time lost. These men can not be expected to go over the divisions on their own time, and it is abso- lutely necessary that they acquaint themselves with the exact condition before the committee goes in, and it is up to the membership to pay this money promptly so that things can be run as they should be. This fund was also made to in- clude the purchase of floral offerings (not to ex- ceed $10) for any of our members when death shall enter their homes. This is entirely appro- priate; as we will then be prepared when an emergency comes, and the burden will not fall on one man to see that floral pieces are secured; besides, it will not be missing many that are just as deserving and who, no doubt, have felt slighted. We, as a class, are not prompt enough to tell each other of death or sickness among our members, and we have the best chance of any body. An especial effort should be made by all mem- bers to get all desirable nons into line now, as we are going to need as near 100 per cent mem- bership when the coming schedule is framed as we possibly can get, as the new law will simply tear it all to pieces as it now stands, and if we expect what we are surely deserving of, we must be up and doing, and not wait until we are “up against it” to try and remedy our condition. It is much easier to guide a thing than wait till it gets near beyond control, and then lament our luck, when it has been to a great extent a matter of neglect as far as we, as a class, are concerned. Cirt. 1,129. Northern Division — Have you all paid up to January 1, 1908? If not, get busy. There have been many changes on this old line this month. Bro. Dorgan landed the day telegrapher job at Fond du Lac, and was in turn succeeded at Hart- ford by Mr. O’Neil, a new man. Bro. Dunlap got the Minnesota Junction agency by bulletin. Bro. Herberg landed the freight agency at Hartford; succeeded at Mayville by Bro. Sens- mer. Bro. Radke, at Beaver Dam Junction, is on a two weeks’ vacation; relieved by Mr. Hintz, a new man. Bro. Sawyer, at Horicon, is on vacation; re- lieved by Bro. Radtke. Bro. Elkinton, at Ripon, is on a vacation; re- lieved by Mr. Ward, a new man from C. & N. W. Can not say whether O. K. or not. Bro. Thiel, at Hartford, was bumped by Bro. Herbert. Am sorry to hear this, as it is Bro. Thiel’s home. Bros. Radtke, Woodchick and Sellen are look- ing for vacation. Mr. Hintz relieved Bro. Schwalbach a few days at Knowles, on account of sickness. Bro. Doyle sent to Horicon Junction nights; relieved at Pardeeville by Mr. Jones, from Cam- bria, who takes care of the dog in George's ab- sence. E. H. R. C. & C. B. Division — Bro. Wicke, agent at Shirland, has been ap- pointed cashier or chief clerk at Savanna, in place of G. N. Nicholson, resigned. J. T. Marsh goes to Shirland. Bro. H. E. Merkle, agent at Gordon’s Ferry, Iowa, has gone to Florence as agent, in place of Bro. Wm. Check, resigned.. Bro. E. Cook, Lanark, is off for fifteen days, visiting at Norfolk, Va. His place is being filled by Bro. Klome. Otto and Warr&n Moyer are still on their farms in South Dakota, and will remain there during the summer, when they will return to their old positions. F. R. Reynolds has been appointed as relief telegrapher in dispatcher* office, and will work there during the time the dispatchers are taking their vacations. Bro, McElhinney returned from the North greatly improved in health and resumed work at Fulton, Bro. F. F. Johannsen, relief agent, going to F. Park. Bro. Fisher, agent at Albany, took a trip to Freeport the 22d. Mr. Klute is relieving Mr. Reynolds at Savanna yards days. Bro. Voltz is back, working nights at Elgin. Bro. Williams resumed work at F. Park. Bro. llays on nights and Bro. F. F. Johannsen goes to Davis Junction nights. Bro. Baker is on his vacation. Ebner and F. Park nights up for bid. Albany night office closed and Cordova night office opened, with Bro. Springer doing the night stunt at Cordova. Our chief, F. G. Hill, is on his vacation. We all hope he is enjoying it. There are still four or five nons on this division, and trust they will soon see their mis- take and come in the fold. Corsspondet. Digitized by c,ooQle

Page 597

1598 . The Railroad Telegrapher. P. I). C. dr Min. Pt. Di'.-ision — The county fairs are now on in full blast, ami every body busy. Mr. A. \V uster has returned to his old profes- sion, after two years in the coal business in Mil- waukee, and is relieving Agent Zimmerman, who is taking in the sights at the Janestown Exposi- tion and other Eastern points. Our Local Chairman, T. L. Pagel, and Bros. Thurfcer, of Muscoda, and Robson, of Prairie du Chien, attended the meeting at Austin, Minn., on Sunday, August 18. They report a royal good time and an enthusiastic meeting. Bro. A. J. Taylor received Milton Junction nights on bulletin, where he is doing two men’s work, besides hiving to go to Janesville to board. Quite a number of changes occurred on the P. 1). C. Division this month. Bros. Collentine and Kallslcad have resigned and gone West, which left two vacancies, Lone Rock days, being filled by Bro. R. C. Black, and Prairie du Chien nights, filled by Mr. C. S. Owens. The Commercial Telegraphers have been on strike now for about two weeks, although we R. R. telegraphers are on hand to do business, said business does not seem to materialize around these parts. I should think only about ten per cent of our usual Western Union work is being done now. There is a matter that I hope to see taken up at some future time, and that is the practice of shippers loading live stock on Sundays. At some stations the telegraphers could be excused for at least part of the time on Sundays, if it were not that shippers persist in loading out live stock, a practice which is not necessary * and hardly ex- cusable in view of the fact that it forces others to work who would rather observe the day in a different manner. Having been away on vacation part of this month, your correspondent will ask to be excused with these few notes, not having received much information from other offices on the division. I am going to write a letter to a lapsed member who is a personal friend, and ask him to come back to us. Can’t each one do the same as soon as you have read these notes and the good things in The Telegrapher. Correspondent. Chicago & North Western Railway. Madison Division — On July 27th, between 9 p. m. and 1 a. m., Labor Hall was crowded, and below are the names of some of the brothers who came to attend what nearly everyone claims to have been the best O. R. T. meeting ever held in Madison: A. A. Babcock, Mt. Horeb; H. J. Christoffer, London; E. W. White, Deerfield; W. W. Brown, Monona yard, “FR;” A. E. Patterson, Platteville; T. A. Corcoran, tower “EA;” F. Johnson, Argyle, 111.; E. L. Gross, Caledonia, 111.; F. E. Wickern, Devil’s Lake; F. E. Warner, Baraboo; L. M. Burt, Brooklyn; A. J. Warnock, South Madison; H. J. Ralph, Ridgeway; W. J. Doering, Lake Mills; A. G. Thomas, Mendota; J. A. Barnes, tower “PD;’’ W. II. Hansen, Evansville; A. L. Crump, Foot- ville: C. L. Wilcox, Union Center; Chas. Regan, ('apron; Sam Potter, Merrimac. “Z;” H. R. Pigg. Merrimac, “BR;” W. F. Briggs, Roscoe; D. C. Babcock, Wales; Edw. Welch, Klevenville; G. W. Ayer, Verona; W. F. Westphal, Helen ville; W. R. Irwin, Lodi; C. B. McIntosh, Lodi; C. W. Wood, Necedah; W. Q. Eberts, Wyeville; W. A. Brown, Cobb; G. W. Richardson, Dane; M. H. Hansen, Evansville; F. L. Bonnell, Edmunds; P. M. Keeffe, Jefferson Junction; C. H. Bennett, West Allis; L. F. Schneider, Dausman; M. H. Schleck. Wone- woc; C. N. Schleck, J. J. Schleck, Madison; C. E. L. Hansen, Monona yard, “M.” It is said that so many requests for passes were made that the supply in Baraboo ran out. We know a number who had to be supplied with wire passes, but what is the odds so long as we get there. Bro. James Troy, general chairman, was unable to attend on account of two important meetings, one at Fremont and the other at Norfolk. He assured us he would be with us next time. Brothers, we are not making much more than living expenses with the prevailing high prices, and we certainly can not work for any less wages than we are now receiving, and there is no reason why we should, with skilled labor throughout the jountry receiving from $3 to $7 per day for eight hours' work. In fact, most of us think and know that we are not receiving the wages we should, even compared with what other classes of railroad employes receive. Anyone who has read the bulletin issued by the Interstate Commerce Commission, can not fail to that the telegraphers hold the most responsi- ble positions, still the railroad companies persist in hiring men to fill these responsible positions, and pay wages less than they are paying the Austrians, Italians or Japs. I base this assertion on schedules that have been revised to conform to the national and State laws. These schedules hive a minimum of $55, covering this territory, and right here on this section are Japs working and receiving $1.75 i>er day. Mr. F. H. Schuppener, agent at Stitzer, is off for a few days. The helper from DodgeviJle is relieving him. This is a non -telegraphic station. Telegrapher R. G. Lipcsomb relieved Agent Les- r.c a few days. He is now enjoying a few days’ rest. Telegrapher Blann worked a few nights at tower “EA,” from there he went to Evansville to re- lieve Mr. D. R. Roach, who in turn relieved Bro. C. R. Fisher, agent at Oregon. Bro. Fisher is taking a short vacation and visit- ing relatives and friends at Hazel Green. Bro. Barnhart, who took a turn at Lake Mills days, has returned to Caledonia nights, and Bro. Richardson, who was relieving him, is back at tower “EA” nights. Telegrapher Joe Moudry, tower “DO” nights, is enjoying a vacation, visiting relatives near Man- kato. Bro. J. J. Schleck has charge of tower “DO” nights at the present writing. Bro. J. C. Van Aucker, Beloit nights, is on a vacation. He is relieved by Bro. M. M. Zeckcs. Digitized by c.ooQle

Page 598

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1599 Bro. C. I). Butler has charge of Madison nights, extra. He reports a fine time on his trip to the Jamestown Exposition. Bro. Fred Fisher is taking a vacation and is now at his home at Oconto, Wis. Telegrapher Steinhoff, a new man, is relieving him at tower “Z.” Steinhoff says he will be with us in the near future. Recently, Bro. Evans at Sparta, was taken sud- denly ill and, being unable to go to work, Bro. Steve Fast put in the night for him. Bro. C. H. Bennett, North Greenfield days, spent his Sunday off at Lancaster, visiting rela- tives. Bro. Luedtke is holding down La Crosse nights, while on bulletin. Bro. W. H. W. Page, agent at Bangor, is en- joying his vacation on his farm in Dakota. Bro. J. E. Dolbier forwarding “Hussas Best” mean- while. Bro. Wilcox, agent at West Salem, who was recently married, is taking a trip to the Pacific coast. Bro. Chas. Adams had charge of West Salem during Bro. Wilcox’s absence. Bro. J. H. Bucklin, Jr., is spending a few days at home at Onalaska. Bro. B. F. Edwards, agent at Rockland, is on his vacation. Have not learned where he is spend- ing it. Towers “CM” and “*SD,” on the north end, which were struck by lighting and burned several months ago, have been replaced by small offices, to be opened about September i. Bro. L. F. Schneider, our local chairman, spent a couple of days in Chicago recently. He was relieved by Bro. A. C. Matzek, He has resumed duty as agent at Wales, and Bro. D. C. Babcock went to Blue Mounds to visit relatives. Bro. J. J. Schleck spent a few days at High- land. He also took in the “Beavers* dance” at Cobb. Telegrapher Davenport, a new man, relieved Bro. Ebert for a few nights at Leyden. The last bunch of bulletin jobs were assigned as follows: Mr. E. G. Edwards, Benton days. Bro. W. H. Hansen, Lancaster days. Bro. P. W. Avery, Devil’s Lake nights. Bro. J. E. Dolbier, Summit nights. J. J. Schleck, Oregon nights. The current bulletin. No. 17, has the following positions: Baraboo dispatcher’s office, T. and C. days; La Crosse nights, Kendalls nights, Mendota nights, tower “DO” nights. I “13” our capable night chief, Bro. A. A. Pel- nar, bid in Mendota nights. John DeSautelle, of the dispatcher's force, is now enjoying his two weeks’ vacation, and Purdy is patiently waiting his turn. Bro. C. C. Hinners is again on duty, nights, in the dispatcher’s office, after serving a few days at Lake Mills. Bro. W. J. Doering, of Lake Mills, has been taking a few days’ vacation recently. Bro. Pat Keeffe is acting agent at Jefferson Junction during the absence of W. F. Copeland, the regular agent, and Bro. A. G. Eisner is put- ting in his summer vacation as telegrapher at the Junction, while Pat does the business. Mr. F. J. Heimerl, who was formerly agent at Jefferson, on the Northern Wisconsin Division, and who has been out of the service, has been relieving the agent at Evansville for some days past. Mr. Heimerl is a first-class man, and we are glad to number him with the men on the Madison Division. Now we want to get him in line with a card and number him with the elect. Bro. M. Hendrickson is at Kendalls nights, since Bro. Dolbier got Summit by bulletin. Bro. C. G. Porter is again at his desk at La- \ralle, after several weeks’ absence, being relieved by Bro. F. H. Main, who is at present relieving the agent at Rockland. Bro. C. N. Schleck is off duty, and is taking in the Jamestown Exposition, in company with Bro. White, from Lancaster. Bro. C. B. Adams went to Madison to relieve Bro. Schleck, and Lan- caster was assigned to Bro. W. H. Hansen. Bro. Billy Jaehnke, of Ft. Atkinson, smiled on his Madison Division friends one day recently. Bro. E. P. Colton, agent at Evansville, has re- sumed his labors after a short vacation. Div. Cor. Dakota Division — Owing to hot weather and so much business on the division, the attendance at the meeting at Huron, August 9th, was very slim, but we under- stand that those present were very enthusiastic. The Southern Minnesota Division of the C., M. & St. P. is solid, with the exception of three, and one of them is barred. All get to work and see what can be done, and let us get solid. Conductor Meachani, known and liked by all who came in contact with him, while switching at Harrold, was knocked down and run over. He died shortly after the accident. The strike of the W. U. men is bound to help the railroads, as far as getting men is concerned. Telegrapher R. E. Holbrook went from Garvin to Manchester, doubled right back to Balaton and relieved Bro. Zollar, who gets Northville agency. Zollar can get a taste of this competitive station work. Bro. H. Griffiths, formerly of Northville, but now of the city of wild Indians and terminal of the once great Forest City and Gettysburg Rail- way. Bro. B. E. Donnelly has again returned to Lud- den. The brother from Ludden went to Manchester to relieve Bro. Donnelly. I omitted to say that the Commercial Club rooms at Huron, in which our last meeting was held, are certainly fine, and another thing, they are tendered us free. We are very short on items this month. The busy season of the year is now approaching when everyone on the division will have all the Digitized by c.ooQle

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1600 The Railroad Telegrapher. work he can do, including the dispatching force in Huron, who try to get the trains over the road with a3 little delay as possible. We can all assist by trying to answer calls promptly. Telegrapher Smith, of Burchard, left for the East, being relieved by Telegrapher Austin. Div. Cor. Lines West of Missouri River, Eastern Division — No card, no favors. Our meeting in Fremont, July 28th, was not very largely attended. Some very important ques- tions were discussed. The following attended the meeting: General Chairman James Troy, Jewell Junction; Loral Chairman C. M. Wurzbacher, Til- den; Hans Jensen, West End; R. E. Cheeney, W. H. Earp, D. B. Wintersteen, Fremont; A. L. Hewett, W. R. Kelly, Arlington; B. G. Kline, Washington; C. A. Wiest, Irvington; L. A. Clark, Exchange Building, South Omaha; E. S. Agur, Exeter; A. I). Jones, Beaver Crossing. Brothers, we ought to turn out better, as these meetings are a J>cnefit to all. Bro. R. E. Cheeney made a flying trip to Lin- coln on August 2d. W. S. Holmes, Houston by bid. Bro. Bigham, from Wisner nights, to Scribner nights, by bid. Bro. Busch, Scribner days, by bid. Bro. Don Brown is the night owl at Battle Creek. He was formerly with the C., B. & Q. Bro. W. J. Thomas, day telegrapher at Atkinson, agent at Inman by bid. Bro. J. B. Bailey, who has been working relief for about a year, landed Pilger by bid. Bro. Hendricksen, Stanton nights, was on a vacation for two weeks on account of sickness; Bro. Brown, from “BM,” relieving him. Wisner nights, was recently closed temporarily. Bro. Bigham being on sick list, summer grip, we understand. Telegrapher Hall, Fremont, visited with his brother at Linwood, on August 3d. Bro. Cook, agent at Stanton, returned to duty the first of the month, after three weeks’ visit in the East. Bro. C. P. Donahue, from Division No. 49, is working nights at Hooper. Attention, brothers l B. J. Drummond, manager for the Irie Dispatch in Omaha, went scabbing during the Western Union strike in Omaha. Here is his own words, "1 used to belong to the O. R. T. some fifteen years ago, and they gave me the worst of it, so now I am glad to get a chance to get even with the operators.” Brothers, remember this “scab” if you should happen to meet him. We have no earthly use for a man of this kind. There has been so many night offices closed and so many changes of late that it is almost impossi- ble to keep a line on them. The new time card which went into effect Sun- day, August 1 8th, gives some of us better hours and others less help. Mr. Sharp, of Niobrara, and Mr. Foote, of Boncsteel, traded tricks for some reason. Mr. Lewis, of Monovi, was called to Bradish on account of the serious illness of his father, who is agent at that place. We hope he will soon recover. Understand Mr. Boiles, of Lynch, is now able to return to work. Mr. Criss, of Stewart, is holding the fort at Dallas. Business is reported to be very good at that end of the line. Mr. Ranck is working days at Herrick, and Mr. Imust at Burke. Bro. Earp was laid up for repairs for a few days. Hope it was nothing serious. How many of you boys have one of the new cards? They are certainly fine ones, and if you haven’t got one you had better get one as soon as possible. A great many of the nons on this division are beginning to realize the truth of, no card, no favors, and the sooner they all see the folly of their ways and get in the band wagon the better it will be for them, as well as for the rest of us. Bro. Zacek at Wisner nights, by bid. The following night offices have been closed on the Boncsteel line: Bonesteel. Anoka, Spencer, Lynch, Niobrara, Vedigre and Plainview. Bro. Sauers, Hooper, relieved Mr. French at Blair for a few days. Agent Cushman, we under- stand, had to do without a day telegrapher while Bro. Sauers was away. Dispatcher Larsen visited with his folks at Sioux Falls, S. Dak., for a couple of weeks. Bro. Hewett, agent at Arlington, attended the agents* meeting in Fremont, Bro. Kelly being chief cook and bottle washer during Bro. Hewett’s absence. ”13” that Foster D. Lamphere, who wa? night owl at Wisner and Scribner, went to Chicago to work for the Western Union. The meeting which was held at Norfolk, July 28, was well attended. Most of the brothers who were able to get away from their work were there. Superintendent C. H. Reynolds, Trainmaster E. O. Mount, and Superintendent of Telegraph Dailey were in attendance. These gentlemen all gave some very interesting talks on the important issues of the times as concerns our interests and those of the company. These gentlemanly officials made friends of all who were there, and each left with the thought that it was good to have been there. General Superintendent Braden was, through some unforseen difficulty, unable to attend, much to the disappointment of all the boys. Bro. Nicholas, of Petersburg, is back to work, having returned from the funeral of his mother, who recently passed away at her home at Geneva, Neb. We all sympathize with the brother and his family in their loss. The brothers at Albion have had their hands full during the Chautauqua which was held there this year. Bro. Still, of Lindsay, has landed Plainview on bid. Bro. Zacek, who has been working nights at Inman, is at present relieving at Wisner nights. Digitized by t^OOQle

Page 600

The Railroad Telegrapher. lbOl Mr. F. D. Rhodes, at Newman Grove, was dis- appointed in getting away on his vacation on account of the man sent to relieve him being suddenly taken sick and unable to go to work. Operator G. VV. Crocker, from O’Neill, is now relieving Bro. Lewis at Bradish, who for some time has not been able to work, but has been obliged to stick to his post on account of the scarcity of relief men. Mr. Crocker was at one time an Order man, but has been out of the busi- ness for several years. He has the right spirit and promises to be with us again in the near future. It is understood that Telegrapher J. S. Johnson, of Dodge street, has resigned to attend school in Omaha this winter. Bro. Fowler is working the da/ trick at Round House, South Omaha. Understand he is from Inman. James Knudsen, from Exchange, “SY,” is work- ing nights at Round House, South Omaha. Both day and night jobs are bulletined now. No. 5 and No. 6 do not stop at Washington, Irvington and Bennington since we have our new time card, and it seems strange to see them go through at the rate of sixty miles an hour. Mr. E. C. Eller is waiting to be transferred to the position of telegrapher. The local chairman was a caller on the South Platte a short time ago. Wonder how many nons he got in line. A meeting will be held in Fremont some time during November. Mr. Dailey, superintendent of telegraph, General Manager Walters, General Su- perintendent Braden, Superintendent Reynolds, Trainmasters Mount and Lapple, we understand, are going to be present. A special effort is going to be made to have as many attend as possible. Further particulars later. Div. Cor. Galena Division — Everything moving smoothly on the Galena Division. Jobs, on last bulletin, up for bid are: Ring- wood, agent and telegrapher; Chicago shops, day telegrapher; tower “HM,” day and night; Aurora, day telegrapher; Hahnemann, agent and teleg- rapher; Proviso, night telegrapher, and Broad- moor, agent and telegrapher. Am unable to say who secured positions on bul- letin No. 5. A very good meeting was held at Dixon, August 17th. There were about thirty brothers present, and three applications were turned in, showing that we are keeping the number of nons down to the minimum, and that we arc alive and growing. Bro. O’Brien, from “CH,” Western Union office, Chicago, was present and gave us a very inter- esting talk on the strike situation, and made us all realize just how much this struggle means to us. Bro. Brining, from “SJ” office, Chicago, added some good hints along the same line. Then followed a general discussion of the strike, after which the disagreeable task of settling the Bunzy case came up, and was handled ably by Attorneys Reagan and Taylor. The evidence was over- whelmingly against Mr. Bunzy. He was found guilty of the charge of “conduct unbecoming a member and teaching telegraphy,’’ and was ex- pelled from Division, No. 76. Bro. R. E. Meador, Wheaton nights, is spending his vacation at home, Patoka, 111., on the farm. Mr. Burke, formerly baggageman at Richmond, is relieving Pro. Meador. Bro. J. E. Price got No. 2 wire at “*CU,” Chi- cago, on bid. Bro. J. B. Henning, of Hahnemann, goes to De- Kalb days on bid. . Local Cor. Minnesota Division — What is the matter with the Minnesota Division. I have looked for news from this division for at least six months and, as yet, I have seen nothing. Now, brothers, I want news. You all know where to find me and I have three wires you can call me on, besides the block. It’s up to you. I could not attend the last meeting, held at Mankato, so do not know what happened. I un- derstand there was a good attendance. Bro. E. J. Thomas, our local chairman, tendered his resignation, which was accepted. Bro. Thomas has about all he can handle now, as he was trail- ferred from Sanborn to Tracy station, and you all know Tracy is not very slow in any line of the business. We are all sorry to see Bro. Thomas go, as he has been a good worker for the cause, and has been with us since our first schedule, but we are equally as glad to welcome Bro. H. W. Brown as local chairman, and it is hoped that the broth- ers will assist him all they can, as the position of local chairman is not all pleasant. Bro. B. H. Nixon has gone to Chicago to work a trick out of “SJ’’ office. Bro. Christopher on the laying off list. Bro. Bradish, Cobden, back again after a six weeks’ sickness; says he is feeling fine now. H. F. Hanson, from the Great Northern Rail way at Niagra, N. Dak., has been calling on friends and relations at Essig, the past week. It will be remembered he used to be agent at Essig. Bro. Murphy happy at. Traverse as agent. Bro. Carpenter laying off. I understand J. W. Rice, St. Peter Junction nights, has handed over the necessary amount, and is entitled to be called brother. Bro. H. J. Smith, Eagle Lake, on a lay off. Do not know man relieving him. Bro. Wagner, Courtland, was off a few days this month. F. C. Evans secured New Ulm by bulletin. Bro. Biersdorf holds same place during daylight hours. Acting Div. Cor. IVisconsin Division — The meeting held at Milwaukee, August 11, was well attended, but some of the brothers from the north end failed to show up. The meetings at Milwaukee are to give you brothers from the north a chance to attend, and when you get another notice of a Milwaukee meeting be sure to be there, as you do not know what you missed. Bro. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1602 The Railroad Telegrapher. Troy was there and gave us a very good talk, and we are always glad to have Uncle Janies with us. We have initiated ten new members on the Wisconsin Division since July i, and there are so few non-members left that if every one made it a point to talk to them there would be but few after next pay-day. Bro. Peter Herman at West End nights, be- longs to the singers, and had to be excused from the last meeting. Bro. Smallwood, at Rockfield, is the busiest owl on the Air Line. He is working a side line of photos for postal cards. Any brother wishing to see his line will get one in return for one mailed to him. Always give your certificate number. Bro. Litcher, from Eden, spent his vacation in Minneapolis. Bro. Trinwith spent his vacation at Boone, Iowa. Baggageman Snyder, from West Bend, re- lieved him at Jackson during his absence. Mr. Snyder is now on the list as telegrapher, and will be with the boys when he gets even with the world. We understand Bro. Andrews, from South Mil- waukee, has left us to work for some manufactur- ing enterprise at South Milwaukee. All the good men going to work elsewhere means that we will have to get more money and better hours to keep them with us. Bro. Geo. Zoch, from Lake Shore Junction, took a two weeks’ vacation, Telegrapher Snyder doing the owl act. Bro. W. A. Kraemer, from the dispatcher’s office, spent a few weeks’ vacation with his folks at Rockfield, Wis. The next meeting will be at Waukegan, and we want all who possibly can to turn out, as there will be a watermelon feast and don’t want anyone to miss it. Bro. O’Connor will do the carving and Bro. Scanlon will be the toastmaster. Cert. 66. Northern Wisconsin Division — Bro. McAvoy, of Plymouth, off on a ten days’ fishing trip. He was relieved by Bro. Heinzel- mann; Rro. Ward in turn relieving Bro. Hcinzel- rnann. Mr. S. C. Duley, of Sheboygan Falls, is off for a few days; relieved by Bro. Ward. Bro. Noyes, of Appleton Junction nights, is en- joying a vacation at his home in Iowa, being re- lieved by Bro. J. S. Stark, of Kaukauna nights. Bro. Haberkorn, of Fond du Lac days, is on a vacation, being relieved by Bro. G. Neitzel, “DU” nights, the latter relieved by Bro. Ransom. Wc "13” Bro. Ransom has joined the benedicts, if so we will no doubt smoke at our next meeting. Bro. A. C. Lary expects to take a sixty-day leave and visit at points in Ohio, and take in the West. Local Chairman Bro. Hackbert spent the after- noon of the 15th at North Fond du Lac, looking after matters pertaining to the Order. Bro. Boiler and wife of South Oshkosh, leave in a few days for an extended trip through the West, expecting to be gone about a month. Bro. J. O. Sund off on a two weeks’ vacation. Several of the brothers attended the railroad picnic at North Fond du Lac. All seemed to en- joy themselves, especially Bro. Zuehlke, who took an active part in the ball game, even though he did get a battered thumb. Bro. Morrissey, of Neenah nights, off for a few nights; relieved by Bro. J. S. Stary, of Kaukauna nights. Bro. J. O. Sund has gone to work at South Osh- kosh nights, while Bro. Flemming relieves Bro. Boiler. Bro. Stone, *of Koshkonong, off a few days on account of taking over the postoffice at that point, making transfer of same; was relieved by Mr. J. L. Anderson. The meetings of the past few months have been well attended, and we have had interesting sub- jects discussed. Let us have more of the south end men in attendance. Our next meeting will be held at Appleton. September 6th. General Chairman Troy will be with us, and to say that you will be missing a treat would be putting it very mild. The voluntary assessment was taken up at our last meeting, which will go a long ways to relieve the situation of our commercial brothers. Every- one expressed themselves as satisfied and willing to pay same. Let there be no delay in sending same in, as this money should be in their hands as soon as we can get it there. We hope they will win. Let every man on this division lend a helping hand and his hearty co-operation to Bro. Hackbert. There are a good many of the brothers who think the local chairman is the man to handle the whole situation, but this is wrong. It is im- possible for him to do this without the support of every man on the division. Every member has a duty to perform outside of paying dues and attending meetings. Keep after the non-members, see that the com- pany is not infringing on our rights, and when you see that our agreement is being violated in any way just drop the local chairman a note, call- ing his attention to it. When you hear of a new man coming onto the division, find out if he is in line, and if not try and induce him to join. If wc will all go after it in this manner our chair- man will know that he is being properly supported, and that every man on his division is taking an interest in the Order, and he will feel that he is representing a solid and up-to-date membership. Let us give this a trial, and I assure you wc wi!l meet with success. It is impossible for the men at the one-man stations to attend the meetings, but if these men would suggest things concerning then work and stations to Bro. Hackbert, these matters would be brought up and discussed at the meetings, and would give him a chance to investigate, and try and remedy them when in on committee work. Cert. 100. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1603 IN MEMORIAM. W hereas, It has pleased an all-wise Providence to remove from our midst our brother and friend, L. B. Lewis, agent at Bradish, Neb., and while we bow in humble submission to the will of the Most High, who doeth all things for the best, and Whereas, We, as an organization, feel that we have lost a most trusted friend and brother, the community an exemplary citizen, and the wife and family a devoted father and husband, and while his words of counsel, his cheerful presence, and his untiring devotion to the welfare of the people, will be sadly missed, we feel that our loss is his eternal gain. To the sorrowing widow and family we tender our heartfelt sympathy and consolation, and pray for the Comforter of the weary to give them strength and courage to ful- fill their mission well. The absence of our brother at our meetings shall even tend to impress on us that we, too, must some day be numbered among the absent, and we hope for a meeting on the other side of the river. Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread on the minutes of our division, and a copy he published in The Telegrapher, and that a copy be sent to the family of our deceased brother. Hans Jensen, W. C. Day, J. R. Hood, Committee. Twin City Telegraphers’ Club. At the last meeting of the club we had with us part of the Great Northern and Northern Pacific committees, which, by the way, are here waiting upon the officials of these two roads, and expect to have a schedule signed in the very near future. That don’t look so bad. The club had installation of officers, after which we proceeded with regular business. Bro. Lester was with us again, after an absence of one meeting night. We had with us Bros. Newman, Holmes and Abbott, who gave us very interesting talks, which were well received and of much interest. Bro. Liddane, the orator of the club, was with us and contributed the usual good advice on good of the order, lie has at all times ideas and sug- gestions of interest to the boys in general, and they are always glad to hear what he has to offer. Bro. Renshaw has not been with us for the last two meetings, but we hope to see him at our next. Bro. Johnson, acting general chairman of North- ern Pacific Division, No. 54, was at the meeting. Might also state that the brother is a member of the club, having taken out a card with the club with Bro. Emerick and other brothers of the Northern Pacific and Great Northern General Committee. From the make-up of these committees, we think that both the Northern Pacific and Great Northern brothers are well represented, and that their in- terests will be well looked after. We were all surprised to hear that our worthy brother, F. J. W'inne, took unto himself a better half. We wish the brother much happiness in his new venture. We installed our worthy President Beamer, and the club was much pleased to have the brother to act again as their president. He has made a very able president. First Vice-President Foulkes, Second Vice- President Galvin, Sergeant-at-Arms Bassett, and Doorkeeper Lester are all good men, and the club chose well when they were fortunate enough to get these brothers to serve them. The new secre- tary-treasurer and acting club correspondent needs no mentioning, as he must do as the club directs. Wre would like to sec a few write-ups from the N. P. and G. N. in our journal. Both of these roads now have a complete set of local chairmen, and they ought to get busy. I think when the new general chairman, Bro. Johnson, gets going he may start some of them off. Let us hope so. Our president having again overlooked the ap- pointment of his club correspondent at our last meeting, he delegated me to act for this write-up of the club, but we expect he will find time at our next meeting to make an appointment. Club Correspondent, Pro Tem. Digitized by c,ooQle

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GRAND DIVISION NOTI C E W. C. Frazier, Cert. 2870, Grand Division, and Adam Reed, Cert. 3317, Grand Division, have been expelled from the Order for conduct unbecoming members. MUTUAL BENEFIT DEPARTMENT. Assessment So. 102 is due SEPTEMBER 1, 1907. Tim© for payment expires OCiOBEK 81, 1907. AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENTS. On | 300 00 (Series A) ....20 cents each On 500 00 (Senes B) ....30 cents each On 1.000 00 (Serie, C) ....60 cents each Claim No. BENEFITS Name. PAID DURING AUGUST, 1907. Cebt. Cause. Div. No. Series. Amt. 605... .John J. Dole . . . Pernicious Anemia . . .Grand. ..4264. ...B.. 500 00 613... .John G. Worm worth . . . Pleurisy .. 7.... . 6275. ...C.. .. 1,000 00 6*9... .Joseph M. Jobin . . . Hemiplegia .. 76.... . 9240. ...C.. .. 1,000 00 FINANCIAL STATEMENT — MORTUARY FUND RJSCK1PTS. Received on Assessment Account to Julv 31, 1907 $555,454 02 Received on Assessment Account August, 1907 9.424 12 $564,878 14 DISBURSKMBNT8. Death Claims paid to July 31, 1907 $359 281 47 Death Claims paid in August 2.500 00 Asaesaments refunded, account rejected applications 949 24 Assessments transferred to dues 159 13 Cash on hand to credit Mortuary Fund, August 31, 1907 201.988 30 $564,878 14 L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1605 OFFICIAL directory. General Offices, St. Louis, Mo. GRAND H. B. PERHAM President St Louis, Mo. J. A. NEWMAN First Vice-President St Louis, Mo. D. CAMPBELL Third Vice-President. 264 Rusholme Rosd, Toronto, Ont OFFICERS. L. W. QUICK Grand Secretary and Treasurer. St Louis, Mo. T. M. PIERSON Second Vice-President St Louis, Mo. J. J. DERMODY Fourth Vice-President St. Louis, Mo. BOARD OF DIRECTORS. C. E. Layman, Chairman, Troutville, Va. A. O. Sinks, Jefferson Street Depot, Portland, Ore. Geo. O. Forbes, Secretary, Spring Hill Junction, C. G. Kelso, Tremont Hotel, Springfield, Mo. N. S. Geo. E. Joslin, Lock Box 11, Centerdale, R. I. ADVERTISING. All correspondence pertaining to advertising should be addressed to W. N. Gates, Advertising Mana- ger, Gartield Building, Cleveland, Ohio. DIVISION DIRECTORY. GRAND DIVISION — Attached membership not confined to any particular railroad or territory. H. B. Perham, President, St. Louis, Mo.; L. W. Quick, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 1. — Division covers the Grand Trunk Railway System. Meets subject to call of chairman. J. Willoughby, Gen’l Chairman, Bracebridge, Ont.*; D. L. Shaw, Gen’l S. A T., 769 King st., London, Ont. NO. a, ST. LOUIS, MO.— Meets 1st and 3d Mondays each month at 8 p. m.. Small Hall South Side, 3d floor Masonic Temple (Odeon Building), Grand and Finney aves., St. Louis, Mo. L. W. Quick, Chief Telegrapher, 7th floor Star Building, St. Louis, Mo.; J. W. La Fever, S. & T., 373a N. nth st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 3. HARRISBURG, PA.— Meets xst Thursday each month in Mauk’s Hall, corner 6th & Kel- ler sts., Harrisburg, Pa., and at some point on Middle Division, P. R. R., 3d Thursday evening each month, 7 p. m. J. S. Leyder, Chief Tel., Thompsontown, Pa.; B. H. Salts man, S. & T., 1711 Market st, Harrisburg, Pa. NO. s- — Division covers the Kansas City Southern Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. R. L. Caldwell, Gen’l Chairman, Lisle, Mo. P. H. Williams, Gen’l S. & T., Drexel, Mo. NO. 6. — Division covers the Union Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. E. L. Stump, Gen’l Chairman, 231a Mar- ion st, Denver, Colo. John H. Hughey, Jr., Gen’l S. ft T., Box 294, Junction City, Kan. NO. 7. — Division covers the Canadian Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. Ed. Goulet, Gen’l Chairman, Westminster, B. C.; John Wagner, Gen’l S. & T., Sudbury, Ont. NO. 8. — Division covers New York Central Ry. M. G. Woolley, Gen’l Chairman, 155th st. and Eighth ave., New York, N. Y.; A. E. Blim, Gcn’l S. ft T., Chili Station, N. Y. Hudson Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman; J. B. West, Local Chairman, 11 Thompson st, Pough- keepsie, N. Y. Western Div. — Meets 3d Sat- urday evening in July, Oct., Jan. and April, at North Tonawanda, N. Y.; March, June, September and December, at Rochester, N. Y.; February, May, August and November, at Syra- cuse, N. Y. Mohawk Div. — Meets on 3d Wednesday each month, at 8 o’clock p. m., in the Court House, at Fonda, N. Y. Harlem Div. — Meets on 3d Thursday each month, 10 a. m. add 8 p. m., Harlem Arcade. 211 East 124th st., New York City. M. G. Woolley, Local Chairman, 155th st. and Eighth ave., New York City, care N. Y. Central R. R. Fall Brook Div. — Meets 3d Tuesday evening each month, 8 o. m., Rettig’s Hall, West Market st., Corning, N. Y. R. R. McJnroy, Local Chairman, Middle- bury Center, Pa. Electric Zone — Between tower 7, King’s Bridge, and "VO” tower, Mt. Vernon to 56th st. — Meets 3d Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p. m.. Colonial Building, Rooms 54, 67 and 69, West 125th st., New York City. F. von Hatten Local Chairman, 3117 Park ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, Assistant Local Chair- man, “FH” to ”MJ,” 136 West 167th st., New Your City. H. R. Vernon, Assistant Local Chairman, representing G. C. Terminal. Chas. Armitage, in charge of Station Agents, 125th Digitized by c,ooQle

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1606 The Railroad Telegrapher. si. Station, New York City. September meeting will be a day meeting at to a. m., and every third meeting thereafter will be a clay meeting. NO. 9, LANCASTER, PA. — Meets 3d Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., in Central Labor Union Hall, ad floor. No. aa South Queen at, Lancaster, Pa. Chas. E. Kacy, Chief Telegra- pher, 1193d North Charlotte st, Lancaster, Pa.; A. B. Hambright, S. ft T., Landis ville, Pa. NO. 11, OLD TOWN, ME.— MeeU 4th Sunday each month, 1 .30 p. m., Royal Arcanum Hall, 1 16 Main st., Bangor, Me. Burton A. Brackett, Chief Tel, 3a Coombs st., Bangor, Me.; E. E. McPheters, S. ft T., Great Works, Me. NO. 1 a, SUN BURY, PA.— MeeU ad Thursday eve- ning of each month, I. O. O. F. Hall, S. W. cor. Market and 3d sts. F. J. Reigel, Chief TeL, 314 Fairmount ave.. Sun bury. Pa.; W. D. Grant, S. ft T., 225 Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa. NO. 14. — Division covers the Norfolk ft Western Railway System. MeeU subject to call of Chair- man. C. E. Layman, Gen’l Chairman, Trout- ville, Va.; T. H. Lankford, Gen’l S. ft T., P. O. Box 11, Clover dale, Va. NO. 15, OTTAWA, ONT. — MeeU subvert to call of Chief Telegrapher at Ottawa, Ont G. W. Shepherd, Chief Tel., Alexandria, Ont; D. Robertson, S. ft T., Glen Robertson, Ont.; D. RoberUon and G. W. Shepherd, LegisUtive Representatives. NO. 16. — Division covers the Michigan Central Railroad. Meets 3d Monday each month at 7:30 p. m.. Prismatic Hall, 140 First st., Detroit, Mich. J. C. Culkins, Gen’l Chairman, Albion, Mich.; J. H. Staley, Gen’l S. & T., Falls View, Ont. NO. 17, BALTIMORE, MD.— MeeU 1st and 3<* Wednesday of each month at Old Town Bank Building, 3d floor, Baltimore, Md. Wm. M. Skinner, Chief Tel., 2224 E. Oliver st., Balti- more, Md.; Daniel L. Roller, S. ft T., Hartford road and West Erdman ave., Baltimore, Md. NO. 1 8. — Division covers the New York, Chicago ft St. Louis Railroad System. MeeU subject to call of Chairman. E. M. Mulcahy, Gen’l Chairman, 33 Courtney st., Dunkirk, N. Y.; O. S. Smith, Gen’l S. ft T., Argos, Ind. NO. ao. — Division covers the New York, OnUrio ft Western Ry. System. MeeU subject to call of Chairman. Guy Cochran, Gen’l Chairman, Kingston, N. Y.; H. D. Pfoor, Gen’l S. ft T., P. O. Box 1 14, Jermyn, Pa. NO. at. — Division covers the Cincinnati, Hamilton ft Dayton Railroad System. MeeU subject to Call of Chairman. E. F. Stenger, Gen'l Chair- man, R. F. D. No. 3, Miamisburg, Ohio; A. C. Bushwaw, Gen’l S. ft T., 55 Samuel st., Dayton, Ohio. NO. sa. — Division covers the Missouri, Kansas ft Texas Railroad System, R. J. Clark, Gen'l S. ft T. , 1419* Granville place, St Louis, Mo, NO. 33. — Division covers Chicago, Milwaukee A St Paul Ry. System. MeeU subject U call oi Chairman. Milwaukee Terminal meetings held subject to call of Local Chairman. O. W. Rm shaw, Gen’l Chairman, a West 14th st, Ifinne apolis, Minn.; G. E. Soyster, Gen’l S. ft T.. Covington, Iowa. NO. *4. WILLIAMSPORT, PA.— Meets i«t Thursday evening of each month in K. of C. Hall, N. E. Cor. Fourth and Pine sts., Williams port, Pa. Thos. R. Hepler, Chief Tel., 423 Park ave., Williamsport, Pa.; J. N. Sponsler, S. & T.. 935 Eric ave., Williamsport, Pa. NO. as. — Division covers the International A Great Northern Railway System. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. F. W. Lyon, Gen’l Chairman, Bracken, Texas; R. B. Adams, Gen'l S. & T.. Jewett, Texas. NO. 26, NEW YORK, N. Y.— MeeU ad Sunday each month at 3 p. m., 133 Edgecombe ave., New York City. F. J. Ryan, Chief Tel, aal W. 141st st. New York; A. L. Me Bain, S. ft T.. 1 33 Edgecomb ave., New York City. NO. 27, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.— W. W. Cuhner. Chief Tel.. Martinsville, Ind.; E. G Tbomp son, S. & T., 26 N. Holmes ave., Indianapolis Ind. NO. *8. — Division covert the Mexican Interns tional Railway System. MeeU subject to call of the Chairman. M. T. Fenelon, Gen’l Chairman, Barroteran, Coah., Mex.; L. Hernendex, Gen’l S. ft T., Valardena, Dgo, Mex. NO. 29. NEW HAVEN. CONN.— MeeU 1st Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m. in Red Men's Hall, 48 Church st, cor. Crown, New Haven. Conn. L. H. Dowd, Chief Tel., 47 Division st, Danbury, Conn.; G. F. McCormack, S. ft T., 91 Main st. West Haven, Conn. NO. 31. — Division covers the Missouri Pacific Railroad System. MeeU subject to call of the Chairman. L. M. Nance, Gen’l Chairman. 45*3 Cook ave., St Louis, Mo. W. M. Holman. Gen’l S. ft T., 7210 Pennsylvania av.. St. Louis. Mo. NO. 32. — Division covers the St Louis ft San Francisco Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. G G. Kelso, Gen’l Chair- man, 1528 N. Jefferson ave., Springfield, Ma; J. E. McQuade, Gen’l S. ft T., 1518 N. Jeffer son ave., Springfield, Mo. NO. 33. — Division covers the Baltimore ft Ohio Railway System. MeeU subject to call of the Chairman. E. N. Van Atta, Gen'l Chairman, Box 36, Newark, O. ; W. Edgar Frasher, Gen’l S. ft T., 814 W. 9th st, Wilmington, Del Pike Division meets on 3d Saturday night of seek month at Hotel Wilson, No. 10 Smithfield st. Pittsburg, Pa. Will Carr, Local Chairman, West Alexander, Pa. Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1607 NO. 34. — Division covers the Chicago ft Eastern Illinois Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. V. Phillips, Gen’l Chair- man, Wellington, 111.; S. M. Rittenhouse, Gen’l S. ft T., Sidell, 111. NO. 35, PROVIDENCE, R. I. — Meets 3d Satur- day of each month in Swarts Lodge, Odd Fel- lows' Hall, 96 Westminster st., Providence, R. I. J. F. Brady, Chief Tel., 52 Woodbine st., Providence, R. I.; Robt A. Brown, S. ft T., 36 Cora ave., East Providence, R. I. NO. 36. — Division covers the Pennsylvania Lines west of Pittsburg. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. W. Burch, Gen’l S. ft T., 3*9 Atalanta ave.. Tuxedo Park, St. Louis, Mo. ■ NO. 37. NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y.— Meets ad Friday evening each month, 8 p. m., Bank's Hall, over Post Office, New Rochelle, N. Y. Daniel Kenney, Chief Tel., 32 Madison ave., Port Chester, N. Y. ; Jos. A. Hannan, S. & T., P. O. Box 140, Rye, N. Y. NO. 38, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.— Meets 3d Sat- urday each month, 8 p. m., at 33 Lyman st., Springfield, Mass. Art. O. Betters, Chief Tel., 216 Summer sL, Springfield, Mass.; John R. Cardinal, S. ft T., Box 1417 Springfield, Mass. No. 39- — Division covers the Pere Marquette Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John Heusted, Gen’l Chairman, Mt. Morris, Mich.; Charles I. Mead, Gen’l S. & T., Smyrna, Mich. NO. 40. — Division covers Chesapeake ft Ohio Rail- way System. Meets 4th Thursday of each month at Fraternity Hall, 215 West Broad st., Richmond, Va. Third Saturday night of each month at Eagle's Hall, Clifton Forge, Va. Third Tuesday night of each month at Manhattan Hall, Hinton, W. Va. Fourth Saturday night of each month at Buffalo Hall, cor. Third ave. and 9th st, Huntington, W. Va. L. G. Bent- ley, Gen’l Chairman, No. 25 South Adams st., Richmond, Va.; J. W. Kiser, Gen'l S. ft T., 824 27th st., Huntington, W. Va. NO. 41, BOSTON, MASS. — Meets 2d Saturday night each month. Engineers' Hall, 164 Canal st., Boston, Mass. Ben C. Chase, Chief Tel.. Wenham Depot, Mass; John A. Tuck, S. ft T.. upper station, Wakefield, Mass. NO. 42. — Division covers the Erie Railroad Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Frank N. Hall, Gen’l Chairman, 35 Clinton st., Sala- manca, N. Y.; C. L. Bridge, Gen'l S. ft T., De- posit, N. Y. NO. 43. — Division covers Canadian Northern Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chair* man. A. E. J. Willis, Gen'l Chairman, Roland, Man.; E. G. Skelding, Gen'l S. ft T., 531 Victor st., Winnipeg, Man. NO. 44. NEW YORK, N. Y.— Meets sd Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Fraternity Hall, 22-24 Harriman ave., Jamaica. N. Y.; C. B. Van Nostrand, Chief Tel., 31 Aberdeen st., Brook- lyn, N. Y.; A. F. Heller, S. ft T., 1441 Bush- wick ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. NO. 45. WOODVILLE, N. H.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month at 8 p. m., K. of P. Hall, Woodville, N. H. B. C Berry, Chief Tel., South Barton, Vt.; F. P. Learned, S. ft T , Plymouth, N. H. NO. 46. — Division covers the Central of Georgia Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. G. C. Stephenson, Gen'l Chairman, Roes- ville, Ga.; O. S. Travis, Gen'l S. ft T., Route 68, Atlanta, Ga. NO. 47, CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. I.— Meets 3d Thursday of each month at 8 p. m., and B. I. S. Hall, Charlottetown, P. E. I.; A. D. Lawson, Chief Tel., Hunters River, P. E. I.; J. J. Trainor, S. ft T., Bedford Station, P. E. I. NO. 48. — Division covers the Detroit, Toledo ft I ronton and Ann Arbor Railways. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. H. J. Tobin, Gen’l Chairman, 315 E. Exchange st., Owosso, Mich.; A. F. Weast, Gen’l S. ft T., Bainbridge, Ohio. NO. 49. — Division covers the Denver ft Rio Grande Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. A. H. Wasson, Gen'l Chairman, Amethyst, Colo.; F. W. Aiken, Gen'l S. ft T., Parkdale, Colo. NO. 50. — Division covers the Georgia Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John S. Stovall, Gen'l Chairman, Milledgeville, Ga.; A. C. McKinley, Gen'l S. ft T., Milledge- ville, G* NO. 51. — Division covers Bessemer and Lake Erie Railway System. Meets 1st Friday evening after 1 6th each month, in Eagles' Hall, Greenville, Pa., after the arrival of trains 2 and 13. C. V. Patton, General Chairman, Kaylor, Pa.; W. B. Risley, Gen’l S. ft T., 96 Marshall st., Con- neaut, Ohio. NO. 5 a, PITTSBURG, PA.— Meets 2d and 4th Saturday evening each month at 8 p. m., at 204 Fifth ave., 3d floor, Pittsburg, Pa. John Kiger, Chief Tel., 6426 Howe st., East End, Pittsburg, Pa.; H. K. Klingensmith, Secretary. 226 Bertha st., Pittsburg, Pa.; C. C. Campbell, Treasurer, 605 Arlington ave., Pittsburg, Pa. NO. 53. — Division covers the Southern Pacific Railway Lines. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. H. Lester, Gen’l Chairman, Weimar, Tex.; D. W. Koppikus, Gen'l S. ft T., 1220 12th ave., East Oakland, Cal. NO. 54. — Division covers the Northern Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. I. N. Holmes, Gen’l S. ft T., Olympia, Wash. Digitized by CjOOQle

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160tJ The Railroad Telegrapher. No. 55. — Division covers the Wheeling, Lake Erie Railway, Wabash, Pittsburg Terminal and West Side Belt Railway Systems. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. O. Peoples, Gen’l Chair- man, Bolivar, Ohio; C. R. Guthrie, Gen’l S. & T., Box 71, Jewett, Ohio. NO. 56. — Division covers the Georgia Southern k Florida Railway Systems. T. L. Argo, Gen’l Chairman, G. S. k F. Ticket Office, Valdosta, Ga.; O. H. Watson, Gen’l S. k T., Tobesofkee, Ga. NO. 57. — Division covers the Houston k Texas Central Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. W. J. Burke, Gen'l Chairman, H. k T. C. yard office, Dallas, Texas; J. A. McKey, Gen’l S. & T., 43 N. Benge st., Mc- Kinney, Texas. NO. 58, WILMINGTON, DEL. — Meets 3d Wednesday evening, 8 o’clock. Red Men's Hall, 317 Shipley st., Wilmington, Del. H. W. Ken- nedy, Chief Telegrapher, 305 N. Van Buren st., Wilmington, Del.; W. J. Holton, S. k T., New- ark, Del. NO. 59. — Division covers Southern Railway Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. A. L. McDaniel. Gen’l S. k T., Forest City, N. C NO. 60, WASHINGTON, D. C.— Meets 3d Fri- day of each month st 8 p. m., at Typographical Temple, 4*3 “G” st., N. W., Washington, D. C. J. E. Vandergrift, Chief Tel., 1116 Va. ave., S. W., Washington, D. C.; H. L. Simcox, S. k T., 638 “B” st., S. W., Washington, D. C. NO. 61, CAMPBELLTON, N. B.— Meets 4th Tuesday evening of each month in Engineers’ Hall, Campbellton, N. B. J. W. Morton. Chief Tel., Campbellton, N. B.; R. A. McMillan, S. & T., Charlo Station, N. B. NO. 62. — Division covers Queen k Crescent (North). J. W. Collins, Gen’l Chairman, 336 Foreman ave., Lexington, Ky. E. M. Caldwell, Gen’l Sec’y & Treas., Corinth, Ky. NO. 63. MONCTON, N. B.— Meets 3d Saturday of each month, alternately at Moncton, N. B., and St. John, N. B. F. T. Atkinson, Chief Tel., Bloomfield, N. B., Can.; T. A. Scribner, S. k T., Moncton, N. B. NO. 64, LEVIS, QUE. — Meets 4th Friday of each month at 1 p. m., at Victoria Hotel, Levis, Que. A. Dion, Chief Tel., Levis, Que.; Joseph Rerail- lard, S. & T., St. Charles, Bellechasse Co., Que. NO. 65, ROCHESTER, N. H.— Meets at 8 p. m., ad Saturday each month in G. A. R. Hall, Roch- ester, N. H. E. J. Scott, Chief Tel., West Ossipee, N. H.; G. F. Berry, S. & T., 24 Port- land st., Rochester, N. H. NO. 66, TRURO, N. S.— Meets 3d Wednesday each month, McKay’s Hall (B. R. T. room), Inglis st., Truro, N. S. W. A. Harris, Chief Tel., Windsor Junct., N. S.; Geo. O. Forbes, S. & T., Spring Hill Junct, N. S. NO. 67. WILKESBARRE, PA.— Meets on the jd Friday each month at 8 p. m., at O. U. A M. Hall. No. 31 W. Market st. Wilkesbarre, Pa E. O. Sherman, Chief Tel, 331 S. River st., Wilkesbarre, Pa.; J. Nelligan, S. k T., 30 New port st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. NO. 68. — Division covers Washington County Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. James F. Desmond, Gen’l Chairman, Eastpert, Maine; Wm. C. My rick, Gen’l S. & T., East Machias, Maine. NO. 69. — Division covers Queen k Crescent Route (South). Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. A. Shields, Gen’l Chairman, Morton, Miss.; J. C. Talley, Jr., Gen’l S. & T., Poplarville, Miss. NO. 70. — Division covers Great Northern Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. P. M. Abbott, Gen’l S. k T., Logan, Mont NO. 71. OSKALOOSA, IOWA.— Meets ad Sstur day in each month at 8:45 p. m., in Trainmen's Hall, over Pike's Drug Store, Oskalooaa, Iowa H. W. Land fear, Chief Tel., Wright Iowa; F H. McCarl, S. k T., New Sharon, Iowa. NO. 72, ST. JOSEPH, MO.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., 623 Mt. Mora Road, St. Joseph, Mo. C P. Cahill, Chief Tel, 1615 S. nth st, St. Joseph, Mo.; W. E. Reese, S- & T., Box 68a, St Joseph, Mo. NO. 73. MAUCH CHUNK, PA.— Meets sd Wednesday of each month at 8 p. m., on the 4th floor Odd Fellows’ Hall, Broadway, Mauch Chunk, Pa. John F. Boyle, Chief Tel., Penn Haven, mail, Mauch Chunk, Pa.; William M. Butler, S. k T., Room xx, Court House, Wilkes- barre, Pa. NO. 74. — Division covers B. k O. S. W. R. R- J. M. Peck, Gen’l Chairman, Farmingdale, 111.; A. W. Morrow, Gen’l S. k T., 425 Jefferson st, Greenfield, Ohio. NO. 75. — Division covers Chicago, Cincinnati k Louisville Ry. System. G. W. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Losantville, Ind.; F. K. Harter, Gen’l S. & T., Jonesboro, Ind. NO. 76. — Division covers the Chicago k North- western Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Jas. Troy, Gen'l Chairman, Jevr- ell Junction, Iowa; W. J. Liddane, Ass’t Gen’l Chairman, 386 Grove st., 9t. Paul, Minn.; Ira R. Kempkes, Gen’l S. k T., Nevada, Iowm. NO. 77. DENVER, COLO.— Meets xst Tuesday evening in each month, Rooms. 38*40. *4*7 Stout St, Denver, Colo.; C. M. Worth, Chief Tel., Rooms 38-40, 1427 Stout St., Denver, Colo.; C. L. Cheney, S. k T., 935 17th st, Denver, Colo. NO. 78, ALBANY, N. Y.— Meets 3d Saturday each month at 7:30 p. m., A. O. U. W. Hail. 82 S. Pearl st, Albany, N. Y. James Disney, Chief Tel., 46 Franklin st, Albany, N. Y.; B. M. Nicholls, S. k T., Altamont, N. Y. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1609 NO. 79- — Covers G. ft S. I. Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Gen’l Chairman. J. O. Bolton, Gen'l Chairman, Seminary, Miss.; W. L. Yeates, Gen’l Sec. ft Trees., Box 60, Maxie, Mits.;H. J. Schneider, Ass't Gen’l S. ft T., Maxie, Miss. NO. 80. — Division covers the M. J. ft K. C Ry* System. T. E. Cooper, Gen'l Chairman, Bay Springs, Miss. ; J. L. Lester, Gen'l Sec. and Treas., Union, Miss. NO. tz. — Division covers the Colorado Midland Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of Chairman. Guy Sailing, Gen’l S. & T., Floris- sant, Colo. NO. • a. — Division covers Western Maryland Rail- way System. H. C. McCubbin, Gen'l Chairman, Hagerstown, Md.; E. H. Koons, Gen'l S. ft T., 308 Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. W. Va. Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman. Md. Div. — Meets ad and 4th Thursdays of each month at 8:30 p. m., in G. A. R. Hall, Cor. Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 83. — Division covers the Bangor ft Aroostook Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. A. W. Sherburne, Gen'l Chair- man, New Sweden Station, Me.; F. J. Crosier, Gen’l Sec. and Treas., Norcross, Maine. NO. 84, CAMDEN, N. J.— Meets ad Friday at • p. m. at Morgan's Hall, 4th and Market sts., Camden, N. J. F. S. Pheasant, Chief Tel., Mer- chantville, N. J.; I. W. Newkirk, Sec’y, Pit- man Grove, N. J.; T. J. McCabe, Trees., 1014 Spruce st., Camden, N. J. NO. 85, TRENTON, N. J. — Meets 3d Friday at 8 p. m., at Concordia Hall, 33 West State st., Trenton, N. J. Chas. R. Carty, Chief Tel., 9 22 Pond st., Bristol, Pa.; Chas. Parker, S. ft T., 304 West Hanover at., Trenton, N. J. NO. 86, ALTOONA, PA.— Meets ad Wednesday at 10:15 *• m., and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p. m., in Lee Building, E. iath st, bet 8th and 9th aves., Altoona, Pa. J. W. McCoy, Chief Tel., Juniata, Blair Co., Pa.; J. L. Franks, S. ft T., 325 Beech ave., Altoona, Pa. NO. 87, SCRANTON, PA.— Meets 1st Monday evening of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, Main st, Archibald, Pa. J. W. Sampson, Chief Tel, Dickson City, Pa.; M. G. Grennell, S. ft T. , Carbon dale. Pa. NO. 88. — Division covers the Texas ft Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. W. E. Sledge, Gen'l Chairman, Keithville, La.; J. E. De Souza, Gen'l S. ft T., Chamberlin, La. NO. 89. BOSTON, MASS.— Meets 1st Saturday each month at 8 p. m.t in Rath bone Hall, 3d floor, elevator service, 694 Washington st, Bos- ton, Mass. W. A Fenwick, Chief Tel., Fram- ingham, Mass.; J. W. Finn, S. ft T., as Miltr ave., Dorchester, Ctr., Boston, Mass. NO. 90, Division covers Coal ft Coke Ry. of W. Va. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. J. Shawver, Gen’l Chairman, Walkersville, W. Va. ; J. A. Arthur, Gen’l S. ft T., Blue Creek, W. Va. NO. 91 , CHICAGO, ILL.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m. at Liberty Hall, 7* Adams st, Chicago, 111. G. Dal. Jones, Chief Tel., 386 Dearborn ave., Chicago, 111.; Wm. F. McDonald, S. & T., Room 550, 263 LaSalle st., Chicago, 111. No. 9a. — Division covers the Buffalo, Rochester ft Pittsburg Railway System. Meets subject te the call of the Chairman. H. R. Childs, Gen'l Chairman, Warsaw, N. Y. ; J. T. Simmons, Genl S. & T., 901 W. Long ave., DuBois. Pa. NO. 93. — Division covers the Illinois Central Rail- road System. Meets subject to the call of rite Chairman. C. A. Mulhall, Gen’l Chairman, Clarkson, Ky.; G. E. Chance, Ass’t Gen’l Chair- man, Mounds, 111.; W. P. Moore, Gen’l Chair- man, Y. ft M. V. Lines, Lulu, Miss.; R. L. Shannon, Gen’l S. ft T., Anna, 111. Chicago Terminal, hold regular meetings on 3d Saturday each month at 8 p. m. sharp, in Vicinity Hall (3d floor), N. E. cor. 35th and Cottage Grove ave., Chicago, 111. NO. 94. MERIDIAN, MISS.— Meets 4th Wednes- day night at 8 p. m., in Young Men's Bencun lent Association Hall, S. E. cor. Dauphin and Jackson sts., Mobile, Ala. J. E. Jones, Chief Tel., Oak Grove, Ala.; R. L. Howell, S. ft T.„ 18 South Catherin st., Mobile, Ala. NO. 95. PORTLAND, ME.— Meets 3d Thursday each month at 546# Congress st, Portland, Me. H. G. Adams, Chief Tel., R. F. D. a, Cumber- land Center, Me.; G A. Ford, S. ft T., West- brook, Me. NO. 96. — Division covers the Chicago Great West- ern Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. L. Albrecht, Gen'l Chairman, Fred- ericksburg, la.; W. H. Scott, G. S. ft T., Elim- beth, 111. NO. 97. — Division covers the Seaboard Air Line Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. D. May, Gen'l Chairman, Carlton, Ga.; F. O. Gumming, Gen'l S. ft T., Seaboard, N. C NO. 98, Division covers G. V. G. ft N. Ry. Sys. Meets subject to call of Chairman. R. W. Smith. Gen’l Chairman, Thatcher, Ariz. ; B. R. Marks, Gen’l S. ft T., Pima, Ariz. NO. 99. COBALT, ONT.— Geo. A. Dufour, Chief Tel., Cobalt, via North Bay, Ont. Arnold C. Moir, S. ft T., Uno Park, Ont. NO. 100, ELMIRA, N. Y. — Meets third Friday each month at 9 p. m. sharp, Red Men's Hall, 164 Lake st., Elmira, N. Y. C. M. Weeks. Chief Tel., Stanley, N. Y.; C. R. Elliott, Sec. ft Treas., 381 South Main st., Elmira, N. Y. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1610 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. ioi. — Division covers Northwestern Pacific Ry. John A. Bondeson, Gen'l Chairman, Port Reyes Sta., Cal.; W. E. Hicks, Gen’l S. & T., Geyser vi lie, Cal. NO. 10a, PHILADELPHIA, PA.— Meeting place subject to notice from Secretary and Treasurer. Harold O. Mennig, Chief Tel., Conshohocken, Pa.; Arthur C. Malstrom, S. & T., West Con- shohocken, Pa. NO. 103. STELLARTON, N. S.— John T. Mc- Queen, Chief Tel., New Glasgow, N. S.; N. G. Munro, S. & T., Box 152, Stellar ton, N. S. NO. 104, AYER, MASS.— Meets 3d Sunday of each month at 9:30 a. m., in the ante-rooms of Pierce Hall, 3d floor, Clinton, Mass. F. H. Willard, Chief TeL, Lancaster, Mass.; John F. Mullen, S. A T., 153 Lunenburg st., Fitchburg, Mass. NO. 105, CONCORD, N. H.— W. H. Meserve. Chief Tel., Penacook, N. H. ; B. C. Jones, S. ft T., Newport, N. H. NO. 106, HAGERSTOWN, MD. — M$ets tst and 3d Thursdays of each month at 8 p. m. in G. A. R. Hall, over Market House, Cor. Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. C. V. Larrick, Chief Tel., Mason-Dixon, Pa.; J. K. Snyder, Sec., Box 46, Hagerstown, Md.; G. F. Hoover, •N Treas., 254 South Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 107. — Division covers Toledo, Peoria & West- ern Ry. C. M. Finch, Gen’l Chairman, Watseka, 111.; O. L. Lang, Gen’l S. & T., El Paso, 111. NO. iofl, ADDISON, N. Y.— Meets ad Sunday each month at 11 a. m., in C. M. B. A. Hall, Addison, N. Y. F. J. Taylor, Chief TeL, Cross Fork, Pa.; L. D. Jacobs, S. ft T., Elkland, Pa. NO. 109, CRESSON, PA.— Henry D. Border, Chief Tel., Portage, Pa.; Louis Biter, S. & T., Wilmore, Pa. NO. no, RENO VO, PA.— Meets 3d Wednesday of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, 4th at.. Emporium, Pa. D. J. Shea, Chief Tel., Water- ford, Pa.; A. L. Goodwin, S. & T., Box 375, Emporium, Pa. NO. 116. — Division covers the Duluth, South Shore k Atlantic Railway System. Meets ad Sunday of February, April, June, August, October and December in places designated by General Chair- man. J. H. McLean, Gen’l Chairman, L’Anse, Mich.; C. Reif, Gen’l S. & T., Lake Linden, Mich. NO. 1 17, SHAMOKIN, PA.— Meets 3d Saturday months of January, March, May, July Septem- ber and November at 7 p. m., in I. O. O. F. Hall, Mahonoy City, Pa., and on 3d Saturday, at 8 p. m., months of February, April, June, August, October and December, in P. O. S. of A. Hall, Shamokin, Pa. A. F. Wallaner, Chief Tel., Quakake, Pa.; H. M. Michael, S. & T., Quakake, Pa NO. 118. — Division coven Toledo k Ohio Cen- tral Railway System. H. E. Arnold, Gen’l Chair- man, Nelsonville, Ohio; R. M. Henderson, Gen’l S. & T„ Marysville, Ohio. NQ. 1 1 9. — Division covers the Minneapolis, St Paul k Sault Ste. Marie Railway System. G. W. Lewis, Gen'l Chairman, Orleans, Minn.; F. C. Paine, Gen’l S. k T., Erskine, Minn. NO. lao. — Division covers Lake Erie ft Western Railway System. E. B. Kern, Gen’l Chair- man, Milton, Ind.; V. E. Trittipo, G S. ft T., Fisher's Switch, Ind. NO. 121. — Division covers Wisconsin Central Ry. System. G. A. Harsh, Gen’l Chairman, Dorches- ter, Wis. O. V. Soderstrom, Gen’l S. ft T., Medford, Wis. NO. 123. — Division covers Minneapolis ft St Louis Railway System. H. S. Vogler, Gen’l Chairman, Young America, Minn.; Robert Ham- ilton, Gen’l S. ft T., Belview, Minn. NO. 125. — Division covers Richmond, Fredericks- burg and Potomac Ry. System. Meets ad Friday night each month at K. of P. Hall, 3d floor, ts| Main st. (opposite postoffice), Fredericksburg, Va. C. H. Bose hen, Gen'l Chairman, Ashland, Va.; S. R. Gentry, Gen'l S. ft T., Fredericks- burg, Va. NO. 126. — Division covers Chicago, Rock Island ft Pacific Railway System. Meets Maccabee HaH Rock Island, 111., 4th Saturday evening of each month at F. O. E. Hall, El Reno, Okla., second Saturday of each month at 8 p. m. W. T. Brown, Gen’l Chairman, Whiting, Kans,; M. E. Schooler, Gen’l S. ft T., Whiting, Kans. NO. 127. VIRGINIA, MINN.— C. J. Keenan, Chief Tel., Kelsey, Minn.; J. F. Kenney, 3. ft T. , Alborn, Minn. NO. 129. — Division covers Lake Shore ft Michign Southern Railway System. G. E. Kipp, Gen’l Chairman. Blasdell, N. Y.; C. D. Hull, G. S. ft T., 1029 Central ave., Sandusky, Ohio. NO. 130. — Division covers Chicago, Burlington ft Quincy Railroad System. M. J. Johnson, Gen'l Chairman, Anselmo, Neb.; W. A. Henry, Gen’l S. & T., Ericson, Neb. NO. 132. — Division covers Atlantic Coast Line Railway System. Meetings, Florence, S. C., 4th Saturday night each month. Rocky Mount, N. C., bi-monthly, Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. sad Dec., on 2d Saturday night. B. F. Wneeler, Gen’l Chairman, Oviedo, Fla.; J. H. Williams, Gen’l S. ft T., Wilson, N. C. NO. 133, SYDNEY, N. S. — G. B. Anslow, Chief Tel., North Sydney Jet., C. B.; Archie B. Mc- Dougall, S. ft T., Grand Narrows, Cape Breton, N. S. NO. 134, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Meets 3d Sun day each month, at 136 East Bay st, Herkimer Bldg., Jacksonville, Fla. L. R. Funderburk, Chief Tel., care Jacksonville Term. Co., Jack- sonville, Ha.; N. C. Hall, S. ft T., Delray, Fla. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1611 NO. 135, OLEAN, N. Y. — Meets 3d Tuesday even- ing each month at Rafferty’s Hall, ad floor. Tower Bldg., Olean, N. Y. A. D. Mathewson, Chief. Tel., Ischua, N. Y.; E. C. Stevens, S. & T., Ischua, N. Y. NO. 136, READING. PA.— Meets 3d Friday of each month. Geo. P. Riggleman, Chief Tel., Mt Holly Springs, Pa.; C F. Petree, S. & T., 93 a Pear st, Reading, Pa. NO. 137. — Division covers El Paso & Northeastern Railway System. J. C. McNairy, Acting Gen*l S. & T., 1 4a 5 Angelica st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 138. — Division covers C., C., G. A St. L. Railway System. J. F. Justice, Gen’l Chair- man, 381 North Grant ave., Columbus, Ohio; C. A. Burton, Gcn’l S. & T., 4056a Laclede ave., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 139, NORTH ADAMS, MASS.— Meets m the ad Saturday of each month in Odd Primes' Hall, North Adams, Maas. T. E. Powers, Chief Tel., W. Valley Falla, N. Y.; H. F. Cook. S. A T., Shelbum Falls, Mass. TWIN CITY TELEGRAPHERS’ CLUB.— Meets ad Saturday night each month at Columbia Hall, Prior and University aves., St. Paul, Minn. L. D. Beamer, Pres., 360 Selby ave., St. Paul, Minn.; T. H. Line, Sec’y & Treas., 3365 D os- well ave., St. Paul, Minn. TELEGRAPHERS’ SOCIAL CLUB OF N. Y.— Meets subject to call of President at “The Plasa,” 141st st. and Edgecombe ave.. New York City; M. G. Woolley, President, 155th st. and 8th ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, S. & T., 126 Union st., High Bridge, New York City. Digitized by GooQle

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W‘ 'n addressing our advertisers, please m^nrion The Railrord Telegrapher. ST. LOUIS TYPEWRITER EXCHANGE, Home Office 808 Olive St., St. Louis. Mo New York Office 309 Broadway. No. 6 Remington, latest model $50. We offer No. 6 Remington Typewriter, of latest model with automatic ribbon reverser and release pawl improvements at $50 cash with order, $55 c. o. d. with trial, or $60, on payment, of $10 cash and balance $10 per month. No. 2 Smith Premier Typewriter, $50. Late model, nearly new. No. 2 Smith Premier Typewriters , with new ribbon, new platen and guarantee for two years, only $50, Digitized by oogl No. 2 Remington Typewriter, $25. F/rsf-c/ass No. 2 Remington Typewriters, in perfect workint rirsi -ciass no. z Kemmgton typewriters, in perfect working order, $25, cash with order; $50 c. o. d. with trial; $40, $10 cash, $5 per month. 100.000 of these machines in daily use. Highspeed, small compact keyboard, durable. Oliver Latest Model, $50. Latest model No. 3 Oliver Typewriter remodeled new by the Oliver Typewriter Company and delivered in original factory shipping boxes complete with cover for $50 cash, or $60 on $10 monthly payments. This is a real bargain. Caligraph, $12 instead of $85. Only a few more left. Improved hollow bar No. 2 Caligraph, every key represents character it prints; no mistakes. $12 cash with order; $15 c. o. d. with trial; $20, $5 cash, balance $5 per month. Smith Premier No. I, $25; Cost, $100. We have a few No. 1 Smith Typewriters in good order which we will sell as long as they last at $25 cash; or $40 on $5 payments. Same keyboard as No. 2 Smith Premier. $100 Typewriters, $15 to $30. $ 60.00 Chicago or Munson, like new $15.00 $100 00 No. lDensmore, good order 25.00 $100.00 Ideal Hammond, good order 15.00 $ 35 00 Blickensderfers. perfect condition 16 00 $ 6 0.00 Williams Typewriter, fine order 15.00 $ 60.00 Wellington Typewriter, ( visible ) good order.... 30.00 ^SUPPLIES: Noiseless typewriter cushion, $1.00; new ribbons, 50c ; new Dead” platens, $1.00. Mailed to any address upon receipt of price. Iron frame, walnut top typewriter stands with drawer $3. j

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When addressing oar advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegraphci . Simply a coupon. But send it iJ/y Name I NOW. Let us know that you \ ^ My Address are thinking about getting a new x piano,— or that you might exchange X *«■»■ w«‘ w s*. | jm NEW YORK \ your OIU \ Send Me Ynur Offer*, ©on’/ think that the high Reputation of the \ n|ano for W ing Piano means that the price is going \V - . J\^!1no80'iCk"i to be exorbitant. Don’t think that to get a \ ^ DC tier \^”p£‘eti5>nn piano at moderate price you must take a \. OUe. DO ApLmo* 1 low-grade “Merchandise” piano. And don’t f _ FRtE rush to the other extreme, and pay an exorbitant \ ^ *113 \ price for a piano whose reputation is based only on its N. yOUT OWI1 \ high price. \sake. Wc^ You must have the IV ING Book and the WING Offers, or \. «m you can’t buy, or judge piano values, safely, — intelligently. \ __ \oner for SPECIAL TERMS TO RAILROAD MEN you WING PIANOS \ Are Pre-Eminently Musical Pianos. Manufactured in New York City for nearly 40 Years Past, They are Widely Known and Admired for Their Supreme Vibration, and the Flutelike Quality of that Vibration. Delicate runs and embellishments are very pure in tone— free from the usual noise of stroke. A light, springy touch, not tiresome even to an invalid. — the Wing WE MAKE IT EASY Piano FOR YOU TO TEST IbTrVv/r " " ~ ~ ■■■■ you may live. We will send you any one of our niim^r,.,,ccf..loc »ft 111 VC* TDI A 1 DDCE numerous styles on 20 l)AYSf TRIAL PRF.E, outward and return freights prepaid, in order to prove the remarkable qualities we claim them *.o possess over all others land to this th ousands of purchasers tes- tify!. Bear in mind if you will, our house has been in business fhyears and that our trade is ever increasing with no agents or their friends to help our business. The Wing Pianos have sung their own way to fame for nearly half a century. [a TRUE ECONOMY) usual ex- 1 " ■ ■* penses of show-rooms, sal smen, agent’s commis- sion. local advertising, etc., is saved by the Wing System, and you get th whole you r home requires a good piano our methods and capital save you a very considerable sum of money. The rea- sons we will fully explain in the printed matter we will send you. This saving will decidedly interest you. We do not claim miracles —we can t save you 0 on a $\i00 piano. We do save ycu at lea t $ .*00 on a $o00 piano ; $;f» on a piano, etc., etc. Compare the value we offer and the proofs we offer you. Compare not only the Wing Piano itself but the basis on which you will make your purenase. It is not only what we offer , it is the way we invite investigation of our offers and the way our offers stand in- vestigation. YOU WILL RE- 1 iflT.fm. CEIVE ANYWAY took, ■■ — ■ ■ wkteh we want to send you free by early mail (explains the entire subject of pianos). A book of lr»0 pages — hand- somely bound it is called “The Book of Complete Information About Pianos it tells about the very first piano; the qualities of labor, felt, ivories and woods used in every artistic piano and compares high qualities with the cheaper kind used in interior pianos. It explains the devices of the average dealer and agent. Illustrates the ** Note-Accord ” com- mended by Paderewski. Describes what constitutes a musical piano tone. You will want to see anyway the handsome books, miniature piano mod- els, etc., which we send you free , so that you can think them over and can have them in your hards to compare with every other piano offer that may come to you. Remember we sell these instruments at just about cnc-half the prices of the few others that most nearly approach the Wing quality of tone. the Wing System, and you get th whole somely bound it is called “ The benefit of it. The salesroom is your Book of Complete Information own home, the piano does its own talk- About Pianos ;** it tells about the ing and stands on its own merits. If very first piano; the qualities of Tear off the Coupon NOW. Fill it in and mail it without delay. Whether you may buy soon — or not for a lo.ig while ; no matter what other piano you may be considering — no matter if you feel that the money is not ready — you owe this much to yourself and family to get our offers and to get them at once. It puts you under no obligation. Sit right down and send the coupon now. WING & SON 364 3 N^ESvT„Sh ST- Digitized b'

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. CATALOG G-22 Something Klertrlcal for Everybody. 144 pages. 750 illustrations. Sent free. EUREKA TELEGRAPH INSTRUMENT IMPROVED MAIN LINE SOUNDER » recommended as a g| | learner’s app&rat u s, osophy and Practice of Morse Telegra- phy free with each Instrument. Wound, 5 ohms, $1.15; Wound, 20 ohms, $1.25. This outfit is indispensable to the practical electrician. The case is made of the best quality of russet leather, hand-stitched. It is of convenient pocket-book style, with firm metallic clasp, and measures 3x6 inches. It contains the following tools, viz: 1 Electrician’s Knife, 1 Oil Can, 1 Pair Nickel-plated 6-in. Pliers, 1 File, 1 Pair Tweezers, 1 Pair Elec- trician’s Shears and 1 Screw Driver. Price, complete, $3.25. Gives three times the volume of sound given b y the very best box relays. Made with full size re- lay magnets, 150 ohms resistance. Very sensitive to weak currents, giving a clear working sound on circuits where, without it, a relay with local sounder and battery would Designed to work on long and difficult lines, and at same time to dispense with local sound- er and battery. Regulator permits volume of sound to be increased or decreased at will. Price, 150 ohms, with key. $4.50; price, 150 ohms, without key. $3.50. POCKET TOOL KIT be absolutely necessary. With key, price, $4.50. Without key, price, $3.75. UNION LIGHTNING ARRESTER A combined Cut- out, Ground Switch and Lightning Ar- rester. Protects the instruments and house from damage by lightning and en- ables operator t o terminate the line at his station by ground- ing the circuit. In- strument may also be disconnected from main line when desired. Complete, with cut-out pin. 40c. ELECTRIC ALARM CLOCK Set in usual man- ner to ring at a certain hour and clock move- ment throws into cir- cuit a vibrating bell which will ring for hours unless switched off. Clock , may be placed any- where and the bell and switch arranged near the bed. Any of our vibrating bells may be used. High- grade clock move- ment. Price, clock, as shown, $1.25. ANTI-DOC MEDICAL APPARATUS Accomplishes ^ results as ■ quickly as any M high-priced n battery. No home should be without one. Unfailing re- lief for rheu- matism, opera- tors’paralysis. than one ap- plication b y y o u r doctor. ■. ■ Price, complete with 96-page guide, only $2.00. Manhattan Electrical Supply Co, 17 Park Place— MEW YORK-14 Murray Sh 188 Fifth At«„ CHICAGO Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. NOVELTIES FOR TELEGRAPHERS 0R0ERN0W. RE UP-TO-DATE. 0. R. T. WATCH FOB Button In Qold and Blue ff A - SAMPLE I OB 3VC. 18c. Extra for Stamping Name. In Lois of 25 or More, 40c. oach. Stamping Name, 10c. Extra. No. 1035 PASS CASE. Grain leather, secret pocket for bills, two celluloid front pocket9, with your name stamped J1 HQ on in gold, our special, ▼ 1 NO. 5. — An elegant Pass Case, with one trans- parent pass pocket and two side pockets, togethe r with bill pocket, your name J1 C(1 stamped on in gold “THE LITTLE WONDER” -ST"- AN EXCELLENT GIFT A TOOL JJ THAT EVERYONE NEEDS IT HAS 18 USEFUL APPLIANCES The most compact invention of the age and is a triumph of mechanical construction. Guaranteed Fin! Quality of Tool Steel. Just the article for Office Men. Clerks, Traveling Salesmen or the Housewife. Jjto .Railroad Telegrapher should be without this useful article as he needs it every-day in his particular calling. Put up in Elegant Leather Sheath Hb | AA Sent Prepaid upon Receipt of - • ^ 1 sUv „ ‘Remit by P. O., Express Money Order, Draft or Stamps. Guaranteed to please yon or money returned. 6ee illustrations below, showing what uses this "LITTLE WONDER" can accomplish for you. STYLUS No. 3, Hard Rubber Handle. Chased, Agate Point, gn 6 H in. Long, sent by mail postpaid for 3vC» ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT McLEAN PRINTING CO., STATIONERS, 1115.1117 CHESTNUT ST. * ST. LOUIS, MO., U. S. A. WRITE FOR CATALOGUE. Digitized by Google

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sed by Typewriters are u men generally throughout the country than all other writing telegraphers and railroad machines combined. IT IS A FACT that vastly more Remincrton The Remington Typewriter is the telegrapher’s machine and the railroad man’s machine. It is the machine for every man who has got to have a typewriter which can be depended on to stand up and do the work. The supremacy of the Remington is not acci- dental; it is a supremacy based upon the actual necessities of the typewriter user. REMINGTON TYPEWRITER COMPANY New York and Everywhere

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. PRINTING POINT .LINE INDICATOR LINE INDICATOR 6 CARD WRITING ATTACHMENT THE EXACT PRINTING POINT C In addition to the fact that all of the writing on the Fox Visible Typewriter is always in sight, the line indicator not only shows the writing line, but it shows the exact printing point, so that the Fox Visible is just what we claim — A PERFECT VISIBLE TYPEWRITER It shows all the writing. It shows the writing line. It shows the exact printing point. Every feature that will facilitate rapid work (as far as seeing is concerned) is thus provided for. - A CARD HOLDING ATTACHMENT AS WELL C. In addition to showing the writing line and the printing point the line indicator serves as a card holding attachment, and by the simple movement of a lever, holds firmly in position either one or any number of cards or thicknesses of paper, holding them so firmly that the extreme bottom edge of the card can be written on, doing away with the necessity of purchasing an extra card platen OTHER DISTINCTIVE FEATURES ARE: Interchangeable Carriages Wide Adjustable Typcbar Two color Ribbon Tabulator (with every machine) Automatic Ribbon Reverse Line Lock The Key Tension on the Fox is 2 H ounces. The Carriage Tension I Vi pounds — From 25 to 50% icm mail uii on/ uuiu lyp^muci. If you are interested in improving the typewritten wo office, and at the same time doing it at less expense — Write us today. We will demonstrate the superiority of the FOX— AT OUR EXPENSE. Complete Catalog on Request. Fox Typewriter Company Executive Office and Factory 201 Front St. - Grand Rapids, Mich. Branches and Agencies in all Cities Digitized by

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. 8 m utUh. Send for booklet, specimens of writing, etc. DANIEL A. MAHONEY, . 345 Broadway, NEW YORK. Digitized by VjOCK^IC

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TYPEWRITERS, S* At to manufacturer** prices All the Standard Machines. Iadndlnd LATEST MODELS. SOLD OR RENTED ANYWHERE. = Rental applied on price. _____ Write for fflostrated Catalogue. TYPEWRITER EMPORIUM, 230 Fifth Avenue, - CHICAGO* which enables it to write A RIBBON of three colors and a small lever that brings the color desired between the type and the paper — that’s the three-color feat- ure of The New Tri-Chrome Smith Render Typewriter black record for documents, purple copying for letters and red for emphasis or display. It is so simple that the wonder is it was never discovered before. The ribbon-changing lever is as accessible as the keys, making it possible to change from one kind of typewriting to another in an instant. A stenographer equipped with a Tri-Chrome Smith Premier can produce in proper manner every kind of typewriting any business office demands. The price it the tame at that of all Smith Premier models. The Smith Premier Typewriter Company Syracuse, N. Y. Branch I V • r e a Everywhere? BROTHERS We have the newest and neatest devices for cards, de- signed specially for us; and we ui»e only the finest wed- ding bristof stock. THIS FINK LKATnKR CARD CASK with O. R. T. monogram I or your nan.e. or both, on case, and 100 Hopvrfla. ('ailing Card, for ladies or gentlemen, script or old English, with | any one or two of the following devices on cards: O. R. T. monogram, wreath and sounder, t' legraph key, relay, semaphore emblem. Brotherhood of Railway Clerks emblem. All for 76c. 100 cards as above, with I oat case, 40c. Cards printed In two colors without I extra charge. Patronixe the fraternity. £. J. WILKINS. Friendship, N. Y. Cert 45, Div. 42. SHORTHAND IN 30 DAYS / We absolutely guarantee to taaeh shorthand complete la\ only thirty days. You can learn in spare Ume in your owe home, no matter where you live. No n«*d to spend months as with old systems. Boy d 's 8y 1 lab Ie8ystem Is easy to learn —easy to write— easy to read. Simple. Practical. Speedy. Sure. No ruled lines— no positions- no shading as In other systems. No long lists of word signs to confuse. Only nine characters to learn and you have the entire lan- guage at your absolute command. The best system for stenographers, private secretaries, newspaper reporters and railroad men. Lawyers, ministers, teachers, physicians, literary folk and business men and women may now learn shorthand for their own use. Does not take continual daily practice as with other systems. Our Sraduates hold high-grade positions everywhere. Baadts* ay for booklets, testimonials, etc. positions everywhere. Send te- als, etc. CHICAGO CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS 1010 Chicago Opera House Block, Chicago, 11L Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. DIAMONDS rccc8AuRN°? ert tin aa I At lmiesi«lcs giving ee 7c aa pl^ure and prestige. Your Hweetneart 55 75.00 tr i nr rhm.'htcr iv.mlil di>li bfc in om» ol ‘ hio uei osit required. We pay express. If it 62.50 isn't the finest and snappiest Diamond you 60 00 ever sow, send it hack. If it pleases, pay a little down, balance monthly to suit you 25.00 Diamonds pay hi# interest, besides giving 7c nn pleasure and presti;e. Your sweetheart /o.uvi wife or daurhter would deli I t In one ol 56 — 40.00 | these exquisite stems. Order Uday "Uti ul r ree Catalog of Oinmoudt 57— 42.^0 I ii nd \\ utehes. Home Easy Terms. WALKEY-EDMUND CO.. G81 State St.. CHICAGO iiDENTIFICATION-INSURANCE SERVICE”! Something Newt— Our perfect ''IdentifyingCredential'' (patent No. 467PM), enclosed In leather pocketbookl has been endorsed and ii accepted by Hotel* and Hanks, eaaMing tlie bearer to cash money ordors, check-, etc., everywhere. Our “Ssrvles*’ includes a special policy In one of the Ftrongext old line Accident Insurance Corporation*, paying $2,000.00 in case of Accidental Death and $r> 00 Weakly Indemnity for Arcidont and Sickness. Contract* are issued to men and women in all occupation* between the age* of 16 and 6.*i. TOTAL COST ONLY $8.00 PER YEAR. WantPfl w® P*y highest commission*, including renewal contract and offer exclusive S * territory to a good agent In each city. Write for booklet, sample policy, etc. KastemDept. I DENTI FIC ATI0N COW PAN Y OF AM ER 1C A (Inc. 1902) We.tm.DepL pine 8L. New fork HOME OFFICE 1« ««*ry »L 2SW 42dKt , Hew York I 3 I LA S ALLE ST.. CHICACO. 8a » Franelseo, ert Bookkeeper. We teach you Bookkeeping thoroughly by mail aod make absolutely no charge for tuition until we niece yon in a paying posi- tion. If you wish to better yourself, w rite for our guarantee offer and our I’RFK bo«>k “llow to Keeome an Expert Bookkeeper." COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS 73 D Commercial Building, Rochester, N. Y. — IT3.R ADCIB for Organisations or Olnba yon are interested In, write fur oar catalogue and discounts. STEINER ENGRAVING A BADGE CO. * NOSTH STM ST., ST. LOUIS, MO. The Pateoted COEY Bicycle Attachment. The only successful machine ever placed on the market, and the only one yon have a perfect right to nse. It enables jou to ride safely upon the rails of any railroad track. No mud nor lb" dust. Can be attached in three minutes, J}\^r and can be detached and carried on the /a=L bicycle at only three pounds added weight. I /rpL Booklet and price list upon application. [ \ \ // AGENTS WANTED. \Slt\ I I ill //// NIxX C. A. COEY & CO. \ 1426 Michigan Avenue, • CHICAGO, ILL. Digitized by "

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GET YOU A The official emblem of the 0. It. T. is a Sounder surrounded by a wreath. They are now made up in the latest style with enam- elled face and screw back, both in solid gold and rolled plate. It is the neatest thing of the kind ever produced. : : : : Solid Gold Front Rolled Gold Plate Front - ftl.00 Each 50 Cts. Each L. W. QUICK ST. LOUIS, MO. ..... Grand Sec'y and Treas. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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When addressing onr advertisers. please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. A Good Smoke For Operators The O. R. T. cigar is the beit cigar on the market ^ I guarantee this cigar to be made from the very bedt Havana tobacco; give it a trial and see (or yourself. 9 Medium size packed in boxes of fifty cigars each, mailed to any poft- office in the United States or Canada. One box 5c cigars - - $2.35 One box 10c cigars - $4.20 Club of 19 boxes will be given one box free of charge. Express or postoffice mcney- order must accompany order. Address Department C, R. H. Hays, Milstead, Ala. O. R. T. MEXICAN PLANTATION My Brother: Don’t you believe that it is good, bard business sense for the members of the O. R. T. to go into business by themselves and for themselves! Don’t you think that an 0. B. T. Tropical Plantation in the torrid zone of Old Mexico would be the very best business proposition that the members of our Order could enter! I do. That is why 1 am putting this matter be- fore you, believing that you will later pay me for my trouble ana expense. I am working as dispatcher for the C. M. de P. R. R. Have held this chair for two years and have been with this company four years. I am in no way connected with any land company or real estate agency. If you will write to me I will tell you as brother to brother, exactly how we can start a great plantation — a grand business in this new land of the tropics; in this new land of opportunity. Talk the matter over with the 1 ittle woman. She will at least tell you to write and get my ideas. [ Cert. 397. J BEN FINLEY ERANO. S. L. r.. MEXICO Cure Constipation Without Drags IN THE PRIVACY OF YOUR OWN HOME. ' a v .■ :■•••• •> . A'X 1 [ 1 PROF. T. H. MIDGLEY, Constipation Specialist, Inventor of the Dragless Constipation Cure. Without the use of pills, purgatives or drugs of any kind, 1 can and do cure the worst cases of chronic constipation— cure them to stay cured, and restore the patient to a state of health and happiness such as they have never known before. 1 can cure constipation no matter how bad it is. I can show you how to cure yourself right in your own home without the use of drugs. Con- stipation is cured for all time when cured my way. Fill out free coupon below and mail to-day. FREE COUPON Fill in your name and address on dotted lin3s below and mail to Prof. T. H. Midgley. 1381 Midgley Block, Kalamazoo, Mich., ana by return mail he will tell you free how to cure constipation without medicine. Digitized by " .oogle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad1 Telegrapher. Successful Draftsmen Drawing $125 to $250 Monthly require more than Schoolroom Knowledge As chief draftsman of engineering firm, I know exactly the quality and quantity of experi- ence and practical training you must have, and will prepare you in a few months’ home instruc- tion for above paying positions which 1 furnish free anywhere* Complete Highest Grade Drawing Outfit, everything included, with German Silver Set of Tools, value $13.86, FREE next ten days. i Address CHIEF DRAFTSMAN, Dlv. 35 Engineers' Equipment Co., (iac.) Chicago, III.- FREE TO IT STUDEXTI Delivered sat eaec Reduce Your Fat Like Above TBIAJL BOX FBEE. No dieting, exercise or exertion is necessary. My natural, scientific Obesity Reducer does all the work. You will feel a hundred times better the first day you try this wonderful home reducer. Simply fill in your name and addresson dotted lines below, and mail to F. J. MeltoffV, 569 Helloffg Block, Bottle Creek, Mleti., and you will re- ceive a trial package by return mail, all charges prepaid. “SUPERIOR” \ V This design is a gold wreath surrounding a body off black and white enamel set with a ruby doublet. •1.00 EACH, 2 FOB tl.80. It’s the neatest and most attractive pin ever produced and made for all seasons. Pin it on your coat, vest, shirt, or anywhere you like, and it gives a tasty appearance unequalled by any other pin. The quality of material and workmanship used in making this pin up guarantees it to be superior to all others. It’s a **31,” sine for it. L. B. FUNK, 225 N. Fifth Street, Cert. 572, Div. 14. IRONTON, O. Cnlturc Ourt form. Send AGENTS Mike good weekly Ask for terns. ALLEN FOUNTAIN BRUSH ^ \° THE ORDINARY OLD STYLE BATH BRUSH leden with filth, corruption end disease breeding B germ*. contaminated by the rile end poisonous ncretl jiu from the humen body L* fraught with | untold den gem end to the men or women of refinement u rnuuln WA8U RAGS end SPONGES do not open or clransr porre, ere superficial In action, unsanitary aad grnn breedlng.de not refreeh or lerlgwrem. THE ALLEN FOUNTAIN BATH BRU»U It SANITARY end SELF CLEANSING. Flushing of the brlntlee with pure clean water that ftews through the Brush prtvrr.lt contamination. THE ALLEN It the ONLY BATH BRUSH poosemlag the •'THREE IN ONE” essential funcUont, FRICTION. SHOWER and MASSAGE. The ONLY BATH BRUSH which at one operation opena the porea. thereegblv clean tea the akin. Imparting a healthy tone and glow and putt one la eaa- dltlon to re*l,t Colds. LaGrlppe and all ooatagicu* and Infection, disuses ITS USE PROMOTES clear complexion, bright eyae, cheerful spirits aad round refreshing sleep. IN THE ORDINARY TUB BATH you rewaah In water contaminated by previous contact with the body— water laden with dirt aad lmporitlea With the Allen Fountain Brush CLEAN WATER ONLY la applied la any portion of the body at wllL It secures all the scientific effects of the bath for the old or middle aged, for tbe robust aad strong. The ealy ante bash for the delicate and weakly. A boon to womankind — just the bath for the little once. PORT A BLE OUTFIT s — For quick shower or clean slag bath at homo or while traveling. Fountain Brush, 1 gal. Sanitary Metallic Fountain, Hon. Syringe Points, and Safety Floor Mat. Pour styles, Gem 93.7b, Niagara ft 76. Superb |fi.00. Improved Superb $fit>0. BATHROOM OUTFIT —Fountain Brush, Ucoe and Faucet Attach meal (Give diameter of faucet). Four styles. Gem 9S.». Nlacara *3.76 Superb W Improved Superb *4 ?&. Am out II shipped on receipt of prW- THE ALLEN MFC. CO. 2004 Adama St, Twtoda, O, S. M W V M y <10 iT» I'-I iIK 3 jj m il yHSHKa CVJy.^O-1 JT'

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▼TTTTTTT ▼▼▼▼■ When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. BLOOD POISON We bare a Renodv unknown to ihs pro* tension. We refund money It we do not cure. Ton can be treated at home for the same prloe as If you came to our o Aloe We will give you a guaranty to cure or return money. For many years we have been « patients tc every oountry in the Our treatment is In every sense a home treatment It you have exhausted the old metbodsof treatment and still have aches and pains mucous patches in mouth, sore throat pimples copper-oolored spots, ulcers on any parts of the body, hair or eyebrows failing out, it is this seoondary blood poison we guarantee to sure. We solicit the most obstinate oasea This dis- ease has always baffled the skill of the most eminent physicians For many years we have made a specialty of treating thisdis- ease with oar Magic Caret and we have t&OC 000 capita, behind our unconditional guaranty WE CURE OUIOKIY AMD PERMANENTLY Our patient* cured years ago by our great Die oot«7 unknown to the profeeelon. are today eonna and well, and hare healthy children since we cured them, DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY experimenting, aneomte and poettiee proofs sent sealed on application. 100-page book FRX9L Ha branch efloa*. Address fully a* follows i DOOR REMEDY COMPARE 147t Masonic Temple* Ohloofo* Uu money. Tueldenl T Sleeves are made of ihe best ^ si material, are extra full and ◄ el long, bu’fon at the wrif*t, and 4 holdup t»y an invisible rubber ^ atth-top. Mend lorn pair ^ to-«ln.v. M’>n^y refund* d if ^ neuber- Hampden 2> a /oO movement, for ** *• *4 down and one dollar a week. Or, this beautiful white perfect dia mond set In 14-kt solid Con gold ring, (any style) T00 A&CIltS 4* down and $1 a week, or double the « amount every other week. ndlllcQ Yon m»y send first payment with order or ask ua to ahip C. 0. 1). 1st pay incut t'-r exam 1 nation. Illustrated Booklet No. 0-5 FREE. Send Unlay. Address OlfiKH Ebass Diamond Importers— Watch Jobbers ( L-0 ) State St . Chicago The Sun Never Sets WHERE THE Brilliant Lamp Burns AND NO 0m* LIGHT HALF SO 0000 OS CHEAP It's Eoonomy to Use Them. A Saving of I 50 TO 75 PER CENT Over Any Artificial Light, which is demonstrated by the many thou- sands in use for the last nine years all over the world. Write hr L K. T. CsUhL It t Jit ill ibsit (tea of Oir System. BRILLIANT CAS LAMP CO. 49 State St., Cltleaga, III. UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY For all AGENTS and OPERATORS to learn the Stock and Grain Brokerage Business FREE and Make a Bid Income on the Side and not interfere with your present position. Write THE STANDARD GRAIN CO. 532 to 334 Schofield Bldtf.. Cleveland. Ohio. Renters Philadelphia Besrse ir4 Tie CeessIMetH Steck Exekafe. STUDY LAW AT HOME The oldest nnd best school. Instructions by mail adapted to evt ry one. Recognized by courts and educators. Experienced and cotiipi-ient instruc- tors. Takes spare time only. Three conn Preparatory. Business, College, Prepares for practice. Will better your _ condition and prospects in business. Students and graduates everywhere. Full particulars and Easy Payment l*lnn free, bprairiie Correspondence i School of Law, 6S4 Majestic Hull dine, Detroit, Sick. Digitized by "

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ON CREDIT' Buy Men’s Suits, Over- coats, Topcoats and Rain- coats direct from our fac- tory by mail For $15 & $18 We require no secur- ity or reference and we trust any honest person anywhere in the United States. We send garments on approval - you don’t pay a penny 'till you get the clothes and find them satisfactory — then pay SI. 00 a week. We are the pioneers and twice over the lar- gest Credit Clothiers in the world. We oper- ate 73 stores in the prin- cipal cities of the United f States and have over 500,000 cus- tomers on our books. FPFF Send today for our fine T AEsE/ line of Fall and Winter samples. Self measurement blank, tape and full particulars of our convenient payment plan- all free to you. Commercial rating 51,000,000.' Menter & Rosenbloom Go. 262 St. Paul Street Rochester, N. Y. THE Railroad Telegrapher 18 PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THK ORDftK OP RAILROAD TRLBGRAPHRR8 R0Y1L SLEEVE PR0TE0T0R SAVES LAUNDRY and keeps Sleeves and Cuffs clean* Made of a fine qual- ity of DUCK in Brown and Black. Self adjusting. No tying nor pinning; held in place by the elastic goring. Small, Medium and Large. Pair, 25c, postpaid. Liberal terms to A gents. C. F. GARDNER HfG. CO., - - PitINCcTON, INO. Learn Watch Repairing >»trhn»k,p— you 0.0 to.ro (til, profltoM. tndi by c«rTOTpr>D4«DO. lo O to. *Mk« to your o»n bom* by the Itosolm, ETi.rl tSyrtom. After yog ootoptoRo th« ocurw you wfll Loo. • nteb from A to X Yog olll k.o. jurt .hot cb, ra.n,r It .od bo. to r»p^r ooo WLeo you ffTwdunte you wl 11 b. . pracuc.1 nk'hti.I.rMd rrp.ir»i .od eogipotonl to .nj puaittoo. Poaltiofe, for out gm-luntM. AU for our frto Book. THE OeSELMS WATCH SCHOOL lO P — rry St. ATTICA, INDIANA HITE OPR1 “NITE OPERATORS” “Owl” pin*, with the “Wife Little Owl” like cut, and lettering ‘‘Nite Opr.” done in gold, on “Old Rose” background, very »wcli. Wrap up a quarter or 25 onc-crnt etaiupa and mall to ua today, and get one by return mail before they are all gone. STAR NOVELTY CO. FL Scott, Kara. MADE BY AN OPERATOR. A comp nnd that will treble the service of any shoe poles. Sold on the inonev-back plan if you are not pleaaed. A child enn apply It. Sent prepaid to anra .dreaa on receipt of price, 35 centa per box— sufficient for three npnllcatlons. Fix ' our shots now for the rainy sea-on and avoid had e«l Is as well as expense. Liber .1 discount to operators to act as apents. Send stamps or silver. Address. CHARLES A. THURMAN Cert. No. 1648. Dtv. 93. x PADUCAH. KY. PATENT FEE FOR OUR SERVICES SEND FOR FREE BOOKLET. MILO B. STEVENS A CO., 907 14tfc It, WASHMGTOH, 0. C. ■mcket at CMca,*, Ctrrebto aai Mratt. EstattM 1*61. PROTECT YOUR IDEAS. It, offices are located on the seventh floor of the Star Building, corner Twelfth and Olive streets, St. Louis, Mo. I .40 to Rillwiy and Eiprew igeiti or Operator* for a few m :nutet>' I work. Our plan nets >ou this | amount with but little effort oo your part. YOU do not I have to invest ONE CENT. The S38.40 Is all dear to you. OTHERS are taking hold of this and making a success and you can dto the same. A POSTAL with your name and address will tell yon how. Don't Delay, but write at once to Lock Box No. 4, KewbeU, la. GOOD MONEY can be made by Telegraphers representing us in tvelr communities. We Bill f .rma and olh«.r property quickly at highest prices obtuin. ble, for cash or on time. Prop- erty bought or exchanged in any h cal'tYatpricestomit. It should be easy for >ou to do a ''Jana office'’ busine-s among the farmers and townspeople of your vicinity for ns and we will pay you liberally for your work, (tend today for fall particulars. FARMERS REAL ESTATE & LOAN CO. 466 Uuity Bulldlnrf, Chicago. OPERATORS Isn't jour opportunity to maka $50 PER MONTH ON THB 8IDB telling the best, nicest and cheapest Pocket Knives made in the United States. All goods fully warranted. Your name and address on ono side of tho knife, and lodge or union emblem or Photo on the other elde. Writ* to-day for liberal ter GOLDEN RULE CUTLERY CO. 19-9 Wendell 8t. CHICAGO. Digitized by Google

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THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS. PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP Officers and Members, Division No The Subscriber — by occupation a of years experience, born in- voluntarily offers himself as a candidate for initiation into THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS, and agrees, if admitted, that he will cheerfully conform to all the laws, rules, mandates and edicts of the Order. I have not been rejected for membeiship in the Order within the past year. Fee enclosed, $ Signature of Petitioner Dated at this day of 190 — *My Postoffice address is Employed by — Railroad. This Is to Certify : That we the subscribers, are personally acquainted with Mr and, from a confidence in his integrity and the uprightness of his intention, do cheerfully recommend and propose him as a proper candidate for member- ship in this Order. *Be careful and fill in your postoffice address. R ECO M MENDERS. Digitized by GoO£

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Rail or Roundhouse Whether pounding the rail or r\ A B laying over — it’s all the same >9 ■ to the Elgin Watch. ‘jVgp- 4JM Absolute accuracy under ex- it- i *>.;"» s/JD treme conditions; not affected by jar, jolt or rest. The Veritas model EXGIN WATCH is the most popular among railroad men. For full description of this model, to- gether with four other railroad Elgins, i send for booklet, “Timemakers and Timekeepers ” — a history of the de- velopment of the locomotive and the watch. Free upon request. ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO.. " ImH Elgin. 111. S'&S?. % , t '' ' m f ♦

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. PERMANENT VICTORY — c-pr^ui — TEMPORARY DEFEAT No. 5. IN the first round of litigation over patents on the mechanical trans- mitter, the lower court has held that the NECOGRAPH transmitters No. 3 are infringements of Martin’s patent. We have appealed from that decision, and confidently expect to “land on top” when the appellate court renders its decision. The Coffe Mecograph was the first mechanical transmitter placed on the market. (By mechanical transmitter, is meant one not requiring a battery. ) The Mecograph was received with such marked favor and worked such a revolution in telegraphy that, naturally, various other mechanical transmitters sprang into existence. Our temporary defeat brought on a violent brain storm9 resulting in MECOGRAPH No. 5, one in no way affected by the litigations above referred to. It eclipses everything else in the line of transmitters, even MECOGRAPH No. 3. It is the simplest, best made, most delightful transmitter an operator ever touched. BRAINS, SKILL AND TOOLS CAN PRODUCE NO BETTER Try it and you will be satisfied with no other. If to be sent C. O. D., the order must be accompanied by a remittance large enough to pay express charges both ways on a four-pound package, which remittance we will deduct from our C. O. D. bill. SErND FOR CIRCULAR PRICE $10 CASH; IN NEAT CARRYING CASE $1 EXTRA MECOGRAPH COMPANY 74 Frankfort St., CLEVELAND, OHIO, U. S. A. Digitized by t^ooQle

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BAKER’S COCOA Registered. U. S. Pau Off. FIRST in Years! FIRST in Honors! FIRST on the Breakfast Tables of the World! HIGHEST avaids IN EUROPEANS AMERICA WALTER BAKER & CO., Ud. [Established 1780] DORCHESTER, MASS. vose PIANOS EstabUtked tn Eighteen Hundred end Fifty-One -Comparison with- other instruments only serves to empha- size the quality that makes the VOSC DISTINCTIVE and PREEMINENT and to increase the favorable comment# on vose value— By our edsy payment plan, every family in mod- erate circumstan %r^ SAW VWAJIClSCO. “ * ‘ MENNENSI BORATED TALCUM TOILET POWDER and insist that your barber use it also. It Is Antiseptic, and will prevent any of the skin diseases often contracted. A positive relief for I .Sunburn, Chafing, and all afflictions of the skin. Removes all odor of per- spiration. det Mennen’s— the original. Put up in non-refillable boxes, “the Box that Lox.M Soldevery where or mailed for 25 cents. Sample fret. Guaranteed under the Food and Drugs Act, June 30, 1906. Serial No. 154a Try Mennen' s k'zo/^/CBorated) Talcum Gerhard Mennen Co., Newark, N.J. Digitized by

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Whoa addrooaiag oar advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Railroad Telegraphers’ Time-Saver By using the speedy Oliver, you gain 50 per cent in time. And you do this without the expenditure of extra physical or mental effort The Oliver meets the exacting demands of the railroad oper- ator’s work. Never gets “nervous prostra- tion,” no matter how swift the pace. The Oliver “works in a whisper” — in taking messages you catch every click of the sounder. It “writes in sight” — you SEE just what you are doing. It is a wonderfully versatile machine — instantly available for < Wire Work Train Orders. Manifolding Way-Bills, etc., etc. IB* OLIVER Typcwrittr has many less parts than the old-style “mill” and is more compact and durable. It runs smoothly, prints legibly, aligns accurately. Special Terms to O. R. T. Men You can OWN an Oliver Typewriter and pay for it by the month, the same as if you were renting it Let us tell you how easy it is to buy the Oliver on very small monthly payments. Ask for the Oliver Book. Just mention in your letter that you are a member of the O. R. T. Address The Oliver Typewriter Co., 58 Dtorbom St, Chicago, 111. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. MAKE PAY-DAY “SAVE-DAY” ALMOST every one finds it hard to save money, yet admits that it is one of the most important things in life. Like many other things, saving is largely a matter of habit. Get Into the Habit of Saving! Make a resolution today to lay aside a portion of your pay each week or month on pay-day, before it gets away from you, before “it burns a hole in your pocket, “ and deposit it in some reliable bank. There will then be no immediate temptation to spend it and you will also be receiving Interest on yonr money. One of the most reliable banks in the country, one that has withstood fire, financial panic and the test of time is The Hibernian Bank THE OLDEST SAVINGS BANK IN CHICAGO It has a capital of One Million and a Half Dollars and a surplus of over One Million Dollars. It is now completing its forty-first successful year, having been established in 1867. No matter where you live, you can open an account with THE HIBERNIAN BANK through its perfected system of “Banking By Mall.** Send for circular. One Dollar opens a savings account. Interest is paid on all savings accounts. THE HIBERNIAN BANK also has a large Commercial Department and has the best of facilities for handling open check accounts. Its age and reliability make this institution an ideal depository for trust or society funds. If you are the trustee of any such moneys or know of any one who is, it would be glad to have you investigate its fitness for handling such. Your recommendation of this Bank to any of your friends will be ^2 highly appreciated. Digitized by Google

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“Th« shoe that will not tiro.” We fit you perfectly and save you th® lob- ■ ber’s and retailor’s profits. Th® g solo of a Reliance shoo is mad® of £5* oak tanned leather, tough and ^ durable and costs as much as th® sole of any $6.00 shoe. Every piece of leather in every Reliance shoe is np to the same high standard. The wotkmanship is the product of the most skilled shoemakers. Reli- ance shoes are made on custom lasts and handsomely finished. In wear. Made to di'h are. Flu like | e kid (lore. *Delirer*d, ei prepaid, y fort and style, we guarantee the Re- liance equal to any $6.00 retail shoe. made. The grace- ful curve at the heel prevents slipping np and down, the narrow shank properly supports the weight and gives the foot absolute comfort. If yon 11 investi- gate Reliance shoes, yon’ll wear no other make. v\ e rally satisfy you in every way or return your money. Write for our Free style-book and measurement blank. Reliance shoes are delivered, charges pre- paid, $3.75. All Reliance Shoe* Bear the Union Btamp. RELIANCE SHOE COMPANY. Box 9, Friendship, N. Y. Are you satis- fied with what, TYPEWRITING SPEED PAYS Increase Your Speed and your salary will increase itself. Tulloss Touch Writers Ryou ar6 earn-Jp Arp not onlv the fastest in the In? now’ world, but because tbev are the Mlg IIUW. fastest they arc th® Best paid. The Book Is Free. , Our 72-pa?o free book tells bow they got their speed. READ THIS: It tells how we have increased " .. the »|M>cd of hundreds of opera- rt.ViiJSd’ ‘°™ * V“/-, ]"» p"«?« • >>»»• « TulloMCo-.rt.il, a unnow hate doubled salaries in six (rul..( fifirra dollar* r>rr months ; h«»w we have made suc- month m. re th»u whrn eessful touch writers of those writing brsleti*. who said touch writing was im- >> . U. l RAFT. possible. And this, dated 10 months It contains more typewriting I v FACTS than any instruction ATif. pr, r,v bo,,gl.' or almott ioul.le my form, r II w,' 1 1 tdl >'ol» hOW >’OU •alarj. w . b. craft'. can learn to write without Brockharm, Mi**, ever looking at the keys— — — — — — how you can write Juat as well in the dark ns in broad daylight— all at a speed far greater than the best you can attain now. If you area typewriter user, this book will cost you only the trouble of asking for it. I'lcase tell us what machine you use. THE TULLOSS SCHOOL OF TOUCH TYPEWRITING, 213 College llill, Springfield, O. And this, dated 10 month* later: Ha,, acopol another poeition, and am getting altno,t double my former •alary. W. B. CRAFT. Brookharcn, Miss. Typewriters At Less Than Half Price Thousands of machines, all leading makes, in use only Ions enough to insure smooth running adjustment, $H> to $.V>. We are the largest handlers of slightly used typewriters in the world and offer guaranteed rare bar- gains such as no other bouso can approach . 500 Smith Premiers at Special Prices. Machines shipped for your examination and approval to any point in United States He rent ail mattes of mar/tines at /j am nth. and uf. Sen l today for onr hi; catalog list of rare i® l^i® i® typewriter bargains. Don’t buy until * you seo It. Special offer to agents. ROCKWELL - BARNES COMPANY, 901 Baldwin BMg., Chicago, 111. Body and Screws made of Composi- tion Bronze, Gold Lacquered Nickel Plated Lever. Polished Hard Rub- ber Knobs. Cut above shows full size SOUVENIR WITCH CHARM KEY. A Perfect Working Model of the Standard Bunnell Legless Key. BY REGISTERED MAIL, $1.50 J. H. BUNNELL & CO., Manufacturers of High-6rade Telegraph Apparatus *0 Park Place, NEW YORK. Our New Catalogue 25 X Sent on Application Digitized by L^OOQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ^DIAMONDS JON CREDIT 20°/. Down lOV. Per Month Reliability that greatest of business builders, is build- ing our business. We satisfy our customers and in satis- fying them hold their good will. The determination to please, goods of highest quality, prices the lowest in the market, have earned their reward. Our business has more than doubled in the last twelve months. We never sell a diamond without giving a written certificate guaranteeing its value and quality, and agreeing to take it back any time in exchange for a large: stone. If any other dealer can duplicate our stone at the same price, we will take it back and refund the money paid. Goods sent prepaid for examination. Send for illustrated Catalogue No. 70 J. M. LYON dc CO. ESTABLISHED 1643 71-73 Nassau Street, New York ORDER YOUR FALL SUIT FROM" THE WHOLESALE MAKER WRITE FOR SAMPLES THIS VERY DAY You will find that $12 00 or $15.u0 will go further here than $20.00 or $25.00 elsewhere. Just now we are making a specialty of t lie very newest Fall and Winter Suits and Overcoats for Men— Brown Velour CftNsimeres, Auto- Striped Blue Serges, (i ray W o r s t e d s , (lieviotings. Kerseys, etc., at only $1200 nr $15 00 in patterns which you would willingly pay $20.00 or $25 uo ^for. Tnfs saving is the natural result of your deal- ing direct with us— whole- sale tailors. The materials are of tested, standard quality. The tailor- g is so stylishly done that you ill he delighted with the perfect fit. Fvery Garment Specially Made to Measure under the broadest possible Guarantee of Money Back if we fail to give you, for less money, moro genuine “Clothes Satisfaction’’ than you can obtain from any other source. Samples of garments at $12, $15, $’8 and $20. Style Book, measure ll»h<-d 1882. Market A Van Buren St. Dept. 22. Chicago rWWiWWWMWW m ©ur 3tauwa "5RaUr0ali j^pmal” Designed for Operators who do heavy train order work; has finely ground and carefully tested agate point, firmly vulcanized into a hard rubber handle, cannot possibly come loose, large rough grip, smoothest, easiest writing stylus ever made. Sent postpaid for 60 cts. Send for one to-day, and use it 5 days, then we ll buy it back for 65 cts. if you want to sell. We print 100 finest quality white Bristol Cards with O. R. T. Emblem, or your own Railroad trade mark, or key and sounder in Gold for 50 cts. or send a two-cent stamp for “The Op’rs Prayer’’ ami “St. Fet0r *nd an^ otr* samples, and learn how you can get a stylus, Free. Best quality T. W. Ribbon 60 cts. Our O. K. I. n mi w-i gys J)- no Cert, is 832 Frisco iv’n. 32. STAR NOVELTY CO., FT. SCOTT. KANSAS. WMMWM UNDERSTAND BROTHER UNIONIST That the best made shoes — the shoes made under the best manufacturing conditions — the shoes that best stand wear — bear the Union Stamp, as shown herewith. Ask your dealer for Union Stamp Shoes, and if he can not supply you write BOOT AND SHOE WOltKEltS’ IMON 246 Summer Street, BOSTON, MASS, j

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When addt easing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. SOUND HEALTH is an asset — the most valuable asset you can have. You cannot do your best if you are nervous, sleepless, out of sorts, and have no appetite. Avoid mere tonics. Build up your health with SCOTT’S EMULSION It’s the best nourishment in the world and the easiest to digest It strengthens the nerves, increases the appetite and builds up the entire body* It’s as good for delicate babies and children as for adults of all ages. ALL DRUGGISTS t 50c. AND $1.00. When the brain becomes fatigued and dull, the nerves irritable and unstrung, or the digestion and appetite impaired, it will almost always be found that the body is deficient in the natural phos- phates. HORSFORD’S Acid Phosphate A scientific and carefully pre- pared preparation of the phos- phates, restores to the system the deficient elements so essential to sound bodily health. An Idssl Tonio In Nsrvous Dlsordsrs If your druggist can’t supply you, send 95 cents to Rum foro Chkmical Works, Provi- dence, R. 1., for sample bottle, postage paid. Let us send you TTa/ch or Ring upon terms indi- cated. Remit J rat payment with order or Hat* goads ahijrped for Inspection C. O. D. first payment. f. Attractive \V/ Catalog Free Ask For Nj.L —7 \ -arat commercial white perfect diamond set in 14- hc. ^iid sold eon nn mounting yOU«UU •6 cash and 13 per month. f i! /r (Tcrs U Gent*’ O. F. It, If or 18 sire or ladles’ 6 size plain or beautifully engraved 20- year. 14-kt. gold-filled case lilted with genuine new Elgin or _ . _ _ ^ Waltham CIO CA movement. IpICswU With hnntlne case. 916.75. •2.00 cash & tl.&Oper mouth. Herbert L. Josephs Co Diamond Importers :: Watch Jobbers 217-219 1 M-7 1 State Street, Chicago Digitized by " m\\

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Published Monthly by the Order of Entered at the Post-Office at St. Louis, Railroad Telegraphers. Mo., AS Sec°ni>Class Matter. L. W. QUICK - Editor and Manager. 70 Subscription Price • - $ 1.00 Per Year Vol. XXIV. OCTOBER, 1907. No. 10. The Commercial Telegraphers’ Strike SENSATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS FOLLOW EACH OTHER IN RAPID SUCCESSION President Small is Suspended from Office SPECIAL CONVENTION IS CALLED DEVELOPMENTS of the most sen- sational character have recently occurred in connection with the commercial telegraphers’ strike. On the afternoon of Saturday, October 1 2th, President Small sent the following telegram in cipher by Western Union to the officers of the various locals of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union through- out the country, a translation of which telegram was published in many of the leading newspapers of the country on the same evening : “New York, Oct. 12, 1907. “Prominent New Yorkers appealed to me to call the strike off. “All efforts at negotiations are exhausted, and the companies’ officials say they will fight to a finish. The treasury is depleted and no more funds are available. Requests for relief from all sides are heavy and urgent. The General Assembly can not Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1616 The Railroad Telegrapher. meet them. The strike having been ordered without the President’s sanction, I recom- mend that locals vote on the proposition. (Signed) “S. J. Small." The receipt of this telegram caused a pro- found sensation in the ranks of the striking commercial telegraphers, as it was looked upon by the rank and file as a recommenda- tion on the part of President Small that the strike be declared off, and the fact that it had been sent by telegraph and its contents had become generally known through its publication in the various newspapers of the country added fuel to the flame. The message was considered by prac- tically every local of the Commercial Teleg- raphers’ Union within twenty-four hours after its receipt, and advices from the head- quarters of that union in Chicago at the time of going to press are to the effect that the locals have, without exception, voted to continue the strike. On October 13th the General Executive Board, a majority of which Board has been in continuous session at the headquarters in Chicago since the strike was inaugurated, suspended President Small from his office, and the following telegram was sent him: “Chicago, III., Oct. 13, 1907. “S. /. Small, Astor House, New York: “Under Article XV, Section 7, of the Constitution of the Commercial Teleg- raphers* Union of America, you are hereby suspended from the office of President, to take effect immediately. (Signed) “S. J. Konenkamp, Acting Chairman. “Michael J. Reidy, “Joseph M. Sullivan, “General Executive Board” A call for a special session of the General Assembly was then issued by the General Executive Board, which was addressed to all locals of the union, and which read in part as follows : “Under the provisions of Article VI, Section 2, of the Constitution of the Com- mercial Telegraphers’ Union of America, you are hereby directed to elect delegates to represent your local at a special convention, to be held in the city of Milwaukee on Wednesday, October 23, 1907, at one o’clock p. m., to consider ways and means to make this strike more effective, and to transact such other business as may properly come before the convention.” The following notification was also sent the various locals of the action taken by the General Executive Board in suspending President Small from his office: “Chicago, III., Oct. 14, 1907. To All Locals, Commercial Telegraphers' Union of America: You are hereby notified that the General Executive Board, in due exercise of the authority vested in it, has suspended S. J. Small from the presidency of the Commer- cial Telegraphers’ Union of America. The strike will be conducted by and under the direction of the General Executive Board. You are directed to do everything possible to keep your striking brothers and sisters in line. It is the intention of the Board that in the future the strike shall be con- ducted by men who have red blood. (Signed) “S. J. Konenkamp, Acting Chairman. “Michael J. Reidy, “Joseph M. Sullivan, “ General Executive Board.” The commercial telegraphers have made a most excellent fight, and it is to be re- gretted that anything should have occurred within their ranks to in the least detract their attention from the main issue, but there seems every reason to believe that the special session of the General Assembly will result in clearing up the situation. One effect that the present strike will have, regardless of its ultimate outcome, will be to materially reduce the supply of commercial telegraphers, as many have, since the strike was inaugurated, found employment in other vocations, and they will not return to the key. The Chicago American, in a recent editorial, ably sums up the situation in this regard as follows: “Many of the telegraph operators who went on a strike a month ago will never return to their keys. They have found employment in other lines of work, and find it more pleasant as well as more profitable than telegraphing. It is said that Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1617 fully one-half of the strikers will eventually seek new occupations. We predict that they will prosper. “Telegraphing is, with the possible ex- ception of printing, the most technical of trades. It demands more than ordinary in- telligence to be a first-rate telegraph oper- ator; it also requires years of experience. A really expert operator possesses quali- fications which, if employed in other busi- ness, would bring in a great deal more than the average operator’s salary. “This is demonstrated in the fact that scores of men high in the railroad and commercial world began life as telegraphers. They abandoned the trade because they could exercise their ability to better ad- vantage in other business. The strike will influence hundreds of telegraphers to a similar decision. There will be a scarcity of operators and the result will be an ad- vance in wages, no matter how the strike ends. “In almost all the other trades wages have advanced during the last ten years. Teleg- raphers receive less today than they got ten years ago. The determination of a large proportion of the strikers to abandon telegraphy altogether will remedy this in- justice automatically by creating a shortage of operators. “The telegraph companies may defy the principles of justice and humanity, but they can not ignore the law of supply and de- mand. They will have to pay bigger wages hereafter if they hope to get competent operators.” THE BOND QUESTION. IN the September issue of The Teleg- rapher the Editor gave his views on “The Bond Question,” which, in brief, were to the effect that the only solution of this much-discussed question seemed to be the formation of a bond company by the members of the Order who were inter- ested in the question, by the establishment of a bond company with a capital of $250,000 divided into 25,000 shares of $10 each. A few days ago a circular letter was ad- dressed to all General Chairmen, requesting an expression of opinion from them on the plan suggested, and up to the time of going to press replies have been received from nearly one-half of them, all of whom, with one exception, announce themselves as in accord with the suggested plan. The one exception referred to failed to express his opinion on the subject. The following extracts are taken from the replies received: One General Chairman writes: “Am in receipt of your circular letter addressed to all General Chairmen, in re- gard to The Bond Question,* and in reply will say that I think the plan suggested by you in the September Telegrapher is the nearest solution we will ever get to the much-debated and perplexing ’Bond Ques- tion,’ and believe we will have no trouble in getting a clause inserted in our schedule providing that we may be bonded in any reliable guaranty company of our own selec- tion. Am very glad, indeed, to see that some action is to be taken on this question, and should the plan go into effect and the company be formed, will do all in my power to further and promote its welfare. Will want a few shares myself.” Another General Chairman writes: • “Your circular letter of the 5th inst. to all General Chairmen relative to the bond question received. In reply to same will say that I heartily endorse your views on the matter, and think that this is the only way we can possibly solve the bond problem, and it certainly should be looked after.” Still another General Chairman writes: “I think the idea of organizing a bond company, to be composed of and for the benefit of the members of the Order is a good one, and I feel sure it will meet with the approval of a majority, if not all the members. I §ee no reason why the plan is not feasible, and if properly managed should prove successful.” Another General Chairman writes: “Referring to the bond question in Sep- tember Telegrapher, I am heartily in favor of organizing a company as outlined. Be- lieve it would be a good move for the telegraphers, and give strength to the or- ganization and be a good investment for those who wish to take stock.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1618 The Railroad Telegrapher. Another General Chainnan writes: ‘‘Referring to your circular letter of Oc- tober 5th, I have not received my September Telegrapher, and do not know what your remarks were on this subject, but do know' that no more flagrant and unjust imposi- tion, tyranny and burden was ever laid on men’s shoulders than the present system of bonding railroad employes. I have personal knowledge of several good, honest and worthy men who are denied bond for the most trivial reasons, and when they made an effort to straighten the matter out with the surety people, they were arrogantly told that there was ‘Nothing doing.’ Our members have been smarting under the injustices of the various surety companies for many years, and they are a unit that we should be our own security. They all know that to be barred by one of these companies means to be barred by all, for they have a system that prevents one com- pany from bonding any man refused by any other company.” A large number of letters have been re- ceived by the Editor from members through- out the country since the September journal was issued, heartily endorsing the proposed plan, and in them requests have been made that the matter be submitted at once, but it is deemed best to carry out the plan an- nounced in the last issue that the subject would be held open for discussion until the January issue of The Telegrapher, in which issue a blank will be printed to enable the membership to decide whether or not the proposed company shall be formed. ACCIDENTS. THE number of persons killed in train accidents during the months of Oc- tober, November and December, 1906. as shown in reports made by the railroad companies to the Interstate Com- merce Commission under the “accident law” of March 3, 1901, was 474, and the injured number 4,940. Accidents of other kinds, including those sustained by employes while at work and by passengers in getting on or off the cars, etc., bring the total number of casualties up to 20,944, of which 1,430 were killed and 19,514 injured, classified as follows: Killed in collisions, 308; in de- railments, 146; in miscellaneous train ac- cidents, including locomotive boiler ex- plosions, 20; in coupling and uncoupling cars, 84; in doing other w'ork about trains and while attending switches, 79 ; in coming in contact with overhead bridges, structures at side of track, etc., 37 ; in falling from cars or engines, or while getting on or off, 263; from other causes, 493. Injured in collisions, 2.960; in derailments, 1,517: in miscellaneous train accidents, in- cluding locomotive boiler explosions, 463; in coupling and uncoupling cars, 1,083; in doing other work about trains or while attending switches, 4,464; in coming in contact with overhead bridges, structures at side of track, etc., 425; in falling from cars or engines, or while getting on or off. 3,820; from other causes, 4,782. The report shows that there " were 180 passengers killed in train accidents during the three months covered, which is the larg- est number ever reported for a like period, with the exception of that for the quarter ending September 30th, 1904, when the num- ber was 288. The report shows an alarming increase in fatalities, both in regard to passengers and employes, as compared with the report for the preceding three months, as shown by the following figures : Passengers killed in train accidents during three months ending December 31st, 1906, 180; passengers killed in train accidents during three months ending September 30th, 1906, 52. Passengers killed all causes quarter end- ing December 31st, 1906, 234; passengers killed all causes quarter ending September 30th, 1906, no. Employes killed in train accidents quarter ending December 31st, 1906, 294; employes killed in train accidents quarter ending September 30, 1906, 215. Employes killed in coupling quarter end- ing December 31, 1906, 84 ; employes killed in coupling quarter ending September 30, 1906, 81. Total passengers and employes killed, all causes, quarter ending December 31, J9°6- 1,430; total passengers and employes killed, all causes, quarter ending September 30, 1916, 1,182. Of the 180 passengers killed Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1619 during the quarter ending December 31, 1906, 143 were killed in three accidents, which are described in the report as fol- lows: “A collision, causing the death of forty- three passengers and the injury of sixty- three, occurred at Terra Cotta, D. G, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, on the night of December 30, 1906, between 6:30 and 7 o’clock. The night was dark and a dense fog prevailed. The leading train, No. 66, had just stopped at the station when it was run into at the rear by a following extra train, consisting of an engine and eight empty passenger cars, and its rear car was completely wrecked. The circumstances of this collision are under investigation, and the Commission intends to issue a special bulletin containing a summary of the facts and its conclusions therefrom. “Collision No. 28, resulting in the death of forty-two passengers and one trainman, and the injury of 150 passengers and five train- men, was between a westbound passenger train and an eastbound freight. It occurred about three o’clock in the morning during a blinding snowstorm. The engines were wrecked and took fire, and five passenger cars, one baggage car, and three freight cars were burned up. The bodies of the passengers who were killed, except two, were consumed in the fire. The passenger train was No. 47, second section. The first section of the passenger train carried green flags to indicate to freight train* running in the opposite direction that they must keep out of the way of the second section, but the freight in this case did not get, or did not heed, the signals, and started out from a side track, where it had been wait- ing, immediately after the passage of the first section. The signal lights fixed on the passenger engine close to the signal flags were not burning, and therefore the men in charge of the freight had no visual notice that there would be a second section of the passenger train. “To provide against the failure of lights in such cases the engineman of the pas- senger train is required to sound a whistle signal at the point where he meets a freight t/ain. In this case the engineman says that he sounded the whistle, indicating that he was carrying green signals, and the men in charge of the freight admit that they heard a whistle signal, but thought it sounded like a crossing signal. The signal which should have been given consists of one long blast and two short blasts, while that for a highway crossing consists of two long and two short blasts. Whatever may have been the character of this signal, the engineman of the freight, if he understood it to be a notice of a second section, should have acknowledged it by sounding the whistle of his engine. He did not sound this signal. This being so, it was the duty of the engineman of the passenger train, under the rule, to stop and give the proper notice to the freight train by word of mouth. This was not done, and the passenger en- gineman can give no excuse for his failure to do so. This engineman is reported as having a clear record for the five years preceding the accident. As to the ex- tinguishment of his signal lights, he says that they were burning when he left a station about thirty miles east of the point of collision. The snow was falling rapidly at the time and the wind was blowing a gale, and he appears to have allowed the lamps to go out without paying attention to the fact. This engineman had been in the service of the road sixteen years, and had been on duty two hours and thirty minutes, after a sufficient time for rest. “One of the most serious derailments on record was due to an unexplained fault in a drawbridge. The train, southbound, was made up of three cars, propelled by electricity, the leading car being the motor car. It was running at ordinary speed, probably thirty to forty miles an hour. At the entrance of the drawbridge the leading car jumped the track and, after running a short distance on the ties, the leading truck of the car rode over the guard timber at the outer edge of the bridge floor, and the car, with the two following it, fell into the stream below. Of the passengers in the cars fifty-six, with the motorman-r-fifty-seven persons in all — were drowned, and thirty- six passengers were injured. The draw- bridge is of the “turntable” style, turning on a vertical axis. It had been opened for the passage of a vessel a short time before. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1620 The Railroad Telegrapher. Preparatory to opening, the rails of the track at the end of the draw, which extend over a few inches onto the fixed span ad- joining, had been lifted so as to clear the fixed rails during the movement of the bridge. When the bridge was returned to its normal position for the movement of trains the supports under these lifted rails were withdrawn, and the rails should have dropped into place by gravity. For some reason, not explained, one or both of the rails of the southbound track did not thus drop, though the bridge itself was locked in position ; and this caused the derailment The attendant in charge had failed to notice the fault, although he stepped to a point within a few feet of the end of the draw to take up a red flag which, according to the regulations, he had displayed on the fixed span as an auxiliary stop signal while the draw was open. Not seeing the mis- placed rail, he took up the flag and notified the signalman in the cabin south of the draw that the fixed semaphore signals might be cleared for trains. These fixed signals were interlocked with the bridge, but not with the track rails, and therefore there was nothing to prevent the giving of the clear signal to this train, notwithstanding the imperfection in the track. “The attendant at the bridge who thus wrongfully authorized a clear signal was sixty-five years old, a man of experience in positions of this kind, and with a good previous record.” One person was killed and five injured in a collision between two freight trains, which, the report shows, was due to an error in train order, the figures “95” being written for “75.” A collision is reported between two freight trains, in which no one was injured or killed, which is described as follows : “Sig- nalman gave false clear block signal to west- bound train ; operator failed to deliver order to eastbound train. One of these men in service eighteen days, the other eight months.” Two persons were killed and thirty-three injured in a collision between a passenger and freight train, due to the telegrapher omitting the word “second” from a train order. He had been in service six weeks. One person was killed and one injured in a collision between two freight trains caused by the telegrapher omitting the words “second 155” from a train order, though, the report states, he repeated it correctly to the dispatcher. He had been in service thirty-nine days. Four persons were killed and three in- jured in a collision between two freights, due to failure on part of telegrapher to deliver a train order. The report states he decamped immediately after the accident. Three persons were injured in a collision between two freight trains due to failure of telegrapher to delivey “meet” order on account of having fallep asleep. He had been on duty twenty-four hours. One person was killed and thirteen in- jured in a collision between a passenger and a freight train, the cause of which the report describes as follows : “Dispatcher sent order reading ‘No. 50/ Order deliv- ered reading ‘No. 52/ Impossible to decide whether error is chargeable to dispatcher or to the receiving operator.” Three persons were killed and three in- jured in a collision between two freight trains, due to failure of telegrapher to deliver an order. He had three orders for one of the trains and only delivered two. RAILROAD 8TATI8TIC8. THE nineteenth annual statistical re- port of the Interstate Commerce Commission on railroads for the year ending June 30th, 1906, which has recently been made public, ' contains much interesting information. It shows that the par value of railway capital outstanding was $14,570421,478, or $67,936 per mile for the railroads in the United States. Of the railway stock outstanding, the re- port shows $2,267,175,799 was owned by railway corporations, and of the railway bonds $641,305,030 are placed in the same category. The report shows that the aggregate gross earnings from the operated mileage of 222,340 miles of lines were $2,325,765,167. Their operating expenses were $1,536,877,271. The net earnings aggregated $788,887,896, an increase of $97,007,642. The n^t earnings per mile of line average $8,548. The in- Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1621 come attributable to other sources than operation reached $256,639,591. Deducting fixed and other charges, the report says $385,186,328 is the net income for the year available for dividends or surplus. There was 799,507,838 passengers carried, an increase of over 60,000,000, and 1*631,374,219 tons of freight carried, an in- crease of over 202,000,000. The average revenue per passenger per mile was 2.002 cents. The earnings per train mile were in- creased both for passenger and freight trains, and the average cost of running a train one mile increased. The ratio of oper- ating expenses to earnings was over 60 per cent. The report shows 10,618 persons killed and 97,706 injured. There was a total of **521,355 persons on the pay-roll. The report shows that one passenger was killed for every 2,227,041 carried, while in 1905 one passenger was killed for every 1,375,856 carried. One person was injured for every 74,176 passengers carried, as against one injured in every 70,655 passen- gers carried in 1905. For each passenger killed 70,126,686 passenger miles were ac- complished, against only 44,320,576 passen- ger miles in 1905. One passenger was in- jured for every 2,338,859 miles, against 2,276,002 miles in 1905. The report shows an average of 684 em- ployes per 100 miles of line. There was an increase of forty-seven employes per 100 miles of line over 1905. Wages and sal- aries paid to employes aggregated $900,801,- 653, but it is stated that this amount is deficient by more than $27,000,000 because of the loss of railway records in the San Francisco earthquake. There were 2,213 railway corporations for which mileage is included. During the year railway com- panies owning 4,054.46 miles of line were reorganized, merged or consolidated. The number of roads in the hands of receivers was thirty-four. The number of locomotives and cars in the service of the railways aggregated 2,010,584, of which 1,827,789 were fitted with train brakes and **989,796 with automatic couplers. Only 1.54 per cent of cars in the passenger service were without automatic couplers. REQUE8T TO KEEP AWAY. DALLAS Local No. 549 of the Textile Workers of America has issued the following circular addressed to all organized workingmen throughout the coun- try: “Since August 19th, 1907, our union has been on strike against the Dallas Cotton Mills at this place. We struck because some twenty of our members were discharged for their unionism, and we are determined not to go back until the safety of our union is guaranteed by a union-shop agreement. “Though our union is composed largely of women and children, it has fought a splendid fight, and is determined to con- tinue it. “We want no money from you, but we need your help otherwise. “The mills are leaving no stone unturned in their effort to get operatives. Let us leave no stone unturned in telling our broth- ers about the mills’ hateful proceedings. We are paid almost the lowest wages in any industry, are worked ten hours per day, and have no say at all about the con- ditions under which we work. The union is our only hope of bettering our class. Every person who comes to work in the mill now hurts us all. The mill has already imported some fifteen Europeans who can not speak English. It has one woman in the mill whom we can not endure for our wives and daughters to associate with. Thus far no person who comes will do him- self any good, but only harpi us. “What we ask is this: Remember that the Dallas CQtton Mills are unfair; that all the unions are fighting them, and that they are trying to ruin our union. Help spread this news. Tell this not only to your union brothers, but to all of your friends and acquaintances, especially in the country and in the manufacturing districts. “Do this, brothers ; and don’t, for the love of unionism, just file this letter without any thought. Put up the enclosed poster in a conspicuous place and help those who will help you when you ask a similar favor. Our interests are one; let us help one an- other.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1622 The Railroad Telegrapher. emtORIAL N0t€5 At the time of going to press, 34,825 members had paid dues for the current term. Several articles on the eight-hour day and the $75.00 minimum were crowded out of this issue. One thousand two hundred and thirty- four new members were initiated into the Order during the month of September. It is stated that E. Holzworth, agent for the Rock Island at Hutchison, Kas., has gone into the student business. The attention of correspondents is again called to the fact that line-ups are not pub- lished. Several were received for this issue of the journal, which were not used. Earnest V. Seigle, formerly agent for the Wabash at Dalton, Mo., it is stated, has been scabbing for one of the com- mercial companies in Kansas City. He is not a member of the O. R. T. The American Federation of Labor, at the request of the Coopers’ International Union, has placed the Finsch Distilling Company of Pittsburg, Pa., on the unfair list. This concern is the producer of the “Golden Wedding Whiskey.” It is stated that Robt-. L. Murray has opened a telegraph schbol at Shell Lake, Wis. It is further stated that Murray was recently discharged by the C., St. P., M. & O. Railway for incompetency. He should make an elegant “professor.” A superintendent of a southwestern road recently inquired of a subordinate as to the cause of more than an hour’s delay in making up a train at a station. In reply to his message of inquiry he received the following, which no doubt was most ex- planatory: “Yard engine does not work Sundays; nobody works but the agent.” A wreck occurred near Bellaire, Ohio, on September 28, whereby eight people were killed and many injured, which wreck oc- curred on the Baltimore & Ohio Railway, and was caused, it is stated, by the lever- man throwing a “cross-over” switch con- trary to instructions. The annual convention of the American Federation of Labor meets in Norfolk, Va., on Monday, November nth. President H. B. Ferham, Grand Secretary and Treasurer L. W. Quick, and Past President D. G. Ramsay, are the delegates to that conven- tion from the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers. It is stated that Chas. P. O’Neil, who was recently employed at Lemars, Iowa, on the Illinois Central, is now scabbing for one of the commercial telegraph com- panies in Des Moines, Iowa. A member, in furnishing this information to the Editor, says : “He is not a member of the 0. R. T., for the reason that he could not get anyone to sign his application.” In future the publication of a brief ac- count of all wrecks, together with their causes, especially where telegraphers are concerned, will be made a specialty in these notes. Members are requested to furnish the Editor as promptly as possible with an account of any wreck occurring in their territory, together with all facts in con- nection therewith. It is believed that the publication of this information may be the means of preventing a re-occurrence in some other section of the country of the incident responsible for the wreck. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Thf. Railroad Telegrapher. 1623 The Editor was recently the recipient of a box of O. R. T. cigars from Bro. R. H. Hays, member of the Grand Division, who is in the cigar business at Milstead, Ala., and who handles a special brand named after the Order. The cigars are in keeping with their name. Oliver McKenzie, formerly employed by the Illinois Central at Makanda, 111., and who, during his employment at that office, was benefited to the extent of $17.50 per month by the various schedules that were made on that line during the time of his employment there, in a printed circular an- nounces himself as a full-fledged “pro- fessor” of telegraphy, and solicits students. The “lambs” are only required to give up fifty dollars each. A press dispatch from Moberly, Mo., under date of September 23, states that the head-on collision between two freight trains on the M., K. & T.. which occurred near Paris, Mo., on that date, and through which four persons were killed and several injured, was caused by the failure of a nineteen-year-old boy at Paris to deliver an order. It is stated that S. P. King, whose name appears on the Katy scab list, is now work- ing days at Crucero, Cal., for the San Pedro Line. One of the most deliberate cases of scab- bing recorded during the commercial teleg- raphed strike is that of Angie A. Walker, who is now and has been for a number of years employed in “GM” office of the Wabash Ry. in St. Louis. Although draw- ing $75 per month from her regular position she has been putting in all the time possible outside her regular hours at the Western Union scabbing. This is one of the most deliberate cases of scabbing on record, and will, no doubt, be remembered by the fra- ternity at large. An Appleton City, Mo., newspaper pub- lishes the following : “J. A. Gerard, who has been station agent for the M., K. & T. Railway at Appleton City since 1885, and who has been in the employ of the com- pany since 1873, has tendered his resigna- tion to 'the superintendent, to take effect as soon as another man can be provided for the place. While Mr. Gerard does not feel that he has reached the age in life where he is willing to retire from work entirely, he is compelled to give up the place here on account of the large amount of labor demanded of him, and the fact that sufficient help to handle the business of the road at this station has not been furnished him.” Another scab has met his “reward.” By request of several members of the Order, that part of the working agreement between the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union and the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers as regards the duty of one organi- zation towards the other in case of strike is reproduced. It is as follows : “That when a strike or lockout occurs where a joint demand has not been made, but where one of the organizations, parties to this agreement, shall be involved, it shall be compulsory, without further notice, for members of the other organization to pro- test against handling telegraph business other than that handled before the strike or lockout occurred, provided that nothing herein shall be construed to mean that a sympathetic strike can take place before being constitutionally legalized.” The Sioux City, Iowa, Journal publishes the following item under a Mason City, Iowa, date in its September 10th issue : “A surprise party awaited the non-union machinists, boilermakers and helpers for the round houses of the Milwaukee on the return of the Grievance Committee sent some weeks ago to Chicago to ask for an increase of wages on their return to find out that this time the non-union men were ‘pushed off the map.’ They will not get the raise of 3K’ cents per hour granted at the conference, but will continue with the same old wage,, while their more fortunate brethren who are members of the union will get the benefit. “The reason given by the committee is that the non-union men do not in any way contribute a cent to the union to help de- fray the expenses of the committee which secured the raise. Heretofore the non' Digitized by CjOOQle

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1624 The Railroad Telegrapher. union men received all the benefits sec v. red by the union men in the matter of shorter time and wages, when it was given by the officials. “The railroad decided to allow the union men 40% cents per hour, while the non- union men will receive their present wage of 37 cents.” The statement issued by the Bureau of Immigration for the month of August, 1907, shows that there were 98,825 aliens landed at the various ports of entry in the United States during that month; that there were 1,083 debarred from entrance classified as follows : Idiots, 1 ; imbeciles, 6 ; feeble- minded, 13 ; epileptics, 5 ; insane, 1 1 ; loath- some or dangerous contagious diseases, 368; professional beggars, 1; likely to be- come public charges,' 305 ; mentally or physically unsound, 118; contract laborers, 147; accompanying aliens, 25; under six- teen years of age and unaccompanied by parents, 14; assisted aliens, 18; criminals, 10; polygamists, 2; prostitutes and pro- curers, 11 ; without passport, 13; under provisions of Chinese Exclusion Act, 15. The report also shows that there were 269 aliens returned by the immigration author- ities after landing. The total number of aliens landed in the United States during the month of August, 1906, was 81,592. It is stated that injury in a riot was responsible for the introduction of the bill which later became a law, and which is known as the Erdman Arbitration Law. As is generally known, this law was passed by Congress in 1898 and was introduced by Congressman C. J. Erdman of Ohio. The Philadelphia Record , in publishing a history of this now famous bill, says, in part: “In the great railroad strike in Pennsyl- vania in 1877, the Fourth Regiment, of which ex-Congressman C. J. Erdman was the adjutant, was sent to Reading, where rioting was going on. When the regiment arrived it came into collision with the riot- ing strikers in the now famous railroad cut, through which the regiment was marched, at Seventh and Court streets. In the fight Adjutant Erdman was rendered unconscious by a stone thrown by a rioter. When he recovered consciousness he found himself lying on a heap of dead and wounded strik- ers, his right hand in the crushed skull of a dead man, wet with blood. The adjutant calmly wiped his hand, and was then car- ried to the railroad station, where he was placed on board a train and brought to his home, in this city. “From that experience he decided that something must be done in order to do away with similar occurrences. His op- portunity came when he was elected to Congress. One of his first acts was to draw up and introduce the bill now known as the Erdman law. President Cleveland, who was heartily in sympathy with the proposed act, gave him every aid, and it soon became a law. “Peculiarly enough, at that time the meas- ure was opposed by the very railroads which now want to appeal to its provisions. Its strong feature is its absolute impar- tiality.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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PERSONAL MENTION The following births have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: To Bro. and Mrs. C. A. Brown, of Para- doe, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. A. Stone, of Luray, la., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. R. W. Harris, of Riley, Kas., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. E. S. Cook, of Wiville, Ark., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. E. E. Slagle, of Ennis, Texas, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. J. P. Ryan, of Bonestul, S. D., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. B. Kille, of Evart, Mich., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Frank Kline, of Abing- don, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. C. G. Russler, of Beau- fort, Mo., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. R. L. Shannon, of Anna, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. G. C. Cooper, of East- over, S. C., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. A. A. Graves, of Camp Point, 111., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. C. Bliss, of Council Bluffs, la., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. H. Copple, of Ft. Dodge, la., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. R. R. Wilson, of Chaf- fee, N. Y., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. J. B. Doane, of Hor- nell, N. Y., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. W. H. Miller, of Glencoe, Pa., a boy. To. Bro. and Mrs. J. L. Godfrey, of Fulton, Ky., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. M. Rice, of Walnut Ridge, Ark., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. D. O. Berry, of Chad- bourn, N. C., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. T. L. Highsmith, of Ludowici, Ga., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. E. Bardwell, of Westfield, la., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. Geo. H. Meier, Sr., of Colfax, la., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. G. H. Mueter, of Emery, S. D., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. A. Brown, of Paradoe, Pa., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. M. Glasgow, of Wilkins, Wyo., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. F. D. Seely, of Bala, Kas., a boy and a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. T. G. Wade, of Fay- etteville, N. C.,‘ a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. R. O. Robinson, of Rathbone, N. Y., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. J. M. Glasgow, of Wilkins, Wyo., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. W. Tatum, of Brandon, Miss., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. B. P. Stevens, of Parchman, Miss., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Jos. J. Kotas, Jr., of Phillips, Wis,, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. E. McDavid, of State Line, Miss., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. Jas. Dooley, of Wil- liamsbridge, N. Y., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. H. Carstaphney, of Lynchburg, Va., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. Frank Burkhart, of Rock Springs, Wyo., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. A. Weaver, of Rossiter Junction, Pa., a boy. Digitized by L^OOQle

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626 The Railroad Telegrapher. M. E. Eccleston. T. E. Nealon. C. P. Ingersoll. Guy Cochran, Qen'l Chtn. T. M. Pierson. Second Vice-Pre*. O. R. T. GENERAL COMMITTEE-N. Y.. O. & W. RAILWAY. T Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1627 The following marriages have been re- ported since the last issue of The Teleg- rapher: Bro. Ira L. Clark, of Division 31, to Miss Pellie Long. Bro.- L. M. Brittle, of Division 59, to Miss G. R. Bowen. Bro. P. I. Leach, of Divison 138, to Miss Terrica Burns. Bro. C. A. Smith, of Division 6, to Miss Emma Gordon. Bro. Frank Johnson, of Division 76, to Miss Lulu Reed. Bro. E. K. Hunt, of Grand Division, to Miss Ethel Langley. Bro. F. D. Pressler, of Division 51, to Miss Madge Everett. Bro. E. P. Stewart, of Division 130, to Miss Blanche Pack. Bro. R. W. Wight, of Division 129, to Miss Cora Carstenson. Bro. F. E. Siderner, of Division 138, to Miss Hulda Dickerson., Bro. J. W. Morris, of Division 49, to Miss Pearl Schoolcraft. Bro. H. E. Whelham, of Division 43, to Miss Marguerite E. Robertson. Bro. C. M. Noel, of Division 40, to Miss Ruth B. Ross, of Boston, Mass. Bro. G. T. Hoge, of Division 33, to Miss Nettie Guare, of Baltimore, Md. Bro. H. L. Porter, of Division 59, to Miss Loucile M. Howell, of Mascot, Tenn. Bro. B. B. Knight, of Division 93, to Miss Lora Wooldridge, of Lerna, III. Bro. Chas. Bostwick, of Division 8, to Miss Emma. Will, of Kingston, N. M. Bro. C. C. Tennant, of Division 42, to Miss Florence Carey, of Carbondale, Pa. A CORRECTION. In the September number of The Teleg- rapher announcement was made of the marriage of Bro. F. W. Stoelting, of Divi- sion 32, to Miss Ruth Kellett. This an- nouncement wras an error, as the contract- ing parties were Bro. R. F. Reeve, of Divi- sion 32, and Miss Ruth Kellett. The Editor. The following deaths have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: At Callery, Pa., Bro. J. W. Ferry, of Division 33. At Chicago, 111., Bro. O. J. Mardiss, of Division 126. At Baltimore, Maryland, Bro. J. W. Ferry, of Division 33. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy * of all. GROVER MATTHEWS, Deceased Member Division 31. WANTED. Present address of J. A. Connors. C. V. Trumble, Waters, Mich. Present address of F. L. Maxler. C. L. Maxler, Pittsburg, Pa. Present address of D. Brassfield. “Liz.,” if you sec this address me at Bunch, Iowa. Mitch. Present address of C. E. Tracy. “MX,” if you see this write me at Canon City, Box 529. C. D. Shafer. Wanted present address of H. B. Hen- dricks. Any one knowing his address kindly write. L. Kershner, West Line, Mo. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1629 Present address of Samuel Hair. He is an operator of about fifteen years* ex- perience. E. W. Lacey, Boaz, 111. Present address of H. L. Naylor. Last heard of working for E. P. & N. E. at Newman, N. Mex., a year ago. “NA,” if you see this, write. H. O., Livingston, Mont. Present address of Thos. M. Bray. Last heard of working on R. F. & P. Ry. Bray, write if you see this. Important. G. W. Crump, Jr., Sellman, Maryland. Present address of R. G. Embrey. Last heard from during Atlanta Exposition. Re- ward if proper address given. G. W. Crump, Jr., Sellman, Maryland. Present address of P. H. Grisell. Any- one knowing of his whereabouts kindly write me. Mrs. P. H. Grisell, R. F. D. No. I, Box 73, Cashton, Wis. Present address of Bro. T. E. Buell. Last heard of was in Montana. G. W. Lambert, 818a East 14th St., Kansas City, Mo. Present address of G. W. McGillivray. Last seen was working for M. C. R. R. at Alger, Mich. George, if you see this write me at South Grand Blanc, Mich. Have important news for you. Mike. A sample copy of lead pencils of the re- spective roads you work on and I will endeavor to do the same for you. J. E. Sullivan, London, Ont. Present address of D. J. Best. Last heard of copying Associated Press at Vancouver, B. C., August, 1904. Anyone knowing of his whereabouts kindly write me at Griffith, Irid., care of P., O. & G. Co. Lee E. Chalfant. Present address of the following : P. D. Stevens, last heard of working for the Southern Ry. at Birmingham, Ala. A. C. Raines, last heard of was on the Southern Pacific Western Division, and D. E. Moore, last heard of working for the Postal Tele- graph Co. at Oakland, Cal. Boys, if you see this write me at Newton, Ala., care A. C. L. Ry. C. A. Welch. Present address of R. M. Shultz. Last heard of was with the Frisco System, “Qn,” St. Louis, last March. “R,” if you see this write me at Monterrey, N. L. Mex., care dispatcher’s office F. C. C. M. E. Croft. Present address of J. M. Ball. Last heard of was working for C. & O. at Russell, Ky. “MC,” if you see this write me. .1 would like to hear from you. W. H. Rigcle, Lindsey, W. Va. Operator H. C. Ryan, age twenty-four years ; height 5 feet 4 inches ; weight about 140 pounds; blue eyes, dark hair. Disap- peared from Indianapolis April 22, 1907. Any information regarding him will be ap- preciated. J. W. Ryan, 4422 East Washington St., Indianapolis, Ind. To obtain train orders, all forms which have been repeated, O. K.ed and completed and bearing conductor’s signature when required, from all railroads reached by our magazine. Will gladly exchange. Enclose in a railroad envelope but send by U. S. mail. • Nat T. Rice, Mo rehead, Ky. Present address of Mrs. Ophilia Jackson. Last heard of left Savannah, Ga., about February 10th, 1907. Auntie, if you see this, drop me a line or any information as to your whereabouts will be appreciated. N. J. Frizell, Jr., A. C. L. Yard Office, Savannah, Ga. Present address of Nat Cheairs; age eighteen years; weight 128 pounds. About 5 feet 4Y2 inches high, dark hair; has on signet ring with his initials “N. F. C.” Disappeared from home at Winchester, Ark., on August 27th, 1907. Any informa- tion regarding his whereabouts will be ap- preciated by the undersigned and his mother. E. J. Parsons, Winchester, Ark. F. E. Samuel, Winchester, Ark. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1630 The Railroad Telegrapher. Digitized by t^ooQle A. Wftlllnon. H. M. Brook «. A. O. MrK»y. M. Beverly. O. K T. (IRri’-HEA BOARD AIR LINE. LAl'KINM’RU. N. C.

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1631 Present address of M. W. Allen. Last heard of was on his way to the hospital from Baton Rouge, La. At one time in 1905 was working at Caldwell, Kas., on R. I. W. A. Monroe, Duncan, I. T. JOHN WENTZ, Member Div. 52. Candidate for Member of Advisory Committee of Pennsylvania Railroad Relief Department. The following members desire to ex- change souvenir postal cards with other members : W. E. Vertz, McGees Mills, Pa. J. C. Russell, Albemarle, N. C. A. L. Strode, Glenmore, Ohio. H. L. Jones, New Galilee, Pa. F. L. Tucker, Bluff City, Tenn. J. J. Coulter, Huntersville, N. C. H. C. Stonehocker, Cascade, Colo. Jno. Kilpatrick, Crested Butte, Colo. W. A. Houston, Straw Plains, Tenn. E. A. Dildine, Union Station, Ohio. J. P. Bradshaw, Straw Plains, Tenn. J. P. Perry, 125 You St., N. W., Wash- ington, D. C. H. G. Barkley, Straw Plains, Tenn., R. I7. D. No. 2. J. E. McCubbins, Straw Plains, Tenn., R. F. D. No. 2. LOST OR STOLEN. Card No. 167, Cert. 816, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 222, Cert. 48, Div. 5, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 515, Cert. 1432, Div. Grand, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 22514, Cert. 659, Div. 1, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 27872, Cert. 1199, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3587, Cert. 1361, Div. 2, for ' term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6487, Cert. 1004, Division 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3270, Cert. 1282, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 9822, Cert. 1068, Div. 31, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3707, Cert. 1523, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 22541, Cert. 167, Div. 5, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 4011, Cert. 1009, Div. 7, for term ending December 31, 1907. W. R. Connelly, T. M. Weaver. W. E. Berry. G. W. Crump, Jr. O. R. T. Group— Southern Ry., Midland, Va. Card No. 12799, Cert. 376, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1694, Cert. 1538, Div. 53, for term ending December 31, 1907. Digitized by C.ooole

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1632 The Railroad Telegrapher. Card No. 14733, Cert. 1286, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 22433, Cert. 369, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 14668, Cert. 20, Div. 22, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 31001, Cert. 1541, Div. 31, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 12907, Cert. 1279, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 4386, Cert. 169, Div. 43, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 18437, Cert. 167, Div. 58, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6036, Cert. 1075, Div. 59, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2059, Cert. 278, Div. 62, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 25240, Cert. 339, Div. 62, for term ending December 31, 1907. L. Cooper. C. W. Bridges. Robt. A. Gannett. O. R. T. GROUP-COTTON BELT RAILWAY. ATHENS. TEXAS. Card No. 24577, Cert. 1355, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 25180, Cert. 1623, Div. 33, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3891, Cert. 244, Div. 36, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 23058, Cert. 176, Div. 40, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 19615, Cert. 13, Div. 40, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 19725, Cert. 816, Div. 42, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 26569, Cert. 66, Div. 66, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 12165, Cert. 104, Div. 77, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 13964, Cert. 307, Div. 89, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 18397, Cert. 93, Div. 91, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 21392, Cert. 943, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 21539, Cert. 1823, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. Card No. term ending Card No. term ending Card No. term ending Card No. term ending Card No. term ending Card No. term ending Card No. term ending Card No. term ending 18652, Cert. 1418, Div. 93, for December 31, 1907. .24399. Cert. 244, Div. 96, for December 31, 1907. 24139, Cert. 542, Div. 97, for December 31, 1907. 29033, Cert. 28, Div. 99, for December 31, 1907. 3096, Cert. 240, Div. 118, for December 31, 1907. 5733. Cert. 190, Div. 119, for December 31, 1907. 11046, Cert. 132, Div. 119, for December 31, 1907. 25626, Cert. 129, Div. 121, for December 31, 1907. Card No. 13514, Cert. 701, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 13849, Cert. 1575, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17198, Cert. 1602, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8219, Cert. 343, Div. 138, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3232, Cert. 4454, Div. Grand, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 16443, Cert. 4819, Div. Grand, for term ending December 31, 1937. Card No. 8859, Cert. 1403.. Div. Grand, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2602, Cert. 1802, Div. Grand, for term ending December 31, 1907. Digitized by Google

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Left to rleht— Mra. A. H. Wattle*. Mr*. Lora Ruaaell. L. C. Ruaaell. A. P. Rooaen, ('. P. Scott. M. E. Kant. Lewi* Hatrelateln, A. H. Clow*. .John Cull. W. E. Hubbard. Ray New*. O. R. T. GROUP-AURORA DIVISION. BURLINGTON RAILWAY

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Boost the friends of labor. * * * Work is the pathway to worth. ♦ * * Those who can not dream can not do. * * * To think well is the way to act rightly. * * * All that is gained by action may be lost by inaction. * * * Substantial prosperity never existed in a low wage country. * * * Prosperity is greatest where labor is prosperously employed. * * * Labor’s problem would be solved if we bought no non-union goods. ♦ * * Good wages with good conditions are the handmaids of contentment. * * * He is the greatest leader who knows and feels the needs of those who follow. ♦ * * The most practical, most powerful friend of the workingman is his purchasing power. * * * Organization is the only expedient by which the worker can retain any individual rights. * * * The dentists are forming a union. There is no reason why they should not pull to- gether. * * * Unless you stand up for your principles you need not expect to have them respected by others. The destiny of the worker depends upon his actions. We are all expected to do our utmost. ♦ * * Injunctions as issued against workmen are never used or issued against any other citizen of our country. * * * It is noticeable that anti-union employers find it expedient to offer union wages in order to secure non-union help. ♦ * * Without organization, injustice will con- tinue, disorder will continue, and govern- ment and law themselves will be endan- gered. ♦ * * It is much easier to call a strike than to settle one, hence haste should be made slowly and careful preparation made be- forehand. * * * Hours of labor have been shortened by reason of union men’s agitation ; wages are higher and liberties safeguarded because of what union men have done. * * * „ The New York Labor Bulletin, just is- sued by the Department of Labor, gives the number of organized men and women in the Empire State as 398,494. * * * It is not yet fully understood how much good the labor movement has already ac- complished in the life of mankind, nor how much it is its mission to achieve. * * * The boilermakers’ strike on the Mexican Central Railroad will be arbitrated by Pres- ident Diaz, who has been selected as media- tor by both sides to the controversy. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1636 The Railroad Telegrapher. Say, boys, it is generally an enemy of an order that wants to stir up any sort of a discord. Keep that in mind when you hear some people “talking through their hats/* * * * Every time a union man spends money he becomes an employer of labor in the broader sense. Which are you going to employ, Mr. Union Man, scab labor or union labor? * * ♦ The so-called union man who believes in independent organization and non-affiliation Every obstacle placed in the path of or- ganized labor, in its onward march toward better and still better conditions, should be an incentive for redoubled effort and a greater determination to win. * * * Organized labor does not want strikes; it wants peace. It does not, however, want the peace that existed between the master and the slave ; it wants the peace that comes from an understanding between employer and employe to respect each other's rights and to be just and honest with one another. W. A. Miles, W. H. Hughes, E. M. Barnard, W, C. Martice, W. L. Miles. SOLID O. R. T.-NEW YORK CENTRAL RAILWAY, CASTORLAND. N. Y. has no right to kick if he has to work long hours and receives low wages. Indepen- dentism means division and division inva- riably brings destruction. * * * All the clerks in the office of the master mechanic of the Rock Island at Goodland, Kan., have been discharged for refusing to don overalls and clean and dress cars dur- ing the one-day strike of the car repairers. This is the peace of justice for which every true trade unionist hopes, prays and works. * * * So labor must not use its patronage as it will — that is, if Van Cleave, of Buck’s Stove and Range Company fame, has his way. But what vested right has that com- pany in the patronage of labor or of labor s friends? It is their own to withhold or bestow as their interest or fancy may direct Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1637 An expert who has been compiling data on strikes declares that the greatest num- ber of strikes occur in the building trades, and that the second greatest number is in the textile trades. * * * When the most sordid and vicious in the capitalist class combine to crush the hopes and aspirations of the toiling, wealth-pro- ducing masses, it behooves all the workers to organize, unite, and federate for the common good. ♦ * * Referring to the attitude of capital to- ward labor, Lincoln Steffens says : “A man with $50,000,000 can understand why he wants a billion dollars, but he can’t under- stand why a man who gets $275 per day wants $3.” * * * Injunctions issued in labor disputes are not based on law, but are a species of judicial legislation — judicial usurpation in the interest of the money power against workmen, innocent of any unlawful or criminal act, the doing of the lawful acts rendering the workers guilty of contempt of court. ♦ * * The writ of injunction is in itself a ben- eficent writ for the protection of property rights, but it never was intended and never should be applied to deprive men of their personal rights or the right of man’s owner- ship of himself; the right of freedom of locomotion ; freedom of assembly ; freedom of association; the freedom of doing those things, which promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and which are not in violation of law. * * * You never heard a union man apologize for buying goods with the label on, but how often do you see one squirm and wrig- gle for an excuse to explain why he gives his union wages for the product of cheap tenement house or prison-made goods? A merchant respects a union man who calls for union labeled goods, but he has only secret contempt for the union man who is too weak to insist on getting union goods for union money. Labor asks no immunity for any man who may be guilty of unlawful or criminal conduct. But we do insist that when a workman is charged with a crime he shall be tried by the same process of law as any other citizen. Any other method is repug- nant to the constitution and the laws of the country. It is a shock to the conscience of our people; the spirit and genius of our republic. Against any other view we pro- test ; with anything less we shall not be content. ♦ * * It is eminently dangerous and destructive to the best interests of the individual wage worker to proceed as if there were no other wage workers; and infinitely to his advan- tage to seek for and adopt measures by which he may move so as not to jar and perhaps overturn himself as well as others. ♦ * * We declare that not only are or- ganizations of workmen right and proper, but that they have the elements, if wisely administered, of positive advantage and benefit to the employer. * * * Let us concentrate our efforts to organize all the forces of wage labor and, within the ranks, contest fairly and openly for the dif- ferent views which may be entertained upon the different steps to be taken to move the grapd army of labor onward and forward. In no organization on earth is there such toleration, so great a scope, and so free a forum as inside the ranks of the American Federation of Labor, and nowhere is there such a fair opportunity afforded for the advocacy of a new or brighter thought. * * * Mark Jardine, who recently took his seat as Mayor of the city of Rockford, 111., is a member of the Leather Workers’ Union and past president of the national organiza- tion. He won a three-cornered contest, de- feating the Republican and the Democratic candidates, and is recognized by the 40,000 inhabitants of Rockford as a straight out “labor” Mayor. The local press says that Mr. Jardine was elected by a combination of the solid labor vote with a liberal per- centage of the temperance and church vote of the city. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1638 The Railroad Telegrapher. H. E. Wolfe. J. J. Campbell. J. H. Dumais, G. A. Dufour, H. Choquette. SOLID O. R. T.-T. & N. O. RY., NEW LISKEARD. ONT. 1. J. A. Lukanitscli. 2. R. M. Osborne. 3. U. D. Calvert. 4. E. A. Johnston. 5. M. C. Bayer. 6. E. E. Algaeirs. 7. Mrs. R. M. Osborne. 8. Jimmie. 9. Mrs. E. A. Johnston. O. R. T. GROUP-NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1639 Organized labor makes a higher stand- ard of wages. This has a tendency to ele- vate the wage of unorganized labor. In the same degree the low rate to which unor- ganized labor is forced to submit has its influence in lowering the standard sought by organized labor. Thus, non-unionism is an obstruction to the prosperity of the wage earner and society. — Ex. * * * The man who joins a labor union and then begins to find fault with its manage- ment, criticise its officers, and otherwise to create doubt and distrust among members and non-members is to be pitied for his lack of horse sense. He wants the union to get results, but everything he does and says has a tendency to prevent the very thing he most desires. In fact, he is him- self an obstacle in the way of progress, a stumbling block to his craft. Good results for any craft are never obtained by men of this character. The men who get results are the men who have confidence in them- selves, in their fellow men, and in those who are trying to improve the conditions of their craft. These men prove their faith by their works, and win their goal by striving for it. They are the power which makes the vehicle move forward. The knockers who do nothing but doubt and complain are just so much mud on the wheels. * * * The men who fight the battles of labor, who make enemies of capitalists and cor- porations by what they do and say, have trials enough to encounter without feeling that they must also be on their guard against enemies in the very ranks of labor who ought to be their friends and supporters. But while it is discouraging to know that there are creatures so despicable as to seek to blight the good work of loyal men, it must never be forgotten that the scund sen e and good judgment of the great majority of the laboring people can be relied upon to scorn the work of gossips and render futile the efforts of the falsifier who would will- ingly wreck every hope of labor’s future that in the ruins they might find some petty hate or malice gratified. Digitized by LiOOQle

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1640 The Railroad Telegrapher. Digitized by Google . B. Tankernley. 2. P. C. Collin*. 3. W. R. Capito. 4. W. 8. Hubbard. 5. R. S. Wise. 6. J. I. Scott. 7. J. M. Gillespie. 8. L. O. Hape. 9. T. M. Bickers. 10. N. A. Schwinger. 11. E. C. Younr. SOLID O. R. T.— “GM” OFFICE. NORFOLK A WE8TERN RAILWAY. ROANOKE. VA.

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THE ADOLESCENCE OF NUMBER EIGHTY-SEVEN. THE prairie drift-snow shrilled and whined under the slowly moving wheels, as the engine for Number Three backed down to the ice-hung water tank. To Web Ross, up in the cab, it sounded loud and ludicrous, like the squeal- ing of a trainload of hungry pigs. In the thermometer against the wall of the squat little Canadian Pacific station house the mercury was frozen in the bulb. It was at least forty degrees below zero. Just how much colder than that it might be neither Web nor the thermometer could tell. But as the high-shouldered young en- gineer swung down from the cab steps, with his oil can and his waste in his hand, he noticed that the snow crunched sharp and crisp under his boots, like dry char- coal, and he could feel the sting of the keen air in his nostrils. “Cold work, eh?” said a voice, almost at his shoulder. Web looked around, unconcernedly, as any man of solemn responsibilities should. Three months before he had been a wiper in the Moosehead roundhouse. To reach the throttle after only a quarter of a year of firing was unusual, tending, naturally enough, to give a man an undue sense of his own importance. But three months be- fore, the engineer of the Transcontinental Express had been blown from the cab of his huge camelback by the bursting of a steam pipe. A trackman had found him with a broken hip, and sent the alarm east and west, to keep the road clear for the wildcat train. It was Web who volunteered to pull out of Moosehead on a special en- gine and take the rail ahead of the run- away, slowing down gradually, until he was able to jump from his tender to the pilot of the wildcat, and then scramble perilously up to the cab and shut off the throttle. So Web had accepted his subscription gold watch with a grin and taken a little pride in his promotion. “Uncommon cold !” repeated the stranger, stepping a little nearer. His face was muffled in the upturned comer of his heavy overcoat, and he cluttered his heels, boy- ishly, on the trodden snow. Web was busy watching the black oil drip into the polished brass cup. “Very cold !” he answered, offhanded. “New engine, eh?” asked the black-coated stranger, not to be shaken off. “Yep,” said Web, with his handful of waste, as he petted the great shimmering piston-rod, very much as a winning jockey might rub down the withers of a race horse. “Yep, she’s new enough!” He looked up at her approvingly. She stood a good fourteen feet from the crest of the rail to the top of the boiler shell. “He is a big fellow, isn’t he?” remarked the amiably disposed stranger. The driver of the twelve-wheeled mon- ster snorted aloud. “Fellow ? She’s no fellow ! She’s woman, through and through !” He pointed at her with his long-nosed oiling can. “There’s her petticoat, to prove it.” “What’s her speed, when you force her?” “Her speed?” echoed the man with the oil can, as his arm went recklessly in among the great shining shafts. “Well, she’s such a gawk of a girl yet, I hate to push her, for a while yet, anyway! So we’ve got to kind o’ coax the speed out of her yet. She’s touchy, too, touchy as a four-year-old girl 1” But he was proud of her; the stranger knew that by the way in which Web rubbed down the polished rods. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1642 The Railroad Telegrapher. “I’ve seen her wobble along, in her sore- legged kind o' way, doin’ her mile in forty- seven seconds.” “Then what would she do that run from Police Creek to Deerhead in, if she was pushed?” the stranger asked. “You’ll see her do it in thirty-five min- utes tonight, if you’re on board !” answered the young engineer. He turned to wipe a stain off her jacket — tit was almost the same touch that a mother gives to wipe away a child’s tear. “Just wait until she finds herself! She’s still kind of ashamed o’ showing her ankles now, which ain’t good for a girl who’s got to do the most loose-jointed work that steam and cylinder was ever set at.” Web chuckled at his own personifying jocularity. “She’s too skittish yet, and needs another month or two of pcttin’ down and coaxin* out, and then you will see that eighteen by twenty-six cylin- der of her’s getting in its fine work !” The stranger was on the cab steps, peer- ing about the tender and boiler head and cab windows. “She’s got to learn her table manners yet, too,” said Web. He was young, and he liked to talk. “She eats coal like a hog — has the dirtiest habits of any Brooks I ever saw ! But me and Tom’s been teachin’ her things, and she’s willin’, mighty willin’ to learn!” “I see you haven’t got those white train markers on, instead of green !” laughed the stranger, waving his gloved hand toward the waiting express cars. “No, by Gawd, but we’ve got two Win- chesters and two picked men on board, and I guess they’ll answer about as well !” “I hear that Collins, who ought to be going out on this run, kind of flunked !” “It’s a lie,” cried Web, “he’s sick. He’s damned near dead, that’s what he is — wife sittin’ up two nights, puttin’ plasters on him!” The reference was twofold. Some ami- able lunatic had written to the Division Superintendent saying he needed a few thousand dollars, and desired the road, if they cared to treat with him before certain things might happen, to place white mark- ers instead of green on their east-bound express. This in itself was nothing. But three times in two weeks switch locks had been tampered with, and a local and a lumber train had come to grief, and not without loss of life. “Well, I guess there’s nothing much do- ing, this kind of weather, anyway,” re- marked the stranger, with his muffled but companionable laugh. Web swung himself up on the cab steps, for out of the clear, windless air of the late afternoon, they could hear the incoming west-bound scream, and scream, and scream again. Then across the open prairie glare they could hear the reverberant rumble and roar. A moment later she wheeled into sight, belching a pennant of pearl-colored steam, with rose-tinted edges, in the late afternoon sun. She staggered to a stand- still, her great shoulders hunched arro- gantly up, panting and blowing with what seemed a sense of her own importance. A man ran crunchingly down the plat- form with a sheet of yellow flimsey paper in his hand. The black-coated stranger boarded the train. As Web disappeared behind his oil- stained canvas curtain the burnished bell swung noisily once or twice, a cloud of pearl and old-rose steam surrounded the twelve great wheels, Number Eighty-seven grunted a response to the throttle and seemed to shake herself from her sleep. The drift snow shrilled and whined, and the great steel belly, in which a family might house, hissed forth her power, and the east-bound was on her way again. Many eyes watched her curiously from the squat little station, for already the news that she carried two armed guards on board, and that her express car safes held $40,000 in Ashcroft gold dust had spread about the little frost-bound town. But as Web’s friend had hinted, it was not felt to be exactly the right sort of weather for road agent romancing. Web was happy. He found nothing de- pressing in the silences and the snowy desolation of the northern twilight. The snow glare, with the on-coming of night, had died down, and the endless, undulating plain of white had taken on a tint that seemed the softest of pinks. Now it was blue, lifeless, steel blue; and Number Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1643 Eighty-seven and her train, to Web, seemed a feverish needle of life flashing across some limitless fabric and blue-tinted si- lence. It seemed warm and homelike in the cab, for Tom Wasley, who was firing for Web, had closed the overhead ventilator, to keep out the penetrating night air. He and Tom were facing what two other runners had shied at, yet each of them appeared un- ruffled, undisturbed, altogether at home. To them it was prosaic; all in the day’s work. And old Tom did not even resent the younger man’s presence on “the throt- tle-side.” With one it was the recklessness of youth, with the other, the resignation of age. As Eighty-seven took the sharp curve at Titbum Bridge, and the heavy coaches twisted and creaked in her wake, Web put a hand on the sand lever, squinted at his gauge, and let her take the up-grade wide open. Web knew that the working pres- sure of his eighty-seven-inch boiler was well over two hundred and ten pounds. She seemed so responsive, “so all-fired ready to learn,” as Tom had put it, so eager to show her new-found speed and strength that Web, keeping a strained eye out for the switch lamps as they pounded down in- to Police Creek, felt a wordless resentment for the wreckers who had the heart to en- danger so fine and finished a goddess of steel. He felt that she was almost human. “I’d say she was slobberin’ less than usual,” he called to Tom Wasley. He turned from his window, and saw that the fireman was not in the cab. Instead of Tom Wasley he beheld the black-coated stranger who had spoken with him at the beginning of the run. It filled him with a quiet and sullen wonder that this stranger should be menacing him with a glimmering pistol barrel. “I want you to slow down,” he said quietly, but firmly. Web noticed that through each swing and lurch of the cab the menacing revolver pointed undeviating- 1 y at one point just between his eyes. “I want you to slow down, and do it pretty quick, too,” said the stranger once more. “What’s all this joshin’ anyway?” de- manded the amazed engineer. “I’m not joshin’! Stop this train, and stop it quick!” “What for?” demanded Web. “To save your head getting a hole in it. Shut that throttle, you damned numbskull, or I’ll plug you !” And he sealed his deter- mination with a sharp oath. Eighty-seven slowed down, shudderingly. “Now you climb back and cut off this engine and tender— quick !” Web had hesitated to weigh his chances in a hand-to-hand tussle, but the ever-men- acing gunbarrel gave him no chance. He felt that perhaps his moment would come later. At any rate, he decided as he swung sulkily down before his oppressor, he would have to wait for that moment. Already the train men were marveling at the stop. Six- ty seconds would give him a chance. But the man in the black overcoat was wary, and Web knew that the hand that was reckless enough to hold up the Im- perial Limited would not be apt to hesitate very long before a life or two, when he found his chances for escape cut off. But still it was worth the fight, if he could only get a chance. He climbed back into the cab with nimble sulkiness, yet with that ever-present barrel of steel bristling somewhere about the back of his neck. “Now, send her ahead, full speed. And I want you to remember, young man, that I know this road a little better than you imagine. When we’re a mile this side of Deerhead, with the bridge and the little mission church on the left, I don’t want any slowing up. I want you to go through that Deerhead station, pard, at a mile a minute. You understand?” “I’ve got an inkling,” answered Web, giv- ing the lever another notch or two. He looked at the other man grimly, and grinned. “Ain’t this expensive work?” he asked. “Maybe it is, but it’s the kind I like,” answered the stranger. He groped back- ward to the tender, and with his free hand flung down two heavy satchels and a can- vas mail bag cut in half. From the mail bag fell a little shower of letters. Web noticed that each one of these letters, for all the careless way in which the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1644 The Railroad Telegrapher. stranger kicked them together on the grimy cab floor, bore a registered stamp. Web assumed, from this, that the opera- tions in the express and mail car had been carefully and thoroughly carried on. He wondered, vaguely, if the two satchels held the Ashcroft gold, and he also wondered if old Tom Wasley had been hauled back over the tender and locked in with the messen- gers and mail clerks. He questioned, too, if the one man had done his work alone. Then a still more appalling thought came to Web; he himself would be called up on the carpet for the part he had been forced to play in the whole business. Web decided that nothing could at least be lost by talking. Sulking did no good. He must simply grin and bear it, and wait his chance. He turned to the highwayman, who had guardedly flung the scattered mail into the open sack, and knotted it at the top. “How far are we goin\ anyway?’* asked Web. He had been wondering how long it would be before the abandoned train crew had the news of the hold-up on the wire, and where the first interference from the outside world would come from. Eighty- seven wasn’t flinging herself; Web knew she hated to leave her train behind. “You’re going just as far as I say,” was the curt reply. “And from the looks of that steam gauge you’d better fire up a little.” Web had hoped for chance, with the heavy steel shovel once in his hand, but at every move he saw the lynx-like eye of his enemy following him. So he shoveled in sullen silence. After all, it was all in the day’s work. It might have been another open switch, and another eight cars over- turned. He had hoped, at first, that Num- ber Eighty-seven would “lay down on him ;” now, as he glanced out into the blue- white desolation of the frost-bound prairie, he knew that nothing good could come of being stranded in emptiness with the mer- cury on the lower side of the forty mark. He watched the needle on his steam gauge go higher and higher, shut off the injector for a minute or two, and threw the throttle back to the last notch. He began to worry a little about the driving wheels — cast steel did strange things, sometimes, in sixty degrees of frost — but the man had asked for speed, and he was giving it to him. “Keep this up until we’re twelve miles past Deerhead, right through. When we get to the stretch of timber there I want you to slow down. When I drop off I want you to go right ahead — no running back to Deerhead — and I don’t think you‘11 gain anything by being in' too much of a hurry, either!” Web grinned, and put on the pump again, for the steam was hissing and singing through the safety valve, blue and dry and hard. “You’d better fire up again,” suggested the highwayman. “We’re hammerin’ her pretty hard,” de- murred the young engineer. “It’ll do her good.” Web glared across the swaying cab at his enemy. This was all he got for it; this was all his thanks for pounding the spirit out of her, and threatening those beautiful big six-foot driving wheels on that pound- ing track. “I tell you I’ve got to save her crown sheet,” declared Web. “Crown sheet be damned! I’ve got to get past Deerhead before Sanderson gets his wire in, and, by God, it won’t go easy with you if I don’t, either.” “I tell you the water’s giving out,” yelled Web. This was a lie, though the young guardian of Eighty-seven almost wished it was true. “Then push her through to the last foot and as fast as she can make it, too!” Web was about to retort, angrily, but as his glance instinctively fell along the glis- tening line of steel under his pilot an idea came to him. He suddenly remembered that only one thing could happen if sht took the switch at the Deerhead station yard at that rate of speed. Seventy miles an hour loose-jointed point-switch — there could be only one outcome! But it would put a stop to this high-handed traveling, and to the career of his black-coated friend, and she would go over on the left, he felt sure, so he could jump for it from his cab step. Web’s second idea was not such a happy one. It would mean the death of Number Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1645 Eighty-seven. It would be killing her, to gain his point. It would seem like murder. It meant crippling and breaking her spirit — just when she was beginning to know what life was, just when she was beginning to answer to every touch, and obey every move and order. She would never treat him in that way 1 But he must decide quickly, he told him- self, for already he could catch the glimmer of the Deerhead yard lamps. Even at the best there was a risk in it ; even at the best, he told himself, it was cruelty to the old girl. “Pound her through,” ordered the high- wayman, as he called her a foul name, and clung to the swaying window rail at the other side of the cab, “and let her blow up when she pleases.” ,rWhat d’you mean by that?” cried the other man, leaping forward, white with rage. “But that's orders.” ‘ “You take your order from me, this time ! I don't want that whole town swarming down to the track, you fool !” Web watched the switch lamp dance and swim up to them. He stood ready, wait- ing. It was the unexpected that happened. He could feel the pound of the switch point, the quick lurch and swing. In another moment he expected to feel the shuddering thud of her wheels on the sleepers. In- stead of that a mass of steel tore whistling through the left-hand side of the cab, carry- ing away iron and woodwork as it went. Then came another, and another. Web understood what it meant. The huge rim of one of the great driving wheels had broken, and fragments of it kept can- nonading up through the frail shell of the cab as the great mass flew madly round. Instinctively Web’s arm shot out to the lever, and he shut her off. He turned to explain why. He had, for a moment, even forgotten' the presence of the other man. And that menacing gun barrel might have barked out at him by mistake, and it would have been all over, forever. Web gasped, and the sound was like air rushing into an opened air pipe. The high- wayman lay against the tender unconscious, with his cheek torn open. Eighty-seven had got even with him. She had held him up ! She had cannonaded him with her bolts of wrath! She had given him as good as she had taken ! The jolting engine shuddered to a stand- still and over the dry, hard snow sounded the whirl of feet and the cry of excited voices. Web swung himself down from the cab steps. For all the cold, oily drops of sweat clung to his gray-white forehead, and the muscles in his jaw were working. “What's hapened there? What's hap- pened?” cried the Deerhead night operator, running up with a lantern. Web leaned against the driving rod, for under his oil-stained overalls his legs were shaking and quaking. Then he wiped his forehead, and cursed hysterically. “I bust you up, old girl ! I bust you up,” he moaned. He picked up a piece of broken steel, bright like silver on the raw edge, and gazed at it stupidly. Then he dropped it, and laughed a little. The first effects of his shock were passing away. “What happened down here, anyway?” the operator was demanding. Web looked at him, and then gazed at his disabled engine, regretfully. Then he pointed toward the cab. “By God, O’Higgins, she’s, human,” he declared, inconsequently, but with great conviction. “Who's human? What’s human?” “This old girl of mine! She's human, I tell you — and I’ve gone and broken her spirit !” He groped about the injured wheel sor- rowingly, shaking a melancholy head. Then he looked up and called out to O’Higgins, the operator. “There’s a road agent up in that cab you’d better look after. Yes, I say a road agent. You may think I’m a fool, O’Hig- gins, but I’ll blister in hades if Eighty-seven didn’t turn and hold the cuss up, herself!” The operator swung back the oil-stained canvas curtain and peered into the cab. “Poor old girl !” said Web, fingering the raw edge of the broken steel. Then he Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1646 The Railroad Telegrapher. wiped his forehead, and shook his head again. “I’ll get thunder for this," he said, deject- edly, taking still another spiritless look at his broken engine. — The Brotherhood Jour- nal. HIS VALUABLE VALISE. RETURNING from New York City a few days ago I bought of the train boy a copy of a Cincinnati paper, in which I read a Jong account of the robbery of the National Bank of L , Ky., and the sudden disappearance of its teller, Harry W. Swope. As usual in such cases, he had been a trusted employe, a member of the church, and a society young man. The robbery was a particularly cool one, the gentleman having quietly slipped $90,000 in notes into a valise on the prev- ious Saturday afternoon after bank hours and walked out into the cold world. That was the last seen of him, and if was not until after the bank opened on Monday morning that anyone suspected anything wrong. The affair created an im- mense sensation. "Society” was shocked, the church scandalized, and the bank direc- tors furious. The newspapers printed long stories of the-Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde sort of existence the young man had led for a number of years, and numerous friends of the "lately departed” knowingly shook their heads as they told reporters that they knew something like that was sure to happen soon. This sensation so interested me that when I reached Cincinnati I scarcely realized the express was, as usual, an hour behind time, and had failed to make connection with the train to L . I should, therefore, be compelled to take the last train going West that night, which would cause me to stop over night in a one-horse town in Indiana that did not contain a comfortable hotel. I knew Mr. Swope by sight, having come in contact with him on a number of occa- sions while doing business with the bank of which he was teller. The L papers I bought in the Union Depot gave further details of the affair, and contained also the announcement that the bank directors had offered a reward of $1,000 for Swope’s cap- ture and 10 per cent of the cash returned, which would make a total of $10,000 if the rascal was caught before he got rid of his booty. After eating an unsatisfactory lunch I took a seat in the general waiting room of the depot, and ruefully awaited my train. As I did so I noticed a young man approach my seat, and, placing his valise on the floor alongside my own, to which it bore a strong resemblance, sit down while he looked cau- tiously around at the clock on the wall and then at the officials moving about. How long he sat beside me I don’t re- member, but after a time he slowly arose and walked over to the telegraph office at the farther end of the room. Before he came back a strong-lunged individual in uniform stepped up to me and bawled out the names of the towns which the train about to start was bound for. Hurriedly picking up my valise, I made straight for the gate, and was soon aboard my train for the West. The journey was made with the usual discomfort and monotony. The depot at N Y , Ind., where I had to stop over from 10 p. m. till 5 the next morning, had been rebuilt since my last visit to that town, and remembering too well my hotel experience there a year before, I resolved to spend one night in the depot waiting room with a few other passengers who shared my misfortune. All that night the face of the stranger who had occupied a seat beside me in the Cincinnati depot haunted me. There was something about him that reminded me of Teller Swope. He was just his size and build. His mustache, to be sure, was want- ing, but that he could shave off this ap- pendage was to be considered a matter of course. The gold spectacles he wore very much resembled those I had associated with the face of the intellectual looking teller, and I had observed on his fingers a numbtr of rings, jewelry that Mr. Swope was said to be very partial to. As I turned the mat- ter over in my mind the more convinced I felt that I had lost a splendid chance of cap- turing the thief and securing a $10,000 re- ward. When 5 o’clock at last came round I boarded the train for L , not in the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1647 best of humor, and two hours later arrived at home feeling very blue. After taking a light breakfast, I went down to the office, where the big robbery was still the talk of the clerks. Each of them had a theory of his own as to where the thief had gone, and when they appealed to me for my opinion I dolefully recounted my experience of the previous evening. Of course, they unan- imously agreed with me that I had very foolishly allowed the fugitive teller to slip out of my fingers. Just before going out to lunch a messen- ger boy languidly entered the office and handed me a note from my wife. Thinking it was the usual commission to get a yard or two of “goods like the sample inclosed,” I thrust it into my pocket and started out to dinner. I had not gone far before I sud- denly stopped and took out the envelope the boy had given me, opened it and read it. At first I could not understand what it all meant; then I turned it over and went through it again. It ran as follows : “Dear George — Come home at once. In opening your valise to get your soiled linen to send it to the laundry I discovered it packed with bank notes ! What does it mean? Is anything wrong? Come home at once.” My first thought was to hasten home, but upon reflection I resolved to step around to the bank and acquaint the officials there of my discovery. I found the president of the bank in his private office engaged with sev- eral lynx-eyed individuals whom I suspected from their appearance to be, as it turned out they were, detectives. When I was granted an interview and explained my discovery, it created, very naturally, a sensation. At first the old gen- tleman was inclined to regard me as a crank, but when I asked him to allow a clerk to accompany me home he seemed to be satisfied I was in earnest. He consented to my proposal, but after a moment's thought he said an escort was unnecessary, thinking doubtless that the handsome re- ward would be a sufficient inducement to insure the safe delivery of the precious valise. As I left the bank and turned up the street in the direction of home, I was joined by a young man who came running out oi the bank after me, hat in hand. He said the “old man” had reconsidered the matter and sent him to accompany me back with the money. This seemed to me to be quite satisfactory, and, as the fellow was a very genial young man, we immediately fell to discussing the robbery of his bank. He con- gratulated me on my good fortune and knowingly hinted that “that old gentleman” would treat me cleverly in the way of re- ward. I said this young man was a very genial fellow, but somehow I soon began to feel an instinctive distrust in him. I plied him with questions concerning the habits and business methods of the missing teller, but he returned evasive answers. In one or two little things he contradicted himself, and finally, when I unexpectedly asked him how long he had been employed in the bank, he replied, after looking at me in a dazed sort of way, “Oh, about a year or two.” At once the thought came to me. What if my “es- cort” was one of the young men I had seen outside the president’s office. Perhaps he had overheard our conversation, and had planned this neat little scheme of playing the role of a clerk of the bank sent me for “protection,” as he insinuatingly put it. If so, I readily saw that he intended to make an effort to get his hands on the valise and then seize the first opportunity to bid me good-bye. This theory was strengthened when I noted that my “protector” seemed gradually to become very uncommunicative, and the conversation during the rest of the journey referred to passing objects and sights. Try as hard as I could, I failed to get anything satisfactory out of him concerning the rob- bery. When I reached home I politely asked the young man to take a seat in the hall while I stepped upstairs to get a glimpse of the treasure. I found my wife at the head of the stairs very excited. In an adjoining room we examined the valise, and at a rough estimate we placed the amount at about the figure the newspapers said Swope had carried off with him — somewhere about $90,000. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1648 The Railroad Telegrapher. I did not tell my wife of my suspicions of the young man downstairs, but I resolved at once to arm myself in order to be pre- pared for the worst. It is a well-known fact that in Kentucky the sixth commandment has long ago been declared unconstitutional, and I quickly made up my mind that if my bodyguard showed any signs of playing me false I would let him have a dose of cold lead. Contrary to my expectations, the young fellow made no offer to carry the valise as we started on our journey back to the bank. At the end of the short street on which I lived we stopped to take a car. My friend had again become very affable, and as we stood on the corner he offered me a cigar. I took it, thanked him, and, placing my valise carefully on the ground between my feet, I struck a match to light it. Just as I was in the act of doing so I received a blow from the left that sent me staggering into the middle of the street. At the same mo- ment my “protector” disappeared in the other direction. “Look here, young man,” said a gruff- voiced fellow in uniform at my side as he shook me violently, “I thought you told me you were going to take the train west to- night. It has just pulled out, and you’re left.” Opening my eyes, I looked around the waiting room in a confused way and reached for my valise. It was nowhere to be found ! My brusque arouser instantly took in the situation, and, with a look of intense dis- gust on his face, said as turned away : “I guess that student-like sport who was sitting beside you has taken care of your baggage. He passed me a few moments ago on his way to the train with a couple of valises. Next time you go traveling, young man, you had better take some one along with you to care for you while you sleep.” — By Rorert Gilroy, in St. Louis Post- Dispatch. At Preston, England, a company has been fined for stealing the labor of workmen. The theft was commited by putting back the hands of a clock to deceive the men into working longer hours. WHY I FAILED TO GET THE REWARD. IN the early days of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, when the iron horse with the flaming eye was still a source of wonder and consternation to the noble red man, I happened to be located as agent and telegraph operator at a point in central Arizona, which at that time did not aspire to be called even a village. A section house with half dozen inmates of various national- ities, the water tank and the pumpers shanty and the small station house com- prised the layout. The surrounding country, while compara- tively level, was very rocky and broken by numerous deep canyons. As it was twenty- five miles to the next pumping station, all trains stopped here for water, which fact probably accounts for the selection of this point by the famous O’Neill gang for the robbery of the east-bound passenger train, supposed to be carrying heavy shipments of bullion from the California gold fields. It was a cloudless night, as most nights are in that region, and through the rare at- mosphere the moon shone with great bril- liancy. Not a soul was in sight as the train rolled up to the station platform. I stepped out to the express car door, more from force of habit than the expectation of being handed any packages. No sound, save the throb- bing of the grtat engine, broke the stillness, when the cry of “hands up” caused the cold chills to run up and down my spinal column and my hair to stand on end. At the same moment a dark object flashed by me and disappeared through the station door. I glanced toward the engine, where I beheld the engineer and fireman, their torches ly- ing on the ground and their hands high in the air, surrounded by what appeared to me in my excitement, to be about a dozen rob- bers. I took no time for a second glance, however, but with one tremendous bound, cleared the platform and disappeared through the office doorway close upon the heels of the dark object which had just preceded me. As I slammed the door a heavy load of slugs splintered the woodwork of the casing. I quickly blew out the light and closed the stove door to prevent the robbers from seeing inside the office, and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1649 then stopped a moment to quiet my nerves and endeavor to collect a few random thoughts. I was not running any kind of collecting agency just at that time, but I considered the collection of a few “first aid to the in- jured” thoughts might be of inestimable value to me in the very near future. While engaged in this soothing occupa- tion a voice from the depths of the back room warned me not to attack the enemy. I assured the voice its warning was en- tirely unnecessary as, just at that moment, I was too deeply absorbed in considerations of the first law of nature to plan any bril- liant maneuvers for capturing the enemy. However, as numerous seconds passed and still no one demanded admittance, my globule pump gradually resumed its accus- tomed throb and with the return of normal pressure I began to think what could be done. First, I blew a mental call to arms, and reaching up to the rack on the wall took down my Colt’s magazine rifle, then n:y “sporting model” Winchester, which car- ried a bottle neck cartridge long as one’s finger with powder enough behind the ball to puncture a conning tower, then my navy six-shooter and lastly the hand-axe from under the kitchen table. With this formidable array of fighting implements laid out carefully on the little office counter, and still no offers of battle from the marauding party outside, my mind grew calmer. The voice from the back room continued . to urge me not to draw their fire, but with returning calmness came visions of that $300 per head standing reward for train robbers offered by the express company, gold medals as big as your hand, and proba- bly an autograph letter from the company’s president with a nice promotion. As the dispatcher’s office is the funnel into which most of the tales of woe in rail- road life are poured, I considered it my first d.it> lo advise that gentleman of what was taking place. Thr* telegraph instrument was located in a little hay window which was tolerably well lighted from the coaches standing outside, and the measured tread of the sentry pacing back and forth on the platform, warned me that my appearance there was very likely to create trouble and possibly disturb the gen- tleman in the back room. But watching my chance when the guard was at the far end of the platform I crawled along the floor across the room and crouched under the little table. Waiting until he had repassed the window again, I reached one hand over the edge of the table and quickly told the dispatcher the train was being robbed. Then as the guard’s footsteps drew near again I withdrew my hand and listened. I heard the dispatcher ask “What’s that?” but I considered it would be decidedly in- discreet to attempt to repeat the informa- tion, knowing that the guard had suddenly stopped just outside the bay window and for a few seconds my silence was intense. Knowing the thinness of the outside wall I expected at any moment to receive a ball from his rifle, and could almost feel the warm life-blood trickling down, but the ex- pected didn’t happen. He paused but a moment, probably attracted by the sound of the instrument, then passed on. In the meantime the dispatcher was fran- tically calling up other offices on the line and asking if they had understood what I said. Evidently my information was con- veyed in a rather palsied manner, probably due to my extreme nervousness under such trying circumstances, but I was relieved a moment later when I heard him order out a special engine with a caboose, and a stock car for horses, for I knew a posse would soon be on hand. Having accomplished this much, awaiting an opportune moment I crept back to the safety of my arsenal and the cold calcula- tion of how many dollars might be made out of this thrilling sort of sport. I figured there were at least a dozen robbers in the bunch, which at $300 per head, if I could capture the entire gang, would put me in possession of a snug little sum, to say noth- ing of numerous medals and maybe a gold watch or two with appropriate engraving. With these sordid thoughts I took my largest gun and crept through the little back window out into the shadow of the station house. To suddenly round the cor- ner and come face to face with the entire Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1650 The Railroad Telegrapher. gang which I knew were not more than twenty or thirty feet distant did not hold my attention for a moment as being a plan worthy of consideration. Stepping to the other corner, which com- manded a view of a small portion of the far end of the platform, I prepared to begin operations on the guard who continued steadily pacing back and forth. With rifle cocked and held firmly against the building to steady my shaking nerves I was ready to unload the big gun as soon as he came within range, but, alas, fate was against me. He came just far enough for me to see his elbow and the end of his rifle as he turned to retrace his steps. I concluded that what I needed was a dark spot, in fact I wanted an extremely dark spot from which I might pick them off one at a time without undue exposure of my own valuable self. But pale Luna seemed to be putting forth every effort in her power to dispel any dark spots lin- gering in that vicinity and I was about to give up in despair when I noticed the heavy shadow made by a large telegraph pole which stood some twenty-five feet from the building. I knew that from this point I could rake the- paltform fore and aft and I immediately essayed to reach it, but, alas, for the vagaries of human vision, when yet within several steps of the goal that shadow almost completely disappeared, the pole shrunk to the size of a fishing rod and I fled precipitately to the welcome shadow of the building. As I crawled back through the little win- dow that solemn voice from the depths of somewhere again urged me not to shoot and I decided that, after all, it might be good advice. Meanwhile the robbers had completed their work, going through the express car and rifling the United States mail, but the passengers were not molested. Half a dozen shots served effectively in keeping them within the coaches. For fear of being fired on as they left the train, the robbers compelled the engineer and fireman to accompany them to where their horses were hitched, whereupon they mounted and disappeared over the crest of the low rocky hills to the south. When assured they were gone, my friend from the depths of the back room came crawling out. He proved to be an ordinary tramp, who quickly resumed his place on the blind baggage. A few hours later the special train with horses and deputy sheriffs arrived and at daybreak they took up the trail. South- ward toward Sunset Pass in the Mogollon range they followed, finding evidence at one place where the booty had been divided. One package broken open had contained a dozen or more glass eyes. The robbers evidently had no use for glass eyes just then, as they left them scattered on the ground. Doubling on their tracks near Sunset Pass they re-crossed the railroad within a mile of the hold-up and struck the old Navajo trail to the north. They crossed the Grand Canyon of the Colorado and led the posse a wild ride of more than 600 miles, ending in Southern Utah, where the gang were surrounded and captured. There proved to be only five of them, who are now serving life sentences in the Arizona penitentiary. — By C. B. Yost, in the Com- mercial Telegraphers' Joui nal. -‘PARSON PETE” ft ARSON PETE ? Ever hear how Pete got that name, youngster? ^ No? Tell him about it, Pete” I still had twenty minutes of my noon hour left and lingered in the round house to hear the tale. Peter McCloud was among the oldest conductors on the road in point of sendee. He was one of those jovial, happy natures who always have a smile and a pleasant word for everybody, and was perhaps more universally liked by his associates and patrons of the road than any other employe. He had dropped into the roundhouse for an after-dinner smoke with the rest of us, and had been greeted by the yardmaster with the nickname “Parson Pete,” by which he had come to be generally known. “Well,” he began, “that was back in *84- You remember the political landslide when everything went Republican over the high license issue. Well, you see, the boys up in Stonington had went and put me up for Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1651 Justice of the Peace. Lord, I, nor nobody else, thought there was a ghost of a chance of my bein' elected, but the mornin’ after election I woke up and found myself a regu- larly elected justice, and after I had sworn in, duly authorized to perform the duties and receive the emoluments of the office, if there was any. You see, I was just one of the pebbles as got swept along with th’ general slide. How I laughed over it when they come and broke th’ news to me. Well, one day Jake Brown, whose term had just run out, came over to th’ station about leavin' time and handed me a little black book, and says, There, Pete, I want to make you a present o’ that. There’s more law in that little book than in all th’ statoots in the country. If you ever have anything to do as a justice, just look in that there book and you’ll find the kerrect forms and how to do it.’ T thanked ’im kindly, put the book in my pocket an’ clean forgot all about it. “’Bout two weeks after that, I was run- nin’ 52, 5:32 p. m. out o' Placerville. I was standin’ along side the tail an’ with my watch in hand, 'bout ready to leave, when I see a feller an’ a girl a cornin’ on a run. They skipped up to th’ Pullman, up ahead, an’ then th’ feller steps back a few paces and looks up th’ street. Then he turns and nods, kind o’ quick like, to th* girl, an’ they jumps aboard. “Time was up, an’ so I gave ’im th* sig- nal, climbed on and we commenced to pull out. “Lookin’ back from the rear platform, I see a team an’ a depot wagon acomin’ on th’ loop. It pulled up at th’ platform and out gets Old Fillmore, th’ president of th’ A. & N. W., an’ makes a sprint after my train, swingin’ his cane at me. Th’ train had him beat, though, an’ I seen he’d never make it, but we had connections to make an’ I wasn’t goin’ to pull up for anybody, much less an officer of our rival road; so in I went an’ shut th’ door. “I went up forward an’ started to work back, liftin’ tickets. After a bit I came to th* pair. She was a pretty little chick with big brown eyes. Didn’t look a day over eighteen, an’ he was a manly lookin’ feller, with a square chin an’ a broad pair o’ shoulders. “They didn’t have no tickets, an’ as he handed me cash fares, he said : ‘What time do you arrive at Freeport?’ “ ‘Eight fifty-seven,’ I replied. “‘You connect there with the C. & S., east, do you not?’ he asked. “‘Yes,’ I said, ‘but not Very close. The east-bound over th’ C. & S. leaves 9:47.’ “ ‘That’s just what we want,’ said the girl to him in an undertone. “He thanked me an’ I passed on. “When I got my tickets up, I went back forward, an’ as I was passin’ the pair he caught me by the sleeve and said : ‘There is no other train from Placerville arrivin’ at Freeport before the 9:40, is there?’ “ ‘Not on this road,’ I replied, ‘an’ there ain’t none regular on th’ A. & N. W., but they got a fast line that stops at Placerville to let off, an’ of course if she happened to stop an’ anybody got aboard they’d beat us into Freeport, cause they got the short line an* she wouldn’t make no stops.’ The way them two looked at each other made me want to laugh so bad I had to cough. He thanked me again an’ I passed up to th’ front end of th’ car an’ sat down in one of th’ end seats. “After a while up comes th’ pair an’ plumps themselves down in the seats oppo- site me. He kind o’ sizes me up for a while, an’ then leans over and says: ‘Is there any other place before we get to Free- port from which we could connect with the C. & S.?’ “ ‘Nope,’ said I, ‘we only make one more stop now, and that’s a little hamlet of a half a dozen houses — water station there, you know.’ “ ‘Um,’ said he, so solemn like. I was dyin’ to laugh, but couldn’t because th’ poor little girl was all keyed up with excitement, and a tappin’ her little boot on the floor. “ ‘No livery stable there, I suppose,’ said he. “ ‘Lord, no,’ I says. “‘Nor hotel?’ “‘No, nor no parson, either,’ I says, just because I couldn’t keep it in. “The girl got red to th’ roots of her hair and drooped her head until her hat hid her Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1652 The Railroad Telegrapher. pretty face from me, while she hunted for a hole in the tip of one of her tiny glove fin- gers. The young feller just stared at me for about a minute, ’thout sayin’ a word and then it hit all three of us together. Him an* me just broke loose with th’ kind of a laugh that makes you feel good all over, and I see th’ little girl a shakin' in spite of herself. Then he reached over and grabbed me by th’ hand. “ ’Well, old man, we’re up against it,’ said he, ’that’s all there is about it. There is no reason in the world why we should not be married except a certain estrangement of our respective families, resulting solely from business rivalry. We have waited a reason- able time for parental sanction and have plead, reasoned and besought in vain, and now we have taken matters in our own hands and intended to be married in Free- port and start east on that C. & S. train. However, just as we left Placerville I be- came aware that we were followed, and if a certain person from Placerville gets to Freeport before us, there would be a scene which I would avoid if possible. Yet, if we. could find a minister and have the ceremony actually performed before encountering that party, I could not only assert my authority, but I know the old — er, that party would accept the situation peaceably.’ ”My heart and soul were with the young folks. Anybody must be a fool to object to the marriage of such a manly looking chap, and a sweet little chick of a girl like this. Fathers’ objections were nothin’ to me, and the spirit of devilment on top be- sides. I began to think. “ ‘Well,’ I said, ‘I am with you, as far as that goes, but I don’t know what to tell you to do. There ain’t no place now between here and Freeport where you could find a parson, if I should stop and let you off. Let’s see what time that A. & N. W. gets into Freeport,’ and as I shoved my hand in my pocket for a time table, it came into contact with a little black book. ”1 jumped to my feet. ’Lord, what a wild fool,* why, I could marry them myself. Was I not legally constituted justice of the peace and duly empowered to tie nuptial knots? ”1 slapped him on the back as I pulled out the book. ‘Here’s your parson,’ says I. ‘Lord, I clean forgot my official character. I’m a justice of th’ peace, man, and I’ll make you one in schedule speed, an’ here’s the little book thet’ll tell me how to do it’ ’’It gradually dawned on them, and the handshake I got made me squirm. ’’The book said I must have two wit- nesses, so I called in Jimmy Cook, the head brake and let the Pullman conductor into th’ game. ’Why,* said he, ’I thought you were elected up in Stonington?’ . “ ’So I was,’ I replied, defiant like. ’’ ’Well, you can’t tie no knot here. You ain’t crossed the line yet. You got to wait till you get in your own State!’ “You ought to seen our jaws fall. I was just nine minutes from the State line to Freeport, and I began to study my part. “Minutes went by and the passengers be- gan to get wise. When I looked down th’ isle, I could see rows of grinning faces over th’ tops of magazines and newspapers. But I was goin’ to marry them two, if I had to lock up the whole car to do it. Finally, I jumped to my feet. ’CX’ tower on the State line had flashed past and we were in my State. “ ‘Join your hands and stand up,’ said I. “Up they got. So did everybody else, and the whole car load began to crowd around. Some fellow in the back got out a comet and began to toot the wedding march. “Then I began to take the statistics. You could have knocked me over with a feather when he told me his name. ’Herbert J. Jor- dan, Jr.,’ the son of Mr. Jordan, the presi- dent of our road, and hers, ‘Marion K. Fillmore,’ the daughter of the president of the A. & N. W., the rival line. Read al- most like a consolidation of railroads. “This over. I got my second wind and started to work, and in about six minutes the pair were Mr. and Mrs. Herbert J. Jor- dan, Jr., in spite of the opposition of two railroads. “Then everybody commenced to sing and shake hands, and in comes a grocery drum- mer and pours his whole lot o’ samples of rice down their backs, and when we pulled into Freeport, that car sounded like a rollin’ lunatic asylum. And into it walked Old Fillmore, who had gotten his fast line, beaten us in, but had lost to Cupid. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1653 "I see him give one long look and drop into a chair. Then the girl just up and throws her arms around his neck and starts to cry. Women are durn queer some ways, and I cuts for the dispatcher's office. “Well, of course, there ain’t no bad feel- in’s ’tween the families nowadays since th’ two roads consolidated and the Jordans and Fillmores are thick as batter. “I done lots o’ things with th’ check I got for my first judicial fee, and so you know how ‘Parson Pete’ married the president of your railroad and won his name.” — By Henry M. Lummis, in Express Gazette. BAD MAN TAMED. AWAY back in 1876 a man named Turpin established a restaurant in Yuma, and among Turpin’s original employes was a waiter named Job Straight, who could shoot with great precision, play draw poker with unvarying success and pack eighteen plates of miscellaneous grub upon one bare arm at one time. He could exe- cute all the prevailing melodies either on piano or guitar, and he possessed the most tremendous barytone voice ever heard in Arizona — why, men sometimes went to Tur- pin’s just to hear Job deliver gastronomic orders. No perfect description can be given of that voice, however, except to say that at times it really did make things clatter. Once a fresh young cowboy from near Gila Bend entered Turpin’s for a Christmas dinner, took a startling concoction as an appetizer and then dropped thud-like at a table and roughly shouted to Straight: “Say, there, Baldy ! Bring me some grub!” Job was at first appalled, but recovering his reserve limit of equanimity, he brushed an imaginary bread crumb from the frescoed tablecloth and whisked a bill of fare from the variegated castor and placed it before the new young Terror of the Bend. “Take it away!” cried the latter, in tones that could give Straight’s ordinary every- day barytone a castle and checkmate it in five moves. “I don’t want to read your darned old tract. I don’t care a dam who came into the world to save sinners. Bring me some grub — g-r-u-b! Grub! Grub! GRUB r “What do you want?” “Rattlesnakes on toast! And I want you to hump yourself!” “What’s that?” “I’ve given my order, you bald-headed old cigar store sign, and I want you to get a move on yourself, p. d. q. Rattlesnakes on toast!” “Rattlesnakes on toast!” cried Job to the cook, in accents that would have paralyzed Carl Formes had that old basso profundo been living and heard them. “Rattlesnakes on toast!” was the rever- berating response from the cook upon re- ceiving the order. There were a dozen or more people in the restaurant, and their eyes were at once turned on the young person from the Bend and the infuriated waiter. In the meantime the cook had taken a big catfish and cut it into four strips and rolled these strips in batter, so that they much resembled the viand ordered; and, after placing them in the frying pan, he stuck his head out of the kitchen and shouted to Job : “You want them rattlers rare or well done ?” The waiter repeated the interrogali ry in a cyclonic way, and the Terror replied, in as violent a tone and manner as he could com- mand: “Well done, with plenty of gravy and Chili Colorado!” And then Job thundered to the cook : “Well done, with plenty of Chili Colo- rado, hot as hell, and moccasin gravy on the side and brochettes of sand crane livers and Gila monster lights !” There was an instantaneously dead si- lence in that restaurant, and all eyes were again cast upon the Terror and the waiter. The former turned ashen pale and began to weaken perceptibly, while Job gazed at his victim. “Maybe you don’t think we can serve all the market affords,” muttered Job; “maybe you don’t like moccasin gravy or brochettes a la mode — maybe you ain’t hungry!” “Say! You’ve got me — I ain’t hungry, so help me God! I couldn’t eat a single hard-boiled egg. Countermand that durned order, old man, and I’ll pay all expenses and set ’em up as long as anybody can drink. Beg pardon, gentlemen, all. My first at- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1654 The Railroad Telegrapher. tempt to be a Terror — pardon me, gentle- men, it’s my last!” And then he handed his revolver to Job, and added : “Take that pistol, old man, as a present, and promise me that the next time any darned fool comes in here and calls for rat- tlesnakes on toast you’ll shoot him dead.” But Straight was too raving mad all the way through to willingly emerge from a situation only tolerably triumphant. So he took the weapon, just as the order was be- ing placed on the table, and, pointing it at the Terror, exclaimed: “Now, then, my boy, dump yourself into that chair and eat them snakes — bones, skin and all !” The young fellow did as he was com- manded; but, after finishing his repast, staggered the uncompromising Job by shouting : “I say, Baldy, bring me another plate of snakes!” — Denver Times. HOW ONE KING BEAT FOUR QUEENS. ur\ ID any of you ever happen to sit I 1 into a game of draw where a king beat four queens?” inquired the sugar planter from Hawaii while the earlier arrivals of the poker bunch sat about on the porch of the bachelor’s clubhouse on Paradise Row waiting for the beginning of the regular afternoon poker session, says the Detroit Free Press. Nobody in the group had ever heard of its being done just that way, and they said so. “Well,” said the sugar planter from Hon- olulu, “I not only saw it done in that way but I was in the game when it was done. Worse than that, I was the victim of it. “But the king, I ought to elucidate,” went on the man from Honolulu, “wasn’t a card. That is to say, he was a card right enough, but not a paper one. He was a sure enough king, and his name was Dave Kalakaua. Dave was the king of Hawaii, as all of you gentlemen know. “Now, don’t form the impression that I’m endeavoring to overwhelm anybody with the idea that I customarily play poker with kings or that I’m any stuck up over having played draw with King Dave Kalakaua. Dave was the only king I ever dished a card for, and that’s because he was one of my neighbors and pals. “But Dave played poker and was pals with lots of folks down in the islands. I should state right here that most of us used to soak Dave right hard at draw. Not that he wasn’t a good player, for he was, but he had the proverbial luck of kings at gam- bling. He never caught much to what he held out. “He wasn’t a natural born hand helper, and he was some reckless with the king’s revenues on poor looking truck in the way of poker hands. That’s why he had a big poker deficit at the windup of every poker year when he did his casting up. “The only time I ever saw Dave Kala- kaua get by with a big bluff was once when he hooked up with Mr. Ah Fong, the tre- mendously wealthy father of the famous family of Ah Fong girls — so many of whom married American men of standing. There were five men in the game on that occa- sion, and the turquoise sky of Hawaii was the limit. First, Dave himself. “Let me straighten out a seeming famil- iarity. We called Kalakaua Dave in private. It was at his own request. He hated for- mality with friends. ‘My name’s Dave to you ; you may call me that,’ he would say. “Well, then Kalakaua himself was one of the five. Then Ah Fong, one of the shrewdest business men and kindliest gen- tlemen that I ever touched fingers with in my life. Sam Parker, who has grown up with Hawaii's growth, and is one of our big men, was in it, and so was Paul Neu- mann, Honolulu’s leading lawyer. I was the other one. “The king of all Hawaii was the last year’s bird’s nest in that game right up to the finish of the sitting, when he came like a Tahiti typhoon. Mr. Ah Fong had inserted a terrific dent in his kingly person once when Dave, dealing, dished himself a pat queen high flush of diamonds, and then, with great inadvertence, not to say carelessness, handed Mr. Ah Fong, who was right next him under the gun, an ace high flush of diamonds — a phenomenal oc- currence, by the way, two pat flushes of the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1655 same suit put against each other in a five- handed game. “The things that the big framed Chinese merchant-planter proceeded to do unto his liege right then and there, with his top flush of the same flush suit that Dave had, it were dismal to tell of. Dave sent 4,000 along after his little assortment of all one color queen high papers, and then Mr. Ah Fong, naturally concluding that the king had something considerably neater than his own, called. “Kings must have looked chagrined at all stages of the world’s history, but none of them at any stage of the situation could ever have looked quite so chagrined as Dave Kalakaua did when the Chinese planter sifted his ace high flush of dia- monds down on the table and in the same motion hoed the chips over to his side of it. “But Dave wasn’t any bad loser nor quit- ter, either, and he stuck right around in the game, though many a good pokerist after a wallop like that would have become peevish and superstitious about it and cashed in /or his. Dave wasn’t that sort, and he stayed with it. “He got another awful mean punch not many minutes after that. It was a jackpot, and Dave being under the barbette — me dealing — didn’t pick his papers up at all, but passed blind for a play. “Nobody opened it. But every one of us, on looking at our cards, muttered gloom- ily, for two of us had four flushes to draw to and two others were there with bob straights to pull to. Very foolishly Dave picked up his cards to see what he’d passed blind on. No man who passes blind ought ever by any chance to look at his tickets at all if the thing isn’t cracked, for he's pretty liable to find mostly every time that he’s ignored the real merchandise. “I could see Kalakaua’s features twitch- ing when he picked up the mess he’d passed blind on, and then he threw them out face up on the board. There were only four tens in the layout. He relieved himself by making a few observations in the liquid Kanaka language, but I don’t believe he was invoking the Goddess Pele of the vol- canoes or any of the truly good spirits at that. “Even this horrible- experience didn’t drive King Dave out of the game, for no- body was ever more willing to go the full cup distance at a poker seance than he. But it wasn’t till we were about ready to break up at 4 in the morning that Dave oiled his guns for a final play. “I was the dealer beginning the final two rounds of jackpots and each man skated $50 to the center. Kalakaua picked up the corners of his papers as I sifted them over to him and never took them into his hands at all before cracking the pot. He broke it for a hundred. “Mr. Ah Fong, next man, tilted it and none of the rest of us had the least thing to make it worth while for us to stick around at a tilting match. So we dropped out in turn. “Dave danced back at the Chinaman for $500 and Mr. Ah Fong was right there with a $1,000 push along. Dave boosted the Chinaman another thousand, which was seen, and then I was ready to hand them some papers. “Kalakaua hadn’t taken his cards from the table yet, having only pulled up the cor- ners of them as they lay face downward and peeked at the margins of them. So when I asked him how many cards he wanted he pushed a stack of twenty $10 chips to the center to indicate that he was pretty well fixed as to papers as it stood. “Mr. Ah Fong didn’t think he needed any, either. He didn’t say so out loud, but, instead of fooling around with chips, he said ‘a thousand better,’ and then, seeing that there was going to be doings, I got out a pencil and began to keep tab on the chipless raisers back and forth. “What was in the center and what was represented on my penciled schedule of back and forth bets represented nearly $8,000, when, upon lending his ears to Dave’s first $2,000 boost, Mr. Ah Fong gazed out of the pen window at the wim- pling blue sea, with the early morning sun- light dancing upon it, and said: “ ‘That’s good, David.’ “ ‘Let’s call it a night as it stands,’ sug- gested one of the party then, and as we were all fagged the suggestion went, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1656 The Railroad Telegrapher. ‘“Dave/ said Mr. Ah Fong then, leaning back in his chair with his hands back of his head, ‘the ordinary man hasn’t any right if he wants to be popular to show a hand that he has used to bluff somebody out of a poker pot. But that privilege ought to belong to kings, especially when they don't do it voluntarily or gloatfully, but upon request. Dave, what did you have then? How good were you?’ “Kalakaua pondered for a minute, evi- dently wondering whether he would be doing the right thing to show his cards in the circumstances. Then, not having yet picked them up to throw into the discard, he slowly turned his papers over. “He had a pair of nines. Mr. Ah Fong had already faced his jack full. “ ‘That’s worth a gift — it wasn’t so badly done,’ said Mr. Ah Fong, with his winning Chinese smile, and he unfastened a huge emerald brooch, which he wore at his throat, and pinned it to the pleated band of Kalakaua’s soft straw hat, which was lying on a table alongside him. “Dave didn’t want to take the huge and immensely valuable jewel from the China- man, but Mr. Ah Fong was a man with a manner that even kings could respect, and when he tendered a gift he meant it and his obvious intention stuck. And Kalakaua wore that emerald pinned on the scarf of his straw hat, just as the Chinaman had put it there, till he took to his bed in California and died. “But this isn’t unraveling it how a king — King Dave — beat my four queens. “The same people were in that game, and there was one looker-on — a person of whom you may have heard, Robert Louis Steven- son by name. He had dropped into Hono- lulu harbor on his schooner yacht a few days before. He was an old friend and pal of Kalakaua, and he liked to look upon large pokerishness, although he only played a small game himself and preferred crib- bage, at which he was powerful. “The game took place on the lanai — that’s what we call a veranda in Kanaka — of my house in Waikiki, a suburb of Hono- lulu. We sat in at io o’clock at night and played along till 3 in the morning. Steven- son sat coiled up crosslegged on a couch back of Kalakaua, sipping Scotch and burn- ing up about a million cigarettes of his own manufacture in the progress of the play, and he stayed till the finish, when all hands went into the surf for a dawn bath. “That was one of the nights when it was pretty hard to head me. I went out in front almost from the first dishout, and I stayed there, not even swaying or at any time be- ginning to curl up, till right at the finish. “Then I got slammed by the king. “He was dealing them himself, and, bar- ring him, the dealer, I was the last man who had to make the pronunciamento about opening the pot. They all rapped their knuckles on the board to indicate that they didn’t see anything in their array of papers. “I’m a great hand not to look at my cards in a jackpot arrangement till the fel- lows ahead of me have cracked it or passed out, and I generally pick ’em up one by one, which is irritating to nervous players around a table, but that is my kind of poker, and I pay the tolls, and I can’t help it. I was some stunned on this occasion, I think I may mention, when I picked up four queens, one right after the other. “I tossed a white bean, meaning a $5 one, to the center, and opened it with what I plumed myself upon being a fine simula- tion of indifference — the indifference, we’ll say, of somebody who has a pair of knaves to open with and doesn’t much care for the prospect of having folks stick along the draw against him. “Dave, dealing, as I say, took a peek at the margins of his cards then, and then gazed reflectively at the ceiling for quite a bit. I’d seen him do that before — especially when, not so long before then, he’d chased Mr. Ah Fong to the cactus with his pair of nines. So I wasn’t worried. “I wasn’t excited, either, except with the certainty of conquest, when he tilted it $500 to draw anything. The others couldn’t see that, and there I was, all heeled to stake the anointed king to the trouble of his whole poker career. “Well, I was so far ahead of the game that money didn’t look like more than fifty cents on the dollar to me, and so I handed Dave one of those $1,000 hoists. I’ll say it to his credit, he just saw it, and that was all. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1657 “ ‘How many ?’ he asked me, and I told him I thought I‘d try to worry along best I knew how, with what he’d given me in the first place. “Then he tossed the deck away and cal- culated that he, too, might traipse along without needing any strengthened I wasn’t a bit worried — as why should I be with Helen of Troy, Cleopatra, the Quq&g of Sheba, and Catherine the ‘Great, than a hackload, in my hand? “It was my bet, of course, and I was just on the point of beginning the $1,000 stuff, when I had a sudden hunch. It wouldn’t be decent, I reflected, Kalakaua had al- ways been more than fair to me in a lot of transactions, and it didn’t seem just the goods to get on fours of the size I was holding. “ ‘I think, Dave,’ I said then, ‘that we’d better call this a showdown. I’ve got you tied in here, and I like to be as decent as I know how in all my worldly relations. No gentleman ought ever to bet on — * “ ‘On the kind of cards that I’ve got here,’ broke in King Kalakaua right there, to my intense surprise, ‘and I was just about to say the same thing when you took the words out of my mouth,’ and he spread his papers out in front of him, while I did the same. “His was a five to nine sequence flush of hearts, and he could have put me in the poorhouse with it if he had not been — as he was — the squarest and best-hearted dusky man that ever ruled over an island kingdom.” — Kansas City Journal. SHOT HIS OWN HORSE. JOHNNY COME LATELY— that’s what we dubbed him. He certainly was splendidly constructed; about six feet tall, very fair-complexioned, and withal as handsome as a picture, with an easy boyish move and a merry twinkle in his eye, which it was hard for Johnny to hide even when he tried to look severe, for he was military, was Johnny. All West Pointers are, when they first join their regiment, Lieut Biddle (our Johnny) beinr: no excep- tion to the rule, and when he joined our Troop K, Seventh United States Cavalry, at Fort Lincoln, D. T., in September, 1876, the above sobriquet was handed out to him and it stuck. He would do the funniest things, so we thought, but it was all strictly military; he didn’t seem to realize at first that he had struck a regiment of real troopers and that we were there to protect the frontier, not look pretty. These nice np^litary points when Lieut. Biddle qq duty went against the grain, but he every inch of his six feet, and no favorites, only just a little too rpjjjiary at first. But that wore off in time. After a hard campaign the following summer of ’77 the Seventh, about the first of September, struck the Tongue River cantonment on the Yellowstone, and had only one little brush with the Indians, about 600 soldiers to eighty-four Indians. They tried to escape, but we captured them all except four, and they went to the happy hunting grounds. Now Johnny was all fire, didn’t say much, but wanted to fight. After we corralled the Cheyennes we turned them over to Gen. Miles at Cedar Creek on the Yellowstone. This was in June, and Johnny certainly looked disappointed when he didn’t even get a go at the Indians. Our troop that day was rear guard. A few days later we struck a herd of buffalo, probably 3,000, scattered over about ten miles or more of territory. Two men were detailed out of each of five companies to make a killing. All the officers knew Lieut. Biddle’s desire for adventure and he was put in charge of the ten men. He rode a crackerjack of a horse; his eyes shone like diamonds, and before we struck the first few old bulls he called me to him and said: “Stine, you’ve been raised in this country, haven’t you?” “Yes, sir,” I said. “Know all about killing buffaloes?” “Some little,” I replied. “Now, I don’t want to go wrong on this hunt,” said the lieutenant, “and I don’t want any mishap, nor do I want the com- mand to have the laugh on me. Now, I’m ordered not to kill over twenty-five, but there you see they are stampeding already.” “Just what you want,” I said. “Hold your bridle with the left hand and carbine in the right ; dash into the herd and keep going with ’em; don’t stop; pay no atten- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1658 The Railroad Telegrapher. tion to your right hand side, they will keep away from you. Now pick the cow — al- ways pick a young cow, they can run faster and it takes a good horse to outrun them. Ride up on the right hand side, lean over a little toward the buffalo, throw your car- bine in the hollow of your left arm and blaze away. But, Lieutenant, don’t shoot too quick; wait until your saddle is just opposite the brute’s hump, for the minute you hit one if it don’t go down they’ll turn quicker’n greased lightning and catch your horse in the flank as he goes by. Now, don’t stop, whatever you do; just keep go- ing with the herd and when you think you have killed enough, pull out to one side, if you get an opening, understand — ” “Yes, I guess so,” said Biddle. “Now let’s at them.” Well, the lieutenant watched me shoot my first cow buffalo and, sure enough, she didn’t go down. As I said, she turned the second she was hit, but my horse had passed her and on we went. Biddle was riding on my right about ten yards away, and looking at me, smiled and nodded, then dashed ahead on his own account. His horse certainly was a hummer. Besides be- ing scared he could go some, and in a few minutes he was somewhere in the herd, I suppose, away ahead of me. I had ridden about four miles with them, my horse be- ing almost out. So I thought I’d try to catch a young buffalo just ahead of me, and if I got him I’d quit. It had been a hard run and the buffalo, as well as my horse, was pretty well blown, but I was gaining on him very fast. He was only ten yards ahead and I was ready to drop him. I didn’t have time to look about me, but “bang” went a six- shooter just ahead of me. At the same moment I saw a horse drop just as dead as a mackerel. His rider hadn’t had time to dismount. I pulled up and, would you believe it, there was Lieut. Biddle trying to get his leg from under his dead horse. The unfortunate chump had shot at my buffalo as it passed, but instead of having his horse face the way the buffalo was going Biddle used his six-shooter and shot directly over his horse’s hejid. His horse must have thrown up his head, for he had actually shot the poll of his horse’s head off. Dead? Well, that horse was sure a dead one. The lieutenant looked at me with a sort of a silly, sickly smile, and said : “Well, I’m blamed — ” “How’d you do it?” I asked. “Didn’t you see?” That was all he said, but he stood looking sadly at his dead horse, occasionally looking back towards the trail over which we had come. He then said: “Stine, how far is it back to the command?” “Oh, not far,” I replied, “not over five miles.” Then he looked at his horse again. One could see he was ashamed. I wanted to laugh; but on second thought I thought discretion was better, as he was “military.” Finally between us we managed to get the saddle and carbine off his dead horse. I offered him the use of my horse, but he wouldn’t have it that way. So, putting his accoutrements on my saddle, we started back afoot, I leading my horse. We hadn’t gone fifty yards when poor Johnny turned white as a sheet and col- lapsed ; but he wasn’t altogether out. I grabbed my canteen and handed it to him. After taking a few swallows of water his color came back; he sat there a few min- utes and said: “Sprained ankle; pull my boot off!” Sure enough his ankle had swollen so that I couldn't pull his boot off, so had to cut it off. “Take my horse, lieutenant, and leave the saddle here. I’ll come bac\c after it, for I can’t carry it.” “I guess I’ll have to,” said Johnny. So we started back to the command. Poor Johnny! His sprained ankle cost him dear; for a very short while after the buffalo hunt we met the great Nez Perces Indian Chief Joseph in battle at the Bear Paw Mountains, Montana. Lieut. Biddle was so lame that he could not take proper care of himself. He was shot all to pieces, as was his captain, Owen Hale, and twenty- four men out of a total of thirty-eight com- posing Troop K, Seventh Cavalry. — Sing Sing Star of Hope . Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1659 THE PHYSICIAN AND THE PIRATES. ONE morning in September, 190 — , there came to the office of Dr. Frederic Curtin, a young English physician .in Hongkong, a native junkman from the Chinese city of Swatow, about 200 miles northeast of the English city. The junkman brought a letter to the doctor from an old acquaintance, the Rev. James Burren, a missionary in the vicinity of Swatow; and the letter begged Curtin to come and attend the missionary’s young son, who was suffering from a puzzling and lingering illness. As none of his patients in Hongkong demanded his immediate attention, Curtin was free to respond to the call. The Sil- ver Moon, the trading junk that had brought the letter of appeal, was to leave on the return voyage the next day at noon ; and as this junk offered the only means of reaching Swatow for several days, Curtin engaged passage on the slow-sailing, clumsy vessel. , There had been much activity that sum- mer among the native pirates that infest the coast waters of the China Sea; and al- though the doctor did not expect to en- counter any of these gentry, he took the precaution of placing in his valise two heavy navy revolvers and a quantity of cartridges. The Silver Moon sailed on the morrow at midday, as scheduled, and driven by a wide spread of canvas, slipped through the deep blue, lapping water of this Eastern sea at a much better speed than the doctor expected. That evening a nearly full moon floated in the clear sky, and gave a glory to the ocean that Curtin had never seen surpassed. He sat on deck until late, and when he did go down to his cramped berth in the cabin below, he dropped into a sleep so profound that his first intimation of dan- ger was when he was awakened by fierce, wild cries and the scurrying and trampling of many feet on the deck overhead. He sprang to get his revolvers. But while he fumbled with the catches of the case, there' was a rush of footsteps down the passageway outside; and the next mo- ment the frail door burst in with a crash before the attack of half a dozen nearly naked Chinamen, who had American re- volvers and short curved swords. The Sil- ver Moon had fallen prey to pirates, and Curtin calmly submitted himself to the in- vaders. He was allowed to dress. In the mean- time the pirates rummaged through his bag- gage, including the rather portly black leather case in which he carried his medi- cines and surgical instruments. When he was hustled on deck a few moments later he found lying alongside the Silver Moon a huge junk, and swarming over the cap- tured vessel a motley horde of evil-looking barbarians. The crew of the Silver Moon, awed and cringing, was huddled torward under guard. But Curtin was not placed with the other captives. At a word from the thin, wiry man who appeared to be the leader, two of the pirates marched the doctor straight aboard the strange junk, where they pro- ceeded to bind his arms and legs with ropes, and left him near the foremast to sprawl or sit on the hard deck, as he chose. As soon as everything of value on the Silver Moon had been transferred to the robber junk, the crew returned to their own vessel, and cast off, leaving their countrymen to go their way in peace. The pirate junk now headed to the northeast, following the coast. Curtin, sprawling on the bare deck in his bonds, could only conjecture what was to be his fate. He knew that the native pirates often made a practice of holding prisoners for ransom, and he fancied that his captors intended to do so in his case, otherwise they would not have singled him out from all those on the captured junk. It did not reassure him to reflect that his bank account in Hongkong was an ex- tremely modest one, and that he had few friends in the city who could place any large sum at his disposal. About the middle of the forenoon his at- tention was attracted to one of the pirate crew — a big man who was restlessly pacing up and down the sun-scorched deck not far away, apparently in intense agony. On ob- serving the fellow closely, the doctor saw that there was an angry, unhealed wound in the muscles of his bare left forearm, and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1660 The Railroad Telegrapher. noted that the arm itself was swollen to nearly twice its normal size. At once Curtin’s professional instinct was stirred. On the impulse of the moment he stood up awkwardly on his pinioned legs, and said in Chinese: “That is a bad wound you have in your arm. I am an English doctor of Hong- kong. Perhaps if you will let me see your arm I can relieve the pain.” The big Chinaman stopped his uneasy striding to stand and look doubtfully at the speaker. The pirate leader happened to be near, heard what Curtin said, and, the wounded sailor continuing to hesitate, signed to him to allow the doctor to exam- ine his arm. The sufferer obeyed stolidly, and one glance at the inflamed wound, which evi- dently had been made by a sword thrust, was enough to tell Curtin that he had to deal with a case of threatened blood-poison- ing. But he thought that if the arm was immediately lanced the Chinaman would have a good chance for speedy recovery. This he told the pirate captain, who had come over to stand beside his fellow cut- throat. He said that if the black case that* had been seized among his other baggage that morning was brought and his arms were released, he would at once treat the wound, although he would not guarantee to cure the man. To the doctor’s surprise, the captain an- swered that he had lived in Hongkong, and knew of the skill of the English doctors, and that he would be much gratified if Cur- tin could save the sailor, as the fellow was one of his best men. The medicine case was quickly produced, and the doctor’s hands were untied. First ascertaining that the contents of the case were undisturbed, he prepared the wounded arm by pouring a little alcohol upon it. Then he took out his instruments and quickly performed the operation. The look of relief that came into the sufferer’s face was apparent, but neither the captain nor the other members of the pirate crew, who had gathered round to watch, made any comment. Curtin care- fully dressed and bandaged the wound, and as soon as he had finished, his hands were rebound. His patient moved away without a word of thanks or appreciation, yet the doctor did not neglect to say that as often as was necessary he would attend the arm again. He was anxious to make a friend of this Chinaman; for a friend, he felt, Would not be a bad thing to have among that barbarous crew. Shortly after sunset that evening the junk reached the mouth of a narrow river, and a quarter of a mile from the entrance to this stream the sails were lowered and anchor was dropped. Curtin gathered from the talk of some of the crew who stood near him that the junk was to be taken up this . river to an outlaw retreat, but that they would not enter the narrow channel until the high tide of the next morning. Not long after the evening meal was over the pirates began to turn in for the night. Most of them merely threw them- selves down on the hard deck. By 9 o’clock all were asleep, with the exception of a single watchman, whom Curtin could see strolling back and forth across the after- deck. Hours passed, and as the doctor lay out- stretched on the bare deck, he tried to work his hands out of the hempen cord that bound them together behind his back. He thought that if he could free himself from his bonds, the watchman might nap. and thus give him opportunity to slip over the side of the vessel into the sea and swim ashore. But he was unable to release his hands. Not long after this, the watchman came forward and silently passed close to Curtin, and he was rather surprised to see that the lone guard was no other than the man whose arm he had lanced that morning. He wondered idly if the fellow had been chosen for the post of watchman for the reason that suffering had rendered him sleepless. Then suddenly, as he looked up at the big yellow man, a new idea for escape ger- minated, grew to a hazy outline, and in a moment took definite shape in Curtin’s mind. In his medicine case was a vial contain- ing a quantity of a certain very powerful anesthetic. He had told the pirate that he Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1661 would dress the wound again when neces- sary. If on this excuse he could get his hands freed and the case in his possession, why would it not be easy to administer a few drops of the drug by a hypodermic injection, and almost immediately send the watchman into a coma that would last for hours — render him unconscious before he could rebind his captive’s hands or think to make outcry? Curtin fully realized the danger attendant upon so audacious a scheme. But he felt that as long as he was in the hands of these ruthless and merciless men his life was not safe from one hour to the next. Immediately he hailed the watchman and asked him about his arm. The tall pirate paused and replied that it still pained him considerably. Curtin suggested that he bring the medicine case and have his arm treated there in the bright moonlight. The watchman was slow in answering. Curtin began to think that the natural craftiness of his race had counseled him against the proposition, when with a ges- ture of consent^ he went to the companion- way and disappeared. In a few moments he came back, carrying the familiar case in his hand. Then the doctor’s heart gave a joyous leap. As soon as his hands were loosened, he quickly opened the case and took out the vial he needed and the hypodermic syringe. He poured into the syringe a few drops of the colorless fluid from the vial. Next, with hands that trembled with eagerness, he unwound the bandage from the wounded belt. However, the doctor did not hesitate. He resolutely grasped the proffered arm. and carefully inserted the needle point of the instrument into the flesh so far above the wound that the powerful drug could have but little harmful effect upon the irritated region. Then, with even pressure upon the plunger, he completely emptied the vial. He withdrew the syringe, and keeping a strong grip upon his victim’s arm, began to replace the bandage. He worked slowly, methodically, occupy- ing as much time as possible in each step of the operation. The Chinaman soon be- gan to show signs of a strange, unnatural drowsiness. His head nodded on his broad shoulders, his eyes were half closed, and he opened them with difficulty. All at once the doctor’s vigilant eye saw a startled, apprehensive look flit across the counte- nance of the pirate. The next instant the man gave a half inarticulate cry and snatched out his sword. Curtin threw up his hand to arrest the fall of the blade, but suddenly, in the twinkling of an eye, the Chinaman wavered, the uplifted arm dropped nerveless, the sword fell clattering to the deck from the grasp of the relaxed fingers. As the watchman toppled over under the influence of the drug, the doctor caught him in his arms and lowered him to the deck. Then Curtin snatched up the sword, and with one slash of the keen blade, severed the ropes that bound his ankles loosely to- gether. He listened just a moment. All was still on the junk. He stooped down and finished adjusting the bandage to the senseless outlaw’s wounded arm. But he did not linger long on the pirate craft. Throwing a rope over the side of the junk, he slid down into the water and swam away. No mishap came to him in the water, and soon he was following the sands of the beach to the northeast. At daybreak he came upon a British gun- boat lying a little way off the shore, and in response to his signals, a boat put out and took him aboard. That evening he was landed in Swatow. He found the mission- ary’s son very ill with a stubborn fever; but Curtin took up the battle just in time, and at the end of a week had brought about the boy’s recovery — By Laurence J. Yeates, in The Union Advocate. WAS ONE ON FATHER. 44^^AMILLE CLIFFORD, who is 1 . going to marry the son of an English lord, is a Germantown girl,” said a New York manager. “In Phila- delphia, though she used to be much ad- mired there, no one ever thought that in London she would achieve fame. “Yet in London, Camille Clifford, with her gowns, has become famous for some years, and there are many Englishmen who will envy Lord Aberdare’s son his bride. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1662 The Railroad Telegrapher. “Miss Clifford, when I last saw her, talked of Lord Aberdare’s opposition to the match. She did not think this opposi- tion would last long. Apropos of it. she told me a little story. “She said there was a certain girl whose parents objected strongly to her sweetheart. The parents found in this girl’s pocketbook one night a love letter, and, wild with rage, they summoned her before them. “ ‘What kind of a letter do you call this?' the old father demanded, glaring at his daughter over his spectacles. ‘Listen to it: “Light of mv life!” Light of my life! Faugh!’ “ ‘But, papa — ’ “ ‘Not a word !’ the old man interrupted. And he goes on, ‘I could not sleep all night long, love, for thinking of you.’ “ ‘Liar,’ said the mother. ‘Fool and liar, to write so.* “ ‘Then the lunatic says,’ continued the father, ‘he says, “How happy we would be if only that pig-headed, narrow-minded old fool of a dad of yours would give his consent.” ’ “ ‘The villain,’ said the mother. “ ‘Would I trust my daughter’s future,’ said the father, ‘to any man who was base enough to speak like that?* “ ‘But, papa, if you’ll look — ’ “ ‘Not a word.’ “ ‘If you’ll only look, papa, at the date.’ “The old man turned the page and read : “ ‘Oct. 2, 1892.* Then a light dawned on him, and he gasped: “ ‘Why, mother, bless my heart, it’s one of my own letters to you.’ “‘Yes,’ said the young girl; ‘I found it in the cedar chest yesterday. I’d have told you long ago, but you wouldn’t let me speak.* ” — Exchange. SPECIAL NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC! THE agent of this company is serv- ing the public and not the com- pany. He never gets busy, and always has time to listen to your tale of woe, and is glad to hear all about your domestic troubles, and that your wife’s people, or some other relatives, are expected to arrive on some night train that he never meets, and that he is expected to meet them, and show them where to go, etc. He always has time to ask the dispatcher how the train is. The bulletin board in this office is not intended to give the pub- lic any information. It is there solely for the agent’s benefit, just to give him a little practice in writing on a blackboard with chalk. The clock in this office was never known to keep the correct time — it’s useless to ask if it is correct. The agent is always glad to have patrons of the road, as well as “sweaters,” run right over the bulletin-board and come into the office where he is adding up* a string of figures a foot long, to ask him how the train is, that is one of the joys of his posi- tion and shows him how thoughtful and considerate the public is. He has nothing to do but sit and listen to the wire and keep right up with every' train on the road, and be ready to tell every one just the minute it left the last station — that will make it arrive sooner. He is the “crankiest” man in existence. He always knows just who gets on and off of trains, where they went, and when they will return. He is also a mind-reader, and can tell whether you have any baggage, without your check; or, can tell whether you have any freight or express, whether you tell him your name or not, it makes no difference whether he ever saw you before or not. He simply delights in watching people sit in the waiting-room for thirty minutes before the train arrives, and then, when the train is whistling for the station, call for three tickets and a half-dozen pieces of baggage checked. There are many other delights which are all his own, but space and time do not admit of enumeration. This notice is very respectfully referred and promulgated to the public in general, for the purpose of letting them know a few (very few) of the joys of the “high mogul” in the average railway office. A. E. Campbell. Digitized by L^OOQle

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Mother’s Way. Mother makes a lot of fuss. When the children start to play; Says they kick up such a muss. Keep her working all the day. Never gets a minute’s rest, Always overturning chairs; Says the children are a pest. And the worst of all her cares. But I’ve noticed many a day, She is sad when they’re away. Through the parlor, how they run, Rumpling rugs where’er they go; Mother’s work is never done. Chairs are lined up in a row, Dust is flying everywhere. Curtains rudely thrown aside; Children never seem to care, Back and forth they run and hide, But I’ve found when they're away, She would call them back to play. Never knew a mother who Didn’t scold her romping boys, For the mischief that they do. And their clatter and their noise. Seems it always is her way, Just to scold, as mothers will; But she always dreads the day When the house is hushed and still. Seems she’d rather work all day, Than have her little ones away. — Detroit Free Press. “A Man With An Aim.” Give me a man with an aim, Whatever that aim may be. Whether it’s wealth or whether it’s fame, It matters not to me. Let him walk in the path of right. And keep bis aim in sight, And work and pray in faith alway. With his eyes on the glittering height. Give me a man who says, “I will do something well. And make the fleeing days A stoiy of labor tell.'' Though the aim he has be small, It is better than none at all; With something to do the whole year through, He will not stumble or fall. But Satan weaves a snare For the feet of those who stray With never a thought or a care Where the path may lead away. The man who hath no aim Not only leaves no name When this life’s done, but ten to one He lea\cs a record of shame. Give me a man whose heart Is filled with ambition’s fire; Who sets his mark in the start And moves it higher and higher. Better to die in the strife. The hands with labor rife. Than to glide with the stream in an idle dream, And live a purposeless life. — New York Commercial. Little Brown Hands. They drive home the cows from the pasture And up through the long, shady lane, Where the quail whistles loud in the whcatfields That arc yellow with ripening grain. They find in the thick, waving grasses, Where the scarlet-lipped strawberry grows, They gather the earliest snowdrops And the first crimson bud of the rose. They toss the new hay in the meadows, They gather the elder blooms white. They find where the dusky grapes purple In the soft tinted October light. They know where the apples hang ripest And sweeter thar. Italy’s wines, They know where the fruit hangs the thickest On the long, thorny blackberry vines. They gather the delicate seaweeds. And build tiny castles of sand, They pick up the beautiful seashells, Fairy barks that have drifted to land. They wave from the tall, rocking tree-top, Where the oriole’s hammock-nest swings, And at night time are folded in slumber By the song that a fond mother sings. And those who toil bravely are strongest, The humble and poor become great, And from those brown-handed children Shall grow mighty rulers of state. The pen of the author and statesman, The noble and wdse of the land, The sword and the chisel and palette Shall be held by the little brown hand. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1664 The Railroad Telegrapher. Dividing God’s Day. When good St. Peter came to earth, He held fingers three; Which span the parts of all man’s work, Since three parts there should be. One-third for work and one for play, The other third to sleep; Obey the rule, whate’er men say, No time is left to weep. Up with your sleeve, and do your work, Then drop your work for play; Or should a dullness seem to lurk Why, tuck your bones in sleep away. For God who laid this kindly plan, Whereby we work and play and sleep, Has great pity for a man Who finds spare time to weep. — Ex. Never Mind the Knocker. Go 'ahead and make your play ; Never mind the knocker. He’s in every worker’s way; Never mind the knocker. Every one who seeks to shine, If successful, he’ll malign; *Tis of fame a certain sign — Never mind the knocker. If you have a task to do. Never mind the knocker. Have your nerve and see it thro’; Never mind the knocker. When your labors have been done. You may know that you have won If the pounding has begun — Never mind the knocker. He strikes only those who climb; Never mind the knocker. ’Tis success he deems a crime; Never mind the knocker. If he hammers at your name, Then be sure you’re in the game; ’Tis a species of acclaim; Never mind the knocker. His low aim affirms his caste; Never mind the knocker. Fiercest storms most quickly pass; Never mind the knocker. When the knocker’s course is run, When his jeers and scoffs are done, He’ll be cursed by every one; Ne\ mind the knocker. — American Musician. Appreciation. When I am dead, it men can say, “He helped the world upon its way; With all his faults of word and deed Mankind did have some little need Of what he gave" — then in my grave No greater honor shall I crave. If they can say — if they but can — “He did his best, he played the man. His ways were straight; his soul was clean; His failings not unkind nor mean; He loved his fellow men and tried To help them” — I’ll be satisfied. But when I’m gone, if even one Can weep because my life is done And feel the world is something bare Because I am no longer there — Call me a knave, my life misspent — No matter, I shall be content. — New York Press. The Old Farm. When the busy day is over with its anxious hopes and fears. And the telephone stops ringing and the last clerk disappears, With a sigh I lean back weary in my swinging office chair. And my thoughts go back to childhood and the old farm that is there. I can see the dear old homestead, broad and low beneath the trees. And the rows of shining milk pans sunning in the fresh sweet breeze; I can see the barn and horses, and the orchard on the hill. Where we gathered golden pippins for the old straw cider mill I can see the upland pastures dotted o’er with grazing sheep. And the wheat field waving golden, ready for the men to reap. I can see the old stone fences where the chip- munks used to play. And the cornfield, and the meadow with its piles of fragrant hay. I can see the cattle standing ’neath the willows by the brook, Whre I used to fish for minnows with a bent pin for a hook; And the pond where grew the lilies that my mother used to prize. Ah, the light of heaven’s shining now within those dear old eyes. And I sigh while fancy lingers o’er each well- known pleasant scene Of the happy days of boyhood thrown b> memory on the screen; And I’d give all I have gained since, ail my wealth and treasures rare. To go back again to childhood and the old farm that is there. — From “ Maxwell’s Talisman Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Union Rules. “Why didn’t you put on the porous plas- ter I sent you?” “Plasther! Docthor, I’m a mimber ov th’ Hod Carriers’ Union, and it’s against th’ rules fer me to do anny plastherin’ ex- cept in th’ reg’lar workin’ hours.” Indian’s Opinion of Men Who Work Eight Hours. Eastern Man — Are those Indians union men? Chief Mudhorse — No understand. Wha’ you mean by union men. Eastern Man — Well, union men work only eight hours a day. Chief Mudhorse — Union men heap much damn fool — Indian work eight hours a week. — Puck . Both Right. “I’m not expecting any package,” said Mrs. Hamlet to the driver of the delivery wagon, who was persistent. “This is the number,” insisted the driver, looking at his book again. “Name’s Ham- let, ain’t it?” “Yes.” “No. 74?” “That’s our number.” “Then it’s for you.” “I think not. It must be a case of mis- taken identity.” “No, mum. It’s a case of beer.” What His Bumps Told. “That man is a phrenologist, Pat.” “An’, sure, what’s that, sorr?” “Why a man that can tell by feeling the bumps on your head, what kind of a man you are.” “Bumps on my head, is it?” exclaimed Pat. “Begorra, then I think it would give him more of an idea what kind of a woman my wife is.” The Other Gentleman. An old Irishman who had recently recov- ered from a severe sickness chanced to meet the parish priest who had been summoned during his illness to administer the rites of the church to the dying, as he was con- sidered to be near death’s door, and the following conversation took place: “Ah, Pat, I see you are out again. We thought you were gone sure; you had a very serious time of it.” “Yes, yer reverence, indade I had.” “When you were so near death’s door were you not afraid to meet your God, your Maker?” “No, indade. yer reverence,” replied Pat, “it was the other gintleman.” — The Tattler. Her Experience. Young ladies, with a fondness for infan- tile admirers, should be warned by an epi- sode at a seaside resort last summer. An engaging masculine of seven years be- came on exceedingly good terms with the belle of their particular hotel, a girl about twenty years his senior. One day the charmer asked the swain to go bathing, and after the bath, as they returned to their bathhouses, the small man suggested a race to see who could dress first. They entered the bath houses, which adjoined, and in a short time a youthful treble called, “Miss Ethel, oh Miss Ethel, I’ve got my stock- ings on.” A low contralto answered, “Yes, Robbie, so have I.” After a short pause the irrepressible again called, “Miss Ethel, I’ve got my shoes on.” Again came the answer, “Yes, dear, so have I.” Again a pause — then a triumphant voice shrilly proclaimed, “Miss Ethel, I’ve got my pants on.” The answering silence was oppressive. — Lippincotfs. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1666 The Railroad Telegrapher. Some Yarns. Lillian — Wasn’t it sweet of your husband to send you a kiss by wire? Mabelle — I haven’t decided yet. I am suspicious that telegraph operator was a woman. — Detroit Free Press . Stopped Payment. The Denver National Bank not long ago received the following letter from a lady well known in social circles: “Gentlemen — Please stop payment on the check I wrote out today, as I accidentally burned it up. Yours. “Mrs. BLANK.” — Denver Post. Where They Go. A temperance lecturer speaking in Keene, N. H., reminded his hearers of the story of Dives and Lazarus. The lecturer pointed out how Dives when in Hades did not ask for beer or wine or liquor, but for one drop of water. “Now, my friends,” said the lecturer, “what does that show?” A voice from the rear of the hall instant- ly replied: “It shows us where you temperance peo- ple go.” — Ex. A Long Dry Spell. Captain Charles Marple recently returned to Omaha after a long sojourn in the Phil- ippines. A friend, meeting him on the street, and wishing to be a good fellow, said : “Let’s go and have something, Captain.” “No, thank you,” said Captain Marple. “I don’t care for anything just now.” “On the water wagon ?’ queried the friend. “Oh, not exactly,” replied Captain Marple. “I’m a good deal like a friend of mine in the army of the Philippines. I saw him on a corner in Manila early one morning, and he was looking pretty seedy. Thinking to brace him up I asked him to have a drink. “ ‘No, I’m on the water wagon,’ he said. “I asked him how long he had been on the vehicle, and after thinking for a minute he replied : “ ‘Day after tomorrow will be the third day.’ ” The Difference. “Gracious, Elsie !” exclaimed the little girl’s mother. “Why are you shouting in that horrible fashion? Why can’t you be quiet like Willie?” “He's got to be quiet, the way we’re playin’,” replied Elsie. “He’s papa coming home late and I’m you.” — Philadelphia Press. His Ticket. A ticket collector on a Scotch railway got leave to go and get married, and was given a pass over the line. On the way back he showed to the new collector his marriage certificate by mistake for his pass. He studied it carefully, and then said: “Eh, mon, you’ve got a ticket for a lang, weari- some journey, but no* on the Caledonian.” — International IV. W. His Version. A Brooklyn Sunday School teacher had occasion to catechise a new pupil, whose ignorance of his Testament would have been amusing had it not been so appalling. One Sunday she asked the little fellow how many commandments there were. To her great surprise, the lad answered glibly enough, “Ten, ma’am.” “And now, Sammy,” pleasantly continued the teacher, “what would be the result if you should break one of them?” “Then there’d be nine,” triumphantly an- swered the youngster. Where They Went. A group of workmen were arguing dur- ing the dinner hour. A deadlock had been reached when one of the men on the losing side turned to a mate who had remained silent during the whole of the debate. “ ’Ere, Bill,” he said, “you’re pretty good at argymcn. Wot’s your opinion?” “I ain’t a-going to say,” said Bill. “1 thrashed the matter out afore with Dick Grey.” “Ah,” said the other artfully, hoping to entice him into the fray, “and what did you arrive at ? ’ “Well, e-venchually,” said Bill, “Dick *e arrived at the ’orspital an’ I arrived at the perl ice station.” — London Tid-Bits. Digitized by v^ooQle

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“NEGLECTING ALL GOOD IN FUNDA- MENTALS.” THE New York papers, for Septem- ber 14th, gave us a sketch of the life of one of those men to whom we give the power to accumulate immense quantities of wealth. For about fifty years he had the opportunity of doing that, com- mencing with partnership in an important concern in New York, with which his father had already been connected for many years. At his death, in the middle of September, the son in question was an important official of fifteen large corporations, besides part- ner in the commercial house we have men- tioned. He had the philanthropic spirit, and part of his annual earnings were, for years, poured in charitable channels, and in the public improvements of at least two wealthy towns in New Jersey, where he became something of a permanent visitor. His public improvements in one of those towns reached the sum of $250,000. In the course of a few years the real estate of that town increased in value. That is invariably the case with all increased improvements, private or public, under our crooked eco- nomic conditions. The potentate we are dealing with was the owner of a large man- sion, lands, etc., in the mentioned town. His taxes were then increased. That brought a great sorrow to the old gentle- man, who, with many of his friends, consid- ered it a great ingratitude on the part of the town he had so much improved. When some of our friends mentioned that to us, we could not make them understand that the increased taxes on our poor multi- millionaire represented simply an act im- plying a certain degree of public justice. The whole story embodied in the two preceding paragraphs is intended to con- vey, not only the great ignorance of many of our good, intelligent people, but the idiocy of our own industrial conditions. Also the miserable way with which we con- fuse the two elements of private and public rights, and so of private and public duties, or refuse to know all about the latter. The philanthropist we are talking about was an estimable man, no better can be found anywhere, as a private individual, as a private Christian, so to speak. But, is Christianity a mere private, narrow, selfish undertaking which has nothing to do with public citizenship duties? Charities and prayers, prayers and charities, public or pri- vate, mere wealth lavished right and left, is that all we owe to God and to each other? Should we go on placidly through all life terrestrial, willing to let all forms of legal- ized iniquity prosper and expand, and de- moralize all classes of men because of the rotten social environments we create; forc- ing everybody, saint or sinner, to develop in defiance of all principles of plain honesty in all our industrial activities? Not even the worst heathen nations could have any worse mental attitude or religious philoso- phy than we seem yet to have, in all that relates to all the essentials of our combined life. Just as the religious philanthropist we have mentioned was one in a group of 100 or more men controlling fifteen large cor- porations, and so about $200,000,000 in cer- tain forms of wealth production, transpor- tation and exchange, so 20,000 similar good, religious men control 2,000 or more corpo- rations with forty billions of wealth in pro- duction, transportation and exchange. Those 2,000 or more corporations are but as many boils or brutal manifestations of the idiotic, distorted, brutal industrial conditions we manage to have, with which to satisfy our insane desire to get on top of each other in wealth accumulation or higher earnings ; all in utter disregard of a certain golden rule Digitized by CjOOQle

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1666 The Railroad Telegrapher. principle given to us for us to actualize, and not for us to perpetually trample upon. Every corporation rests on a law of priv- ilege, legalizing a certain slice of industrial robbery in favor of this or that petty group of men and curtailing the natural earnings of the grand totality of useful workers in each nation. Each corporation comes from the beggary of the powerful, addressed to our corrupt legislative bodies, the beggary of this or that manipulation by which to in- terfere with the equal natural rights of men. Each corporation is an additional wheel to increase the industrial despotism, commenced in rudimentary forms, by the old nations in Asia and Africa, unfolded, in finished and most cruel forms, by the pres- ent generation, during the last three or four decades of our precious and barbarous progress. Charities and philanthropy in lieu of jus- tice and fair play! The mean, selfish love which is made to condone, excuse, justify iniquity by wholesale, in place of the un- selfish love which we owe to God and hu- manity for good and joy universal ! A stone in lieu of a loaf of bread ! That is what all progress was centuries ago. That is what progress is yet today. It often looks as if that is what progress was going to be up to end of time. All because of that per- verse optimism of the good and the wise of our days, and ever before, assuming that progress is but a question of change in the aspects of our materialistic development, some variations in our religious sentimen- talities, a few additional so-called comforts among certain groups of men, and so on to the end of human follies and conceits, the conceits and follies of an education which hides from all of us the fundamental crimes we insist upon having in our social groups, and so the fundamental duty by which we could rapidly suppress all social wrongs, fundamental or incidental, all per- sonal, private imperfections, poisoning our lives and badly curtailing or suppressing all our high joys. Ever since man appeared on the face of the earth have we neglected the fundamental principle of all human growth. “If any man come after me, let him deny himself.” Do you . suppose that refers to the mere petty incidents of our own personal, pri- vate life? That is the conception yet car- ried by the distorted Christianity we insist upon having. We have to deny ourselves of the materialistic longings after the cru- elties of a sinful progress. We have to fol- low Christ in His altruistic perceptions of duty towards all men, in His brotherhood ideals and combined of human growth. We still deny Christ; we, grouped in nations and churches, or away from churches and nations. We still discard the altruistic Christianity of Jesus. We still follow our mean egotistic perceptions of social and in- dustrial life. In forms direct or indirect, conscious or not, we still neglect all good in fundamentals, assuming that some good in incidentals is all we need for what we call salvation in the beyond. Some of us, important people, those advanced in years, anyhow, may need something else for salva- tion anywhere, whatsoever salvation may mean. Jose Gros. GET IN ACTION. I see the $75.00 minimum and the eight- hour day is being discussed in the columns of The Telegrapher as warm as ever. Now, I say let’s cut out this chewing business and get down to “business,” and make some move towards getting this eight- hour day and $75.00 minimum we talk about. I see in the September Telegrapher Bro. Quick has taken the bond question up in the editorial columns, and suggests that those who are interested in that subject discuss it in the columns of The Telegrapher for the next three issues, and then, if the plan he has suggested therein meets with the ap- proval of a sufficient number to warrant the action, a blank will be provided in the Jan- uary issue so that some decisive action can be taken. Now, I propose we all get busy and write Bro. Quick urging him to put the same proposition up to us on the $75.00 minimum and eight-hour day question, thus putting an end to this hot air which appears in every issue of The Telegrapher. And by getting at this immediately, we will be de- cided by March 4, 1908, when the national nine-hour law goes into effect. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1669 Let us not wait for Uncle Sam or any other man, to do anything for us, but go after it ourselves, and then we know we have it, for, can we not see in several States the boys are being beaten out of their just rights, and they are working just the same as they did before their eight-hour law took effect? It looks to me like the same thing will be attempted when our national nine-hour law goes into effect, so let's be ready, for the day is coming. Cert. 1478, Div. 126. MORE ABOUT THE BOND QUESTION. I note Bro. Quick's editorial in the Sep- tember number of The Telegrapher with regard to the bond question, and I heartily endorse his plan to take a vote on it and decide if something can not be done to- wards organizing a company among the members of the O. R. T. Until a man has had the misfortune to run up against these bond companies, he does not know what it means to be refused a bond and have to seek other employment, or accept a position at a greatly reduced salary, just because some one has told the bond company that he was not what he should be. This is a question which vitally concerns each and every one of us, as there is no telling when you may be the one that will be refused bond. Any one who has had any dealings with a certain bond company, whose office is located in Montreal, Canada, and can not be reached in a U. S. court on account of being a Canadian organization, know how hopeless a task it is getting any satisfaction out of them in case they see fit to turn you down. A more heartless, cold- blooded concern never existed. The Standard Oil crowd are no comparison. By all means take a vote on the bond question, and let every loyal member of the Order be ready to take one or more shares of stock in the company, in case it is decided to organize one. It will make us indepen- dent of these “soulless corporations’* and at the same time it will be a good investment financially. A great many would take ten or twenty shares ; certainly among the thirty or forty thousand members of the Order there would be no difficulty in disposing of this amount of stock. I would be in favor of limiting the bond- ing to railway employes only, for the first year or two, at least. At the end of this period, if thought advisable to bond others, it could easily be arranged. I do not think it would be advisable to limit it strictly to bonding members of the Order, as that would necessitate some agents and clerks who are not operators giving bond in some other company. Of course, the railroad companies prefer to deal with one bond company as far as possible. This would give them a chance to bond them all in our company if they so desired. Yours fraternally, Cert. No. 1,818. APPROVE8 ARTICLE ON BOND QUESTION. I am sure that the plan outlined in the September Telegrapher by Bro. Quick will meet with general approval of the members, and I would suggest one clause in the by- laws of the corporation and printed on the face of stock certificates, and that is that the O. R. T. Bond Company stock is non- transferrable, except to members of the O. R. T. This would prevent the company being absorbed by outside capital, and would always leave the stock in the hands of those most vitally interested, and as for bonding outsiders, it would be all right and permis- sible, if the party applying for bond is a member of some good labor union — other- wise my policy would be “no card no favors;’’ and to bond employes of all rail- road and telegraph companies, whether members of the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers or not. The black-list is worked by the big telegraph companies through the bond companies, just the same as it is by the railroads, and if a man is a “union’* man and is O. K., by all means give him bond. Let us have that blank in the January issue, Bro. Quick. It will go with a whoop that will be very quickly heard by the bond companies that make a practice of knifing honest men in the back. Yours for justice and a 30-cents an hour minimum. Cert. 1573. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1670 The Railroad Telegrapher. THE BOND QUESTION. At last we have before us a solution of the bond question. Bro. Quick’s editorial in the September Telegrapher touches the point exactly, and I trust will meet with the approval and have the support of each and every member of our great and glo- rious organization. The plan: Capital, $250,000; shares 25,000 of $10.00 each, issued only to O. R. T. members. The company to bond only members of the O. R. T. By this plan we would run less risk and would always be in closer touch with, and have a better knowledge of the char- acter and habits of applicants for bonds than if we took in outsiders. I would also suggest that the number of shares of stock be limited to a given number for each sub- scriber; say, ten, twenty, or thirty shares, but not over fifty shares, and thereby not allow a few to gain control. I would also suggest that the bond company be made a part of and operate from our St. Louis headquarters, if not by any of the Grand Officers, that they have some jurisdiction over said bond company, so that the two organizations would be in close proximity, that they may be operated with the least possible expense. Now, let’s hear from all the members on this question, and show Bro. Quick that we want a bond company, and I am sure that we will get all the assistance needed. V. E. Pinckley, Cert. 4, Div. 79. COINCIDES WITH EDITORIAL ON BOND QUESTION. The plan proposed by Bro. Quick in the editorial of the September number of The Telegrapher, on the bond question, is one I think that is very good. The bond ques- tion is getting to be a serious one for oper- ators all over the country. There should be no trouble in getting members to sub- scribe for the proposed stock, and, if each division would insert a clause in their sched- ule providing that operators and agents be allowed to give bond in a reliable company, I think almost every member would prefer the “O. R. T. Bond Company.*” I would favor only bonding members of the Order, as I believe them to be more re- liable, and this would cut the losses down to the minimum. Should a man jump his bond, he could be advertised, and very few would get away. The bond question is one that is keeping a great many men out of good positions. I am one of the many, although I never checked up short or had to make good any shortages, yet I am out and can not find out the rea- son. This is the case with many others. They could give bond in such a company as is proposed. This would also break the monopoly the bond companies nave. I have talked to several members in the past in regard to this question, and those to whom I have spoken were in favor of it, and I .think if a blank is issued, it will meet with popular favor. Cert. 1,177, Div. 130. 18 8OLUTION OF BOND QUESTION. Bro. Quick’s editorial in the September number of The Telegrapher, under the caption of “The Bond Question,” is one of the best and probably the most tangible of any that has appeared in our journal on this subject. We are all acquainted with the high- handed and unjust methods of the various bond or surety companies. And this ques- tion of bond is of vital importance to a large percentage of our membership. The plan outlined in this article is entirely feasible, and I think should receive imme- diate support from every member who is in- terested in this most important issue. All of us should be. For who among us is not working for promotion and better positions, with better conditions? If we attain this end, we will very likely come in contact with one of these bond companies. The most worthless loafer has sufficient influence with a bond company to have one’s bond canceled. There is scarcely any doubt but that the railroads would be willing to accept bond from any properly and legally organized institution. Under the plans suggested by Bro. Quick, it would be a strictly O. R. T. institution. Not only would our members then be se- curely protected, but it would be a safe and paying investment besides. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1671 Nearly every member could at least pur- chase one share, at $10.00 per share. The writer of this article is ready and willing to purchase ten shares of this stock as soon as the movement has assumed definite shape. Let’s one and all get interested in this movement and give it financial as well as moral support. A. L. Norris, Cert. 555, Div. 93- THE TIME 18 RIPE. Just a few words on the $75.00 minimum. I realize that it is useless for me to attempt to cover the ground on this subject that has not already been fully covered by the write-up that have appeared in The Teleg- rapher, but wish to have the brothers know just the stand I am ready to make for our rights when it comes to a showdown. I am here to stand back of the committee in mak- ing a demand for that which rightfully be- longs to us before the management. I am sure that the brothers of this divi- sion will corroborate my statement when I say that we are just barely able to eke out an existence on our present salary. Boys, let’s go to work now and secure for our- selves what we should have had years ago. What we want and what we can have by March 4th, next, is a minimum of $75°o per month, and an eight-hour day. Why put this off longer? The time is now ripe to make our demands, and make them strong. Get what belongs to us, or quit work until we do get it. It was but a few years ago when $50.00 would go as far in the purchase of the nec- essaries of life as $75.00 will at the present time. Nearly every commodity we are obliged to use in our every-day life is ad- vancing in price, and at a rapid rate. We must place ourselves in a position to meet these prices. Let us draw a few comparisons. It has come under my observation, where a man has been taken from the farm and placed in the service of a railway company as a brakeman, and drew as high as $65.00 for his first month’s pay. Not so with the teleg- rapher. We can safely figure that the ma- jority of operators were out $1,000 before earning a dollar. He must first lose a year, or, perhaps, more of his time to master the art of telegraphy, besides his expenses dur- ing this time. He can then secure employ- ment at from $40.00 to $50.00 per month, which will be the limit for the next twenty years, judging the future from the past. I am at present filling a joint agency, doing the work for two companies, both local and joint work, and am getting a salary of $10.00 less than the section foreman at this place. Compare his requirements with that of a telegrapher, who at a one-man station must be telegraph operator, baggage agent, freight hustler, mail carrier, freight clerk, janitor and a bureau of information. Broth- ers, let us awake from our sleep, and say we must and will have $75.00 per month, or stop work until we do get it. It is useless to simply ask, but demand what is ours, and we will get it. It is our own fault if we do not get $75.00 per month within the next six months. The question is, will we have it, or will we continue to work under the present conditions? Here’s hoping this may find its way into The Telegrapher, and be taken for what it is worth. Cert. 317, Div. 16. RAILROADS AND UNDERPAID EM- PLOYES. There is, perhaps, no line of business re- quiring a greater variety of employes than is found in connection with the operation of a great railroad system. Presidents, superintendents, general man- agers, chief engineers, master mechanics, inspectors of various departments, conduc- tors, engineers, brakemen, switchmen, flag- men, baggagemen, yardmasters, station agents, towermen, block signal maintainers, train despatchers, telegraphers, etc., and among all the entire list there is not one from whom so much is expected and to whom so little cash is paid for services ren- dered as the railroad telegrapher. On duty twelve hours each day, seven days in the week and not permitted to leave his chair for a minute without permission from some one at headquarters. He sits in front of his instruments day after day every day in the year, with hardly time to eat as he should, engaged in a nerve-straining occupation that wears out both body and Digitized by L^OOQle

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1672 The Railroad Telegrapher. mind in a very few years. On his shoulders rests the grave and awful responsibility of handling train orders, a single wrong word or figure in which might mean a loss of life so appalling as to shock the world. Every day that a railroad telegrapher works at his key he takes upon himself the chance of error that will place him behind prison bars for a long term of years, and the possibility of these errors is made greater on account of the extreme long hours he is required to work, and all this for less pay than is given to any other department in connection with railroad operation. Even the lamp-lighters in connection with block-signal departments get more for their services and do not put in half the number of hours on duty. Cost of living has increased about fifty per cent during the past few years, during which time the pay to the railroad telegrapher has increased about fifteen per cent, while the work becomes constantly harder owing to the increase of business on all railroads. So that while the duties of the telegraphers are becoming harder all the time, cost of living on the increase and wages at a stand- still, the revenues to the companies are at least thirty per cent higher than they were two years ago, and this increase done with the same equipment, at the same cost of labor. Without taking extreme cases into con- sideration, it may be said that the sense of hearing in a telegraph operator is two and a half times greater than an ordinary per- son. Again, in telegraphy, the continuity of the nervous stimulation, the monotony of sounds and the fixity of attention are fur- ther causes of exhaustion. It is found also that during forced work the operators' breathing is affected, his heart’s action pre- cipitated, and his brain becomes congested when subjected to such long hours of duty. As a result of all this, it is noticed that a general decline of the organism follows, ending in tuberculosis. According to a well-known authority, the death rate among men for tuberculosis is 13.8; that of tele- graph operators is 46.6 ; exceeding the mor- tality by 13.5, of men engaged in manual labor. I have seen bright, healthy young men enter the ranks of railroad operators, and in five years’ time they were either dead from lung or nervous troubles, or physical wrecks, unfit for any kind of occupations. Long hours; no holidays; insufficient rest and small pay, are a few of the causes, and also the cause of a majority of railroad wrecks. And this condition of affairs will exist so long as railroad companies are per- mitted to treat this class of employe in this unfair manner. While a great number of railroad wrecks are caused by the over-worked, under-paid telegrapher, there are always, of course, wrecks occurring from causes over which the telegrapher has no control, and arc classed among the “unavoidables.” On railroads where trains are supposed to follow at a certain safe distance apart, it is not an uncommon thing to see them dashing along at fifty or sixty miles per hour, within three minutes of each other, without any form of block system for protection, and still the public wonder why so many wrecks occur. Railroad officials are well aware that these things are being done, but, in their de- sire for speed records and advertising pres- tige, they are willing to tamper with the lives of human beings for the accomplishing of results that will bring about an increase of revenue. The man who does the most hard work, gets the smallest pay, and commands no re- spect, comparatively, from the lowest offi- cial. This seems to be one of the standard rules of railroading, and, no doubt, always will be, while the high-paid man usually has little actual work to do, and commands the respect of all, from the general mana- ger down. Cert. 550, Div. 93- ANOTHER PLAN. As all railroad officials are only too anx- ious to get next to our every movement, I would like to say to the brothers through the columns of the journal that I am satis- fied that too much publicity is being given our ideas which our officials, of course, read so that they may be better prepared to thwart our plans. While such articles ire intended, and do, cause more or less en- thusiasm, at the same time it lays open out Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1673 ideas, which our officials, of course, will oppose in every possible way. Boys, read the official journal of other labor organizations, and you will notice that all their plans are not exposed, but, instead, are discussed in their lodge rooms. Tis true, we can not attend meetings quite so often, and in such large numbers as some other classes, but almost as many of us can, if we would exert ourselves a little. But whether we attend meetings or not, if we should be possessed of an idea that we think should be acted upon, why not give it to Bro. Quick and let him act on it? I’ll venture to say, if we put forth a good suggestion, he will air it to the advantage of all. If you think a certain date the proper time for action and a certain mini- mum due us, then all hands flood Bro. Quick with letters to that effect and see what he says. It seems to me that a better subject to write on for officials and the public to read would be the “Nons and Scabs/* Work your pens overtime to show these poor individuals the folly of their ways. If we could only get them to reading and get their eyes open once, we would be making much progress. Now, boys, it is well enough to publish the conditions under which we are strug- gling, compensation received, etc., but never divulge our plans and means of bet- tering those conditions. If you were going into battle with an enemy, and were to cause your movements and plans to be known by the enemy, you would be promptly court- martialed and shot as a traitor. We are wage slaves, half-paid, half-starved, on one side fighting for freedom and what should be ours; the railroads are on the other side, profiting enormously from our labors, and trying to hold us under their heels and deprive us of our just dues, and why should we give to them, in black and white, every suggestion that comes to our mind as to how and when we should start the fight for what should be ours, and better condi- tions. I do not mean to say you are trai- tors who write such articles, neither do I believe a good brother would turn traitor for any consideration, but believe this has not been given the thought that should have been given it I can not help believe that one reason we are the poorest paid employes of a railroad is that too many operators are promoted to high positions in the railroad world. After working in our ranks for years, they get to know our class of employes better than any other, through association, and naturally know about what we will stand for, and upon being promoted their first thought is to “make a name/’ and to do this they turn traitor, and we are soft enough to stand for it. Wake up ! My opinion is conditions would be much better for those who remain at the key if operators were never pro- moted. This, of course, we can not govern, but, brothers, devote more time and space to nons and scabs. Show them how con- temptible they seem to all thinking people who have the manhood to stand up for their rights. Go after them, boys. Do not get too im- patient, nor get angry and drop your mem- bership because you think our progress too slow, but work. D. Mohler, Member Grand Division. THIRTY CENTS PER HOUR. I have just been reading what Cert. 409, Division 33, had to say in the September Telegrapher, and I think he hit the mark exactly. Have you read it? If not, dig up your journal and read it. It is well worth your trouble. The time is nearing when a move of some kind will have to be made, and I think a schedule of thirty cents per hour minimum, and with time and a half for overtime over eight hours would be suffi- cient for a starter. In my opinion, unless something is done to secure hourly pay, we will be working the same number of hours this time next year that we are at the pres- ent time. Many of us were sadly disappointed at the way the eight-hour law has operated in Missouri up to this time. Are we going to sit idly by and let them kill the national law in the same manner? Have not the railroads with their money and influence, secured the passage of many laws which they wished passed ? Can’t they fight to have this law repealed in the same manner that they fight to secure the passage Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1674 The Railroad Telegrapher. of a law ? Now, brothers, as Cert. 409 said, let every one of us write Bro. Quick, telling him exactly how we stand regarding better working conditions, and more pay for the telegrapher. Tell him just what you want. Could you expect him to secure “something” for you unless he knew what that “some- thing” was to be? No! If every one will do his part we will surely succeed, and unless you do, you can’t expect much. Cert. 379, Div. 32. “HOURLY PAY.” Too much talk about the $75.00 minimum and eight hours, and not enough done. Brothers, for the sake of your poor wife or mother (who lives by herself that you may earn the large (?) sum of $5500 per month), wake up. Quit your wind-jam- ming and write Bro. Perham what you want. Do you suppose you could sit down and read our journal through and decide what we want? No, you could not, and you would be in danger of contracting brain fever if you were to try it. Bro. Perham, or any one else, can never decide what the majority of us wants until he has a vote on the question. Then, why not write him? All write. Make out a little form of what you would like, and send it in now. Here is what I want, and am willing to walk out and stay out forever, when Bro. Perham says the word, if we don’t get it: On Sun- day 60 cents an hour, one hour at noon for day telegraphers, regardless of trains. If all other corporations can give their men Sundays off, the railroads can give us one hour to take one meal with our families, anyway. One hour between 11:30 p. m. and 1 o’clock a. m. for night telegraphers, or 60 cents for the hour, and 25 cents extra. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 35 cents an hour; one hour between 11:30 a. m. and 1 o’clock p. m. ; one hour between 1 1 130 p. m. and 1 o’clock a. m., to eat, or 35 cents for the hour and 25 cents extra. All skilled labor works by the hour, and none are working for less than 33 cents an hour, and if we are not worth 35 cents an hour, we are not worth anything to ourselves and families. Working by the hour we would save the railroad companies a great deal of trouble trying to convince the government they can not get telegraphers enough to only work them nine hours each. Next is the $75,000 minimum question. Don’t you know that one-half of the teleg- raphers are receiving $75.06 per month now? Do you think they would like to walk out for something they have already got? And, again: While $75.00 in some places would be good money, in other places it would only be a living. If you are going to take it by the day or month, better make it a per cent raise, and give all a little taste. Chop off so much of this talk, brothers, and the next time you have anything to say. let it be about “what” you wrote Bro. Per- ham, then when our dear old journal begins to get full of “What we wrote Bro. Per- ham,” every one will be writing Bro. Per- ham, and Bro. Perham will soon see that we mean business, and by counting and as- sorting our votes, he can tell what the ma- jority of us wants, and begin to act. Broth- ers, we must act now. Write now, every one; give Bro. Perham your vote on “Hourly pay,” in any shape you would like it, so it is a help to our cause ; also how long you would work on a farm for your board, if it be necessary to walk out in trying to gain this cause. When Bro. Perham sees we are ready and willing to stand by him, then he will be ready to act on any proposition that would benefit ourselves and families. “Vanished.” CAN A MAN BE A RAILROAD TELEG- RAPHER AND NOT BE A MEM- BER OF THE O. R. T.? I don’t see how he can. It seems to me that if I had never become a member of this grand and noble Order, after becoming aware of the good it has done for the telegraphers all over the coun- try I would not accept the many increases that have been secured by it. If we will only reflect back a few years we can see many wonderful improvements that have been made, all of which have come through the untiring efforts and earnest determina- tion of the noble hearted men that are rep- resenting us in the Order. Our working conditions have all been improved, and we are glad of the fact that we may take our Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1675 little grievances to our committees and have them adjusted, as we have done many times. How can any man accept the benefits of a schedule and the raise in salary that is secured by our committee, and then not be- come a member of our grand Order? It is very encouraging to see so much in- terest manifested through the columns of our journal, and see so much enthusiasm over the new laws that are being made ef- fective. Let us try each day to improve in our work, and prove to our superiors that we are worthy of more than just a mere pittance of a living, and that we are going to have something better, not only in our salaries, but that we will have better work- ing conditions, and have a few hours to call our own, and not be a slave for the railroad corporations all the time. I wonder why our brothers do not discuss the question of Sunday work more than they do? Surely it is not for the reason that we have more important subjects to discuss, for we are certainly entitled to at least a few hours’ rest on each Sabbath to attend church or spend at our homes. Surely every other station could be closed on Sunday, and thereby give each man a few hours to spend with his family, as well as to rest, and it would not work any hardship on the dis- patchers nor be in any way detrimental to the train service, and I believe if our com- mittees would take the matter up in the right way that they could secure it. I would suggest that we take this matter un- der consideration along with other matters, and not consider it lightly, either. Vernon, Cert. 90. TO ACT 13 A DUTY. Ever since the telegraph was invented by Professor Morse, its need has been omni- present. Never has the telegraph proved a detriment to anyone, anywhere. Civiliza- tion has advanced materially, at least, al- though I can not say morally. Possibly so, possibly not. Suffice it, however, to commit it to the stars for decision. The strife waged between capital and la- bor has increased in equal velocity, closely following the heels of increased material civilization. Laborers in nearly all vocations of life have enjoyed a far better remuneration for their work than the telegrapher. Why is it? Is it because he performs duties that an ordinary Italian laborer could perform with the same results? Or is it because he has not been appreciated? Or, still deeper, is it because he does not realize his value? The man who, after toiling successfully (as far as his ability is concerned), for a num- ber of years, suddenly becomes aware of the great fact that he is worth more to his em- ployer, is not an arrogant man. Far from it ! He has discovered something which only himself cares to discover. His em- ployer, nowadays, does not care to discover it. Why should he? It would be his loss and some one else's gain ! From about $35.00 or $40.00 per month his wage scale has been augmented $15.00 or $20.00 per month; so that now all the operator has to do is place his feet upon the stove (if he is lucky enough to possess one), wait for his pay-check, pay his. bills, and then borrow enough collateral to keep him until next pay-day. So it has gone on from hand to mouth, day after day, ever since telegraphing became a profession under the supervision and rap of the grasping trust. Luckily, however, the telegrapher has re- tained possession of his mental faculties to a certain degree, and has, through the aid of the O. R. T., brought the wages of the telegrapher to a point where it affords an unmarried young man the opportunity to save a trifle each month ; but what does the present telegrapher’s salary hold out to the married man ; the man with the family, and possibly an aged mother or father depend- ent upon them? It affords a possible living, but far from a certainty . What man is there who can pass a peaceful and restful hour with the knowledge of the uncertainty of the where- with to buy his next meal? Would we not all enjoy to carry a bank account, something to show for our labor, and something to convince ourselves that we have not labored in vain? Or would we rather be free frpm any pecuniary care, and only receive a suffi- cient amount to cause life to be one con- tinual enigma as to where we will eat, or who of our more fortunate, unskilled labors Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1676 The Railroad Telegrapher. ing friends will trust us for the price of a meal ticket or a week’s lodging? Boys, ask yourselves these questions. An- swer them in your own minds. Ponder over them, and see if conditions are not practically as I have portrayed them in the foregoing. Is it not true that telegraphing has been attended with such penuriousness on the part of the officials toward the operator that the “profession” has become to those who have spent some time at the drudgery a vir- tual side-line, and only put to use by them when “in a pinch,” or when they are strangers . in certain parts of the country, and wish to work long enough to obtain a few dollars, through the aid of which they may be en- abled to reach a point where they may enter into a more remunerative and lucra- tive profession? Would such conditions exist if there were no causes? Insufficient compensation is the cause, coupled with the death-hastening twelve-hour day. The pages of The Telegrapher have been full of monotonous suggestions, all sincere enough, no doubt, but not sufficiently effec- tive to stir up the proper feeling among the boys. Action has been repeatedly sug- gested, but no one offers to broach a time. When, then, is the time? It is now ; this very minute / Not tomorrow, nor next week, but now ! Have you not become disheartened and disgusted long ere this with respect to the degradingly low salary you receive? Why, boys, don’t you realize that a man’s time alone, excepting any labor whatever, is worth more than $55.00 or $60.00 per month? What, then, should his time be val- ued at when he is responsible for hundreds of precious lives daily; when he is cooped up, literally speaking, in a telegraph office, some scarcely large enough to turn around in, twelve long hours to the day, and wast- ing his precious life away in such a man- ner? Is it any wonder the C. T. U. A. tock the action they did? Whether they lose or not, does that release the responsibility you owe to your dear ones; those depend- ent upon you? Would you not be willing to do some- thing decisive for their sakes? When you sec you are unable to provide properly for them, when you see you are being out- matched on every hand by men of unskilled professions and trades, when you see the life-blood of opportunity slowly ebbing away, only to live through a decisive action on your part, and to die through your neg- lect and thoughtlessness, then is it not the proper time to redeem yourselves? You who are married and love your re- spective families, you who harbor the idea that you are exerting yourselves to the utmost in providing for your dear ones, and who think you have done your duty, and consequently resign yourselves to present circumstances ; it is you who arc guilty, and you who I charge with gross negligence and cruelty. Gross negligence, because you are letting the grandest opportunity of your lives slowly slip through your fingers, until soon it will be no more. Not merely dj I charge you with negligence to yourselves, but with negligence to your families and to the dear ones from whom you are taking the little pleasures and petty luxuries by your failure to thus far grasp the golden means between a life of uncertainty and worry and a life of happiness and ease. 'Tis evident the railroad companies are decidedly short of operators, inasmuch as they have and are yet establishing schools for the teaching of telegraphy. If operators were not in absolute demand it would be no object for them to entail the extra expense of these numerous schools for teaching the student telegraphy. In short, there would be no object in them founding them at all. Is it, therefore, not obvious that these schools will be the death of the “old-timers” and present-day operators if you do not take advantage of this golden opportunity and demand your just dues before the tele- graph schools established by the railroad companies become paramount, which is so much desired by the railroad officials. You are members of an organization banded together for the purpose of discour- aging the student, and thus promote the “general welfare of yourselves and your posterity.” You have all, undoubtedly, ad- vocated the cause, and it is right that you should. You have, and are paying each, approximately, $9 per year for the susten- ance of the Order and the augmenting of Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1677 your salary, and the furtherance of your general welfare, with respect to working conditions, etc. Is it not high time your hopes and aspirations were being realized? Is it not time your air-castles were turned into realities? Is it not time you were re- ceiving some substantial and lasting benefit from the money you have expended in the past, all toward one goal : the realization of your air-castles? Your petty advances in pay recently have been but mere stepping stones to some guerdon more reasonable and substantial ; they have been mere cor- puscles in the living whole. Something substantial , lasting, satisfying and reason - able is what you should aim at now that the golden opportunity is awaiting you. We must all grasp this great and grand opportunity which is so peculiarly para- mount at this stage of the game. It is your only safe chance. There may be others sometime, but such will be uncertain. If we allow the deadly railroad telegraph schools to accomplish their purpose, which is only too evident, and likewise imminent, there will be little hope for the present-day telegrapher. The railroad telegrapher is and must be a responsible person, and a virtual “min- uteman.” He must be a first-class opera- tor, capable of proceeding with his business with a certainty acquired only through ex- perience. It is plainly to be seen that “fresh hams” could accomplish nothing inhibitory, or in any way dangerous, with respect to aiding the railroad companies in event of a walk-out. We can all see the truth of that statement demonstrated every day by the few “hams” that may be situated on your different lines. Students five or six months of age on the road show peculiarly their lack of ability and want of required feeling of responsibility which every com- petent operator should possess. That is Point Number One in our favor. Secondly, the present commercial men, on account of their strike, and inasmuch as the operators holding railroad positions are everywhere giving them their aid, we easily arrive at the conclusion that they would not go to the aid of the railroad com- panies in event of a strike. Even should good “key-men” give succor to the compa- nies their inefficiency on account of stepping into new positions, important tower jobs, terminal offices, and the like, would place the railroad in a very desperate position. Thirdly, your organization is so complete that should there be any “scabs” to remain in their positions the harm they would do to “the cause” would be, from a practical standpoint, ineffectual. Railroad companies demand quick work and good service, and there are two things which they will not get if we should be obliged to walk out as a means of attaining our purpose. I am a telegrapher, holding a good posi- tion as operator, but though the wages are higher than the major portion of the men are receiving who work for this particular company, still the salary is decidedly below what it really should be. And, as I said, although I am receiving above the average operator’s salary on this road, still I do not intend, nor will I, make telegraphing my life occupation, as I see far greater opportuni- ties awaiting me in other fields of work. I am only using telegraphing as a means by which I may lay up a little money in order to accomplish my aims. As I am unmar- ried, this is a possibility; but, I repeat, if I were married I could not support a wife properly on the salary I receive. Remem- ber, a general walk-out would affect me just the same as yourselves, as it is my means of subsistence now, and will be for a few years to come. Do not think I would advise a rash movement, as my loss would be greater than the loss sustained by the rest of you, although as far as loss is con- cerned I do not fear it, nor should you. Remember, “I know whereof I speak.” I am also the son of an old telegraph operator, who is broken down in health, caused by long hours and close confinement. To say that his pay is insufficient is to say the very least. Instead of being able to go home of an evening and spend a pleasant time with his family, he wanders home semi-conscious, tired, worried and thor- oughly disheartened, all on account of the penuriousness of the unfeeling railroad offi- cials. Similar characters may be found on every hand. Operators who have given the sum- mer and fading years of their lives in the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1678 The Railroad Telegrapher. service of the railroad look back over the long line of years which they have spent in close confinement, earning hundreds of dollars per day for their employers, can but shake their weary heads, and say, “So it is;” and then, looking around them, they see the more cheery and happier faces of their more fortunate acquaintances, who were lucky enough to “steer clear” of telegraphing, and say: “Thus it might have been.” But sentimentalities will not call you to action. However, they all add striking tints to the one horrid picture, as unreal as it is horrid. Unreal, I say, because it is not in accordance with the dictates of God and nature. They never meant it to be so. It is a human product, in direct rebellion to the intentions of the Almighty. A miracle, as in days of old, will not change it. Mira- cles are past. Action, resoluteness, upright- ness and firm convictions are the workers of modern miracles. Boys, I call you to action ! Do your duty by your wives and children. If you are not married, you will be some day. Grasp this shining and brilliant opportunity to put you on a level with men of education and skill, where you belong. As it now stands, unhappy thought, you are little better paid than the Italian laborer. Stand up for your rights ! Stick! Earnest as you may proceed with this, and regardless of your enthusiasm, deal with the railroads fairly, fthich is eminently more than they have done for us. Show them we have manly qualities if they have not. Present your claims in writing to Mr. L. W. Quick, St. Louis, Missouri, stating what you consider a fair increase : 20, 25, 30, 35 P^r cent, or whatever you think a just and reasonable demand. Also the hour question, and regulation of clerical work to be done (if any), by telegraphers. The lat- ter should be made a red-letter factor of your demand for labor regulation. After all the demands are in, Mr. Quick can judge the per cent increase, etc., which he would consider satisfactory to all con- cerned, advise the local chairmen accord- ingly, appoint a board of demand, and they could, in turn, call upon a joint meeting of the railroad officials, making known their demands, and, if refused, after reasonable time for deliberation, then show the compa- nies how thoroughly aroused you are, and how solidly you mean to stand by the cau-e. Boys, if you wish to remove the stain of gross negligence from your lives, do it now! Show your mettle, display your quality: Don’t wait until the life-blood of Dame Op- portunity seeps away. Take her unto your- self while she is yet in the blossom of her girlhood. Such a move would not be a rash move, boys — far from it. Too long a time has been taken already for delibera- 1 tion. Such a step would be the result of years of deliberation. It would not be stu- pidity or folly, but the height of reason and justice. Not an insane, chimerical idea, but the awakening of dormant equity. Nature demands it! Your posterity demands it! Duty demands it! This demand must bt made before March 4, 1908. “Time and tide wait for no man.” Act! W. P. R. SIMULTANEOUS ACTION. I have been a close observer of what has j been said through the columns of The Telegrapher for the past year with regard to better working conditions and better pay. So closely have I watched its progress that I have become disgusted with hearing it and seeing nothing done. I feel at times I can almost see the smiles of mirth playing over the wine-soaked oheeks of the railroad magnates as they pick up a copy of The Telegrapher and read the different plans which are promul- gated by the different brothers, being fully aware there is no plan, no matter how good, which will ever reach into their coffers un- less there is some action taken to put it into effect. It only excites mirth with the railroad magnates when they see us lying still, turn- ing over a few old dry chips while they are preparing a new force to take our places at a future time when we do wake up and get busy. In the name of God, if we have not talked enough about high minimums and short hours, when may we ever expect to get through? Is it not time for some kind of Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1679 action? Or, shall wc go on ranting about it until we lose the golden opportunity? Never, in the history of the Order, was the time as ripe for action as now. We should, by all means, prepare to celebrate the first anniversary of the federal law with a move that would wake up nations ; one that would forever settle any difficulties between the telegraphers and capital. At that time we should not only demand that the railroad officials of this country be law-abiding citi- zens, but that they give to us for our serv- ices what the law of supply and demand calls for. It seems to me I hear some brother say we must be careful, and not ask them to give us all that is coming to us at one time, for they might get mad and not give us anything. To that brother I wish to say this : That this Order is today 40,000 strong, and we don’t have to fear making some rail- road company mad. We are men, not cow- ards. We are now able to stand up and demand justice, and I am in favor of do- ing it. What right have we to sell our labor for half or one-third what it is worth to the railroad company? What moral right have we to steal that which justly belongs to our families and those depending upon us, and give it to some corporation? It is absurd to think of asking less for our labor than its market value. It would only show cowardice in us to do so. If we can force them to do anything, we can force them to do justice. It is nonsense to be howling about what is the smallest amount we can possibly exist on. Why should we measure what we should have by a mere existence? Is it pos- sible we have declined in the state of evolu- tion to a point at par with domestic ani- mals? Have we no right to a surplus above a scanty existence? To my mind we are lessening the dignity of our position when we mention such matters. What we want is to be men, and brave enough to stand up and demand our rights as citizens of this free government, and not chant over a few bones from the rich man’s table. I consider that the future of this organi- zation depends largely upon what it does within the next year; during that period will be the crisis in the telegraph world. The federal law becomes effective in March, 1908, and the railroad companies are now preparing for this by organizing schools. These schools will not stop when the pres- ent demand is supplied, but will go on until they create a surplus that they may be able to hold down our salaries. For this rea- son now is the time that we should settle our demands, and be sure we demand what we are worth; establishing a price on our labor in keeping with what other skilled labor gets, and not dragging it down to a mere existence. The time for action is now at hand, and delay only means adding fuel to the flames that are burning away the foundation of our opportunities. It has not been so with other organiza- tions. We have seen them making strides towards bettering their conditions until we are left in the rear so far it is necessary for us to use a glass to see them. I will not try to tell how would be best for us to commence action in this matter, but I do believe we have officials at the helm of this organization that are able to solve the problem correctly, and when they decide to make the move in that direction I wish to assure them they will have the undivided support of Hoosier Division, No. 27, with her 300 members. Not only that, but judging from what I read in The Telegrapher, and what I am able to ascertain from surrounding roads in this locality, I feel safe in saying they would have the undivided support of the entire membership of the Order. With this grand army it is possible to revolutionize the con- ditions of the telegrapher of the present day from a legalized slave into a happy, pros- perous people. No doubt in order to get this great army in shape to act together it will be necessary for us to wait for a number of schedule con- tracts to expire, but in the meantime would it not be a good plan to make new schedules expire not later than the time of expiration of the newest ones now in effect, so we could be able to present our demands jointly as an organization, and not as small sys- tems of railroads? Digitized by Google

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1680 The Railroad Telegrapher. 1 presume there are very few contracts made for a longer period than one year, so it would be possible for us to arrange mat- ters so we could act jointly within one year’s time, at the farthest. Now, why not each division of the Order take the matter up with our president and try and get a line on this matter, and see what is the best plan to pursue, and after we have found out all, diligently pursue it? Cert. 19, 475- U. 3. MAIL. I noticed some items in the August jour- nal concerning the U. S. mail. I think it worthless to contribute items each month for the journal if that is going to be our only effort to right the wrongs imposed upon us by being compelled to carry the mail. It should not be our duty to carry the mail to and from the postoffice. We receive no compensation for it, unless the company considers the salary we receive as part payment for such service. If so, I con- sider we are very poorly paid for service we render the railroad company. How are we going to right this evil? Let every O. R. T. member advise his local chairman that they will positively refuse after Jan- uary 1, 1908, to carry mails to and from the postoffice. Our local chairman can advise our worthy president accordingly, and he can .gently break the news to the railroad companies. Then, after receiving this in- formation from our president, if they wish to contract with the government for their employes to look after the mails, they will do it at their own risk. If they try to com- pel us to perform this duty, have them to understand that we will go out, and stay out until we are relieved of this imposition. If the railroad companies can afford to have their business tied up completely in trying to force this work upon us, why, we can afford to go out and stay out until they are thoroughly convinced that we mean business in demanding our rights. What is the postmaster paid for? To sit behind his little cage and ask us when we go in with a load for an ordinary mule: “Is it heavy?” It would be another question if we could not prevent this imposition? Then we would have to make pack-mules of ourselves. We can prevent it, and very soon, if we only go after it in the right way. I am one that would go out and stay out until we are relieved of this duty. I think we con- tribute. enough each year in promoting the interests of the railroad for whom we are working without receiving fair compensa- tion, but when it comes to contributing toward promoting the interest of the post- master who receives nearly double the sal- ary we do, without receiving a cent, only to be fined about three times a year for not delivering the mail-pouch to trains, then I am a natural born kicker, and will kick as high as the next one to put such duties out of existence. We all know the attitude of the postmaster toward us. Will they deliver us the mail-pouch five or ten minutes before time in order that we may get back to our office and wait upon the public, and do other necessary work without rushing our- selves half to death in order to complete it before the train arrives? I say no; they will not; simply because they are afraid of losing a few pennies in cancelling a stamp after we are gone, otherwise would be mailed on the train. What should our attitude be toward the postmaster, and do- ing service for him without a penny for it, which is their duty to perform, and not ours? Cut it out, boys, once and forever. That is my attitude forever. Cert. 228. MUST ACT. I would like to say a few words in regard to the national nine-hour law and the $75°° minimum. We have talked and written on this subject until it is old. It is my candid opinion that now is the time for immediate action. We all know that this is what we need, but the problem that now confronts us is: “How to get it?” Brothers, I believe this subject has been studied by every mem- ber of our Order until there is not one of us who could not answer it promptly. My answer would consist of only two or three words, viz. : First ask for it, and, second, demand it. Why should we leave this all to Congress and Legislatures to prepare for us ? Who is in a position to know our needs better than the telegrapher who work« twelve hoprs each day and 365 days a year, Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1681 as many of us do? Of course, the rail- roads, with their millions of dollars, will fight this law to a finish in order to reap a greater reward from the products of our labor, and we, the prime factors in this great commercial world, with the numerous responsibilities of our positions, have been willing all these years to accept even less than trackmen and many others who can scarcely read and write their own name. Brothers, is it not time to wake up? In my opinion some of us who are now young in the business will be old and gray before we get a just compensation for our labor and for working hours if we wait for Con- gress and Legislatures to arrange the whole program. It surely will take years to ac- complish it in this way, besides a vast sum of money to keep up our side. Let’s go after it right. We want the eight-hour day and the $75.00 minimum. I am in favor of a vote of the entire membership to be taken by the local chairman of each and every division, and sent to Bro. Quick so he would under- stand just how the land lays. I would sug- gest that we have the above-named com- pensation after March 4, 1908, or quit the business until the companies get ready to raise the flag of truce and sign a treaty. Let us prepare for war in time of peace. The question that now confronts us is the most important one in the history of our Order. Let everybody work, and father, too, this time. I also favor any assessment that it may be necessary to levy in prepar- ing for this battle. If we need one of our good, competent brothers to go over the division and line-up the nons, let’s have him ; one dollar a month from each member ought to do this right. E. W. G., Cert. 1002, Div. 33. WANTS ACTION. Under the above caption, on page 1296 of the August journal, we find an article that is well worth reading again, and on which we would like to offer a suggestion. In stating “what we consider a just compen- sation for performing said duties,’* I would beg to suggest a rate of wages per hour, instead of per month, and, also, that every telegraph position be classified, say, by let- ters : A, B, C. D, etc. For example, Class A positions should pay, say, 30 cents per hour, on an eight-hour day basis. This would be $2.40 per day, which, multiplied by 365 (days) equals $876 per year, and the latter divided by twelve (months) makes an av- erage of $73 per month. Class B, 35 cents per hour, would average $85.17 per month. Class C, 40 cents, $97.33. Class D, 45 cents, $109.50. Class E, 50 cents, $121.67. Class F, 55 cents, $133.83. Class G, 60 cents, $146. Class H, 65 cents, $158.17. Class I, 70 cents, $170.33. Class J, 75 cents, $182.50 per month, and so on. Under this plan there should be a distinct understanding that eight hours would be a minimum day’s work, and they should be eight consecutive hours, and not an hour picked out of the twenty-four, here and there, by some over-zealous petty official. Also, at “one-man” stations, where he has to hustle out, say, at 6 a. m., and is required to remain until, say, 9 p. m., he should get paid for every hour from 6 a. m. to 9 p. m. at the regular rate per hour. The hours, as noted above, should include convenient meal or lunch hours, where prac- ticable, but where impracticable, as is the case at many places, we should accept the inevitable with good grace, as the dispatch- ers now do. If Class A wages be too low for some of the territory, then make Class C or some other class the minimum for that territofy. There is ample room on the ground floor of this proposition for every branch of the telegraph service; for the train dispatchers, the commercial, cable, press, brokerage, and every telegrapher in every kind of business; and with an organized membership of 90 per cent of the telegraphers employed in each branch of the service thus assembled for a uniform schedule of wages, we would be a unit of force that would be irresisti- ble, if proper handling and discipline were observed. That the commercial telegraph and rail- road companies are a unit (100 per cent strong), is not to be questioned, from the fact that the owners of the telegraph stocks and bonds are also the owners of the rail- road stocks and bonds, and the men consti- tuting the boards of directors of the former also occupy similar positions with the lat- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1682 The Railroad Telegrapher. ter. Even the sturdy old Pennsylvania Company has ceased chopping down West- ern Union telegraph poles, and entered into a new contract, and President McCrea, of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, is soon to be made a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Union Telegraph Company. We want more thorough organization, and a closer alliance between all branches of the craft, and all to act in unison, and then, as viewed by the writer, such a plan as the one suggested in this article, if fol- lowed up, should lead to a peace conference composed of the grand officers of the O. R. T., on one side, and the executive officers of the railroad and telegraph companies on the other side, where there would be no limit to authority, and matters could be handled more effectively, and local commit- tees would thus be relieved of one of their most disagreeable and expensive burdens. With the rate of wages per hour, instead of per month, there would be no trouble in securing the eight-hour day everywhere within the jurisdiction of our organization, and bridge companies and others employing only a few telegraphers should be given special attention. Cert. 2254. Grand Division. THIRTY-FIVE CENTS PER HOUR. Have just finished reading the September issue of the journal, and notice a great many expressing themselves on the $75.00 minimum and eight-hour day. As I think each and every member should give his views on these two important subjects, I would like to give mine through The Telegrapher: I am in favor of a 35-cent hour pay, with an eight-hour day, and then, if the companies wanted to work us over- time, give us double time for it. I am in favor of Bro. Perham taking a vote on this at once, having each member say whether he wishes a $75.00 minimum of 35 cents an hour, with eight-hour day, and have the total number of votes published in Novem- ber journal, and if the majority are in favor of these, then Bro. Perham can present them to all the railroads in the United States and Canada, giving them sufficient time to grant such demands, and if not com- plied with, then let us all walk out, and stay out until we get what we ask for. I also agree with Cert. 112, Division 91, in regard to making an extra assessment so as to have sufficient funds to run on should we have to go out. These extra dues would rot be missed, and if we got what we asked for, it would only be a few months before we would be more than repaid. Let us all get to work, and go after something at once, and be ready for March 4, 1908. Cert. 1280, Grand Division. SHOULD ACT NOW. The September Telegrapher is before me, and it is so brimful of good things in the way of suggestions for securing more pay and shorter hours, that it seems strange to me if our grand officers can not work out a general plan of action, to be followed on or before January 1, 1908. Most of the sug- gestions are good in their way, but the one that strikes me the most forcibly, and the one that I believe would bring the best results in the shortest time possible, is the one made by “Florida Agitator,” that the country be divided into two sections, and that the general committees of the differ- ent railroads comprising each section, pre- sent their demands to the officials for “all the traffic will bear.” Twenty or 30 per cent, with eight hours, is not too much, consider- ing the responsibility of a telegraph opera- tor, and the present inequality of our pay, compared to other skilled workers. Let these demands be presented simultaneously all over the country, and it is my opinion that the railroad companies would soon come to time. All this talk, however, is not going to accomplish anything. It is time to act. It must not be supposed that the railroad companies are idle these days. They are laying all kinds of plans and sub- terfuges for the purpose of showing that they are unable to secure operators to carry out the provisions of the law, while we know that it is purely a question of. paying the price. If they were to announce that they would pay operators anything like the wages that an engineer or conductor gets they would be overwhelmed with applica- tions for positions. True, some of the rail- roads are making a show of getting ready Digitized by SjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1683 to comply with the law now by creating eight-hour positions, but they are not pay- ing any more money, and in some instances they are making a reduction in the pay. And if we are not up and doing we will wake up out of our dreams some fine morn- ing to read a general notice to the effect that all offices have been reduced one-third. Before closing this, I want to say a word about another contribution in the Septem- ber Telegrapher: I refer to the one by Cert. 455, Division 32, entitled, “More About Government Ownership.” Contribu- tions of this kind are highly educational, and I would like to see more of them in our journal. If we could educate about 7,000,000 voters in this great country to see things as this brother sees them, then we would put into practice a system of govern- ment that would do away with employers and employes; when every citizen would be a worker, and millionaires and paupers would become entirely unknown. Come again, brother. Cert. 107, Div. 52. SHOULD MAKE IT HOURLY PAY. I have read every article in the Septem- ber Telegrapher and every one seems to be of one accord, and I like the plan sug- gested by Bros. Van Auker and Knapp, on page 1492, to take a vote. Print a blank in the journal and insist on a vote. My vote would be eight hours for a day, thirty cents per hour, time and a half or double time for Sundays. Cut out this monthly wage business. I have been working by the month for twenty years, and have spent considerable time investigating other branches of union labor and have come to the conclusion that the monthly wage scale has been one thing that has held our prog- ress back as much as anything else, so when we make a move I ask our president to consider the by-the-month basis, and cut it out. Make our work per hour. On all roads the engineers and all others in the train service are paid by the mile or trip. Section men and all common laborers per hour; machinists per hour. Why should not the telegraphers be paid per hour? Then the longer the day the more the check, the same as the train men. You don’t hear them kick, but listen to them say: ‘‘I’ll make two hundred this month, if it keeps on this way.” Why not the telegrapher? If he should work fifteen hours it will be $4.50 for his day. Again I say cut out the monthly pay basis. Make it per hour; graduate it ac- cording to the job, but nothing less than thirty cents per hour minimum. “OC,” Cert. 81, Div. 118. THE TRAIN DISPATCHER. I noticed an article in the September number of The Telegrapher which seemed to call for an answer, and as a dispatcher of several years’ experience on several of the big roads of this country I would like to put the Milwaukee brother wise as to why a dispatcher gets more than an oper- ator, if he really doesn’t know. As far as the “glory” is concerned, if Cert. 10 had ever worked in a dispatcher’s office, he would know about how much “glory” there is in it. To begin with, when a superintendent wants to promote a dispatcher, who does he go to? To the most promising operator he has on his division, doesn’t he? To the operator who knows things. Not to the man who sleeps all night and answers in- quiries to the tune of “I don’t know.” Therefore, who are train dispatchers other than operators who have by good service and ability won something better? Good train dispatchers are now about as scarce as good operators, and if Cert. 10 has the proper amount of “get up and get” about him and the ability, I can tell him of a number of roads who are looking for dis- patchers. That’s the answer. No one is getting more than he earns these days. Thfc reason for a dispatcher getting more than an operator is for the same reason that the engineer gets more than the fireman, the conductor more than the brakeman, the captain of a ship more than the mate. There are great chances nowadays; all a man has to do is to make good. If some man is getting more than us, up to a certain amount, we can make up our minds that he has earned it through hard knocks or superior natural ability. This “sour grapes” attitude will never get you anything. Hit the ball, do it in a clieer- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1684 The Railroad Telegrapher. ful manner and you will get what’s coming to you. You can make up your mind that as long as there are operators and train dis- patchers, dispatchers will get more com- pensation than operators, superintendents more than dispatchers, and so on. As far as the responsibilities of the rela- tive positions, every man who is employed in the operating department of a railroad is responsible, and as Cert, io has evidently never held the position of a dispatcher I fail to see how he can judge as to the re- sponsibilities of one. If he thinks it’s a “bed of roses” these days when every big single track road in this country is taxed to its utmost capacity, he’s wrong. Dispatcher. SHOULD PREPARE STATISTICS. I see a great deal of talk from different brothers in The Telegrapher about the eight-hour law recently enacted in Wash- ington. The numerous articles “show which way the wind blows.” They show that the boys are beginning to get awakened to a realization of their power and also awakened in regard to what skilled labor ought to be paid. Cert. 1224, Div. 93, in the August Teleg- rapher, has hit the nail on the head when he says now is the time for us to act. I note what this brother says about the sup- posed scarcity of men and agree with what he says, and here is what I have to offer in addition : Now, when the railroads put up their talk to the Interstate Commerce Commission about not being able to get men, it is liable to have the effect they want it to have, if we don’t have something on hand to offer contrary to what the railway officials will say. Now, why would not the following plan be feasible : Let each brother list all the opera- tors he knows, who are out of the service at present, but who would go back if a $75 or $80 minimum, with eight-hour day, was assured, and send this list to our head- quarters at St. Louis to be compiled to show the Interstate Commerce Commission that the railroads are simply “bluffing” when they say they can not get men to do their work. Now, we all know that there are plenty of men in other lines of work who would return to the ranks of the teleg- raphers if, as Cert. 1224 says, “there was a living in it,” but our simply knowing this fact and doing nothing or making any sort of a showing is not sufficient. We should have some sort of statistics right at hand when the matter comes up, and it should not be hearsay, either. Each brother that made a list should not list anyone whom he is reasonably sure would not re-enter the serv- ice provided the desired conditions were se- cured. And then we should not confine our attentions to the operators of our immediate acquaintance, but when we meet a man who is an operator just make it a point to find out all we can about him, whether or not he would go to work under the conditions we are after. Of course, this plan would not be abso- lutely a correct statement of the number of operators in other lines of business, but it would be near enough for all practical pur- poses. It seems to me that March 1, 1908, is the time we should begin working eight hours and at a $75 minimum. If it was thor- oughly understood by the railroads that the operators would not work longer than eight hours after March 1, 1908, I think they would come to it all right. Yours for the eight-hour day and $75 minimum. Cert. 2369, Grand Div. GET BUSY. Have just finished reading the September journal. It is full of good suggestions as to how to get the “$75.00 minimum and eight- hour day” we have been working and wait- ing for so long. We seem to be getting nearer the eight-hour day, but the increase in wages does not come very fast, and, brothers, we do not want to feel too sure of being granted an eight-hour day, unless we put this thing to a vote and be ready to bring it to a focus the fourth day of March. Don’t get it into your head# that the railroads are going to grant this unless they are compelled to do so. They are try- ing to, and are evading some of the State eight-hour laws. If we don’t keep our eyes open and get busy this national nine-hour law will meet the same fate. I say put this thing to a vote, and every brother and Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1685 sister be ready to move camp the fourth day of March, if our rights are not given to us. Go out and stay out until the vic- tory is ours. God forbid that any one scab. I have seen quite a few of the pests in the last two months, and they are a sickly look- ing set, and on the day we all answer the roll-call, I am of the opinion that the scab will be told to take the next elevator down to his last resting place. I, for one, am ready to go out and stay out until our noble Order says return to duty, and if they never give the signal, I can make as much, or more, at something else. I have made a living this past sum-, mer without working for the railroad, and could keep it going. Cert. 655, Div. 132. “WANTS IMMEDIATE ACTION.” Why do we slumber? The harvest is waiting. Brothers and sisters, we must get busy, if we would accomplish what we should by March 1, 1908. Let's know what we are going to do, quick, as our time is limited. Now, if we must strike for this, let’s all stand as strong as the rock of Gibraltar. All we need now is some one to start the ball rolling. Why not start now? Then, when we get it rolling, let's keep it rolling. “Now is the accepted time." I am a new member, but am in dead earnest. Don't you know there are skilled workmen who get as much when they were learning their trade as we get now, after having mastered our profession? This should not l>e so. Let’s all work. We have talked enough. Cert. 1294. POWER OF THE BALLOT-BOX. Bro. Amos Munson's write-up in the August Telegrapher looks good to me and many other articles of interest from the boys along the line in regard to our work- ing conditions. The $75 minimum and eight-hour day, the flooding of Congress with signed petitions and many other sug- gestions have been offered. I would like to answer some of these with a few sugges- tions myself. The history of the human race from sav- agery to civilization is one constant struggle for existence and to better the conditions for the coming morrow. That has been the all-absorbing thought of the masses in every age. But the human race as a class has always looked to some one else or some other power than themselves for relief. We as a race have always relied too much upon what we were told was cus- tomary or legal, as being right, without in- vestigating for ourselves to see if it was right or not. I call your attention to the following con- ditions : That we have for a time submitted to and afterwards through enlightenment have changed. There was a time when mothers threw their children into the river Ganges to appease the wrath of a supposed ruling power. It was customary and legal, but was it right? There was a time in our own country when they hung people for being witches. It was customary and legal, but was it right? There was a time when they sold children from mothers' arms in the South. It was customary and legal, but was it right? Now there is a time when about 84 per cent of our population are workers or pro- ducers who by combining their labor with nature's raw material produce all the wealth and all the commodities there are; and the remaining 16 per cent, who are known as capitalists, who produce nothing, but absorb or withhold from the 84 per cent about four-fifths of what they have produced, through what is known as “interest, rent and profit." It is customary and legal, but is it right? Let's see if it is right. You certainly have had experience enough to know that what you can save as a worker by the wage system would never make you a capitalist. Therefore, capitalists are pro- duced by some other process. They are produced by customary and legal condi- tions which enable a few to withhold from the many the larger part of what they have produced. Now, in this light, is the capital- ist a benefactor to society at large and is he really a man who furnishes the work, or is the laboring class the benefactor of society and incidentally the creators of capitalists, through a condition that has become cus- tomary and legal? Now, I ask in all hon- esty and candor, do you really think it’s Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1686 The Railroad Telegrapher. right? If it’s not right I then ask you, one and all, will petitions to Congress change it ? I want to ask all who work and read this, which is the wisest plan for the 84 per cent of our population to accept, to vote for a capitalist candidate and platform that makes the above conditions customary and legal, or vote for one of our own class and a platform to the end that legal condi- tions would become favorable to the 84 per cent instead of the 16 per cent? Now, some people say it can’t be done. Why? If the 16 per cent of the people can so arrange the legal conditions of the coun- try as to enable them to become capitalists, and live a life of ease and luxury off of our labor, it seems to me that the 84 per cent could change conditions so it would become customary and legal for us to at least have justice. If not, why not? Suppose we all take one think a day for a while and see what the results will be, and if I have made any mistake in this diagnosis I will be pleased to have some one of the brothers correct me. Cert. 237, Div. 2. LA HUELGA. Fenomena economico que ha tornado gran desarrollo en todos los paises y cuyos avances son a diaro causa de trastornos en las empresas fabriles e industriales, feno- meno que como todos los que tienen una in- fluencia, general sobre la sociedad, tiene tambien sus limites, tiene tambien su esfera donde solo le es dable subsistir, pues sobre- pasandola, se convierte en una violacion, en un atentado nunca tolerado por la razon y jamas permitido y consagrade por la ley. Donde no tienen existencia legitima las corporaciones que atano produjeron tantos males, donde no tienen existencia los mon- opolios, donde se garantiza la suprema lib- ertad del trabajo como unico me — dio del progreso individual, donde se reconocen los derechos de asociacion para procurarse la fuerza que dividida seria infructuosa para fines, nobles y altos, tiene necesariamcnte que existir, como manifestacion de todas esas libertades, donde quiera que aliente el trabajo del obnero y surja la lucha del capi- tal, tiene que existir, digo, lo huelga, mas esta debe ser la consecuencia forzosa, la consecuencia directa de un conflicto que tenga, su apoyo en la razon. La lucha en- tre el trabajo y el capital sera siempre in- tensa, ambos procuran desarrollarse, ambos procuran alcanzar las mayores ventajas posibles, pero entre esos dos impulsos natur- ales, no debe alentar el animo de destmc- cion, puesto que ambos elementos son indis- pensables para el crecimiento de la riqueza. Tenemos un ejemplo elocuente y magni- fico; la huelga de nuestros hermanos los telegrafistas comerciales, que su principal objeto es producir el equilibrio, equilibrio entre el salario y el trabajo, entre las ener- gias gastadas en dicho trabajo y la renumer- acion, entre las horas de actividad y la equivalencia equitativa y proporcional en efectivo. Esta, huelga es justifiable por— que la provoca una causa razonable y no el simple, disgusto de cualquier operador in- fluente o pretensiones exageradas o en des- acuerdo con la productividad de la Com- pania a que sirve. Es de valor legitimo, porque mo es un atentado promovido por la union, porque no es de esos que la concien- cia rechaza y la ciencia y el derecho con- denan. No es una pretension que va mas alia de la equidad no de la proporcion que exigen las circunstancias de las Companias telegraficas; es solo una pretesion basada en la propia dignidad y grandeza del tra- bajo. El trabajo y el capital deben ser insepar- ables : ambos unidos deberan produdr riqueza. Uno sin el otro son notoriamente infructuosos. La huelga, lucha entre el tra- bajo y el capital, debe ser ju^tificada, debe tener por base un principio razonable, una conveniencia beneficiosa a ambos elementos, no un principio de preponderance torpe. Asi como considero legitima la huelga de nuestros hermanos, por tener bases firmes, asi como les aplaudo porque los apoyan pretensiones que tienden a su mejoramiento sin detrimento del capital, tambien rechazo, asi como todo mundo, las que no llevan otro fin que el de proporcionarse ganancias ex- ageradas a que no se es merecedor. Las hueglas causan inmensos perjuicios. Constituyen un derecho, pero este tiene ex- istencia en tanto no se comvierte en un atentado al derecho ageno. Jose Candelarto Valdes (O. R. T.). Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1687 “ITS UP TO US." If all the members of the O. R. T. would refer to the article in our August journal written by Cert. 33, I think all would feel as I do and say that this brother has struck the keynote. His subject was a good one and well explained and should appeal to us all. This has been my idea for years. We are all well aware that we are to get shorter hours on March 4, 1908, therefore it is up to us to say whether or not we are going to continue to work for the same rate of pay that we are working for today. We can not keep our dear ones for less salaries than we are now receiving. Let every or- ganized road in the country send their com- mittees to the management of the various roads at the same time and make a demand for the $75 minimum. If 50,000 or 60,000 operators made the demand and walked out if it is not granted, the railroads of the United States would be tied up and busi- ness would be at a standstill; the railroads could not stand it, and it is my belief that we would get our demands. Why not do this before March 4, 1908? The railroad officials are not coming to us and saying: “Your services are worth $75 per month, and will be increased to that amount beginning March 4, I9o8.,, Unless we make this de- mand we will always be working for the little sum of $45 to $65 per month. Brothers, it is due time for us to wake up and make the start. Why not begin at once? We are all in favor of shorter hours and more salary, but we can not get them by discussing the matter through our jour- nal. Now is the time to make the start. Why not set a date and make the start at once? D. O. Martin, Cert. 26, Div. 82. BE UP AND DOING. The time has come when we must be up and doing. There was never a better time to make the commercial companies come to time than now. My idea of the matter is, when we make our next agreement with the different railroads throughout the country is to have it in our agreement that we will not handle commercial business only by agreement drawn by and between the dif- ferent railroad telegraphers’ committees and the commercial companies. In this way, in case of a strike, we will not be lay- ing the railroads liable, as we now are. Then the railroad companies could not tell us we had to handle the business. It would be entirely up to us, and not the company for which we work. It has been stated by officials of the com- mercial companies that they would not rec- ognize a union or meet a committee of tele- graph operators for the purpose of drawing up an agreement. I think this would cause them to change their minds. Now, as the time is here when we must begin to figure out just how we want our new agreement to read, I will give you an outline of a new clause that I think should be added to every schedule. Perhaps it can be worded a little different and still mean the same : “The operators of the railroad system do not agree to handle commercial business only by agreement drawn by and between the operators* committees of the railroad system and the commer- cial companies.” I think a clause of this nature would fix it. As the time is short we can not discuss this through the columns of our journal very long. I hope that every new schedule from now on will have this clause in it. Cert. 80. EMANCIPATION. I conceive that the now pending difficulty between the Postal and Western Union operators and the Postal and Western Union Telegraph Companies could be made to be the last so far as concerns the oper- ators were the operators disposed to help themselves. And to help themselves would require little, if any self-denial. If any self-denial were necessary, then such self- denial might be the nucleus of a com- petency at a later day. It is quite improbable that the exorbitant tolls exacted from the public for telegraphic service is other than extortion ; that extor- tion to pay interest upon property that is not in reality, but rather upon what is known as “watered stock.” The public is not the only victim, but the operator suffers as well by reason of a certain percentage being de- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1688 The Railroad Telegrapher. ducted from his wage to help pay the un- just interest. Were the operators so disposed they might organize a telegraph company, each operator to subscribe for a share of stock at $100 per share, each share to be paid for at the rate of $5 per month until the $100 has been paid, the proceeds to be used for the construction of a telegraph system of wires between the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, with feeders to and from the North and South, and for the equipment for offices and so forth. There are, approximately, about 100,000 operators in the United States and Canada, and a share of stock to each at $100 a share should net $10,000,000. This sum expended to build lines, equip offices, etc., should give equipment and facilities to far surpass the present ones; give the public a lesser rate per word for service, and a better employ- ment and a more remunerative wage for the operator. Strikes then would be a thing of the past and the operators could then pay themselves the just w'ages their arduous services deserve. Is this a dream or will it some day blos- som forth in all its virility, the emancipator of our fraternity? P. H. C. MORE ABOUT A $75.00 MINIMUM. We all know a $75 minimum would be a nice thing. But the question is, how are we going to get it? It is a certainty our respective roads will not make us a present of it, so what are we going to do? How- ever, we are all positive of the fact that if we keep right on working in the same old channel and make no effort to better our conditions financially, it will be a long time before we reach this goal. Again, we feel sure that our employers are not going to come to us and ask us if we want $75 per month ; that would not be a business propo- sition. We only have to stop and review history for a few minutes to illustrate to ourselves that our country has won many great vic- tories by the hand of war. Victories that have made our country one that will stand forever. Now if we all, as American citi- zens and intelligent workmen, volunteer to fight for our rights, there is no question but that victory will be ours. Our wage scale today is what we have made it Of course, it has been improved some at different times during the past five years, but it still needs amending before we can say we are getting what is due us for services per- formed. Now, brothers, before we proceed any further with this, let us stop and talk with a few of our friends. Here comes our friend, the farmer, for instance; we might spend a few minutes with him. First, we will ask him how much he is getting for his services. He will say without hesita- tion $3 per day. We might ask him why he don’t work for $1.50 per day? His answer would be, the farmers have got to harvest their crops and we won’t work for any less. After learning what we have from the farmer, let us turn to our own organization, bearing in mind what the farmer has just told us, and we may be* able to realize at once how we are idling away our time and experience, when we are one of the strong- est organizations in the world. Now, let’s get busy, and go after the nons. And when our committee goes in, let’s not be afraid to tell them what we want, and assure them that we stand ready to fight in case of war. Cert. 1173, Div. 76. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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FRATERNAL New Rochelle Division, No. 37. Account of the eight-hour law going in effect October i, the following changes have taken place: Seaman, from Oak Point, third to Bronx River first; Loeb, from Pt. Morris, second, to Oak Point third; J. Mohrback, Bronx River days, to Bartow Junction second; Lear, Pelham Bay nights, to Bronx River second; Wm. Mohrback, third, Van Nest, to third Bronx River; Whitehead, first West- chester yard, to first Pelham Bay; Allen, Mt Ver- non days, to Pelham Bay second; Tiffany, Pelham Bay days, to same place third; Westover, Pelham Manor days, to Bartow Junction third; Decker, of New Rochelle Junction third, resigned; bid in by Storm, of second, same place; Donovan, of Mam- aroneck, to Mt. Vernon first; Reif, Cos Cob nights, to Mt Vernon second; Sweetman, Mt. Ver- non nights, to third there; Bradner, second, New Rochelle yard, to Mamaroneck first; Dewitt, second Rye, to first Harrison; Lynch, Harrison nights, to second same place; Whartow, “GC,” to Harri- son third; McDonald third, Rye, to first Westches- ter yard. The towers in electric zone have been equipped with rubber mats in front of interlocking machines. Wm. Sinclair, of first, Greenwich, after nine- teen years* service, resigned to go into the poultry raising business in New Jersey. Relief Telegrapher Christman enjoyed a two weeks’ vacation in Pennsylvania. Ce»t. 106. Providence Division, No. 35. Attendance at the September meeting of Divi- sion 35 rather slim on account of rainy evening. Very little business to transact outside of action on a few applications and reports of committees. Bro. Joslin looked familiar in the secretary’s chair, and the manner in which he handled the job showed that he had not forgotten his early training. A representative of the Hatters’ Union gave a fifteen-minute talk on union and non-union hats, which was entertaining as well as instructive. The outside sentinel has been instructed to inspect the hat-rack at frequent intervals at all future meet- ings. The members of Division 35 were much in evi- dence at the benefit C. T. U. A. ball, held in Music Hall, Providence, last week. Their pres- ence and their efforts to make the ball a success were appret iated by the members of the local C. T. U., and they did not hesitate to make it known. Several of the boys employed on the P. W. & B., as well as some of the Fall River C. T. U. contingent missed the last train home, but as Smith and McDermott got it, the branch opened up for business at the usual time the next day. Bro. Bob Brown, local secretary and treasurer, who has been on the sick list for the past month, reported as slowly improving. The death of Bro. Frank R. Chadwick, agent at West Barrington, came as a shock to his many friends in the train and telegraph service. Bro. Chadwick was for many years dispatcher on the Worcester Division, and was transferred to the agency at West Barrington, his home, a few years ago. His health has been failing for the past seven or eight years, and despite long vacations and medical treatment, he gradually passed into a decline that finally resulted in death. Worcester Division Notes — Bro. Con Sheehan, of Northup avenue tower, bid in second trick helper at “WB,” East Provi- dence. Bro. Gardner, of Adamsdale, bid in second trick at Northup avenue. “Olney Giggins,” of South Worcester, off sick. Bro. Gore, of Adamsdale days, off on thirty- day vacation. Mr. Buttrick, of Woonsocket ticket office, also sick; relieved by Bro. John Stevens. “Genial” relief towerman is covering Bro. Stev- ens’ job. Bro. Welch, of “PN,” Promenade street tower, just back from two weeks’ absence on account of illness. Taunton Division Notes — Mr. F. E. Baker, agent Assonet station, bid in the agency at Randolph. Bro. A. B. Winslow, assistant agent at Assonet, bid in the agency at that point. Assistant agent at Assonet up for bid. New man breaking in at Wattuppa, Bro. Joe Cunningham having resigned to accept an import- ant position in the freight department. Relief towerman job up for bid, Bro. Bickerston having bid in the towerman’s position at “FY," South Framingham. Bros. Thurrott and Beaton represented the Taun- ton Division at the September meeting of Provi- dence Division 35. Bros. Ross and Walker will be presented each with a new pair of shoes if they will bring their old ones to a meeting of Providence Division, as evidence of a duty well performed. The war-path on the Taunton is a rocky affair, and hard on the shoes, and while the division will not under- take to repair the road-bed they tore up, or replace Digitized by t^ooQle

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1690 The Railroad Telegrapher. the three inches they wore off the bottoms of their feet, they will stand good for the shoes. Bro. Wheeler, a new member from Bristol Ferry, reports the O. R. T. has brought him good re- sults “so quick.’ Moral: Join the O. R. T. Bro. E. B. Beaton took a trip down on the cape recently, and did a little missionary work on the side. Shore Line Division Notes — Bro. Wilcox bid in first trick Saybrook Junc- tion. Wood River filled by spare man. Several new men on the division. Get after them, boys, and find out how they stand. We were solid before they came, and we need them to keep up the standard. Rro. H. A. Cook away for a two weeks’ vaca- tion. Mr. McCarthy filling in at Niantic during Rro. Cook’s absence. We understand he carries a C. T. U. A. card. That is almost good enough, but not quite. We need the good men. There is a man on the road, just arrived, who has a bad record. Just through scabbing a West- ern Union job. Take care of him, boys. Div. Com. New Haven Division, No. 29. The September meeting of Division 2 9 was held at the usual meeting place. Red Men’s Hall, on regular meeting date, the first Friday of the month, which date fell on the 6th inst. All officers were present, and more than the usual amount of business was introduced and dis- posed of. Many applications were received and committees appointed for investigation preliminary to the bal- lot for their reception as members. The local affairs of the telegraphers appeared to be progressing in a satisfactory manner, the only disconcerting reports being that the inconsiderate hand of operating expense retrenchment had been laid upon every department of the road, and that many telegraphers, as a consequence, were hid off. Of the several telegraphers deposed I have to learn of but one who left the road to secure em- ployment. Thanks to the recognition of the funda- mental and inviolable principles of industrial and commercial economics, and the practice of the same there is no surplus material on hand; all is used in the absorbing demand, and the supply is governed with the exactness and approval of the same inexorable laws. This great object lesson should ever be ob- served, and no departure made from it; not in the least iota. How much different now than not so many years ago, when the road was a veritable “ham factory.” Every office and station on the road had anywhere from one to a half dozen stu- dents, all anxious and eager to scuttle the indus- trial ship. The agents and operators were con- sciously or unconsciously buccaneers; the pirat- ical black flag was their banner, and all ignorantly preying upon their own interests. The depredations made upon the commerce of their labor has, in comparison with the existing ruling wages of skilled labor of the same class, set it back twenty years, leaving it in numerous in- stances in the same wage scale of the unorganized menial laborer and nowhere in comparison with the wages paid the organized laborers of the same class. The craft is heir to all of the whimsical vagaries, the insidious caprices, the insipid man- hood, the vaulted vanities, the obtuse pessimisms, etc., that inhabit the breasts of the numerous indi- viduals that compose it. As the inverted objects of the terrestrial and solar globe are reflected in the waters of the earth; as the stages of civilization are reflected in the laws of each succeeding period, so the character of the individuals are reflected in the craft, and that of the members reflected in the organization. Let them be without a purpose, effeminate, slothful, indifferent, careless alike of prosperity or of progress, then the same charac- teristics will mark the craft on the retina of the industrial fabric; but let them possess a well-de- fined and unmistakably manifested purpose, manli- ness, wide-awake activity, self-concerned-and-bound- to- win-ambition, thoroughly perpetually organized (as distinguished from incomplete and sporadical) and these features will raise them out of the chaotic industrial state to the inspiring prominence of well becoming and disciplined order, a Chimbo- raze of impregnable strength above the plains of solicitude. The special committee composed of Bros. Dowd, McCormack and Culver, reported further progress in the special matter they have in hand. They have visited Divisions 37, 35 and 89, and have secured their concurrence in the matter; each di- vision appointed a committee to act in conjunction with this committee, and the committee combined will formulate some plan for the members* consid- eration. The subject that they are engrossed with is that of increasing the dues for the purpose of having a salaried general chairman, and recompens- ing the general secretary and treasurer. The work of these two offices has, since their inception, de- manded salaried officers, but our inadequate finan- cial status deterred us from the undertaking, but now, with an established betterment in the wages of the telegraphers in all cases, there is no logical reason why our most important affairs should not be elevated to a plane of well conducted business practices. The amount of the increase per year per member would be comparatively insignificant to the great benefits received, the safe-guarding of our contract interests would warrant the outlay and the returns from the energetic oversight of every telegrapher and position on this populous sys- tem would guarantee the accruance of greater divi- dends on the investment. All other well organized and business managed roads have, for a long time, been operating under a similar arrangement with the best of results and satisfaction to all con- cerned. It is time we imitated their wise practice in adopting a system of equal efficiency. The strike of the commercial telegraphers occu- pied the attention of the meeting for a compli- mentary period. The causes leading to this revolt are so justifiable that we arc mystified to under- stand why our commercial brothers stood the in- decent abuses and tyrannical oppression so long Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1691 Under the revealed state of facts they should have begun this fight twenty years ago, and kept striking every year; had they done so, perhaps by this time they would have received different treatment and wages commensurate with their skill and the amount of labor performed. Of their cul- pable disregard of their vital interests and the selfish indifference of the welfare of others when they misguidedly thought they were attracting ben- eficence from their gluttonous employer, they arc now visibly cognizant; they permitted the monster to grow to abnormal proportions, in the accumula- tion of a vast 'surplus (blood money now used for extermination of the bodies from which leeched), increase of capital stock disproportionate to the value of assets, bribing of countless of public serv- ants by the gratuitous and bountiful distribution of “complimentary franks” (paid for by the slaves who toil and the public who pay) until now it devours with a thousand mouths and tramples with a million hoofs. At this time we know not what the outcome will be, but there is this much assur- ance gleaned from the records of civil as well as industrial history: There never was a strike as yet lost, each of them, no matter how disastrous the settlement in the end, no matter how dishon- orable the conduct of the participants or demor- alized their return, has been a gain in the scale of industrial progress. One hundred dollars was voted to the C. T. U. of A., and a voluntary weekly contribution asked for from the members. It is rumored that General Superintendent Mr. O. M. Shepard is to be relieved from the general superintendency by Mr. W. G. Baird, who is en route from Panama, where he has been for some time in charge of work on the “ditch,” or the Panama Railroad. Mr. Shepard, it is said, is to re- main in an advisory capacity. It is hoped that this, if true, will in no manner discount any of the interests now so satisfactory to all. Mr. Shep- ard graduated from the ranks of the profession, and his retirement from official prominence takes the last of the “old New England” men, from which road has come some of the greatest railway men of the time. Bro. Griffin, who was working “NH” office nights, when the reduction of help order came, it is reported, is working for the Erie at Jersey City, temporarily. One man cut out of New Haven office, “NH;” two men out of “KY” office (New Haven Termi- nal); “FX” office, day and nights, Freight House, New Haven, closed, letting out two men; West River, day and nights, closed, on the Berkshire, near New Haven Terminal, letting out two men, is some of the changes we learn of in this imme- diate territory. Many others are reported on the several divisions. Not having space this time, their line-up will be omitted. Bro. A. A. Carroll, one of the brothers affected by the “cut” at “KY,” was appointed to second trick crew dispatcher. This is a better position than that of “brass-pounding,” and we are glad that “Arty” was fortunate once in reaping profit from the blowing of ill wind. Bro. Rockfellow, who was at “KY,” having just moved to West Haven with his family and goods, was caught in the freshet of the retrenchment del- uge, and washed away to some hospitable place on the New York Division. Div. Coa. Indianapolis Division, No. 27. On account of so many men being off, the boys at “SF” tower and the P. H. yard office were put back to twelve-hour tricks for a short while. It was like old times to go back to twelve hours, but we knew it could not be helped, and we just “grinned and bore it.” Am glad to say that we have been put back on eight-hour tricks now, and hope it will not be interrupted. Bro. Weakley was put on days at “WN,” Union Station, for a week or ten days, while the regular man there, Mr. Fait, a non, was off in order to get married. Mr. Fait carried a card a number of years ago, and was a strong supporter of the Order, but something happened -to shake his faith in the organization, and he has never since taken out a card, and all efforts to this end have proven unsuc- cessful. The office at Eagle Creek, "GS,” has been dis- continued on account of the new track being laid, connecting the I. & V. main to the St. Louis Di- vision main, west of Warman avenue, and switch tenders put in to take care of all switches in that territory. Mr. Glasscock, regular days at “GS” has been visiting relatives and friends at Paris, Ills. He returned the first of the month to find his office had been discontinued during his absence. He b counting on working one of the tricks at “DE,” P. H. yard office. He is preparing to fill out the nec- essary papers which will make him an “up-to-date” man. Mr. Wm. Graney, who is working second trick at “DE,” is counted on as taking third trick at “SF.” Bro. Reynolds, who is now working this trick, has the promise of the night trick at his home town, Martinsville. Mr. Graney has prom- ised to come through with the “necessary” this month. The attendance at the last meeting was not what it should have been under the circumstances. The boys in general are complaining that they do not know what is going on. We can not publish all that is going on, for several reasons, and we can not put it in the circular letters, so the best way to get “next” is to attend the meetings. If you fail to get the desired information by not attend- ing, do not blame any one but yourselves. That is what the meetings are for, and it is your duty to put forth your best efforts and go. As much territory as we cover we ought to have more “news” in the columns of our journal. If you do not know who to send your items tp, send them to your secretary and treasurer, who will get them together and send them in for you. Even if it is only two or three items, that would “help some.” There has been very few items from the Vincennes, Peoria and Michigan Divisions. Boys, get busy. Cw. 3. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1 6)2 The Railroad Telegrapher. Harrisburg Division, No. 3. Not having seen anything in the journal the last few months, we desire to again come to the front, and say, while we have spared some thirty mem- bers who have gone to strengthen our sister local, Lancaster Division, No. 9, we have to our credit the distinction of being one of the many generous locals existing in the country, especially on the lines cast of Pittsburg and Erie. We yet enjoy the distinction of being one of the largest locals on the system. The boys on the Tyrone and P. & N. W. branches have always done, and are still doing, ex- cellent work for their craft, from which points the local is being greatly increased. Bro. Thomas Peace having resigned the chair- manship of the L. B. of A., our good Bro. O. M. Harvey is now very creditably filling the unex- pired term. We realize the work is very arduous, yet believe in the ability of Bro. Harvey to be a credit to the trust we place in him, knowing that if it be possible he will have all the petty griev- ances pending in his district adjusted to the satis- faction of his constituents. Our good Bro. W. B. Hall, from McGees Mills, was with us this month, and reports much of the student problem being eliminated. The situation is growing better. Sister Cora Pearce, of Phillipsburg, was one of the unexpected attendants on our rostrum last month* Houtzdale, Olivia, McGees Mills, Punxsutawny, Bellefonte, Howard, Mill Hall, Osceola Mills, are among some of the busy centers in O. R. T’ism. We are pleased to welcome our old local organ- izer, Bro. C. F. Klingler, back among us. He has done very efficient work in days past. Bro. Shelley, of Duncannon, and Bro. Alberts, of Fort Hunter, who have been off duty some length of time on account of illness, are back at work, and have the best wishes of the craft. Bro. Hunt, who is doing good work in the East, occasionally drops in to see us, and in his usual way, drops a word of encouragement. We keenly sympathize with* our good brother, C. E. Miller, of Newport, Pa., who mourns the loss of his mother, Mrs. Cora A. Miller, who departed this life not long since. Our good brother, Chief J. S. Leyder, too, mourns the loss of his father, and has our sincere sympathy. We hear it said quite frequently that railroads have difficulty in securing competent telegraphers to fill vacancies. While this may be true, the shortage is caused by insufficient salaries, and not a lack of men. Any one can come in off the farm, and from the very first day’s duty as a brakeman, draw not less than $90 per month. Only of late have the salaries of telegraphers advanced slightly, but not in proportion to the ad- vanced cost of living. We learn that our good Bro. Shelley, of Dun- cannon, has been compelled to lay off on account of sickness. We hope he will soon recover. The secretary reports dues paid up for the cur- rent term, almost to a man. Old Vet. Campbellton Division, No. 61. Things are very quiet on our division. I. C. R. telegraphers are watching the proceedings on C. P. R. with much interest. There are not many changes on this division. Red Pine being the only place not yet filled. Sorry to hear of Bro. McEarcherr’a illness. Bra Hamilton relieving him at Doaktown. M. Hendry, agent at Gibson is also on the sick list; relieved by Bro. Corbett. Bro. Humphrey, of Newcastle, is still on leave; relieved by Bro. Smith. Also Bro. Brown, of Jacquet River; relieved by Bro. Ellis. Our committee is about ready to meet the man- agement again relative to our new schedule. Every member should be up-to-date, and en- deavor to secure new members. Restigouche. Baltimore Division, No. 17. Our meetings have been exceptionally interesting and beneficial to all attending. We are, indeed, glad for the fellowship that we have been per- mitted to enjoy with the brothers of Division No. 33, and inasmuch as the Legislative Committee, composed of the following: F. F. Sullivan, presi- dent; Dr. J. B. Sebastian, secretary and treasurer: Geo. Hartman, attorney; J. F. Richardson, Geo. W. Fowler, E. E. Hurdle, Wm. T. Rollins, W. B. Brenize and Wm. M. Skinner, will hold its regu- lar meetings immediately following the meetings of Division No. 17, and while the business will be done by the above-named committee, all brothers are invited to remain as advisory members. The committee seeks to serve you to the very best ad- vantage, but must know your wishes before they can intelligently legislate for you. This departure of our organization is yet in its infancy, but since we are enjoying the benefits of an eight-hour law, would it not be just and proper that there should be a law requiring the fulfillment of God’s law, who, when creating the world, said: “Six days shalt thou labor,” etc., resting on the seventh day, but the corporations these days say 365 days a year shalt thou labor, and no rest. We recognize the fact that under the present sys- tem of railroading we could not possibly all have Sundays, but we should all have at least one day a week for rest. It was our good pleasure recently to welcome several of our former brothers back to Division No. 17, viz.: Good, Day and Smith at Lemoyne, Glessner and E. M. Miller at “DY.” Now, broth- ers, this makes the upper end almost solid. Go for the remaining “nons” so we will have a solid front, and let our worthy chairman, Bro. Rupley. know that we are with him. Mr. C. F. Eicker is with us again. The two block offices, north and south of York. “JS” and “CO,” have been reopened; made neces- sary by the new block rules. At “CO” we have Mr. Beck and Bro. J. K. Glatfelter; at “JS” Bro. Hoover and Mr. J. L. Elsesser. It is rumored that several more offices will be reopened as soon as men are available. "Com* up with th* coin ” and there will be no trouble about the men . Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 169J Bro. Ritter, a commercial man, has cast his lot with the Baltimore Division. Glad to see Bro. S. S. Glessner back to work, after being absent with a broken ankle. We have the promise of the younger men who have recently been placed on the division, to wear a button as soon as their year is up. “Don’t for- get it, boys.” Bro. T. F. E. O’Neil, formerly of Calvert station, has resigned, taking a position in the court house of Baltimore. Bro. W. L. Jones, of Oden ton, has again under- gone a surgical operation. Glad to hear the same was successful, and hope it is a permanent cure. Bro. Jos. Rollins is improving slowly. Hope to hear him back at work again ere long. Montebella. Pittsburg Division, No. 52. Allegheny Division — There is little news of interest to be written up this month; few changes, and everybody hoping for eight-hour jobs to be established. Bro. O. J. Ritchey, of “BR” office, Pittsburg, has returned to duty after a three weeks’ vacation, spent in the national capital and other eastern cities. Sister Reitzel, of DuBois days, was off on a short vacation recently, being relieved by Sister Blakeley. Bro. E. A. Shuster has just returned to duty at Monterey. Can not say where he spent his vaca- tion. Bro. McFerron, of Red Bank, White Rock and elsewhere, has resigned and gone to Buffalo. Bro. A. T. Conley, of Parker nights, was a re- cent visitor at Pittsburg. Bro. McCracken has been holding down Rey- noldsville days, during the temporary disablement of Bro. Showalter. Particulars missing. Bro. Rockwell has again entered the service of the “Valley.’’ We hope he will stick this time. Bro. M. H. Curran was the successful bidder for Kennerdville nights. Bro. Arndt is back at his post at Foxbury days, after an extended visit “back in York State.” Before I close, I wish to offer a few words of caution to the members in reference to the prac- tice of changing off without permission. This is very much objected to by our superintendent, and I think when the proper authority can be so readily obtained in all worthy cases, the practice should be stopped at once. Another thing: When eight-hour jobs are actually established there will be absolutely no excuse for not being on hand at all times, day or night, and the company can very properly insist on prompt and efficient service. There is some excuse when a telegrapher works twelve hours, but when these hours are reduced to eight, the excuse is no longer valid. Applications continue coming m at a satisfac- tory rate, and the most encouraging feature is the fact that there are so few who allow themselves to become delinquent. So far, there are but two, and I am confident that ere this sees print they will have paid up. The striking commercial telegraphers have adopted the word “Stick” as their watchword during the struggle, and it occurs to me that it would be a good slogan for us to adopt. Stick to the organization, and stick to your jobs. Think it over and “stick.” Brigham. Wilmington Division, No. 58. Wilmington Division, No. 58, met September 18, 1907, with a good attendance. Bro. Chief Kennedy in the chair, as usual, Bro. Melvin filling the sec- retary and treasurer’s chair. Bro. Holton, our regular secretary and treasurer, not present on ac- count of illness, but we are glad to note he is growing better. Had a very interesting meeting. . We want all the boys to come out and help shove things along. Now, please don’t forget our next meeting. Surely we ought to be able to spare one night a month to attend meetings. If you can not, stay away, and find fault with those who are trying to run things to suit everybody. We have one of the finest lodge rooms in the city; large, bright and comfortable. Bro. Chief Kennedy has returned home from a visit to Elkton. Bro. Truitt is the stuff. He never comes to a meeting without several applications. The boys came near- putting him in the secretary and treas- urer’s chair, but lie had them flagged at Fam- hurst. Bro. Vernon says he will give us good, substan- tial by-laws to work on. Let’s hear from him next meeting. Bro. MacDonald was on hand to help keep things moving. We had a visit from Bros. Lair and Frazier, who made some interesting remarks. Bro. Rudulph has returned from a trip to the Jamestown Exposition and Atlantic City. Bros. Cosden and Brown have returned from their baseball trip over Market street bridge. Take notice of the change of our secretary and treasurer in back part of The Telegrapher, and be governed accordingly. Member. Washington Division, No. 60. Since my last contribution to this department, there has been many changes on this end of the Maryland Division caused by the eight-hour law becoming effective. The following are the new eight-hour offices: “BG,” Fourteenth street — First trick, Mr. L. A. Hamilton; second trick, C. T. U. A. Bro. Reits; third trick, Bro. J. E. Blader. “J,” Seventh street — First trick, Bro. H. R. Barnes; second trick, extra at present; third t:ick, extra at present. “HF,” Washington — First trick, Bro. H. L. Simcox; second trick, Bro. J. T. McKean; third trick, Bro. J. E. Vandcgrift. “ND” — First trick, Mr. H. H. Hurlock; second trick, Bro. R. C. Elliott; third trick, Bro. L. H. Sparks. “JU” — First trick, Mr. G. N. Barbour; other two tricks extra. Digitized by t^ooole

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1694 The Railroad Telegrapher. “BH” — First trick, Bro. A. A. Jardon; second trick, Bro. J. B. Milton; third trick, Bro. D. B. Johanner. Bro. J. T. McKean has returned from his vaca- tion, which was spent traveling through Scotland, his home. We expect some great changes in this vicinity in the near future, when the new union station is completed. This station is one of the finest in this country, if not in the world; costing nearly $8,000,000 for the station proper. Now, brothers, we want to gather in some more of the nons around Washington. There is nothing to prevent them from joining our forces, and assist- ing in bettering conditions. Our local organizer, Bro. Blader, has done some very good work in the last month or two, and it is very gratifying to see that the non-members arc coming in, and aiding a just cause. I also understand that every member of this divi- sion has an up-to-date card. This division held a special meeting September 4th, at the home of Bro. Vandegrift, for the pur- pose of rendering financial aid to the commercial brothers who are out on strike. The sum of $25 was donated to the local union of commercial teleg- raphers. May they win. Your correspondent would like to have some notes from the brothers out on his road to enable him to make his contributions interesting as well as beneficial. Div. Coa. Boston Division, No. 89. The mass meeting, August 25th, held in Faneuil Hall, Boston, Mass., was a grand success from trades union point of view. The demands of the C. T. U. A. were advertised to the public. It was a gathering of intelligent men and women that listened to prominent speak- ers from many labor organizations. The remarks of Peter W. Collins, grand secretary and treas- urer of the Electrical Workes of America, on organization, education and legislation, won mu:h applause. The O. R. T. on this system has been trying to organize and educate the nons for some time, and, although we legislate for them, they do not appreciate the fact. It is the custom each year for all railroad broth* erhoods to hold a social or dance. These dances have always been financially and socially success- ful. There is no reason why Boston Division 89 should be behind other brotherhoods in this respect. We have a large number of good dancers who could handle the affair in grand style. Some one should take this matter up at one of our meetings. Bro. Jack Ludy, ticket agent at Campello, is on a two weeks' vacation. Bro. Kenney, nights, is covering Bro. Ludy’s job. Bro. J. F. Thomas, North Abington, is covering night trick at Campello. Bro. Geo. W. McCue is summering among th2 hills of old New Hampshire. Bros. Tommy Prince and J. J. Foley spent a week at Provincetown. Dxv. Cor. Chicago Division, No. 91. It is with extreme regret that we are compelled to record the fact that we were asked to accept the resignation of our genial secretary and treas- urer, Geo. F. O’Brien, in that capacity. While No. 91 has been fortunate in the past in the selection of officers, I believe that we will all acknowledge that we never had a more con- scientious, cheerful and hard-working brother in this division than Bro. O’Brien. The manner in which he cared for the welfare of this division, and the attention he gave our cause, whether it pertained to local or national affairs, was always a matter of comment among the membership. Through overwork his health was impaired to such an extent that he found it necessary to take a much-needed and deserved rest. The past half year has been a most gratifying one to us all. A clear gain of over 117 members. We understand that Bro. Driscoll, of the C, I. & S., is greatly elated with the progress he is mik- ing as general chairman in his negotiations with that road for better working conditions, etc. We are again brought into public view, the strike of the commercial boys of this city being the center upon which all eyes arc turned, and as many of them hold up-to-date O. R. T. cards, it will be readily seen that No. 91 is again in the limelight. Our chief telegrapher, G. DaL Jones, being on the executive board of the local commer- cial organization, is deeply interested in the out- come. I would like to have some news from our out- of-town members who are unable to come to our meetings on account of the time-card. Boys, please wake up and send in to your secretary any items you may be able to get. Kindly remember that your officers need a little encouragement, as well as an expression as to your wishes. Without these, they are placed in a very embarrassing position, not knowing your desires. Introductions now being in order, it is with great pleasure that we turn our attention to our new secretary, W. F. McDonald. In this brother we have added to our official family one of the staunchest union men in the city of Chicago, and one of the most energetic workers for our cause. Now, brothers, it’s up to you to help Mac along the thorny path of officialdom. His position calls for a great amount of routine work, and very lit- tle recognition. Am just in receipt of a very distressing note in which the sad news is conveyed that the beloved wife of our worthy chief telegrapher is danger- ously iil. This intelligence is a severe blow to us, and it is our earnest prayer that her illness may be of short duration, and that she may be spared to one of the most unselfish of men. Boys, when there are vacancies on the road on which you are employed kindly drop our secretary a note, who will see that sober and reliable men are sent to such positions. Don’t forget that there is a strike on all over the United States and Canada with the commer- cial boys, and try and help all deserving applicants Cert. 83. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1695 Meridian Division, No. 94. Our membership is scattered over so much terri- tory that it is impossible for some of our members to attend meetings, and, therefore, I hope every member of this division will read this article as I expect to make some statements of interest to all. In the first place, I want to state that the South- ern Railway in Mississippi, has been added to the territory of this division, and Bro. R. O. Nun- nery, of Columbus, Miss., has been elected local chairman for that section of road which extends from Columbus, Miss., to Greenville, Miss., includ- ing Webb, Belzoni, Napanee and Richey branches. All members on this division of road should con- sult freely with Bro. Nunnery regarding any mat- ters that will tend to improve the service or the conditions of employment, as he is your duly elected representative before the railroad officials and the Order, and I am sure it will be his aim to improve the service and conditions of employ- ment. Since January ist, of this year, we have added thirty-seven new members to our division. We have lost by transfer six, and dropped eighteen, leaving a net gain of thirteen members. We have at present 1 10 members, ninety-eight of whom have already paid dues to December 31, 1907, and we hope the other twelve will remit in a few days. Reader, if you are one that has not remitted, please let your remittance go to the secretary- treasurer at your earliest convenience, as it’s time all these remittances were in. The following amounts have been contributed by our members and their friends thus far to h'lp the commercial operators who are on strike: Division 94 $10 ro J. R. Me Lem on 3 eo W. M. Terry, B. B. Brannon and J. T. Bur- ney 30 00 J. E. Jones and W. H. Bagkin 9 co J. M. Howell 3 00 J. C. Hughes 3 00 R. L. Howell 1 00 Tun st all Lumsden 1 00 Ray don Fincher 1 00 Total $61 00 Now, brothers, those that have remitted at all have done splendidly, but every member of the division should send at least $1 to Bro. Quick, and more, if possible, and these remittances should continue as long as this strike lasts. The strike must not fail for the want of money. Send your money to Quick, And help the boys to stick ’Till the sounders fail to tick; And then the big stick Will settle the strike quick. So stick, boys; stick, stick. The members of this division are not attending meetings as they should, and I fear it is for the want of leave of absence and transportation. If this is a fact, there should be a clause inserted in our next schedule to the effect that members will be relieved when possible, and given passes to attend meetings. See to it that this is done. Another thing you should see to is this: Have some one to write up the news from each section of road, or, rather, from each wire circuit division, as follows: Circuit No. 1 — Mobile to Meridian. Circuit No. 2 — Meridian to Okalona. Circuit No. 3 — Artesia to Tuscaloosa. Circuit No. 4 — Tuscaloosa to Montgomery. Circuit No. 5 — Columbus to Greenville. Circuit No. 6 — Webb, Belzoni, Napanee and Richie branches. This would require six correspondents, who should send their copy to your local secretary and treasurer to be consolidated and forwarded for publication in The Telegrapher. We would like to have volunteers for this service. Who will help us? Your secretary has entirely too much work to undertake to do all the writing for The Teleg- rapher, and as no one has offered to help, we seldom ever have a write-up. Our treasury is in good condition. All debts paid, and a few hundred on hand. If any of you want a more definite report write the treasurer, or attend meetings and get it, as it is not for publi- cation. What we need now is new members, and we can get them if every one of you will pick out just one man and go to work on him, and keep after him continually until he joins. Try it, and let’s see how we will grow. Yours fraternally, R. L. Howell, S. and T. Cobalt Division, No. 99. As our division is just in its infancy, and has not as yet had a write-up, I thought this would be a good chance to start the ball rolling. At our last meeting, held at New Liskcard, Au- gust 31st, a new chief telegrapher was appointed; Bro. C. D. Chatterson, dispatcher at North Bay, succeeding Bro. Dufour, who has retired from the company’s service, but we are pleased to say, not from the Order. Bro. F. G. Campbell was ap- pointed past chief, succeeding Bro. Dumas, who has also left the company’s service. Nominations were made for general chairman to fill the vacancy cre- ated by Bro. Aubin resigning from this office. Bro. G. H. Teeple, of Cobalt, and Bro. J. J. Campbell, of North Bay, were nominated for this position. Ballots are now out for the election,, and as soon as elected, our schedule will then be taken up with the company. Our division today, I am pleased to say, is 99 per cent solid, and we expect that by next meet- ing this division will be solid O. R. T. We trust that there will be a larger turnout at our next meeting, as we expect there will be some important business to transact. Bro. H. Wolf, of New Liskeard, we are pleased to say, has been appointed relieving dispatcher, and is now holding down third trick at “H,” filling in, while Bro. R. L. Lamb, who has been hit by Cupid’s arrows, is away on his honeymoon. We extend to Bro. Lamb our congratulations. Cert. 27. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1696 The Railroad Telegrapher. Western Maryland Railway. Wesi Virginia Division — It is now time to forward notes to The Teleg- rapher, so I will get busy and try and give a short write-up. Although I am not now in the service, my business requires me to travel over the road, therefore I get to see the boys quite often, and feel it the duty of some one to write a few lines. Bro. G. W. Hoover, who has ben working nights at Rawlings, lias resigned and is now taking a course in law. We all wish Bro. Hoover success in his new undertaking. Bro. Lahan, of Westcrnport days, who was or- dered by a physician to take absolute rest, is still off duty. We hope he will soon be able to re- sume work. Understand a new man has taken his place, who, by the way, is a non. Unable to give his name. The conditions along the line are not what they should be, as there are several nons in evidence. I think, brothers, if we get after them in the right way we may be able to get them in the ranks. Bro. Me Kane relieved Bro. Fraley while he was on his honeymoon trip. Now, brothers, there is no reason why W. M. Div. 82 can not be represented in every issue of The Telegrapher. Would like for some brother who is better posted to do the writing in our next issue. I think we are indebted to Bro. Fraley for a nice bunch of items this month. With best wishes for all who carry the up-to-date card. Cert. 26. Twin City Telegraphers' Club. The regular meeting of the club was held at Midway Saturday night, September 14th, and among the business transacted a new correspond- ent was appointed. Guess the former brother was too busy to look for news, so they sent the job down here where there is not much work. We had a rousing old meeting and one of the best in line of attendance since the club was organized. That is what counts, and we hope to see the boys turn out in big bunches and keep it up now that win- ter will be here soon. I wonder what was the trouble with our Minne- apolis boys? Only a couple turned out for the meeting. We had hoped to see more present to help us welcome the C. T. U. A. brothers, who turned out to pay us a visit. Anyway the Com- mercial brothers have promised to come often in the future, so we will have many meetings as good as the last one. The greater part of our opening exercises were dispensed with, as we had several fine talkers with us and every one was anxious to hear them get at it. Bro. and First Vice-President Newman was called on first and gave a very nice talk on the topics of the day and the future prospects of the Order. Bro. Liddane, generally the long-winded orator of the club, was next called on, but during the speech of Bro. Newman Bill had spied one of his Omaha side partners in the hallway and noth- ing would do but that he should speak in his place, so Bro. Liddane introduced Bro. Byers, of the Omaha Railway, one of the oldest telegraphers of the United States. Bro. Byers was no stranger to us, as most of us had the pleasure of listening to the worthy brother during the trouble on the N. P. and G. N. two years ago, but he certainly can talk, and Bro. Liddane made most of his chance to rest for an evening. Bro. McVickers, the president of the C. T. U. A. Local No. 9, was called on and made a very able speech and presented their side of the trouble in such a way that a person can not help but see they arc in the right of a great struggle for living wages and better conditions. If the boys through- out the entire country put up the front that the boys of Local No. 9 do there can only be one way for the trouble to end and that will be in their favor. We were glad of the chance to bear these brothers talk on this subject, as the news handed out by the majority of our papers is pretty rank stuff and always paid for by the big money cor- porations back of them. We were also favored by a visit of part of the N. P. committee, but No. 6 being late kept a couple of them at the depot until too late to come out to the hall. The benefit dance given by the striking C. T. U. A. boys on September 13th was well attended and every one reports a good time. The club pur- chased twenty tickets to help the good work along and make up for the members that could not at- tend. Hear reports of another to be given in the near future, so every one who can, turn out and support the boys in every way. Correspondent. Albany Division, No. 78. Bro. Kemp, our genial local chairman, was badly injured in August by falling from the platform on “WI,” Watervleit tower, breaking his left leg be- tween the knee and ankle. We certainly lost a helper, for the general committee was in session at Albany when the accident happened. The boys all sympathize with him, and wish him a speedy recovery. Bro. Stevens, from “Z,” Fort Edward, was called to serve on committee during negotiations, and did himself credit. Mr. Flannery, at* Ft. Ticonderoga “CG,” was the successful bidder on “RS,” Glens Falls freight, but declined. Bro. Stevens being next bidder, was assigned, after finishing labors on general com- mittee. Bro. G. Ramsdell is holding down “Z,” Fort Edward, days, temporarily, until same is advertised. Mr. Mangan relieving nights. We expect to call Mr. Mangan brother before long; so, “Geo.,” hurry necessary along. We are reliably informed that Mr. Spencer, at “SA,” Sandy Hill, secured a raise out of com- mittee’s effort, and hope he will see his way clear to join us and help keep the ball rolling. Bro. J. C. Nicks, of Division 132, who has been working on steamer “Sagamore,” Lake George, the past summer, has returned to “A. C. Line’ for the winter. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 720

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1697 The new schedules, effective the first of Septem- ber, are distributed, also positions under eight- hour law bulletined. Bro. “J.” Potter, at Watervleit “OW,” will now have a night man. Mr. Pierson, at “GY’* tower, Ballston, will go on eight hours. The committee has done some- thing for him, and he should show his apprecia- tion by establishing his membership. Now that we have a fine schedule, let’s all con- tinue to -give good service, for it is certainly ap- preciated by the officials. A little extra effort to watch wires will not hurt us, and will be much to help us in the future. On account of Bro. Kemp being laid up, we had no correspondent, this being the reason no notes from this division, but I take pleasure in coming to his aid on this work. It would be a great help if every one would send an item or two for publi- cation in the journal. Without help it is almost impossible to have our division well represented. Regarding passes, Bro. Moat, general chairman, has this up with the officials, and expects an an- swer by our September meeting. The company’s attitude seemed to be in favor of granting them, but on account of Mr. Sims’ absence from the city, had to postpone business and communicate by letter. Here’s hoping we secure them. Bro. Pierson, our worthy second vice-president, certainly gave us some needed advice, and was with us from start to finish. Ce»t. 35. Wabash Railway. Detroit Division — The regular correspondent has been off sick for some time, and asked me to see to this part of the work, and I have very little to offer. We are nearing the time to go for a revision of the schedule, and it is our duty to respond promptly to all questions asked by the committee, and the ones who are not in the O. R. T. wagon better put on the badge and help the good cause along. Bro. L. A. Yoder, nights at Milan, has been sick for some time with typhoid fever, and is now out again. Saw him a few days ago, and he was thinking of going to Colorado to visit his folks until he is able to resume work. Sister E. M. Jackel was given the worst end of a deal when, by order of the superintendent, a transfer was made, giving the agency at Hand to a Mrs. J. Holliday, formerly agent at that place. Mrs. Holliday took another position when she left Hand, and was offered the agency when it was up on bulletin, but refused it, and when her office was closed she made application for this place, and re- ceived it; in this way one of the telegraphers who had accepted Hand on bulletin, was put out in the cold, and no bulletin of the office given. If this kind of work is to be practiced we might as well hang up our fiddle, for no one knows when they have a job. If some office is closed, and the teleg- rapher asks for some one else’s job, he will get it, perhaps, the superintendent being the judge. I trust this matter will come to some kind of a head, so we will know just where we stand. Bro. W. M. Sellers has resumed duty at Romu- lus, and Bro. Curry has gone back nights at that place. If the brothers will send in a few items each month they will assist very materially in giving a good write-up from this division. It is impossible for me to know all that is going on, but if you would send in what you have we could have one of the finest columns in the journal. Please try it. Yours fraternally, V. N. Wood, Local Chairman. Decatur Division — This writing consists more or less of items con- tributed by our faithful Bro. Harte, of Bement. Also indebted to Bros. Hefner and Youell, and some one failing to leave identification marks. The first item will, no doubt, be of interest to those on the Thirteenth District, and, although a man may choose his profession regardless of the world, we do not endorse the following article: For a number of years a Mr. C. G. Barnwell, with the assistance of several qualified instructors, has conducted a business college in the city of Litchfield, and met with fair success. In a resent issue of a Litchfield paper he has in- serted an advertisement stating he has opened a branch for telegraph students, the hours being of an evening, and expects to enroll 100 students by the fall term. It is vouched that the “professor” is unable to receive at the rate of eighteen or twenty words a minute, so you can readily form an opinion as to his ability as an instructor in telegraphy. The writer is personally acquainted with Mr. Barnwell, and as a telegrapher, advises him to dis- continue his telegraph course if he expects his school to hold its former reputation. Any man that will take the responsibility to teach others an art he himself has not mastered, is discriminating against such class of labor, and should be branded as an outlaw. A wandering spark from a passing locomotive cast its burning embers upon the station at Litch- field, and had it not been for the timely arrival of the fire department the building would have been consumed by fire. The station is minus the roof, and our Bros. Stone and Harwood are con- ducting the wire work in the baggage-room, while Agent Comeau is handling the passenger traffic and using Superintendent Daily's office as a ticket office. Traffic was delayed several hours at Raymond re- ceritly on account of Train No. 71 running through an open derail. Bro. Hendricks handled the wires, and during the rush had the pleasure of greeting eight visit- ing brothers. The wreckers from Decatur and Litchfield were pressed into service, and under the directions of Mr. Handshy traffic was resumed as speedily as possible. As you all are aware of the various changes in the official list of this division, it is not worth while to give an account, but in Mr. Handshy, our Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1698 The Railroad Telegrapher. former trainmaster, who accepts the position of general superintendent of transportation for the Mc- Kinley System, we lose a good and fair official, who, during his reign as chief dispatcher and trainmas- ter, always worked to the interest of all concerned in a fair-spirited manner. We regret our loss, but congratulate Mr. Handshy upon ‘ his promotion and good fortune, and wish him only the success that goes with a fair and worthy man. Mr. Helm, the newly-installed trainmaster of the Ninth and Thirteenth Districts, has our due respect, and we welcome him to this end, after having been absent since his reign as chief dis- patcher. The train men appear well pleased with the promotion of Conductor Robinson to trainmaster of the Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Districts, and be should make a promising official, regardless of the past. Referring to a certain ex-member who recently expressed his disapproval of unionism, we think he talks contrary to his opinions. We regret to lose a brother, but feel relieved when they are dissat- isfied with our organization, and can only offer a .petty excuse for withdrawing. The Decatur Division is cursed with one knocker. However, he is rather to be pitied than despised, as he has never had a glimpse of the wide world; his vision having been cut short by the little forest which skirts the Sangamon river. Having been born and raised among wild weeds, we must not censure him too severely for his short-sightedness. Nevertheless he has received courteous treatment. He has often been appealed to, and his membership solicited by men who have tried to raise him to a higher plane. Not only has this been ignored, but the climax was reached when he was asked to contribute something to th? striking telegraphers of our sister organization. He gave vent to his wrath by calling down condemna- tion on the organization, and accusing Bro. Hef- ner of being a grafter, and said the organization is robbing you poor fools. Speaking of graft: Was there ever a greater display of graft than for one to sit idly by and enjoy the benefits of organization without doing anything to ass'st; not even to the extent of remaining neutral. He apparently thinks the organization is of no benefit to a man who possesses the superior knowl- edge that he does, and this consists of his famil- iarity with the signal “31” and “19,” copy “3.” I have never been disposed to look on the dark si !e, but this case seems to be hopeless. It has been some time since our schedule went into effect, and now as the time is nearing for a revision, it is necessary that we comply with any request made by our chairman pertaining to the schedule and its revision. It is the duty of every one to assist the chairman by giving all information possible at an early date. Accuracy in answering queries is the first important step, and one should not exaggerate nor misrepresent any statement in the least. Give a true and accurate statement, and suggest anything you arc of the opinion would lead to the betterment of the Order in general or the members individually. It has been a year since your correspondent ac- cepted the honor to act as scribe for this division. During that time, although it has been but a short period, considerable has been gained by the Order, and we have been working under one of the most prosperous administrations inaugurated. It has always been my desire to offer interesting and in- telligent items, and through the columns of The Telegrapher I desire to express my appreciation and thanks to those who assisted me in this cause. Another fact very noticeable is that our member- ship has increased fully 25 per cent or more. This may appear an exaggerated statement to many, but if you are aware of the fact that the Decatur Divi- sion is practically solid O. R. T. you will not cen- sure me for making such an assertion. Many are not aware of the fact that Bro. Hef- ner, upon assuming the office of local chairman, was inexperienced in that line, but we can safely assert that the person who can now excel Bro. Hefner in his scope is to be congratulated upon his superiority. Very few nons remain upon this division, and it is the desire of all that they identify themselves with this organization by taking out membership. The few remaining nons appear to be hard to con- vince, but with persuasion and continuous exam- ples of the good accomplished by the Order, it is hoped they will affiliate with us. It is hoped all agents will give Bro. Hefner a definite and accu- rate reply to his inquiry of several weeks ago. This is important, and should be given prompt at- tention. Do not delay or hesitate with your re- plies, as your salaries are to be based upon the facts submitted. One of the contributors for this writing for- warded quite an interesting page, but gave office calls in place of station names. Your correspondent is somewhat familiar with the calls, but is at times at a loss to locate the stations referred to. All items are received with an appreciation of the fact that the contributor has taken interest, and I would thank them to please insert station names in preference to the call. Rumors indicate that we are to lose Bro. Vance, of Lotus. He contemplates emigrating to the West, as does Bro. Parish, of Emington. Mr. Calvert, formerly helper at Cardiff, is now acting as the official “doper” at Galesville, and promises his application soon as he has been in the telegraph service the required length of time. Information reaches us that Bro. Ruchards, of Osman, is having his difficulties breaking in new wire-workers. Mr. Engel, formerly at Osman nights, trans- ferred to Horse Creek, same shift; relieved by a Mr. Lowry, of Strausburg. Bro. Kelly, agent at Blue Ridge, makes fre- quent visits to Champaign. Bro. Vance, of Chicago Ridge, succeeded in landing Mansfield agency. Bro. Sansom returned to the Gibson agency after enjoying a western tour. He visited Bro. Morris, a former Banner Route employe. Unable to say who acted as relief. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1699 Bro. Guy McNabney, formerly of Gibson, is now holding forth with the C., B. & Q. at Custer, S. D., and expresses only a good opinion of that country. Bro. Downs, of Foosland, resumed duty after a month's absence through Pennsylvania seeking a healthful climate for his wife, who is in very poor health. The change apparently benefited her none, and she returned with her husband. Bro. Martin Nelson acted as relief during Bro. Downs* absence, and is now stationed at Boody nights. Bro. F. Sommers took a ten days' vacation prospecting around St. Paul, but returned to his old stand at Gibson days, after due consideration, claiming the northern country not as desirable as this section. **13" that Bro. Wingate, of Cerro Gorda, goes to “BX" tower days. Can not say when transfer will be made. Bro. Lowell, Taylorville, spent a few days vis- iting home folks at Dalton City during Septem- ber; relieved by Telegrapher Tomilson, who, at present is holding Knights tower during the dark hours. Mr. Case, now of “BX," relieved agent at Car- penter one day while the latter was absent from duty. Bro. Giffin was recently relieved of his so- called burden, the Harvel agency, and departed for St. Paul. Bro. Meglitch filling the vacancy until assigned some one possessing more seniority. Mr. Morrow, of the C. T. U. of A., holding Staunton nights, for the present, relieving Bro. Meglitch, who bids fair to get Harvel agency. Smith, of the C. T. U. of A., is holding down a vacancy in “XD," Decatur office, while others are enjoying a vacation. Our chief, Mr. Ocheltree, is enjoying a needed vacation in the northern atmosphere with his fam- ily, and returns in a few weeks. Bro. A. H. Martzhoff, upon reporting for duty, after being on a vacation, acted as relief agent at Honey Bend, relieving Bro. Aikman, who enjoyed an extended vacation of several weeks. Upon resuming duty Bro. Aikman took charge of his old stand; Bro. Martzhoff returning to his former position at Homer days. Put John A. Pfoff, at Gibson nights, down as having done the right thing. This makes Gibson job solid, with Bros. Sansom as agent and Som- mers as day telegrapher. Bro. Childers holding down “BX" tower days, with a Mr. Case, a beginner, on nights. Th:s is a newly-created office, and rumors afloat assert this is a good strong-arm job. Bro. Yates, night man at Saunemin, has been granted an indefinite leave of absence on account of the serious sickness of his father. Bro. Sopher, who for the past three years has been agent at Milmine, has been transferred to the agency at Ivesdale, which carries with it a substantial increase in salary. Bro. Wolf, who has been agent at Lovington for the past year, has resigned, and left the service of the road. He intends to take a course at Bloom- ington, 111., business college, and enter some pro- fessional calling other than railroading. The latest official “dope" out, is that, commenc- ing September 1st, what is now known as “Green’s train," otherwise Bement, Effingham passenger run, will not run to Effingham, but will make Al- tamont its southern terminal. This move is made on account of the unprofitable mileage (seven miles), Shumway Junction to Effingham — then, again, this piece of road is sadly in need of exten- sive repairs. We understand it has been leased to a party at Effingham who intends to operate it with some kind of a light motor car. Bro. Brakelane, of Ivesdale, who was relieved by Bro. Sopher, transferred to Homer. Agent Hays, Pontiac, off for one week visiting friends the latter part of August. Bro. Lichtenberger, Forrest, has been acting agent at that point for the past few weeks, ending September 7th. Before returning to his old berth as day telegrapher, is, with wife and ch ldren, making a few days' visit at dear old “Gorda." We arc in receipt of a letter dated recently from Tacoma, Neb., from R. W. Shepherd, who, up to a few months ago, held down Sidney. He speaks very glowingly of experiences out in the “wild and woolly West." He feels quite satisfied, and says present position as operator pays him $77*50- He expects to remain out in the West this winter, at least. Bro. Renner, days at “H" office, Decatur, is back after a few days off the latter part of August. Bro. Rock, who has been agent at Effingham for the past two years, ceased to bear that honored title at that point September 1st, for the reason the Wabash has closed that station, having aban- doned what was known as the Shumway-Effingham Line, seven miles in length, because of costly re- pairs needed and the revenue not justifying the expense; hence Bro. Rock finds himself without title, at least at that point. He left for Saunemin September 10th, where, for thirty days, he will act as relief agent. No doubt he will “fall heir" to something equally as good as his old position. Bro. Thompson, of Monticello, made a short visit with friends at Gibson Wednesday, August 28th. Ye “night-hawk" filling Bro. Thompson’s chair during his absence. Bro. Dixon, of Philo, off a week the latter part of August. Spent the time visiting home folks and fishing at Lovington. He reports a fine time and a good catch. Bro. D. G. Jonson, of Southern Pacific Division S3, assigned to Granite City night position, vice Bro. Hecox, transferred. Mr. E. C. Woodruff, recently with the C. & E. I., at Mitchell, and formerly a Wabash employe, spent a few hours with your correspondent. Bro. Hecox transferred from Granite City night?, to Edwardsville Junction, same shift. He expects to return to his former position as agent at North Ritchie in the near future. “13" Bro. Gaston, from Edwardsville Junction, goes to Carpenter nights, to handle consists and do other numerous “chores." Digitized by Google

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1700 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. G. D. Cole holding forth at Nameoki nights, reports a warm reception with the Wa- bash wires on one side and Big Four on the other. He says it's a busy job, but he can handle the business. He expects to send for his wife soon, as he is permanently located. Bro. Cole hails from the Frisco aggregation. J. A. Gay, formerly with the Wabash at Taylor- ville nights, but now with the C. & A., at Bloom- ington, 111., spent a few hours with your corre- spondent, but left without saying he would affiliate with us. Understand Bro. Darner, who was stationed at Carpenter, has forsaken the Wabash ranks and en- tered those of the Big Four at the same place. A Mr. Smith, from the Big Four, filling Blue Mound night position at this writing. Bro. Renner's fist was heard working wires in "XD,” Decatur office, one night the past month. Presume he is back to "H,” Decatur office days, again. New man working "JO," Decatur office, nights. Unable to reveal his identity. Quite a number of up-to-date brothers are de- serting the Wabash ranks, and are accepting better- paying positions with foreign roads. After our new schedule is granted, we are of the opinion the old Wabash will pay as good salar- ies as competing lines, and men will remain steady, and cut out the boomer idea. Bro. J. H. Custer, Raymond, is contemplating a vacation, and will visit his brother, "A. I.,** formerly agent at Raymond, who is now a physi- cian and surgeon of Indianapolis. He will also visit other home folks in old Indiana. We understand New Lenox and Steele stations were minus an agent several days the middle of September, on account of the agent working these two stations being on the "skip,” with the sheriff in pursuit. We don’t know where he’s going, but he’s on his way. No particulars available at this writing. Trainmaster Helm and Traveling Auditor Zocll- ner acted as relief agents for a few days until a man was checked in. Mr. Johnson, formerly agent at Brisbane, and late manager of the Western Union pole yard at that point, has returned, and is again filling Bris- bane agency. Agent F. H. Steinbarger, of Oak Lawn, pur- chased a home a short time ago. Those working in the suburban district can only appreciate the value of a modern home, as being a tenant is an expensive necessity. Geo. Braun, of Worth, and a former Wabash telegrapher, recently recovered from a severe at- tack of malarial fever, and has not decided as to the future. Bro. Ishmael enjoyed a lengthy vacation the past month, visiting home folks at Pana, 111., and call- ing on friends, resuming duty the latter part of September. Mr. Morrow, an ex-O. R. T. member, and an up-to-date C. T. U. of A. man, and prior to the commercial strike an assistant chief in Chicago office, acted as relief, and left a good impression upon your correspondent. Bro. Bergan resigned night position at Harvel, departing for Bloomington, 111., to accept service with the C. & A. Relieved by Mr. Brewer, a "Quad” man. Bro. Logsdon, of Clarksdale, off a few nights the forepart of September. Telegrapher Tomil* son doing the "graveyard stunt” during our broth- er’s absence. There are 1,521,355 persons on the pay-roll of the railroads of the United States, so a recent report states. The railroad vote, united, would mean something at a national election, and by a good union vote we could easily obtain control of the country, if every union man would pledge his support to a union ticket. Bro. Bandy and his beaming countenance, of Morrisonville, was seen upon the streets of Ray- mond recently. The new double track between Knights and Tay- lorville was opened for traffic recently, relieving our brothers of the work-train graft and numerous additional duties. , At this writing can not say who has been regu- larly assigned to Blue Mound day position, but a Mr. Legg is at present holding the position, and has been for some time. He is not entitled to the position, as his seniority will not permit the promotion, and if you have a grievance on this write Bro. Hefner, explaining. Understand a Bro. Hogan has accepted service with this company, but can not give his location at this writing. Various changes during the past month, but unable to chronicle all. Drop me a line and I will insert your contribution. "Oh, Mister Non, don’t make a fuss. For you failed to affiliate with us. You arc out in the cold. And can expect nothing from our fold. "If no increase last year came your way. Write Bro. Hefner to secure a raise in pay. To get this. Mister Non, just listen to our plea; Make application, remit, and join the O.R.T.” In conclusion, I request that all perform their duties to the best of their ability, and comply with the instructions issued by the officials pertaining to our work. As to the commercial business, I ask that we assist our sister union morally and 6nan- cially, and abide by instructions issued by the executive officials of the Order, and by our gen- eral and local chairman. "73." Div. Co*. Mobile d. Ohio Ry. I will try and give a few happenings and think this is all that has been sent in from this division in the last eight months. We need individual in- terest on every part of this division and right now is the time to act. I do not believe there is a telegraph office where there is three or more men employed that does not contain an Order man. If there is a non working with you, keep working on Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1701 him and do not give up until you make good. There i3 no excuse he can give you but what you can counter him with proof in favor of our or- ganization. Bro. H. C. Gilmer, agent and telegrapher at Fruitdale, took a vacation from the 16th to 30th of August, and visited in Missouri and Illinois. Bro. L. C. Collins, day operator at Vinegar Bend, relieved him. Bro. J. D. Flournoy, agent at Vinegar Bend, is taking a much-needed rest. Bro. Booth, from the Mobile Bay Shore Division, is doing the agent’s stunt in his place. The brothers on this division seem to be doing all they can in the way of contributing to help out the commercial brothers. It is hoped that they will get what is rightfully due them, as it is a known fact that all telegraphers are underpaid. Since we have our new schedule 'everybody on this division seems to be better satisfied. According to our schedule every opening is to be bulletined, which is not done. There are sev- eral of the best positions being held by new men and the older ones were not even given a show at them. Why not have this done? . Bro. J. P. Godfrey, who has been working in dis- patcher’s office at Meridian as day telegrapher, has been set up and is now dispatcher working south of Meridian. Glad to see this, as he has done some good work for the road and is one of the oldest men on it. The new station at Yellow Pine is about ready to be occupied, and Bro. Delbuono is proud of it. He has been in box cars long enough. Bro. S. J. Billheimer has resigned his position at Chicora, and is now located in California. Do not know who is in his place. We still have a few nons on this line. Why not everybody do their best and get them into the fold. Of course, one or two of the old heads we never can do anything with, but anyway, keep after them all, especially the new ones. Now I have written a little this month. Let some other brother write for the next journal. This divison should be heard from every month. B. N. Canadian Pacific Railway. District No. 2, Western Division — Sunday, September 15th, was a red letter day for the good number who were fortunate enough to be present at our regular meeting, held in the Odd Fellows* Hall, Red Deer. Our worthy Chair- man, Bro. W. L. MacDonald, in the chair. Let us say a few words to those who, through unavoidable causes and a greater number through causes of their own, were not there. Those who are regular attendants know that our meetings are a success in every sense of the word; the greater the attendance the more thorough is our organiza- tion. Matters of the most vital importance to each and every one are discussed and as we have all seen in the past and have a fair illustration at this present juncture that, being thoroughly or- ganised, is most important, we should stand pat and be there to a man. Some of the important matters of this meeting was the support awarded our C. T. U. A. brothers, particularly financially, each member present giv- ing voluntarily sums, and the practice of collecting from outside sources, as mentioned in our Grand Secretary’s circular, was recommended. The schedule fund also was greatly added to at this meeting, particularly due to an effective ap- peal from the chair. The question of meetings was decided at this meeting, which is as follows: That the meetings shall be held on the third Sunday of each month. Two consecutive meetings will be held at Red Deer, the third meeting will be in Calgary. The hour of meeting at Red Deer will be 14 o’clock. The Calgary meeting hour is usually arranged by the committee in charge. Bro. Finkle, of Didsbury, away on six weeks’ holiday. We expect to be extending congratula- tions ere this appears. Tourist business at Banff abated sufficiently to allow Bro. Gunn to be with us. Bro. Hughes relieving Crossfield, Bro. Nicolls transferred Innisfail, ex-Bro. Jackson who goes to Lacombe, Bro. Pennock, resigned. With the resignation of Bro. Pennock comes the news of his appointment to a very lucrative government position. While we are all very sorry to lose Bro. Pennock from the ranks of the “agents,” we can not but feel delighted with his success, and also to know that he will always be prepared to present you with an up-to-date card. Another illustration from an old timer of the ap- preciation of “The Good Old Order.” Banff days, and Cochrane nights, bulletined; at time of writing not filled. Bro. Whitlock doing relief at Wetaskiwin, Bro. McMannus away on an extended and well-earned vacation. I would request and deem it a favor if the brothers who have any clippings of interest would kindly send them to your division correspondent. There is scarcely a month that every brother has not had some item that will be of interest in this column. If this is complied with we will always have a few words to the credit of District No. 2 in The Telegrapher. Concluding, I would again remind you: Do not forget the date and place of the meetings. The next meeting to be held in Calgary will be the third Sunday in November. Endeavor to get to them all; make application early, and lastly, be there. Div. Cor. District No. 2 — First class joint meeting of Districts 2, 3 and 4 held in Brandon, August 29th, attended by about sixty members, and at which the proposed new schedule was thoroughly discussed. All the boys appeared to be in favor of a decided change in the working conditions. Keep your shoulders to the wheel, boys, and it will be just a matter of a short time. Understand we are losing some of our best brothers to warmer climate, among them Mr. G. S. Hyde, of Virden, who, we understand, is going Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1702 The Railroad Telegrapher. to the Kootency country to rejoin his father; also a brother who went from Russell about a month ago; also Bro. McTaggart, from Oak Lake, going to the same parts. Evidently Manitoba win- ters do not agree with them. Best wishes for their success. Quite a lot of changes lately, the following places having been bulletined and filled: Russell, by Bro. Miller, from Balcarres; Balcarres, by Bro. Potts, from Solsgirth, relieving dispatcher, Bro. McGeough, from “AD” office; Govan agency, Bro. Blair, from relieving agent. Nokomis and Oak Lake also bulletined, but no official appoint- ment made yet. Quite a number of the boys are away on well- earned vacations, taking in the opening of the shooting season and other pleasures, among the number being Bro. Sewell, of Strassburg, spending two weeks in Minnedosa. Bro. Davidson, Aber- nethy, relieved by Bro. Hay, who has just re- turned from a trip to the coast. Bro. Buchanan, Moosomin, relieved by Bro. Baldwin, Whitewood, and Bro. Scott, Lipton, who, we understand, has gone East to bring back a partner in his joys and sorrows. Bro. Baynham, Elkhorn, has also joined the benedict class. Best of luck. May think by the few times we have had any- thing. from this district in our magazine we are all dead, but can assure you it is merely sleeping, as we are about 95 per cent strong, but are all kept busy preparing for the big wheat rush m a month oi* so. Cert. 1188. N. Y., O. A W. Ry. Sunday, September 22, Div. 20 held a meeting at Cadosia, N. Y., for the purpose of reading the schedule which went into effect August 1, I9°7- There was about thirty-five members present, which included some that had never put in an appearance at any former meeting. About twenty- five of the boys went on an automobile trip to Hancock. All reported a good time. The ball committee reported that all arrange- ments had been made for our first annual ball, which will be held at Linden Hall, Middletown, X. Y., on October 23d. About 1,000 tickets have been printed and it is hoped that an effort will be made by all to dispose of them. Let this, our first effort in the entertainment line, be a howling suc- cess. The secretary reported 205 members, which is a fine showing for our line, and with the exception of three or four, all have paid dues for current term. Our treasury is in a healthy condition and is growing fast. Let each member keep his eye on the nons and use every fair means to get them to come in. There is no one but what is receiving the benefit of the organization, and therefore every one should help to support the institution. Any man who will continue to take the increase in wages secured from time to time, and enjoy the benefits of tbe last revision giving all twelve-hour men twelve days' vacation each year without loss of pay, be- sides the overtime, passes, etc., and other privileges that have been granted through the organization’s efforts, will steal pennies off a dead man’s eyes. Now, boys, that we have again secured our re- vision and everything is in smooth running order, don’t get into the old rut of lying back and doing nothing and leaving all the work to be done by our general and local chairman. Remember, they are getting no more benefits than are the other members, and that they receive nothing from the Order for all the work they have to do, so let every man see that his dues are paid promptly when due and all take the same interest in the affairs that we do at the time when the committee is in session and we are waiting to hear with what success they have met. At such times we are all very much alive. There is no reason why we should not show the same amount of energy at all times and thereby make it a pleasure for ourselves and officers. How many on reading this will make a firm resolution to do as above outlined? Bro. Z. H. Winters and wife, of Centreville, have been spending a few days visiting the James- town Exposition. Bro. Winters was relieved by a new man; have not been able to learn his name. On account of high living expenses Bro. Mer- min, who recently bid in the position as ticket agent at Wickham Ave., Middletown, has given up that position. We understand he is to return to High Falls, although the notices have not been posted as we write. By the time this appears in print five of our offices will be working under the eight-hour day system, according to present indications, the offices being Burnside tower, Campbell Hall Station, Main Street tower at Middletown, “AV” office. Middletown, Crawford Junction tower and Summit- ville Station. It is understood that there will only be two men at “RF” and “AV,” each working eight hours and these offices will be closed for the other eight hours. “Madam Rumor” has it that several other offices have received word they are to be made eight-hour tricks as soon as competent men can be secured. Let the good work go on. Mr. F. A. Day, agent and yardmaster at Cadosia, has resumed work after a leave of absence and Bro. John Fox, who has been at Cadosia, is reliev- ing Bro. Fish at Franklin. Bro. G. E Wilson, agent at Mountaindale, called on old friends near Handen recently. Bro. Allen kept the “tribes of Israel” straight in his absence. Bro. Holley, of Summitville, has been taking a ten days’ vacation to rest up after the strenuous summer’s business. Mr. Francisco, of Middletown, relieved him. Bro. Barber, days at Main Street tower, Middle- town, is taking a few days off, visiting old friends up the line. Mr. Francisco is relieving him. Don’t forget the telegraphers* ball to be held at Middletown, October 23d. Anyone wishing hand bills, tickets or information can have same by addressing Bro. C. E. Downic, at Fallsburgh. Cert. 65. Digitized by LjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1703 C., R. I. A P. Ry. Bro. W. F. Kay, 21 1 North Hickory Street, Joliet, 111., has been appointed Local Chairman of the Illinois Division, vice Bro. R. W. Teeter, resigned. Bro. W. L. Woods, Rex ford, Kansas, has been appointed Local Chairman of the Colorado Divi* sion, vice Bro. Wm. Hansz, resigned. Bro. A. F. Beranek, Morse, Iowa, has been appointed Local Chairman of the Cedar Rapids Division, vice Bro. S. S. Worley, resigned. Bro. C. P. Varney, 308 North Choctaw Street, El Reno, Oklahoma, has been elected Represen- tative of the general telegraph offices with juris- diction over all offices under the Superintendent of Telegraph. In the latter part of July, a schedule covering the C, R. I. & G. Ry. (Rock Island lines in Texas), was signed up in Ft. Worth, with an increase in salaries amounting to 17 per cent. During the past nine months we have initiated 401 members and transferred 212 members of other divisions to this division. This is more than double the number initiated and transferred dur- ing any previous year. We have yet three months to go. We have increased our initiation fee to $5.00, the cost of joining this division during the month of October being $7.15. Notices of dues for the terra ending June 30, 1908* will be issued October 30. Pay up early and avoid the rush. M. E. Schooler, Gen. Sec. 81 Treas. Iowa Division — You fellows who stayed at home should have been at the meeting in Des Moines September 21. Try and come out next time and reap the benefits. Mr. H. D. Rad, the new agent at Newton, checked in over two older men who wanted the place. Bro. E. C. Thomas is doing extra work at Altoona, while Bro. Chittendon is enjoying a vacation. Bro. Thomas has been out of the tele- graph service for some time. All those who have not sent in their information blanks will please send to the Local Chairman at once. If there are any new arrivals, please report them promptly, and find out whether up-to-date or otherwise. Who said the two-cent fare wasn’t a winner? Every old guy and all young guys ride now just to get to ride for two cents per mile. Traveling auditor reports big increases in ticket sales all along the line. Everybody rides but father, He has to work every day; Twelve hours or more is the limit, With or without any "hay.” Farmer takes a trip, ditto hired man. Everybody rides nowadays but my old man. He doesn’t have any Sunday, Holidays are under the ban; Tickets set him crazy, Still he does the best he can. Merchants take a trip, ditto Preacherman, Everybody buys tickets from my old man. Save your money for rainy days; they are sure to come to one and all sooner or later. Bro. O. J. Knapp, night telegrapher at Marengo, was called to Bertram, Iowa, Sept. 5, by the serious illness of his father, who, we learn, died Sept. 13. The members of Iowa Division extend their sin- cere sympathy to Bro. Knapp in this bereavement. Bro. W. R. Neal, a member of the C. T. U. of A., from St. Louis, relieved Bro. Knapp at Marengo. Bro. C. D. Hibbs, of Iowa City, Burlington Street Station, and Bro. E. A. Studcr, extra telegrapher, Iowa City nights, expect to leave Sept 19th for Portland, Ore., and other Coast points on a sixty-days’ outing. They will un- doubtedly have a fine time. Bro. C. W. Plumly, agent at Marengo, Iowa, accompanied his wife to Kansas City Sept. 7, re- turning next day, Mrs. Plumly going on to Green- field, Mo., for a month’s vacation. Bro. M. B. Quire is back at his old stand, Grin- nell nights, after a sixty-<lays’ vacation in Mon- tana and Idaho. "QN” reports a fine time. Bro. W. F. Cooper, formerly day telegrapher at West Liberty, is relieving Bro. R. T. Ray, day telegrapher at Oxford, who expects to be absent about thirty days on a pleasure trip. Bro. V. B. Davis is holding down the day telegrapher’s position at West Liberty until regu- lar man is appointed. Bro. R. N. Whitley, day telegrapher at Iowa City, returned to work Sept. 16th. Bob has been laid up with rheumatism for the past six weeks and returns to work feeling much better. He visited in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and also visited his father in Nebraska while he was absent. Bro. Christ, of Green River, 111., passed over the East Iowa Division August 25th, going to Des Moines to attend the State Fair. Bro. W. P. Masters, night telegrapher at Iowa City, resumed work Sept. 18th, after a pleasant vacation and business trip of sixty days in Colorado. Bro. R. O. Clark, day telegrapher at Anita, passed over the East Iowa Division, returning from a pleasure trip to Kansas City. He stopped at Newton for a few days’ visit with his mother. Cert. 290. Des Moines Valley Division — News very scarce or exceedingly hard to get hold of. Nothing doing from my assistants on Washing- ton line or K. D. What’s the matter? Had another good meeting at Sibley Saturday, Sept. 7, and am glad that so many of the boys turned out. They were glad to get away from their duties long enough to get acquainted with their neighbors. Cebt. 695. Digitized by ^.ooQle

Page 727

1704 The Railroad Telegrapher. Seventh and Eighth Districts, Missouri Division — On account of your correspondent being away on a little vacation, no write-up appeared in last month’s journal. A great many changes have taken place during the last sixty days, and as I have received no items from the Seventh District, and have not been able to get the many changes in night men on the Eighth District, this write-up will not be com- plete. The agency at Cotter, Iowa, is vacant Did not learn where Bro. Carson was going, but presume he has made application for one of the many other positions that have been bulletined. The agency at County Line is also vacant, and I can not say as to where Bro. Argo is going. The following positions were bulletined for night telegraphers, many of them being new positions opened up on account of the block system being put into effect. Laddsdale, Floris, Paris, Numa, Allerton, Mercer, Alvord, Spkkards, Tindall, Hickory Creek, Jamesport, Blake, Gallatin, High- land, Weatherby, Maysville, Pierce Junction. The following positions were bulletined for both day and night telegraphers: Sharon and Platte River. Bro. H. M. Bowers resigned the agency at Edgerton to accept a position with the Burlington in Nebraska. After being in Nebraska for a short time, Bro. Bowers decided that Missouri and the Rock Island were good enough for him, so he returned. Bro. J. B. Plum, Winston, was off for a few weeks, visiting in Oklahoma, Bro. Bowers reliev- ing. Bro. J. T. Hanley was given the agency at Edgerton on bulletin. Mr. S. T. Brown was appointed agent at Perlee, vice Mr. W. S. Fox, resigned. Can not say whether Mr. Brown is up-to-date or not. Mr. C. F. Deem is working the day trick at Highland. Mr. E. R. Benner, working nights at Cameron Junction. These men are both nons and should be looked after. Mrs. M. S. Ingalls, a member of the C. T. U. A. is working at Trenton office. We are glad to welcome her among us. E. M. Oliver, days, and B. E. Cr itch man, nights at Blake. Bro. Irvin, regular night man at Jamesport, is working Jamesport days, and Mr. J. H. Hen- dricks, I understand, a Postal man, from St. Louis, is working nights. Mr. J. C. Morrow is working nights at Mays- ville, and promises to come in on pay-day. Mr. L. A. Swain relieved your correspondent while he was in Colorado. Mr. Swain has lately been doing clerical work for the Cudahy Packing Co. Upon being relieved at Edgerton Junction, he went to Numa for a few weeks, he having been appointed regular relief agent, at a salary of $75.00 per month. Mr. Swain promises that he will be one of us soon. Mr. Clyde L. Foster is working nights at St Joseph yard office. Mr. Foster will also soon be counted as an up-to-date member. Bros. H. A. Johnson and K. K. Kenderdine, both of the St. Joseph yard office, were taken in to Trenton office. Bro. C. C. Griswold, from Winthrop, was sent to St. Joseph yard office to work days. Following are notes that were sent to me by your Local Chairman, Bro. Stewart, and they were too late for last month's issue: Allerton, Mr. Mitchell acting as night teleg- rapher. Mr. Smith is doing owl act at Mercer. Can not say whether they are brothers or not. Mr. West nights at Tindall. Bro. Hughson is back at Spickards nights. Bro. White bid in the agency at Udell, Bro. Shilling taking the agency at Fruitland. Fruitland has recently been made a night office and is being filled by Mr. B. H. Carson, son of Bro. Carson, of Cotter. Bro. Fox, of Perlee, resigned, and was relieved by Bro. Brown, of Princeton, who, in turn, was relieved by Bro. Wilson, of El Reno. Bro. H. O. Sawyer has returned from an ex- tended trip through Colorado. He was relieved by Bro. Haines, regular day man at that place. Mr. A. H. Masters, night telegrapher at Har- vard, has left for Altoona, Kansas. Now, once again, I wish to say that those of you that like to look over this little space each month must send me some items or you will not have the privilege. It is hard enough to get the news from the Eighth District, let alone try to get it from places where you have no wires. Brothers, there is a hard fight on now with the telegraph companies and the commercial men, and they certainly need our financial assistance. The winning or losing of this strike means a great deal to the telegrapher, whether he be a commercial telegrapher or a railroad telegrapher, and it is your duty to lend them any assistance that is within your power. I firmly believe that if they can hold out for a while longer that they will win, but they have got to have financial assistance in order to hold out Don’t think that the rest of the telegraphers all over the country are remitting and that there will be plenty without yours, but send in your remittance at once, and see that it is a good-sized one, too. Cokekspomdewt. Nebraska Division — We had a very interesting meeting at Belle- ville on the night of September 21, with fourteen members present. Bro. Schooler, our General Secretary and Treasurer, was with us, and gave us a very interesting talk. Among other things he explained a number of the remarks made by former General Chairman Gerhart, in his little book, entitled, “A Few Observations," which he had the kindness to mail to all of us. Some of the boys were asked what they thought of it, and they replied that they could not make any head nor tail to it, and could not see what he was driving at; and I guess that was the way with mast Digitized by ^.ooQle

Page 728

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1705 of us. Any man that will publish a book like that is not worthy of any consideration at all, and anything that he publishes should be thrown into the waste-basket without being read. I think those who heard Bro. Schooler’s talk fully under- stand the matter, and those who did not, can get a very good insight into it by reading over the proceedings of the General Committee when they were in Chicago last fall. There has been a number of changes on the division during the past month, and I will try and give you the most of them. Bro. C. H. Fuller, working relief at Ellis while J. J. Alford, the regular agent, spends his time and money in Colorado Springs. Do not know who took Fuller’s place at Sabetha. Bro. Carl Temple bid in the night job at Belle- ville. Can’t say who is nights at Philllipsburg. Some one tells me that Mr. P. T. Whittemore, former agent at Mahaska, is out in Dakota on his farm. A Mr. Carlisle is relieving him. Bro. McKenzie, Munden, is relieving regular agent at Hebron, and Bro. Wells is holding down the Munden job. The boys traded jobs on account of Bob’s* home being at Hebron, and Wells’ at Munden. So they are both working and having a vacation at the same time. Applications for membership from Mrs. E. C. Barnes, Richfield; N. W. Huble, Kensington, and E. G. Wolford, Gladstone. Mr. Wolford is relieving Bro. Graden, who is laying off for a short time. Understand there is to be a cable at Jansen, with a thirty-strap board. I guess that Local Chairman is getting popular. The east end lineman has resigned, "13” to go into the train service as soon as he can be re- lieved. There is only one non working regular on the cast end now, and that is C. E. Beymer, at Jansen, vice Bro. Coffman, who was given Athol on bulletin. There are three or four nons west of Fairbury working regular, so let’s see if we can’t get them to come in and make the main line as near solid as possible. F. W. Yoacum, days at Smith Center, sent in his papers the 21st. Bro. Evans has been promoted to the position of wire chief at Trenton, Mo. Glad to see him get the promotion, but very sorry to see him go. Bro. Sleeper, days at Mankato, is taking his vacation. Can’t say where he went. Bro. Henry is relieving him, and some new man working nights. J. A. M. Kansas Division — Everything is looking up on the Kansas Division. The few nons here have either promised to join October pay-day, or are already making out blanks. It is up to us, boys, to see that they keep tbeir promises to line up sure October pay-day. Word comes to us that the Illinois Division is solid and the Iowa, Des Moines Valley, Missouri, Nebraska, and, in fact, nearly all of them are nearly so. Our last meeting in Topeka, Saturday evening, September 2 1, was well attended. Bro. Brown, our General Chairman, was attending a meeting at Des Moines, and Bro. Schooler, Secretary and Treasurer, was at the Belleville meeting They promise to be with us at one of our meetings in the near future. Bro. Brown is kept busy going from one division to another, and he leaves evidence of his good work wherever he goes. It’s no “moonlight pic- nic,’’ either, getting up all hours of the night, eating hurry-up lunches and getting to bed, perhaps not at all. Bro. Lloyd Selfridge and Miss Winnie Murray were united in marriage by Rev. C. H. Wareham on Thursday evening, August 1, at the home of the bride in Wichita. After the wedding they left for a tour through the West, going as far as Ogden, stopping off at Salt Lake City, and re- turning, they went East for a visit with relatives in Kentucky and Indiana. Bro. Murray is agent at Aulne. We all unite in wishing the happy couple a long and happy married life. We understand that Bro. Nottorf, of Lost Springs, has just returned to work, having been away for some time on account of the death of his mother. Bro. Nottorf has the sympathy of all in his bereavement. Bro. Wm. Luke, regular day man at Bishop, took extra work at his old-time home, McFarland, and later decided to stay there rather than go back to the box car at Bishop. Bro. S. E. Miller, the Bishop owl, resigned som< time ago, on account of being unable to get a leave of absence. Bro. I. M. Rathburn, from the El Paso Division, the lower end, at that, filled the day position at Bishop until the regular assignment could be made. Rathburn says they don’t treat a fellow right on the El Paso; sent him to Polomas before the office was fitted out, thermometer about 30, no stove, no clock (he soaked his watch), and not even a chair, and no place to eat. Bro. J. R, Whitlow, from nights at Volland to Bishop days, regular. Mr. R. Badski, from the Western Union to Bishop nights, has left for parts unknown, and the position is being filled by Mr. C. D. Overbay until regular assignment can be made. He promises to filll ’em out as soon as he has served his year. Bro. J. A. Hawkins, from the Santa Fe, ap- pointed regular nights at Valencia. Bro. J. C. Weygandt has left the service at Willard, and the vacancy is being filled by a Mr. Baker. Bro. M. J. Coughlin, from extra at Latimer, to Paxico nights regular. Bro. Rathburn has just been appointed to Vol- land nights on bulletin. Sister Dora Breckenridge, lately from the El Paso Division, from extra Valencia and Alma nights, to Latimer nights regular. Bro. C. W. Smith is back at his . old stamping grounds at Volland, after a six weeks’ vacation. J. J. Peason, regular nights at Holton, relieved him. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 729

1706 The Raii.road Telegrapher. Bro. C. II. Weidner, who has been doing extra dispatching at Topeka for a few months, is 're- lieving the dispatchers at McFarland while they are taking their vacations. Bro. J. A. Ouderkirk is again at his old post, McFarland days. Bro. R. W. Dunahugh, of Hoyt, is taking a few days off, Bro. J. W. Hart, of Elmont, re- lieving. Elmont, Straight Creek, Agenda and Zyba have been made non-telegraphic stations. Bro. Hart is still at Elmont, but we understand he contemplates going to the Iowa Division. Bro. Green, of Straight Creek, has applied for Morganville. Bro. Stone, of Agenda, has gone to the El Paso Division and is now agent at Mullinvillle. We understand that Mr. Larse, at Zyba, remains there. Bro. O. E. Bonecutter, of Corbin, has been assigned to Maple Hill, relieving Bro. Stoyell, who is now in the train service on the Union Pacific. Bro. L. D. Potter, of Dwight, relieved Bro. Bonecutter, at Corbin, who in turn was relieved by Bro. Stewart. Bro. Connor, of Paxico, has been transferred to the agency at White City. He was relieved by Bro. T. H. Woolsey. Bro. A. M. Tucker, of Clifton, has been trans- ferred to Manhattan. Bro. Keplinger, of Peck, relieved Bro. Tucker, at Clifton. Have not heard who relieved Bro. Keplinger at Peck. Bro. C. N. Harned, a new arrival from the Mo. Pac., has been assigned to Clyde. Have not heard what became of Bro. Wheat. Brothers, when you bid on a position that is vacant, don’t fail to send a copy of your letter to Bro. Brown, at Whiting, so in case that your seniority rights entitle you to the position, and you are not assigned to it, you can find out why. Also notify Bro. Schooler when you change your post-office address. We would like to sec the brothers on the Clay Center line at the meetings in Belleville on the third Saturday evening of each month. The brothers on the Nebraska Division have a nice hall there, and you will always find a jolly bunch from the Nebraska Division. Have you mailed your information blank to Bro. Brown? If not, get busy. We could make this more interesting with a few notes from the South End and Clay Center line each month. Can’t you help out on this, boys? Cert.. 1,898. St. Louis Division — Bro. M. H. Shelton, agent at Eugene, is off for a few weeks’ vacation, relieved by Bro. E. Smith. Bro. E. F. Fidinghagen relieved Mr. Neff at Henley one day and went back to Bland. Bro. M. II. Shelton is back at work at Eugene. Reports a fine time hunting and fishing while away. Mr. Neff, of Henley, has left the service and gone to Illinois. Relieved by Bro. Emmett Smith. W. Morton, agent at Windsor, was off three days last week on account of the death of his mother- in-law, Mrs. P. M. O’Riley, at Maryville, Mo. Just received a letter from Bro. C. B. Smith, now located at Sherlock, Washington, on Northern Pacific. Says he is doing fine. Is now teleg- rapher, ticket and express agent at Sherlock, en- joying the best of health, and advises that Bro. W. E. Hinton is expecting to make this country a visit in the near future. We are glad to hear the boys are doing well. Two new night offices, or, rather, two reopened, which have been closed for a long time. Slaughter holds the owl trick at Lesle and Bur- lingame, the one at Argyle. If the write-up it slim, sail in and send items. Received items from but one brother this time. Cert. 480. Illinois Division — Items that would be of interest to the brothers are scarce and hard to get hold of. I have been able to glean the following from the boys along the line: Bro. Biggs, who has been holding Atkinson nights, has been transferred to Rock Island ticket office nights as ticket clerk. Bro. Eckerty, a new man on the division, re- lieves Bro. Biggs at Atkinson nights. Bro. Eckerty is a member of Division No. 59. Bro. Carmichael, days at Sheffield, has just re- turned to work after taking a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. Hamilte, nights at Sheffield, held the day trick while Bro. Carmichael was away, being re- lieved by Bro. Girl. Bro. Girl is now working nights at Missouri Division Junction, just west of Davenport. Bro. Marshall is now working nights at Mokena. The new automatic block signals have been put into effect as far west as Bureau. This closes the night telegraph offices at Peru and Utica. Mr. Murphy, our third trick dispatcher, has returned from his vacation, being relieved by Bro. Thayer. Bro. Condit, agent at Tiskilwa, is taking a much-needed rest. He .is going to take his family to the mountains for a few days. Hope they have a very pleasant trip. Have not been able to learn who is relieving him. Bro. Voss, nights at Annawan, has returned to work after a month’s vacation 9pent at his home at Geneseo. Bro. Phillips has been working nights at Spring Valley for the past three weeks, relieving regular man. Failed to learn regular man’s name, but think he carries the regulation pasteboard. Bro. Allen, nights at Bureau, has been off for a few days on account of sickness. Relieved by Bro. Andrews. We are glad to be able to prefix the name of Bro. to the efficient clerk, B. C. Phillips, who is clerk at Bureau, and is an old-time telegrapher. He now carries an up-to-date card. We are all sorry to lose our hard-working Local Chairman, Bro. Teeter, as he certainly was a hustler, but Bro. Kay will be there just the same. Digitized by u.ooQle

Page 730

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1707 and he has the reputation of being a glutton for hard work, so we may expect to hear of something doing soon, as I “13*’ he is going after the very few nons that we have on this division, and think he will land them. Bro. Wagner, nights at Joliet, has just returned from a month’s vacation, having been relieved by Mr. Hicks. W. J. Herrold, agent at Blue Island, is now in possession of an up-to-date card. Nothing doing much on this division* in the way of news, but we are all waiting for the eight-hour day to come, as we think we may then be able to get some pleasure out of life. I will now cut out for this time. Cert. 1,314. W . & B. Branch— Not very much news from this neck of the woods. I am sorry to say the boys over here are rather slow in sending news for the journal, so they should not be offended if some of the happenings fail to appear. I report everything that comes under my observation, and anything that may be overlooked is caused from my not being in possession of the facts. I sincerely ask the assist- ance of every member. It gives me a great deal of pleasure to quote the following: “Mr. W. R. Worford, agent at Auvergne, has been given 20 merit marks for spirit shown during cyclone at his station. The storm completely de- molished the depot, and Mr. Worford, after con- siderable hard work, recovered all the station records and stationery, and succeeded in protect ing all his on hand freight from damage by the elements. Such action as this is always appre- ciated and can not be too highly commended.” The above was printed in the last Discipline Bulletin , issued by the Rock Island. I am glad to say that the Mr. Worford in question is Brother Worford. Bro. Worford is the youngest man in service on this part of the Rock Island, but I feel that I am not saying too much for him when I say that he has placed an example before us that will be well for us to heed, both for our personal benefit and the benefit of our Order. Bro. Kimbrough, of Weldon, has been on the sick list, but am glad to report that he is on the road to recovery. At Grays we find Bro. W. H. Strickland, who is relieving his brother, H. L. Strickland, regular agent. I do not know what Bro. “Fayette” is doing, but suppose he is being kept busy keepifig up with the duties of postmaster, mayor, con- stable, merchant, alderman, etc. Asst. L. C. E. P. Division — Bro. Penland, of Logan, was sent to Guymon, to work a few days until a telegrapher could be found to fill the place. Bro. Jno. Young, who resigned at Stratford, and who was figuring on going back East, went to work at Guymon until the commercial strike is over. Bro. Argo, formerly agent at Medora, has gone to Optima, Okla., and opened up that office for a short time, during the melon rush; also looking after his claim, near that point. New office opened up at Good well during the melon rush. Bro. M. E. Holliday is holding forth. I understand that our chief, E. P. Ryan, at Dalhart, is taking a vacation, and has taken unto himself a better half. Here’s best wishes and con- gratulations. Mr. Hollman is working third trick, while Night Chief Rice is filling the regular chief’s chair, and Chy Young is on the night trick. Mr. Carrick is now working nights at Guymon. Sorry to hear that he is not up-to-date. Mr. Carrick is a new man in this country, having come here from the East and from a non-scheduled road, but at the same time he should line up. Possibly this is one reason for the road not having a good schedule on account of having so many men working on it who do not carry up-to-date cards. There is only one way to do it. All get up-to-date and then get the schedule. Bro. Arnett, who has worked at Guymon for some time past, has resigned and gone to St. Paul, to accept a better position. Good luck to him. “13” that Bro. Gwinn, at Hooker, is still try- ing to get relief. He has been trying since last October. The good things come to those who wait, so I hope that the brother will soon be able to get away. Bro. P. G. Vernon, formerly nights at Hooker, was transferred to Stratford, taking the third of the eight-hour tricks. He has been away on a visit to his home in Rock Island, and on his re- turn found that he was to take the second trick, Bro. Davidson taking the first and Mr. Hunley working the third. The boys say that these eight- hour tricks are “fine biz.” Those who are not so lucky are waiting patiently until the national law becomes effective; then we will be able to par- ticipate in the good things. The new schedule, which went into effect July 1 st, along with the eight-hour law in Texas, is very much appreciated by the boys along the “G.” Bro. J. O. White, at Hutchinson, is working nights, while Bro. Kelly is visiting in Iowa with Bro. A. R. Lee. Bro. Lee is one of the C. T. U. A. boys. Understand there is a new man at Preston on account of former agent, Woolsey, leaving the service. Mrs. Jett, day telegrapher at Pratt, is on the sick list, and is relieved by Mrs. M. Lusk. Neither of these ladies are up-to-date, I am sorry to say. Bro. A. R. Davis, at Mullinville, has been trying to get relieved for some time, having resigned some three months ago. Bros. Williamson and Farrell, now at Bucklin, will, no doubt, be moved to Pratt September 1st, with the balance of the force, when the change takes place. Bro. McLain has been appointed agent at Nara- visa, relieving Bro. Jagers, resigned. Bro. Jagers has resigned at Naravisa and is now working for the E. P. & S. W. at Duran, N. M. 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1708 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. O. J. Dettle, at Goveland. Understand he has the pump to handle. There are a great many changes taking place on the E. P. Division, and it is hard work to keep track of all of them. A few lines from the boys now and then will assist in getting some news for the journal and keeping their L. C. posted on the changes. I am in receipt of several of the books just out, called “A Few Observations/' issued by our past General Chairman, which have been sent me by some of the boys along the line, who fail to find out what they are issued for on account of the poor argument and failure to come to the point on any subject whatever. His main object in issuing this little booklet is very plain, and his only wish is to cast reflections and cause all the trouble he can among the members of Division 126, as well as any other division or members, if he can. I think that the majority of the boys will look at this issue in the same light as those who have sent their books to me with the remarks of “Where’s the point?” “Isn’t it slim?” and so on. As for myself, it is very amusing to look it over, as I can read between the lines and see where the writer has left out some of the most important parts, of which there was no credit coming his way. L. C. New York Division, No. 44. At the last regular meeting all the officers were present. Order of business about as follows: Reading petitions for membership. Twenty-one applications accepted. Eight candidates initiated, and sixteen instructed in the work. Reading of bills. Ordered paid. A substantial sum voted to Division No. 16, C. T. U. of A. to aid striking brothers; also, a sum voted to the Banquet Committee in Poughkeepsie who have charge of the banquet to be given by the O. R. T. telegraphers of New York State in honor of Assemblyman Northrop (our eight-hour cham- pion). Over seventy members attended, and every man took part in the work. Bro. Fuller was present, as usual, but reported sick. R. H. Baldwin has at last been installed as agent at Port Jefferson. Bro. Scofield is acting as as- sistant for the present, and Mrs. Hawkins is the ticket agent and telegrapher. J. E. Albright has accepted the agency at Cold Spring. Our old friend, Bro. Pete Loftus, has returned to the Island after a short stay up State, and has taken Bro. Robinson’s place as agent at Bridge- hampton. Bro. Robinson has gone into the lum- ber business in that town. P. J. Voss, agent at Massapequa, has been off duty sick for several weeks. His place is filled by D. Cloutier. Bro. M. E. Southard has resigned as agent at Rosedale. Stanley Brower took the job. Bro. J. N. Brennan, of Smithtown, is off sick. At this writing we have no information as to bis condition. W. W. Albright is relieving him. T. J. O’Connor has resigned the agency at Bush- wick Junction. E. S. Havens took the place. Bro. J. J. Fitzgerald, who has been off duty on account of sickness, has returned very much im- proved in health. C. C. Cary relieved him during his absence. Bro. Gibona, of Hempstead Cross switches, has left the service of the company. He has accepted a position in Pennsylvania. Our S. & T., Bro. Hellar, has gone to his old home in Pennsylvania to spend his vacation, Mrs. Hellar accompanying him. Bro. E. J. Morrill, of the C. T. U. of A., is working in Bro. Hellar’s place during his absence. It’s a long time since Bro. Morrill did any railroad work, but he knows how. Bro. Jack Martin, of East New York ticket office, is spending a two weeks’ vacation hunting, fishing, boating, etc., down in Maine. Our worthy chief, Bro. Van Nostrand, is working in his place. The work of the general committee is about com- pleted for this year, and their report is now in the hands of the printer, and will be mailed to the members as soon as received. New York Central Division, No. 8 (members on the Electric Division of the New York Central System), will hold a grand reunion and ball on Monday night, November 11, 1907, at Murray Hill Lyceum, 34th street and Third avenue, New York. All members of Division No. 44 and their friends are invited to attend. The Electric Division boys on the New York Central are a good lot of fellows, and all who attend will be sure of having a good time. The tickets are 50 cents, and may be pro- cured from our secretary and treasurer, Bro. A F. Hellar. “Scwt" Ayer Division, No. 104. Very little news to record this month. Western Union business on the bum in this section; what little there is being received by mail, and from two to three days late. Bros. Mullen and Willard attended the C. T. U. of A. mass meeting in Boston, August 25th, and re- port a very enjoyable and well-attended meeting. Bro. Mullen made a very interesting speech. Ayer Division, No. 104, by a referendum, has voted to assess each member $1 per week for the assistance of our commercial brothers. Mr. F. M. Defoe, of East Harrisville, has bid in East Littleton. C. E. McCall relieved Bro. Riley at “BC,” Wor- cester, for a week. Mr. Charlton has been working for a few days at Pepperell. Both arc members in good standing of the C. T. U. of A. tt’s now Bro. W. E. Baker, of Fitchburg, and Bro. H. R. Willard, of Leominster. Bro. Foley has returned to Nashua, his borne, awaiting the outcome of the C. T. U. of A. strike. Let the “cart-wheels” roll toward the secretary’s office every week, boys. The money will be prop- erly used. Cbbt. 4. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1709 North Adams Division, No. 139. Meeting of September 14th called on time, and was well attended. But can still say there seems to be some vacant chairs, and would like to see them filled every meeting. Don’t understand why some of the day men can not attend these meet- ings. Some of the brothers seem to understand what “brotherhood” means, and are giving the C. T. U. A. a helping hand. That is the proper thing to do. Any member should gladly contribute what he can, as there may be a time when we will need help. By the time this write-up is in print I presume the boys will have eight hours per day in York State. That is good, and I hope to see every sta- tion get it without delay. Do your best to show that you appreciate it when it does come, and don’t abuse it, as good things arfc far apart, you know. Bro. Aiken is to return to the old pike once more. What’s become of Spean? He is missing the meetings quite often of late. Mr. Vandenburg, who worked side wire at Mc- Ville for some weeks, is now at East Portal, and claims he likes the position very well. Bro. Moak, formerly of “FX,” Siberia, has ac- cepted the position as side wire second trick at McVille. Good luck. Cor. Eimira Division, No. 100. Fifteen members showed up at our meeting, Sep- tember 20th. Bro. W. A. Carr, of Penn Yan, re- ported sick, so we had to excuse him. Bro. Quick also too sick to attend, and Bro. Davies missed the meeting on account of the ill- ness of his wife. Bro. Johnson, of “K” tower, took two weeks off; relieved by Bro. Bennett, of Canton. Understand Mr. Bristol, of Bellona, is having his troubles trying to handle commercial business. After a struggle, lasting an hour or more, he had to use the phone to get clear. This is the man who has a card posted in his office declaring his office to be an open shop, and holding forth the opinion that every man should be free to work without dictation from any labor organization. We all appreciate his fine sentiments. Sister Kinney informs us that her father will be with us shortly, and she will then attend our meet- ings. Both will be warmly welcomed. Applications are coming steadily, and the younger men are only waiting on time to come across. Mr. Ray Cupp, of Trout Run, held down 4*K” tower during Mr. C. B. Johnson’s absence. Mr. C. C. Lee was handed his pay not long ago, and has left for parts unknown. Bro. Maynard, who worked at Stanley nights, a few months ago, and who left the road, is back again, and working nights at Horsehead. We are pleased to see such men come back. Bro. Kytc, nights at Ennerdale, leaves October 1 st. Understand he will go to Frisco for the winter. Brothers will do well to talk of the work of the Order only to O. R. T. men in good standing. It is rumored that the work is known to the railroad officials as soon as to the members. Surely it is not to our good to have them know all of our busi- ness. It is hardly to be believed that the leak is intentional, but care should be exercised in such things. Cogan Valley ham factory still doing business. Bill Evans has taught all his brothers who are old enough, and while waiting for one to attain the proper age, he is instructing a trackman during spare hours. And still Bill Marquardt can’t sec the bright side. Bro. Miller, of Trout Run, enjoyed a four days* vacation last month, taking a speedy trip to At- lantic City. Bro. Holloran wras called away for a few days last month to attend the funeral of a cousin. He was relieved by Bros. White and Vickery and Mr. Patterson. Mr. Ryan had his vacation last month, being relieved by Mr. Decker and others. Why can’t he see the light, and get the prefix “brother” in front of his name in our book? Bro. Skelly may run into meetings, now that the baseball season is about closed. Understand Mr. Lundy, of Roaring Branch, is to leave us soon. Mr. Ryan, at “A,” also expects to go. Bro. J. R. Brewer is counted a lucky man. “13” he leaves “PC” soon. Bro. Pettingill, late of Troy, goes to "QC” Octo- ber 1 st. Glad to see a good man come to the front. Understand Bro. Baker, of Troy nights, has ac- cepted an agency with the New York Central, near Buffalo. While we are sorry to lose him, we wish him good luck. Bro. Owens, of Cross Roads, left us last month, going to the Erie. Understand he took Mr. Ma- lone, who, we “13,” is now Bro. Malone, with him. Bro. Owens is at “RA,” Elmira station, and Bro. Malone is at “VO” tower, Eldridge Lake. These changes let Bro. Blake go home to Cross Roads. Bro. Bambury took his vacation last month, but did not learn destination. Bro. Hayes still doing twelve-hour stunt, but before this appears he will be awarded eight hours there. Bro. Hopeman, of the shops, took a vacation last month. Seems the Elmira Division boys all go away at the same time. Bro. Collins starts on his about the 15th. Relief annulled until further notice on account poor passenger train service. Leaves Bros. White, Hammond and Dunning “23” to some steady job, or to buck the list. Four eight-hour jobs in reach of Elmira Octo- ber 1st will help some. Bro. Dunning resumed work on Labor Day, after a two weeks* sojourn at the Jamestown Ex- position, Atlantic City and Philadelphia. He re- ports a fine time. Div. Cor. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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mo The Railroad Telegrapher. Boston Division, No. 41. The meeting, September 14th, left nothing to be desired, either in point of numbers or enthusiasm; in fact, it was the banner meeting since Division 41 broke away from Division 89, and started in business for itself, and the scribe has nothing but praise this month. The meeting was called to order at 8:30 by Bro. Chase, there being seventy- five members present, Bro. Lehan acting as war- den, Roberts as second vice-chief, and Bro. Childs as inside sentinel. As it was to be a joint meet- ing, there were about 150 members of Local No. 4, C. T. U. of A., waiting to join us as soon as our business meeting was over. On this account the regular order of business was suspended, that we might not keep them waiting too long. Five appli- cations were received and acted upon. They are coming in every meeting. At this time Bro. Pier- son entered the council chamber, followed by Bro. Cunningham, of Andover. They received an ova- tion. After a little more routine business, the question of aid for the C. T. U. of A. was brought up, and every member got busy at once. A num- ber of the members took part in the discussion as to the best way of helping them, and, after a few remarks by Bro. Pierson, it was voted to give the local division $150 from our treasury at once, and to take a referendum vote as to whether the mem- bers would assess themselves $1 per week during the continuance of the strike, and the secretary was instructed to send out notices. A rising vote was taken as to the spirit of those present in this regard, and every member responded. No doubt the vote will be in favor of this assessment when returns are in by September 25th. After this the meeting adjourned, and the C. T. U. of A. boys and girls were admitted, and it was a. goodly gathering to look upon. Bro. Chase pre- sided, and on the stage were Bros. Pierson, Bode and Tuck, of Division 41; Mannion, of New Ha- ven, and Messrs. McGarty, Haggerty and Shannon, of the C. T. U. of A. Local, No. 4. The boys and girls had their pictures “took,” after which Bro. Chase opened the meeting, and was followed, in turn, by President McGarty, of the local council. A few remarks were then made by Bros. Bode, Mannion and Shannon. Bro. Pierson was the last speaker, who made one of his characteristic speeches, full of common sense and good advice, and held the closest attention of the brothers and sisters of the commercial union, many of whom had never had the pleasure of listening to him be- fore. The joint meeting then closed with cheers. It was a grand success all round. So much has been written about the commercial brothers’ strike that it is unnecessary to say much in this letter, but, brothers, it is a common cause. Their fight is our fight, and although we have a schedule with our company that we should live up to, still we can aid them materially in a financial way, and we should do this willingly, and to the best of our ability. The telegraph companies will spend millions in order to win this fight. They will go to any extreme to beat the laborer, and wc, as fellow-craftsmen, should dig down deep to help our brothers and sisters out, and by the looks of things September 14th Division 41 will do her share. Among the changes since the last letter, are Horseman, at North Cambridge Junction, vice C. J. McDonough, who goes to Massabesic; N. H. Kennedy, of North Cambridge nights, to Concord, Mass.; his place being filled temporarily by Abbot, spare man; Davis, of Waltham nights, goes to Stoneham, Mass. Jat. I. & G. N. Railway. San Antonio Division — I had hoped to procure items from the whole system, and give a complete write-up for one time, but, so far, only one brother has sent in anything, so will have to do the best I can under the circum- stances. Bro. R. D. Barnes, formerly at Buffalo, is reliev ing Bro. W. Garland at Lytle, Bro. Garland being called to Nashville, Tenn., to attend court. Under- stand Bro. Barnes remains at Lytle regular, and that Bro. Garland gets something better. Bro. A. J. Gidley relieved Bro. Barnes at Buffalo. Am un- able to state whether he remains at Buffalo, but trust such is the case, if he desires to do so. Bro. R. B. Adams, our efficient secretary and treasurer, is still at Jewett, and I suppose will get Jewett regular, as no older man seems to want it. Bro. H. P. Williams is now nights at Jewett. Night office has been opened at Oakwoods, and Mr. McLean has been sent there as telegrapher. Understand Me is coming in next pay-day. Bro. L. H. Hungate is still holding down Mar- quez, and is always loaded for nons. Bro. Joyce has taken third trick at Valley Junction. Bro. J. E. Hyland, at McNeil, is laying off; being relieved by Mr. J. M. Sargent from Round Rock nights. Bro. Mims has accepted New Braunfels ticket agency, relieving Mr. W. H. Leek, who was pro- moted to traveling passenger agent. Bro. T. H. Barnes, formerly at Jewett, relieved Bro. Mims at Round Rock. Bro. W. T. McLean, formerly at Colorado Bridge office days, is now working in “MS,” San Antonio. Bro. L. J. Rummel, the? “old reliable,” is now holding down second trick at Buda. Bro. Wm. H. Wright, formerly with the Rock Island, is holding down third trick there. Bro. Wright has been transferred to Division 25. Glad to have him with us. Bro. E. B. Luder is now working days at San Marcos. Mr. H. D. Code, at Hunter, and Mr. J. R, Evans, at Goodwin, have both promised to join us in the near future. Mr. B. C. Nelms, second trick at New Braun- fels, has also promised to come in pay-day. Un- derstand Mr. T. R. Keeton, at Devine, is also com- ing in soon, Bro. N. E. Powell relieved Bro. Juvenal at Ar- tesia; Bro. Juvenal going to Millett Bro. T. C. Berry, at Encinal, is laying off; being relieved by Bro. E. C. Tuffly. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1711 Letters from Bros. W. H. Holzmann, B. C. Walker and F. S. Penny on Fort Worth Division, showing that the boys are busy after nons. That’s right, boys; keep the ball rolling. Bro. O. L. Carroll, of Georgetown, has been off on an extended wedding tour through seventeen States and Canada. We have had replies from many of the boys to our recent line-up circular, all expressing their in- tentions to get busy and help make Division 25 the banner division on the list. This is about all this time, but before cutting out, wish to say if each member will send in one or two items we could have a line-up each month. Will try and see if we can’t get some of the boys on the Gulf and Fort Worth Divisions to send something also. Yours fraternally, F. W. Lyon. Toledo A Ohio Central Railway. As there has been no items from the T. & O. C. lately, I will endeavor to contribute a few notes of interest to the members: Everything seems to be going along smoothly since we secured our schedule. Some complaints have arisen regarding schedule agreements which will have to be investigated. Seems as though there has been a misunderstanding on the part of some one, but it will no doubt come out all right in the end. We yet have a few nons left on this road. Some of them seem to be old-timers on the line. They have done no kicking since the boys got busy and secured r raise for them. They are contented, as they have no dues to pay. They belong to that class who believe in the old song: “You dig while I watch.” Some have fine propositions to make. One may says: “If you will insure me a raise of $15 per month I will be willing to join the O. R. T.” Now, what do you think fcf that? Others will not even answer letters. Some have given promises by the dozen, only to break them. Keep at them. Give them no peace, and when you find out that it is no use to further appeal to them, cut them out, and brand them as genuine parasites, as perhaps the Order would be better off without them. For the benefit of the members on the T. & O. C. Division we give below a list of brothers who can furnish information, and who compose the committee on matters pertaining to the division or grievances : Bro. C. F. Sayre, local chairman, First District, covering Hicko to Broad street, Columbus, and St. Mary’s branch. Bro. C. C. Stackhouse, assistant local chairman Second District, covering Toledo to Ccnterburg, inclusive. Bro. R. S. Dougherty, assistant local chairman Third District, covering Croton to Thurston, and South Columbus to Corning, inclusive. All members in these districts are requested to correspond with the above brothers, and give all the information possible to strengthen the Order and keep it moving forward. Do not let interest slacken, but work with the end in view of making our division solid. Whenever a new man comes on the road drop a note to your chairman advis- ing the name of the new arrival, where from, and whether a member. Do not fail to do this, as it is important. C. F. Sayre, Local Chairman. St. Louis A 8. F. Railway. It has been some time since I saw a write-up from this division. We are all broke and happy, and not dead, for business is rushing. Mr. S. B. Crain e, cashier at Sikeston, has gone to St. Mary’s for sixty days, as agent. Mr. Craine is an old O. R. T. man, and says he will soon be in line again. Bro. Watts, agent at St. Mary’s, is off for sixty days. Bro. H. A. Huckeby, night telegrapher at Sikes- ton, has taken the cashier's job there. Bro. H. L. Stark is now night telegrapher at Sikeston. Bro. A. Brackins, who was night telegrapher at McBride, has gone to the Cotton Belt. “13” he is now at Dexter Junction, nights. Bro. W. P. Armstrong, who has been very ill at the hospital, has resumed work at Wittenberg. We are glad to have him back to work again. Bro. S. J. Frazier, out of “GM” office, was at Wittenberg while Bro. Armstrong was off, but has resumed at “GM.” Mr. E. Keith is now night telegrapher at Wit- tenberg. Bro. Edward Blomeyer, night man at Crystal City, has been off for a few days, but unable to say whether he has resumed yet or not. Bro. Edward Buetell, days at Silica Pit (a lonely spot), was in St. Louis a few Sundays ago. Bro. C. A. Emory, chairman and agent at Sikes- ton, has been out on the road looking after the eight-hour business. Come across, boys, and help our brother telegra- phers to win the strike which they have been out on so long. Let the people know who we are, and what we are about. Hope to see a write-up from this division every month. Now let us go after the nons, and make a showing, for we need all the members we can get. “73” to all. Cert. 1208. B. A O. S. W. Railway. Block District — I was surprised not to find a single line from this district in last month’s journal. The boys must think that since they have received a nice in- crease, all they are supposed to do is to simply sit down and wait until they arc moved by the spirit. This is a matter that each one should take an interest in. You know we must be alive and energetic, with up-to-date cards when we go up for another increase. There have been several changes during th? past month, but I am not aware of all of them. Bro. Woodmansee, agent at East Norwood, has returned from an extended trip through the North- west, and reports having had a fine time. Digitized by Google

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1712 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Snyder was off Labor Day; being relieved by Relief Telegrapher Bro. Brown. Telegrapher Terrell, extra dispatcher who was dismissed by the company, says he was not al- lowed a fair shake, and tried to plead his own case, but sank to the bottom without the aid of the Order, as he was a non. Now, boys, please take warning, and get in line. We have a very few nons on our block now, and hope to have them, each and every one, in line in the near future. Bro. Kasenheimer has taken out a card, and is now doing the night work at “HM,” Madison - ville. Bro. Kasenheimer, “HM” nights, worked one night at “KY," Oakley; being relieved by Extra Telegrapher Dundon. Bro. Murphy, Bro. Marsh, Bro. Huber and Telegrapher Mrs. Pollock relieved one day each last week by Relief Telegrapher Bro. B. W. Brown. Bro. Patmor is doing the first trick at *‘RH’ tower during Bro. Blue’s vacation; being relieved by night man, Telegrapher Kelley. Bro. E. E. Parker, second trick “NA,” to first trick. Bro. Howard, third to second trick, and Bro. Keck, new man from the C. & O., to third trick. New arrival working nights at “K,” Remington, but unable to get his name. Bro. Batters working nights at “CK,” Winton Place. Bro. Doty, agent at “BH,” Bond Hill, has re- signed, and “13” he is going to telegraphing on the C. & O. Bro. Slough has accepted the agency at Bond Hill, and we hope to sec him make good. Now, boys, let us try and have a little write-up every month, as I believe we would all take more interest in it. Appoint some brother as correspon- dent, and let each one of us furnish him what help we can. Cert. 191. Indiana Division — It has been many moons since our district was rep- resented in The Telegrapher, but we are still push- ing the good work along. Understand there is some trouble in regard to the meal hour, and that Bro. Peck is now in Cin- cinnati looking after same. Several changes, and it’s hard for your humble servant to keep tab on the boys. Bro. Wiedemann, oldest in the service, holds forth at Storrs yard, Cincinnati, while Bro. Tolli- ver does the owl act. Bro. Richardson, of Milan, nights, makes peri- odical trips to Cochran. We were all glad to see Bro. Gallagher, of Mitchell, days, line-up. Bro. Gorman, agent at Georgia, is a staunch member. Limerick. It is with deep regret we have to announce the death of the mother of Bro. A. W. Morrow, which occurred September 27, 1907. Bro. Morrow has been in the service of the B. & O. S. W. for the past several years, and has been a loyal member of Division No. 74, holding responsible positions, being now our general secre- tary and treasurer. Our division procured a beautiful floral design which was presented for the occasion. To the sorrowing family we tender our heartfelt sympathy and consolation, and pray for the Com- forter of the Weary to give them strength and com- fort. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to in- vade the family of our Bro. A. W. Morrow and re- move therefrom, by death, his kind and faithful mother; therefore be it Resolved , That although we bow in humble sub- mission to Him who doeth all things well, we feel the loss this death has been to the brother and family, as it has removed from our midst a lov- ing, faithful mother, and one who was loved by all who knew her; be it further Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved brother and family our heartfelt sympathy in this deep affliction, commending them to the All-wise God, in whose words alone we can find comfort and hope; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family, a copy spread upon the min- utes and a copy forwarded The Telegrapher for publication. R. R. Kirler, H. J. Holland, E. Grassley, Committee , System Division No. 74- Vandalia Railway. St. Louis Dirdsion, East End — As you all know, we have been notified that the company has given us a raise, which took effect September 1st. The question is: What do you all think of it? The writer does not think it has proven at all satisfactory; in fact, most of the boys we have talked with seem to think that in- stead of receiving a “plum” we have been handed a “lemon.” That the company made an agreement with our committee, and then totally ignored it; relying on satisfying us to a certain extent with the raise, at least enough so that we would not care to stick for our union schedule and recogni- tion. Although the boys all appreciated the raise as far as it went, still there isn’t a single man on the division who is satisfied with the manner in which it was given. W'hat, then, must our aim for the future be? The writer thinks it should be this: Stand solidly behind our committee in whatever they may decide to do in regard to the company standing by the agreement made with our committee. Our chairman would like for all to write him regarding every question under consideration, with- out his asking. Give your opinion, not in a long letter, but simply state that you arc or are not in favor of the move under consideration. Nothing is ever done without the approval of a Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1713 majority, nor will our officers know what our wishes arc unless we write them freely, thereby keeping them posted. And, by the way, our chair- man has his hands full, so don’t expect too much of him. Don’t write him a “sorehead” letter the first time he doesn’t let you know every time he makes a move; simply stand by him and our com- mittee in whatever they do; they are doing their best for us, and we should encourage them as much as possible, and think twice before criticising. Although we are very anxious for all the boys to get cards, and thus make us 100 per cent strong, still we respect the fact that occasionally a man is placed in a position where he can not join us at present. For such a non we have no ill-feeling, but when a man, besides being an “excuseless” non, lowers himself to the position of a spy (we could give him a better name), we absolutely lose all respect for him. We have it straight that a “non” on this end has even turned in personal letters — some being frank — personal appeals to join us. We take it that he figures our C. T. D. will either “like” him better or will treat him with more consideration in return for these services. It seems to the writer that any intelligent man could not fail to see the lack of principle in a man (?) who would lower himself to such business. A meeting was held in the Mayor’s office at Greencastle, Friday evening, September 6th, and to say that we had a good time does not cover the ground at all. A great many matters of import- ance were discussed in a manner very interesting and instructive to all. Nearly every office on the east end was represented, making quite a bunch of us. The writer wants to say to those who have never attended one of these meetings, that they have missed a treat in the way of a jolly good, sociable time. The cigars were passed around, and about the time the room began to get good and smoky the boys cut loose, each one giving his opinion on the questions under discussion, and that this was very interesting goes without saying. All should attend these meetings whenever possi- ble, if for no other reason than to get acquainted with the boys. Our superintendent is quoted as saying that the chief weakness of telegraph unions is that the boys, being so scattered out, do not get personally acquainted with each other; as a result they do not have the amount of confidence in each other that it requires to win out, and which can be gained only by personal acquaintance. So let everybody attend the meetings and get better ac- quainted. A special train was run over the division this month examining telegraphers on the train and block rules. That they took a half day for each bunch goes to show that they did a good job. Bros. F. P. Sebree, F. A. Goodwin and H. S. Miller were relieving telegraphers. We understand that Bro. G. T. Beaver, who has ben working nights at “SV,” Seelyville, has left the service, and taken a position in Colorado. We are very sorry to see him leave us. Mr. D. V. Car- ter relieved him. We understand Mr. Carter has promised to get a card pay-day. Mr. J. S. Dowling, agent at Greencastle, was off a couple of weeks; being relieved by day telegra- pher, Bro. W. A. Vaughn. Bro. V. A. Woodward, the night man, relieved Bro. Vaughn, and Bro. C. C. Chesterson, regular night man at “SU,” Sum- mit, relieved Bro. Woodward at “NE” nights. Bro. F. P. Sebree, “BR” days, was off a couple of weeks; being relieved by his night man, Bro. D. F. Wilson. Bro. C. A. Wilson, regular night man at “WA,” Watson, relieved Bro. D. F. W. at “BR” nights, and Bro. J. W. Gomtt relieved Bro. C. A. W. at Watson. Bro. A. J. Luty, “BD,” Ben Davis days, resumed work. Mr. Francis, who has been relieving him, has returned to his regular position at “HB,” Hobbs. Bro. F. Farris, “MD,” Almcda, nights, was off duty a couple of weeks; being relieved by Mr. O. Wilbur. Mr. Wilbur is going to get a card as soon as he has worked the required length of time. Mr. W. C. Gilbert, who has been off duty for a couple of weeks, has returned to work. Mr. J. E. McNeeme, “CO,” Coatesville, nights, has resumed, and Bro. J. Stewart, regular night man at “GB,” Gibson, but who has been reliev- ing Mr. McNeeme at Coatesville, returned to Gib- son. Several different men worked at Gibson dur- ing Bro. Stewart’s absence, but could not get their names. - 1 1 R. D. Elliott relieved Bro. C. C. Chesterson at “SU,” Summit, nights, while Bro. Chesterson was working at “NE,” Greencastle. Bro. J. T. Colburn, “HN,” Harmony, days, was off a few days. Bro. T. O. Grissom relieved him. Bro. W. A. Vaughn, “NE,” Greencastle, days, was seen on No. 21 the other day. Bro. C. N. Jones, who was off a couple of weeks, has resumed. Mr. O. Wilbur relieved him. Bro. Ernest Colbert, “SV,” Seelyville, days, was off a couple of weeks. Bro. N. E. Browning relieved him. Bro. B. J. Hershey, “HB,” Hobbs, days, was off a couple of weeks on a vacation. His night man, Francis, relieved him. Mr. H. Hopkins, “SU,” Summit, day9, was off duty a few days; his night man, Bro. C. C. Ches- terson, relieved him. A Mr. Hall did the “owl” stunt. The new double track between “EY,” Terre Haute, and “SV,” Seelyville, is now being used for fast speed, it being as smooth as any piece of track on the road. It is said that this is the best constructed piece of track in the State. Mr. Francis, “HB,” Hobbs, days, relieving Bro. Hershey, has left the service to attend school, we understand. We are sorry to have him leave us. Bro. O. Hixon is relieving him. All those having items to send me, please send them in time so they will reach me by the 12th of each month, so I can get them out with my regular bunch of news. Wc understand that Bro. I. S. Hixon has left the service to accept a telegraph job with some other road. Bro. H. C. Barnes, “DS,” Terre Haute, was off a few nights; Mr. R. D. Elliott relieved him. Un- able to find out whether Mr. Elliott has a card. Digitized by C,ooQle

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1714 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. George Challis, nights “EY,” Terre Haute, was off duty a few nights; Bro. N. E. Browning relieved him. The tower at Seelyvillc, “SV” office, has been moved about a half mile west, making it stand near the station, where it will be used until the new in- terlocking tower is ready for business. Bro. E. C. McCollough, “GN,” Grcencastl?, nights, visited his brother, Bro. J. VV. McCollough, night man at “HN,” Harmony, one day this month at Knightsville, where J. W. M. lives. Bro. J. J. Summers, “FO,” Terre Haute, days, was off a couple of weeks on a vacation. Bro. O. O. Scanlon relieved him. Mr. H. B. Morse, “XR,” Terre Haute, n;ghts, was off a couple of weeks. Bro. F. A. Goodwin relieved him. Cor. I' and alia Division, H’est End — Should it appear to any member on the Van- dalia Division that the monthly write-up is not just what it should be, do not blame your corre- spondent for it, but blame yourself for not fur- nishing him with the necessary news. Remem- ber that one item from each member would make a good write-up. Bro. C. H. Wilson, our general chairman, was off a week in the latter part of August on busi- ness for the Order; relieved by Bro. C. B. Beck. Judging from the interesting meeting held at Ef- fingham on the night of -September 15th, he doubt- less found business, and plenty of it. Bro. Morrow, of Mulberry Grove, worked nights at “BO” while Bro. Wilson was off looking after the interests of the Order. Allow me to remind each member to be more prompt in answering letters received from the gen- eral chairman or secretary and treasurer. It is not very encouraging to them when it takes from two to three letters to get an answer as to “how we stand on any certain subject.” Let us remem- ber, and be prompt, and show them that we are taking as much interest in the Order as they are. At the meeting held at Effingham on September 15th, it was decided to have Bro. Thompson pur- chase a $30 printing machine to get out circular letters for the benefit of the membership. The meeting was attended by Bro. Wm. Clancy, secretary to President Pcrham, who made a very interesting talk. The county judge of Effingham County, an old I. C. telegrapher, who still keeps up his membership, also addressed us. The visiting members from foreign roads were Bro. Thompson, of the Southern Pacific, from Texas, and the day man at “FE,” L. C. station at Effingham. There were twenty members pres- ent, and all enjoyed sandwiches and coffee after the meeting. Bro. D. Rule has been granted leave of ab- sence; relieved by night man, Bro. V. F. Baugh- man; he, in turn, relieved by Bro. J. W. Gornet. Mr. J. A. McManemus, days, off a couple of days on account of sickness of wife. Mr. Hart- lieb working days, and extra man, Mr. O. A. Pier- ron, relieving Mr. Hartlieb. We understand that Mr. Hartlieb has sent in his application. This, I presume, is the effect of the Effingham meeting. Bro. C. Miller relieved by Mr. W. E. Berger; Bro. Parks relieving Mr. Berger. Bro. Parks has been doing the owl stunt at Willows. After several months' visit through the State of Washington, we find Bro. E. E. Picrron back at Willows days, very much improved in health. Bro. C. B. Beck and wife are expected to leave the first of October for two months' visit in Col- orado on account of the health of his wife. Div. Com. Southern Railway. Chattanooga Division — Have you stopped to look over the Chattanooga Division recently? If not, you will be surprised to see what a line-up of members we have at this writing. Since Bro. Cord made a trip over the division in the capacity of Organizer, the division looks good to me. Now, brothers, remember, it took hard work to get things lined up, and the results are due to just one or two of the men on the Chattanooga Division, who have had to do it all alone. Now that you hold membership, let me plead with you not to drop behind. As long as you can raise $4.50 every six months, don’t allow yourself to become delinquent. It will mean much to us next year when the new national eight-hour law takes effect to have a solid division. You, of course, can see the importance of this, and I know that you will keep the goods in your pocket. Remember, we still have a few nons who claim they can’t see any good in the Order, notwith- standing the fact that they are getting from $30 to $60 per year more than they did before the representatives of the O. R. T. went to Wash- ington and secured the new schedule. Besides this, they are getting overtime, seniority rights, and the pleasure of taking a full hour to enjoy dinner. Remember, it takes money to run an organization like the O. R. T. It costs the Gen- eral Committee something to call on the manage- ment and get these concessions, yet the nons con- tinue to reap the benefits without contributing one cent, and go home after business hours and lie down and sleep soundly. It doesn’t seem to worry them. It’s a shame to take the increase and refuse to support the organization that rep- resents your interests. One non said he would join us, but there were some in the Order that he did not like, and he did not think they should be in it. Now, isn’t this a very flimsy excuse? How small a man’s union principles to allow anything like this to keep him out of the ranks of one of the greatest organizations in the country, an organization that is doing more for the welfare of the telegrapher than anything else has or will ever do. This Order endeavors to secure everything that is just and fair — better hours of labor, better wages — which means that you will have more with which to buy food and clothing for the loved ones at home. If every man would join the organization that represents his interests, he would be working eight hours per day, thus enabling him to spend Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1715 more time with his family, and receiving a salary sufficient to purchase the necessaries and comforts of life. I am glad that I am a union man. I have I>ecn for years, and expect to be as long as there is a member left in the ranks of our beloved Order. If I was not a union man, I could not help but feel that I was a traitor; I would never feel like a free man, either at home or away; I would feel that I was not only doing my fellow workers an injustice, but my wife and children as well, and if you will only study the matter over, you will see it in the same light. I shall do all in my power in the future, as I have in the past, to bring our wages and hours up to where they ought to be. I shall continue to express ray opinion and do all I can for the up- building of the union that represents my interests, and in after years my fellow workers and my wife and children can not say that I sat still and re- fused to lend a helping hand to better our con- ditions. Division Correspondent. Charlotte Division — Sorry to say there was not a line from North End Charlotte Division in last month’s journal. The recent meeting at Charlotte was one to be long remembered. Everybody enjoyed themselves, and those who were not present certainly missed a treat. Bro. Trautman, who has been on the sick list, is back at his old post again. “13” Bro. Beitlen, of Taylor, is going to leave us. Sorry to see him go. Bro. J. G. Pethel, former day man at Roselle, has been assigned to Concord second trick. Bro. Burns secured day trick at Roselle on bulletin. Boys, come to the meeting. There is no reason why one man from each station can not attend every meeting. Come one, come all. Cert. 692. Knoxville Division, East End — Nons arc getting to be few in number, and I hope very soon all the ham factories will be shut down. Brothers, let us see if each of us can not get a member between the time this comes out in The Telegrapher and the next write-up, and show the brothers what we can do, if we will only try. I notice several articles in the journal in re- gard to eight hours and $75.00 minimum. I will have to say that I am with Cert. 409 of Division 33, in favor of hourly pay, and that we should be paid 30 cents per hour, but if we can not get 30 cents per hour or eight hours and a $75.00 mini- mum at a bound, I believe it would be best to climb the ladder a round at a time, and while we are climbing, let us get all the nons to come into the fold and get old Division 59 solid. We are only two years old and I think we are doing well, considering everything. We have had several changes during the past month, and positions bulletined and bid in were as follows: “FS,” second trick, Bro. Hendricks. “CN,” day and night telegraphers, Smith and Richards. “WV,” agent and telegrapher, Bro. Webster. "MJ,” night telegrapher, Bro. Daily. Bro. Houston is off on twenty days’ vacation, taking in Jamestown. Relieved by night teleg- rapher, Bro. J. P. Bradshaw, with dispatcher, Bro. F. M. Leeson, doing the owl trick. Bro. B. H. Line is off on fifteen days’ vacation. Relieved by Bro. C. C. Craig. Bro. Kennady is away on thirty days’ vacation. Relieved by Telegrapher Greenlee. Bro. E. E. Marshall has quit telegraphing for a while, on account of his health. He is at the present time running as express messenger. Cert. 237. Macon Division — Bro. Mayes, agent at Holton, resigned. Re- lieved by Bro. White, from Virgin block office days. Bro. White relieved by Bro. Finney, nights at Virgin. Mr. Vandzdant relieved Bro. Finney. Bro. J. F. Huckaby, „ formerly nights at Rose- land Tower, is working days. Bro. J. F. Eden has resigned as agent at Stock- bridge. Relieved by Bro. J. W. Crumplcr, for- merly days at Lumber City. Bro. Crumpler re- lieved by night man, Bro. Brannen, and Bro. Brannen relieved by Bro. John Lawson as night man at Lumber City. Dispatcher J. W. McLendon, who has been sick for some time, we are glad to know is all right again and is now working second trick. Bro. C. R. Stephenson, formerly nights at Ellenwood, is now working the day trick on account of the illness of Mr. Coleman, day man at Ellenwood. Bro. Stephenson relieved by Bro. Shields. Bro. E. H. Boutwell, of the G. S. & F. R. R., now nights at Cork. Bro. Huff, nights at Jackson, resigned, to accept position with S. A. L. Relieved by Bro. Moseley, of the Central R. R., Division No. 46. We arc glad to note that an improvement in the handling of the train orders placed at different stations is noticeable. Keep at up, boys, our efforts toward the improvement of the service is attracting the attention of the officials, also the nons, as shown by Jhe recent additions, especially south of Macon. Only a few nons left, and despite the efforts of the officials to convert the telegraph offices into “ham factories,” the boys are having very little trouble with them. Only one reported on the line now, and the telegraphers are kicking, while the agent insists upon him remaining. This practice is extremely dangerous, especially in the “block.” The telegrapher is responsible for his work, and besides the danger to lives and property, his reputation is at stake, and once on the “black-list” it is very hard to withdraw from this undesirable record. We do not have to teach telegraphy, and it is a duty we owe ourselves and families that we see that none of it is forced upon us, now or in the future. We all know that the supply of Digitized by CjOOQle

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1716 The Railroad Telegrapher. telegraphers is far in excess of the demand if the salaries were sufficient, and no danger of a scarcity in fifty years to come. Let us do our duty toward the company. Handle the business as though it was our personal affair, and give no opportunity for them to “kick” on our service. In this way alone can we con- vince them that the O. R. T. emblem on the coat represents a competent man, sober, industrious and reliable; and then our troubles will be over, for the non will go out of existence. The meeting for October will be at Flovilla, Ga., third Sunday, at 3:30 p. m. All who are able come out and see what is doing. Hope all the boys will contribute liberally to the cause of the C. T. U. A., as money alone can now tide them over their troubles, and then a great victory will be won that will not only affect the C. T. U. A., but the joint commercial and railroad offices along the different lines. This is our fight as well as theirs, and we hope all will assist. Would appreciate news from any of the brothers as it is difficult to keep up with the changes on the South End especially. Div. Cor. Southern Ry. Between Knoxville and Bristol — Bro. Line, Morristown days, off on vacation. Bro. Flagg, Bristol west yard, on vacation. Bro. Brown, Bull’s Gap, off for a few nights. Mr. Haws, Midway, off for a few days. Re- lieved by Telegrapher G. R. Harmon. Understand Bro. Dailey has left the service. Telegrapher “Line,” Alpha, off on vacation. Telegrapher Hickey, who has been working at Talbott, has gone to California. Relieved by Mrs. Reams, wife of Day Telegrapher Reams, at that place. New office opened between Talbott and Jefferson City. Do not know who went there. Understand the telegraph offices at Jefferson City and Talbott are to be discontinued in the near future. Bro. Teague, Embreeville Junction, and Mr. Teague, Telford, are off on vacation. Understand Bro. Porter, Mascot, is off on va- cation. “Sunshine.” Memphis Division — Good many changes going on bulletins, and everything seems to be moving along nicely. Bro. Sanders, of Scottsboro, bid in Collierville agency, and Bro. Towles bid in night job there. Agency at Scottsboro bid in by Mr. Canterbury. Bro. Enoch, agent at Stevenson, has been sick for some time, but am glad to hear that he is now improving. Mr. Woodall, relief agent, has been working for him, but he was called away by other duties, and Bro. Monk, from Cherokee, is there now. Bro. Harris is filling Cherokee during his absence. Bro. Monk also worked for Mr. Martin, at Iuka, while he was off, taking in the exposition. Bro. Bryan resigned his job at Middleton and I understand is working for the I. C. at Bolivar. Think Bro. Hathcock bid in Middleton days. Bro. Whitfield, former agent for the N. A. Ry., is now working at Brownsboro, while Mr. Hunt takes in the sights at New York and the expo- sition. We still have several “ham” shops along the line. Boys, can’t we get rid of them. This will make it hard on you; better cut ’em out. Mr. Bibb, of Leighton, has been off quite a while on account of sickness, Mr. Canterbury re- lieving him, but is at his post again. We have been having a lot of wire trouble lately. Look out for this and let’s keep them straight. Bro. Wilson intends taking a trip to Asheville on the 25th. Out of twenty-three members on the division, all have got new cards except one, and he failed to get the last before this. Looks strange when they get a little better job they drop out of the Order. Those kind don’t amount to very much any way, for any one who is afraid to wear his button would not be much force in the Order. The following brothers attended the joint meet- ing at Chattanooga Saturday night: Simpson, Sanders, Branum, Hodges and Wilson. All had a nice time. Only a few eligible nons left on this pike. Get after them and let’s get them lined up. If you have no application blanks, call on Bro. Wilson. He will gladly furnish them. Remember, it is your duty, as well as the duty of the Local Chair- man, to try to get these nons lined up. Cert. 910. Washington Division — At our meeting, held in Charlottesville Satur- day night, September 21, to our surprise we found the seats of the faithful boys from the South End for the first time vacant. There must have been some attraction elsewhere ; but there is nothing more attractive, and I am sure nothing more im- portant, than a big crowd of brass-pounders assembled in the lodge room for the interest of the O. R. T., which has carried us over the rocky way and made our path brighter. Of course, all of us can not attend every meeting, but it is the duty of each one to make an effort to be present. The boys from the North End turned out very well. Hope to do better next time. We have several sisters along the line, and would be glad to see them out if possible. We left the meeting room about one o’clock, and did not think it worth while to go to bed at that hour, as our train would leave at four o’clock. Bro. Abbott enjoyed his rest very much, curled up in about four crooks around the braces of the benches in the waiting room, while the balance of us doubled up in knots on the seats. Montpelier was bulletined this month (Sept), but at this writing am unable to say whether it has been bid in by any of the boys or not It is a shady place, right in the woods. You can hear the squirrels cracking nuts, if nothing else. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1717 Charlottesville yard block office has been dis- continued, closing Bro. McConchie out at that point. Do not know what joint he expects to land. At the present time he is resting up and roaming around for his health. Think he expects to take in the sights at Jamestown before resuming regu- lar work. About ten or fifteen of the boys have paid Jamestown visits this month. Barboursville was cut out one night, but it was found difficult to do without this office, and it was reopened, with Sister Hamm and Bro. Hud- son still at the helm. Fairfax has also been discontinued as a block * office at night, closing Bro. Harrison out at that 'point. He is off, sick, at this time. Bro. J. R. Culp, of Remington, is off on a vaca- tion for a couple of weeks. Bro. R. W. Feather- ston is filling his place during his absence. Bro. Geo. Dearborn has been working in “CD” office, Alexandria, for the past week or so, making the boys scratch at a lively gait. Bro. J. L. Sullivan, of Calverton nights, is off for the Warrenton horse show. He is also taking in the sights at Luna Park. During the heavy rain of the 22A and 23d, we had several slides and wash-outs along the line, but glad to say none of the trains got into them. Any little happenings along the line that you would like to sec appear in The Telegrapher, send them to me and I’ll do the rest. Div. Cor. Asheville Division , A. & S. — I was sorry to note that our Division Corre- spondent failed to get in a few lines from this division in the August journal, and “13” he has left our ranks. Mr. C.#G. King, our chief dispatcher, has been appointed trainmaster, with jurisdiction over the A. & S. and Toxaway line, vice Mr. J. A. Bolich, resigned. Mr. D. W. Johnson has been appointed chief dispatcher, vice Mr. King. The boys were all very sorry to lose Mr. King, because he was always ready to give them a fair deal. Equal rights to all and special privileges to none was his motto. This change gives Bro. McLain third trick dis- patcher’s place on East End. Bro. N. C. Cotner, ticket agent at Henderson- ville, resigned, to accept a position at Greensboro. Relieved by Bro. F. Johnston. Bro. Frank Rymer transferred from Melrose nights to third trick at Hendersonville. Bro. S. C. Crumpton, Spartanburg Junction (Charlotte Division), resigned, to accept Arden nights. Mr. R. H. Morgan, Landrum days, has been taking a few days’ vacation. Relieved by Bro. Fain, of Campabello. Am sorry to say that Mr. Morgan is still on the non list, after having several sets of blanks fur- nished him, at his own request. Bro. W. E. Grubbs has returned to his post at Tryon after a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. D. A. Hutts, after several weeks with the S. A. L., has decided the Southern is the place for him, and is working second trick at Biltmore now. Bro. H. G. Alexander, our Local Chairman, was over the line a few days ago, looking after the interests of the O. R. T. Our second trick dis- patcher, Mr. Chapman, was kind enough to notify us of his coming, and all the boys were ready when the train rolled up to give him a hearty hand-shake and exchange a few words with him. Cert. 365. Murphy Division — In the last writing from the Murphy Division, I note I stated that Mr. West and Mr. Curtis were both nons. This is a mistake, and with due apologies to these brothers, I wish to say that it is my understanding that they are both loyal, up- to-date members. Am very sorry the error was made. Our Local Chairman has been doing good work, notwithstanding the fact that his brother (who is staying with him) has been operated on for appen- dicitis, and required his close attention. The following new members have been secured since last month: John McHan, Hominy, N. C.; P. W. Kincaid, Dillsboro, N. C. ; and G. C. Ward, Almond, N. C. There are a few nons left, and we ought to keep pounding at them until we get solid. Wouldn’t it sound nice to hear the old Murphy called solid? Bro. Clark, of Murphy, is off for a while, being relieved by Bro. E. A. Hill, late of the N. & W. Bro. Howell is relieving Bro. Crawford, of Sylva, who in turn is relieving Dispatcher Geo. Sandlin. It is my intention to arrange to have monthly meetings at some central point where the most of us could attend and I would be glad to receive suggestions from all the brothers on this subject. Cert. 718. Cresson Division, No. 109. Cresson Division, No. 109, held two meetings during the month of September, 1907, that having been decided as the proper course until the divi- sion gets in working condition; also for the accom- modation of those who are anxious to become iden- tified with the Order before the close of the pres- ent year. It is the intention, however, to hold our meetings monthly, instead of every two weeks, on account of the approach of winter, coupled with the great inconvenience some of our brothers would be put to in getting to and from the meet- ings. I wish to impress upon every brother and sister the fact that the future of our organization and the success of our division representatives de- pends, not alone on their ability, but on the ac- tivity of every individual member, who should avail themselves of these meetings, as they are a good thing, and will help us more than we think. Enthusiasm is what we want to insure success, and unless we have good attendance at our meet- ings there will be a lack of interest. These meet- Digitized by CjOOQle

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1718 The Railroad Telegrapher. ings are held for a purpose, some of them being imperative in their nature, for the transaction of important business pertaining to our organization, and unless we turn out and express and exchange views, some of those absent may be displeased with actions taken on important matters, hence your presence is desired. Our first meeting was held at Cresson, Pa., on September 5th, and the second meeting at Cone- maugh, Pa., on September 21st. The attendance was reasonably fair, yet not what it should have been, possibly due to weather conditions, which were somewhat against us. Especially is this true of the last meeting in question. No doubt there were some who overlooked the date, or at least I am so informed by a few of the brothers. The usual routine work was taken up at both meetings, which included a few applications for membership, and a tip from one of the brothers that he expected to present six applications at our October meeting. Thus it will be seen we are slowly but surely gathering the nons into the fold. May the good work continue. This is the middle of the vacation season, hence there are many of the brothers and sisters avail- ing themselves of the privilege, where it is possi- ble to get relieved from duty. We regret to say Bro. John C. Gallagher, working first trick at “DM,” Conemaugh, Pa., was sud- denly called home by the fatal illness of his aged father, who resides at Lansdalc, Pa., whose death occurred on the 16th inst., due to dropsy. We, one and all, extend our sincere sympathy to Bro. Gallagher in this his hour of great bereavement. It also becomes a painful duty to chronicle the death of the twin babes of Bro. Black, third trick telegrapher at “SX.” Our worthy secretary and treasurer, Bro. Lewis Biter, our past chief telegrapher, Bro. John A. Fleck, and Sister Edith Morgan, all of whom have been laid up by sickness for several days, have returned to duty. I will conclude for the present by requesting each brother and sister to furnish our secretary and treasurer with any news items coming under their observation. In this way we can greatly assist the division correspondent. Cor. Renovo Division, No. 110. Here we are, after missing the September write- up on account of no assistance from the members, notwithstanding numberless appeals for anything in the shape of news. Happily there are a few members who consider the isolated locality in which the correspondent abides, and come to the rescue or Division 110 would seldom be represented in the columns of our journal. I shall expect con- tributions from Waterford, Erie, Warren, Kane, Ridgway, St. Marys, Johnsonburg, Wilcox, Em- porium and Renovo for next month, and hope the brothers and sisters will respond, even if they only chronicle the weather or local election returns. Give us the idea, and we will do the rest. The regular September meeting was held in Oddfellows’ Hall, Emporium, September i8tli, and the attendance was fair, but could be improved upon. We look for a larger attendance next meeting. Bro. H. Vance, of “RA,” Renovo, had the mis- fortune to have his best suit stolen from his room in the Renovo Hotel, while he was at supper Thursday evening, September 26th. As Bro. Vance is a strict church-goer, and as his other clothes were in Warren, he was obliged to borrow a suit from Bro. Prosser for the time being. It was a tight fit, but he was at church Sunday. We understand that four lever interlocking plants will be installed at “KS” tower, Sinnema- honing, “HU,” Hulings and “OR,” Cooks Run towers. Bro. R. I. Price, of “RM” tower. Emporium, after a rest of two weeks, during which time he visited relatives at Clearfield, is again in the har- ness. He reports a good time. Bros. Goodwin, O’Leary and Gould attended the new play at the opera house in Emporium re- cently. Probably the most energetic of our members are Bros. Page and Krape, of “F” tower, Cameron, as they have each completed courses in the Scran- ton school, besides attending to two large farms, and doing their regular twelve-hour stunts at the tower. How is that for a summer’s work?. Several vacancies on east end of the division lately: Rathbun, Driftwood, Hulings and Wis- tar being filled by new men. We do not know any of these parties, but hope that the majority, if not all, are union men, and wear the button. There arc also vacancies in the Renovo office, filled by new men, but this may be on account of there not being any qualified applicants. Wouldn’t that jar you? We understand that none of the older men have had opportunities to bid on these jobs. Telegrapher Bennet, who was formerly day man at Hulings, has taken the third trick at Driftwood office. Mr. Bennet is an old dispatcher, and his work shows that he is strictly up-to-date. He promises to tender his application in the near future. Bros. Sullivan and Getchell, of “HY” tower, have been suffering from their regular attacks of malaria, but are on the road to recovery. Telegrapher Foster, of Renovo office, has re- sumed duty after a three weeks’ leave of absence, during which time he was caring for sick relatives in New York. Bro. O’Leary is visiting relatives in “Yawk State.” Mr. Cupp is relieving him at “JN” tower. Emporium. Bro. E. T. Wells is on the sick list; relieved by Bro. Willie Peters. Bro. Goodwin, our worthy secretary and treas- urer, has returned from his vacation looking fine as a fiddle. He visited Buffalo, Jamestown, and other points while away, and looks forty pounds heavier since his well-merited rest. Bro. Getchell wielded the pen while he was absent. We understand that Bro. Lem Daugherty will soon return to his old stand at Rathbun. He has been in Colorado for the past six months, where he had taken his wife, who has been in very poor Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1719 health for some time. We hope she has regained her health and strength. Train Dispatcher E. G. Young has returned from his vacation looking well. Sister Ncylon, of Renovo office, is becoming very efficient on her new vibroplex, and handles the business first-class. We understand that “AD” tower, Ridgway, will be placed on the eight-hour basis in the near fu- ture. Congratulations. Dtv. Co*. C., B. & Q. Ry. Wymorc Division — Another month has rolled around and we are pleased to note that several of the old hardshells have removed the scales from their eyes and filed applications for membership. This should show the faint-hearted that they can secure an applica- tion if they will only persist in showing the non he is on the wrong road. Most of them know it well enough, and simply need a little showing be- fore they will acknowledge they have been in error all these long years. Let us all keep pounding away at them until we have no such person as a non among us. There are new men arriving almost daily. Keep an eye on them and if they hold cards in other divisions secure certificate and division numbers and send this information to W. A. Henry, Eric- son, Neb., who will see that they are transferred to this division. This is very important, as it means considerable revenue for us in the form of dues, which rightfully belong to us. T. A. Majors, agent Endicott, has at last been converted and will be carrying a card by the time this appears. Bro. Harvey Grimes, nights Falls City, recently spent vacation at his home. Sterling, Neb. V. R. Hannen, a new arrival, has been doing the night stunt at Salem. Bro. R. E. Jones, nights Superior, has been on two weeks* vacation in Colorado. Relieved by Bro. Hal Baker, from the Missouri Pacific. Bro. Craig, days Superior, recntly on vacation. Bro. Jones did the day stunt during his absence. Bro. J. F. Ford, Firth, on vacation. Relieved by Bro. Henderson, nights, who in turn was re- lieved by Mr. M. Loudcrback, from the Rock Island. Bro. Ilgcn, agent Highland, has been on vaca- tion; relieved by Bro. Jessup. Mr. Pope, agent Rulo, is away spending some of the money he has saved by avoiding payment of O. R. T. dues and laying away the increase the Order has secured for him. Relieved by Bro. Rcneau. Bro. H. R. Atkinson, formerly of this division, recently passed over the road, shaking hands with old friends. Bro. Ockerman, agent Ong, has been enjoying a hard-earned vacation. Relieved by Mr. McNew. Bro. Will Hitchcock recently transferred from agent Kesterson to agent Iowa Point. Bro. Jnc Litty, recently agent Burress, landed Kesterson. Mr. Ford, nights Liberty, advises he will make good as soon as his ship arrives. Bro. Dempsey, who has been holding down Daw- son nights, landed Burress Station. Mr. Bamer was transferred from agent Iowa Point to agent Daykin. Bro. R. E. Mullis, from the Illinois Central, has been relieving Bro. Grimes, nights Falls City. Grimes been relieving Mr. Ayers, days at Beatrice. Bro. Pickard, agent Preston, recently on vaca- tion; relieved by Mr. Jessup. Bro. Yocum, formerly of this division, now agent Ehuling, saved up enough dough to take a thirty days’ vacation and was recently visiting at Roca. Bro. Greenlee, agent Byron, has been away on vacation; was relieved by extra agent McNew. Bro. Weatherhogg is sojourning beneath the sunny skies of California. Bro. Heskett is meet- ing the competition at Hickman during his ab- sence. Bro. C. S. Cole, who has been holding down Palmyra station, has resigned to take a course at the State University. We wish him success in his new venture. Bro. J. E. Gum has been transferred to Table Rock, nights. Mr. Shandy, from Lancaster, assigned Sterling, nights. Changes are so numerous and rapid on this division it is next to impossible to keep up with them. W. F. Sanders, agent Helvey, was recently mar- ried at DeWitt. He says he will surely file his application at the end of his year. Mr. Williams, day telegrapher Wilcox, has re- signed. “13” he goes to the McCook Division. Div. Con. Sterling Division — Bro. Fleming has returned to Angora and re- ports a fine visit to points in Kansas. Bro. C. P. Wilson now doing the day act at Bridgeport, with a card in Division 76; going to transfer soon. Bro. C. H. Ziegler has resigned at Grover and gone West. We wish him success. Relieved by Lovestedt, who is new at the work and deserving of our help. Some time when you are resting turn again to the August write-up by our Grand Chairman, Bro. Johnson, read it, and you will find there is some- thing more you can do. Make an effort to do some one thing, and do it well. Through the kindness of Chief Coughlin and Dispatcher Marvin we recently got away long enought to spend a few hours in Sterling. We found Bros. Davis and Canny too busy for con- versation and Bro. Cozad trying his best to supply the heavy demand for stock cars. Bro. Clifford was doing the second trick while Bro. Mothersead took his two weeks’ rest. It seems the recent bulletining of several sta- tions did not result in any changes, the acting agents being retained permanently. Bro. A. L. Johnson, days at Sterling depot, has severed his connection with the Union Pacific and is headed for Southern California, where he will line up with the boys on the Southern Pacific. Digitized by c.ooQle

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1720 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. W. T. Dauterman is the smiling joint agent at Sterling now, coming from that good old Swedish town of Lindsborg, Kan. Bro. B. A. McAlpinc does the cashier act. Bro. Moore re- lieved Bro. Johnson days, while Bro. D. W. Sleater does the owl trick. Bro. Bruce Delahoyd, of Sterling, has been enjoying a few days’ leave of absence, spending his time on the Guernsey line and at Bridgeport. Boys, are you getting wise to the fact that the necessaries of life have almost doubled in cost in the past decade? Have your wages likewise doubled'* No one can rightly oppose a just divi- sion of the fruits of labor. Are y<Ju getting yours? Understand Mr. J. T. Rivett will soon sever his connection with the Bridge and Building De- partment, going into business for himself at Angora, Neb. We are sorry to learn of this change and hope Mr. R. may see fit to change his mind before being relieved. Bro. Win. Feary is now the congenial agent at Curtis. Bro. Hire does the cashier act and the name of the night man we failed to learn. J. T. Maddox. Lincoln Division — What good excuse can any of the brothers offer for quietly sitting down and not helping the division correspondent out? Three brothers came forth with items, for which please accept my “hearty thanks.” No pleasure in trying to locate the movements of our division from the hill tops of Denton, and I want you to get busy. I expect the brothers to co-operate with me in getting up news for the division. This month finds us with a very small amount of news. However, will do the best we can with what we have. Bro. P. H. Miller transferred from Div. 6, Union Pacific, to Div. 130. We welcome Bro. Miller. Friend Station was a night office during Fair week, with Mr. J. B. Rankin, of Chicago, as night owl. Bro. Baird, recently nights Aurora, has been assigned Archer Station, vice Bro. R. H. Pinker- ton, transferred to Gretna. M. M. Ambros is now working at Kearney. E. A. McKee transferred to Ord. Burt Hazlet is now located at Moorcroft, Wyo.; too young for our division. Bro. R. V. Starks, agent Fairmont, after three weeks* recuperation in the mountains, has returned to work, looking fine. Mr. Macomber holding day telegrapher’s posi- tion at Fairmont, while Bro. Fitzpatrick wields the key at night. Bro. P. H. Miller, Fairmont nights, transferred to Phillips nights, in place of Bro. Case, who re- lieves Bro. Yerkes, the agent. Bro. Yerkes will visit Chicago and other Eastern cities. Bro. Parker, Grand Island, off on a ten days’ vacation; will visit Cimarron, Kan. Mr. McGrady, of Lincoln, ”NI” office, to Rav- enna nights, in place of Bro. Baker, who goes to Hastings yard office. Bro. Carrier, of Hastings “GS” office, resigned to work out of Lincoln as brakeman. Mr. Johnston relieved agent at Lyons for a few weeks; also relieved Bro. Wagner, of Oakland, for a day. Mr. Kimball, of Nickerson, relieved by Bro. C. A. Eater. Kimball goes to Laplatte. Bro. Eater comes from York, formerly from the McCook Division. Bro. H. A. Yocum, of Nehling, off on a vaca- tion. Relieved by Bro. C. W. Downs, of Ullin, 111. Mrs. Puryear, wife of Bro. Puryear, of Win- slow, is visiting relatives in Chicago. Bro. Bobbitt, of Homer, off on a vacation. Bro. I. C. York, Leshara, taking a few days’ recreation. Bro. Hubbell, agent Yuton, off duty for a few days. Bro. Roy Miles, of Plattsmouth, visited over Sunday at Grafton. Bro. Tanner, of South Omaha, spent Sunday at Crete. Bro. Earl Denton, of Denton Station, Sundayed at Crete. Bro. Frank Miles, of Germantown, returned to duty after two weeks of a pleasure trip spent hunting. South Bend Station bulletined this week. Correspondent. McCook Division — Bro. Mountain, Bloomington nights, to Ayr agency. Bro. Green, Ayr to Palisade. E. Harris, extra agency, to Norcatur regular. Alex Buer out of the service again. Understand promotion not offered to suit. Bro. C. R. Bauer, Indianola days, to Minden cashier. Understand Bro. Waters will be back at his old post at Republican days, in the near future. Fred Kelley is helping us out at Republican days, during absence of regular man. Bro. C. A. Peterson is back at his old post at Orleans after a brief rest. Div. Cor. Galesburg Division, Quincy Branch — Bro. S. R. Fleisher, Bushnell nights, was off for a couple of weeks the first of the month; re- lieved by Bro. Cox. Bro. S. A. Bolan, Prairie City days, has re- signed; relieved by Bro. Swisegood, former night man. Bro. Swisegood relieved by Bro. J. W. Sample. I ”13” there is quite a number of the brothers on this division who are late remitting their dues. That is not doing business right, so let us all see how prompt we can be in securing up-to-date cards. You all know we have a larger membership here by far now than we have ever had before and. therefore, let us all strive to do the thing that is the most essential, keep it where it is, and boost it if possible. Bro. G. E. Long, who has been working for the past month at Bardolph nights, went to Quincy to relieve Bro. Boyles, who is going home for a few weeks. Bro. Long relieved at Bardolph by Bro. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1721 Harris, of that place, who has been in poor health and unable to work for the past two years. Glad to know that he is able to be on deck again. Bro. Cox is now back at his old stand at Avon, Bro. Fleisher having returned to work at Bushnell. Bro. Clyde Clayton, of Colmar, has resigned his position as night telegrapher, and is going to school. Bro. Wisehart is filling the vacancy. ’ Chief dispatcher, W. E. Fuller, and Mr. VVind- ser, of Aurora Division, are to be along in a few days, giving instructions as to the new block machines and how the new block is to be run. We have been very busy building a new house and have had something to do with nearly every spare minute of our time, hence the brevity of this communication. I have only received help in getting news from one or two brothers. When you know of any changes or anything of interest, please drop a note to me and it will help the write- very much. Some one near Quincy please send something. Everybody who has not remitted dues, do so at once and let's see how many* up-to-dates we can have by next month. R. N. Brookfield Division — Bro. Vincent, at Woodland, is off for a few days, looking after private interests in Chilli- cothe. L. Jacobs is doing the relief act. Bro. Losson, who has been working for the American Express Co. at St. Louis, has decided to enter the telegraph service again and will do the owl act at Woodland. Bro. Losson will be re- membered as working for this road several years ago. Although out of the business, he kept up his O. R. T. dues and is in good standing at the present time. G. A. Bittleson, nights at Ely, has been spend- ing a few days taking in the sights in Hannibal and Quincy. Bro. Losson did the relief act. Bro. Lange, of Monroe, has returned from his vacation. Bro. McIntosh is back in the harness after his vacation in the West. 'P. E. Pease, days at Shelbina, has resigned, to hunt greener pastures. He will see where he has made a mistake in dropping out of the O. R. T., when he gets up against the cold, cold world. L. A. Hoover, of Withers Mill, is working nights at Lentner, in place of Bro. Williams, who has not yet returned from Colorado. G. E. Withers is relieving him at Withers Mill. Bro. L. E. Skinner, agent at Anabel, reports a fine time during his vacation. Bro. Rightmire took his lay-off when relieved by Bro. Skinner, and in turn took his trip to Colo- rado. J. N. Miller worked nights. Bro. J. T. Jones raised from night to day teleg- rapher at New Cambria. E. S. Barrett is doing the owl act. S. B. Thiehoff, agent at Bucklin, has returned from his trip, and says camp life agreed with him. T. Freeman, who acted as agent at Bucklin, goes back to Ely for a few nights, then to Brecken ridge as agent for a few days. Bro. Leaton, days at Bucklin, has been off for a few days, being relieved by the night man, Bro. Nolan, who was relieved by D. LaFever. W. E. Quigley, at Cameron Junction, has re- turned from his lay-off. Wigle is back working days, while L. T. Cramer goes to Brookfield, and Bro. Rouse is still working nights. Bro. Edsall got Kidder nights on bulletin. Smith, of Nettleton, was not impressed with the place and took his old place back. Bro. Baker, at Nettleton^ is taking a vacation. Relieved by Smith, the night man. Bro. Gibeaut, at Kidder, has been given a $20 assistant, that is, if he can find one. So far, he has had bad luck. C. S. Shoup, at Hamilton, was off a few nights, taking in the sights at Kansas City and visiting friends and relatives there. The M. K. & T. is reaping the harvest of dis- obeying the laws by having four trainmen killed and four injured in a wreck near Paris, Mo. Boys will be boys, and sleep on duty. The General Chairman, Bro. Johnson, was in this territory recently, on his way to Chicago. Correspondent. Sheridan Division — Before this is in print we will have held our first meeting for a long period, and we are in hopes that everything will turn out favorable. The results will no doubt be in the next write-up of this division. We welcome to membership the following new members, who were initiated the first of Septem- ber: R. C. Conley, nights at Felix; R. W. Maris, cashier at Newcastle; M. J. Fox, nights at Upton. Still they come. Bro. C. C. Robertson, from the B. & O., to Dewey nights. Mr. F. D. Lamphere, resigned, relieved by Bro. Edsall. Latter relieved by a man named Dodge. A man by the name of Duxbury is working nights at Deitz. Some one up that way send him a set of blanks and have him line up, as he is out of place on this division without the goods. Mr. G. B. Ford, Ulm nights, who filed applica- tion for membership, was rejected on account of his name being in the scab list with a big star ahead of it. Bro. Fluke has gone to Ballantine as agent, with a man by the name of Chillson nights. Mr. Chillson was a member at one time, but dropped out for some reason. He promises to line up again. Bro. Mason is back at his old stand at Cowley. The Local Chairman has asked Bro. Mason to keep that branch in good shape, so we will rely on him for this work. Can’t some one get hold of that man, McClung, at Worland? He has been promising to join for the last two or three years. Mr. Neel, dispatcher, was over the road last month, all dressed up in his Sunday clothes. Hear Bro. Needles has bid in for Echeta when it opens up. We hope he gets it. Bro. Holstedt is trying to secure a few that he knows do not carry up-to-dates. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1722 The Railroad Telegrapher. Mrs. L. F. Morrow will be with us this month. Her application is now in the Local Chairman’s hands. Brothers and sisters, when you hear of a new man on the division, you will be doing a great favor by securing his name, whether a member or a non. If a brother, ask him his certificate and division number, and forward the information to your Local Chairman. Bro. Langley, one of the C. T. U. A. boys, who formerly worked on this division, is working nights at Newcastle. We are sorry to lose Bro. Hickey, at Moor- croft days. He was relieved by Bro. Hazlett nights. Bro. Likewise, nights at Rozct, to Dietz nights. He was relieved by Sister Shaughnessy, who has been working days while Bro. Kesinger was away on his vacation. Changes seem to be coming thick and fast now. The boys of the C. T. U. A. are drifting out this way and relieving the shortage of telegraphers that has been on for some time in the past. It is easier for those that want a vacation to get relief. I hope all the boys responded to Bro. Quick’s last appeal and sent in at least $’.oo for the C. T. U.. A. fund. This is something that is im- portant and should be attended to at once. We want them to win out, as it will mean a great deal for the profession in general. Bro. Bennett, at Gillette days, during the ab- sence of Bro. Carpenter, who was called to the bedside of his mother, who is seriously ill. Bro. Lemka, formerly telegrapher there, has gone on his homestead, near Upton. Div. Cor. St. Joseph Division — Five new members this month, as follows: J. C. Janak, nights at Armour; J. F. Ilillhousc, agent at Redding, Iowa; D. D. Huartson, nights at Island Park, la.; J. D. Hayes, nights at Council Bluffs; and Geo. L. Robinson, nights at Hinton. Several more of the boys ready pay-day. There are yet a few scattering members who are slow in paying their dues. The number is very small, however, but there should not be one. We hope those who have not paid up to date will do so without further delay. We are picking up the non members right along, and you will help our by keeping in line. Bro. II. M. Williams has resigned at Curzons, and Bro. Boyd, nights at the same place, goes on the day trick. The night job has not yet been bulletined, but is held temporarily by J. D. Mc- Col loch. Mr. W. E. Brown, Nodaway nights, has gone West with the hopes of improving his wife’s health, which has been very poor lately. Bro. Lee is holding down the night job during his absence. Ray Haley is doing the night shift at Forest City. Bro. Millen accepted a position at Humboldt, Neb., but did not like the location and decided to resign and make a trip to South Dakota, in search of land. We are sorry to see him go. Bro. B. R. Newlon, we are informed, has bid in the position as agent at Fairfax. Mr. W. L. Robinson relieved J. D. Mc- Colloch at Napier nights. Mr. Robinson is a new man on the line and has promised his application soon. Mr. Harper, day telegrapher at Council Bluffs city depot, is taking a lay-off, Bro. B. L. Thomp- son, from Creston Division, relieving him. Bro. J. D. Hayes, formerly nights at Council Bluffs, is working days at present. Bro. Haarston, nights at Hinton, was visiting Nebraska City Junction one night this month. Bro. Stewart, nights at Hamburg, made a trip to Omaha. Mr. W. A. Caldwell, freight agent at Hamburg, having resigned, the station was given to T. E. Wood, from Mt. Ayer, who reported sick after two weeks. Unable to learn who takes his place. Everybody go after the few nons on our line now. They arc almost as scarce as hens’ teeth, and you all know who they are. Correspondent. Aurora Division — At a meeting of the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers, held at Mendota, Saturday evening, Sep- tember 14, the following members were present: E. F. Todd, Local Chairman, Sandwich, 111.; \V. B. Crawford, Assistant Local Chairman, Ke- wanee, 111.; D. E. Watson, Neponset, 111.; C. E. Shimel, Kewanee, 111.; W. D. Galvin, Western Tube Co., Kewanee, 111.; O. D. Lottinville, Ke- wance, 111.; A. F. Johnson, Zearing, 111.; C. A. Johnson, Montgomery, 111.; C. E. Hade, Malden. 111. A meeting was held at Downers Grove, 111 , on the same evening, same being in charge of Assist- ant Local Chairman L. C. Russell. The new schedule was discussed at considerable length. Bro. Ranger, formerly day telegrapher at Sand- wich, has resigned and is now working for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific R. R. at Guymon, Okla. Our best wishes are with Bro. Ranger, he being one of the oldest members in Burlington Division No. 130. Bro. Brower, formerly nights at Sandwich, has resigned his position and accepted one in the State of Texas. Bro. Dillon, formerly nights at Iceland, got Somonaitk Cabin by bulletin. Telegrapher Peaco, of the C. & O. R. R., is working at Leland nights. Bro. Todd, our worthy Local Chairman, for- merly days at Leland, got Sandwich days by bulletin. Bro. Stroud, formerly of Somonauk Cabin, now days at Leland, 111. Bro. Koppa, relief .telegrapher, worked a few nights at Leland while Bro. Dillon became a benedict. Among the new members are Bro. Watson, Ne- ponset; Bro. A. F. Johnson, Zearing; Bro. O. H. Beardsley, Meridan. Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1723 There is a change at Plano nights, but at the present writing do not know what it is. General Chairman Johnson, of Anselmo, Neb., made Bro. Todd a visit Tuesday. Bro. Johnson was in Chicago in conference with Supt. Ryder. Local Chairman Todd and Assistant Local Chairman Russell were also in Chicago in con- ference with Supt. Ryder August 31. Bro. Sawyer, of Earlville Tower nights, was calling on friends in Leland Monday, Sept. 16. Cert. 1,246. La Crosse Division — Although several postal cards were mailed, ask- ing the boys to “come across” with notes, none have reached us so far, so be satisfied with what follows. Just a gentle bawling-out won’t hurt. Some of the boys don’t seem to be doing their best, caus- ing those who have to do the calling to buy some of the “wonder oil” for “glass arms.” This is not the way to get new schedules. Always do your best and let the company know that you are not a dead one; then it will be considerably easier for your committeemen to secure a good schedule. Do your best, and if you don’t like your job, quit, and give some other fellow a show'. To maks this story short, just be governed by Bro. Johnson’s write-ups. Bro. “Ned” Brodt, Savanna Station days, has at last departed on his long-looked-for vacation. He intends taking in Denver on the trip. Too bad he couldn’t stay and see the "Solid” base ball game. Some C. T. U. A. brother from Spokane is relieving him. Bro. Watts, of St. Louis, who is an old-time Order man, is holding down “CU” Savanna yards nights. It is hoped that Mr. Jay, Savanna Station nights, will soon be with us. He would make good timber for the Order. It is now Bro. Graves, agent at Galena Junction. Hereafter, do not call him Mr. He doesn’t like it. Bro. Riesc and Bro. Schrunk, of Cassville, were visitors in Dubuque recently. Bro. Schrunk is to play in the benefit game. Mr. Groff, day telegrapher at East Dubuque, says he will be with us soon. East Dubuque is a solid non-union station. Just the same Bro. Quick received three substantial replies to his circular from this point, which shows that their hearts are in the right place. A Mr. Sanderson, who at one time held a posi- tion as chief dispatcher on the C., M. & St. P. at Dubuque, is now doing the scab act at “Dl” Dubuque Postal office. This man at one time held an up-to-date card and had a number of friends, but now — well, he went from one thing to another until he got so he could not hit the ball — and they decided to run trains without Sanderson. "13” he is a first-class booze and dope comedian, and he most assuredly looks the part. A party standing in the vicinity of this office, not long since, counted nine breaks in ten minutes, which goes to show the meaning of the postal-card motto, “If you can’t go whisky and business to- gether, give up your business.” This man, San- derson, has been unable to secure a job, until recently (he has one now), where he need not be afraid of being bumped. W. Norman holds the title of manager in this office. He at one time held exactly the same position on the C., M. & St. P. as Sanderson. Luckily he (Norman) is not married, so he has no wife to be ashamed of him. Two old chiefs marked down in the “Lost” column. This office certainly shows a difference since Bro. H. H. Stringer, the former manager, left. Bro. Correll, a former telegrapher in this office, is doing the “whoopee” act out on a North Da- kota ranch. Bro. Sullivan, also from this office, is busy talking base ball. On September 25, at the “Three-Eye” League Park, the C. T. U. of A. will play the O. R. T. in what promises to be a whirlwind game of the national sport. Out of the fifteen hundred tickets printed, only a few remain unsold. The boys out along the line who are unable to attend, bought liberally of the tickets. Frame them, boys. They will make dandy souvenirs of the strike of 1907. Results of the game will be given in next month’s Telegrapher. Bro. Ragatz transferred to East Winona nights. The following jobs are on bulletin: Day and night at Losey, day and night at Purdy, day and night at Rusk, day and night at Charme, day and night at Dewey, day and night at Blake, day and night at Rutledge, day and night at Blanding, day and night at Marcus. Above jobs pay $57.50 per. One night job, Savanna yards open, pays $73.00 per. It is hoped Bro. H. W. K., of the Galesburg Division, will come out of his shell and continue to do the write-up act for the “Stormy.” Highpockets. Philadelphia Division, No. 102. The last meeting of the division was held at the regular meeting place on the 28th of September. Notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather we had a record-breaking attendance, a large number of the brothers present being newly initiated. Everyone was very much interested, and, judging from looks, there has been an awakening on this system. We took great pleasure in balloting ami accepting thirty-two new members, among them being men of more than twenty years’ service with the company, also several agents from the larger and more important stations. Some of these new brothers have a great influence with the company, as well as with the men. This is the very best kind of evidence that every- thing is bright for our schedule. If we continue at the present rate, it will not be very long before we can hold up our heads just as high as any of the brothers on the more thoroughly organize! systems. Our secretary advises there are still a few of our brothers who have not paid dues for the current term. This should not be the case. How can we expect to accomplish anything by being indifferent? Digitized by L^OOQle

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1724 The Railroad Telegrapher. I hope to hear of these delinquent brothers coming up with the necessary just as soon as possible. Now that there is such efficient work being done here, there is not excuse whatever. There is only one way to gain our freedom from the shackles which are binding us at present, and that is for every man to be a good union man, and then stick through thick and thin. It takes hard work and effort to accomplish things nowadays. Every man must have the good of the Order at heart, and live right up to union principles. Bro. Hunt gave us a very interesting talk about unionism. It was right to the point, and every one present was very much impressed by it. Mr. Dale has been transferred from Norristown to “OW,” Stagers office, Philadelphia. Mr. Liver- good, from Manayunk to Norristown, and Bro. Dechant from Conshohocken nights, to Manayunk. Bro. Boyer, one of the C. T. U. of A. strikers, working at Conshohocken in place of Bro. De- chant. Send your notes to the secretary, and he will see that they get to the proper place. “Chris.” Canadian Northern Railway. Second District — We notice space in our most esteemed journal always available for our brothers on the Fourth District. With only one or two exceptions, we all bear the union label, and it is only by sub- mitting our views and ideas for publication that our brothers can form an opinion of what is going on around them. While the efforts of our com- mittee are slowly bringing forth fruit, it may seem to some a long time to wait; but I would like to say for the benefit of such that our committee has made very successful moves in attaining what we have secured so far. To illustrate the matter in question, I have only to mention the per cent increase on local express, which, without a doubt, is a sufficient amount to more than pay all our dues in the Order. Bear in mind that our Order did this, and then some of you bone-lieads ask yourselves the question: “Why are narrow-minded, selfish, pig-headed individuals such as we are, still 110ns, when the Order pays our dues?” The an- swer is: You have no thought for the welfare of others. You sit down and let others finance and do the work. You change your manner very quickly when there is some increases to be handed around. Why not send in your dues, which is only a trifle, and then stand up and say: “I can look the whole world in the face, for I owe not any man.”. Have any of you noticed how promptly “Q” office responds when we call him for commercial business? I presume the superintendent of express and telegraph must have been making investiga- tions on the strength of information in the hands of our local chairman, Bro. Mitchell, which was laid before the superintendent on the arrival of the committee in Winnipeg in June. We did not blame our commercial brothers for this. We were under the impression that the staff was not suffi- cient to cope with the ever-increasing business. We are glad to have such material as Bro. Willis and Bro. Mitchell to draw upon when we have a mat- ter to lay before the higher officials, which we de- sire shall terminate successfully. Wishing all a pleasant time during vacation, and hoping that their happiness may be extended for many years to come, will close with “73” to all. Div. Cob. Charlottetown Division, No. 47. Nothing has appeared in our magazine for some time from the “Banner Division of the North," and in case there might possibly be some who are under the impression that the dry-rot has set in, it now becomes my duty to contribute a few notes, which I trust will escape the mark of the “blue pencil,” and appear in the next issue. With the exception of one stray sheep, all are in the fold calmly partaking of the good things or- ganization has brought them. Even if they have dissentions occasionally, it is only, as Artemus Ward would remark, “human natur” cropping out But what about that sheep eating outside the pasture, and apparently quite content? Let the wolf come, and where is the protecting staff of the shepherd? He then stands alone, and his isolation appeals to us in vain. There are some of the young men who have come into the service of the road during the last few years who do not know what the conditions were a few years ago, when, for instance, we had a minimum of $27.50 and $60.00 for dispatchers. The same boys would now think they were robbed if they did not pull $60.00 to $70.00, and the dispatchers $110.00. I am not going to say we do not appreciate our improved conditions, but do we never stop to think what placed us clear of starvation wages? There is only one source we could possibly have drawn on for the neces- sary strength, and that is organization, and organ’ zation for the railway telegraphers means the O. R. T., and no other order. We want the boys to appreciate what has been done for them, espe- cially the younger members, and even if the earth is not cut up and distributed among them, they must remember the struggles of those who had a hard fight for even recognition. Let every member, therefore, take an interest in the affairs of the Order. Keep enthusiastic, and be ever ready to give the Order your support, and have confidence in the officers elected, especially in your committees. If they are not doing what you think is O. K., just drop the chairman a note. There was a general feeling of regret when it was known that our good friend, Bro. Ollie Mc- Leod, had to leave for Los Angeles in the hope of improving his health, and the feeling among the boys found an outlet for itself in a nice pres- ent, which Ollie much appreciated. To the members of the Order in the vicinity in which Bro. McLeod will reside, we can cheerfully recommend him, and can assure those who wnll have the pleasure of his acquaintance that they will find him “white.” We are sorry to lose him. even temporarily, but will wait in the hope that a few months’ residence in a sunny land will com- pletely restore his health. Digitized by LjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1725 Bro. George McCormack spent a well-earned va- cation at his home in Souris during August. Bro. E. J. McTague has returned from his va- cation trip to Boston. Bro. A. E. Clark spent his holidays among the lakes on the north side, and caught, as usual, a large number of trout, but we regret to have to report that none have yet reached the division cor- respondent. Div. Cor. Sunbury Division, No. 12. Division 12 is still gaining, and has 97 per cent of the telegraphers within her lines. One would suppose the remaining 3 per cent would apply, but all can not see things in the same light. While we are working for the interest of all, they are well contented for us to pay the bills. Business is heavy on the Shamokin Division. Sorry to hear of Sister Seid being indisposed for the last few days, and hope she will soon be well. We hope our general committee makes a success of their visit to Philadelphia. Bro. Minter, from “GC,” has resigned, and gone to his home at New Oxford, Pa. We can accommodate branch brothers for the next meeting, and wish they would visit. Come on No. 67, and return on No. 4. See what nice meetings we have. We have a standing aid com- mittee, and all cases of sickness, destitution, etc., should be reported promptly to Bro. Riegel. Sunbury and Letvistown Branch — Bro. C. B. Wetzel, of Beavertown, off on a week’s trip to unknown parts; relieved by Bro. Hawbecker. Bro. E. S. Boyer, of S. Grove nights, off on a ten -day vacation; relieved by Telegrapher Carey, who, in turn, was relieved by Bro. Cleaver. Bro. Bums, of Selinsgrove days, spent a two weeks' vacation visiting and fishing; Noticed quite a bunch of the boys on No. 68 on the night of the 12th, bound for the meeting. Reported a good time, plenty of important busi- ness and eight new applicants. The non will soon be a thing of the past on the Sunbury, Lewistown and Shamokin Divisions. We are sorry to hear of the illness of Bro. C. F. Wagner’s mother, and hope for a speedy re- covery. Have noticed quite a bit of fooling on the wires of late. Hope it is not a man who wears the button. “13” there was a sick committee appointed at the last meeting, but have not heard the full par- ticulars. News scarce this month, so will cut out. Cert. 15. Branch Notes — Our regular meeting called to order by our worthy chief, Bro. Riegle, with all the other officers present, at 8:30 p. m. About thirty-five members on hand. After the boys had emptied their pockets the secretary and treasurer had eight applications on his desk to dispose of. Mr. A. D. Ludwig and Mr. W. T. Dyer, who were waiting in the ante-room, were brought in and introduced to “Billy,” who put them in to clear, and they were made brothers of the craft. We were favored with several selections on the piano by Bro. Grant. Bro. Burns, of Division 52, sang several solos. Bro. Gill, of the grand division, was with us, and gave quite an interesting talk, which was enjoyed by all. Bro. Schoffstall, of Division 24, was with us, and gave a nice little talk on the good oftfhe Order. If the boys from the branch would take an in- terest in the meetings, and turn out like the S. & L. boys, we would certainly have to get a larger hall. Now, boys, why can’t you come down on No. 67 and back on No. 4 in the morning. The Sunbury boys would try and accommodate you. We were certainly pleased to receive the appli- cations of the four lady telephone operators from the S. & L. Our local board of adjustment had a very agree- able interview with Mr. Gearhart, division opera- tor, August 30th, and Mr. Allibone, superinten- dent, September qtb. Your local board of adjust- ment would like to sec every member do his best to give good service. The better service we give the company the easier it will be for your com- mittee to secure concessions. Bro. A. D. Ludwig has bid in Nescopeck Junc- tion nights. Bro. Cornelsion, of “AG” tower, is doing extra work in “SB” office, Sunbury. Boys, wc want to get busy and try and get as many out to the next meeting as possible. Our efficient local chairman, Bro. Kase, and Committeemen Walker and McCracken visited Sunbury on business recently. The boys of Sunbury office are availing them- selves of the opportunity to take their vacations. Bros. Ashworth, Blecker and Montgomery and Miss Diehl have enjoyed this pleasure, while Bro. Miller is rusticating in Denver, Colo., and vicin- ity. Upon his return Bros. Riegel and Otto will seek recreation in the country. Local Chairman Kase will attend a meeting of the general committee at Philadelphia. While the boys of the Sunbury Division have had indirect representation at previous meetings, we feel that our interests will be well protected in this in- stance by Bro. Kase. We have a number of brothers (and a few oth- ers), who persist in fooling on the wires. They use terms which gentlemen would not use, and while they think they are clever, do not possess the polish and horse sense of an experienced teleg- rapher, and only bring discredit upon themselves from their subordinate officers. A student’s first ambition is to fool on the wires, but when he at- tains manhood it is presumed that he will dis- credit such childish practices. J. M. Gallagher, recently employed, holds a card in the C. T. U., at the expiration of which wc hope to have him affiliate with Division No. 12. Boys, get after Telegrapher Hall, a new recruit, working on the branch. Digitized by c,ooQle

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1726 The Railroad Telegrapher, A recent circular to all telegraphers and signal- men, brought forth very prompt and favorable re- plies, with one exception, and that from an indi- vidual who appears to possess a remarkable amount of the famous “mollycoddle” instinct, as follows: Q. “Are you satisfied with your present condi- tions?” A. “Yes, sir.” Q. “How does the amount of business done by yoit now, compare with that done during the ten- day period, March 22 to March 31, this spring?” A. “About 50 per cent less.” Q. “Arc you willing that we represent you in any negotiations for increased pay, etc.?” A. “I will look after that part myself.” This, in the nineteenth century, from a man who has followed the profession for years, at a $35 and $40 salary, until recent efforts of the O. R. T. secured for him an adjustment, a 10 per cent raise, an annual pass and better working con- ditions, not to mention the one relief day he en- joys each month, with salary. Is such beastly ob- stinacy displayed by the intelligent or the illiterate? If, through misfortune, this individual should lose his left wing reaching for more concessions, which we may secure for him, we pray he may retain his pedal appendages, and thus enable him to kick for his portion. Who is he? Is he a “non?”. Our brothers of Lancaster Division, No. 9, were much elated upon the admission of a “Miss” at a recent meeting, whom they believe to be the only lady on the East holding a card. They may become enlightened by referring to page 1256, Au gust issue of The Telegrapher. Miss Carrie P. Seid has long held a card in Division No. 12. Moreover we have had a young lady working in “SB” during the past seventeen years, who has about concluded that it would just be delightful to possess a nice blue card. This will put us one ahead of our Lancaster brothers. If any of the brothers desire notes inserted in The Telegrapher please forward same before the 25th of each month to the correspondent. Cert. 46. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry. Nebraska Division — We have been very fortunate this month in hav- ing several bunches of news sent us, for which we are very grateful. It is a pleasure to send in a write-up when one has some material to work on, and when one feels that at least some of the others take an interest, and want things to move along briskly. Don’t forget to send in notes whenever anything turns up. If you take a vaca- tion of a few days or more, just drop me a line and say where you are going, and who relieves you, and how long you expect to be gone. I will see that it gets into the journal, and thank you in the bargain. Bro. Pranger, agent at Dakota City, is taking a short vacation; being relieved by Bro. I. W. Marr, agent at Fordyce. Bro. Wassum, agent at Ponca, made a short visit to his old home at Arlington, Neb., over Sunday, and was shaking hands with old acquaintances along the road. Mr. Paul Pinion is now installed as agent at Newcastle, and Bro. Wise has left the telegraph service. Hope he will be successful in whatever work he undertakes. Bro. F. B. Smith, agent at Emerson, is taking a well-earned vacation, and visiting his parents in Princeton, 111. He and his wife will no doubt have a very enjoyable time. He is being relieved by P. N. Peterson. Bro. D. C. Learner has resumed his duties as agent at Wakefield, after a few weeks spent in rural pursuits, and having a good time with his “kid band,” of which, by the way, he has cause to be justly proud. They handle their music well, and give promise of developing into fine musicians in the near future. There seems to be a good many changes of late in day telegrapher at Wakefield. At present writ- ing Bro. Twiss, a C. T. U. man from Chicago, has bid in the job, and is certainly making good at it. This is the kind of timber that the C. T. U. has, and it is just this kind of material that is making life a burden for the Western Union peo- ple. Give them all the encouragement you can, brothers, and they will be working under better conditions before long. Mr. Strauss, telegrapher from Crofton, has bil in the agency at Concord, and Telegrapher Jacob sen has tendered his resignation. Do not know wbat he intends to do at present. Bro. Germain and wife, of Hartington, have re- turned home from their trip, and report a fine time. Bro. Heyer resumed his regular position as day telegrapher, and Mr. Fcrber went to Coleridge for a few days to relieve Bro. Wilson, while he hied himself to Norfolk on business. Bro. Meyer and some boon companions made a trip to Bloomfield recently in an automobile to at- tend a ball game, and he reports making the re- turn trip in sixty minutes — twenty three miles. Bro. Marr, agent at Fordyce, has been taking a vacation, and was relieved by Bro. R. R. Larson, a recent addition to the Order. Telegrapher Cross has been working days at Crofton for some time. Do not know where he is from, Hope he wears the right color. Bro. Hayes, days at Wayne, has bid in the night telegrapher position in dispatcher’s office, Omaha, and was relieved at Wayne by Bro. Cooper, former wire chief in “XD” office W. U., Sioux City. Bro. Hayes will fill the bill, all right, and we are glad to see him advance. Bro. Cooper is built of the right stuff, and we hope to see him and all other worthy C. T. U brothers win out in their struggle with organized capital and greed. Bro. Cooper also relieved Bro. Crouch, local chairman, at Teka- mah for a week, while the latter was resting up some and taking in the sights at the Interstate Fair. Bro. Wallahan, who bid Jn the agency at Thurs- ton on last bulletin, received a message from his home in Iowa that a relative was very sick, and he was relieved for a few days by Mr. Whitaker, late of the freight office at Blair. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1727 Bro. Slinger, days at Pender, is enjoying a thirty days’ leave of absence, hunting in the wilds of Montana; relieved by Bro. Flias, recently with the Western Union at Omaha. Telegrapher’s position at Lyons is vacant tem- porarily, since Bro. Wallace took Thurston. Un- derstand Mr. Reed is trying to “manufacture” a telegrapher for the place before the next bulletin , comes out. It’s “awful nice” to have everything kept in the family. Old-timer, Bro. D. W. Marr, agent at Fort Cal- houn, has broken the record, and taken a two weeks’ lay off, going into Colorado and other west- ern points; relieved by Bro. I. W. Marr, a nephew. Bro. Carney, days at North Yard, took a few days off recently, and was relieved by the night man, Mr. Clifton. Don’t know who relieved nights. By the way, Mr. Clifton has made numerous promises to come in with us, but as yet has not made good. We hope he will soon be in a posi- tion to give us his support in a substantial man- ner, after getting the benefits that he has for over a year now. Mr. Taylor has returned from his vacation, and is again doing stunts on branch disptacher’s wire. Bro. Shellington resumes day side wire to St. Paul, and, with Bro. Hayes, night side wire man, they have a fine working force in our dispatcher’s office. Bro. Frost, agent at Craig, has bid in the day telegrapher position at Emerson, made vacant by Bro. F. B. Smith taking the agency at that place. We hear that Mr. A. C. Gibson, formerly a telegrapher on this division, and more recently with the Milwaukee, at Maplcton, Iowa, and Fair Grounds, Sioux City, has quit the service of the railways and entered upon the duties of a scab at "XD,” Sioux City, Western Union office, and is trying to break the strike at that point. We are of the opinion that if he gives the same kind of service for the Western Union that he did for this road, they also will very soon be glad to drop him. It’s a good thing he never got into the O. R. T., as his conduct now shows very clearly what his principles are, and the O. R. T. docs not need any of that kind. Again I wish to thank those brothers who so kindly contributed to this month’s items. Div. Cor. Wisconsin Division. Northern District — Brothers on this division will be very glad to learn of the change recently made in the local chairmanship. The office could not have fallen into better hands than those of Bro. S. S. Brodt, of Clear Lake, who will now do the necessary. The present correspondent will continue to call upon you each month for items. Bro. Apelquist, of Turtle Lake, continues to be the mainstay in the news-gathering line, and keeps your correspon- dent posted over a considerable territory. Aren’t there a few more who can easily write a few lines weekly or monthly? Bob Murray passed up the line the other night with fifteen instruments, and had the temerity and gall to ask one of the Omaha boys to come up and wire his instruments for him. Now what do you think of that? Guess Bobby won’t do much harm, excepting to one or two tens he may get. The following assignments have been made pub- lic: New Richmond, day telegrapher, Bro. Ledd- ing; Deer Park, agent-telegrapher, Bro. C. D. Berg; Nettleton avenue, day telegrapher, Bro. A. C. Dimock, and Cameron, night telegrapher, Bro. J. D. Fouts. Bro. Peterson, formerly agent-telegrapher at Deer Park, has left the service, and is spending a vacation at Gordon, Wis. Bro. C. C. Anderson, owl at Comstock, and later agent there, has resigned, and is now second trick man at Albany, N. Y., for the N. Y. C. Bro. G. L. Gray has resumed duty at Comstock as agent. Bro. H. E. Harbour, Cumberland, was away a week visiting the old folks at home; relieved by Bro. C. G. Anderson, and he, in turn, by Bro. P. M. Olson, just back from Washington, on the N. P. Bro. VanMeter, Hudson, was up to New Rich- mond to take in the fair one day; relieved by Bro. P. M. Olson. Bro. O. C. Gullickson, Clayton, with his wife, sojourned in the Twin Cities a few days. Bro. P. M. Olson held the chair down during the former’s absence. Bro. Stanton, at Rusk, had to come back to the key before his vacation had expired to allow Bro. Gaarden to go to Turtle Lake to relieve Bro. L. W. Kirchner, who went to the bedside of his ill mother in Southern Wisconsin. Bro. F. D. Sinclair back to the key and levers at Trego. H. L. Sinclear off on a vacation, and that good friend of the telegraphers, J. W. Quinn, takes his place. C. Kennedy, Trego, thinks there is too much graft in the O. R. T. How about the overtime and $60 a year you arc taking, my dear boy? M. G. Morris is holding down New Richmond nights, awaiting the next bulletin. General Chairman Liddane made a trip over the line early in the month, and called on Bros. Quin- lan and Brodt. There are a few who have not paid their dues for the second term. What a shame. Have you done anything to help the striking commercial telegraphers? Why do you not send a news item or two? They help. Div. Cor. Wisconsin Division, Eastern District — ^Gradually the nons become fewer on this pike, and it won’t be long before we can present an almost solid front. There are a few that nothing short of a can of dynamite would awaken. How any fair-minded man can set back and enjoy the fruits procured by the united efforts of his fel- low craftsmen, and refuse to assist them, is be- yond me. There is Rylander, agent at Lake Elmo; Locke, agent at Beldenville; Frost, day telegrapher at River Falls; McGarroh, night man Digitized by kjOOQle

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1728 The Railroad Telegrapher. at Roberts. Can any one of these men give any kind of a plausible excuse for not belonging to the Order? No, they can not. There are times when it seems a hardship for us to remit dues, as any one is liable to be short of money, but that little card entitles us to the friendship, good-will and help of millions of united laborers. Any union man will give you the good right hand if your card reads up-to-date. It is worth a whole lot to you to be a union man. I attended the benefit concert given by Lodge No. 9, Commercial Telegraphers Union in St. Paul, August 22 d, and enjoyed a very clever en- tertainment. That blue card was the opening wedge into all the good time that evening, and right now, boys, the C. T. U. are showing us a great and glorious lesson in unionism. Not a break. Not a single desertion in St. Paul Lodge No. 9 since the walkout a month ago. There’s faithfulness and loyalty for you. Some of the young lady members who were receiving the princely sum of $40 per month, and some the only support of their families, obeyed the call, and are still out. Too much honor to be a “scab.” The Wisconsin Division local committee voted $10 out of the local treasury for the purchase of tickets for the benefit concert of striking telegra- phers. Bro. Quinlan and yours truly also had the pleasure of selling quite a number of tickets. The total contribution from this division amounted to nearly $50. A lot of these items should have been in last month’s write-up, but I was in a hurry, and sent it in early. This month I went the limit. So many are laying off that it is impossible to keep them lined-up, as very few ever say anything. Bro. Brown and wife, of Roberts, started August 29th, for a trip of a month through California; relieved by Bro. J. R. Kidd. Bro. Vosburg, at Northline, was off for two weeks; relieved by Bro. Donahy; who, in turn, was relieved by Bro. Larson. Yours truly was off for ten days; relieved by Bro. R. M. Olson, who holds an up-to-date card on the N. P. He says he will be transferred to No. 76 if he decides to stay. Bro. Liddane has returned to work, after being off about three weeks. Bro. Gauss has returned to work at Altoona. Bro. Hoffman relieving Bro. Showater for a few days. Bro. C. O. Marske is now working nights at Fairchild, after receiving a month’s vacation on account of sore eyes. Operator Funne, Clear Lake nights, to Warren in place of Bro. A. K. Satterfield, who, I think, is laying off. Bro. H. Garden has returned to Baldwin, after a couple of months’ servitude on the Northern District. A. M. Wold, B. R. Falls, is now a full-fledged member. A. C. Dimock has filled out application papers, and by this time should again be an up-to-dater. Mr. R. F. Norser, of Eau Claire office, has ac- cepted a position with the N. P. at Jamestown, N. D. ; relieved by Bro. O. T. Balgord on assistant car job. We received notice the latter part of last month of the death of Bro. J. T. Halvorson, who for- merly worked on this division, and who was a mem- ber of Division 76. The notice was received too late to go in last month. There are probably a number of you who were acquainted with him. Business is picking up, and the ten new freight engines are coming in just right. Result of August bulletin: Tunnel, day telegrapher, J. A. Kneer. Wright, day telegrapher, P. S. Peterson. Augusta, day telegrapher, D. A. Campbell. Turtle Lake, night telegrapher, J. C. Applequist. Comstock, agent-telegrapher, G. L. Cray. September bulletin: Wright, day telegrapher, H. H. Adams. Wilson, agent-telegrapher, J. J. Bailey. New Richmond, day telegrapher, W. C. Ledding. Deer Park, agent-telegrapher, T. A. Berg. Nettleton avenue, day telegrapher, A. C. Dimock. Cameron, night telegrapher, J. D. Fouts. Cert. 1405. Michigan Central Ry. At this writing the Western Union strike is still in progress, the men showing a wonderful deter- mination to stick it out to the bitter end. It is no doubt the intention of that company to beat the men, as they did in 1883; in fact. President Clowry remarked that they would win as they did at that time, and thereby secure peace for another twenty years. Will this giant octopus be able to protract this struggle indefinitely without regard to public welfare, just for the purpose of whipping their employes into submission, and then subject them to a further degree of the slavery which they have been gradually injecting into their system? Have not the people been robbed long enough by the juggling of stocks of this octopus whereby millions of watered stock have been made to pay dividends? W'hat are the telegraphers and station agents doing throughout the country in the way of carrying on a campaign of education among the people for the government ownership of the tele- phone and telegraph wires? The government has no trouble with its employes. They have the eight- hour day and from two weeks to a month’s vaca- tion each year, with pay. The first year in their lowest grade of occupations the wages are about the same as the highest paid a telegrapher, but they are increased yearly until about $100 per month is reached. With the government in con- trol of the wires the same condition would prevail in the telegraph service, and the strikes and lock- outs would be a thing of the past. Of course, some of the degenerate scions of the nobility of Europe would miss the millions that are taken out of this country with the marriageable daughters of the millionaires, but what do we care for this? The president of the International Typographi- cal Union has this to say in regard to the eight- hour day, a movement for which that organization fought so valiantly, and won: “We find that wherever the eight-hour day has been in effect for Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1729 a year or more, the wages have been increased with comparatively little friction.” The strike of the Bell Telephone operators in Toronto finally resulted in the appointment of a government commission to investigate the merits of the controversy, and the statement issued by this commission was of a startling nature from the fact that the investigators found that the girls were not paid a living wage, were required to work in unsanitary buildings and had to submit to most everything that was debasing to womanhood. There was no regard shown for the welfare of the girls, other than what dividends they were able to cre- ate. The commission recommended legislative ac- tion as a remedy, and it is now said that a correc- tive law will be placed on the statute books at the next session of Parliament. So much for the strike. There is much speculation as to what course the railroads will take in connection with the national nine-hour law. Will they endeavor to nullify the law by trickery and other devices at the hands of high-priced attorneys, or will they submit to the provisions of that law? The question arises: What will the telegraphers do to see that the law is en- forced. Are they to sit idly on tbeir chairs and wait for something to happen when the whole ques- tion rests within their hands to settle? We de- mand an eight-hour day and six days to constitute a week’s work. X. X. Western Division — I wonder how many on this division have looked over the Fraternal Department of the journal for the past year, and on failing to find a few notes from this division, sighed a sigh that could almost be heard from Niles to Chicago? Were you ever visiting on other divisions, and, when asked what division you were from, and you replied: “The west end,” notice that the first thing you were asked was: ‘‘Why don’t some of you fellows up there get a few notes in the jour- nal so the other divisions will know what is going on there?” Yes, that is the first fire out of the box, and I tell you it makes a fellow feel rather abashed. Let us try and see if we can not have a few notes in the journal every month. Bro. Moon, of “JI” tower, came into tKb fold a few weeks ago, but resigned his position to try the Wabash, we understand. Our best wishes go with him, and we hope he keeps the colors flying. Since Bro. Barton left “DO,” Chicago, the first of September, there has been three different teleg- raphers at work there. Must be something wrong. Bro. Herran, our new dispatcher, has taken unto himself a wife. We all extend our best wishes, and hope his married career will not make him nervous on “3i's.” Mr. Van Riper is doing the owl trick at "Jl” tower since Bro. Moon's departure. We hope to soon call him “brother.” Bro. Dell, former agent at Dyer, has landed the agency at Tolleston. Bro. Glover, who, for the past two years or more, has been day telegrapher at Porter, bid in the agency at Dyer. We understand he is very well satisfied with the job. Bro. Benton, former night owl at Gibson yard, has gone back to Michigan to work for the P. M. Mr. LeClear is filling the vacancy. Bro. Ed Stoeckle, who has been holding down the second day trick as dispatcher at “TY,” made a few friendly calls along the line on the 2d. Glad to see him, and hope he will come again. We feel sorry that our division superintendent, Mr. M. B. Snow, has left us, but rejoice with him in his promotion to assistant general superin- tendent. Mr. J. H. Snyder, our former division superintendent, is again with us in his old posi- tion, and we extend to Mr. Snyder the hand of welcome. There have been so many changes of late on the division that it is hard work for our local chairman to keep a record of all. Have not had a meeting for some time, but expect to hold one soon, and hope every brother will attend and come prepared to do his share toward making these meetings a success. Now, boys, if you hear or know of anything that will be of interest to all, make a note of it and send to your local chairman, and he will do the rest. Let us all contribute these notes in the future, and make them of interest to all. Cert. 156. Middle Division — Valley — The brothers can not expect to see very much in the way of items this month, as they have not given me any news. Really, it does seem as though you might inform on the other fellow if you feel too modest to tell on yourself. Bro. Hardke resumed duty Monday, September 23d, after having a two weeks’ vacation; Bro. Mead relieving. Bro. Rosenbrook is spending ten days with friends and relatives at Concord and Cassopolis. This seems to be the way the fellows are finding time to get more acquainted with their wives and children; quite a scheme, and a good one, too, un- der existing circumstances. Bro. McIntyre is act- ing agent and telegrapher during Bro. .Rosen- brook’s absence, and Bro. F. W. Chapman, a new man from the C., I. & S., is doing the night trick. Bro. Potter had the pleasure of spending a cou- ple of days at his home in Marshall, taking in the Calhoun County Fair last week. Bro. Wilks, formerly of Niles, has been ap- pointed day telegrapher and dispatcher at Kala- mazoo, vice J. G. Griffith, a veteran long in the service of the M. C. Under what circumstances Mr. Griffith retired I have been unable to learn as yet. Bro. Slighter, nights at “CJ” office, Grand Rap- ids, has resigned to accept a better position with a commission firm. Bro. Fitch is now turning the night trick at that point. Bro. Hathaway “UP” office, Grand Rapids was called away suddenly on account of his brother- in-law being killed at Stratford, Ont. No partic- ulars. COR. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1730 The Railroad Telegrapher. Georgia Southern & Florida Railway. The writer is yet feeling good over our meeting, September 15. We have never h.d a better meeting since we organized, but the attend- ance might have been greater. We are to a great extent careless, indifferent and negligent in this matter, which is of vital importance to all con- cerned. Do not expect the faithful few to keep the machinery of the organization oiled and running as smoothly as though you were lending your assistance to the cause. Come out to the meetings; let us see and get acquainted with you. Come out and express your views; you might have something up your sleeves that would be of much interest to us. On my way down to our last meeting I ques- tioned several who were not going to attend the meeting. Some gave reasonable and plausible excuses, while others were so flimsy they would not stand an acid test. Did you know or had you ever thought that this one thing makes schedules difficult to secure on some roads? Show me a pike where all the boys have lost all interest in their organization, and I will show you an army of men working under a schedule worse than no schedule at all. Suppose the B. L. E.’s and O. R. C.’s were to look upon their union with as much indifference as we apparently do ours? Figure the results for your- self. Their union would be looked upon as a very small thing, and to ask for a decent raise would be simply out of the question. How do you expect your superintendent to show proper respect for your union when you yourself ignoro everything that it takes to make it strong? Show him that you are greatly interested by asking per- mission from your chief to attend your monthly meetings. Let me impress upon you the impor- tance of looking out for yourselves. This one thing has been the means of the capitalist growing stronger and stronger each year. Have you been looking out for your interest? No! Your very condition shows it. Your home shows it, and the whole world knows it. . Are you ashamed of your organization; do you feel a delicacy in requesting a pass to attend meet- ings for fear of discharge? Well, now, don’t let that worry you any longer. If there was any virtue in such a version as this, the faithful few would have long ago got it in the neck. Wc have appealed to you in every manner possible to attend meetings, and wc are gratified to learn that not all have turned a deaf ear to our appeals. But, for the stubbornness of a few, we have adopted another plan. Wc ask you to look from now on at the financial side of the question. We have adopted a rule that you are to pay a fine of $1.00 for non-attendance, unless some providential excuse is rendered. I think this will bring about a material change with the boys, and from now on I think we can look forward to a good attendance. Wc want you to attend. We had rather have your attendance than thrice the amount of $1.00. Every organized road should meet once a month and transact all business pertaining to the Order, look after the “back-sliders,” attend to the nons, tell their troubles, and have the evils rectified. Have a specified Sunday in each month to meet on each division; give every member to understand that his or her presence at these meetings is of vital importance. There is another thing of vital importance to the station telegrapher, that should by no means be overlooked, and that is the treatment accorded the public by us. While I readily admit that in most instances the public is given more con- sideration than the station agent receives, at the same time this is just one of the ten thousand things that you are expected to accept as a part of your duties and digest it as best you can. Suppose that you were acting in the capacity of station agent, with not a friend in town, and from some cause there was a strike called on your line; do you think that the people in your town would feel any the worse off on account of your having walked out on a strike? Not a bit If a scab was sent to take your place, the people there would to some extent breathe a sigh of relief. Be ever ready to answer all questions with a smile instead of a look of importance. Have a good word for every one with whom you come in con- tact. You will not only make friends with the public, but raise yourself in the estimation of your employer. The company prize all such men, and will make concessions to retain them in the service. To cut a long story short, always make friends wherever you go. You will never lose anything by so doing. Be prompt in answering your calls and corre- spondence. Get daily and monthly reports in on time. If you see that you are not going to make it, write the auditor and advise him that you are going to run a few days late, and to kindly over- look same. Give all the officers to understand that your card means something. There has been much said in reference to tele- graph schools, and how to stamp them out. We all know that there is nothing good comes of these schools. They are a humbug from beginning to end, and with but few exceptions those who attend never amount to anything unless taken in and finished up by an agent. I will proceed to give you a few notes of what has transpired since the last write-up. Bro. Watson tells us that he is getting along nicely and that, barring a relapse, he will he ready to do business at the old stand soon. Bros. C. H. Mahone, Unadilla, and J. M. Wooten, Pinchurst, have returned from James town, and report a fine time. Bro. W. G. Barnes, who has been relieving Bro. Watson, at Sofkee, during his protracted illness, has returned to Dakota, being relieved by Bro. W. A. Hair. Bro. L. G. Cox, we “13,” has left us for a few days, not knowing whether he will be with us any longer, as he has something up his sleeve for a place in Fitzgerald. Wc regret to see Bro. Cox leave us. Digitized by c^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1731 Bro. Schneider, at Elko, has been relieved by Bro. H. M. Martin, from the L. & N. Bro. Schneider is going into the insurance business. It has been rumored that Bro. A. Green, at Worth, would vacate that neck of the woods and relieve Bro. Bobbie Beard, Bro. Beard quitting to attend school. We have not learned who will fill Bro. Green’s place at Worth. Our meeting at Tifton, Sept. 15, was largely attended, and a rousing good meeting was en- joyed by all present. Members present were as follows: O. H. Watson, Sofkee; L. D. Hamilton, Tifton; J. L. Roberts, Valdosta; E. O'Quin, Tifton; C. Avriett, W. R. Hayes, Lake City; A. J. Roberts, Hahira; J. M. Wooten, Pinehurst; W. O. Wilson, Vienna; P. O. Lee, Cordele; W. B. Tracey, Lake City (S. A. L.); A. H. Fussel, Tifton; W. B. Whipple, Albany (A. C. L. Divi- sion 132); L. G. Cox, Ashburn; L. J. Hall (A. B. & A.), Tifton; C. H. Mahone, Unadilla; S. E. Turner, Unadilla; R. H. Sasser, Kathleen; C. P. McIntyre, Tifton; C. J. N. Clark, Wellston; R. B. Kimball (A. C. L. Division 132). Bro. A. S. Wellons, of Sparks, tendered his resignation, and asked that we accept same, as other duties left him no time to devote to the place of S. & T. Under the circumstances we accepted Bro. Wellons’ resignation. Bro. W. R. Hayes, of Lake City was nominated to succeed Bro. Wellons as S. & T. south of Tifton. Matter was voted on. Bro. Haye3 was elected. Meeting adjourned at 4:50 p. m. until the third Sunday in October. “Red." N. Y. C. Ry. Electric Division — The Electric Division will hold a grand reunion and ball at Murray Hill Lyceum, 34th street and Third avenue, New York City, on Monday, No- vember nth. Murray Hill Lyceum was chosen, as it is con- veniently located for the members and friends of all the railroads in and around New York City. Bros. Noon, Ncumiller, Dooley, Lester and Ver- non have charge of the arrangements. Mrs. Stegman, mother of Dispatcher Bro. H. Stegman, died on Tuesday, September 10th. We extend our sincerest sympathy. Was glad to see the large number of brothers present at the C. T. U. benefit. Read Bro. Quick’s second letter, and get busy. Now is the time to show your generosity. The commercial telegra- phers* fight is also your fight. Bro. Ed Neumiller has been appointed instructor of towers. This position was created on account of the new electrical machines on the upper part of the Electrical Division “X.” Trains changed running from left to right hand on Sunday, August 25th. Everything worked in good shape. Automatic signals are installed from 98th street to Mott Haven Junction. Towers at 125th, 135th and 140th streets discontinued; 106th street towers remain on account of the switches. Telegraphers have been placed at the south end of Harlcin River draw-bridge, “new VN.” All the men displaced have been placed in the new towers on the “X’’ part of the Electrical Division. The men would like to have the positions in dispatcher’s office advertised. It doesn’t seem fair to put brand new men into the dispatcher’s office, when there is an abundance of material along the line. The regular monthly meetings of the Electric Division will be held on the third Wednesday of each month, at 8:30 p. m., Room 54, Colonial building, 67 and 69 West 125th street. New York City. Every third meeting will be a day meeting. Next day meeting December x8th, at 10 a. m. Where are those promised vacations? T. F. Noon. CARD OF THANKS. I wish to express my appreciation and thanks to the brother telegraphers of the Electric Divi- sion, N. Y. C. Railway, for the beautiful floral piece and messages of sympathy in my recent be- reavement. Fraternally yours, H. G. Stegman. Electric Division N. Y. C. Railway, Mohawk Division — At the meeting held at Fonda on the 18th of September, there were but eleven present. On account of No. 74 being over an hour late, the members from west of Fonda were unable to attend. Nevertheless a very enthusiastic meeting was held, and many subjects of importance were discussed. Five applications were handed in at this meeting. Bro. Maricle B. S. 24, is at Buffalo looking after his father’s business during the latter’s ill- ness. A few of the nons we line-up as follows: G. W\ Suits, B. S. 18; C. Knowlton, Amsterdam; H. K. Hoyt, Amsterdam; F. S. Beedleson, Canajoharic; E. D. Teller, B. S. 4; F. H. Greene, B. S. 22; J. L. Miller, “CQ;” H. C. Dowling, St. Johnsville, W. S. It beats all that some people love to reap and not sow. Among the changes the following have been re- ported from the east end: Bro. Swan, from B. S. 20, third trick, to B. S. 3, third trick. Bro. Lawson, from B. S. 20, second trick, to E. Clarks Mills, first trick. Bro. Van Alstyne, from B. S. 20, first trick, to third trick same point. Bro. M. P. Kyser, regular relief, to B. S. 20, second trick. Bro. J. H. Goeser, extra signalman, to B. S. 25, second trick. Bro. W. E. Geary, B. S. “RJ,“ second trick, to B. S. 19, first trick. Bro. J. J. Batte, B. S. 21, first trick, to B. S. 35, first trick. Bro. A. J. Moak, B. S. 17, third trick, to B. S. 44, second trick. Bro. H. H. Long, B. S. 23, first trick, to B. S. 25-A, third trick. Bro. J. Ward, B. S. 29, second trick, to Clarks Mills, first trick. Digitized by c.ooQle

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1732 The Railroad Telegrapher. Rowland Thomas, formerly general yard master at Utica, has recently been acting as special officer, protecting the scab telegrapher employed by the Postal Telegraph Company, escorting him between that company’s office and the Yates Hotel at Utica. Miss Sabine, at one time a telegrapher at Utica passenger station, and later in the ticket office at same point, is now scabbing at the Western Union office, Utica. The news that several positions which have been recently made eight hours, are to be cut in salary, beginning October ist, is not relished by the teleg- raphers, and is causing quite an amount of discon- tent. Rather a hard matter to support a family on the wages paid at present, and a cut would, in a measure, work a hardship on many. Five or six telegraphers with up-to-date cards, have recently arrived from the Western Union at St. Paul and the Great Northern, and been put to work on the “Mohawk.” Among them is Bro. A. H. Comstock, who holds both the O. R. T. and C. T. U. cards. He is at present covering the night trick at Utica yard office. There are many rumors regarding eight hours for telegraphers who do not handle signals, but noth- ing officially. The latest is that the entire Mo- hawk Division is to be made eight hours. Seventy- second street. New York, was made eight hours on the 13th of September. Local Chairman Bro. H. B. Morey is receiving the congratulations of the fraternity on his mar- riage, which took place September 7th, at Utica. Perhaps the best account is given by one of that city’s papers, as follows: “In the presence of only the immediate relatives of the bride and groom, Horace B. Morey and Miss Lavina Freeman, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. K. H. Freeman, were married at noon today at the pleasant home of the bride’s parents, 241 Steuben street, by Rev. S. W. Brown, pastor of the South St. M. E. Church. The bride and groom were unattended, and the happy occasion was entirely devoid of unnecessary display. Mr. Morey and his bride stood beneath a wedding bell of golden rod while the ceremony was being performed, and the house was charm- ingly decorated with the bright flowers of autumn. Mrs. Leon Moore and Chester A. Moore, sister and nephew, respectively, of the bride, played the wedding march which ushered the bridal couple to its place in the front parlor, where the ceremony was performed. Immediately following the cere- mony, and after the few guests who had been bidden to the wedding had extended their con- gratulations and inspected the beautiful array of silver, cut glass, table linen and bric-a-brac with which the bride was favored, a sumptuous wedding luncheon was served. Mr. Morey and his bride took the afternoon train for the East, and will spend their honeymoon in New York and Boston. Upon their return they will be at home after No- vember ist, at 102 Jefferson avenue. The groom has charge of the West Shore sta- tion in this city, and is a young man who is re- garded as having a future before him in the rail- road business, should he care to continue his ac- tivities in that field of endeavor. The bride is a young lady who has endeared herself to everybody with whom she has come in contact by the many graces which are hers. Bro. Tom Joyce has been transferred from Chit- tenango station to the new W. S. eight-hour block station at that point. Here’s hoping that all brothers will have a like portion meted out to them soon. This may look like an expensive matter to the company, but *tis the scribe’s conclusion that each and every one of the telegraphers in their employ will put forth their best efforts every minute of the eight hours on duty, thus offsetting the extra expense. Div. Co*. Hudson Division — I have been requested by Bro. West, our local chairman, to see that the Hudson Division is rep- sented in the journal this month, owing to the fact that his time is taken up with matters of importance. The long-expected time has arrived and every block station on this division is working eight hours. Can you realize what that means? Perhaps some of you younger men in the service do not, but we who have been here a few years remember the twelve long hours, without a day off, 365 days a year, and the $40 salaries. We now feel that at last the telegraphers and signalmen are on a fair road to better conditions. What a difference it makes in our homes. How our families smile when we come home to enjoy an evening or a few hours with them, which was impossible when we were obliged to pass just one-half of our lives in block stations. But now, with all the pleasures of the eight -hour day don’t forget you each have a duty to perform. Show the officials that it is ap- preciated by simply giving the best service possi- ble. They have done their part by putting us on an eight-hour basis one month before the law went into effect. We should now get busy and land the non members on this division. If every man would make it a point to secure one or more applications we would soon present a solid front. Show the erring ones what the Order has done for us, and that there is still more to be accomplished if we can only make Division No. 8 solid. I can not give items from the south end, but if some of the brothers will send a few notes to Bro. West I am sure he will look after it each month. We are very sorry to chronicle the death of the mother of Bro. Snyder, who is located at B. S. 68. She had been a long and patient sufferer, and Di- vision No. 8 extends to him its deepest sympathy in his sad bereavement. The inspectors have been busy breaking in new men. Don’t be slighted if they haven’t called on you. Rector at 67, and Alger at 86, have come in out of the wet. We are having fine meetings at Poughkeepsie the third Tuesday of each month. The members should attend, and by so doing encourage our local chairman in the grand work he is doing. Not only that, but you will spend a very pleasant and profitable evening yourselves. We always have a good attendance from the north end, as far as Al- bany. Why can’t the south end be represented? C**t. 356. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. *733 A. C. L. Ry. Sanford District — I will try to give this district a write-up once more, but I have very little news, only one of the boys contributing this month. Everything seems to be moving along pretty well down this way at this writing. Wish that some of the men could see more clearly, and let us have their applications. Possibly they will in time, but it is hardly right for others to work and they enjoy the benefits without an effort. There are several jobs open at present: Port Tampa scales, nights; Ybor City, nights, and Alta- monte Springs agency. Hope the men that fill these places will hold up-to-date cards. We are glad to state that Bro. Searcy, of Long- wood, will be back at his old stand some time this month. He has been enjoying a month’s vacation in the mountains of Sunny Tennessee. Bro. Drawdy, of Altamonte Springs, has re- signed. Bro. Lord, of Loughman, is awaiting the coming of his relief. He is probably going to spend a week or two in "good old Georgia.” Bro. Cameron, of Winter Haven, is being re- lieved by Bro. C. D. Goodwin, who is an old- timer on this road, but was working for the West- ern Union at the time of the commercial telegra- phers’ strike. Mr. Webster, night man at Port Tampa scales, has resigned, and is leaving the service. Bro. Johnson, dispatcher, is at home sick with fever. We hope that he will soon recover. Several of the boys were asked to send a few items, but I presume they overlooked it, as only one complied with my request. I hope that every member on this district re- sponded promptly to Bro. Quick’s request for con- tributions for the benefit of the commercial teleg- raphers. Cert. hi. Savannah District — The following new members have been taken in since my last write-up, or had not previously been reported, owing to information reaching me too late: Messrs. R. W. Best, W. L. Robinson, L. J. Courson, J. L. Leigh, E. C. Wasden, J. E. John- son, W. M. Harvey, J. H. Sweat and F. J. Coniff, all of whom are now wearing the little button with the wreath and sounder. The boys are taking such an interest all over the district that desirable nons are rapidly becom- ing "few and far between.” Bro. L. M. Branch, of Ludowici, has left the service to attend school at Barnesville, Ga. We wish him success, and congratulate him on the op- portunity he has to educate himself. His place at Ludowici was filled by our old stand-by, Bro. D. R. Warren, who we are glad to see with us once more. Bro. P. H. Raiford and wife, of Ludowici tower, have just returned from a thirty days' vacation, •pent at White Sulphur Springs. Bro. E. L. Porter has just returned from a ten days’ vacation spent in the mountains. He was accompanied by his wife and little son. Bro. W. W. Currie, of Race Pond, is off for a ten days’ vacation; being relieved by a Mr. Vickery. Regret to note that Bro. W. L. Hatchell, of Folkston, is having serious illness in his family. His wife has been ill for several weeks. We hope to hear of her improvement in the near future. Many of the members along the line are having sickness, either themselves or their families. This seems to have been one of the worst seasons for years in this section. Some fine work in organizing is being done by the boys on the south end at this writing. Bros. Bennett, League, Leroy and Daughtry have from one to three scalps to their credit this past month. The south end is now almost solid, there being only two or three desirable nons left for the boys to work on, and I expect before this reaches you they will have finished up the work. Bro. Porter has appointments pending to fill the vacancies on his local board created by Bros. I. Lang and J. D. Harvey leaving the service. There is room for some good work between Sa- vannah and Jesup. Several promises from that territory. Wish some of the brothers would get busy and have them filled out. Bro. J. B. Simpson, of "DE” office, Savannah, is handling the local board business at that point until Bro. Porter makes a permanent appointment, and is doing good work. Bro. C. R. Yoder, former agent at Hortense, Ga., and wife, were visiting friends at that point recently, and attending the big camp meeting. We understand Bros. Yoder, W. M. and J. D. Har- vey and S. M. Howard all gave the meeting close attention. Bro. E. F. Hull met with a severe loss about September 10th, having his safe blown open and $115 stolen from the joint agency at Offerman. The work was evidently done by experts, as every precaution was taken to prevent noise, and at the same time get the safe door open. We understand safes are being blown all over the line, and also on the A., B. & A. All seems to be the work of the same gang, and it is hoped the secret service department of the two roads will be able to round up the culprits in the near future. Cracker Joe. G. & 8. I. Ry. We have secured a new schedule since the last write-up from this division. Bro. J. H. Keeyton, of Hub, is to be married Sunday, October 8th. Mr. Hale, who has been relief agent, has ac- cepted the agency at Wiggins. Bro. R. B. Batson, of Lyman, is away for a few days; relieved by Relief Agent Bullock. All the boys are requested to report to division correspondent all items of interest to the Order. D. M. Davis, Db. Cor. Digitized by Google

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1734 The Railroad Telegrapher. Chesapeake & Ohio Railway. The meeting at Huntington, September 28th, was not very well attended, but what we lacked in attendance was made up in enthusiasm. The Huntington meetings have been held regu- larly, so if we have had no write-up in the jour- nal lately, don’t think we are out of business. Since the Western Union strike we have been able to secure all the telegraphers needed, and the boys have been able to lay off as often and as long as they desire. With a minimum of $58.10 (including Sunday overtime), the C. & O. is numbered with the de- sirable roads to work for. About 35 per cent eight-hour jobs, and committee soon to go to Rich- mond. On the last bulletin Bro. T. J. Nancy caught “RU,” Cabin, second trick, and Bro. R. C. Cor- bin, Garrison, third trick. Bro. G. F. Willis off on sixty days’ leave of ab- sence in Colorado with his family for health. Bro. S. B. Tully laid up with malarial fever, and Bro. W. H. Glenn doing the agent act ; sell- ing ties and stone, and acting as chief dispatcher on the K. & F. Bro. J. B. Francis got Augusta nights, on bulle- tin, and Bro. G. B. Rinehart “SV,” Cabin, nights, on same. Cert. 88. C. & N. W. Ry. Ashland Division — Our meeting at Antigo Sept. 28 will be history before this meets the eyes of the brothers on this division. Wc will say something more about it in next month’s journal. Business is rather quiet on this end just at present. Not so many trains as formerly owing to a great deal of the traffic having been diverted via Eland Junction and the Lake Shore Division that formerly came this way. We are looking for it to pick up some when the snow commences to fly. We are pleased to state that the members have paid their dues more promptly for this semi-annual period than ever before. There are only three or four delinquents out of the total membership on the whole division, and we expect them to pay up this pay-day. It is a very good sign and very encouraging to your division officers. As most of you probably realize, we are up against a fight to retain our present standard of wages when the eight-hour law goes into effect January 1, and in preparation we want to get every available non into the organization and stand together. Your General Committee has re- ceived no notice from the management to convene in Chicago, and their present intention is to await instructions from them to that effect. In the meantime, please get after the nons and endeavor to bring them into the Order, for it is natural to assume they will be equally interested with us in preventing a decrease of their present salaries, which are none too high when you consider the increased cost of living. Bro. Hollister, at Larsen, has resigned. We do not know what his future intentions are. We wish him good luck. Bro. Maloney, at Ilortonvillc, is on a vacation for a few weeks. New man relieving him. Bro. McDonough, days at Clintonville, also off on a vacation. Being relieved by Bro. Rogers. Bro. Krumrey, day man at Wausau, is at present laying off to take a rest. He is relieved by Bro. Schutte, regular night man, who in turn is being relieved by Bro. M. J. Johnson, who has just re- turned from a two weeks’ vacation at St. Paul, where he attended many of the meetings of the striking telegraphers of that city. He reports every one sticking like glue, and the situation in general very good. Wc may now call Mr. Midnight, at Wausau Junction, brother. With the exception of one, we are glad to say that the Marshfield line is solid. Bro. Sharpe, agent at Edgar, was recently married and spent his honeymoon at Milwaukee. We extend congratulations to the happy couple. Mr. Van Gilden has returned to work on the Ashland Division and has been acting as relief agent at Split Rock. Bro. D. R. Treat, Hortonville, was off on a month’s vacation, spent at his old home in Michi- gan. He was relieved by a Mr. Keyes. We are indebted to Bro. Jones, of Whitcomb, and Bro. L. E. Smith, of Monico Junction, for some of the items in this write-up. Bro. Ira Drumm, at Kaukauna, just returned to work after a three weeks’ vacation, being relieved by Bro. J. J. Jacoby. Bro. J. D. Laugblin visited his brother, T. E. Laughlin, at State Line last week. Bro. H. W. Bruss, of Three Lakes, is off on vacation. Relieved by Mr. Downe, from Waters- mcet. Unable to say if a brother or not. Bro. P. L. Lethenstrom received Pelican days on bulletin. Relieved at Monico Junction by Bro. J. E. Gartner. Bro. R. C. Ziebel is back to work at Eagle River after a short vacation. Bro. D. E. Lanon, of Conover, who obtained Marathon City on bulletin, left for there this week. Relieved at Conover by a new man from the C., M. & St P. Ry. Unable to learn his name. Bro. Gehr, recently from the Nickel Plate, is re- lieving Bro. Gartner at Monico Junction for a few days, while “GA” attends his sister’s wedding. Bro. Penny is still doing the “owl” act at Rhinelander. Bro. T. E. Laughlin is now among the Indians at State Line, having relieved Bro. J. L. Green there. Bro. R. Seyler, agent at Pelican, is establishing quite a fish record. Understand he is making some great catches. Bro. E. G. Manthey, our correspondent, is off on his annual vacation, being relieved by Bro. J. B. Duvall, from Ashland dispatcher’s office. Bro. Fred Merrick relieved Bro. Duvall at Ash- land dispatcher’s office, on the night clip job. Bro. Merrick is a newcomer. Understand he is from the Galena Division. Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1735 Bro. O. A. Blodgett, new man at Wakefield. He relieved Miss Stromberg, who went to South End. It certainly looks good to see these new men carry up-to-date cards. Bro. T. H. Schaefer, days at Saxon, has re- signed, going to the Wisconsin Central with his brother. Bro. Schillman, of Lac Du Flambeau, took his vacation the first of the month, being relieved by Bro. Atchison, from Tomahawk Lake, who in turn was relieved by Bro. Fletcher. Mr. Schillman re- ports a very good time. Bro. Joe Schaefer, of Rugby nights, favored us with a pleasant call. Glad to see him prosper. Mr. Geo. Turgeon, Ashland freight depot, is away on his vacation, being relieved by Bro. Fletcher. The dispatchers are taking their vacations. Mr. J. E. Steckel is doing the relief work. Mr. Ralph Dickenson has the third trick, which was made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Isard, who is seeking greener fields. Correspondent. Galena Division — Our Division Correspondent, Bro. S. J. Smith, of Wheaton, is away on his summer vacation, and for fear he will not return in time to have items appear in our next journal, I have consented to try my hand, and if I fail to make mention of happenings, I humbly ask that you register no kicks, unless you kick yourself for not sending in items. Our regular meeting, held at Dixon, Saturday evening, September 21, was not as well attended as it should have been; looked for seventy-five or eighty up-to-dates at this meeting, but could count only twenty-three. Our worthy General Chairman, Bro. James Troy, was present, and had many good things to tell us, and you who were absent need not think that he withheld his talk on account of your absence, for such was not the case, although he would have much preferred talking to a larger crowd. Wc expected Mr. Beck, our superintendent, at this meeting, but he advises that he had just re- turned from a vacation and was snowed under with work, therefore could not be present; but we sincerely hope he will find it convenient to be at some of our future meetings. Sorry to chronicle that Bro. L. F. Acox is very sick in the hospital at Elgin, with typhoid fever. We all hope for his speedy recovery. Will some near-by brothers call on him and see that he is well provided for? Bro. J. A. Shaller, of Round Grove, who has been on the sick list for several months, is at present able to be up and about the house, but no marked improvement in his condition. We sin- cerely hope for his speedy recovery. Some near- by brothers call on Bro. Shaller. Mrs. Aye, wife of Bro. H. E. Aye, of Dixon, collected and remitted to Bro. L. W. Quick $21.00 for the fund of the striking commercial teleg- raphers. This certainly was a fine showing. How many brothers’ “better halves” did this? R. L. Hamilton, at one time employed by the C. & N. W., later on worked for the M. K. & T., was a strong member at this time, acting as Assistant Local Chairman during the “Katy” strike, floated out to the Golden Gate City and joined the regulars, served his three years, se- cured an honorable discharge, and has returned to his old home at Nachusa. When seen a few days ago, said he was going to make application for a position on the C. & N. W. and square himself with the Order. Bro. Henning, agent at Hahnaman, gets DeKalb days on bid. He is now disposing of his live stock, making ready to move. Bro. L. L. Goff Is now doing the act at Hahna- man, while it is up for bid. Bro. Freeman, agent at Broadmore, got Rock- well street tower on bid and has taken charge of same. Bro. E. N. Trautman is doing the act at Broad- more while it is up for bid, and I understand he has increased the ticket earnings at that station about 800 per cent. David Clinnin, agent at Ridott, got Manlius agency on bid and has taken charge. Ridott station has been made a non-telegraph station. Bro. Blackwell, formerly of Rockwell street tower, is now handling the levers at tower “NJ” at Nelson. Bro. Chronister, formerly at Elmhurst, has left the service. Sorry to learn this, but wish him success. Understand Bro. Smith, of Wheaton, was re- lieved during his vacation by a lady. Unable to learn her name. Judging from the way the few remaining nons have been converted and joined the Order of late, it won’t be long before the Galena Division can boast of a solid membership. The last one to prefix the “Bro.” is W. S. Yoder, agent at Radnor, 111. Bro. C. W. Cromley, formerly of the C. & N. W., now with the Ford-Bacon & Davis Engineer- ing Co., at Birmingham, Ala., is at this writing spending his summer vacation among friends at Dixon. Bro. Murray, of Geneva, had his “glad togs” on and was all ready to hike for the meeting, but Bro. Farrell, who had been spending the day at Elgin, failed to show up in time. Agency at Oak Park is up for bid, Bro. Martin having been transferred to Appleton, Wis. The salary at Oak Park has been raised from $70.00 to $80.00, and the trimmings, whatever they may be. Understand the express agency has been taken from our agent. Be mindful of your commercial brothers. They are making a great fight, with victory in sight; so don’t let them want. Remember that their fight is our fight. If you have not already done so, you would confer a great favor on your Secretary and Treasurer if you would square yourself on the ten-cent assessment. We need the money. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1736 The Railroad Telegrapher. Our next meeting will be held at Dixon on Saturday evening, October 19, and it behooves every member to be present at this meeting, as there will be something doing from the opening to the close. There are a few who have not as yet paid dues. This should have your immediate atten- tion. Union Grove has been made a non-telegraphic station, therefore Bro. Shaller has everything his own way, but it is rumored that the company has decided to reopen the telegraph office there. Cert. 74. Sioux City Division — Regular meeting of Haymond Lodge was held at Sioux City Sunday, September 8, and on accoimt of the few members who were present and also the fact that the Interstate Fair had commenced, the meeting was brought to an early close to enable some of the boys to take in the ball game, and, incidentally, other things. Those present were Bro. Abernathy, Nokes, Long, Lambert, Haymond, Trumer, French and Baskin. It seems that there was a general misunder- standing as to the date of our meeting, which accounts for the fact that there were no more out. It is to be hoped that everybody will remember the dates in the future, it being the second Sun- day in every odd month. Our next meeting will be November 10. Please don’t forget. The steel gang is at work between Wall Lake and Odebolt, putting down heavier steel, which has been something needed for a long time. Mr. Kessler, who for several years was agent at Stanhope, died at Rock Rapids, Iowa, Septem- ber 25. Have not heard the cause of death. Bro. Garnet got Wall Lake on bulletin, Bro. French going to Onawa nights. Strange how quiet the Western Union wires have been for the past six or eight weeks. Did anybody see the business statement given out at the last directors’ meeting of that most august body? Haven’t heard of it if they have. It will take the Western Union and the Postal the next ten years to get over the effects of this strike, even if the commercial boys lose out. Well, will have to cut out this time, a9 there hasn’t been much news sent my way. Ceet. 231. CARD OF THANKS TO ALL BROTHER TELEGRAPHERS. We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every brother on the Sioux City Divi- sion, and all others who rendered us such good and valuable service in our time of need and their expression of sympathy by the beautiful emblem which was sent. We have no words with which to express our thanks but will try to do so by deeds. F. M. Noe and Family. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Death has come into the home of our faithful brother, F. M. Noe, of Auburn, Iowa, and removed therefrom their dearly beloved son, Ross Noe, and while humbly and sorrowfully sub- mitting to this, the will of our Creator; be it Resolved , That we deeply regret his tragic and untimely death. That Haymond Lodge, Sioux City Division, No. 76, extend to the bereaved parents and Bro. Tracy M. Noe our most sincere sympathy in their great sorrow, commending them with reverence to our Heavenly Father, who doeth all things well; and, be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent the bereaved family, a copy be spread upon the minutes of this division, and a copy be sent to The Telegrapher for publication. L. E. Nokes, E. B. Long, M. M. Trumer, Committee. Northern Wisconsin Division — News is scarce this month on account of not receiving items. Wish the brothers would make it a point to send at least two or three items each next month, which will make a good write-up from our division. Bro. Hardy, of Kaukauna days, is off on a vacation. Relieved by Bro. J. Stark, “KN” nights. He is being relieved by some unknown. Bro. H. Stark is still holding forth at Little Chute and taking life easy without any wire work. Bro. Hackbert, of Appleton, is off for a few days, taking in the Jefferson County Fair, getting a taste of old times. Relieved by Bro. Mclntee. Bro. Jno. Sund is holding down Appleton nights during Bro. Lary’s absence. Bro. Gilbert, at Neenah days, sold tickets for a week on account of car clerk being sick and the ticket agent doing the car chasing act.* . Bro. Poller, of Oshkosh days, reports a fine time during his vacation. Relieved by night man, Bro. Flemming, who in turn was relieved by Bra E. C. Neitzel, of Van dyne. Bro. Teed, of Oak Center, is relieving Bro. Becker at Clyman for a few days. Both these points, with several stations on West End, made non-telegraph stations during the past month. Bro. Harloff, of Chester, is helping out for a few days at Jefferson during the Fair. The last meeting was well attended, there being about thirty members present, including our Gen- eral Chairman, Bro. Troy, who gave us a fine talk, which was very much enjoyed by all. More of the members should have been present to hear it. We all enjoy and appreciate Bro. Troy’s being with us as he always has something of interest to say. Drv. Coe. Minnesota Division — For the information of members on the Min- nesota Division, and all concerned, we wish to publish through the columns of the journal the following: Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1737 “Hereafter, when a position has been abolished, the telegrapher so affected is placed on the extra list, therefore he has no option to take such positions he should desire according to his seniority rights, except by bulletin only /' The foregoing was a decision reached by our General Committee of the C. & N. W. Ry. Sys- tem, which body convened privately while in at- tendance at the late telegraphers’ convention at Minneapolis. A number of positions have been abolished on this division in the last few months, and I under- stand the men so affected took positions their seniority rights called for, thereby displacing men who had received these places by bulletin but a short time before. I, for one, think this decision is a just one, and I am sure the brothers agree with me. For example: Bro. Geo. Enteman, agent at Claremont, owns his house and other property there, expects to stay there, if not for the rest of his life, he wishes to stay there some time yet. Well, Bro. Wells, agent at Mankato Junction, has his position closed, therefore he is out of a job. Do the brothers think it would be right to authorize Bro. Wells to take Bro. Ente- man’s position because he has a few more years* rights? I do not. Bro. D. J. Mahoney did a small stunt at the State Fair, being relieved by L. V. Smith. The entire membership on the Minnesota Divi- sion rejoices because of the successful operation performed on Bro. Pfeiffer, agent at Wanda, for appendicitis. It was one of the sudden attacks, and the chances were slim for a while. Mr. E. E. Turner acted as agent during Bro. Pfeiffer’s ill- ness. Bro. Krause, agent at St. Peter, assumed the re- sponsibility of taking unto himself a life-long partner. Although late, we nevertheless extend our most hearty congratulations and a long and happy life. Bro. Nixon is back again; couldn’t stay away any longer. He is now stationed at Evan as agent. Mr. F. C. Evans has returned to school, having taken up his studies at the Redwood Falls High School. G. E. Black relieved him at New Ulra and is still there. Bro. J. P. Beynon, day telegrapher in Winona dispatchers’ office, took a few days off the first of the month to make a raid on the feathered flock. Bro. Beynon relieved by Bro. T. F. Carroll, Winona nights, who in turn was relieved by Bro. D. R. Carroll, Waseca nights. Dispatchers Morse and Bosshard are taking a few days off, extra dispatchers Jordon and Bey- non filling in the space. A. L. Taylor, agent at Meriden, has the neces- sary papers in the right hands, and is now entitled to be called brother. Bro. W. B. Murphy is now working nights at Mankato. * H. E. Dickenson, agent at Watertown, has been appointed trainmaster, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mr. M. J. Gormley. Bro. Geo. Tallnn gets Watertown agency by promotion. F. G. Humphray is acting as agent at Can’-y until bulletin expires. Bro. N. W. Edwards, agent at Cambria, is at Midland, S. D., on the new extension. I “13“ he will return. Bro. F. A. Biersdorf, days at New Ulm, has finally secured a vacation, which he has been after for the last eight months. He is being re- lieved by Mr. L. V. Smith. Bro. G. P. Skeels, nights at Springfield, was off for a night with an attack of appendicitis, but is back again. Bro. Dorn doubled the trick. Bro. G. W. Cotton took a flying trip to Revere the 14th, on business. Here are the positions allotted by bulletin since July 21st: Night telegrapher, Rochester, E. C. Ferris; night telegrapher, New Ulm, F. C. Evans; agent, Sanborn, J. J. Klein; night teleg- rapher, Sleepy Eye, C. C. Bolewine; agent, Mil- roy, W. A. Wagner; agent, Minnesota City, J. G. Johnson; agent, Canby, W. H. Ersley. Positions open at this writing: Agent and telegrapher, Utica; agent and telegrapher, Court- land; and expect JudsonHo be bulletined soon. I was unable to attend the last regular meeting at Mankato September 14, and can not get any one to contribute a few items concerning it, so will have to cut that out Acting Div. Cor. Dakota Division — There are still about twelve members who arc behind with dues for the term ending December 31, 1907- Get your money in; it is going to come back to you before long. Not much news this month. Now comes the time while so much business is being handled that we must all get in the game and give good service. You will not lose by it. Bros. Hodge and Shaffer are again at their home at Elkton, running the Elkton office and making themselves generally useful. Mr. P. E. Long, from the Pennsylvania Ry., relieved Bro. Fmnerty at Centerville while Bro. Finnerty was away visiting with friends at Duluth and Northern Minnesota. Long wears the button. Bro. Antes, of Wakonda, has taken a four- months’ vacation, to go out west of the river on a claim. Bro. Olson, of Arco, is the relief. Bro. Schoenforth, day telegrapher at Yankton, is taking a few days lay-off, and incidentally tak- ing in the sights around Midland, with a view of filing on a claim. Bro. De Pew, of Volin, has resigned to take a position on the Sioux City Division. He is patiently awaiting relief. • Bro. Odell, of Ivanhoe, had to go to Arco and get out the reports for that station, the agent not being able to do the business. One of our energetic helpers filed an order addressed to two trains before it had been de- livered to the second train. Nothing happened. Bro. Rodewald, of Iroquois, was forced to take a lay-off for a week or ten days on account of sickness. He was relieved by the night man from Arlington, Helper Pennington taking that job. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1738 The Railroad Telegrapher. Iroquois, Lake Preston, Arlington and Hen- dricks all short of helpers at the same time. Some one had better start a school to teach this branch of railroading. Bro. B. E. Donley, of Manchester, exchanged stations with L. A. Zakowski, of Ludden. Mr. Zakowski has filled out papers and will be up-to- date by the time this appears in print. Bro. J. E. Noe, of Tyler nights, made an Arco turn-around one morning on 40 and 41. He went there to take care of the freight for that station on account of there being no agent there. Bro. E. Finncrty, of Centerville days, took a lay-off and visited relatives in Duluth. Bro. J. E. Noe, of Tyler nights, was called home on account of the death of his brother. Bro. J. A. Dawson, of Salem, returned lately from a trip to Colorado. Bro. G. F. Stow gave up Hetland and the C & N. W. and left us without saying a word. P. R. Phinney handled things a few days until a regular man was sent there. A Mr. Anderson is now holding that job. Div. Coe. Peninsular Division — Assembled in the grand old antique structure by the hillside, at Powers, Mich., which in itself, if it were endowed with the ability to talk, could speak volumes, being, I might say, the birth- place of O. R. T.-ism on the Peninsular Division, its historical record from an O. R. T. viewpoint is besprinkled with stirring incidents of the past. Meeting was called to order at 10:30 p. m. by Local Chairman, D. H. Mooney, and the echoes of the Chairman's gavel never before vibrated the ears of better O. R. T. material than that pres- ent at the call to order. It being some little time since our last meeting, an abnormal amount of business presented itself, the most important of which was the election of a Local Chairman to succeed D. H. Mooney, whose work is such that it requires most of his time at his station, thereby making it impossible for him to properly attend to the duties of the office of Local Chairman. Bro. Mooney closed his unexpired term as Local Chairman with an able address, portraying the shortcomings of the division and offering sug- gestions which were afterwards acted upon and carried. He was followed by our esteemed Gen- eral Chairman, Bro. Troy, who needed no intro- duction. He launched into a lengthy discussion of the eight and nine-hour laws and other issues of vital importance, especially the urgent neces- sity of furthering the work of organization on the division. His address was interesting and instructive, ,and I regret very much that more of the boys were not present. He was heartily applauded, and in behalf of the boys and as a mark of respect, I wish to say that we fully appreciate the fact that we have for a General Chairman a man that is abreast of the issues of the hour and alert to our interests at all times. There is too much neglect shown in not attending meetings. You can not obtain the proper knowledge of the inner workings of our grand Order by neglecting to attend. Attend the meet- ings and discuss the issues that come up affect- ing us, which at present are numerous. We can r.ot further our cause by talking to ourselves out at way stations. That is the place to soak up grievances, ideas, etc.; but come to the meetings to squeeze yourself. W. J. Murray was elected Local Chairman; H. H. Little, Chief Telegrapher; R. A. Moran, Sec- retary and Treasurer. Further election of officers of the local lodge was deferred until the next meeting, which is subject to the call of the Chief Telegrapher. Try and be on hand at the next meeting, which will be very important. A vote of . thanks was extended to Ex-Local Chairman D. H. Mooney for his efficient service in the past. He displayed true blue in acting in our behalf when our Order was in its infancy. That he made good and was instrumental in placing us on a higher plane can not be denied. Organization is the paramount issue, the rest will come out in the wash. This division has been weighed in the balance and found want- ing. Stop and think what this means.. It means that we are growing indifferent to our own in- terests. It is high time we were awakening from the slumber we were indulging in on this division. We must support our committee or expect meagre results. We are grateful for past concessions, but we must not be indifferent to the needs of the future. Upon our committee devolves the duty of hewing out new concessions and the final way to emancipation. It behooves us to get the non members in line. Correspondent. Madison Division — The regular scribe being away on his vacation, the Madison Division will likely fare rather slim in the line of items this month, as we have not had much chance to look up the doings of the brethren, but will jot down a few notes for your edification. We were not represented in the columns of The Telegrapher last month. The eight-hour law has got most of the brothers guessing, but let’s cross the bridge when we get to it. For my part, I think we will be working and no bones broken on the 2d day of next Janu- ary. Nothing like being optimistic about these matters. Everybody smile. There are lots of changes going on, but we have a line on only a few. Send in your items, if only one or two. They all help out. Bro. Hansen informs us that there are several who have left the employ of the company and dropped their membership, and that there are several others who have been dropped from the roll on account of becoming delinquent in dues. He states that the names of delinquents will be published after this month, as was agreed on at our recent meeting. Better get in out of the cold, boys. There are also a number who have still to pay their semi-annual dues. Please be so kind as to hurry this up and help out the officers in their work, as it delays the work of all depart- ments when there are so many behind. It will be greatly appreciated by all concerned if we will all be more prompt in this matter. We are sorry to Digitized by u.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1739 see that any one has been dropped on account of non-payment of dues, and believe it is just care- lessness on their part. Come in. Bro. A. C. Matzek, who just started to work after an extended vacation, is again enjoying the life of a retired agent for a few days. Arch likes to lay off, it seems. Bro. Main is relieving him. We have recently had letters from Bro. F. L. Crivits, at Las Vegas, New Mexico, and from Charley Bonnell, at Hatton, Wash. Both like the country in which they are located, and send their “73M to all the boys. We wish them both their meed of success. Bro. Crivits is not as yet well enough to resume work, but hopes to be able to do so soon. George Berlin, who has been working the third trick north for some time past, has resigned and left for pastures new, having a job on the Lake Shore, at Chicago, where he will be able to get home oftener. Mr. Glenn Cole, who has been working at Antigo, comes to Baraboo to fill the vacancy on the North End. Bro. Pat Keeffe, day man af Jeff Junction, spent Sunday in Dousman. Bro. W. H. Williamson, agent at Sullivan, has been enjoying a vacation for some time past, being relieved by Mr. Johnson, who says he will soon be in the ranks. Bro. Walter Langenhan gets the tracer job at Baraboo on the last bulletin, and Vernie Harding, also stalwart O. R. T.t is at present acting as private secretary to the chief dispatcher, who is a busy man fourteen hours a day. Bro. C. E. L. Hansen, our genial and hard- working Local Secretary and Treasurer, is en- joying his vacation, and is in the West, on the new extension from Pierre to Rapid City, and will visit a number of different points on his trip. We have several new members this month in the persons of Bros. S. W. Hannum, Geo. J. Teskey and John R. Hughes. Glad to have them with us. It seems that the Madison Division can not furnish good enough timber to make dispatchers of, for some reason or other. This doesn’t seem right, as it is a noticeable fact that the Madison Division graduates who have gone to some other line are almost in every instance holding first- class jobs, generally as train dispatchers, but they never get it here. Why? There certainly ought to be enough material on this division to keep this office of ours in Baraboo filled up with dispatchers, and good ones, too. You fellows who have any desire to take a hand in this should make it known to Mr. Schooff, and there is no doubt that he will be willing to give any man who really desires it a chance in the office. It should not be necessary to have to import men for the jobs that pay the most money on the division. Get busy. We are shy on news this month on account of the regular correspondent being away, so we send a little effusion of Bro. Tommy Corcoran’s, which may please the boys; anyway, those who are in the ON THE MADISON DIVISION. The boys are working on the pike From early morn till late at night; And they are hoping day by day That they will surely get more pay. Briggs, at Roscoe, pounds the key. As if a dispatcher he will be; And he is married now, so 'tis said. So now the broom will pound his head. Tracy, at Kendalls, runs the show — The ladies say he’s rather slow; If he would join the O. R. T. A lady-killer he would be. Crump, at Footville, holds the hill — The girls all claim he's quite a pill; To Africa he says he’ll go To fight the Boers “Nit, you know.” Schleck, at Madison, holds it down, And Madison is an awful town; Poor Charlie, he is spliced now, too, Sometimes he sends till things are blue. Bro. Kilts from Baraboo has gone away. To California, so they say; The wages for him were too small. And others will be gone by fall. At Capron, Hartwig took Lee's place, For which a fine he had to face; In Boer Land, that’s where he should be For going against the O. R. T. Both Hansens are at Evansville, And there’s the two that can't keep still; You’d think the whole town was on fire When they let loose upon the wire. Gross, at Caledonia, is not so slow, He’s married, now, that we all know; It’s hard to fool him on the lay of the track, 'Cause he was born in Merrimac-k. At Caledonia nights, it’s the same old stone, Barnhart’s his name and Dousman’s his home; So to make a long story short and not tell it wrong Barnhart and the Constable can’t get along. — T. C. Lines West of Missouri River, Eastern Division — Bro. Hales was doing the relief stunt at Stuart for a few days recently. Bro. C. W. Golden was sent to Dodge Street days. Bro. Sours worked at Rawhide until regular man was appointed. J. H. O’Conner, day telegrapher at Rawhide, to South Omaha freight yard by bid. We made a mistake in our last write-up by saying Bro. Busch had gotten Scribner by bid. “13” that Bro. Poperler, from Bonesteel, drew the lucky number. In some of our former write-ups we made a mistake in putting the prefix Mr. in front of some of the names which should have been brother. We hope the brothers will pardon us for this. Bro. Beeson, Anoka agency, by bid. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1740 The Railroad Telegrapher. “13" that Bro. Cushman, agent at Snyder, has resigned to go into business for himself. Here is success. Later, “13” Bro. Cushman has with- drawn his resignation. We are informed that Bro. J. P. Ryan bid in day telegraph job at Albion rather than have the agency at Bonesteel on account of not enough help. We are told that about six of the agents on the Bonesteel line have quit on account of taking their help away from them. Bro Wintersteen left on August 28 for his new position with the N. P. Bro. Hess, day telegrapher, from O’Neill, has been doing the relief stunt at Stuart for a while. Dispatcher Dussendorf has been sick and Mr. Hall has been working his trick on the South Platte, Bro. Willard taking Hall’s place. Bro. Lister, day telegrapher from Oakdale, is doing the relief act at Bradish. C. F. Harvey from Shickley to agency at Bee by bid. G. K. Todd, agent at Brainard, is off for a short time on account of the illness of his father. Mr. Brobst, of Council Bluffs, is relieving him. Bro. W. H. Frost from Plainview to Shickley by bid. We understand that Night Telegrapher Fletcher, at Arlington, has quit and is going to York, Neb., to run a bucket shop. One of the late additions to our ranks is R. C. Burnham, night telegrapher, dispatcher’s office, Norfolk. Bro. Gregerson is working days at O’Neill. Dispatcher Donnerthorp was sick for a couple of days. Dispatcher Larson doubling one night and Dispatcher Hauptli working all the lines the other. How many can hold up their hands and say, “I sent one dollar to help out our W. U. and Postal brothers?” It seems queer about these nons. We tried to get one of them to line up the other day, and the reply we got was, “going to quit soon.” It's the same old song this man has sung for the past ten years. Wonder when he’s going to change the tune of it. Bro. A. J. Kelley, from U. P. Division No. 6, is relieving Bro. Lister. Bro. Lister is doing the stunt as agent at Bradish. Bro. Whitney, of Battle Creek, was off for a couple of days, taking in the sights at Omaha. Bro. Brown acted as agent. Bro. Sours is holding down Arlington nights, Mr. Satterlee taking his place at Rawhide days. Telegrapher Pelster, nights at Blair, has quit and is going to college to finish up his studies. Bro. Earp took his place. Bro. Hales was off on a five-days’ vacation trip recently. We are told that Bro. Kelly, days at Arlington, drew the lucky number for Bradish. Bro. A. J. Hurst, who landed Lindsay by bid, is well satisfied with the change. Mr. Kempster is at present relieving at Albion. “13” Bro. Hicks, from David City, has been assigned to Albion days. Mr. F. D. Rhodes, agent at Newman's Grove, is off on a vacation, being relieved by Mr. Nicholas. Bro. Nelson, agent at David City, has resigned. We regret very much to lose the brother from this division, but we are always glad to see any one better their condition. It seems as though it is about time we were getting another bulletin. There are a number of good positions that must be vacant now that have not as yet been put up for bids. E. C. Eller, cashier at York, to cashier at Hastings on September 18. Bro. Anderson gave notice to be relieved by July 15, and has been over two months getting it. Wonder if it would take that long if he had been discharged? Mr. McFadden, agent at York, has had a very sick daughter. “13” she is improving slowly. Mr. Foster, night owl at Lincoln, to cashier at York. O. J. Nelson, agent at Goenher, relieved Sept. 15th for fifteen days, to take his wife to the hos- pital for treatment. We hope for a speedy re- covery. The C., M. & St. P. boilermakers, machinists and helpers secured from that company an increase of three and one-half cents per hour for union members, this month, making them forty and one-half cents per hour. Non-union members will work at the old scale. What do you think of that, you nons? It’s coming to you soon. You’d better get busy. No cards no favors. Have you remitted for the commercial fund? You won’t miss one or two, or even five dollars. Bro. W. H. Earp, who resigned on September 4, quit on the 18th. We are unable to say where he is going or what be intends to do. We are told on good authority that W. T. Busch, who formerly worked at Scribner nights, is scabbing for the Postal in Omaha. We thought Busch a nice fellow, but we have changed our mind. It seems he got sore at the railroad com- pany and quit them, and that did not satisfy him, so he got sore at the Order and went scabbing. We are afraid that this man will see the day that he will be sorry for turning to be a scab. We hope so. Telegrapher Knudsen, from South Omaha, Ex- change Building, is working at Blair nights. Ex- change Building closed. Bro. Dolisto, night owl at West Point, was called to Hooper nights on September 20. Bro. Heilman, day telegrapher at West Point, is doing the owl act at that point. This leaves West Point and Hooper without day telegraphers. I wish to thank the brothers who have been so liberal in sending news items. Bro. Burwell from Inland to Winnetoon by bid. Bro. Hill from Winnetoon landed Stuart by bid. Bro. H. W. Bigham, night telegrapher at Scrib- ner, resigned, and left the latter part of Septem- ber for a visit in the East, after which he will return to his home in Oklahoma. Bro. Bigham expects to take life easy until after the holidays. A meeting will be held in Freemont some time in November, but we are unable to learn the date. A big attendance is expected, as a good many of the officials will be present. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1741 Bro. Bigham called on Ye Editor while passing through the West End September 23. On account of Bro. Popeler not being of age, and Bro. Bigham leaving so suddenly, Agent Foster had to wear the night owl’s clothes at Scribner for one night. Bro. R. B. Spangler, an old-timer from this division, and Bro. D. B. Wintersteen, who left here the latter part of August, are working at Livingston relay office for the Northern Pacific — $75.00 per month and eight hours work. Glad to hear that the brothers are doing well. Bro. Brown, night telegrapher from Battle Creek, is working nights at Scribner. Battle Creek nights closed. Bro. Willard is figuring on going out West in the near future, to go to work for the Great Northern. Since the first of February, 1907, we have had six new time cards. We will bet the other divi- sions will have to go some to beat it. On September 9 we had four trains of Barnum & Bailey’s circus go over this division from Omaha to Norfolk. Our assistant correspondent on the Bonesteel line failed us this month, for some cause or another. He has generally been prompt. Telegrapher W. L. Nicholas is working at Hooper days. Mr. Cris, of Stuart, got Dallas by bid. . Bro. Vestal had the misfortune to have his in- struments burn out lately. Bro. Brown, of Bristow, got Lynch by bid. Understand that Bro. Boiles has accepted the position as ticket agent at Deadwood, S. D. Bro. Hartong, of Verdigre, has resigned. Bro. Still, from Albion, got Plainview by bid. Correspondent. D. & R. G. Ry. First Division, South End — Here it is almost winter, and the most of us be- gin to wonder what has become of our summer’s wages. I can very easily explain what became of most of mine. I spent it having a good time in the Rocky Mountains, in the cities of Denver, Pu eblo, Salida, and a few other places. After one has worked twelve hours a day for 365 days, he feels like getting out in the hills and having a good lay-off, and the most of us have a few friends whom we enjoy visiting at least once a year. Can’t understand why it is that more of the boys are not out to our meetings. We don’t have them very often, and I think when we do each and every one ought to get out and get acquainted, and hear the different opinions. Last one we had was fairly well attended, but there should have been more present. I can say that those who missed it, missed a big thing, as Bro. Tanquary was there, and gave us a very interesting talk. He proved that he knew what he was talking about. Bro. Tanquary met with a bit of ill-luck shortly after he returned to Pueblo the last time. His home, which was near Pueblo, was destroyed by fire, and he was unable to save anything. Too bad, but accidents will happen to the best of us once in a while. I notice there are a good many of the boys wanting to get away on vacations, but there are only a few who have been successful so far. The rest of us are waiting for our chief, Mr. E. E. Gray, to scare up something that can make a noise like a telegrapher. The detailed statement below will show you who have been the lucky ones and who- was used as relief : Bro. F. L. Reynolds, agent at San Carlos, was away on his vacation about two weeks, but has re- turned. He was relieved by Mr. C. A. Caldwell. Bro. J. E. Farrell, of Division No. 29, has been at San Carlos nights, for the last few weeks, until relieved by Bro. P. D. Newlin, who got the job on the recent bulletin. Bro. F. M. Jones, of Verde days, resigned some time ago, and departed for Texas. Mr. Hedrick worked days a while, but was later relieved by E. J. Kemp, who is still working there. Both these gentlemen have sent in applications, and will be with us before many moons. Bro. Farrell is now working at Verde nights. Bro. A. S. Prettyman, at Salt Creek, has been having a great many new night men lately, and have been able to get a line on a few of them. Mr. W. C. Wrenn was there a few nights; re- lieved by Bro. P. D. Newlin, who, in turn, was relieved by Bro. H. E. Happy. Bro. D. C. Kennedy, agent at Graneros, has been lucky enough to get relief, and has gone to his old home in Maryland for an extended visit. He will take Verde days, on his return. Bro. Kennedy was relieved by Bro. T. M. Petty, of the grand division. Bro. E. J. Duncan resigned at Graneros nights, and went to Green River, on the U. P., to accept a better position. He was relieved by Mr. A. M. Chapman, who will do the right thing October pay- day. Bro. C. W. Edson, agent and Mayor of Larimer, has been away on vacation forty-four days, and relates some very startling experiences in the tall and uncut of the Rocky Mountains. Bro. Edson was relieved by Mr. J. C. Park, from Kansas City. Mr. Park 1>eing transferred from Larimer to Canon City, as cashier, was relieved by Bro. R. J. Par- sons. Mr. L. A. Strange, present night man, has sent in his money and application, and will very soon be one of the family. • Bro. T. C. Bailey, of Huertano, accompanied by his wife, has gone to Jamestown. Bro. Bailey was relieved by Roy Duffenbaugh. Bro. C. L. Helber has been wanting to get away so he could go to Salt Lake City, but Mr. E. E. Gray says: “Nothin’ doin’.” Bro. H. E. Jones, of Cuchara Junction, is away on a vacation. He and his family have gone to the far east to visit friends and relatives. Bro. Jones was relieved by Bro. Butler, who is regular night man. Bro. Butler relieved by a man by the name of Wclbome. Don’t know how he stands. We got a new brother at La Veta nights, but can’t find out who he is, or where he is from. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1742 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. H. H. Wiles, agent at Rouse Junction, is on a lay-off, and has gone to the mountains to hunt and fish. He was accompanied by his family, who are visiting him from Alabama. Bro. J. S. Lank, who is regular night man, is working while Bro. Wiles is away. Bro. C. A. Lind has been work- ing nights, but has resigned to go to Texas. Bro. W. B. Kenney, who was with us so long, before he resigned to take a job with the Canon City Royal Gorge Electric Line, is back with us once more, and is working as agent at Trinidad, while Mr. G. M. Forrester is enjoying a visit with his home folks in old Missouri. The next time we have a meeting in Pueblo or Salida, or wherever it is, let's all get out and see if we can learn something new. We want to know how everybody feels about the eight-hour law that will be in effect before many more months. If any of you are satisfied to work the same number of hours you have been all your lives, why, of course, that is up to you. But now let's hear from some one else next month. It will only cost you a little piece of paper and a two-cent stamp. “Bill." Have you paid your dues? If not, why not? Your dues and insurance should always come first Why? Because, if it were not for the Order you would not be getting enough to meet your other bills under present conditions. Our Order, then, if such is the case, should be protected first of all, because if it should pass out of existence in a fortnight, in a less space of time a large chunk of your salaries would pass along with it so smoothly you would not know how it all happened. Quit making excuses; pay your dues promptly, and be with the majority. Such excuses as “sick- ness in the family,” “I have been in hard luck,” “I have been out of employment,” etc., don't sound good to me. I want to say to those who have had trouble of serious nature that it is a very easy mat- ter to have their dues waived, giving them th? privilege of holding continuous membership. If there is any person on earth who should be ashamed of himself it’s the non-union telegrapher. Not only the telegrapher, but every one who is eligible to membership in the Order. Would they go into a man’s house day after day and eat, and never even say thank you? No! Why? Because if they were not manly enough to pay part of the expense, they would be turned out. Simply be- cause the union man is a big, generous hearted fellow, the non will skulk along behind with his purse closed tight as a clam, and take everything the other fellow secures and pays for. It looks to me like those who pay the fiddler should have something to say as to who should dance. Why should we associate with those who have not re- gard for us, or the betterment of our condition? We should not tolerate them any more than we would an able-bodied man coming to our home and eating up our provisions without even the cour- tesy of a thank you. I don’t think the day is far off when the non on a system division will be a thing of the past. That day will be hailed with joy by every good, honorable, fair-minded man. Be a man among men. Consider your division first of all. Possibly the other fellow can not afford to carry you as well as you can carry your- self. Any way, it is not honorable to ask him to do so. If you are a member, pay up when it comes time. If you are a non, get busy and hand in your application. You won’t be doing right until you do. You can bank on it that you will hear from your old bald-headed friend in good plain words until you do that which is right and just. I don’t want those who read this to think that 1 believe in securing members by coercion. Oh, no; such members would bd no good to us. I do be- lieve that we should not work or associate with those that are not inclined to help support the cause. What have you done for the good of the Order this month? Think it over. Have you helped to get transfers? Have you tried to get that fellow to join whom you know to be a non? Watch your- self. If you have overlooked these things, get down to business and be a worker. The result will surprise you. Fraternally, J. W. Aiken, G. S. & 7*., Div. 49. R. G. W. Ry. First District — Realizing that our local chairman can not be ex- pected to write up our district without some sup- port from the members on his division, I, for one, feel that we should all give him a little write up each month, if possible, of the happenings in our immediate localities. The Western is hardly rep- resented at all in our journal, and I know all the boys appreciate reading something from their own “diggins.” Taken as a whole the R. G. W. is quite well rid of nons, and the fellows all seem to appreciate the good of our Order, and are giv ing their support thereto; still there are a few who have the gall to take all the raises in wages that our Order secures for them, and then say the 0- R. T. has never done them any good, and they don’t believe in paying out money for nothing. Understand Bro. W. W. Jones, Ogden union depot, desires a change. Hope he will find some- thing suitable with the R. G. W., as be is an old timer, and would hate to lose him. Bro. J. B. Linsley, of Kaysville, is back from his vacation, and reports a fine time. In the dispatcher’s office at Salt Lake we have a fine bunch: C. W. King, chief, has just returnei from his vacation. Dispatcher Upton acting as chief during his absence. There are now Three sets of dispatchers in this office. Cooper, McClurg and Leinbaugb, on branches; Upton, Holloway and Nelligan, main line, west end; Hoover, Racey and Marsh, main line, east end. Telegraphers Jande- bauer, Sullivan, Mann and Hewitt doing the heavy stunts in “UN,” with Lei ben good as manager, are all up-to-date O. R. T. men, except Hewitt, who is a C. T. U. man in good standing. Mr. J. F. Hindman, day telegrapher, relieving Bro, L, R, Vcrtrces, now agent at Lark. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1743 Mr. F. E. Ubil, Garfield Junction, at one time a member of the O. R. T., has again filled out appli- cation blanks, and will soon be up-to-date. We “13” “Billy” Rid, who has been doing the act at Cuprum, has been transferred to the agency at Bingham. Bro. O. M. Bailey, formerly of Fruita, now agent at Heber. We hope the change will improve his health. L. E. Simmons, working nights at Springville, relieving Bro. W. M. Forney, who has sixty days’ leave of absence, visiting friends and relatives in Ohio. Bro. F. B. Hubbard, agent at Mammoth, away on vacation; being relieved by Bro. W. Gregory. Bro. Ira Overfelt is relieving Bro. Ben Rasmus- sen at Marysvale for sixty days. Rasmussen is go- ing to take a trip to Chicago. Bro. Esperson is holding down Sevier. Mr. Murphy, agent at Gunnison, has been ap- pointed high bishop, and is preparing to enter Mor- mon mission field. It is against his teaching. Bro. J. M. Aldrich is walking three miles each way per day to hold down Spring City. One of our ( ?) on the Santa Fe branch is run- ning a ham factory, and to show the loyalty of our dispatchers, I heard one of them tell the “hog” that if he didn’t take a club and kill that student he would get his job for him. Bro. F. A. O’Brien, day telegrapher Soldier Sum- mit taking fifteen days’ vacation, and visiting his parents in Minnesota; relieved by the night man, Bro. C. S. Scott. Mr. Lucked , a C. T. U. man from Salt Lake, doing the owl act for the present. Bro. Foster has been assigned to day job at Kyune, while his wife is working the owl job. Hope the brother will have no trouble in convinc- ing the “Mrs.” that she should become a member. Bro. J. E. Toohey is relieving Bro. C. H. Funk at Scofield. Mr. A. H. Bartle day operator. Now, boys, all pull together and help our general secretary and treasurer and local chairman when- ever possible. Pay your dues, and keep an up-to- date card at all times. Cert. 136. Mo. Pac. Ry. L. & S. and N. & M. Line — Bro. Nance has been over this pike shaking hands with the boys and looking after the “nons.” A Mr. Walton is performing the agent’s duty now at Hannon. Bro. Miller has left the division. Mr. Walton has promised to come across with the necessary in the near future. Bro. Rouse, agent at Chetopa, was down to Bronaugh a day or so last week, shaking hands with old friends. Mrs. Sawrcy, wife of the agent at Bronaugh. can be heard on the line occasionally. She will have a piece of pasteboard when she goes on the pay-roll. A number of the nons have awakened since the raise was given them, and have actually began to feel like they are getting something for nothing, but can only offer promises so far. Better let loose of some of that coin the Order secured for you. Don’t all speak at once, for it might cause some confusion. Bro. Frank Kuhne, days, Webb City, has re- turned to duty after a thirty-day leave. He was relieved by Mr. Watkins, who is now at Sheldon relieving Bro. C. M. Wood. Bro. Wood also on a thirty-day leave. Not much trouble to get a good man to stay at Carthage nights, since the $15 raise went into effect. This month’s pay checks look good to us. Nons ought to be scarce articles now. Bro. J. W. Livesay ha9 bid in the night job at Lamar. Night job at Butler has been bulletined. Hard telling what will become of Bro. Chenowith, who is owl there now. The wife of Bro. C. H. Cannon, days at Har- risonville, recently lost her father. The sympathy of the boys is extended to her in this hour of bereavement. Bro. P. K. Lowe, of Rich Hill, is again on duty, days. Mr. Fortune, who relieved him, has resumed night work. Bro. Guinn has resigned the agency at Panama, and Bro. Allen takes charge. Bro. Gunn goes to Colorado, or farther West, to try his fortune. Cert. 481. Wichita Division — Having been on the Wichita Division sixteen months, and never having seen a write-up during all this time, with the exception of a few short notes several months ago, which, by the way, I took upon myself to send in, I think it time some- body was getting busy. Everything moving along nicely, and everybody apparently satisfied with the new schedule, as I have heard no comments. The “increase man,” however, missed two or three of the boys on the division, evidently thinking their positions were paying well enough. In spite of the commercial telegraphers’ strike, and the increased salaries, there seems to be plenty of vacancies. Men at Durand moving fast, as usual. Bro. Russell, at Iola, resigned to accept a better position with the Iola Portland Cement Company. Bro. H. W. McGregor, of Indianapolis C. T. U., relieving Bro. H. W. Dean at new yards, Wichita. Bro. Glenn Cunningham, late from the R. I , at Fairbury, Neb., has accepted a position in dis- patcher’s office, Wichita. Bro. Wm. Ledgerwood, of Yates Center, off on sick leave. Bro. Easier, of “SR,” Fort Scott, just returned to work, after taking a month’s vacation. Bro. Ed Abbott, night man at Eldorado, had quite an exciting experience Sunday night, Sep- tember 8th. Ed was held up about midnight by three or four masked men, who blindfolded h’m, taking him about three or four miles from town, and turned him loose to find his way back the best he could. The robbers secured quite a sum of express and railroad money. No trace of the robbers has yet been found.* Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1744 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bronson agency, Iola days, Yates Center nights, Wichita new yards days and nights, are a few of the positions on bulletin. Hope some one will come forward next month with a nice write-up. Cert. 1040. Sedalia Division — Bro. Percy Harrison has resumed his duties as agent at Webster Groves, after an absence of thirty days. Bro. E. L. Powell has resumed as agent at Tower Grove, after an absence of thirty days. Bro. J. D. Smith relieved Bro. Powell. Bro. Davis relieved Bro. Smith nights, at Tower Grove while Smith was acting agent. Bro. Smith has resigned from the service to attend school in St. Louis. Bro. Stohlman, manager at “GR” office, Twenty- third street, St. Louis, has resumed his duties after a thirty-day vacation, which he spent in California. He was relieved by Bro. Sitzman from Seventh street. Understand Telegrapher Welch has resigned his position at Twenty-third street, and has gone to Colorado. Dispatcher “Denny” Wilkes, third trick man on the River Division, is in Colorado on a vacation. September 7th fire partially destroying the dis- patcher’s office at Jefferson City, the dispatchers were compelled to move to the passenger depot un- til their office could be repaired. Bro. J. O. Lessell, who has been relieving Agent Phillips at Hermann, has resumed duty nights, at Morrison. Bro. Lessell was relieved at Morrison by Bro. Taflinger, of Division No. 8. Bro. Taflinger is now transferred to 31. Bro. R. E. Williams relieved Bro. W. H. Davis a few nights at Gasconade. Bro. J. J. Glynn has resumed work at Kirkwood. Bro. Williams, of Lupus, put in a few nights extra at Washington. New night man at Dundee named McClellan, who has been out of the service for several years, but promises to “jine” us soon. Bro. Ford, night man at New Haven, is taking a few nights off. Bro. Logan, nights at Warrcnsburg, was off a few nights; relieved by M. H. Hobbs. James Butler, “DA” office, Sedalia, is visiting in Illinois. T. D. Homan relieved Canfield at agent at Little Blue. Bro. Davis, regular agent, being still unab/e to leave the hospital. W. D. Davis is relieving Bro. Smith a few nights. Bro. Wm. Wood, Washington, who has been visiting in Illinois thirty days, resumed duty Sep- tember 1 st. Bro. H. B. Smyth, regular man at Warrcnsburg, has returned from Europe, and resumed his duties. He reports a fine time, and no sea-sickness. Bro. Lampkin has taken the split trick at Se- dalia. Bro. J. W. Arnold, agent at Syracuse, is tak- ing ten days off, and is being relieved by W. D. Canfield. J. D. Jones bid in the day job at S. W. Junc- tion; Patterson getting the night position. Therser, who has been at S. W. Junction a few nights, has gone to the yard office at Osawatomie. We understand that Bro. Waters is going to Illi- nois next month, and it is rumored that he will bring a helpmate home with him. Now that we have been granted an increase in salary, the boys should endeavor to do their work to the very best of their ability. As I am off duty, making arrangements to start for Colorado with my wife, who is too ill to make the trip alone, I have probably missed some of the items mailed me by some of the brothers. W. L. W. St Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Ry. Arkansas Division — How did the first few months* increase loom up on your checks? It certainly looked good to me. I think we should all feel proud of what we se- cured in our last revision, but we still hope for better things to come. We have a great many things yet to adjust in order to elevate our pro- fession to the ranks in which it belongs. With our general chairman devoting his entire time to the interests of the Order, it should not take Di- vision 31 very long to be in first -class condition. There should not be a non on the entire system. Your individual attention and co-operation is earnestly requested. What benefits the Order will benefit you. I would ask those who do not believe in organization to take up their grievances as in- dividuals and note the results. We have very few nons on the Arkansas Divi- sion, and the majority of these have promised to come in pay-day. There is a class of nons com- monly called “hard-shells.” Of this class we have three on the entire division. One on the Hoxie District and two on the Texarkana District All three of these “mollycoddles” recently received in- creases ranging from $5 to $10; yet they can not afford to join the Order. “It’s too expensive, and it’s not beneficial enough to them.” Of all the hogs on earth I think the hog who don’t give credit to the source from whence good things can?, is the biggest. I understand the O. R. T., B. R. T., O. R. C. Engineers and Firemen Unions intend to get out posters giving the names of all the hopeless “hard- shells” working on this system who refuse to be- come members of the union. By doing this we will know who are our friends and who are not. The matter of buffeting vacancies was taken up with our division operator, G. H. Cooper, and be advises that all vacancies will be promptly bulle- tined in future. The following offices or open for bids: Texarkana, day and night; Malvern, day telegrapher; Minturn, night telegrapher; Higgins, night telegrapher; Clear Lake Junction, night teleg- rapher^ Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1745 Hoxie District — Bro. J. C. Langston relieved Bro. A. N. Bevill, agent and telegrapher, at Minturn. Bro. J. P. Roberts, agent and telegrapher at Diaz, relieved Bro. B. F. Sparks at this station. There has been several changes in the night men here during the past two months. Unable to learn who relieved Bro. L. J. Moore. Bro. J. M. Gritton relieved Bro. D. T. Aaron, nights at Newport. Bro. M. E. Doyle still on the sick list. Has not been able to resume work. Bro. J. M. Ashley is now doing the agent’s stunt at Olyphant. Bro. C. W. Williams working nights. Bro. Holman secured the latter’s application on his recent trip over this division. Night telegrapher at Bradford, L. E. Whitlow, did the right thing last month, and handed Bro. Holman his application. Bro. F. L. Davis, formerly night telegrapher at Bald Knob, was the oldest qualified applicant for the day job at Texarkana, where he has gone; be- ing relieved at Bald Knob by Bro. L. J. Moore. J. W. Lockridge, who is relieving Agent Wel- bom at Kensett, gave Bro. Holman the proper cre- dentials a few days ago, and is now one of us. Bro. J. T. Brewer, nights at Higginson, was off a few days last month; relieved by Bro. Boss Green. Bro. W. A. Johnson relieved Bro. Langston, agent and telegrapher at Garner. Bro. Langston going to Minturn. Am sorry to hear of Bro. L. H. Davenport’s sickness. He is being relieved by Telegrapher A. J. Jones. Bro. J. S. Simmons relieved Bro. C. S. Morri- son, night telegrapher at Beebe. Bro. J. H. Marsh, agent and telegrapher at Ca- bot, is back with us, after taking a month’s vaca- tion. He was relieved by Mr. P. J. Parks. Mrs. F. Davis, formerly night telegrapher at Oly- phant, has returned from the hospital, and is now doing the owl stunt at McAlmont. Texarkana District — Night Telegrapher Emmett Glenn at Cypress Junction, has forwarded his application to Bro. Holman. Bro. Holman also secured the application of Night Telegrapher J. H. Warren, at Benton. Bro. Warren is a new-comer. Don’t know who he re- lieved. Bro. Harry Morton, from Division 54, relieved Telegrapher A. H. Downs, a C. T. U. of A. striker, days at Malvern. Bro. Downey working nights. Am sorry to see these C. T. U. of A. boys have to leave us, as they have already shown they are 18-karat. Bro. T. Mahoney is back with us after several months' vacation. Mrs. M. A. Briggs is now agent and telegra- pher at Smithton; relieving Bro. T. F. Hughes, resigned. Bro. R. L. McClain relieved Bro. S. Nelson, night telegrapher at Prescott. We are sorry to lose Bro. Nelson. He was a good, reliable man for the company, and a hard worker for the Order. J hope our loss will be his gain. Bro. B. Proctor, now night telegrapher at Hope. Am unable to say who he relieved. Bro. E. G. Sponenberger, agent and telegrapher at Fulton, is spending a month’s vacation in Kan- sas with his relatives. He is being relieved by Bro. J. B. Bruce, from the I. C. Bro. A. P. Hodges, night telegrapher at Clear Lake, has been transferred into Division 31. Bro. F. L. Davis, formerly at Bald Knob, nights, relieved D. M. Birtch, day telegrapher at Texar- kana. “13” the night job is still open for bids. Camden District — I am glad to note that Agent and Telegrapher A. A. Endy, at Griffin, has come in tne fold, and holds an up-to-date. Bro. W. A. Cline, agent and telegrapher at Chidester, is on a vacation; being relieved by Bro. W. V. Rushing. Bro. P. Melear, extra dispatcher for R. I., at Eldorado, returned to his old love, “DN” office, for a few days, relieving Telegrapher H. E. Dixon, of the C. T. U. of A. "HX” leaves in a few days for Haileyville, I. T., to accept a position as dis- patcher with the R. I. Pine Bluff District — J. O. Davis relieved Bro. Scott, night telegra- pher at Higgins. "13" Bro. Scott has accepted a position on the R. I. Bro. E. B. Wall, agent and telegrapher at Sam- ples, has resigned, and is going to enter the Uni- versity of Arkansas, at Fayetteville. He is being relieved by Bro. J. A. Wall. Bro. D. F. Byrd and S. L. Hart, now day and night telegraphers at Pine Bluff. We are sorry to learn that Bro. Coleman, agent and telegrapher at Redfield, lost one of his chil- dren. He has the most sincere sympathy of the members on this division. Following are a few of the scabs working for the Western Union and Postal in our vicinity: E. E. Jonson, Poplar Bluff; T. J. Copeland, Newport; J. W. Morris, Batesville; Chief Operator Henry Freese, Milton C. Judd, formerly of "CF” office; old man Modisett, formerly from the Western Union at Helena; Mr. Gunn, J. Schuck and Thomas. The last six mentioned all in the West- ern Union at Little Rock. W. A. Logan, an official from Dallas, opened up the Postal office in Little Rock, after being closed for a month. F. W. Hoyler and wife at Pine Bluff; Minnie Morrison, Old Martin and Bettie Ryan at Hot Springs, Western Union. The Postal office at Hot Springs was closed for three weeks, finally opened by B. L. Edwards, from South McAlester. A scab by the name of Prudhomme working for the Postal at Texarkana. Helderman with the Western Union at the same place. J. C. Gilliam working for the Postal at Fort Smith. Fatty Stannard with the Western Union at same point. A. V. Dunn at Camden. R. A. Walls at Eldorado. J. G. Faulkner at Hel- ena for the Postal. Friganza and his wife at Hope. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1746 The Railroad Telegrapher. I wish to thank those who took enough interest to mail me items for the journal this month. If each of you would do this every month we would make a great deal better showing. Please try and do this hereafter. P. S. — Eight new applicants received this month. Ain’t that going some? Have you done your share towards securing any? LaForge. Northern Pacific Railway. St. Paul Division — There have been a number of changes on our division lately, so I will try and write them up. Bro. Quinn, of Sauk Rapids, is now out of service. Bro. C. L. Gantz, nights at Lincoln, has re- signed, to return to his home in Indiana. Not relieved at this writing. Mr. Chas. Taylor, agent at Lincoln, at one time a good brother, has left the service. Relieved by Agent Cottingham, from Philbrook nights, who was relieved by Mr. Kleman, from Gregory nights. Mr. Kleman has promised to join in October. Mr. Ferron, from Anoka nights, relieved Kle- man at Gregory. Regular man back at Anoka. Bro. Sporleder is back as agent at Gregory, re- lieving Mr. Rumerich, who went to Curtis days. Mr. N. Ehr, the agent at Randall, is in the hos- pital to undergo an operation on his head. Now that we have a new schedule, we should endeavor to do our duty to the best of our ability, as no doubt the officials will appreciate good ser- vice. Can we not arrange to have a meeting at St. Cloud once in a while? Think it over and let’s hear from others on this subject. Cert. 467. Dakota Division — Owing to your correspondent being very busy, no write-up appeared in The Telegraphek last month. Block system is now in operation on main line over the whole division, being extended from Daw- son to Mondon Sept. 8th, and a number of new block offices were opened. Bro. Miles, from Medina, in charge days at Grouse. Bro. Christensen, day telegrapher at Cleveland, to days at Rankin. Bro. Hoody, nights at Dawson, to days at Geneva. Bro. Kuhn, nights at Sterling, to days at An- gora. A day telegrapher has been put on at Driscoll, position being held by Bro. Evans, from nights at Eldridge. Bro. Ebert, days at Dawson, was absent for a few weeks on vacation, being relieved by Bro. Kiblinger. Bro. Stewart, nights at Driscoll, was promoted to the agency at Eldridge. A Mr. C. X. Hendrix relieved Bro. Sunder- meyer, agent at Driscoll, who went on an "ex- tended” vacation to take in the fair and visit his folks in Iowa. Bro. Murphy, days at Bismarck, resigned, being relieved by Mr. Morris. A great many new men arc coming on this divi- sion, and while our Local Chairman is away, each brother should appoint himself a committee of one to see that the men on both sides of him carry up- to-date cards. Would especially urge the brothers on the branch lines to get busy. The recent bal- lots showed that they, while not "dead ones,” are certainly not awake to their best interests. Gen- eral Secretary and Treasurer I. N. Holmes, at Hotel Foley, St. Paul, Minn., will cheerfully fur- nish the necessary blanks to all who will apply for them. I "13” an election for Local Chairman is soon to be held. Look around for the best man ^for this position, and then use your influence to induce him to accept it. A word about dealing with the public. Public opinion is a great factor in times of controversy between labor and capital, and every time we treat the public discourteously we turn public opinion against us, so that viewed only from a selfish standpoint it is better to treat them cour- teously, besides being a very much pleasanter way to do business. As your correspondent is leaving the service, 1 trust the work will be taken up and carried on by abler hands, and that the grand O. R. T. may always flourish on the Dakota Division. With best wishes for all the brothers. Yours truly, A. F. SUNDERMEYER. Seaboard Air Line. IN HEMORIAM. Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to remove the beloved wife of our highly es teemed brother, Daniel May, and while submitting to the will of Him who knoweth and doeth all things best; be it Resolved, That in her death Bro. May has suf- fered an irreparable loss, his family has lost the devoted care of a tender and loving mother; and be it further Resolved, That this division extend to the be- reaved family its deepest sympathy in this their great sorrow, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent the bereaved family and a copy to The Telegrapher for publication. G. R. Lewis, S. P. McDaniel, W. B. Pope, Committee. A CARD. I take this opportunity of expressing my heart- felt thanks to the members of Division 97 for their many acts of kindness and assistance during the illness of my husband, and assure one and all that they were appreciated, and shall never be forgotten. Mrs. J. S. Ausborn. Sylacanga, Ala. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1747 Union Pacific Ry. Eastern District , Kansas Division — Our chief dispatcher, Mr. Brownson, is back at his desk again after several weeks’ absence on ac- count of the serious illness of Mrs. Brownson. Mr. Joe Johnson acted as chief during Mr. Brownson's absence. Mr. Amos was given a trick, and relieved Mr. Johnson. Later Mr. Amos was relieved- by Mr. Grogger, ex-dispatcher from Ellis. Bro. Shuchman is back from a six weeks’ vaca- tion. Bro. Cadwell, from down in Georgia, re- lieving. Bro. Geary relieved Mr. Amos in “Z” office, Kansas City. Bro. Clark relieving Bro. Cosley at Armstrong. Bro. Sherry bid in Muncie agency. Afterward resigned to accept employment with the K. C. S.; being relieved by Mr. Robert Stepp. Mr. B. C. Mierotta, from the Frisco, relieving Miss Sims at Lawrence. Mr. Morrell, who made and broke so many promises at Bonner Springs, bid in Natoma; being relieved at Bonner Springs by Bro. Thos. Deho- ney, late of the Burlington. Bro. L. C. Stout is taking a few days’ needed vacation; being relieved by Bro. Johnson, who, in turn, was relieved by Bro. Miller, who is back for the hunting season. Mr. H. R. Walker, the Lansing helper, reliev- ing Mr. Folsome at that place. Mr. Folsome is too hard up to do the proper thing by this organi- zation, yet able to take a six weeks’ vacation. Bro. Klasse relieved Bro. Raines at Williams- town. Bro. Enochs is back with us again at Grantville, having passed up California. Mr. Ferrell, the helper from St. Mary, relieving Bro. Ross at that place, and Mr. Sharritt, from the Katy, relieving Bro. McElvaine. Bro. Brady relieving Bro. Dunaway at Rossville. Mr. Webb relieving Bro. Brady, nights at Ross- ville. Bro. Leger relieved Bro. Batchelor a few days at Manhattan. Bro. G. E. Payne, second, days at Manhattan, bid in Ellis; Bro. Cadwell relieving. Before this is in print we expect to have changed our headquarters, having bid in Manhattan, nights. Bro. Abbott, Ogdensburg nights, bid in Russell; relieved by Mr. Heathman, the helper from Ran- dolph. Have you paid your special assessment? If not, do so at once. It is reported that Mr. H. Brandner, who was employed as helper at ’Loring at one time, has ac- cepted employment with the Western Union at Kansas City. This party made application for a position as fireman during the threatened trouble with the firemen recently, saying he did not be- lieve in unions. It is supposed that he touched Bro. Smith up for somewhere near $50 for this same reason. It pays to watch such cattle. There’s a reason. It is also reported that Brandner has a sister scabbing in “KS.” What have you done in the past year or two to help your organization? There is more to union- ism than merely holding a card. Take an active interest in the workings of your division. Be up and doing. In looking over the notes in Th* Telegrapher you can see where every correspon- dent calls attention to the great awakening that is going on among the telegraphers. Where have you been all this time, and where are you now? Don’t expect your card to perform wonders for you with- out some effort on your part There is no reason why we should not have a solid membership on this end in the near future, provided too many helpers are not allowed the use of the wires. It is reported that one good brother (?) has a girl student. We have nothing against the student personally, but in case this is true, a great deal might be said of the brother. Cut it out, brothers. This student business will get you down. Some one suggest a plan whereby we may hold regular meetings. Such a thing would be difficult to arrange, I know, but in case it could be ar- ranged, it would I believe do us a world of good. We all know each other over the wire, but it would be much better if we could become person- ally acquainted with each other. By the time this is in print you will have prob- ably heard from our new schedule. The proposed schedule is, in my estimation, better than any ev'r drawn up before. Just what will be achieved is at present all speculation. If you are not satis- fied with the results, do not put up a big howl and tell your brother telegraphers what should have been done, for if you do not receive satisfactory results it will be, in a large measure, due to your own negligence. Push; don’t knock. In conclusion, I wish to make an appeal to all brothers to help me out a little by sending in items. All of the above notes were caught at odd times; not a single one having been contributed by any of the brothers. Each month, after my notes have gone in, I hear of something of in- terest. I would also suggest that some brother on the west end appoint himself official correspondent and hand us a little news. Bro. Hughey advises that the following mem- bers were dropped from the rolls for non-payment of dues: Hubert, Sims, Paul, Richards, Harl, Joe Haney, Dugger and Robinson, all of whom have left the service, except Paul, Hubert and Miss Sims. Where do we stand on the student question? It is a fact that we have entirely too many students for our own good. A month or so ago I wrote several agents, some of them brothers, too, about their ham shops. The replies received, indignant denials, excuses, etc., were masterpieces in a way. What is the difference between an out-and-out stu- dent and a helper, provided you allow the helper to do your telegraphing, clear trains, and do every- thing in your power to educate him? You brothers who have helpers and allow them to do your tel- egraphing and educate them to take your posi- tions, are as guilty as the non-member who openly has a student. How many of you leave your stu- dent-helper to clear trains and “O. S.” for you while you go to your meals? The schedule gives you one hour overtime whenever you are not ex- Digitized by t^ooQle

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1748 The Railroad Telegrapher. cused for meals. Take your hour overtime and •end your helper after your lunch, if you must work him. It is reported that one brother has, in the last twenty months, sent out from his office five helpers who are now holding positions as teleg- raphers. It is also hinted that this brother col- lected a small fee from each helper. I have in my possession a letter from this party wherein he ad- vocates that we demand a universal schedule, and a few more impossible plans. To demand even the smallest concessions would be useless if a few more were to finish up five helpers every twenty months. As the matter is being investigated, no names will be mentioned at present. We all know in what relation the sneak thief stands with the publ!^. The member who puts the finishing touches on some Janesville or Topeka helper stands in the same relation toward his organization as the sneak thief does toward the public. We have nothing whatever against the helper. If he wants to learn and can find some one weak-minded enough, who cares nothing for his own welfare or the welfare of his brother telegraphers, that’s his business. If you must do this, at least own up to it so we can locate you without so much trouble, and after you have been located, don’t come out with the old womout excuse that you have permission from the superintendent. Of course you have permission from him, and could, no doubt, get permission from him to teach a half dozen or so more. That’s part of his business. The question is: Have you permission from this organization to make a pro- fessor out of yourself? Your card doesn’t entitle you to membership in the “Amalgamated Brother- hood of Professors of Telegraphy.” That’s en- tirely a different organization, and you have a long, hard road to travel when you start. Cut it out, brothers; every time you allow your helper to do your telegraphing you, so to speak, are digging down deep in your jeans and taking out good, hard-earned dollars. IIo. - Wyoming Division — News somewhat scarce this month; not because there has not been “plenty doing,” but on account of the seeming indifference on the part of a great many members to help to furnish the correspon- dent with the changes, etc. A few months ago we resolved to try to gather a few items for the journal each month, so that members on other divisions and on other lines would not have occasion to think we were a set of “dead ones,” and since that time have been trying to establish a system by which items from all over the division will be furnished each month regularly, systematically and without having to personally call every office, and question them like an attorney questioning a witness to get enough information to know who is working and who is not. I have written to practically every member on this division earnestly requesting that they do this, but each month, with a few exceptions, the same old case of using the wires and “cross-ques- tioning” has to be followed up to secure informa- tion. Last night I called every office and asked that they send in their items without fail today, and, of course, all promised, but with the exception of Bro. C. F. Wheeler, at Chappel, not one made good their promise. This applies to night telegraphers, however, as they were the ones appealed to. This indifference is discouraging, disappointing and dis- gusting. Now, brothers, I want to make another appeal to you. Will you please make it a point to mail me a note each and every month, giving names of day and night men; if any changrs, state where new arrival is from, and where one who relieved went to; give births or deaths in families of brothers. It is impossible for one to keep up with all the changes without assistance, and remember that this is as much your duty as mine, as I am getting nothing out of it; not even postage. I would be glad if some more able writer would do the corresponding, but no one seems to want the “job,” and it falls on some one to take it up, or drop back to where we were a few months ago, when, for month after month, not a single item appeared from the Wyoming Division of the Union Pacific. You certainly can not be so indifferent as to revert back to this condition. Just don’t leave it to “the other fellow” to do, and we will have some kind of a report every month. Notes should reach me by the 23d or 24th of each month in order to reach St. Louis in time for publication in the fol- lowing month’s Telegraph er. It is to be hoped that every member has promptly responded to the assessment notice to provide for the committee while looking after the revision of our schedule, also a generous contribution to the commercial strikers’ fund, as their interests are our interests, and if they are victorious it will be the greatest victory that has ever been known. I can say for the boys on this division, however, that I do not think there can be a division found anywhere that has given the commercial men more loyal support, and especially the boys at North Platte. Everybody is enthusiastic and hopeful, and expect a satis- factory settlement long before this appears in print. When such settlement is reached, there will be no more discrimination against telegraphers on ac- count of union affiliation. No more “pets” put into positions in preference to older men because they have a “pull” with the manager, or a thou- sand other items where telegraphers in the past have been imposed upon because they had no one to adjust their differences for them. To be able to maintain a committee recognized by the tele- graph company for the purpose of adjusting differ- ences will be a gre3t victory, and one well worth fighting for, even if no increase in pay was ob- tained. There are several new men on the line, but have not learned the names of all of them. Bro. C. F. Smith, from Denver, one of the com- mercial men who went out in response to the call, nights at Sutherland; Bro. Ellis having resigned. Bro. W. A. Hostetter is taking a much needed vacation at Excelsior Springs, Mo., being relieved by Bro. G. L. Stout, of Julcsburg nights. Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1749 Bro. P. C. Spencer, agent at Paxton, has been furnished a day telegrapher, and Bro. W. F. How- ard, Hershey, expects to have one within a few days. The branch makes a great deal of extra work for Hershey, besides the beet season will open about October ist, and hay shipping will commence in full blast soon. It might seem unreasonable to some, but it is a fact that during the year 1906 there were 1,094 car-loads forwarded from Her- shey, of which 506 were sugar beets and 424 hay; besides, there were 720 car-load shipments received. In addition to this, there are two sidings — Nichols and O’Fallons — tributary to Hershey, which do an immense hay and beet business. The new North Port branch is promising to do a good business, as forty or fifty cars of stock have been shipped from there since it has been opened for car-load busi- ness. Bro. Parr, from North Platte “NO” office, took a few days off, and went hunting recently. We saw Bro. F. L. Murphy a few nights ago as be came through on the work train on his way to North Platte to take the examination. The board of examiners’ car passed through here Saturday. Bro. Murphy says it is rather lonesome work- ing on the branch, but “easy money,” and he is staying with it. The new depot at Brule has been finished. Bro. Seibert, formerly day telegrapher there, has re- signed, and understand he is learning to be a maintained Bro.‘ Best, nights at Colton, has bid in day telegrapher position at Ogallala on bulletin, and Bro. Black, days at Colton, bid in day job at Paxton. Bro. P. D. Gray has come into the ranks at last, and will be one of the boys after this. We wish to congratulate him on this move. No one could work with those boys at Julesburg and not get in line, as they believe in the motto: “No card, no favors,” and bore out their claims in a very generous contribution to the C. T. U. of A. fund on the first call. Ml Mathers, at Big Springs, still stays out, but we give him credit for refusing to run a ham fac- tory. Not a factory on the division. As the busy season is commencing, and business is very heavy, do all you can to give the dis- patchers good service, and get the trains over the road. Don’t spend so much time in the “hay” at night, and shew the company that O. R. T. men are the only kind to employ. Cmt. 616. Eastern District, Nebraska Division — Bro. W. O. Howland has returned from his honeymoon trip, and settled down to real life at Central City. Clarks, nights, and Silver Creek, nights, closed on account of completion of double track west of Silver Creek to Grand Island. Bro. Roy. Dooley, of Valley, accepted position in train dispatcher’s office, Omaha. Bro. H. C. Carlson successful applicant for po- sition of day telegrapher at Valley, made vacant by the resignation of Bro. J. G. Pollock, who we understand, went West to enter the employ of the O. S. L. Bro. M. M. Kerr has resigned Elkhom station. He likes a change once in a while, and is getting it in his new position as relief agent. Bro. W. C. Henigan has returned from his trip to the East, and is now working days at Columbus in the absence of Bro. W. F. Winkelman, who is serving on the committee convened in Denver. Bro. W. A. Clark landed the owl job at Colum- bus, made vacant by L. A. Johnson, transferred to Omaha. Bro. J. D. Henderson transferred to Fremont temporarily. Bro. P. V. Hobart working days at Fremont. Bro. J. L. Stuart owl at North Bend. Cert, i ss- IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased Providence to call to the Great Beyond our worthy Bro. Chas. J. Steckel, removing from our midst a cherished brother, and from his wife a devoted husband; therefore be it Resolved > That although we bow in humble sub- mission to Him who doeth all things well, the members of the Union Pacific System, Division No. 6, Order Railroad Telegraphers, in his death lost a staunch and worthy friend and brother; and be it further Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved family our most sincere and heartfelt sympathy in this their dark hour of sorrow; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family and a copy sent to The Railroad Telelgrapher for publication. C. W. McCauley, A. V. Kipp, W. F. Winkelman, Committee. Wyoming Division, Western District — Bro. Curtis, of Rock River nights, says that it is much more pleasant to be on the rear end of a passenger train with a red flag than to sit up all night and watch them go by. Bro. Smith, new man from the D. & R. G., re- lieved Bro. Curtis at Rock River. Bro. Pflegar, late from the C. & S., doing the owl act at Hanna. We have two new men at Wolcott; both up-to- date. Bro. Meyer has the day job. Unable to learn the owl’s name. We are glad to see all those new applications coming in, and the foreign members transferring to this division. Looks like “something doin’.” Bro. Ross, of Cheyenne, will represent the en- tire W'yoming Division in the pending conference with the management at Omaha. We trust the brother will not forget our interests away out here on the west end. We are sorry to note that Bro. Knightlinger has been on the sick list for the past few days. Very near a case of pneumonia, but at present writing is convalescent. Bro. Ablard, of Superior, suffering with the grip for a few days. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1750 The Railroad Telegrapher. The new schedule, as framed, is a good one, and it is to be hoped the committee will stand pat on everything asked for. Bro. Prentice, late of Riner, now with the S. P. at LeMay, Utah. Bro. E. T. Taylor, also late of Riner, we un- derstand, has cast his lot with the Southern Pacific. We are pleased to note that Bro. Braddock, an old-time member of this division, formerly located at Latham, has returned to the Sixth, after nearly a year spent in the South. We are sorry to note however, that his brother's illness, the cause of his leaving here last fall, is still the source of consid- erable worry on the part of his friends and rela- tives. Look out for a bulletin covering the morning re- port job at Green River. Changes fast and furious at Green River. The brothers say it is an awful roast there. Bro. Miller quit and went East. Bro. Hendricks, from Louisiana, remained one day, and Bro. Dun- can remained a week. A new C. T. U. of A. brother named Stapleton, from Kansas City, the latest arrival. Bros. Cane and Kerr leave the 20th. There is lots of work at Green River; living very high, and accommodations poor, consequently no one cares to stay there. Glad to note that Bros. Cue and Haynes, to- gether with the manager, are still with us. Bro. Crawford, C. T. U. of A. member, late of Bitter Creek, we understand, is now camping with the Western Union brothers near Denver. Bro. Braddock transferred from Walcott to Red Desert. Bro. Burch transferred from Red Desert to Bit- ter Creek, being assigned that position on bulletin. Bro. Colony, late of Bitter Creek, transferred to Tipton nights. Tipton has been closed several nights recently on account of telegraphers unable to get board at that point for more than a few days at a time, and although there are ample oppor- tunities to batch, none of them seem to want to run the risk of eating their own cooking. Rock Springs also closed a night or two on ac- count of Bro. Ingham on the sick list, and no available man to take his place. Bro. Prentice reports that he is getting a straight salary of $80 per month at LeMay, Utah, on the Southern Pacific. Bro. Connors, late of Wamsutter, now with the Great Northern in Washington, working seven hours per day and five days per week, drawing $80. Guess the brother is as well or better sat- isfied than he would have been had he remained with the Union Pacific. These short hours are a drawing card anywhere. Our schedule provides for one man in the Green River, “D” office, and as there are two of them in there, one days and another on the night work, there is going to be a contest as to the extra man holding the position without being assigned to it on bulletin. Oscar Phigpen, from the C. & O., Bitter Creek, nights. Bro. Lottlemiller, late of Blairtown nights, vis- iting his sister in Green River. Relieved by Mr. McKidder, from the C., B. & Q., an old-time 0. R. T., but, owing to reverses, not up-to-date. Let us hope he prospers to the extent that he will see the necessity of a new card soon. Curr. 410. Erie Ry. Susquehanna Division — The meeting at Elmira, September 9th, was a success, notwithstanding that the Erie trains were a little behind schedule time, making the hour of opening a little late, and compelling the members from the east to depart before Bro. Coleman bad finished his remarks. Bro. Hesser waas admitted at 9:45 with his pockets filled with applications. Bro. Shaughnessy was up from Binghampton as enthusiastic as ever. We missed the smiling countenance of Bro. El- liott, of Division 100, who was unable to be with us, but sent regrets. Besides a good attendance from this division, three members of the general committee, Bros. Amos Munson, of the N. Y., S. & W., F. W. Cole- man, of the New York Division, and Secretary and Treasurer C. L. Bridge were present. The roll of honor for the Susquehanna Division for this month includes the following named: D. Thompson, Wellsburg, N. Y. W. J. Malone, Elmira, N. Y. G. B. Owen, Elmira, N. Y. F. S. Coleman, Smithboro, N. Y. J. P. Hogan, Hornell, N. Y. T. P. Reeder, Big Flats, N. Y. E. H. Walbridge, Corning, N. Y. R. R. Welch, Cameron, N. Y. J. E. Heffernan, Hornell, N. Y. The growth of the Order on the Erie System during the past six months has been almost phe- nomenal, considering the fact that very little has been done by an organizer, most of the good re- sults being accomplished through the efforts of in- dividuals. Very few assignments are being made, owing to the fact that vacancies are not being filled or ad- vertised, as per agreement. The last advertisement, dated August 9th, in- cluded "HQ,” nights, and *‘RF,” dispatcher’s office, days. G. W. Chichester was assigned to "HQ,” but, up to September 25th, the vacancy at “RF” had not been filled. “UR,” Wellsburg, vacant for more than six weeks, and not advertised, notwithstanding the fact that there were three men placed there contemplat- ing the approach of October 1st. It is expected that the eight-hour law, effec- tive October 1st, will apply to this division, but no advertisements are out to that effect. Men from the Elmira College were placed at points on salary to post up on the work, but these men, in nearly every case, are failures, and regu- lar men are working their regular twelve-hour trick, and will until the specified time arrives. Digitized by ^.ooQle

Page 774

The Railroad Telegrapher, 1751 On Labor Day an engine of a work train jumped the track and demolished “DH” tower at Bingham- ton. Bro. Connor, who was working at the time, was quite seriously bruised, making it necessary for him to be absent for quite a period. J. T. Kelliher, formerly of “DH,** has secured a better- paying position in Virginia, and, we understand, he will move there. C. J. Spencer worked at “B,** Binghamton, through the vacations of F. S. Johnson and J. W. White. A. W. Barkalow was absent from “RX” a few nights on account of illness; relieved by Victor Hadley. A. F. Hill, of “JT,** Chemung, was absent one week in September; relieved by Telegrapher Shum- way. W. H. Swartwood worked the day trick. E. I. Kelly spent five days at Millport, N. Y. ; relieved at “FD” by Walbridge. J. T. Lewis worked at “RX,” Magees. A. W. Barkalow working the day trick. \V. J. Peck was absent from “JF,** Southport, ten days; relieved by J. T. Collins and M. G. Beach. Extra Telegrapher C. J. Spencer worked at “MJ** in place of Beach. H. S. Owens and J. J. Ambrose, of “RA/* El- mira, are doing the act in “YA,** New York. Guy B. Owen is at “RA,** days, and Dispatcher De- groat on nights. Drv. Coa. N. Y., S. & W. and W B. & E. Lints— The following is for the information of all N. Y., S. & W. and W., B. & E. members: Until further notice N. Y., S. & W. will meet jointly with New York Division of the Erie at Munzer’s Hall, Market street, Paterson, N. J., tVe fourth Saturday in each month, at 8:30 p. m. All members are requested to keep the above in mind, as individual notices will not hereafter be sent. It is hoped that these meetings will be more lib- erally attended than heretofore. Notwithstanding the fact that we have had fairly good attendance, there are a number of brothers on the N. Y., S. & W. who could turn out and look pleasant once a month. We are somewhat short of news, having been away on a business vacation. To date we have taken in twenty-two new mem- bers since January 1, 1907, and by the time you read this we shall have taken in several more; so we feel that we have gone some. Let us keep up this good work, and try to swamp Secretary Bro. Bridge. In this connection it may be of interest to the N. Y., S. & W. boys to know that similar condi- tions prevail on the Erie, they having taken in something over 200 members since January r, 1907, which goes to show that Division 42 is moving some; also, it is very gratifying to know that the Erie general committee is interested in the welfare of the N. Y., S. & W., Bro. Hall having met with and advised us, and otherwise contributed to our success to such an extent that we would, indeed, be ungrateful should we let his efforts in our behalf pass unnoticed. The above is for the information of those mem- bers who, on account of their location, are un- able to attend meetings, and we take this opportu- nity of letting them know through Thb Telegra- pher that the O. R. T. is enjoying a healthy growth in our neck of the woods, as elsewhere. We have nothing more to write about, and no time to write it, so will cut out with the intention of coming back next month. Cibt. 273. Mahoning Division — The news on the old Mahoning Division at the present writing is as follows: W. C. Cull has left the telegraph department, accepting a clerical position at Wilson avenue shops. J. H. Lineker, of Wilson avenue nights, gets “SQ** office. J. B. Pulaski goes to Wilson avenue nights. Z. V. Hall, ticket seller at Wilson avenue depot, has resigned. R. G. Lewis is now the day man at “WH” tower. G. R. Burdett has resumed work at Solon tower, after having been off tick. J. A. Aston and W. B. Case, the two men at Mahoning tower, have resigned. C. J. Fenstermaker goes from Phalanx nights, to Mahoning tower days. H. B. Cutliff gets Mahoning tower nights. W. V. Saltsman, of Phalanx days, has resumed work, after having been off on account of sick ness in his family. The office of assistant C. T. D. has been abol ished, and W. H. Ludt has been placed back a* Leavittsburg as manager. This, of course, causes considerable bumping as it is called. Ludt bumps W. S. Lawrie out of the managership. Lawrif bumps W. J. Holbrook. Holbrook bumps W. D Mayer on to the night trick. Mayer bumps R. A Stroup out of the office, Stroup going to Pha lanx nights. C. W. Mitchell, of Warren days, spent his vaca- tion on a trip to New York City; relieved by C. W. Morse, the Niles day man. W. H. Owens, of DeForest tower, on his vaca- tion; relieved by Wm. Armstrong, of Canal Branch tower. ( Armstrong follows Owens on 'vacation. “CB” tower days, being filled by C. W. Morse. N. C. Grimm at Niles days, in Morse's place. J. E. Mohn has resumed work at Girard after being off; relieved by Ray Cassidy. J. J. Ryan, after undergoing an operation in New York City, is back to work at “VY** office, Youngstown. While Ryan was away this position was filled by Hugh M. Boyle, of Lowellville, O., an old-time P. & L. E. telegrapher. Boyce tower, between Sharpsville and Sharon, has been equipped with telephones, and closed as a telegraph office. This puts Frank Metcalf at “JV** office, while Walter Post is off on his vacation, and R. E. Kincaid goes to “CR** office, a temporary affair, where the ditching outfit is working betwe n Sharon and Hubbard. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 775

1752 The Railroad Telegrapher. Frank Fox, of Mineral Ridge, is still sick; re- lieved by G. W. Taylor, of Leavittsburg. H. E. Johns, of West Middlesex, has resigned, and the position given to J. P. Gundy, a Pennsyl- vania man from Youngstown. Div. Co*. Pere Marquette Ry. Pori Huron Division — At a meeting held in Saginaw, Sunday, August 18th, several division correspondents were ap- pointed, the writer being chosen as one, to cover the following divisions: Port Huron Division, Al- mont branch. Port Austin Division, Harbor Beach branch and S. T. & H. Division. To the brothers located on the above mentioned divisions and branches, I wish to say, especially for the benefit of those who were not present at the meeting, it is expected that each brother will forward all items of interest to the division correspondent about the tenth of each month. If each one will put forth a little effort, we can have a write-up in The Telegraph xa regularly. Your humble scribe will be grateful for any notes, and will try and do his part. Mail items to P. J. Flower, Clifford, Mich. This month's contributions, from all except the Port Huron Division, are very short, although there were a few brothers from the other terri- tory who were present at the meeting. If you wish something to appear in the columns of The Telegrapher to show that Division 39 is still pros- perous, get busy. Bro. S. B. Martin, agent at Mayville, relieved by Bro. S. W. Delmarter for the past seven weeks on account of illness. Bro. L. C. Rice, cashier at Marlette, relieved Bro. Delmarter at Mayville after having himself taken three weeks* vacation. Bro. Rice expects to return to Marlette as soon as Bro. Martin’s health will permit him to resume duty at Mayville. Bro. E. J. Cornell, formerly day telegrapher and ticket clerk at Port Huron, has severed his con- nection with the Pere Marquette, and accepted a position in the master mechanic's office, Grand Trunk Railway, in tfie same city, “DS.” Division 39 wishes him success. The position of day telegrapher and ticket clerk at Port Huron, has been assigned J. W. Muir. Mr. R. F. Bruce succeeds Bro. J. W. Muir as abstract clerk and telegrapher at “HR” office, Port Huron. Bro. G. H. Syree relieving nights at Yale. Bro. R. J. Lichtenfeldt, day telegrapher at Clare, temporarily. He soon expects to return to Yale and resume duty as night telegrapher. Mr. J. W. Brown, at one time agent at Avoca, later with the Detroit & Mackinaw Railway, now night telegrapher and bill clerk at Port Huron. Bro. W. C. Maack has just returned from a two weeks' vacation, and has resumed duty at Hoyt; having been relieved by Bro. Wm. Archer. Bro. C. H. Baker and wife, of Juniata, attended the wedding of a friend at Flint August 28th. Bro. Baker was relieved by Bro. F. A. Keyes, extra agent at Mayville. Before closing, I think a few words of apprecia- tion of the treatment accorded us all by the train- masters and our chief dispatcher will be in order, in allowing so many of us to be present at our last meeting. It only shows what we can do if we will put forth an effort ourselves, and try to be pres- ent at our meetings. We can only thank them, and try and give them a little better service, if possible, and in this way show our appreciation of a favor granted. Cert. 293. Toledo Division — Bro. Ude, days at Flint, is taking a short vaca- tion; relieved by Bro. Fisher nights. Mr. Gnung is doing the owl act at Flint in Bro. Fisher's place. Bro. Rosatt is doing the night stunt at Carleton. Might as well call him brother. He has his papers sent in, and will be in line in a few days. Bro. Kosmider doing the owl act at Belford. Bro. Maack, days at “SX” tower, taking a short vacation; relieved by Bro. King, nights. Name and standing of Bro. King’s relief not known. Bro. Leavenworth, days at Carleton. Mr. Deno, days at Belford, is taking a trip to New York; relieved by Mr. Frost, of the extra list. We expect Mr. Frost to be with us soon. Mr. Showers is doing the owl act at Holly, and Mr. Jewell days. Bro. W. E. Moore working nights at Medicine Bow, Wyo. He reports everything O. K. on the U. P., but expects to return to the P. M. in the near future. Bro. Mead, our general secretary and treasurer, is taking a flying trip through the West. Bro. Heusted, our general chairman at Mount Morris, transferred to Belford, days. Mr. Deno has taken charge of Mount Morris. Bro. E. J. G. Beer recently took a week’s vaca- tion. Bro. Paul Wargdka takes one week, starting September 15th. Mr. Matheson and Mr. Davis each had a week. Dispatcher Prall, on the west end, second trick, just returned from a two weeks* vacation. First Trick Dispatcher Earle, on the Saginaw & Ionia Division being the next lucky man. Bro. W. Archer, who has been working for the Western Union at Chicago, is back with us again, working at Baldwin, “BI,” nights. Div. Co*. S agin aw Division — I am compelled to call attention to the fact that the brothers are not doing their duty so far as con- tributing items for the journal is concerned. At our meeting in Saginaw, August 18th, it was un- derstood that the correspondent was to be advised when anything of interest transpired, but this mat- ter has evidently been overlooked, as comparatively nothing has been received. Have not heard a word from Ludington, Port Huron or Toledo Divisions. It is impossible for your correspondent to have each division represented in the journal without assistance; therefore I hope the members will show more interest in the future, and favor me with items. While our committee is working on the new schedule let us assist them in every way possible. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 776

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1753 They are laboring hard to get this schedule shaped so as to benefit each and every one of us, but remember they can not do it all. We should make some suggestions as to what we think would ben- efit us in the future; also state our grievances, if we have any, in order that the committee can bet- ter Judge what is required. C. R. Beebe, agent at Lowell, sent in his resig- nation by wire, September 14th, but, I understand, later he had decided to remain with us. I did not learn the cause. Bro. T. E. Crane, telegrapher and clerk at Ed- more, took two weeks’ vacation, and attended the State Fair at Detroit. Bro. L. A. Dygert relieves Bro. W. C. Johnson as agent at Elwell. Bro. Johnson returns to his old position as night owl at Edmore. New man succeeded Bro. Dygert as agent at Amble. Unable to give his name at this writing. Bro. E. S. Higbee, of Six Lakes, is at Juniata, relieving for two or three weeks on account of the agent being sick. His daughter, Miss Ola Higbee, is relieving him at Six Lakes. Bro. C. A. Rihner, formerly agent at Edmore, is at Unionville relieving agent for a few days. Bro. E. D. Rihner, at Sheridan, is off on his annual vacation. A man by the name of Smith re- lieving him. Sister Miss Luella Eaton, of Greenville, passed through our city one day last week, en route North. Did not learn the sister’s destination. Bro. T. H. Wallace, agent at Greenville, has been away on a thirty days’ vacation. A man by the name of Inwood, formerly G. T. R. R. agent at North Greenville, relieved him during his ab- sence. I have handled Western Union business for the last thirteen years, and have not received one cent in pay for handling same, but I notice if their re- ports are not rendered on proper dates, or if there is any discrepancy in them, the Western Union people don't forget to call us down. Now I think we ought to have at least 10 per cent on all "sent” messages, and do not consider it asking too much. The men on the B. & M. R. R. R., in Nebraska, get it, and why not us? Would like to hear the opinions of others on this subject. I have been relieving since May 7, 1907, and am compelled to lose the time consumed in going from one position to another. Now I do not believe it would be unreasonable if we should ask the* com- pany to allow us full time while in the relief serv- ice. Would like to hear some suggestions. Th? time has come when we should open our eyes, and do something. We must get busy, and don’t let these matters drag along. Cert. 35. Buffalo Division — Brothers, the time is ripe for us to make our division solid by converting the nons and inducing them to file applications for membership. Don’t give them one minute’s peace, but continue punch- ing them up until they can see the right side. Now let’s shoulder our muskets and start after them, and see if they won’t surrender by March 1, 1908. Bro. W. A. Knister has returned from Toronto, where he met the railroad commission, and reports conditions quite favorable. W. H. Stephenson, agent at Blenheim, is off on a two months’ vacation; relieved by Day Telegra- pher L. Livingston. This puts Bro. M. Maher on days. Bro. J. Dowling, formerly of the M. & R., at Fargo, is holding down the night job. Day Telegrapher W. Griffith, of Sarnia, is off sick, and Bro. W. Krahling is working day and night. Bro. A. C. Quick, of Wallonburg, is off for a two or three days’ vacation, visiting his people at Harrow. J. B. Decon has been appointed agent at Ran- deau. Telegrapher W. Hall is off for a few days; be- ing relieved by W. Peacock, of Blenheim. Bro. C. Mitchell has again returned to Learning- ton, after his long spell of relieving. Telegrapher B. Smith is working nights at West Larne. Mr. E. Evans, formerly dispatcher of Sarnia branch, has returned to the M. C. R. at St. Thomas. We are sorry to see Mr. Evans leave. Bro. Geo. Demare is back on Sarnia Division dispatching. Bro. A. H. Wees has accepted a position with the Wabash in St. Thomas. We are sorry to lose Bro. Wees, as he worked hard for the Order while with us. We wish him success wherever he may go. Bro. George Atkinson attended Landon fair, and reports a good tiipe. Bro. W. E. Marshall has resigned Landon nights, to accept a position with the C. P. R., out West. Telegrapher Clure McKee, of Dutton, is doing the owl act at Landon. Judd Ruth, agent at St. Thomas, has resigned. He has left for the West, where he will go in business with his brother; being relieved by Mr. Chas. Finlay, formerly clerk in the trainmaster’s office. Telegrapher W. Miller, who has been working nights at West Larne the past three months, has resigned. Telegrapher L. P. March has accepted Landon, days, permanently. Position made vacant by the death of our late Bro. T. Howett. Bro. J*. B. Maarks, formerly agent at Randeau, has quit railroading, and is going in the insurance business. Understand J. W. Robertson, agent at Merlin, will soon hand in his application papers. Glad to hear this. Cor. Soo Line. Winnipeg Dnnsion — Those of you wjio failed to attend the meeting at Glenwood August 25th, missed an opportunity of meeting your brother telegraphers and a good time that does not often come your way. The meeting was a hummer from start to finish, and every one in attendance was up and doing all the time. We all forgot our two nights’ loss of sleep, and were Digitized by LjOoqIc

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1754 The Railroad Telegrapher. falling over one another in our efforts to make all the members acquainted. From 4:30 Sunday morn- ing until the same hour in the afternoon the brothers kept coming in. The following members were present: W. F. Vergowe, Medford; C. A. Castle, Egeland; F. H. Clark, Viking; F. C. Paine, Erskine; G. W. Lewis, Orleans; H. J. Oliver, Adams; E. G. Dalton, Halma; L. W. Moon, Eck- man; F. G. Smith, Vergas; J. O. Johnson, Hen- ning; G. O. Preston, Forada; J. T. Goodbar, Alex- andria; L. C. Mann, Foreman; W. H. Brown, South Haven; A. C. Castle, Belgrade; O. R. Hat- ton, Brooten; H. G. Merkel, Brooten; F. E. Molli- son, Hankinson; L. F. Willis, Paynesville; R. A. Preston, Callaway; J. H. Green, Wendell; J. E. Martin, Kensington. Committees were appointed to look after various matters relative to the meeting and the pleasure of the members. The morning session was called to order at 11:00 a. m.f and Bro. Oliver appointed Chairman. Reports from our officers were heard, and short talks regarding the welfare of the Order given. At 1:00 p. m. we adjourned for dinner. The afternoon meeting was called to order at 3:00 p. m. and lasted until after 6:00, and we think would still be in session had not tome of the brothers been compelled to leave in order to catch their trains. Space will not permit me to go into details, but I wish I could make you realize what you missed, so you would be present at the next meeting. Bro. Lewis called attention to the fact that a great many of the boys have not been making monthly comparative and weekly earning reports. This is very important, and should be done regu- larly, and always on time. It not .only means much to the management, but much to us collectively and individually. Let’s see if we can not remedy this and get these reports in on time. I am sorry to say that it is the smaller stations that are the most lax in this matter. There was a lengthy discussion regarding the ex- pense of the meetings, the outcome of which was that the members in atendance at this and all future meetings pay their personal expenses and Division No. 119 would stand the hall rent and general expense. A collection was taken up to assist the C. T. U. A. boys, and the way the members responded would make a non hate himself for a cheap guv. Div. Cor. Missouri River Division — Bro. Hamilton, of Kilbernie, checked in at Max as agent. Bro. Dougherty, of Wilson, resigned, to engage in other business. Relieved by Mr. Harris, of Hobson, Mich. Bro. John H. Gray, at Artos, from C., M. & St. P. Bro. Lambert, agent at Dogden, has just har- vested the crop on his claim and will burn company lignite this winter. Send in your news promptly and we will have some kind of a write-up each month. Bro. I. A. Smith has left Artos, assuming duty as agent at Wishek, N. D., being relieved by J. H. Gray, formerly of Zealand, N. D., on C., M. & St. P. Ry. Bro. Gray carries an up-to-date card in Division No. 23. Says he will transfer Jan. 1, 1908, to No. 1 19, if here. Bro. E. A. Malloy left Herried, S. D., for an extended health trip. Bro. J. B. Mercher took charge of the station. Bro. F. T. Stevens transferred from Venturia to Merricourt, N. D.f Bro. C. A. McGogy taking up agent's duties at Venturia after a summer’s vacation put in laboring on his farm near Ven- turia, N. D. "13” F. E. Hamilton leaves Merricourt, N. D., to accept a position with the G. N. Ry. in Wash- ington, on account of ill-health. Bro. Jas. Rosendahl, who carries a card in Divi- sion No. 1 19, and is holding down a claim near Pollock, S. D., has been visiting relatives and friends. Div. Coa. Wis. & Pen. Division — I received a letter from Bro. Deuel, our Local Chairman, about the 8th of September, advising me that I had been appointed Division Corre- spondent I will endeavor to furnish the journal with a write-up each month, but will expect the members to help me out You all know this can not be left entirely to one man. No one has the time to run over this division and gather the news. Since the last write-up I have written mapy letters, requesting items, and but few members have re- sponded. We were all glad to see Bro. F. C. Paine, oar G. S. & T., when he went through on his trip to North Escanaba. Hope he enjoyed a pleasant vacation. Mr. R. L. Robinson took the agency at Copas, relieving Bro. Dahl, who in turn relieved Mr Isaacson at Bulwer Junction nights. Telegrapher Segure at Marine nights, from the G. N. Address Bro. M. S. Deuel at Dresser Junction, if you wish for any instructions relative to estab- lishing membership. He will be glad to furnish you with the necessary information and blanks. Bro. Nickelson transferred from Dunbar to Bruce. Unable to say who he relieved. At Hawkins we have with us Mr. Cram. “13’ formerly from Kensal, N. D. Bro. Harris leaving this division and going to Witton, N. D. Bro. Frazer, from Prentice, relieved Bro. Arch- craft at Catawba. Bro. Archcraft was called to Winona, Minn., on account of sickness. Thanks to Bro. Seifert, our agent at Tripoli, for the many items he sent in this month. Bro. Bratton, of Tomahawk Junction, is back at his post after a short vacation. His relief, Mr. J. D. McMinn, has left the road. Bro. Berrisford is working relief at Woodboro, anxiously looking for the return of Bro. Williams, as he finds it a hard proposition batching. At Rhinelander we have Bro. Rose nights, still waiting for his relief. Bro. Sommers has been away on a short vacation, being relieved by Mr. J Rendal, who, I understand, is not up-to-date. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 778

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1755 If any nons in your neighborhood, get after 'em with a “big stick,” and don’t take no for an answer. Bro. Sass, agent at Rudyard, has been "on a short vacation, being relieved by Relief Agent Mr. McMinn. Boree is on the bulletin. Can not say where Bro. Forn is going. Bro. Engel, agent at Corinne, was laid up the middle part of August, but is now convalescent. Relieved by Bro. Berrisford, of Division 96, C. G. W. System. Bro. Ronhan, agent at Cooks Mill, has resigned and understand is going out of the railroad busi- ness. Bro. E. Mikkelson, agent at Dunbar, has his bid in for Bruce. Bro. P. McClinchy is having a hard time to get relief at Laona Junction. Bro. Williamson, agent at Woodboro, and Bto. Berrisford, now working relief, had a very pleas- ant walk from Rhinelander to Woodboro the night of August 29th, and were nearly treed by wolves, but they finally reached home safely. Bro. Williams will spend three weeks’ vacation with his folks at New Geneva, Pa., while Bro. Berrisford will try to look pleasant and avoid being lonesome. ' After Bro. Griffin’s return to Pennington, Relief Agent McMinn relieved Bro. Bratton at Toma- hawk Junction. Mr. McMinn relieved Bro. Griffin at Penning- ton while Bro. Griffin spent a few weeks’ vacation at Bruce. Div. Cor. Ann Arbor Ry. For the first time since this road has been or- ganized has death visited our midst and taken from our ranks Bro. Joe Heffemon, formerly of Owosso shops, “RH” office. He has many friends who mourn his loss. Funeral was held at St. Johns, Mich. Bro. Suydan, of ”XN,” Hallet tower, is still on the 'sick list. We hope to see him back at his old position soon. Bro. Mattis, of “AX,” Boulevard tower, has re- turned to work after a three weeks’ vacation. Ac- count of not being able to get a man to relieve him, Bros. Klinck and Berwick doubled. We have a couple of good C. T. U. of A. men working with us since the commercial strike has been on, in the persons of Bros. Gerathy, at Beu- lah, and Whitsell at “MA,” Ann Arbor, nights. General Chairman H. J. Tobin says he is going to leave us the last of this month. We are sorry to lose so valuable a brother, but are glad to see him do better, and wish him success in his new position. We want to call a meeting as soon as we can conveniently, and I understand that Bro. Campbell is figuring on being with us just as soon as he can get the schedule he is working on at present com- pleted. Watch out for the date, and, if possible, be sure and be on hand. Have you received any of the positions that have been bulletined? The last to be added to the list are Corunna and McBain, and Frankfort, days, and Marion, Clare and Ann Arbor, nights. Bro. F. F. Randolph, formerly first trick dis- patcher on the south end, accepted a position with the Detroit & Mackinack, at Tawas City. Bro. Battin, formerly agent at McBain, is re- ported some better, but not yet able to resume duty at that place. Bro. Barnes, formerly agent at Alma, “FS,” is now with the M. & N. E., at Glengarry. Bro. Leitch, formerly of McBain days, has left that place, leaving Agent Kerwin with his hands full. Can not say where he has gone. Bro. C. B. Adams, our chief “trouble shooter,” has been appointed local chairman pro. tem., to fill Bro. Randolph’s place until a local chairman can be elected. Don’t you think he would be a first rate candidate for that office? There are n6w some of the best jobs on the line bulletined, and by the way applications are coming in it looks as though the brothers all had their eyes on them. That is the way to do, boys; the oldest men ought to have the best jobs. “Ra.” Pennsylvania Ry. P. & N. W. Division— Below are a few of the changes that have taken place on this division since the last write-up: Mr. Davis, days at Figart, resigned on July 18th, and place filled temporarily by Bro. Strunk, the regular night man. A new man by the name of Peterson filling the night position. Bro. J. S. Hunter left the service the latter part of July. His place as night man at Glasgow was filled by a new man named Kettren. The day position at Figart was bid in by Bro. Bailey, night man at “DR” tower, and the change was made during the first part of September. Bro. Strunk resuming night position, and Mr. Peterson going to “DR,” nights. Bro. Uber, day telegrapher at “HY” tower, left the service the latter part of August. Bro. List took the day job at “HY,” and Mr. C. McCartney, clerk from Lloyds, was placed at “HY” as night telegrapher. Bro. J. S. Hunter returned to duty on August 9th, and was placed at La Jose at night owl. Bro. Hunter has a few days’ work on the B. & A. V. to his credit. He has been employed at Redbank and Brookville. He . will move to La Jose in the near future. Mr. H. R. Metzker, telegrapher at McGees, en- joyed a week off duty during September, which, in company with his wife and daughter, he spent at Pittsburg and vicinity. Bro. Ifert, relief teleg- rapher, relieved him. Bro. A. McQuown, night man at “MG” tower, spent several days in Buffalo last month, and re- ports a very nice time. Bro. Peace, night owl at Punxsutawney, has just returned from the West. He reports an elegant time while in Chicago. Bro. Walker, agent and telegrapher at “FM,” Fordham, enjoyed a ten days’ leave of absence the latter part of September. He and his wife are rc- Digitized by t^ooQle

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1756 The Railroad Telegrapher. cuperating in Tioga County, JPa. He will call on his father at Coalport on his way home. His place is being filled by Relief Agent Hall. Bro. Hall returned on September 13th, having spent his an- nual vacation visiting friends in the western part of the State. ■ The correspondent wishes to sound a word of warning to the brothers on this division, and espe- cially to those who work at night: Keep your eyes open. You can’t tell at what moment a train may come slipping along. Not having received a report of it, you may fall into a doze, thereby causing a bad delay. When we accept the position, we ought to fill it to the best of our ability. We should be as particular about keeping awake at night as in the daytime. Let us be on the “qui vive,” and ren- der the best service possible. I think it is a great deal better to be referred to as a telegrapher who attends to business, than one who can't be trusted, and who makes it a point to run around all day and sleep at night. Co*. Illinois Central Ry. Freeport Division — The meeting of September 20th was well at- tended, there being thirty-five I. C., two Great Northern, one C. B. & Q., and five C T. U. of A. brothers present. Chief Dispatcher Richards ex- amined all five of the C. T. U. of A. boys, so we now have about eight commercial men on this division. On the night of the meeting, a number of the boys, together with Local Chairman Kelly and two O. R. C. men, called upon the “scab” who is running the Postal office in the Brewster Hotel, and tried to persuade him to close up, but he de- clined, and the matter was turned over to the Trades Assembly, who were in session the same night. We notice a number of the boys got transporta- tion to Freeport to attend the meeting and then failed to put in an appearance. We presume they attended “a meeting,” but of a different nature. This is poor policy. There were eight applications acted upon, which makes our division almost solid. By October 20th we will have all eligible men who are working, in line, except “Old Head” Delano, of Heyworth, and “Square Deal” Whitney, of Wenona. Give these fellows our treasury and they couldn’t divide it between themselves satisfactory to both. The O. R. T. has secured for them since 1901 over $1,030.00 in increased salary, to say nothing of overtime and better working conditions. Our line of news for this month is small, as most of the boys are very backward in sending in the items. We are glad to say that we will have “Shorty” with us again next month. Bro. Lein, of Youngsdale, is taking a vacation, spending it in the neighborhood of Blanchardville, Wis., his old home. Bro. Schlaf, of Charter Grove, spent a few days visiting at Woodford, 111., where his brother is lo- cated, who is also a staunch member. Bro. Sherbert is doing the relief stunt at Charter Grove, going from there to relieve Bro. Starry, who has secured Buckbee nights under bulletin. Bro. F. W. Patterson, of South Elmhurst, has resigned and accepted a position with the Auto Mfg. Co., where he will not have to work Sun- days and legal holidays. The company is making a big change in the in- terlocking plant at South Elmhurst. At the present time the plant is out of commission. The men and material are on the grounds for the new work. Bro. Hunsicker, of West Junction, is laying off for a few weeks, being relieved by Bro. McCann. Telegrapher Hickman is doing the extra stunt at Buckbee. Bro. Bellows relieved Bro. Schilt at Henkel. From there to relieve Bro. Wernsman, of Kerrick, and then to Parkway nights, which he secured under bulletin. While Bro. Schilt was laying off, he relieved Bro. Haman at Monticello for a few weeks. Bro. Haire has returned to work after a rest of two or three weeks. Part of the time was spent at Waubesa Lake. Bro. Sheperd, of Rutland, spent a few days in Chicago. He was relieved by Bro. Collins, who came here from the Wisconsin Central. Bro. B. C. Barber has resigned and is attending school at Lostant. However, he still carries an up-to-date card. For that reason Bro. Howard works him into the service when it comes to a pinch. Bro. Davenport relieved Bro. Foskule at Bloom- ington for three weeks. Bros. Lamboley and Morrison, of Monroe, have had their hands full this week on account of the annual county fair. It would not be wrong to say that Monroe is a very busy point most any time of the year. Local Chairman Kelly is laying off for thirty days, using a week of said time calling on the boys. Bro. Duff, of Madison, has been East, taking in the Jamestown Exposition. Relieved by Mr. Price, of Normal, who has asked for the blanks. Bro. Blunt, of Dill, has been laying off, relieved by Telegrapher Halloway, who is a new man at the business, and will line up as soon as eligible. There have been several changes in the dis- patcher's office, but as the positions have not been filled permanently, we will wait until next month to give the correct line-up. Bro. Shore is visiting in the neighborhood of Washington, D. C., his old home. Bro. Blough got Polo, and Bro. Ireland Dixon under bulletin. The past week has been a boomer as to new mem- bers, the following having taken out cards: L. V. Hamm, of Coleman; S. W. Scott, LaSalle; O. G. Owens, Tonica; J. F. Eickerman, Eldena; M. L. Perry, Normal; H. R. Auftdenspring, Minonk; C C. Nolf, Orangeville, and three others declared their intention of joining within the next week. This will leave us solid with but two exceptions, W. DeLano, of Heyworth, whom we hold up as Digitized by t^ooQle

Page 780

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1757 the “Horrible Example,” and W. Whitney, of Wenona, who will join if we will sign a contract to give him $i in gold for every cent he pays in. Bro. Wheelas is laying off for a few days, and we are sorry to say there is some talk that he is going to leave the service. Bro. W. has always been a live member. Success to hiiA. Coxey. Tennessee Division — A meeting was held in City Hall, Fulton, on September 14, being conducted by General Chair- man Bro. Mulhall, as Bro. Merwin was absent on account of sickness. The gathering consisted of forty-nine enthusiastic members, some of whom came a considerable distance, even riding freight trains to get here. This goes to show how loyal the brothers are to this work. Telegrams of regret at being unable to be in attendance were read from Bros. Shannon and Chance, of St. Louis Division. A number of very important communications were presented by some of the members, same being voted on and turned over to Bro. Mulhall, to be referred to our President, Bro. H. B. Perham. A committee consisting of Bros. Collins, Cos- grove and Allen, was appointed to arrange for the renting of a hall for the purpose of holding regu- lar monthly meetings on the third Saturday of each month. So, brothers, do not forget the time and place — third Saturday of each month in the K. P. Hall, Fulton, Ky. Secure relief and trans- portation and arrange to be present at these meet- ings, as great good must surely come from large and enthusiastic gatherings. Sister M. E. House has secured a sixty-day leave of absence and will visit in Idaho, where she may go to work on the O. S. L. We all join in wishing her a pleasant trip and future success, though we regret to lose her from our midst. Bro. Merwin, our Local Chairman, seems to be quite busy relieving. He has just returned from Medina, where he has been relieving the agent. Bro. Merwin relieved at Newbern by Telegrapher Elsey. Telegrapher Clemmons, from Birmingham, Ala., formerly with Postal at Birmingham, is at present relieving Bro. Oscar Allen at *‘FUM office, Fulton. Bro. T. I. Allen is working extra at Fulton, caused by Bro. McMillon resuming duty nights at New yard, after an extended vacation. Bro. T. P. Beard, formerly New yard days, was appointed regular night man at “FU” office, Fulton. Bro. C. Jackson, formerly Kerrville, is working at Rives nights. Bro. E. R. Dugan, of “FU” office, Fulton, for the past two years, resigned the latter part of August, and I “13” he is going to Chicago. Bro. H. A. Shelton, of Woodstock, was off a few days, visiting relatives at Henderson, Tenn. Bro. Shelton has been acting as agent for the past few days. Chief Dispatcher R. M. Alford has been off for a few days to attend court at Wickliffe, Ky. Bro. Reeves, of Covington days, was lucky enough to land Fulton nights by application. Bro. C. B. Simonton, Covington nights, gets the day job permanently. Bro. H. O. Rogers, former agent at Fowlkes, resigned the agency, and the last heard of him he was working nights at South Forks, relieving Bro. W. E. Barbour, Bro. Barbour going to St. Elmo days. Div. Coe. Louisville Division — The meeting at Central City was called to order at 11 o’clock p. m., Saturday, September 28th, with the following brothers in attendance: E. E. Sailor, Horse Branch; W. R. Stewart, Hans- brough; R. L. Pulliam, Big Clifty; J. D. Proctor, McHenry; W. B. Leach, Extra; L. H. Rogers, East View; A. H. Turner, McHenry; F. D. Murphy, Cecilia; W. C. Durham, Depoy; G. L. McClure, West Point; E. O. Byers, West Point; H. D. Chappel, Horse Branch; H. T. Netherton, Valley; J E Thomas, Caneyville; Geo. Penner, Dugan; C. H. Dewees, Central City; J. C. Camp- bell, Central City; W. H. Daniel, Central City, and Clarence Arnold, a visitor. To begin with, Bros. A. H. Turner, J. D. Proc- tor, L, H. Rogers, F. D. Murphy and W. B. Leach were forced to take a ride on the goat. A very enjoyable experience (for those looking on), after which the regular business of the meeting was taken up, and as there were but few grievances, the meeting adjourned, after a short talk by Bro. Mulhall, our General Chairman, in which he an- nounced that we would likely have Bro. R. L. Shannon with us at our next meeting at Central City. As it is not often that we can have such a dis- tinguished visitor as Bro. Shannon, we would like for all the members of the Louisville and Paducah districts, who can possibly get away from their stations, to attend this meeting. We want at least one man from every station. We regret to say that Bro. D. A. Cole, who has been for some time day telegrapher at Central City yard office, has left the service, and has gone to his old home at Nashville. Bro. W. H. Daniel, night telegrapher at the same office, succeeded Bro. Cole, and Bro. R. B. Stroud filled the vacancy made by Bro. Daniel. Following were the lucky applicants on our last bulletin: Chas. Meacham, Belknap nights; A. Harry Benningfield, Cumberland River days; J. C. Oates, Bakcrsport nights; Benjamin Dame, White Plains nights. Mr. Harmon, our third trick dispatcher between Central City and Paducah, is now off on his va- cation. He is being relieved by Mr. Shepardson. Mr. J. W. Taylor, first trick between Paducah and Cairo, is also off on his vacation, being re- lieved by Bro. Ross G. Bell. Bro. Daniels, of Central City “YD,” is now off on his vacation, and is enjoying his favorite sport, fishing on the “Old Green River.” He is being relieved by Bro. Sisk. We regret to know that Bro. Paul Graham has resigned as night telegrapher at South yard, Pa- ducah. Digitized by u,ooQle

Page 781

1758 The Railroad Telegrapher, Bro. Smith, of Iron Hill, has the misfortune to be in Paducah hospital with the measles, but we hope he will soon be out. Bro. Harris is relieving him at Iron Hill. Bro. Joe Johnson, who has been sick, has re- turned to work, and Bro. Ingram goes to South yard, Paducah. Bro. Copley is off on his vacation, being re- lieved by Bro. Fears. Bro. Parrish, of La Center, is now spending a few days of rest at his country home west of Kevil. Bro. Price has been unable to work for some time on account of the sickness of his wife, but will resume his position at an early date. Bro. Melton is relieving him. Certs. 394 and 1,706, Division Correspondents. Springfield Division — It was our intention to hold regular metings at Clinton, but from the showing made Sunday, the 23d, it seems hardly necessary. If the members do not wish to attend, we may as well discontinue sending out cards of invitation. There is no ex- cuse for not having a good attendance at this point. Presume some will say, “Could not get off,” and if such is the case, I’ll venture the assertion that they did not try very hard, as arrangements have been made for allowing our members to at. end these meetings. We had the enormous attendance of five or six, and I wish to thank those present for their attendance and hope they will come again. Do not wait for some one to start, but get ready and attend. We would like to have these meetings every month, and would like to see all of you out one time. Yours fraternally, A. Lankford, Local Chairman. Members Springfield Division: Bro. C. E. Bowman, of Waggoner, 111., has been appointed Division Correspondent for the Spring- field Division. You should assist him in the work by furnishing any news of interest, as it is im- possible for him to get the news without the co- operation of the members. Get busy and make the Springfield Division look as though there is some life in it. We have been practically dead for several years and need an awakening. Yours fraternally, Cert. 1,186. Chicago Division — Two meetings have been held since the last write-up — at Champaign August 24, and at Kan- kakee September 20. These meetings were very well attended, there being about twenty-five present at each point. However, there is yet considerable room for improvement along that line. The usual routine of business was transacted at each meeting, with some good talks on the side by various brothers. At the meeting at Kankakee, by unanimous vote, it was decided to change the regular monthly meeting nights as follows: At Gilman and Cham- paign the second Saturday nights and at Kankakee the second Friday nights. The next meeting, therefore, will be held at Gilman Saturday night, October 12; next at Champaign November 9, and back to Kankakee December 14, and so on down the line and back again. Remember the dates and secure your tickets before the rush. Bro. Morrison is off for a few days, attending to some business in Iowa, and therefore was unable to be with us at our meeting at Kankakee. Bro. Templin, at Matteson, is off on a vacation. Relieved by Bro. Hubbard, from Paxton nights. At Kankakee “Hn,” Bro. Adams, Morrow and yours truly were each off for a few days in Sep- tember. J. A. Schniderjon, from Rantoul nights, relieving in “Hn” Adams on the car job. Eddie Slingman is off for a few days at present, and Mr. T. H. Murphy will leave about the 25th for a ten days’ outing, which will about end the vacations in “Cd” and “Hn” office. Bro. Krepel, Otto nights, has resigned and accepted a position with the Illinois Terminal at Alton. We wish him success in his new work. Bro. Dugan is back at the old stand at Chebanse after a thirty-day vacation, Bro. C. E. Baugh going to Peotone, relieving Bro. Morrison. Bro. Wolfe is back at Clifton, which lets Bro. O’Connell loose. Dan goes to Thomasboro, reliev- ing Bro. Gilman, who is also off for a vacation. Bro. Traeger, at Dan forth, is off for a few days. Relieved by Bro. Pendergast, from Merna. Bra O O. Potts is working at Merna. Bro. Dugan, a new man from the W. U., h working nights at Paxton while Bro. Hubbard is relieving at Matteson. Hope all the boys enjoyed their vacations. I certainly did mine, but it didn’t last long enough. I will not attempt to give any news from the B. P. & T. District, or the Gilman line, as that is up to the Local Chairman, and I hope they will take care of their territories and see that they are represented in the journal each month. Watch for the next meeting and be there. Div. Cor. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God in His infinite wisdom to call to his last home our brother, C. L. Briggleman; therefore, be it Resolved , That we extend our sympathy to his wife and parents in their great sorrow; and be it further Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Briggleman Division No. 93 has lost a true friend and loyal member, and his wife and parents a loving hus- band and son; 3nd be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be mailed the family, a copy forwarded to The Teleg- rapher for publication, and that our lodge room be draped in mourning at meetings for a period of sixty days. R. L. Shannon, Gen. Sec. & T. G. E. Chance, Chairman St. L. Div. J. W. Cavitt, T. T. Turner, 'Rad Burnett, Committee. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 782

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1759 B. A L. E. Ry. Since the last write-up of the Bessemer notes we are glad to say there has been an increase in the merubrship of Division 51. Th following have had brother attached to their names: E. F. King- don, at Plum Creek; G. G. Boyles, Butler Trans- fer; Edward J. Sweigard, Kremis; Albert J. Las- singer, Houseville; Jesse V. Forrest, Hartstown; James F. Conley, Jr., Adams ville; Alexander Bon- ner, Shenango; and W. S. Filson, Exposition Park. Give them the glad hand when you meet them. Bro. R. H. Law, of Greenville Shops, attended the Jamestown Exposition. Bro. Max Conley, from Exposition Park, has been transferred to Shermansville nights, Adams- ville being closed nights. Bro. C. A. Rood, of Newcastle, called on old friends at Hadly and Greenville a few days re- cently. Mr. John Ray is with us again, working nights at Lynces Junction. Bro. Grant is attending the Jamestown Expo- sition. Bro. Hill has left the service and gone to take a position with the steel company at Sharon for the winter. Bro. J. C. McKay is back at Conneaut Lake after a very busy summer at Exposition Park. Bro. Fred Myers, of Osgood, took his vacation recently, being relieved by Bro. Snyder, a Lake Shore man, from Clark Mills. Bro. Earl Smith, from dispatcher’s office, re- lieved Bro. Newell, from dispatcher’s office, at Albion for a few days. J. S. Faircloth, a C. T. U. A. brother, is work- ing at Meharg nights. Bros. Long and Brooks were in Greenville re- cently. Bro. Long, third trick man at “XB” tower, and Bro. Brooks have exchanged places, as Bro. Long has moved his family to North Bessemer. Bro. T. S. Hughes is taking his vacation, being relieved by Mr. Woodruff, a new man on the road, without a card. Div. Cor. Wheeling & Lake Erie Ry. West End of Toledo Diiision — Bro. F. H. Howe, agent at Curtice, was off on vacation recently. Relieved by Bro. S. P. Aubcry. Mr. R. Spore, yard clerk at Bellevue, is off on vacation, office force having to double for relief. Bro. W. W. Dunn, nights at Bellevue, is off on vacation. Relieved by Bro. L. E. Vickers. Bro. Dunn returns to relieve Bro. W. E. Lyons on account of being called to Buffalo on important business. Bro. Lyons goes from Buffalo to his home in the East to spend a few days with his parents. Mr. H. C. Fry, owl at “RK,” Huron Junction, is taking a vacation and moving to Norwalk, which place he will make his future home. Re- lieved by Bro. H. W. Withers. Bro. Van Ness, days at “RK,” Huron Junction, is taking a vacation, F. P. Ferris relieving. Bro. C. A. Kuntz returned to work at “HX,” Huron, after fifteen days’ vacation. Mr. D. M. Hunter has been transferred from “HX,” Huron nights to Clarksfield nights. Mr. Hunter has signed up. Expect to call him brother soon. Bro. O. E. Allen returned to “WN,” Pawnee nights, after a few days’ rest. Bro. H. W. Aswalt, “OR” Orville, is off, sick. Bro. Monbarron has resigned and gone to the B. & O. We all wish him success in his new field. Mr. Kronberger, of Warrenton, has left the service. Can not say where he has gone. Bro. McCarty, Sherwood, is on the sick list. Hope he will soon be with us again. Bro. W. Bligh is doing the owl act. The Loraine branch of the W. & L. E. opened up about the 15th. I “13” there are three or four good positions on this new division. We hope some worthy brothers landed them. I am sorry to hear that some of our brothers are not using the C. T. U. of A. brothers as they should. I think they should be treated as brothers and be given the glad hand. They are not only helping themselves in this strike, but they are helping us also. If this strike is won, it will be a good and grand old battle for the whole telegraph fraternity. Our Local Chairman, Bro. Niswanger, from “AK,”* Oak Harbor, made a trip over the road the 2 1 st, and gave everybody the glad hand. The news relative to securing overtime for the meal hour thankfully received, and I was pleased to hear all the owls asking for it. Now, don’t be “bamboozled,” get your hour when it is time — 11 p. m. to 1 a. m. If you don’t get it, be sure and send in the overtime slip and get your two-bits, which you are entitled to. Don’t take short hours. Take sixty minutes. The officials have signed the schedule and expect to pay you for every dinner hour you work; so it is up to you to take the trouble to make out the overtime slip. I hear the nons along the road are up and doing on the new schedule, all right. Hear them ask- ing out for meals, and when they are refused they bawl out “two-bits for me.” I should think they would say that up their sleeves so no one would hear them, or get in line. Div. Cor. , Norfolk & .Western Railway. It has already been announced through the col- umns of our valuable journal that I was elected as system correspondent for System Division No. 14. Since that time I have secured the following brothers as assistants from their respective divi- sions, all of whom have entered into the work with a great deal of enthusiasm: W. M. Jaynes, Scioto Division, Hamden Junction; O. F. H. Hughes, Simmons, W. Va. ; Chas. Wilson, Singer, Va. ; J. M. Wise, Shcpherdstown, W. V’a. Assist- ants from the Norfolk Divisions have not yet been appointed, unless it was done at the Crewe meet- ing, of which I have not yet received a report ; however, I am sure that we will be able to secure a good man on this division, and will be able to Digitized by c.ooQle

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1760 The Railroad Telegrapher. give a good report from the N. & W. system each month. This is something that we have needed for a long time, and I trust that we will be greatly benefited by the articles furnished from each divi- sion. I also want to ask the membership as a whole to take part in this work. Do not leave it all for your division correspondent, but send him notes, from time to time, of any changes, or items of news that will be of interest; also express your views on the different subjects, as they are brought up. It affords me pleasure to announce that Bro. D. D. Leslie, formerly agent at Houston, Va., has been advanced to the position of cashier and direc- tor of the Bank of Halifax. Bro. Leslie is still carrying his “up-to-date,” and expresses his inten- tion of continuing to do so. Anything that we can do for the advancement of Bro. Leslie’s inter- ests will be our duty, and he will also be glad to see any of our men at any time they can make it convenient to call on him. He was very pleasantly entertained for a few days recently by our general chairman, Bro. C. E. Layman, of Troutville, Va. I wish to take this opportunity of expressing to the officers and members of Division 14 my appre- ciation of the confidence reposed in me by electing me as system correspondent, and while I feel that I am incompetent to fill so responsible a position, with the hearty co-operation of the capable assist- ants I have so far been able to secure, I trust that I will handle this part of the work to the entire satisfaction of all, and will pledge you my very best efforts. Fraternally, M. G. Harper, System Cot. Scioto Division — N. & W. System Division convened in Carpen- ters’ Hall, Portsmouth, Saturday evening, August 17th, Bro. Layman presiding. The meeting was of unusual interest, with a good attendance from all divisions, particularly the Valley and Big Sandy. “Tad Pole and Pea Vine” not so well represented, due, in a great measure, to train service being unfavorable to many who would have otherwise been present. We have many good members on these divisions, and hope that they will be able to arrange to be present at future meetings. Many items of vital interest were taken up and ably discussed, among the rest, the handling of U. S. mail at some stations, w&ich we have always claimed should be taken off our men for the good of the service. The question is always being asked: “Why don’t you answer your call?” Uncle Sam wants to knew why you do not handle his mail more promptly. We are ever thereby between two fires, from which there is no possible way of escape. The question of which is of most importance to our company is not for us to answer. However, in justice to all concerned, we think the handling of U. S. mail responsible for too many delays, and only those who have this to handle can expla'n conditions and time taken from the key (notwith- standing there is no pay roll covering mail service). Our dispatchers were not noticed as numerously in the bunch as we would like. While their duties are very strenuous at the present time, we would be pleased to have every one who possibly can at- tend the meetings. Acquaintance leads to friendship, and pleasant co-operation in the work in general toward im provement in the service, which will undoubtedly lead to more prompt train movement, thereby giv- ing our company the benefit of our pleasant social relations. Brothers, do your full duty, and come to the meetings. Carrying a card is not all that is required. Bro. Kyle was present in search of a new supply of application blanks to attach the few worthy nons to Division 14. He reports six new ones ready with their coin to buy new cards. If the new ap- plicants are made up from the revised non list, we think this should be an appeal to what few remain to unite with their craftsmen in their struggle for bread. How can they accept a union wag? scale, offer naught in return, and knock the Order at every opportunity? The principle involved in this matter is noticed and commented on by all good citizens. If you prefer union wage scales to non- union (not considering the working conditions and protection), why not do the right thing in the mat- ter, and get a new up-to-date, and stand with the majority, who are responsible for the wage scale and working conditions you are taking the benefit of today? This was only secured by many years of hard work and expense, manifestly due to the O. R. T. officials, as well as a good live member- ship. Officers of our company, who are always willing to meet us half-way on all reasonable ques- tions, will think far more of you for exhibiting good, manly union principles. Bro. Watts, our genial and worthy chairman from the east end, reports everything moving har- moniously under his jurisdiction, and that offices that have been made vacant by transfers, have been advertised. It is whispered that there is now and then a student in our midst in spite of what has been done and said about it at different times. Now. brothers, our “hobo” is on the pike, and he pro- poses to find out who the guilty parties arc, and deal with them according to our constitution. He is a prowler 'day and night, and pretty hard to fool If you have a student you had better be sure your papers are properly signed up. The boys along the line are taking vacations, and it is simply impossible to tell who all of them are. Almost all have been relieved on the Cincinnati District, and a few on the Valley, we expect, will have been relieved in time to take in the “J'111 Town” Exposition. W’e note with pleasure that quite a number of men are being let out “on the green” an hour or two on Sunday. This is quite a favor on the part of our dispatchers, and a fulfillment of our agree- ment that is not enjoyed on many other lines. It is certainly true that all railroad officials do not have the same feeling for their men as do the officials of the N. & W., which attributes largely to Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1761 their rapidly gaining popularity in handling freight and passenger business. Division 14 has gained a member frdta Division 74 in the person of Bro. Frank D. Knowlton. Bro. Knowlton comes with an "up-to-date,” and well recommended. Bro. Williams, at McDennott, has recovered, after a serious illness; being relieved by Bro. Clardy for a period of five weeks. Bro. R. H. Chitwood has been appointed agent at Crumm, W. Va., vice Bro. L. A. Powell, trans- ferred to Joice avenue, Columbus. On bulletin Mr. E. S. Ward appointed agent at Chattaray, W. Va., vice R. W. Hobson, trans- ferred. With the exception of a few, all have remitted for the current term dues. In view of the fact we are nearing the time for our general committee to get active in schedule matters, every member should do his full duty by remitting at once, and ascertaining how the man stands that works next to him. See that your cards are of the proper color and dating. Business of our division can net be conducted on wind alone, although it is true a certain amount of wind is necessary. Come in with your share of the work, and see that it is well done. Also petition your neighbor for membership, and when your committee looks down the line and finds it solid, it will encourage them to put forth their best efforts to better our condition. It is also a guarantee of good service to our company, whose officials do not deliberate on payment of good wages if service is rendered accordingly. Bear this in mind, and see how many of us can come out May 1, 1908, with a thirty -day credit entry, indicating service rendered during the year. Bro. J. E. Highlands, who does the owl trick at Sardinia, Ohio, is viewing the wireless apparatus at the Jamestown Exposition during his fifteen days’ vacation. He is being relieved by Mr. Ha- zelback. Bro. W. M. L. Grace, of Lucasvllle, Ohio, spent his vacation at West Side Park, near Portsmouth, Ohio, with young friends from Cincinnati and St. Louis, Mo., tempting the finny tribe. Bro. U. G. Chambers, of Hanging Rock, Ohio, is visiting near Higbys. Relief Agent Clardy hand- ling the ore and molten metal during his absence. Bro. W. A. Hazeiback, agent at Otwan, Ohio, has proven himself an inventive genius, having re- cently secured a patent on a grave vault, which promises to be a good one. The achievement is one of merit, and we hope for its success. With regret we chronicle the sudden death of Mr. Frank Collins, of Sardinia, Ohio, which oc- curred September 13th. Mr. Collins has kept our semaphores and order signals in proper condition for a number of years. His widow and family has our sympathy in their bereavement. Bro. Benton Moses, agent at Wayne, W. Va., was severely shocked by a bolt of lightning running into the office while he was working during a storm, but has recovered sufficiently to resume duty. A decided reduction is promised in our non list within the next thirty days. To those who are on this list; Don’t procrastinate. It is hardly possi- ble for so many to be in the wrong, and so few in the right. Those who are worthy are always wel- come, and our division chairman has a nice new let of applications. This reduction will be hailed with delight, and the right hand of fellowship extended to the new candidates. We hope these few notes will serve to create re- newed interest in our division. Do not leave the task of gathering items entirely with your corre- spondent. You are, one and all, most earnestly requested to drop him any items of interest from your locality, thereby greatly helping in this woik, which is for the benefit of all. Div. Cor. Radford Division — The present movement of N. & W. System Divi- sion in appointing a system correspondent with an assistant from each division, will result in great good to our system, we hope. It has always seemed strange to us, indeed, with as many bright men as we have, and all of them "pen-pushers” (as all telegraphers naturally are), that we are so infrequently represented in our journal. Brothers, let’s awaken and make the N. & W. take the lead advocating the reforms we think most important to the Order. If you think you haven’t the time to write on any subject, send your ideas to the divi- sion or the system correspondent, and they will be glad to either write it up for you or send it in as you have written it. It will soon be time for a new agreement, or for the revision of the ol 1 one. Let every one who can attend the meetings do so, and make your wants known. Don’t stay away and then censure your committee because they do not secure all you think they should, when you have not attended a meeting nor written a line for The Telegrapher. What will the agreement be if they all follow your example? There is very little happening of local interest. Some minor changes among the men, which is not worth giving. The company has installed the block system on the "P. D.” (between Radford and Bristol), thus making thirteen new positions; all at night, except days at Melborn. This will increase the number of telegraphers. We are glad to see the S. V. Division reducing its nons. It will soon have no non list. Hope all the others will have as few, but if we get wages up to $100 per month there are some hogs (if a hog is not a more decent animal), who will have the same excuse that they can not spare the money, or do not make enough. Cert. 231. Shenandoah Division — As we are to have a general write-up of the sys- tem each month, we want Xp wake up and let all the brothers know the good old Shenandoah Divi- sion is still in existence. She is the most solid organized division on the system, and for this reason should think she deserves a good write-up each month. Now that we have this matter mov- ing, let’s keep it going by giving our hearty co- operation to our system correspondent, which will help him very much. The most important thing which has happened on this division lately is the Digitized by t^ooQle

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1762 The Railroad Telegrapher. distribution of the new train order signal. This is a relief for which the boys have been watching and waiting for a long time, and we hope to see them up and in operation in the near future. This signal will cut climbing an iron ladder with the thermometer five degrees below zero. Bro. G. Z. Abrahims, agent at Buena Vis* a, has just resumed duty after a thirty days’ vacation. Bros. Spedden and Wise, of Shepherdstown, took vacations in August, one going to Atlantic City and the other to Jimtown. The first and second tricks at Glasgow were bid off a short time ago. “13” Bro. Alwin gets first and Bro. Cullen second. They are both good eight-hour tricks, and hope the boys will like them. The agencies at Pine Hall and Front Royal, also second and third trick, “UD” office, and "MF,” nights, are on the bulletin at this time. Don’t know who the lucky ones will be. The new second tricks at Rippon, Charlestown and Shepherdstown, which were put on in June, are good eight-hour jobs. Bro. Bragg bid in Rippon, Bro. Shacklett Charlestown, and Bro. Wise Shepherdstown. Bros. Biedler and Probst are doing the relief stunts at this time. Bro. Biedler is now at Stanley, and Bro. Probst at Front Royal. With these exceptions all is quie/ along the Potomac. J. M. W. N. Y., C. & St. L. Ry. First District — At this writing everything points to victory for our brothers of the C. T. U. of A. Their mode of warfare for better conditions is meeting the ap- proval of the entire labor world, and if they “stick” to their present course, they are bound to win. We are pleased to note the attitude of our organi- zation in this struggle. Any sane man can readily see it is the most logical policy to pursue. Our local chairmen are now very busy canvass- ing the line and gathering in the few non-ini mbers who have lately come among us. We now have a 90 per cent membership, and hope to make it 100 per cent strong during the coming month. Changes have been made in dispatcher’s office, Conneaut, and Bro. Parrish is again on the east end string. With Dispatchers Parrish, Giddings and Benja- min as a battery, we think we can keep them mov- ing this fall and winter. We expect every man in dispatcher’s office who has not already got one, to have an up-to-date card by the time this reaches you. It is rumored Dispatcher Benjamin expects to leave the service soon on account of ill-health. We hope that his health will improve, and that he will remain with us. Mr. Benjamin has endeared himself to every telegrapher on the Eastern Divi- sion by his courteous manner and fair treatment of fellow workmen. This, coupled with a thor- ough knowledge of train dispatching, makes his services indispensable to the railroad company. Our general chairman announces that the tem- porary rule relative to advertising positions, will be continued in force for ninety days from August 1st which will show the result of three advertis- ings. This has been decided upon owing to a mis- understanding in the application of the instruc- tions given the chief dispatchers, and with a view of getting a fair idea of the working out of the ruling. Brocton, day and night, and West End double track, nights, will be bulletined soon as Bro. Pierce reports for duty. Bro. Weatherup returned from L. S. & M. S.. and is working at Westfield, nights. There is a good opportunity at present time for the older night men to get day positions that are being bulletined. Remember, boys, these jobs go to the oldest bidder, and no change will b^ made after the telegrapher has been regularly as signed to the position. Through the efforts of our general committee a good many of the boys were granted twelve days’ vacation, with full pay, this summer. The teleg- raphers should appreciate this recognition of long years of service, and every effort made to show the railroad management they appreciate it by giv- ing the best possible service in return. Bro. S. S. Brown, who has been working days at Brocton for the last several weeks, has ob- tained a leave of absence and gone to his old home in Georgia. Bro. O. F. Pierce, day man at Brocton, has re- turned to duty after an extended vacation. Bro. Henry Wiser has been transferred from Lo- rain to the west end of double track, Dunkirk. Bro. John J. Morrissey, formerly telegrapher in the Western Union office at Chicago, has accepted a position with the Nickel Plate. Bro. C. II. Smith, day man at Angola, has re- turned from a vacation trip to Canada. Div. Coa. C. of G. Ry. Savannah Dhision — Owing to the many changes we have been unable to keep tab on them. If some of you good brothers would lend a helping hand, we could have a good write-up from this division every month, but there are “too many depending on the other man.’’ Bro. B. O. Edwards, who has been at Milledge ville for some time, transferred to Mr. Carsile’s office at Macon; relieved by Bro. A. C. McKinley, of the Georgia Railroad. Bro. B. J. Moore bid in the Halcyondale agency. The change has not been made yet. Bro. B. R. Bloodworth, who has been working the trick during the chief’s absence, is back at old No. 8. Our chief, Mr. C. E. Scarborough, who has been off on a few days' vacation, was relieved by Mr. A. O. McDonald. Bro. Stephenson, our general chairman, came to Savannah this month with intention of going over the road to see the men, but owing to serious illness in his family, was called home before he made much headway. Owing to Bro. Stephenson going into other business, Bro. T. F. Hemminger, of Guyton, has Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1763 been elected general chairman. We regret very much to lose Bro. Stephenson, but think Bro. Hemminger will fill the chair to the entire satis- faction of all. We. learn some of our boys are having trouble working with the “scabs" in “S" office. If the boys don’t come down to about five or ten per, space good and long, slow, good, easy stuff, like teaching telegraphy, Mr. Scab will fly in on you and give you a good gentle “cussing." We under- stand he is like a convict, can “cuss" you; but he is so protected you can’t do anything to him. But look out when you go to receive one. He will melt the wire on you, and if you can’t stand the strain, he will report it refused. Quite a nice idea to get the railroad telegraphers connected with the strike. It is pretty well known over the system that none of the boys want to work with them, but are simply trying to live up to instructions. From what I can learn the boys are not refus- ing business, neither are they drumming for it. We hope by the time this appears in print, the strike of the C. T. U. of A. will be a thing of the past. Understand some few of our members have not responded to the appeal. This matter is very im- portant, and each of you who have not, should re- mit at once. They need the money now. It won’t be necessary to call on you after the strike is over. Cert. 3. Chicago Great Western Ry. W. M. & P. Division— By the time this reaches you the general com- mittee will be in St. Paul conferring with the management regarding a revision of our schedule. It is hoped that every member has sent in the spe- cial remittance and also the information blanks. We understand that some of the boys do not know the reason for the levy of this special assessment, they being under the impression that the semi- annual dues should take care of this. For the benefit of all who do not understand this, I will say that at the last meeting of the division the treasurer reported a balance in the treasury which was not sufficient to take care of our committee, and it was therefore necessary to levy the special assessment. It is thought, however, that after this year the semi-annual dues will be entirely adequate to take care of all expenses. So, boys, if you haven’t sent in your special do it at once. We are pleased to report that Levermen Besekc and Grothe, of Waterville, and Gatje, of Roches- ter, carry up-to-dates. These gentlemen have been members for some time, but their names just re- cently reached your correspondent. We take this opportunity to extend to these brothers a some- what tardy, perhaps, but none the less hearty and sincere welcome. Agent Emerson, of Waterville, off a few days in the interest of his patent car mover and seals; relieved by Mr. Temanson. Bro. Potter, of Winona agent’s office, on an ex- tended vacation; relieved by Mr. L. W. Parsons, an up-to-date C. T. U. of A. man. Mr. Parsons was off on his vacation at the time the strike was called. Bro. Potter expects to take in the West, and perhaps invest in a fruit ranch out there. Bro. C. L. Despard, recently night telegrapher at Rochester, but at present employed by the N. P., at Motley, Minn., was shaking hands with old friends lately. Charley thinks there is no place like the “jack-pine" country. Mr. A. M. Temanson has taken Rochester nights. A dance given at LeRoy, October 4th, for the benefit of the striking C. T. U. members, was well attended, and a goodly sum cleaned up for them. We take this opportunity of thanking the boys along the line who, by their efforts, aided us very ma- terially in making this event a success. F. N. Meyers, Division 23. C. A. Blktheh, Division 96. Before another month has passed the business of our committee will have been finished, and the result of their efforts made known to all. There are still a number of nons on this division who will be as eager to hear the news of our suc- cess as we ourselves, and who will grasp that lit- tle increase in wages just as quickly (and hang on to it, oh, so tightly) as any of us. Then, brothers, is the time to strike the nail on the head. Some of them will be inclined to crawl back into the old rut just as soon as they feel the money in their pockets, and sleep until another commit- tee goes in. This is just what we want to prevent. The man who will accept the good things the O. R. T. has been handing out year after year, and not do anything to help himself, is hardly worthy of the name. I venture to say that if each mem- ber will make a decided effort to land some non, we can have a division nearly 100 per cent strong by January 1, 1908. Our local chairman, Bro. Potter, will be absent for about two months, and let us see how many new faces we can have to greet him when he re- turns. Div. Cor. Queen A Crescent Route (North). In the absence of a write-up on this system for last two months, it is, I believe, conceded by many of the brothers that we are growing very neglectful of our duties, which, of course, can not te denied. There is not a member of Division 62 but looks forward to the arrival of The Teleg- rapher each month with the expectancy of seeing a good article, and when we strain our weary eyes for about thirty minutes and fail to find our divi- sion represented, it is no more than natural that we are very much disappointed. So let’s remedy this trouble at the next meeting by electing some good, energetic brother as correspondent, with a sufficient number of helpers from each division. Seventeen members attended the meeting at Somerset August 24th. Many questions of im- portance were discussed and every one went away feeling he had been greatly benefited. The most successful meeting ever held on this system to date was called to order at 9 p. m., September 21st, at Chattanooga, Bro. J. W. Col- Digitized by t^ooole

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1764 The Railroad Telegrapher. lins presiding. There were present twenty- seven Q. & C. members, one from the Central of Georgia, five from the Southern Ry. and four C. T. U. A. visitors, making a total of thirty-seven. After the usual ceremony, everybody proceeded to business. Discussions of all current topics were in order. A speech in behalf of the C. T. U. A. men was made by T. G. Erwin, of the local Chattanooga office. Bro. Z. L. Myers made a talk on “Our Duties Toward L. & N. Brothers," which will be found under the above heading in this month's journal. Bros. Hines, Meadows, Stone, Thomp- son, and many others made short talks for the good of the Order. No doubt the star attraction of the evening was the strong plea of General Chairman Bro. J. W. Collins, who spoke for nearly an hour, upon the conditions that exist on this Astern. Bro. Collins certainly was the orator of the day, and proved to every one of his hearers his true position upon the subjects in discussion. Next meeting to be held at Lexing- ton September 28th. The General Committee was very successful in securing raises of from $2.50 to $10.00 per month, besides a fine set of rules, effective August 1st. Every one seems to be well pleased with the schedule and haven’t heard of any one refusing the increase, not even the nons, and basing my opinion upon the stand they have taken in this great question, it seems they would. To get this, brothers, the division incurred a heavy expense, and to reimburse the treasury, each member was assessed $2.00, which is a very small per cent of the increase received. It seems that every one who has not already done so would come across. To you nons, though but few are numbered in your ranks, the invitation is still extended. Why delay? Why remain out of the fold longer and refuse to uphold, to indorse something that has built our profession to one of such vast im- portance? You can not think for a minute, teleg- raphers, without the organization, could have com- manded the attention of the National Congress in passing the nine-hour law; besides many State laws of the same character have been passed. We, in Kentucky, hope to have the same bill before the next legislature, which meets in January. Nons, think of what your condition would have been had not others helped you, and do the neces- sary by filling out blanks, which are available at all times. Several transfers last month, among them, Bro. C. E. Gardner, Erlanger nights, to agency at Wilmore. Bro. J. W. Collins, freight office at Lexington, to agency at Nicholasville. Relieved by Bro. K. C. Gardner. Bro. E. M. Caldwell, Wilmore, to agency at Blanchet. Bro. B. J. Sullivan, “XN” tower, to “RX" office nights. Relieved by Bro. Traugott. Bro. W. O. Bastin to agency at Science Hill, to succeed Bro. W. A. Wallace, deceased. Bro. M. J. McGuirk to McLean Ave. nights, pn bulletin. We regret exceedingly to hear of the tragic death of Agent Vandivier, of Kings Mountain, who was murdered September 19th, by a drunken man named Watts. Understand there was no con- troversy between them at all. The murderer was landed in jail a few hours after the crime was committed, to await the trial for murder in the first degree. "Van" was one of the best agents on the line and claimed many friends on the Q. & C. Shewmaker, of Moreland, took charge of the remains. The funeral was held at Harrods* burg on the 21st. Brothers, it is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved brother, Wil- liam A. Wallace, of Science Hill, Ky., at St Joseph’s Hospital, Lexington, Ky., on September 5th. Bro. Wallace leaves a loving wife, a kind and affectionate mother and father, several brothers and sisters, besides a host of friends who mourn his loss. A number of the Lexington brothers called on him during his last illness and offered every assistance possible, for which he was very grateful, and expressed his desire that the O. R. T. take charge of his funeral, which was done. He seemed to realize that death was inevitable, and it is very encouraging to say that he was prepared to answer his call from that “Great and Good Dispatcher." The funeral ser- vices were held at the First Baptist Church, Rev. Blake, assisted by Bishop Burton, officiating. There were thirteen brothers present, of which the following were pall bearers: W. E. Hines, A. B. Willison, W. B. Compton, T. H. Conway, J. W. Collins, K. C. Gardner, B. J. Sullivan, and Z. L. Myers. Other brothers present were J. W. Bailey, George O’Neal, J. N. Elliott, H. Dumas, and W. J. Brell. In the absence of Chief Telegrapher Bro. Ison, Bro. Collins officiated as Chief Telegrapher in the ceremony at the grave. The O. R. T. presented a beautiful floral piece. It is regretted very much that more of the brothers were not present. Z. Y. X. Bangor A Aroostook Ry. Now that the season is on, there will be lots doing in the game districts, and our brothers in these places will have their hands full until the middle of December. There seems to be quite a few positions up for bid at present. Men are very scarce. There are probably fourteen or fifteen booked for vacations who can not get relief. How easy it would be to overcome all this if the railroad companies would pay the salaries they should. Bro. Leighton has bid in Greenville freight job, but at this writing is still relieving at Norcross. Bro. Taylor has been put on the relief corps and is relieving at Stacyville. Bro. Price is relieving Bro. Donoghue at Sher- man. Bro. H. L. Snowman, who has recently been re- lieving Bro. Larkin, has gone to Winterport to relieve for two weeks. “13" Bro. Mclnnis, formerly at Stacyville, is StgtiQped at Webster, op tfie Maine Central. Brq. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1765 Thompson, formerly of Schoodic, also has em- ployment on the Maine Central. Bro. Gaffney, from the New Haven, is doing the relief stunt at Schoodic, Bro. Bowley still holding down the owl trick. Bro. Lawrence, at West Seboois, certainly has his hands full this summer, and has been promised an assistant, but am unable to say at this date whether or not he has got one. What have the boys on this pike been doing toward helping out our commercial brothers? Help them all you can; it will never be regretted. Bro. Kelley, of “KX” office, is enjoying a month’s vacation. Bro. Johnston is doing the stunt there while he is away. Mr. Wood is working days at Searsport. Bro. Whitmore, of Stockton, is off on an ex- tended vacation, being relieved at present by Mr. Mosher. Bro. Mayo, of “BR,” was away for a few days recently. Relieved by Bro. Whitmore, his freight clerk. Mr. Powell, assistant at Easton, was away for two weeks, his place being filled by Bro. Bigelow. Bro. Burpee took a day off recently and en- joyed a little fishing trip. Well, boys, once more, send me a few notes when you. can. Div. Coe. Boston & Maine Ry. Connecticut River Division — Bro. McLeod, formerly night owl at Bemards- ton. Mass., has bid in the day job in the Fitch- burg yard, at Bellows Falls. There are a few nons left on this division. Get after them, and bring them into the fold. Bro. Hicks, of Ashuelot, has returned to work, after enjoying a three weeks’ vacation. Bros. Taylor and Wheeler, of the passenger divi- sion, are acting as relief agents on this division. We would be pleased to keep them here, as they both carry up-to-date cards. Just one man left on the Ashuelot branch who is not a member. P. S. Flint, now acting night owl at South Ver- non, and D. H. Mack, relief telegrapher, are now enjoying the pleasure of carrying up-to-date cards. Daniel Henry Hall, formerly of South Vernon, bid in the day trick at “BO” office, Brattleboro, re- cently made vacant by the resignation of Mrs. Freeman, who has left the service. Bro. Winnewiser, formerly of Bellows Falls, is now working for the N. V., N. H. & H. R. R. Our new assistant superintendent, Mr. Ford, from the passenger division, comes very highly recommended, and has the reputation of being a just man. Now let us all join hands and do the best we can to make things pleasant on our divi- sion for him, and we will surely lose nothing by it. Our past assistant superintendent, G. L. R. French, now superintendent of the Terminal Divi- sion, was every inch a gentleman, and we all listed to lose him. All matters that were brought before him were adjusted satisfactorily. Cut. 55- B. & O. Ry. C. & N. Division — We are indeed very sorry to announce the loss sustained by Bro. Holcumb in the death of his father, a man of mature years and one who was much loved and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Bro. Holcomb has, in- deed, suffered an irreparable loss, and I can as- sure him the membership of this division extends to himself and family their heartfelt sympathy in this sad hour of bereavement. Another month has passed and gone, and what have we done for the grand old O. R. T. ? Have we done our level best on this division? I hope so, but the results are not of the most flattering nature. Now, brothers, let each and every member of Division 33 delegate himself a committee of one to see that the good work goes steadily forward, and that the principles of O. R. T.-ism predomi- nate. If they do I’ll tell you our officials will have little cause to regret that the telegraphers of this system are organized. Do all you possibly can by friendly persuasion to bring the desirable non-members into our grand old Order. Be a brother to those who are In the Order, and if they err occasionally (which most of us do), tell them of it in a quiet and gentlemanly way. Do not resort to abuse. We all have a conscience and feeling, and a good American citizen will not stand for abuse. Unjust censure should be the farthest from our minds. Remember, brothers, we are all banded together for common cause, and we are in duty bound to live up to our obligations, re- gardless of what our petty grievances and short- comings are. Be not too quick to find fault with others. There certainly must be some reason for a non not coming into the Order. Can you find out what that reason is? Many times we do not all look at the cause in the same light. If we could by some way show our friend the other side of the cause it might not look so bad, and would lead to his conversion. It at least is worth our while trying. Whatever our shortcomings . may be, do not let it be said we are dead ones when it comes to soliciting membership for our grand Order. Be up and doing. The O. R. T. has already done much for the telegraphers of our system, as well as all other railroad systems in this country. Fur- thermore, it is capable of not only doing as well in the future, but a great deal more if we be- come thoroughly organized and follow up the law laid down in our constitution, and are true to our obligation. An incident occurred on this division a few weeks ago when Bro. Holcumb, of “SJ,” desired to get off to attend bis father’s funeral, which I feel is worthy of mention: There seemed to be some difficulty in locating the extra man, when Bro. Phillips, of “H,” volunteered to double in case they could not locate him. Offers of this sort, brothers and friends, are commendable, and should abide in the hearts of all of us. It certainly is a step in the right direction, and does much to ce- ment the fraternal feeling that should exist among us, and the spirit we should, indeed, all strive to emulate. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1766 The Railroad Telegrapher. Who said we never held a meeting? Brothers, (those of you who were not there), if you had been at Newark the evening of the 15th of last month, you would have thought we had a meeting, and one right up-to-date. There was but one thing to interfere with the serenity of it, that being the indisposition of Bro. Fry, who was suffering with a severe case of sick headache. We should feel proud of the attendance, espe- cially the good turn-out from the C. & N. Division. I am quite sure the officers were. This is the only way to have an enthusiastic and profitable meeting, brothers. Turn out and discuss things that are worthy of discussion. I am quite sure all who were in attendance felt they were the better for being present; notwith- standing we did not get our full quota of rest. Attending meetings means getting closer together, the opportunity of becoming better acquainted and understanding one another, and the wants of vari- ous divisions, and what is best for the masses. That in itself counts for a great deal. Brothers, we are bound together for a common cause. Let us all attend the next meeting. It cer- tainly is gratifying for one to listen when our worthy chairman calls for remarks under “good of the Order.” It reminds one of an old-fashioned Methodist experience meeting. We were very sorry to hear that Bro. How was at that time still on the sick list. We all extend our warmest sympathy to our brother during his illness, and wish him a speedy recovery, and the enjoyment of perfect health once more. I solicit the co-operation of the brothers in this work. Do not forget the old adage: Many can help one, where one can not help many. Anything you may contribute will help along in this work, and I am sure will be highly appreci- ated. Your contributions should be forwarded to Bro. Fry not later than the 15th of each month to reach me in time to put in shape for our edi- tion. Div. Coa. Wheeling Division — I will endeavor to chronicle the important events which have transpired on the Wheeling Division since the last write-up. We have had two meetings in the last month; the first was attended by about twenty brothers who spent a very interesting even- ing, and enjoyed the same to the utmost. That meeting will be long remembered on account of the presence of Dispatcher Bro. O. B. Craft and Cop- ier Bro. E. F. Gannon, of the Wheeling office. We would be happy to see more of the dispatchers at our meetings, as their presence will induce some of the weaker members to put in an appearance. Bro. Gannon, being an old-timer, was able to give us many valuable pointers, which were duly appre- ciated. Bro. Craft assured us that although the dispatchers were unable to attend our meetings as regularly as they wished, they were with us heart and soul. Bro. W. Carr was with us at this meeting, as well as our local chairman, Bro. A. G. Youst, whom we were certainly glad to see after an ab- sence of over a year. Altogether it was a successful meeting. Our other meeting was held at the same old stand on September aad, and was well at- tended, Bro. Van Atta being present. Several new faces were in sight, which was very encouraging. Hope they will come again. Bro. Craft sent me the news from the dispatch- er’s office, which is as follows: Mr. F. C. Moran, our chief dispatcher, has taken a well-earned vaca- tion. Night chief, C. H. Bonneson relieved Mr. Moran; being relieved in turn by Dispatcher Bro. Walter L. Cockrel. Dispatcher Bro. O. E. Cor- coran now holds the first trick on the north end, Bro. O. B. Craft the second trick, and Bro. W. C. Degan the third trick. Extra Dispatcher Bro. M. B. Rickey relieved Bro. Degan on the east end on account of the force being crippled by Bros. R. A. Shields and C. O. Battin taking a rest Relief Dispatcher Bro. C. A. Lovejoy is at pres- ent copying nights and making out reports. Bro. J. E. Rickey will leave in a day or two on his vacation; being relieved by his brother, M. B. Rickey. Bro. O. B. Craft will leave on his vacation on the return of Bro. J. E. Rickey. Bro. Craft will make quite a tour, stopping a few days at Lynch- burg, Va., a few days at the Jamestown Exposi- tion, and from there to Atlantic City. Since the Western Union and Postal strike has been on Division Operator Bro. T. F. Corcoran has been well supplied with telegraphers, and has hired several, among them Sister Miss Edna Bane, who is at present relieving Bro. Boyce while the latter is off on vacation. I am glad to be able to report that Bro. Roy * Fetty, of Glover Gap, is again able to be about, and will soon resume work. Bro. F. I. Fulton, of Moundsville, is enjoying the salt water of Atlantic City, and will go from there to the Exposition. Bro. Leo Shivlin and wife spent a two weeks’ vacation in Cleveland with friends. Bro. L. R. Sigler is at present holding the chair at Moundsville nights. Bro. W. E. Smith bid in Burton nights. Bro. Shewbridge bid in third trick, Cameron. Bro. N. E. Little bid in Narrows, third trick. A new office has been opened at Boggs Run cut. Bro. Harry Zimmerman, first trick at Cameron, is off on his vacation; being relieved by second trick man, Bro. Shivlin. Understand there are to be seven more offices opened for the third man as soon as the men can be found. This looks good to us, and hope we will not be disappointed. Bro. E. C. Deegan, of “WR” tower, days, has been furloughed for six months, and is now eat- ing tropical fruit in Southern California. Sister A. R. McGuire spent her vacation at the Jamestown Exposition. Bro. Clyde Mallotte was checked in at Benwood Junction a few days ago as agent and telegrapher. Bro. W. M. Queen, third trick man at Narrows, was off duty quite a while last month on account of sickness. Am glad to see him around again, and able to send news from the other end of the line. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1767 Bro. C. H. Mitchell, at Bridgeport, has had con- siderable trouble with his left leg, but has been able to remain on duty. Bro. C. G. Pratt got St. Clairs ville Junction, third trick, by bulletin. Bro. B. W. Mullett, of Schick, has taken a fifteen-day lay-off to visit friends and relatives in the East. Bro. Freeman, of the yard office, Holloway, left us for the Wild West. Sorry to see him go. Am unable to say who relieved Bro. Freeman. Bro. F. S. Jackson, of the west end, Holloway, has resigned his position to embark in some other line of business. Bro. R. T. Salisbury has again taken up the day trick at “DK” tower. Bro. E. E. Holloway was off one day last week to attend the funeral of his sister-in-law. Bros. O. S. Holloway and McFarland, of May- nard, left the B. & O. to take positions with the W. & L. E. While we are sorry to lose them, we are glad both found better positions. Bro. tt. A. Schultz and wife spent several days in Woodsfield this month, where the remains of the only sister of Mrs. Schultz was laid to rest. Bro. W. Kinney took a trip to Stubenville last week. Bro. G. W. McGuire has resumed work at east end, Benwood, after a month of sickness. I am only too glad to send the news of our divi- sion to our journal each month if the brothers will assist me. The boys on the east end please send any news they may have to Bro. Queen, at the Narrows, and I will take care of the news on the north end. The general committee will soon go to Balti- more, and you will all be notified when they intend to start, so please answer all their communication? promptly, and give them all the assistance possi- ble so there will be no bitch when they get ready to do business. Come to our meetings, and take part in t'lcm. You do not know how discouraging it is to go to the meeting and find but a few of the faithful present. Come. Cert. 729. Monongah Division — There has been some few changes since I last wrote up this end of the pike. We have four eight- hour offices on this division, east and west end of Clarksburg, Gaston Junction and “WD” tower. Bros. W. W. Satterfield and J. M. Stiles, and Mr. Dent are bolding down Gaston Junction, Bros. C. A. Stealey, M. E. Price and E. L. Zimmerman are bolding “WD” tower. They have the second trick at “WD” and the third trick at Gaston Junc- tion advertised. Do not know who will be the lucky ones at this writing, but whoever gets them they will not find any snap. Bro. R. D. Kelly has returned from his vaca- tion. He was up at Coney Island. He .reports a fine trip. Bro. J. H. Grossnickel has returned after an ex- tended trip in the West. He also visited his mother at Kecdysville, Md., for a few days. Bro. E. L. Zimmerman has returned from a trip up in Denver, Colo. T. J. Ilowatt, from the yard office,1 spent a few days camping in the mountains near Richwood, hunting and fishing with some of the B., L. E. & F. boys. He reports lots of game and fish. Bro. M. E. Price, who was ill with typhoid fever for some time, is back with us, after taking a trip to Jamestown and Washington, D. C. We are all glad to have him with us again. I am unable to say what is doing on the east end. Don’t see why some brother down that way does not let us hear something. I will ring off for this time, and try and gather up something for the next month’s issue. Cert. 1198. • Pittsburg Division, West, P. & W . District — Sister McGee has returned to Allegheny days, quite improved in health, after spending her vaca- tion at some of the interesting Canadian points. Bro. C. W. Brown, Willow Grove, days, has been sick with typhoid fever, but we are all very glad to note that he has almost fully recovered. Through the efforts of a committee headed by our worthy Bros. Banfill and O. M. Johnson, at Callery, quite a handsome purse was realized for the benefit of our commercial brothers. Same be- ing forwarded to Bro. Quick for distribution. Many thanks to the other organizations who con- tributed towards this great cause. Bro. Davidson, formerly telegrapher at Harmony Junction, has returned to his old position, Grover. Quite a number of commercial brothers have been holding down positions on this division lately, thus giving our members a chance for vacations. The commercial brothers have been giving first- class service. Bro. Loose, who has been taking his well-earned vacation, visiting the Jamestown Exposition and the principal cities in the East, has again resumed his old position, Frisco, days. Bro. Frampton, of Ellwood City, days, has re- turned from his vacation, after visiting Atlantic City, Philadelphia and part of Beaver County. Bro. Phipps, our relief telegrapher, left recently for Baltimore on account of sickness. We are un- able to state his condition, but hope to see him back with us soon. I wish to call attention to a very important mat- ter: Watch your assessments in the Mutual Ben- efit Department closely, and do not allow yourself to fall in arrears. Also secure your new card promptly when due, and always keep yourself in good standing. By doing this you will be doing your family and loved ones a good turn. By the time you receive this worthy journal your local chairman will have you all supplied with in- formation blanks. My earnest request is that you fill these blanks out promptly and intelligently, and return them to your local chairman, J. J. Lan- ning, Celia, Pa., by U. S. mail. Cert. 666. Digitized by c.ooQle

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1768 The Railroad Telegrapher. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to take from our midst our Bro. J. W. Ferry, and while we bow in submission to the Divine Will and real- ize that our brother has received an inestimable promotion, each member of our organization can but feel a deep sense of personal loss; and Whereas, We desire to show our respect for, and appreciation of, the high character and prin- ciples of the departed; be it, therefore Resolved, That, as an organization, we tender to the bereaved relatives our sincere sympathy in this their sorrow, which is also our own; and be it further Resolved, That these resolutions be entered on the minutes of this meeting and printed in the official organ of the Order, and a copy sent to the relatives of the deceased. J. J. Lanning, B. G. Ban fill, J. T. Williams, E. M. Brown, D. V. Law ell. Committee . Cleveland Terminal & Valley — Being requested by our old stand-by, “Bro. Si,” to help him out during the celery season, I will try and give you, through that grand old journal, The Telegrapher, what few I have at hand. If you are missed it is because I have been unable to get the items, as I was not requested to give the write-up until the last minute. Try and send me a few of the interesting hap- penings along the Valley, and thereby assist me in representing our division in the journal. Business is going to be good for the next few days on account of the dedication of McKinley’s monument at Canton, Monday, September 30th. Everything looks like the boys are to get some of the B. & O.’s money in the way of overtime from Saturday to Tuesday. Let the good work go on. They are well able to take care of both the work and the money. Bro. H. D. Harris, of Sandyville, on leave of absence from the 21st, for two weeks, and we un- derstand he is going to join the benedicts ere he returns. Bro. C. W. Curtis, of New Berlin, back in the ring after a couple of weeks* vacation. Bro. F. S. Hoover relieved him. Do not know where Bro. Hoover went after leaving New Berlin. Mr. T. A. Sherridan, agent at Peninsula, is visiting relatives in New York City for a few days. Mr. Huber, formerly agent at Boston Mill, relieving him. Bro. F. P. Darland is back to the old homestead at Canton scales, after a couple of months in “CS,” Cleveland. Bro. Griffith, our first trick dispatcher at “CD” off on vacation. Bro. Treish, third trick, reliev- ing him. Bro. Treish relieved by Bro. Brooker, second trick at “CD.** Bro. Dialer, formerly agent at Brooklyn, work- ing second trick at “CD,” like an old-timer. Reports from last meeting at Massillon not re- ceived, and as I was unable to attend, know noth- ing of what transpired there. It was rather a bad night for meeting, but guess a fairly good turn- out. Reports from Cleveland show snow flurries there yesterday, and we find an overcoat quite comfor- table all along the Valley. Wonder what is the matter with the few nons along the line? Can’t they break away from the old “hard-shell” long enough to line-up, and then be able to look a decent dog in the face? Draw- ing the $15.00 to $30.00 each month the O. R. T. has given them, and then yell: “What good did the Order ever do me?** Some day they will see their mistake, and Massillon and Newburg won't hold them. Looks like things shaping their way toward the eight-hour day, even on the Valley, after looking over the “Form 1,” received a few days ago. Looks like business. Let's get after the few remaining nons, and see if we can not get them in before the eight hours takes effect. One long, decided effort on all now and we have them. Cert. 1,458. O. R. Division — In glancing over the columns of The Telegra- pher each month, I am reminded of the fart that we of the O. R. Division are lagging behind in the onward march of organized labor. It has been said, “The race is not always to the swift,” and while this is incidentally true, it should be remembered it is a universal fact that the race is never to the laggard. In reading The Telegrapher I have noticed that those divisions furnishing articles each month are generally most prosperous, get the best pay, and usually give the company the best service. It was interesting to read the article from the Scioto Division of the N. & W. Railway, in last issue of The Telegrapher. In it the writer, with great pride and enthusiasm, spoke admiringly of his superintendent, his ex-superintendent and his chief dispatcher; also of the fact that the Scioto Divi- sion was solid to a man, and further that if one should say there was a student on the line, they would all speak up with one accord: “We’re from Missouri. You’ll have to show us,** and from the knowledge I have of that division, the task of find- ing a student would be a hard one. I do not wish to give the N. & W. boys all the praise. True, they deserve credit, and it would be well for others less fortunate to follow their example, but we have lots of good men on the O. R. willing, loyal and capable, who can accomplish just as much with the assistance of the entire membership of the division. All we need is to get on our working clothes, roll up our sleeves and put our shoulders to the wheel, and we will surely turn something in our favor. It will soon be time to again send our committee to meet the management, and we want them to go, not as individuals, iut as representatives feeling assured of the full and loyal support of the organi- zation. In my opinion it would be well to get Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1769 busy, attend the meetings, when possible, discuss matters of importance, and with care and discre- tion determine what we want, and so in strut t our representatives so that our committee may have a clear conception as to what we expect from them. On the other hand, there is something due the company. We should see to it that we render the best service possible, and thereby show both our willingness and worth. There can be no greater incentive for granting us better pay and working conditions than showing our employers that they have men who are both capable and trustworthy. It is my earnest desire to see the men and the company on intimate terms, brought about by faithful discharge of duty. Let us make the in- terests of our employers second only to those of ourselves. Hoping some one more adept in the art of com- position will fallow my example, and that hence- forth the O. R. Division may be represented in each issue of The Telegraph ke, I remain yours in S. O. and D. Cert. 1,263. Wisconsin Central Ry. We are now drawing to the close of another year, and as I look back over the progress we have made during the past three-quarters of the year, I feel proud of Division 121, and think every man will agree with me, especially the brothers who have been with us for the last five years, and know how wc struggled along trying to gain a foothold. Now, at last, we are on a sure foundation, and are rapidly pushing to the front when compared with other divisions or other or- ganizations. Don’t let any brother think there is nothing more to do, but let each one put his shoulder to the wheel and crowd the good work along. If we will but try, and try hard, we caa be solid to a man before the wheel of time rolls around much further. Won’t that look fine on our Secretary’s books? A strong effort from each one and 'twill be done. Bro. Greenwood, of Wheeler, took a vacation recently, making a trip to Unity, bis former home, and was relieved by Bro. Lake. Bro. Whitman, of Irvine, took a lay-off, and was relieved by Bro. Andre, from Glenwood nights, who in turn was relieved by Mr. Hoffman, who became a brother shortly after his arrival at Glenwood. After the gravel pit closed, Bro. Andre returned to Glenwood nights for the third time, on his re- quest for the position, and Bro. Scott was laid off, afterwards resigning. He says he is going to ex- plore the West and may start with the Soo. Mr. Bryan was sent back to Ashland nights. Bro. Cowen took his place in “BF” office at Abbotsford, and understand he is making good there. Mr. Bryan, going back to Ashland, chases Mr. Carlson back to Phillips, and Mr. Hoffman laid off a few days, then going to Glenwood, as before noted. Bro. Andrews, at Iron Belt, is taking a lay-off. Did not hear who was relieving him. Bro. Odean, at Mellen nights, has resigned and expects to enter the service of the Soo Line as soon as relieved. He has a brother there. The yard office at Ore yard has been closed, and Mr. Eilwell is taking a vacation. Bro. Ramberg, agent at Somerset, is taking a month’s lay-off. Mr. Henkel, of Ironwood, is doing the relief work. Bro. Mathews, of Emerald, is taking a month or six weeks’ lay-off, and has gone to Pennsyl- vania to visit a brother, who, by the way, is a telegrapher. Bro. Van Alstine is doing things around there during the absence of Bro. Mathews. Bro. Helton, on the Southern Division, left the service to accept an eight-hour trick at Forest Home tower, for the C. T. T. Bro. M. A. Wagner, Grays Lake, Is taking a four weeks’ vacation. Relieved by Night Teleg- rapher Bro. C. J. Wagner, and Bro. M. A. Sul- livan, from the C., M. k St. P., takes the night trick. Mr. Elmore has resumed work at Lake Beulah after six weeks’ leave of absence. At Neenah we find Mr. F. J. Reidel and Mr. H. E. Bemet, working day and night tricks. They are both up-to-date in the C. T. U. A., and say that if they stay here, they want one of our up- to-date cards. The night man at that place quit to go to school. Bro. Riddebaugh, at Sheridan, I understand, is going to leave us. Bro. Ray, at Sherry, is taking a lay-off at present, but can’t name the relief man. Am told that the Manitowoc branch is solid. What’s the xiatter with the Portage branch? This is the weakest spot we have on the division. Boys, direct your attention that way and it may be different. Bro. Barber, our Local Chairman for the First District, who has been having a vacation for some time, expects to resume work in a few days. Mr. Lansworth, of Ashland, who works for the N. P.f was visiting telegrapher friends at Mellen last Sunday. Bro. Ensinger was appointed Local Chairman for the Third District, vice Bro. Harsh, who is now our General Chairman. Bro. Ensinger has not appointed an assistant as yet. I would like to ask Bro. Gerke, of Bridge Junc- tion, 111., what his postoffice address is. Would say that I received some items last month from him after the write-up had been sent in, and later on wrote {o him, but the U. S. returned the letter marked “no such postoffice.” Come again, brother, and send them to me before the 24th at the latest. And now, let me tell you about the meeting called for the Third District at Mellen, Sunday, the 22d, by their Chairman. I received notice of the meeting and at once decided that, although it was a hard trip, I was going. On the way I met Bro. Barber, Local Chairman of the First District, Bro. Harsh, General Chairman, and Bro. Soder- strum, Secretary and Treasurer. Bro. Benjamin* Digitized by LjOOQle

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1770 The Railroad Telegrapher. Local Chairman for the Fourth Diatrict arrived, although a little late There were a number of other members from that district present. At about 9:30 a. m. the meeting was called to order by Bro. Harsh, and matters of interest to the membership were dis- cussed until near the noon hour, when we ad- journed until 4:30 p. m. Some of the brothers then went with Bro. Beach to his home for dinner, and the rest of us were escorted to a large hotel by Bros. Ensinger and Oden, where there was plenty to eat. After enjoying a bountiful meal, we were taken by Bros. Ensinger, Beach and Oden across the country and through the woods for a nice drive. After returning we were again called to order and all unfinished business transacted. Matters concerning the good of the Order and the benefit of the service to our employers were discussed. When the supper hour drew near, we adjourned until such time as we should again be called together. At this time I wish to express our thanks to the brothers at Mellcn for the fine treatment we received, and to say that we had a No. 1 good time is to put it mildly. It was decided to hold a meeting on the First District in the near future, and later, one on the Fourth District, then a general meeting on the Second District. Just let me say that there is no question but that there could have been a larger attendance with a little effort on the part of the absent ones, and the next time I hope to see the attendance larger. Last issue I spoke of a correspondent for the First and Second Districts. He hasn't shown up yet. Speak up, some one, and don’t wait for some one else. Send along your items. S. L. Bau NELLS, A. L. C. & Cor. Southern Pacific Ry. San Joaquin Division — There have been so many changes on the San Joaquin Division lately that it seems as though every other man was leaving the service to engage in other and more profitable business. The latest seniority list shows many new names added within the last few months. The members would confer a favor on the Local Chairman if they would see that every new arrival is immediately transferred to No. 53. It does not cost anything, and the dues help support your division. We hope that every member will make it his duty to see that in the future none escape. Also, if you have any items of interest, send them to the Local Chairman and he will see that they appear in the next journal. Among the movements we note the following: Bro. A. A. Janes, dispatcher at Bakersfield, is laying off, on a vacation. Bro. J. G. Rickies, Palmdale, is laying off. Relieved by Bro. M. P. Bowles, who has tired of the job already and sent in his resignation. Bro. W. A. Fothergill, of Tulare, has resigned to go farming. Bro. W. Mithen, of Santa Barbara, thinks he will try twisting brakes for a while, and has given up that snap in the yard office. Bro. Gover, also of Santa Barbara, has re- signed, to go into the garage business. Under- stand he is doing fine. If the working conditions are not bettered soon, I presume the whole bunch will quit. Many think twelve to fourteen hours a day is getting to be a chestnut when they can better themselves by accepting other employment. Bro. Porter, of Montalvo, is laying off. Re- lieved by Bro. Burrows, who is transferring to No. 53. Bro. Korf is back again on the hill after a strenuous time with the W. U. He don’t want any more Clowry. We hope all the boys have contributed to the cause, as outlined in Bro. Quick’s circular. If you have not, do so at once. Do not keep putting it off. The cause is yours, and the few dollars you subscribe will never hurt you. Bro. Meeves, who was at Nordhoff, tired of the place and longed for the San Joaquin. He bid in McKittrick and is now located there. Bro. Mason, of Malaga, goes to Nordhoff, and Bro. French is temporarily assigned to the raisin town. Bro. Tetzlaff, formerly of McKittrick, has re signed to go into the general merchandise busi- ness. Here’s success to him. Bro. Fry holds down Goshen as if it was a sea- shore resort We “13” Ed has a fine ranch near Fowler. When we look over the seniority list, we see the old-timers rapidly dropping out and their places being filled by a younger set, who evidently want to see more of the world, judging from the way they come and go. We no sooner get their names than they are off to some other road. Wonder if the management ever thinks to look into the reason? Bum accommodations, desert towns, bad water, long hours, and not much consideration. Bro. Scruggs, of Moorpark, has resigned, to accept a position with Fargo, at Dinuba. Re- lieved by Bro. Walrath, who would rather get up for a special call than do most anything. In a few days there will be a communication started over the division to remind all those who have forgotten, to remit a couple of “plunks” to Bro. Quick; so get in before you are reminded. Bro Murphy, who bid in Ventura, is holding that job down in good shape, after several rank nons had made failures by the absconding and drunk routes. Cantwell, of Tulare, is on the sick list. Geo. Kilson, of Saticoy, who used to be an ardent member, has backslidden. Geo. is buying a ranch or something, and can’t spare the dollar. His is almost a helpless case, as is Creighton, at Selma. Both in the dark. Bro. Furey is at Fillmore, and Rexroat at Piru. Sister Evans, of Oil Junction, has been visiting in the East Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1771 Bro. Barton, of Coalinga, has resigned to accept a position with the Signal Service near Portland. Too much work for the money at Coalinga. In conclusion, we ask every one to send in at least one day’s pay as a subscription. Do it now. Ceet. 328. Lines in Oregon — Bro. C. A. Pengra has been appointed Division Correspondent. He is now laying off, but ex- pects to get back to Oakland by the 20th, having landed this position on bulletin. Eighteen positions bulletined this month. Some good ones open. You won’t land any of ’em unless you bid. Bro. F. E. Wallace resigned at Mt. Angel. We can ill afford to lose Bro. Wallace, but our loss is the Coast Division’s gain. Today, September 17th, the longshoremen on the Harriman Steamship Co. docks received an increase of 25 per cent. Bro. H. R. Cooper, from Division No. 76, C., N. W., Black Hill District, relieved Mr. Market at Wendling. Market resigned to attend school at Forrest Grove. Bro. W. Brown, with two years on the list, landed Forrest Grove on the last bulletin. Mr. Guy Morgan, a student with L. S. Nelson at West Scio the spring of 1906, is working as baggage agent at Oregon City. The following agencies are open for bid this month: Shedd, Glendale, Coburg, Wendling, Leland, Yoncalla, Hubbard and Mt. Angel. Telegraphers are very scarce at present. Think Superintendent Fields could use several. I have been trying to get the news from the main line for a week. That I have failed can readily be noticed. I am located on the branch. Tried to get the news by mail, wire and ’phone. Wish I could do or say something to waken the main line lads. There is enough happens on the main line to give a very good write-up each month. Bro. Cornelius, at Tallman, is moving his house. He figures on staying there until he can quit the business for good. How many of you read the write-up by Cert. 1,771 in the July journal? Have you done any- thing toward a meeting? I have been with Division No. 53 for almost two years, and have not heard a word regarding a meeting. The last meeting held was so long ago every one has forgotten it. A few years ago I was with the C., M. & St. P. on the C. & C. B. Division in Iowa. We held regular monthly meetings at Perry, with an at- tendance of from fifteen to thirty members. To- day you will find the C., M. & St. P. one of the best organized roads in the U. S. Now, I am not homesick, but intend to stay in Oregon until the Webs are fully developed. Should any of the boys on the C & C. B. Division want a change, they will make no mistake in coming here. We need a few live men out here, but need the meet- ings the most Let’s try a few. Wherever meet- ings are held regularly you will find good fellow- ship and good feeling to exist. Where and when will we have the first one? Several of the boys were lucky enough to get to attend the fair at Salem. If you haven’t a copy of the seniority list, write Bro. O. A. Sinks, at Portland. He has them. Bro. T. J. Dannen, at West Scio, hhs a bunch of Buff Orpington chickens at the State Fair. I am going to try and get a list of every man on the division, with his standing in the O. R. T. Intend to send each member a copy. Also publish the names and addresses of the nons and those who are delinquent. This will save Bro. Koppi- kus a lot of work. For your information, I will say that such a list is kept by all local officials. So square yourselves. Ceet. 1,627. Salt Lake Division — Bro. E. J. Enic has resumed duty as agent at Hogup with his wife assisting him as night teleg- rapher, after a long, and we hope, pleasant, va- cation. Bro. C. E. Kalb has returned from a lengthy visit with home folks back East, and reports a very enjoyable time. He resumed duty as agent at Lakeside. We all welcome his return. W. L. Moffitt, relief agent at Lakeside, re- lieved Agent M. J. Cullen at Promontory Point temporarily, Mr. Cullin taking an unlimited leave of absence. We all wish him a pleasant time. Mr. Taylor, days at Jackson at present. Have not learned where former day man has gone. Mr. Kinsey is at Midlake days, and his wife is night telegrapher at the same point. Mr. S. O. Bancroft, night telegrapher at Pro- montory Point, is sporting an up-to-date now. Glad to welcome him into the grand organization, and feel sure he will make a true and substantial member. Since commencing this letter I learn that Mr. Cullen is spending his vacation as day telegrapher at Wells, Nevada. “Willie." Western Diiision — Well, boys, how do you expect a bright, newsy article in your journal every month if you don’t take an interest and do your share? You were told in the August journal to keep the good work up, and if you didn’t want to send them direct to the journal, to send them to your Local Board and they would be consolidated into one big article. How do you suppose a newspaper can be run without correspondents? Then you can't have a bright, newsy article in our journal every month if you don’t take interest and help it along, especially when one of the members of the Board volunteers to do the work for you. It is no little job to “hash up’’ a good write-up for the division alone; and even to consolidate notes and make a general write-up out of it, is a big job. One good brother came through with items, and he is handling a station that requires his undi- vided attention for twelve hours a day. Now, brothers, there’s a lot of you who don’t work six hours while you are on duty for ten or twelve Digitized by CjOOQle

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1772 The Railroad Telegrapher. hours. There are at least three or four hours a day you could devote to other work, and in a couple of days you could work up all the news in your immediate neighborhood. Send your notes to Bro. Koppikus, at East Oakland, and he w«U turn them over to the correspondent. There have been no notes received, and from this I judge that our September issue will be, as usual, nothing from the Western, or it will be cram full; but I will stake my pile on the former. Unless some one volunteers to help, you won’t see anything more of me for a while. I wish to apologize for an error that crept into our August journal. A brother’s name was en- rolled as a non, though it was no fault of the writer’s. He sent in his application and it was acted upon favorably, and in the meantime our write-up went to press. Such mistakes are liable to happen at any time. Any one who is a mem- ber of some other division should immediately notify our Secretary, Bro. Koppikus, agent at East Oakland, and transfer to Division No. $3. Then, if his name appears, it will be as a brother. Otherwise it is more than likely to appear as a non. We don’t know you all personally, therefore we have no means of knowing whether a stray lamb is a member of the fold or not. Our division superintendent, Mr. W. R. Scott, has soared up to a higher position. He is now general superintendent, vice Mr. W. S. Palmer, for the Northern District, namely the Sacramento, Western and Coast Divisions. Mr. Palmer takes charge of the California Northwestern, Mr. Har- riman’s and Mr. Ripley’s new possessions (I be- lieve they call it the Northwestern Pacific now), which runs from Tiburon to Santa Rosa and Willits. Mr. Scott's position is filled by Mr. J. H. Young. He hails from Missouri, having held the position of general superintendent of the First District on the Frisco System, and was located at Springfield, Mo. Now, boys, it will be a case of “show me,” and if you can't, I pity you. I wonder how many of the boys came to the front with a voluntary subscription for the benefit of the C. T. U. A. brothers? If you did not, you should. Remember, we may need their help some day. They are brothers and sisters of the same craft. Theirs is a just cause and it should be helped along. The labor parade in Oakland September 2 was the greatest demonstration of the kind ever wit- nessed in that city. The C. T. U. of A. was represented. At the head of their organization was a beautifully designed float, drawn by six horses, containing lady operators and members who have gone out on strike, and was followed by members marching four abreast, over one hundred strong, and bringing up the rear was a back con- taining Bro. D. W. Koppikus and his family, representing the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. On the outside of the vehicle were mottoes, as follows: "O. R. T. the allied friends of the C. T. U. A. Stick! Stick! Stick!” “O. R. T. and C. T. U. A. look well together. Stick! Stick! Stick!” “O. R. T. and C. T. U. A. the friends of the telegraphers. Stick! Stick 1 Stick!” All members of Division No. 53 have been notified through their Grand and Local Officers to handle Western Union business the same as before the strike, and do nothing that would compromise ourselves with the Southern Pacific Co. This order is all right so far as it goes, for we believe in discipline, for without it we would have no organization, therefore we should respect the wishes of our superior officers. At East Oakland we have two nons, Messrs. S. C. Foster and W. H. Hough. The former it holding an assigned position which paid $60.00 before the O. R. T. schedule, and now pays $70.00. The latter is holding a position which paid $60.00 before the O. R. T. schedule, and is now paying $70.00 salary, and 25 cents a night overtime. The latter position is only temporary. However, both of these gentlemen have been ap- proached to join the O. R. T., but with all of our persuasive powers we are unable to get their money and applications, but we do get their promises. Mr. Foster has bid out of East Oakland for the third trick at Tracy, at a higher salary, thereby reaping the benefits of the Order, but is not willing to contribute to its support, and very likely the same will apply to Mr. Hough. But, notwithstanding our repeated efforts, we are still inclined to believe that before this matter has gone to print we will be able to call both of these gentlemen brothers. We intended to call your attention to the names of several gentlemen in this issue of The Teleg- rapher who were not members, hut as they have since come in, our notes have been consigned to the waste basket. However, there are others to be heard from. We are sorry to announce a vacancy in our Local Board, caused by the resignation of Bro. A. M. Schiveley, our Local Secretary. Bro. Schiveley has the reputation of being a gilt-edge agent and all around good man, and as the Southern Pacific Co. did not value bis services as highly from a financial standpoint as the Standard Oil Co., he has resigned from the S. P. and gone to work for the latter company, where his work will be lighter and salary higher. Bro. L. J. Chase, of Farmington, has been appointed to fill the vacancy, and we are now looking for some good brother to fill Bro. Chase's place — one who is willing to devote his time, energy and per- severance for the good cause, salary not to be considered. Any brother filling the above require- ments will please communicate with our Local Chairman, and his application will be taken under advisement. The Western Division, we are pleased to say, is getting to be in most excellent shape, and the good work is due to the membership, as well as the Local Board. Within the last couple of months we have taken in between twenty and thirty members. Still there are more to follow, and with constant hammering we will soon get them in line. The bulletin for the Western Division for Sep- temper was one of the longest we have had for many a day, and this is due to the fact that the Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1773 boys along the line are rendering the Local Board assistance and keeping them advised. If anything goes wrong on the pike, let your LocM Board know of it, and they will apply the remedy. After persistent hammering, the following posi- tions are still withheld from the bulletin, with the exception of Brentwood, and that escaped only the last bulletin: Agent at Brentwood, agent at Tolenas, agent at Esparto, day telegrapher at Altamont, night telegrapher at Altamoht, night telegrapher at Bethany, night telegrapher at Elk Grove, night telegrapher at Avon, assistant agent at Pleasanton, assistant agent at Hayward,. A Mr. C. A. Manwaring is temporary agent at Suisun in place of Bro. G. M. Fowle. Suisun is bulletined. Mr. W. F. Mapes is temporary agent at Stege, vice Bro. A. O. McCoy. Mr. J. F. Linthurst is acting agent at Pleas- anton, vice Bro. G. W. Harrison, who bid back to Alvarado. Bro. G. R. Patterson secured the owl job at Elmira. Guess the climate was too hot at Dos Palos. Bro. J. C. O’Connor is relieving Bro. A. S. Hall, at Concord, it being bulletined. Don’t know where Bro. Hall went. Bro. W. F. Costello is temporary day telegrapher at Davis, in place of Bro. A. Z. Rose. Bro. R. C. Coulson secured the Modesto night job, but it is bulletined again, with Bro. A. Z Rose on duty. Bro. R. E. Denehy’s second trick job at Tracy is bulletined, with Mr. R. E. Martin at the bat. Bro. C. L. Coddington has left the service for his mining interests in Goldfield. Ilis position, assistant at Modesto, is temporarily held by Mr. Good. Bro. J. M, Marker is doing first trick stunts at Lodi. He hails from Division ia6, C., R. I. & P. Bro. A. J. McClosky is temporary assistant agent at Napa. Bro. C. A. Sullivan is temporary assistant at Madera, Bro. A. W. Hoffman having secured the. owl job at Webster. It is rumored that Bro. P. E. Grady is acting agent at Lathrop. Bro. B. J. Cowden has been visiting his brother, Bro. A. D. Cowden, agent at Waterford. Bro. H. L. Dickey, agent at Lodi, has his hands full. Fruit is moving at the rate of thirty cars a day. The positions secured on the last bulletin were as follows: Agent at Bay Point, Bro. C. W. Fuller; agent at Newman, Bro. F. S. Powell; agent at Byron, Bro. F. W. Weihe; agent at Elmhurst, Bro. W. B. Johnson; assistant agent at Lodi, Mr. J. W. Beardsley; night telegrapher at Modesto, Bro. R. C. Coulson; night telegrapher at Lodi, Bro. C. E. Ray; night telegrapher at Westley, Mr. Good; night telegrapher at San Pablo, Bro. H. L. Chase; night telegrapher at Elmhurst, Bro. C. L. Thorne; night telegrapher at Firebaugh, Mr. Christian; night telegrapher at Los Banos, Bro. O. L. Gibbs; night telegrapher at Elmira, Bro. E. R. Patter- son; night telegrapher at Webster, Bro. A. W. Hoffman; night telegrapher at Brighton, Bro. C. H. Anderson; third trick at Niles. Bro. T. C. Smethers; third trick at Benicia, Bro. B. J. Cow- den; third trick at Tracy, M». S. C. Foster; second trick at Niles, Bro. I. Fori; first trick at Stock- ton, Bro. E. P. Grady. I see on the last “tin-can” list that three teleg- raphers have been dismissed for failure to deliver train orders. Bad business, boys. Keep your eyes on the gun. Also that a telegrapher has been dismissed for violating Rule “G.” Hope this wasn’t a brother, but on the other hand a non who derived the benefits of the Order and wouldn’t help in its support. Sorry to say there are still a few delinquents on this division who have not paid up their assess- ments and dues. Liquidate at once. Remember our motto: “No card, no favors.” Before closing, I wish to express thanks in be- half of the division, to the new members who have recently joined our ranks. Keep the good work up. Cert. 7,323. Houston Division — Bro. J. A. Thompson, regular agent at Missouri City, is on leave. Position being filled by Bro. Oscar Rosenhush. Bro. W. N. Thatcher is performing the mani- fold duties at Sugarland. Bros. J. C. Williams and W. H. Ridgeway are protecting the company’s interests at Richmond. Bro. W. A. Moore is off on leave and his posi- tion is being filled by Bro. S. E. Starr, who has been reinstated. Sister Cora Shannon, agent at Waelder, is oldest for first trick position in “N” San Antonio. Bro. L. W. Stuart goes to Kingsbury agency. Bro. R. C. Hollifield, day telegrapher, is off on sick leave, and Bro. B. B. Willard, night teleg- rapher at Uvalde. Mr. Willard has his application for membership in and will be with us soon. It has been some time since this division was heard from in these columns, but we have not been dead. There has been a good deal of saw- ing wood in the past months, and there is some left to be done. Houston District, Division No. 53, is today prac- tically solid. Those who are still out of the fold are unreliable and weak, and it is probably just as well that they are not members of the Order, since we could not depend on them anyway. One who will not back up his principles with twelve dollars a year can not be very strong in his con- victions, and those who are so narrow-minded as to allow their dislike for an officer of the Order to serve as an excuse for throwing their influence toward retarding the advance the telegraphers are making, can claim no part in that advance. We are thankful there are only a few of these. Let us not magnify the importance of our being solid. We can not sit back and say, “All is well,” on this account. We must keep going, if not for- ward we will go backward. The payment of dues is a very necessary part of your duties, but this alone does not entitle you to a seat among the chosen. It must be backed up by a live and Digitized by t^ooQle

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1774 The Railroad Telegrapher. intelligent interest in what is going on, whether it affects you or not. If Johnny Jones, of Scroggins, is cut out of two-bits pay for over- time, it is of interest to every living telegrapher on the division. And if Billy Smith, of Podunk, contents himself with thirty minutes off to eat without pay for the meal hour, he is doing an in- justice, not only to himself, but every telegrapher on the division. The fact that he is not paying the enormous sum of twelve plunks per annum into the treasury of the Order does not balance the scale. He must consider that he is doing his part to make the rich richer and the poor poorer. Who is that new man working the third trick at your station the past few nights? Have you become acquainted with him? Has he a card? Of course, you asked him when he came. And did you tell your Local Chairman, giving him the name, division and certificate number? This is a part of your duties. Another, and a greater one, is to always speak well of your Order, your brother in the Order, and your Division and Grand Officers. Don't knock. Not even when you can add, “Of course I am not knocking.’* If you have doubts it will increase them to let them be known. Trainmen mean no harm by a little gossip, and maybe the man they tell what you said will think you ought to know, since you have been here longer than he. What are you boys reading? You can read, else you’d be working at something else (with better hours and pay, most likely). The Teleg- rapher? What part of it? The jokes and stories? And a glance at the fraternal columns to see if there is anything from the Southern Pacific Ry. or back home? If so, you are miss- ing something good. The first stuff you come to, after the advertising pages, is good reading, and will give you something to think about. Then, there is considerable space given to the brothets for expressing their views on all subjects of im- portance. Do you read any of these? Try it again and sec if you don’t find a pretty sensible one occasionally. Now, if some appear sensible, it naturally follows that we do not agree with all of them. In what respects do we not agree? Let’s figure it out, and stick our little say in there alongside of some of them. It may hit the right spot with one or many, and I am sure you will be amply repaid if you can learn that you have done a little good. Remember that you are the indi- viduals that go to make up the grand old Order, and what you think counts just as much as what any other member thinks. When you see some- thing said that you think is the correct thing, just stop and think, “What if every one who sees this would say to himself, ‘now they are going about it right,’ and would expect to see the Order follow it up because it meets with silent approval? How are they going to know that we agree with them unless we tell them. And we can’t tell them any way so well as through The Teleg- rapher.” Suppose we telegraphers make up our minds that we want to work more in unison, in going after our revisions and schedules. We wish to form an association which will cover certain ter- ritory and include all railroads contained in that territory, for the purpose of meeting and con- ferring with the official heads of all roads in that territory at the one time, holding all agreements open until all are ready to sign. This would give us more pressure, and would work greater good than a single line asking for what they want. In order to form such an association, it will be neees- sary to pass a measure at the Grand Division con- vention providing for same. To pass such a measure, it is necessary to do a great deal of agitating and get a number interested in such a move. It will take a lot of plugging away at the readers to get energetic action on this or any other project, and every believer in the power of this move should go to the trouble to set forth his views. Because Division 53 is a strong and healthy division and has been pretty well able to care for herself, is not an argument against an association of this kind. The foundation of the Order is “For the good of the whole,” and we should throw our weight where it will do the most good to the largest number of telegraphers. Now, let’s watch the next issue of The Teleg- rapher and see if any one favors the plan. The $75.00 minimum, hourly pay and licensed telegraphers have been talked to death, and I agree with Bro. Johnson, of the Burlington, on these. A $100.00 minimum would not be too much, and we’ve got to keep going after just a little better. We are getting enough now to keep body and soul together; but what if we get sick? We might not starve. There is little danger of that for us. But what about our families? How many months’ savings would it cost to be sick a week? And how hard it is to see it go that way when we were trying so hard to get enough ahead to take off a week or two for pleasure. There should be a contingent fund in every family, and to provide this, there must be a little surplus in earnings over the actual cost of living. Further- more, we should be able to take a little time off at least once a year. You may have grown accus- tomed to this machine life, three hundred and sixty-five days in the year in the office, except leap-year. Arc you sure your wife likes it and is not sorry she didn’t marry that grocery clerk? In conclusion, those who have read this far must be interested to some extent. Do not let that interest die down to a comatose state and con- tent yourself with watching developments. Take an active part in the 'doings of the Order. Re- member that if our noble Order goes wrong in any branch, it will be just as much, perhaps more, the fault of the silent ones than that of the active. I thank you. Maud. Cm M. & St. P. Ry. Milwaukee Terminal — In reading over the fraternal section *1 our Au- gust Telecrapher, I notice the article written for the Milwaukee Terminals signed “Old Timer ” 1 know we all appreciate the brother's write-up very much, and hope he will get an inspiration to con- Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1775 tinue bis efforts along this line. I feel it my duty, however, as local chairman in this district, to correct the brother’s statement in regard to W. T. Houlehan, agent at Allis station, who became a member last June, and is entitled to the respect and esteem of all O. R. T. members. I think, per- haps, the brother who wrote the article has been misinformed, as there has been no students at that office for the past three years. In regard to the other nons mentioned by the brother, “Old Timer,” 1 expect to see them all with us wearing the wreath and sounder on the lapel of their coat, End that smile on their face which all O. R. T. members should have before our September num- ber is published. We can assure them there will be rejoicing in camp when these faithful patriarchs join our ranks and help us figlit our battles. Their influence, advice and counsel is worth much to us, for we aim to be fair and honorable in all our dealings among ourselves and with the company. Arrangements are now being made to hold a joint meeting consisting of members from the LaCrosse, Superior, Northern Prairie Du Cbieti and Milwaukee Terminal Divisions Saturday even- ing, September 21st, at Fraternity Hall, 216 Grand avenue, Milwaukee, Wis. Our general chairman will be with us, also local chairmen from the above- mentioned divisions. Expect several C. & N. W. boys, and a large delegation from the C. T. U. of A. will be with us. We hope to have a very interesting meeting, as the boys will have an oppor- tunity to talk on subjects of vital importance to us all. No one knows the good results derived from meetings of this kind better than those who have had the experience, and I hope all will take a personal interest in this matter, and help make it a success. Hoping to see all the members present who can arrange to do so, I remain, Fraternally yours, C. E. Flaherty, Local Chairman. CARD or THANKS. Chicago, III., September 15, 1907. I wish to thank the brothers of the C., M. & St. P. System Division, No. 23, through our journal for the financial assistance rendered me during my sickness. I was laid up for fifteen months with a severe attack of rheumatism, and became very much discouraged, as my means were soon ex- hausted. One evening Bro. Murbach, our worthy local chairman of the Chicago Terminals, accom- panied by several other brothers, called and assured me that the Order would help me, and when they went away I felt very cheerful. Division 23 did help me very substantially, and the boys have proven themselves true blue and brothers, indeed. As I can not thank you all personally, I wish to express the gratitude of myself and family through The Telegrapher, and hope that our grand Order may continue to grow and prosper in the future as it has in the past. Yours fraternally, H. P. Madsen, Cert. 1208, Div. 23. Kansas City Dizdsion — The changes on this division have not been as numerous as they usually are during this season of the year, which is a good indication that the boys are working hard, and doing their best to make the Milwaukee the banner line. The management should be well pleased with the work of their employes on our line this year, and when we ask for an increase this fall they can not say we did not give them good service, and in the face of the healthy increase shown in the Milwau- kee annual statement we can not help but expect a substantial increase, which will be dollars and cents to the Milwaukee, as well as to the employes, as it always has been in the past. Agent Briggs, at Osgood, resigned. Bro. Bu- sick, day telegrapher at Laredo, appointed in his place. Bro. Sanford now day telegrapher at Laredo. The position of day telegrapher created at Sey- mour was given to Bro. Burkheiser. Agent Calvert, at Mystic, has been laying off; Bro. Bacon relieving him. I “13” Bro. Baker has accepted an agency on the Coast extension, and will leave his division soon. There is a shortage of telegraphers again this fall, although there are a great many Western Union men doing railroad work. Unless the wages are raised, which will induce old telegraphers who quit years ago, and are following other profes- sions, to come back into line, there will continue to be a shortage. Now, if any brother on the line has been think- ing of a scheme by which he could teach some friend, let him just stop and reason with himself a few minutes along the line of supply and de- mand, and see which side he is helping by adding to the supply. Brothers, now is the accepted time. We have done well in the past, but never have had the op- portunity before us to help ourselves that we now have. Are we going to grasp it, or let it slip by? Are we going to allow the selfish, tight-wads that want to reap the benefits of our organization with- out being on our side and student teachers in- crease in number, or are we going to make an ex- tra effort to bring them in and show them the error of their ways? Some of them see through a glass darkly, and when the faint buzz of the semi- official bee is heard, they proceed at once to purify themselves by withdrawing from the Order, and washing their hands of O. R. T.-ism forever and forever, amen; because it is not becoming to an aspirant to a semi-official position to be connected in any way with a labor organization. To this class, I say let them go. They are no credit to any organization or class of men. But to the man who goes up and up, with a card in his pocket, until he reaches a position where the Order is not working, to him all honor is due, and he surely will have the respect and best wishes of both the employes and employer. Look around, brothers, and see if you can find examples of these classes of men. You can find them on every divi- sion. Which class do you want to belong to? Div. Cor. Digitized by c.ooQle

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1776 The Railroad Telegrapher. C. & C. B., Illinois Division — Bro. C. W. Klome, day telegrapher at Ashdale, who became a benedict June 18th, is back to work, after his wedding tour in the East and South. Bro. C. W. Klome relieved Uro. Cook at Lanark for a month during July and August, now back working at Ashdale tower, his regular day posi- tion. Bro. A. A. Cross is still holding down “XN” tower, nights. Bro. Hartley, from Savanna tower, relieved Bro. Klugh for a few days at Savanna yard. Bro. Baker is back to work at Davis Junction, relieving Agent C. M. Mack, who is off on ac- count of hay fever. Rro. lloye is still bolding down Davis Junction, nights. Bro. Fritz is holding down Hickory Grove, nights, making that point sold O. R. T. Bro. J. B. Lafferty is working nights at Benson- ville. Bro. DcBord, of the C., R. 1. & P., is relieving Bro. Albert Sittler, nights at Moline ticket office. Sittler is working days at Davenport, “DN” office. Bro. Ed. Thessia, regular day telegrapher at Dav- enport, “DN" office, who has been working a trick during the dispatcher's vacation on the D., R. I. & N. W., has been visiting his parents at Bagley, Wis., and is now working days in Daven- port ticket office, while Bro. Nathan Baker and his large family are visiting his mother’s folks at Mason City, Iowa, for a week or ten days. We see by the Moline papers Bro. Lang's wife and her son, Howard, are visiting Cincinnati, Ohio, and Eastern points, and “13” Jack is keeping bachelor’s hall. If he is like other men in keep- ing house, his wife has our sympathy on her re- turn. If the boys along the line expect me to give them any kind of a write-up, they must answer my letters, and give changes at their stations, as 1 am no mind reader. Thanks to Ashdale and Hickory Grove for their prompt replies. Cert. 1,640. South Minnesota Division — Not very much doing along the S. M. in the news line, but the following items may be of in- terest to the members: Bro. Riordan, at Fountain, was off for a couple of weeks on account of the serious illness of his mother. Bro. Eddie Laugen, from Wells, nights, re- lieved at Fountain. Ed. Malone worked nights during Bro. Laugen's absence. Bro. Laugen assigned to Lake Preston, but did not like the looks of the M. & B. line. He is now installed at Delavan as relief agent awaiting the arrival of Mr. Jensen, the regular agent. •An old-timer named Finney held down Delavan for a spell, but passed it up, and drifted to greener pastures. Alden station again bulletined for a period of six months, and assigned to Bro. S. W. Fuller, of Lily, S. D. Steve will now be a trifle closer to home. Don’t know where Bro. Campbell intends to go, but he need not worry; there seems to be plenty of openings. Bro. H. R. Laugen has returned from his west- ern trip, and is now located at Jackson as agent for a period of six months. Bro. J. Snyder, from Jackson to Flandreau, on six months’ bulletin. Bro. F. E. Stewart, regular agent at Flandreao, away on trip to the far Wdst. Easton and Welcome stations bulletined, bat nothing assigned as yet, at least, nothing has reached us. Bro. Griffin, of Chandler, is being relieved by Bro. Campbell. Bro. Harmon still at Lake Preston, although the station has been bulletined recently. Bro. Elliott has returned to Wentworth, and bis touch on the key makes “WN” sound more natural. Bro. Miner, from Egan, only one west of Jack- son who attended the meeting at Austin. Austin is a far stretch, and, no doubt, more of the members could get away to attend a meeting if one were held in Bristol. I wish to thank Bro. Miner, at Egan, for notes from the west end. He is the first one to give me any assistance whatever from any part of the divf sion, and any more news that he may send will be thankfully received. This is the best I can glean from the few scraps that go over the wire. Occasionally we hear a far-off rumor of things that happen west of Jackson, but the source is so far distant that one hardly dares to put it down in cold print. Coa. West I. & D. Division — Bro. O. L. Hopkins, agent at Chamberlain, b trying to get a month’s leave of absence to go out on his ranch, near Kadoka, and has been prombed relief soon. Mrs. O. L. Hopkins, chief clerk at Chamberlain, made a flying trip to Murdo recently. Bro. Wentzy, of Kimball, is laying off for a few weeks. Bro. Sweep is holding Kimball down while A. B. is taking advantage of the hunting season at the lakes. Bro. P. G. Gibson and wife were seen passing down the line about a week ago on their way to Wabasha to make a visit at their old home. Pete b now holding down the first trick at Chamber- lain. He was relieved by Bro. F. R. Doud, night telegrapher, who, in turn, was relieved by J. T. Coughlin, of Mitchell. Bro. F. M. Higgins, day side table man at Mitchell, has invested in a new sending machine, and is trying to master the art of using it. Bro. N. D. Starr, of Alexandria, has had quite a lot of work lately on account of several wrecks near his station. Understand there are two new men at Sanborn. Do not know their names or whether they are up- to-date or not. Keep your eye on Lennox. Understand there are a couple of students there. Do not know Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1777 whether Agent Moran is up-to-date or not, but think it had better be looked into. Mr. Quigley, hailing from Lennox, has been given Scotland, nights, and is rustling freight down there; A second day telegrapher has been put on at Canton. Bro. G. W. Smith, the night man, was given the second day trick, and was relieved by G. H. Elton, of Marion Junction, a non, but *‘13° he is going to join soon. Well, will ring off this time, and if this is seen in print, may come again. There are probably sev- eral changes that we haven't heard of. Cekt. 1,615. C. & C. B., Iowa Division — Bro. Bliss and wife, days, of "RD,” Council Bluffs, are taking a two weeks' vacation in Da- kota. Bro. Bliss relieved by Telegrapher Mc- Manus, nights of “WD," Council Bluffs; McManus relieved by Bro. Furman, of Dawson, nights; Fur- man relieved at Dawson by his young brother. McManus promises to pay up his back dues pay- day, and Telegrapher Tathwell, of "BU,” Council Bluffs, expects to follow suit. Telegrapher Forbes working nights at "RD,” Council Bluffs. Telegrapher Erven, who got Weston on bulletin, has paid for an up-to-date card. Bro. Peasley, of Collins, nights, worked at Bay- ard a few nights, then went to "DM,” river. Bro. House, extra nights at Manning, took a two weeks* vacation to visit his parents and friends in Eastern Nebraska. H. F. Wood, days at Herndon, who dropped out of the Order some time ago, has again joined us. We knew he wouldn't remain on the "grab list” very long, but we are all liable to have a streak of hard luck, and have to drop out for a time. Telegrapher Rose is expected to return soon to his job as night telegrapher at Aspinwall. He has been working around Arion for several weeks. Bro. Henry relieved Bro. Genrich at Tama for a short time, then went to Bayard on bulletin. Bro. Metcalf got Keystone on bulletin. Bro. Furman also worked at Keystone a week or two. Bro. Robinson, of Ferguson, laying off a few days; relieved by Bro. Lingham, of Ferguson, nights, who was relieved by Bro. Horton. Bro. Renbarger transferred from Madrid, days, to Collins, nights; relieved at Madrid by Bro. Hoeslea, who is being relieved by Bro. Sullivan. Bro. Sanders, of Elwell, took a short vacation; relieved by A. H. Krasche. Bro. Embree, of Maxwell, called home on ac- count of sickness; relieved by Bro. Posten, of Capron. Bro. Hall, of Maxwell, nights, resigned and went to Chicago. A Mr. Griswold filling the vacancy for the present. All received the list of nons on this division, no doubt, and we hope it has been cut down to zero by this time. If it is not, get busy and line-up that non at your station, or the one at the next station, cast or west of you. Don't wait for the local chairman to get after them, but do it your- self. Nons can be kept down if every member does his share. Bro. Mouser, of Woodward, off for a vacation; relieved by Bro. C. E. Olson. Bro. Huyck, of Slater tower, off on a honey- moon. Congratulations. Bro. Rupp, who worked on this division two years ago, paid the brothers at Cambridge a visit during his vacation in August. Bros. Bentley, of Rhodes, and Krasche, of Bou- ton, back at the key after their vacations. Mr. W. B. Foster, Whipple; Keeley, Barnoske, and the boss carpenter inspected stations on the west end the first of the month. They report a few dirty freight houses and windows. I am indebted to Bro. Gamelin for a good bunch of these items. He seems to be the only live one on the Middle Division, outside of Bro. Soyster, who keeps the dust from settling on himself. Can’t we cook up a meeting in the near future? "Nick.” White River Valley Division — As nothing has been said about the W. R. V. Division in The Telegrapher for a long time, and as we have no regular correspondent, I will contribute a few items: While this country is widely known as "The Land of Opportunity,” and people from all parts of the United States, Canada and Mexico have been flocking in to take advantage of the wonder- ful opportunities open to those desiring homes, it would, perhaps, be of about as much interest to the telegraph fraternity to know how we stand, so I will do the best I can to give you some information along that line. Bro. R. E. Mytinger still holds the agency at Oacoma, and as he is building a very nice home, and will soon be in a position to vacate the incon- venient rooms at the depot, presume he will stick at Oacoma for some time. We are all glad to know that once in a while an agent is able to get a home of his own, and now, boys, if you will all stick, and keep up-to-date so as to give our general com- mittee good support, we will all be fixed that way some day. Bro. Troth has been working at the Oacoma gravel pit since he returned in April, after his re- covery from typhoid fever. Bro. J. E. Dwyer still holds forth at Reliance as agent, and rumor has it that he is soon to have a helper in the shape of a better half. Bert Dwyer, a brother of J. E. Dwyer, is doing the owl act at Reliance while the gravel trains are running. Understand he has not been in the busi- ness long enough to get in line, but as the steam shovel has been equipped with electric lights they will be rolling out the cars so that he will get the required experience. Want to see him with us just as soon as the constitution permits. Bro. McCowan, agent at Presho, was off last month to attend his father’s funeral in Ohio. He has the sympathy of all. Bro. Young, the day telegrapher, was the "whole cheese,” as he ex- pressed it, during the absence of Bro. McCowan, as there was no relief man to be had. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1778 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. McCollum, agent at Vivian, and Bro. Swift, who came from the £>. C. & D. Division, are both strictly up-to-date. Bro. McCollum lias been on the W. 1<. V. for about a year, while Bro. Swift is doing the wire work at Vivian while gravel trains are running. “13" he is also holding down a ‘Claim near there. Mr. A4’. S. Bowder is chief dispatcher at Murdo Mackenzie, while Ralph Y\ illiams bolds first trick and Mr. C. H. Schulu second trick. Mr. Williams was oh last month, and was relieved by Bro. Keen, from the 1. & D., at Mason City. Of course, we are all wanting to see that $75 minimum (.and then some), the carrying of U. S. mail taken oh, as we waul to close out our inter* ests in the draying business, and we will certainly be with the bunch on the nine-hour question. As this division 'has been taken from the super- vision of the i. & D. Division officials, and we have a superintendent of our own, «ve are looking for the geueral committee to get busy and make a district of it, and hx us so we cau get a local chairman of our own, so he can keep this new line right up in the front row. Cxrt. 831. James River Division — Bro. Pafford, at Ellendale, has resigned, but do not know where he went, or who relieved him. Bro. Daniels, of Evarts, is at Wukpalla, on the Pacific extension. Don’t know who relieved him. Bro. Marlctte, of Bowdle, is going to the coast. We all wish him success. Bro. Meyers will re- lieve him. Mr. Krinke, day telegrapher at the pit, will re- lieve Bro. Meyers, nights at Bowdle. Forty and fifty trains a day over the Evarts line keep the boys awake half the night and busy all day, but it is the same old fifty plunks per. Wilkins, the owl from the pit, is working days at Glenham relief. The regular telegrapher taking a lay-off. Telegrapher Kunert is relieving Blair at Java, nights. Bro. Nelson is working nights at Glenham, re- lieving Telegrapher Kooni. Mr. Kooni, nights at Glenham, relieving Bro. Geeslin, agent at Selby, who is off on a hunting trip. Bro. Mashek, agent at Java, is back from a va- cation, and reports a good time. Telegrapher Kunert, Java, nights, has gone to Roscoes during the stock rush. W. P. Arntz, chief dispatcher, has returned from a vacation. Dispatcher Jacobs has been off for a few days; C. E. Mollander relieving him. McCormick, first trick dispatcher, relieved Chief Dispatcher Arntz recently. Dispatcher Bunker has also been enjoying a rest, but is again on duty. Mr. Mollander has left, but can’t say where he has gone. Kunert is back at Java again working the owl job, as before. Bro. Nelson from Glenham, nights, has relieved agent at Strausburg. who had his foot crushed. I “13” Wilkins has his application in. That will help some. We should have a representative looking up the hons on the line, as there are a good many. A. K. N. Y., 8. & W. Ry. Our meeting at Munzer’s Hall, Market street, September 28th, was poorly attended, only four members representing the N. Y., S. & W., which, we presume, was due to rain. Very sorry, indeed, to see a little rain keep the members away from such an important meeting. Several subjects of unusual interest were discussed, and we should have had a good attendance. Bro. Fredericks, from "OG,** was present, although he is compelled to return to Butler after the meeting on train 331, and from there to “OG,” on the first freight. Now the brothers living east of Butler would not be put to any such inconve- nience, as they can get a train east or west at a reasonable hour. 1 trust they will take more in- terest in these meetings, which are for their ben- efit, and hope to see the N. Y., S. & W. well rep- resented at our next meeting, of which you will receive due notice. Bro. Vandalinda, working at "HX,** days, re- lieving Bro. Ward, who is acting as agent at May- wood in Bro. Quick’s place, he having bid in Blairstown. It is rumored that a handsome looking maiden will be our next agent at Hawthorne. Bro. Munson arrived at the meeting somewhat late owing to the fact that the express on Edge- water branch was late. Div. Coa. B., R. & P. Ry. Poughkeepsie Division — Bro. Grinder, Indiana Junction, nights, took in the excursion to Buffalo and Rochester, and re- ports an enjoyable time. Bro. Smith, Indiana Junction, days, took a pleas- ure trip over the road Wednesday of this week. Bro. Bauers, C. & M. Junction, days, off Sun- day visiting in Punxsutawney. Numerous changes have been made in the last couple months. Bro. Pooler, Rockton, nights, to Cummings yard office, days. Mr. Miller, C. B. Junction, nights, to Echo, days. Bro. Steffy, Big Run Junction, nights, to West Mosgrove, nights, by bid. Mr. Clancy, Big Run Junction, nights, to Savan nights, by bid. Mr. Laird, Echo nights, to Rockton nights. Mr. Maurey, agent at Iselin to Eriton days, by bid. Mr. Yohe, Indiana nights, to Big Run Junction nights. He promises to be with us next pay-day. Bro. Eastman, Punxy yard office nights, to C. B. Junction nights, thence to DuBois yard office nights. Miss Schrecongost, Hyde nights, to Indiana nights. * Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1779 Bro. Frampton, our local chairmaan, Punxs? yard office days, off on ten days’ vacation; relieved by Bro. Wail, night man* He, in turn, was re- lieved by Bro. Eastman. On Bro. Frampton’s re- turn Bro. Vail took his ten days off; being re- lieved by Bro. Eastman for a few days, afterwards Mr. Foysan relieved him until his return, and then went to C. B. Junction, nights. Bro. Snyder, Big Run Junction days, spent last Wednesday with his parents in Hawthorne. New office at Cummings (box-car); also one at Lucerne Junction. There are also reports that there are going to be new ones put in at Locust and Morrison. Mr. Rich, night man at Big Run Junction, has left the service of the company to go to college. Bro. Bickett, Savan nights, has left the service of the company. Can not say where he has gone. We wish him luck wherever he goes. Sorry to see him go. Another “ham factory” owl at Savan has a student. We have all received our new passes for the quarter ending December 31. Bro. Lyons, of Croyland nights (Middle Divi- sion) spent Saturday in Du Bo is. About all of the boys have received new cards. Bro. Montgomery, C. & M. Junction nights, was in Punxsutawney between trains Tuesday of this week. S. R. Breth, clerk at Iselin, has left the service of the company, and gone to his home in Clearfield. Mr. Walker filling the vacancy. Let's hear from some one else next month. Cxkt. 168. C.f C. & 8t. L. Ry. St. Louis Division , West — Some of the boys don’t fully understand Article III in the schedule, which reads: “Telegraph operators will be allowed forty-five consecutive minutes in which to procure meals, and when- ever possible, will be excused for this purpose between 1 1 130 and 1 130, day and night. When they can not be excused between these hours, they will be paid 25 cents and be allowed thirty minutes for meals as soon thereafter as prac- ticable.” It seems any one could understand that, but nevertheless, 1 think a little explanation is neces- sary to show some of you where you are beating yourselves out of a number of meal hours by not exacting just what the above paragraph calls for, and it is entirely your own fault. If you don’t quit the kind of work that has been going on, it will be but a short time until overtime meal hours for most of you will be a thing of the past. I have noticed quite a number of the boys when released from, say 11:30 untill 12:15, clear- ing trains at 12, noon, or even before this time. Now, why should you do this on your own time when you have been released from duty? Can’t you see that as long as you are going to keep the trains moving the dispatcher is not going to hold you and pay vou f**r something he can get for nothing? There is no reason why you should clear block for or release trains while you are out for meals, as the delaly occurring is certainly not on you, and if this practice is kept up you can very easily see where it will lead to. The only way to do when you are released forty-five minutes is to take the full time. Another thing I notice that is entirely wrong, is the dispatcher telling the boys to let some train, especially a passenger train, go under clear block, not to card them, when unable to raise the block station in advance on account of the telegrapher there being out for a meal. The dispatcher has no authority for doing so, and you certainly have no right to do this on his instructions. The dis- patchers have nothing to do with blocking trains and only step in to save delay showing up on their part for releasing the telegrapher, and you take the responsibility. Before we were paid for losing meals, it was very hard to get out for them, and if you asked the dispatcher anything in re- gard to carding a train because you could not raise the next block station, he would very promptly tell you that he was not blocking trains and you should know the block rules, and of course he didn’t have to cover the delay. “Cir- cumstances alter cases.” The block rules are very strict on this, and Mr. Houghton’s instructions and the examination and instructions we were given by Mr. Bonnell were very plain, and there is no reason why you should ignore them to save a few minutes’ delay, en- dangering lives, your liberty and position, and in- cidentally skinning some telegrapher out of a meal hour overtime. Just go ahead and do your own blocking and issue a clearance card whenever it is required by the block rules, regardless, and I think there will be no questions asked you. Should there be, it will be very easily explained, with no discredit to yourself. In the past two months we have made a grand cleaning with the nons on thi^ end, and only a very few remain out in the cold now. It is up to the brothers who are working with them to land them. Guy Herod has bid in and been assigned to “NS” Hillsboro nights. Litchfield and East Alton, also “QE” East St. Louis nights open to oldest men. All three easy money. Div. Coa. St. Louis Division , East — By the time this letter appears we will be in- stalled in our new lodge room, ready to do busi- ness on a larger scale than ever before. Some few weeks ago an unfurnished room was secured at a bargain to be used for a lodge room, and we immediately started out a paper, asking for dona- tions from the different members, to furnish this room. The room will need a desk, £ carpet, and several chairs and other things such as files, etc. It will not take a very large sum to procure these things, and if every member will contribute a little, it will make a sum sufficient to get every- thing needed and maybe leave enough over to give a “housewarming” after the room is fur- Digitized by Google

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1780 The Railroad Telegrapher nished. As yet I have not received the paper back from the East Endv but understand the members are going after it in the proper spirit. A copy of it was sent out between Paris and Loxa and every member signed for one dollar. On account of a good many of the members laying off this month, this paper passed by them, and I take this means of Notifying them to send me any amount they can, no matter how small, to be used for the purpose stated above. Several of the members have sent stamps. Do not do this, I can not buy furniture with stamps. Edw. Whalen, Local Chairman . Once again we pick up our pen to say a few words for the Sankie Division: Business is so rushing we have not had much time to look after our changes this month, but from what we see and bear everything is in fine shape. The double track is rapidly nearing completion between C. B. and Danville. “13” there is to be several changes made soon. Wonder if the nons won't be bidding on the best jobs. No card, no favors, is our motto. Bro. W. O. Setty, at Danville, has been off on a vacation. Bro. J. F. Gross, at Reno, is on the sick list. Bro. Denny, from Danville, is acting as relief agent at Reno. Bro. Denny was relieved at Danville by Bro. Setty, who, in turn, was relieved by „ Bro. E. C. Bales. Bro. Guy Byrd, formerly of the Big Four, is night telegrapher and station agent for the Monon at Green Castle. Extra Dispatcher Adolph Brauthers has left the service to again enter school at Terre Haute. Let success be his. Bro. G. W. Sage, at Green Castle, has been off on a vacation. He was relieved by Bro. Confer; Bro. Herman relieving Bro. Confer at Green Castle, nights. Bro. C. C. Winters, at Carbon, has been off on a vacation. He was relieved by Bro. Harrold. Bro* Mires relieved Bro. Harrold. Bro. McWhinney, formerly of Duane, nights, is now a copyist in dispatcher’s office, Terre Haute. W. J. Noe, agent at Perth, has resigned; re- lieved by Mr. J. W. Allen, formerly of Coal Bluff, with the C. & E. I. Bro. R. N. May is on the sick list. Perth closed nights. C. D. Simpson, Duane, has left the service; relieved by Bro. Wright. Bro. C. Connett, “JB,” is taking a vacation; re- lieved by Bro. O. B. Sawyer. Mr. Allen holding the night job. Sister Bertha Newby, of Charleston, days, is back from her vacation. Bro. Wilson, at “GM,” days, is on the sick list; relieved by Bro. Huston, who has been working nights there. Bro. Huston was relieved by Bro. Vincent, a C. T. U. of A. man. Div. Coa. Cairo Division, North — Bro. J. S. Bishop has been off two weeks visit- ing relatives at Ridge Farm; relieved by Mr. High- ler. Mr. Highler promises to go in next payday. Mr. Johnson worked nights while Bro. Bishop was off. “13” that Mr. Johnson has an old card. Day telegraph office closed at Flat Rock. Bro. Dan Sewell went to Marshall, days. Have not heard where Bro. Perryman is located. Bro. J. R. Cottam has been off ten days on ac- count of sickness; Bro. Sewell relieving him. Bro. Rogers was on the sick list for a few nights. “13” Mr. Wigton is going to leave the Cairo Di- vision. He has an old card, but won’t pay up his dues. Did you ever hear of a “non” failing to ask for his 25 cents, if he did not get to eat? Will try and give you a better write-up next time. Ce*t. 348. Cincinnati Division — The articles that have been appearing in the jour- nal from time to time, regarding the $75 minimum and eight-hour day, are interesting, and, no doubt, this is the only way the brass-pounders will ever get their just dues, as it is a well-known fact that all the great railway systems of this country are controlled and operated by a few captains of in- dustry, and instead of having ou»- committees wait upon the management of one road at a time, do like the trainmen did on all the roads entering Chicago. Have all our committees wait upon the managements of all the systems simultaneously, and stand pat for the $75 minimum and eight- hour day, and thus, all working as a unit, a favor- able result will be inevitable, and I think the time is not far distant when these tactics will be employed. Those who haven’t contributed to the typewriter fund do so at once; $36.50 was subscribed on it. and to date $26 has been received. That speaks well for this division. Messrs. Eckhart and Williams, of Columbus, promise to be with us soon. There are quite a number who are behind in dues. Pay up, and be in line. Perhaps the next schedule will benefit you materially. Bro. Justice, the general chairman, has been working at the Fair Grounds during the State Fair, putting in twelve hours a day, and all night Friday, when they loaded out. Clem Stewart, of Avenue, visited relatives in Plattsburg one day recently. Bro. Weisse laid off sick a week; being relieved by Mr. Plymel, the night owl. Picky Franklin, of Plattsburg, did the owl act Bro. Scully, the night owl, relieved Bro. Sidener at London, and Bro. Scully, in turn, was relieved by Mr. O. E. Burris. Bro. Franklin, of Plattsburg, made a flying trip to Sandusky recently. Bro. Slagle relieving him. Mr. Harrison, of Brooks, was off sick one night Bro. Stabler doubled. Bro. Corwin has returned to work after being off sick for a couple of weeks. Mr. Craig being the relief man. See the good effects pay-day had on some of the nons. C. F. Stricklin, Delaware, O.; F. H. Cowles, White Sulphur, O.. and P. R. Smith, New Dover. Digitized by v,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1781 O., became members last pay-day. This leaves but two nons on the Delaware branch, and one of them promises his application next pay-day. Mr. H. S. Miller is now filling the position of night telegrapher at Catawba. Mr. G. M. Beggs, of South Siding, was visiting Bro. Douglass recently. Mr. S. M. Sautter, of Catawba gravel pit, off for a few days on account of the death of his daughter. Mr. Sautter has the sympathy of all the brothers in this sad hour of bereavement. Bro. W. H. Keever, nights at Osborn, off on a vacation. Bro. G. E. Whitlock relieving Bro. Keever. Bro. G. D. Birthissel has returned to work, days, Lockland, after a very pleasant trip to Geve- land, O., and Buffalo, N. Y. Bro. W. F. Engle did the owl act and Mr. Stickney worked days while Bro. Birthissel was absent. Bro. Engle is working at Edgemont while Bro. Gardner is at Buffalo and the lakes on vacation. Bro. Sheering is doing the day stunt while Bro. Gardner is away. It is our desire that every brother attend the meetings. We are glad to report Bro. Droege among the brothers who have up-to-date cards. The nons are dropping in one by one. Keep after them, brothers. Meetings September 24th at 2 and 7 p. m., Eng- lish Hotel, Indianapolis, Ind. Mr. Sherry is doing the night stunt at Denni- son avenue. Van Dyke, of Hughes, has got on the top board of the fence. Some one tap quietly on the right side. You fellows who are doing all the kicking, attend the meetings and let your grievances be known. It is noticed that all the kicking comes from the persons who fail to attend meetings. If we did nothing more than pay our dues this organization would soon be a thing of the past. Piv. Com. IN 1IE1I0RIA1I. Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom, has re- moved from the family circle the little daughter of Bro. E. F. Garrity; be it Resolved, That we deeply regret her youthful and untimely demise, realizing the aching in the hearts of our beloved brother's family. We, the fraternity of System Division 138, extend to the bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy in this sad hour; be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread on the minutes, a copy forwarded our brother and also The Telegrapher for publica- tion. J. F. Justice, x W. E. Buis, Committee. On Friday, the 13th of September, the Reaper, whose name is Death, visited the happy home of our beloved brother, E. F. Garrity, and took from that happy circle his little four-months-old baby girl. She is now resting in that sleep that knows no awakening, and we know that her soul took its flight to the ethereal abode of the Omnipotent and All-wise Creator of all things, whence none return. The brother has the sympathy of all who knew him. I do not think the brothers forget him in his need. J. F. Justice. Digitized by Google

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GRAND DIVISION NOTI C E A. J. Bunzey, Cert. 1254, Div. 76, has been expelled from the Order for student teaching. E. B. Clements, Cert. 602, Div. 6, has been expelled from the Order for scabbing during the C. T. U. of A. strike. MUTUAL BENEFIT DEPARTMENT. Assessment No. 103 is due OCTOBER 1, 1907. Time tor payment expires NOlEMBEn. 30, 1907. AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENTS. On $ 300 00 (Series A) 20 cents each On 500 00 (Senes B) 30 cents each On 1,000 00 (Series C) 60 cents each BENEFITS PAID DURING SEPTEMBER, 1907. Claim CKBT. No. Nam*. Caus*. Div. No. Bmrns. Amt. 618... .Chas. C. Horton . . . Aortic Insufficiency 93... .15648. ...C... $1,000 00 619... .Lloyd Nicely ...Railroad Accident 24... 6819. ...A... 300 00 620... .Neil McDonald ...Electric Shock 2... .10784. ...B... 500 00 621... . Wm. M. Houston .... . . .Tuberculosis 93... 9875. ...C... 1,000 00 622... .John K. Turnbull.... ...Heart Failure 7... .16260. ...C... 1.000 00 623... .H. C. Wolf . . .Accident 118... .19682. ...C... 1,000 00 625... .L. L. Patrick . . .Typhoid Fever 5... .22935. ...A... 300 00 628... .A. H. Hodges . . .Typho-Malarial Fever... 97... . 5586. ...A... 300 (0 630... . Herbert E. Henson . . . . . .Tuberculosis 33... . 7919. ...C... 1,000 00 632... .Wm. N. Smith . ..Acute Parenchymatus Nephretis and Uremia. 52... .11011. ...A... 300 00 633... .W. L. Stone . . .Typhoid Fever 93... .24696. ...A... 300 00 634... . Ethel G. Evans . . . Laryngeal Tuberculosis. Grand . .17393. ...C... 1,000 00 636. . . .Frank R. Hill . . .Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 22... .15169. ...A... 300 00 FINANCIAL STATEMENT— MORTUARY FUND. RECEIPTS. Received on Assessment Account to August 31, 1907 $564,878 Received on Assessment Account September, 1907 5,589 $570,467 DISBURSEMENTS. Death Claims paid to August 31, 1907 $361 781 Death Claims paid in September 8 300 Assessments retunded, account rejected applications 957 Assessments transferred to dues 159 Cash on hand to credit Mortuary Fund, September 30, 1907 199.269 $570,467 69 L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer. Digitized by CjOOQle .888888828 88S8 3S5IS $8538

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1783 OFFICIAL DIRECTORY. General Offices, St Louis, Mo, GRAND OFFICERS. H. B. PERHAM President. St. Louis, Mo. J. A. NEWMAN First Vice-President. St. Louis, Mo. D. CAMPBELL Third Vice-President. 264 Rusholme Road, Toronto, Ont. BOARD OF C. E. Layman, Chairman, Trout ville, Va. Geo. O. Forbes, Secretary, Spring Hill Junction, N. S. L. W. QUICK. . .Grand Secretary and Treasurer. St. Louis, Mo. T. M. PIERSON Second Vice-President. St. Louis, Mo. J. J. DERMODY Fourth Vice-President. St Louis, Mo. DIRECTORS. A. O. Sinks, Jefferson Street Depot, Portland, Ore. C. G. Kelso, 522 E. Pacific St. Springfield, Mo. Geo. E. Joslin, Lock Box 11, Centerdale, R. I. ADVERTISING. All correspondence pertaining to advertising should be addressed to W. N. Gates, Advertising Manager, Garfield Building, Cleveland, Ohio. DIVISION DIRECTORY. GRAND DIVISION — Attached membership not confined to any particular railroad or territory. H. B. Perham, President, St. Louis, Mo.; L. W. Quick, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 1. — Division covers the Grand Trunk Railway System. Meets subject to call of chairman. J. Willoughby, Gen’l Chairman, Bracebridge, Ont; D. L. Shaw, Gen’l S. & T., 769 King st., London, Ont. NO. 2, ST. LOUIS, MO.— Meets xst and 3d Mondays each month at 8 p. m.. Small Hall South Side, 3d floor Masonic Temple (Odeon Building), Grand and Finney aves., St. Louis, Mo. L. W. Quick, Chief Telegrapher, 7th floor Star Building, St. Louis, Mo.; J. W. La Fever, S. & T., 3732 N. nth st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 3. HARRISBURG, PA.— Meets 1st Thursday each month in Mauk’s Hall, corner 6th & Kel- ler sts., Harrisburg, Pa., and at some point on Middle Division, P. R. R., 3d Thursday evening each month, 7 p. m. J. S. Leyder, Chief TeL, Thompsontown, Pa.; B. H. Saltsman, S. & T., 171X Market st., Harrisburg, Pa. NO. 5. — Division covers the Kansas City Southern Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. R. L. Caldwell, Gen'l Chairman, Lisle, Mo. J. V. Thombrugh, G. S. & T., Merwin, Mo. NO. 6. — Division covers the Union Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. E. L. Stump, Gen’l Chairman, Box 40, Denver, Colo. John H. Hughey, Jr., Gen’l S. & T., Box 294, Junction City, Kan. NO. 7. — Division covers the Canadian Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. Ed. Goulet, Gen’l Chairman, Westminster, B. C.; John Wagner, Gen’l S. & T., Sudbury, Ont. NO. 8. — Division covers New York Central Ry. M. G. Woolley, Gen’l Chairman, 155th st. and Eighth ave., New York.; A. E. Blim, Gen’l S. & T., Chili Station, N. Y. Hudson Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman; J. B. West, Local Chairman, 11 Thompson st., Pough- keepsie, N. Y. Western Div. — Meets 3d Sat- urday evening in July, Oct., Jan. and April, at North Tonawanda, N. Y. ; March, June, September and December, at Rochester, N. Y.; February, May, August and November, at Syr- acuse, N. Y. Mohawk Div. — Meets on 3d Wednesday each month, at 8 o’clock p. ro., in the Court House, at Fonda, N. Y. Harlem Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman. Fall Brook Div. — Meets 3d Tuesday evening each month, 8 p. m., Rettig’s Hall, West Market st., Coming, N. Y. R. R. Mclnroy, Local Chair- man, Middlebury Center, Pa. Electric Zone — Between tower 7, King’s Bridge, and “VO” tower, Mt. Vernon to 56th st. — Meets 3d Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p. m., Colonial Building, Rooms 54, 67 and 69, West 125th st., New York City. Every third meeting a day meeting at 10 a. m. F. von Hatten, Local Chairman, 3117 Park ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, Assistant Local Chairman, *‘FH” to “MJ,” 136 W. 167th st., New York City. H. R. Vernon, Assistant Local Chairman, representing G. C. Terminal. Chas. Armitage, in charge of Station Agents, 125th st. Station, New York City. September meeting will be a day meeting at 10 a. m., and every third meeting thereafter will be a day meeting. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1784 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 9, LANCASTER, PA. — Meets 3d Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., in Central Labor Union Hall, ad floor. No. 22 South Queen st., Lancaster, Pa. Chas. E. Kacy, Chief Telegra* pher, 119 J4 North Charlotte st, Lancaster, Pa.; A. B. Ham bright, S. & T., Landisville, Pa. NO. 11, OLD TOWN, ME.— Meets 4th Sunday each month, 1 130 p. m., Royal Arcanum Hall, 1 16 Main st., Bangor, Me. Burton A. Brackett, Chief Tel., 32 Coombs st., Bangor, Me.; E. E. McPbeters, S. & T., Great Works, Me. NO. 12, SUNBURY, PA.— Meets 2d Thursday evening of each month, I. O. O. F. Hall S. W. corner Market and 3d sts. F. J. Reigel, Chief Tel., 314 Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa.; W. D. Grant, S. & T., 22 5 Fairmount ave., Sun- bury, Pa. NO. 14. — Division covers the Norfolk & Western Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. C. E. Layman, Gen’l Chairman, Trout- ville, Va.; T. H. Lankford, Gen’l S. & T., P. O. Box ii, Cloverdale, Va. NO. 15, OTTAWA, ONT.— Meets subject to call of Chief Telegrapher at Ottawa, Ont. ; G. W. Shepherd, Chief Tel., Alexandria, Ont.; D. Robertson, S. & T., Glen Robertson, Ont.; D. Robertson and G. W. Shepherd, Legislative Representatives. NO. 16. — Division covers the Michigan Central Railroad. Meets 3d Monday each month at 7:30 p. m.. Prismatic Hall, 140 First st., Detroit, Mich. J. C. Culkins, Gen’l Chairman, Albion, Mich.; J. H. Staley, Gen’l S. & T., Falls View, Ont. NO. 17, BALTIMORE, MD. — Meets 1st and 3d Wednesday of each month at Old Town Bank Building, 3d floor, Baltimore, Md. Wm. M. Skinner, Chief Tel., 2224 E. Oliver st., Balti- more, Md.; Daniel L. Roller, S. & T., Hartford road and West Erdman ave., Baltimore, Md. NO. 18. — Division covers the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. M. Mulcahy, Gen’l Chairman, 33 Courtney st, Dunkirk, N. Y. ; O. S. Smith, Gen’l S. & T., Argos, Ind. NO. 20. — Division covers the New York, Ontario & Western Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Guy Cochran, Gen’l Chairman, Kings- ton, N. Y.; H. D. Pfoor, Gen’l S. & T., P. O. Box 1 14, Jermyn, Pa. NO. 21. — Division covers the Cincinnati, Hamilton & Dayton Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. F. Stenger, Gen’l Chair- man, R. F. D. No. 3, Miamisburg, Ohio; A. C. Bushwaw, Gen’l S. & T., 55 Samuel st., Dayton, Ohio. NO. 22. — Division covers the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad System, R. J. Clark, Gen’l S. & T., 1419a Granville place, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 23. — Division covers Chicago, Milwaukee & St Paul Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Milwaukee Terminal meetings held subject to call of Local Chairman. O. W. Ren- ' shaw, Gen’l Chairman, 2 West 14th st., Minne- apolis, Minn.; G. E. Soyster, Gen’l S. & T.. Covington, Iowa. NO. 24, WILLIAMSPORT, PA.— Meets 1st Thursday evening of each month in K. of C Hall, N. E. Cor. Fourth and Pine sts., Williams- port, Pa. Thos. R. Hepler, Chief Tel., 423 Park ave., Williamsport Pa.; J. N. Sponsler, S. & T., 935 Erie ave., Williamsport, Pa. NO. 25. — Division covers the International & Great Northern Railway System. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. F. W. Lyon, Gen’l Chairman, Bracken, Texas; R. B. Adams, Gen’l S. & T., Jewett, Texas. NO. 26, NEW YORK, N. Y. -Meets ad Sunday each month at 3 p. m., 265 W. 144th st, New York City. F. J. Ryan, Chief Tel., 228 W. 141st st., New York; A. L. McBain, S. 9t T., 265 W. 144th st.. New York City. NO. 27, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.— W. W. Culmer. Chief Tel., Martinsville, Ind.; E. C. Thomp- son, S. & T., 26 N. Holmes ave., Indianapolis, Ind. NO. 28. — Division covers the Mexican Interna- tional Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. M. T. Fenelon, Gen’l Chairman, Barroteran, Coah., Mex. ; L. Hernendex, Gen’l S. & T., Valardena, Dgo, Mex. NO. 29, NEW HAVEN, CONN.— Meets 1st Fri day of each month at 8 p. m., in Red Men’s Hall, 48 Church st., cor. Crown, New Haven, Conn. L. H. Dowd, Chief TeL, 47 Division st., Danbury, Conn.; G. F. McCormack, S. & T., 93 Main st., West Haven, Conn. NO. 31. — Division covers the Missouri Pacific Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. L. M. Nance, Gen’l Chairman, 4563 Cook ave., St. Louis, Mo. W. M. Holman, Gen’l S. & T., 7210 Pennsylvania ave., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 32. — Division covers the St. Louis & San Francisco Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. C G. Kelso, Gen’l Chair- man, 522 E. Pacific st., Springfield, Mo.; J. E- McQuade, Gen’l S. & T., 522 E. Pacific st, Springfield, Mo. NO. 3 3.-—Di vision covers the Baltimore & Ohio Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. E. N. Van Atta, Gen’l Chairman, Box 36, Newark, O. ; W. Edgar F rasher, GcnT S. & T., 814 W. 9th st, Wilmington, Del. Pike Division meets on 3d Saturday night of each month at Hotel Wilson, No. 10 Southfield st, Pittsburg, Pa. Will Carr, Local Chairman, West Alexander, Pa. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1785 NO. 34. — Division covers the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. V. Phillips, Gen’l Chair- man, Wellington, 111.; S. M. Rittenhouse, GenM S. & T., Sidell, 111. NO. 35. PROVIDENCE, R. I.— Meets 3d Satur day of each month in Swarts Lodge, Odd Fel- lows* Hall, 96 Westminster st., Providence, R. I. J. F. Brady, Chief Tel., 52 Woodbine st., Providence, R. I.; Rob’t. A. Brown, S. & T., 36 Cora ave., East Providence, R. I. NO. 36. — Division covers the Pennsylvania Lines west of Pittsburg. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. W. Burch, GenM S. & T., 319 Atalanta ave.. Tuxedo Park, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 37, NEW ROCHELLE, N. V.— Meets 2d Friday evening each month, 8 p. m., Bank’s Hall, over Post Office, New Rochelle, N. Y. Daniel Kenney, Chief Tel., 32 Madison ave.. Port Chester, N. Y.; Jos. A. Hannan, S. & T., P. O. Box 140, Rye, N. Y. NO. 38, SPRINGFIELD, MASS.— Meets 3d Sat- urday each month, 8 p. m., at 33 Lyman st., Springfield, Mass. Art. O. Betters, Chief Tel., 216 Summer st., Springfield, Mass.; John R. Cardinal, S. & T., Box 1417, Springfield, Mass. NO. 39. — Division covers the Pere Marquette Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman- John Heusted, GenM Chairman, Mt Morris, Mich.; Charles I. Mead, Gen’l S. & T., Smyrna, Mioh. NO. 40. — Division covers Chesapeake & Ohio Rail- way System. Meets 4th Thursday of each month at Fraternity Hall, 215 West Broad st., Rich- mond, Va. Third Saturday night of each month at Eagle’s Hall, Clifton Forge, Va. Third Tues- day night of each month at Manhattan Hall, Hinton, W. Va. Fourth Saturday night of each month at Buffalo Hall, corner Third ave. and 9th st., Huntington, W. Va. L. G. Bentley, Gen’l Chairman, No. 25 South Adams st., Rich- mond Va. ; J. W. Kiser, Gen’l S. & T., 824 27th st., Huntington, W. Va. NO. 41, BOSTON, MASS. — Meets 2d Saturday night each month, Engineer’s Hall, 164 Canal st., Boston, Mass. Ben C. Chase, Chief Tel., Wenham Depot, Mass.; John A. Tuck, S. & T., upper station, Wakefield, Mass. NO. 42. — Division covers the Erie Railroad Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Frank N. Hall, Gen’l Chairman, 35 Clinton st , Sala- manca, N. Y. ; C. L. Bridge, Gen’l S. & T., De- posit, N. Y. NO. 43. — Division covers Canadian Northern Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chair man. A. E. J. Willis, GenM Chairman, Roland, . Man.; E. G. Skelding, GenM S. & T., 531 Victor st., Winnipeg, Man. NO. 44. NEW YORK, N. Y. — Meets 2d Saturday eaoh month at 8 p. m., in Fraternity Hall, 22-24 Harriman ave, Jamaica, N. Y.; C. B. Van Nostrand, Chief Tel., 31 Aberdeen st., Brook- lyn, N. Y.; A. F. Heller, S. & T., 1441 Bush- wick ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. NO. 45, WOODVILLE, N. H.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month at 8 p. m., K. of P. Hall, Woodville, N. H. B. C. Berry, Chief Tel., South Barton, Vt. ; F. P. Learned, S. & T., Plymouth, N. H. NO. 46. — Division coves the Central of Georgia Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. T. F. Hemminger, Gen’l Chairman, Guy- ton, Ga. ; O. S. Travis, GenM S. & T., Route 68, Atlanta, Ga. NO. 47. CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. I.— Meets 3d Thursday of each month at 8 p. m , at B. I. S. Hall, Charlottetown, P. E. I.; A. D. Lawson, Chief Tel., Hunters River, P. E. I.; J. J. Trainor, S. & T., Bedford Station, P. E. I. NO. 48. — Division covers the Detroit, Toledo I ronton and Ann Arbor Railways. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. H. J. Tobin, Gen’l Chairman, 315 E. Exchange st., Owosso, Mich.; A. F. Weast, GenM S. & T., Bainbridge, Ohio. NO. 49- — Division covers the Denver & Rio Grande Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. A. H. Wasson, Gen’l Chairman, Amethyst, Colo.; F. W. Aiken, GenM S. & T., Parkdale, Colo. NO. 50. — Division covers the Georgia Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John S. Stovall, GenM Chairman, Milledgeville, Ga.; A. C. McKinley, GenM S. & T., Milledge- ville, Ga. NO. 51. — Division covers Bessemer & Lake Erie Railway System. Meets 1st Friday evening after 1 6th, each month, in Eagles’ Hall, Greenville, Pa., after the arrival of trains 2 and 13- C. V. Patton, General Chairman, Kaylor, Pa.; W. B. Risley, GenM S. & T., 96 Marshall st., Con- neaut, Ohio. NO. 52, PITTSBURG. PA. -Meets 2d and 4tli Saturday evening each month at 8 p. m., at 204 Fifth ave., 3d floor, Pittsburg, Pa. John Kiger, Chief Tel , 6426 Howe st., East End, Pittsburg, Pa.; H. K. Klingensmith, Secretary, 243 Grand- view ave., Pittsburg, Pa.; C. C. Campbell, Treas- urer, 605 Arlington ave., Pittsburg, Pa. NO. 53. — Division covers the Southern Pacific Railway Lines. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. H. Lester, Gen’l Chairman, Weimar, Tex.; D. W. Koppikus, GenM S. & T., 1220 12th ave., East Oakland, Cal. NO. 54. — Division covers the Northern Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. Sam Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, North Branch, Minn. I. N. Holmes, GenM S. & T., 1015 10th st., Olympia, Wash. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1786 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 55. — Division covers the Wheeling, Lake Erie Railway, Wabash, Pittsburg Terminal and West Side Belt Railway Systems. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. O. Peoples, Gen’l Chair- man, Bolivar, Ohio; C. R. Guthrie, Gen’l S. & T., Box 71, Jewett, Ohio. NO. 56. — Division covers the Georgia Southern & Florida Railway Systems. L. D. Hamilton, Gen’l Chairman, Tifton, Ga. O. H. Watson, Gen’l S. & T., Tobesoflcee, Ga. NO. 57- — Division covers the Houston & Texas Central Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. W. J. Burke, Gen’l Chairman, H. & T. C. yard office, Dallas, Texas; J. A. McKey, Gen’l S. & T., 43 N. Benge st., Mc- Kinney, Texas. NO. 58, WILMINGTON, DEL.— Meets third Wednesday evening, 8 o'clock, Red Men’s Hall, 517 Shipley st., Wilmington, Del. H. W. Ken- nedy, Chief Telegrapher, 305 N. Van Buren st., Wilmington, Del.; F. C. Melvin, S. & T., 19 W. 23d st., Wilmington, Del. NO. 59. — Division covers Southern Railway Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. W. J. Gregory, Gen’l Chairman, Chase City, Va. A. L. McDaniel, Gen’l S. & T., Forest City, N. C. NO. 60. WASHINGTON, D. C.— Meets 3d Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m., at Typographical Temple, 423 "G” st., N. W., Washington, D. C. J. E. Vander grift, Chief Tel., 1116 Va. ave., S. W., Washington, D. C.; H. L. Simcox, S. & T., 63* “B” st. S. W., Washington, D. C. NO. 61, CAMPBELLTON, N. B.— Meets 4th Tuesday evening of each month in Engineers’ Hall, Campbelltorf, N. B. J. W. Morton, Chief Tel., Carapbellton, N. B.; R. A. McMillan, S. & T., Charlo Station, N. B. NO. 62. — Division covers Queen & Crescent (North). A. B. Willison, Gen’l Chairman, Sci- ence Hill, Ky. K. C. Gardner, Gen’l S. & T., 365 S. Broadway Park, Lexington, Ky. NO. 63, MONCTON, N. B.— Meets 3d Saturday of each month, alternately at Moncton, N. B., and St. John, N. B. F. T. Atkinson, Chief Tel., Bloomfield, N. B., Can.; T. A. Scribner, S. & T., Moncton, N. B. NO. 64, LEVIS, QUE. — Meets 4th Friday of each month at 1 p. m., at Victoria Hotel, Levis, Que. A. Dion, Chief Tel., Levis, Que.; Joseph Remil- lard, S. & T., St. Charles, Bellechasse Co., Que. NO. 65, ROCHESTER, N. H.— Meets at 8 p. m., 2d Saturday each month in G. A. R. Hall, Roch- ester, N. H. E. J. Scott, Chief Tel., West Ossipee, N. H. ; G. F. Berry, S. & T., 24 Port- land st., Rochester, N. H. NO. 66, TRURO, N. S — Meets 3d Wednesday each month, McKay's Hall (B. R. T. room), Inglis st., Truro, N. S. W. A. Harris, Chief Tel., Windsor Junction, N. S. ; Geo. O. Forbes, S. &. T., Spring Hill Junction, N. S. NO. 67, WILKESBARRE, PA.— Meets on the 3d Friday each month at 8 p. m., at O. U. A. M. Hall, No. 31 W. Market st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. E. O. Sherman, Chief TeL, 331 S. River st., Wilkesbarre, Pa.; J. Nelligan, S. & T., 30 New- port st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. NO. 68. — Division covers Washington County Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. James F. Desmond, Gen’l Chairman, Eastport, Maine; Wm. C. Myrick, Gen’l S. & T., East Machias, Maine. NO. 69. — Division covers Queen & Crescent Route (South). Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. A. Shields, Gen’l Chairman, Morton, Miss.; J. C. Talley, Jr., Gen’l S. & T., Box 283, Jack- son, Miss. NO. 70. — Division covers Great Northern Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. P. M. Abbott, Gen’l S. & T., Logan, Mont. NO. 71, OSKALOOSA, IOWA.— Meets 2d Satur- day in each month at 8:45 p. m., in Trainmen's Hall, over Pike’s Drug Store, Oskaloosa, Iowa. H. W. Landfear, Chief Tel., Wright, Iowa; F. H. McCarl, S. & T., New Sharon, Iowa. NO. 72 , ST. JOSEPH, MO.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., 623 Mt Mora Road, St Joseph, Mo. C. P. Cahill, Chief TeL, 1615 5. nth st, St Joseph, Mo.; W. E. Reese, S. 6. T., Box 682, St Joseph, Mo. NO. 73. MAUCH CHUNK. PA.— Meets sd Wednesday of each month at 8 p. m., on the 4th floor Odd Fellows’ Hall, Broadway, Maucb Chunk, Pa. John F. Boyle, Chief TeL, Penn Haven, mail, Mauch Chunk, Pa.; William M. Butler, S. & T., Room 11, Court House, Wilkes- barre, Pa. NO. 74. — Division covers B. & O. S. W. R. R. J. M. Peck, Gen’l Chairman, Farmingdale, 111.; A. W. Morrow, Gen’l S. & T.# 425 Jefferson st, Greenfield, Ohio. NO. 75. — Division covers Chicago, Cincinnati A Louisville Ry. System. G. W. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Losantville, Ind.; F. K. Harter, Gen’l S. & T., Jonesboro, Ind. NO. 76. — Division covers the Chicago & North- western Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Jas. Troy, Gen’l Chairman, Jew- ell Junction, Iowa; W. J. Liddane, Ass’t Gen’l Chairman, 386 Grove st, St Paul, Minn.; Ira R. Kempkes, Gen’l S. & T., Nevada, Iowa. NO. 77. DENVER, COLO.— Meets rat Tuesday evening in each month, Rooms 38-40, 1427 Stout st, Denver, Colo.; C. M. Worth, Chief Tel., Rooms 38-40, 1427 Stout st, Denver, Colo.; C L. Cheney, S. & T., 935 17th st, Denver, Colo. NO. 78, ALBANY, N. Y.— Meets 3d Saturday each month at 7:30 p. m., A. O. U. W. Hall, 82 S. Pearl st., Albany, N. Y. James Disney. Chief TeL, 46 Franklin st., Albany, N. Y.; B. M. Nichols, S. & T., Altamont, N. Y. Digitized by Cjooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1787 NO. 79. — Covers G. & S. I. Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Gen*l Chairman. J. O. Bolton, Gen’l Chairman, Seminary, Miss.; W. L. Yeates, Gen'l Sec. & Treas., Box 60, Maxie, Miss.; H. J. Schneider, Ass't Gen'l S. & T., Maxie, Miss. NO. 80. — Division covers the M. J. & K. C. Ry. System. T. E. Cooper, Gen’l Chairman, Bay Springs, Miss.; J. L. Lester, Gen'l Sec & Treas., Union, Miss. NO. 81. — Division covers the Colorado Midland Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of Chairman. Guy Sailing, Gen'l S. & T., Floris- sant, Colo. NO. 8a. — Division covers Western Maryland Rail- way System. H. C. McCubbin, Gen’l Chairman, Hagerstown, Md.; E. H. Roons, Gen’l S. & T., 308 Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. W. Va. Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman. Md. Div. — Meets ad and 4th Thursdays of each month at 8:30 p. m., in G. A. R. Hall, corner Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 83. — Division covers the Bangor & Aroostook Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. A. W. Sherburne, Gen’l Chair- man, New Sweden Station, Me.; F. J. Crozier, Gen’l Sec. & Treas., Norcross, Maine. NO. 84, CAMDEN. N. J.— Meets ad Friday at 8 p. m.t at Morgan’s Hall. Fourth and Market sts., Camden, N. J. F. S. Pheasant, Chief Tel., Mer- cbantville, N. J.; I. W. Newkirk, Sec’y, Pit- man Grove, N. J.; T. J. McCabe, Treas., 1014 Spruce st., Camden, N. J. NO. 85, TRENTON, N. J.— Meets 3d Friday at 8 p. m., at Concordia Hall, 33 West State st., Trenton, N. J. Chas. R. Carty, Chief Tel., 9 22 Pond st., Bristol, Pa.; Chas. Parker, S. & T., 304 West Hanover st., Trenton, N. J. NO. 86, ALTOONA, PA.— Meets ad Wednesday at 10:15 a. m., and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p. m., in Lee Building, E. lath st., between 8th and 9th aves., Altoona, Pa. J. W. McCoy, Chief Tel., Juniata, Blair Co., Pa.; J. L. Franks, S. & T., 3S5 Beech ave., Altoona, Pa. NO. 87, SCRANTON, PA. — Meets 1st Monday evening of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, Main st, Archibald, Pa. J. W. Sampson, Chief Tel., Dickson City, Pa.; M. G. Grennell, S. & T. , Carbondale, Pa. NO. 88. — Division covers the Texas & Pacific Rail- way System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. W. E. Sledge, Gen’l Chairman, Keith ville. La.; J. E. De Souza, Gen’l S. & T., Chamberlin, La. NO. 89, BOSTON, MASS. — Meets 1st Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Ratbbone Hall, 3d floor, elevator service, 694 Washington st., Bos- ton, Mass. W. A. Fenwick, Chief Tel., Fram- ingham, Mass.; J. W. Finn, S. & T., 22 Milton ave., Dorchester, Ctr., Boston, Mass. NO. 90. — Division covers Coal & Coke Ry. of W. Va. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. J. Shawver, Gen’l Chairman, Walkersville, W. Va.; J. A. Arthur, Gen’l S. & T., Blue Creek, W. Va. NO. 91* CHICAGO, ILL.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., at Liberty Hall, 70 Adams st., Chicago, 111. G. Dal. Jones, Chief Tel., 386 Dearborn ave., Chicago, 111.; Wm. F. McDonald, S. & T., Room 550, 263 LaSalle st., Chicago, 111. NO. 92. — Division covers the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. H. R. Childs, Gen'l Chairman, Warsaw, N. Y. ; J. T. Simmons, Gen’l S. & T., 901 W. Long ave., DuBois, Pa. NO. 93. — Division covers the Illinois Central Rail- road System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. C. A. Mulhall, Gen'l Chairman, Clarkson, Ky.; G. E. Chance, Ass’t Gen’l Chair- man, Mounds, 111.; W. P. Moore, Gen’l Chair- man, Y. & M. V. Lines, Lulu, Miss.; R. L. Shannon, Gen’l S. & T., Anna, 111. Chicago Terminal hold regular meetings on 3d Saturday each month at 8 p. m., sharp, in Vicinity Hall (3d floor), N. E. cor. 35th and Cottage Grove ave., Chicago, 111. NO. 94. MERIDIAN, MISS.— Meets 4th Wednes- day night at 8 p. m., in Young Men’s Benevo- lent Association Hall, S. E. cor. Dauphin and Jackson sts.. Mobile, Ala. J. E. Jones, Ch:ef Tel., Oak Grove, Ala.; R. L. Howell, S. & T., 18 South Catherin st., Mobile, Ala. NO. 95. PORTLAND, ME.— Meets 3d Thursday each month at 546 54 Congress st., Portland, Me. H. G. Adams. Chief Tel., R. F. D. 2, Cumber- land Center, Me.; C. A. Ford, S. & T., West- brook, Me. NO. 96. — Division covers the Chicago Great West- ern Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. L. Albrecht, Gen’l Chairman, Fred- ericksburg, la.; W. H. Scott, G. S. & T., Eliza- beth, 111, NO. 97. — Division covers the Seaboard Air Line Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. D. May, Gen’l Chairman, Carlton, Ga. ; F. O. Cumming, Gen’l S. & T., Seaboard, N. C. NO. 98. — Division covers G. V. G. & N. Ry. Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. R. W. Smith, Gen’l Chairman, Thatcher, Ariz. ; B. R. Marks, Gen’l S. & T., Pima, Ariz. NO. 99, COBALT, ONT.— Geo. A. Dufour, Chief Tel., Cobalt, via North Bay, Ont. Arnold C. Moir, S. & T., Uno Park, Ont. NO. 100, ELMIRA, N. Y.— Meets third Friday each month at 9 p. m. sharp. Red Men’s Hall, 164 Lake st., Elmira, N. Y. C. M. Weeks, Chief Tel., Stanley, N. Y.; C. R. Elliott, Sec. & Treas., 381 South Main st., Elmira, N. Y. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1788 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. io i. — Division covers Northwestern Pacific Ry. John A. Bondeson, Gen’l Chairman, Port Reyes Sta., Cal.; W. E. Hicks, Gen’l S. & T., Geyaenrille, Cal. NO. i os, PHILADELPHIA, PA.— Meeting place subject to notice from Secretary and Treasurer. Harold O. Mennig, Chief Tel., Conshohocken, Pa.; Arthur C. Malstrom, S. A T., West Con- shohocken, Pa. NO. 103, STELLARTON, N. S.— John T. Mc- Queen, Chief Tel., New Glasgow, N. S.; N. G. Munro, S. & T., Box 15s, Stellarton, N. S. NO. 104, AYER, MASS.— Meets 3d Sunday of each month at 9:30 a. m., in the ante-rooms of Pierce Hall, 3d floor, Clinton, Mass. F. H. Willard, Chief Tel., Lancaster, Mass.; John F. Mullen, S. A T., 153 Lunenburg st, Fitchburg, Mass. NO. 105, CONCORD, N. H.— W. H. Meserve, Chief Tel., Penacook, N. H.; B. C. Jones, S. & T., Newport, N. H. NO. 106, HAGERSTOWN, MD.— Meets 1st and 3d Thursdays of each month at 8 p. m., in G. A. R. Hall, over Market House, cor. Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. C. V. Lar- rick. Chief Tel., Mason-Dixon, Pa.; J. K. Sny- der, Sec., Box 46, Hagerstown, Md.; G. F. Hoo- ver, Treas., 254 South Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 107. — Division covers Toledo, Peoria & West- ern Ry. C. M. Finch, Gen’l Chairman, Watseka, 111.; O. L. Lang, Gen’l S. A T., El Paso, 111. NO. 108, ADDISON, N. Y. — Meets 2d Sunday each month at 11 a. m., in C. M. B. A. Hall, Addison, N. Y. F. J. Taylor, Chief Tel., Cross Fork, Pa.; L. D. Jacobs, S. & T., Elkland, Pa. NO. 109, CRESSON, PA.— Henry D. Border, Chief Tel., Portage, Pa.; Louis Biter, S. & T., Wilmore, Pa. NO. no, RENOVO, PA. — Meets 3d Wednesday of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, 4th st.. Emporium, Pa. D. J. Shea, Chief Tel., Water- ford, Pa.; A. L. Goodwin, S. & T., Box 375, Emporium, Pa. NO. in. — Division covers San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. C. Mangrum, Gen’l Chair- man, 10 Delmar ave., Salt Lake City, Utah. Lester Rouse, Gen’l S. & T., Kelso, Cal. NO. 116. — Division covers the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway System. Meets 2d Sunday of February, April, June, August, October and December in places designated by General Chair- man. J. H. McLean, Gen’l Chairman, L’Anse, Mich.; C. Rcif, Gen’l S. A T., Lake Linden, Mich. NO. 1 17, SHAMOKIN, PA.— Meets 3d Saturday months of January, March, May, July, Septem- ber and November, at 7 p. m., in I. O. O. F. Hall, Mahonoy City, Pa., and on 3d Saturday, at 8 p. m., months of February, April, June, August, October and December, in P. O. S. of A. Hall, Shamokin, Pa. A. F. Wallaner, Chief Tel., Quakake, Pa.; H. M. Michael, S. & T.. Quakake, Pa. NO. 118. — Division covers Toledo A Ohio Cen- tral Railway System. H. E. Arnold, Gen’l Chair- man, Nelsonville, Ohio; R. M. Henderson, Gen’l S. & T., Marysville, Ohio. NO. 119. — Division covers the Minneapolis, St Paul A Sault Ste. Marie Railway System. G- W. Lewis, Gen’l Chairman, Orleans, Minn.; F. C. Paine, Gen’l S. & T., Erskine, Minn. NO. 120. — Division covers Lake Erie & Western Railway System. V. E. Trittipo, G. S. A T., Fisher’s Switch, Ind. NO. 1 2 1. — Division covers Wisconsin Central Ry. System. G. A. Harsh, Gen’l Chairman, Dorches- ter, Wis. O. V. Soderstrom, Gen'l S. & T., Medford, Wis. NO. 123. — Division covers Minneapolis & St Louis Railway System. H. S. Vogler, Gen’l Chairman, Young America, Minn.; Robert Ham- ilton, Gen’l S. & T., Belview, Minn. NO. 125. — Division covers Richmond, Fredericks- burg & Potomac Railway System. Meets sd Friday night each month at K. of P. Hall, 3d floor, 825 Main st. (opposite postoffice), Frede- ricksburg, Va. C. H. Bose hen, Gen’l Chairman Ashland, Va.; S. R. Gentry, Gen’l S. A T., Fredericksburg, Va. NO. 126. — Division covers Chicago, Rock Island A Pacific Railway System. Meets Maccabee Hall, Rock Island, 111., 4th Saturday evening of each month at F. O. E. Hall, El Reno, Okla., second Saturday of each month at 8 p. m. W. T. Brown, Gen’l Chairman, Whiting, Kans. ; M. E. Schooler, Gen'l S. A T., Whiting, Kans. NO. 127, VIRGINIA, MINN.— C J. Keenan, Chief Tel., Kelsey, Minn.; J. F. Kenney, S. A T. , Alborn, Minn. NO. 129. — Division cover? Lake Shore A Michi- gan Southern Railway System. G. E. Kipp, Gen’l Chairman, Blasdell, N. Y.; C. D. Hull, G. S. A T., 1029 Central ave., Sandusky, Ohio. NO. 130. — Division covers Chicago, Burlington A Quincy Railroad System. M. J. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Anselmo, Neb.; W. A. Henry, Gen’l S. A T., Ericson, Neb. NO. 132. — Division covers Atlantic Coast Line Railway System. Meetings, Florence, S. C, 4th Saturday night each month. Rocky Mount, N. C., bi-monthly, February, April, June, August, October and December, on 2d Saturday night. B. F. Wheeler, Gen’l Chairman, Oviedo, Fla.; J. H. Williams, Gen’l S. A T., Wilson, N. C. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1789 NO. 133. SYDNEY, N. S.— G. B. Anslow, Chief Tel., North Sydney Junction, C. B. ; Archie B. McDougall, S. & T., Grand Narrows, Cape Bre- ton, N. S. NO. 134, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Meets 3d Sun- day each month, at 136 East Bay st., Herkimer Building, Jacksonville, Fla. L. R. Funderburk, Chief Tel., care Jacksonville Terminal Company, Jacksonville Fla.; N. C. Hall, S. & T., belray, Fla. NO. 135, OLEAN, N. Y. — Meets 3d Tuesday even- ing each month at Rafferty's Hall, ad floor, Tower Building, Olean, N. Y. A. D. Mathew- son. Chief Tel., Ischua, N. Y. ; E. C. Stevens, S. & T., Ischua, N. Y. NO. 136, READING, PA.— Meets 3d Friday of each month. Geo. P. Riggleman, Chief Tel., Mt. Holly Springs, Pa.; C. F. Pctree, S. & T., 932 Pear st., Reading, Pa. NO. 137. — Division covers El Paso & Northeastern Railway System. J. C. McNairy, Acting Gen’l S. & T., 1425 Angelica st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 138. — Division covers C., C., C. & St. L. Railway System. J. F. Justice, Gen’l Chair- man, 366 North Grant ave., Columbus, Ohio; C. A. Burton, Gen'l S. & T., 4056a Laclede ave., St. Louis, Mo. System meetings held at Eng- lish Hotel, Indianapolis, Ind., subject to call of General Chairman. Cleveland Division meets Trades’ Council Hall, Galion, O., second Tues- day night of each month. Otto Krichbaum, 5902 W. Pilsen av., Cleveland, O., Local Chairman. Cincinnati-Sandusky Division meets third Mon- day night in each month at B. of L. E. Hall, Hollencamp bldg., Jefferson st., Dayton, O. T. F. Justice, Local Chairman. St. Louis Division — Meets at Paris, 111., every two weeks, subject to call of Chairman. Edw. Whalen, Local Chair man. Indianapolis Division meets at Anderson. Sidney and Bellefontaine, subject to call of Chairman. H. G. Hess, Local Chairman. Chi- cago Division West meets subject to call of Chairman. O. J. Repschlager, Local Chairman. Chicago Division East, meets subject to call of Chairman. W. M. Williams, Local Chairman. Michigan Division meets subject to call of Chair- man. Geo. Lavengood, Local Chairman. P. & E. Division meets subject to call of Chairman. L. V. Peckenpaugh, Local Chairman. NO. 139, NORTH ADAMS, MASS.— Meets on the 2d Saturday of each month in Odd Fellows’ Hall, North Adams, Mass. T. E. Powers, Chief Tel., W. Valley Falls, N. Y.; H. F. Cook, S. & T., Shelburn Falls, Mass. TWIN CITY TELEGRAPHERS’ CLUB.— Meets 2d Saturday night each month at Columbia Hall, Prior and University aves., St. Paul, Minn. L. D. Beamer, Pres., 360 Selby ave., St. Paul, Minn.; T. H. Line, Sec’y & Treas., 2365 Dos- well ave., St. Paul, Minn. TELEGRAPHERS’ SOCIAL CLUB OF N. Y.— Meets subject to call of President at “The Plasa,” 141st st. and Edgecombe ave., New Yoik City; M. G. Woolley, President, 155th st. and 8th ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, S. & T., 126 Union st., High Bridge, New York City. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Digitized by Google No. 6 Remington, latest model $50. We offer No. 6 Remington Typewriter, of latest model with automatic ribbon reverzer and release pawl improvements at $o0 cash with order, $55 c. o. d. with trial, or $60, on payment, of $10 cash and balance $10 per month. No; 2 Smith Premier Typewriter, $50. Late model, nearly now, No. 2 Smith Premier Typewriters , with now ribbon, now platen and guarantee for two years, only $60, cash with order; $55 c. o. d. with trial; $60, $10 payments. No. 2 Remington Typewriter, $25. First-class No. 2 Remington Typewriters, in perfect working order, $25, cash with order; $30 c. o. d. with trial; $40, $10 cash, $5 per month. 100.000 of these machines in daily use. Nigh speed, small compact keyboard, durable. No. 3 Oliver Latest Model, $50. Latest model No. 3 Oliver Typewriter remodeled new by the Oliver Typewriter Company and delivered in original factory shipping boxes complete with cover for $50 cash, or $60 on $10 monthly payments. This is a real bargain. Caligraph, $12 instead of $85. Only a few more left. Improved hollow bar No. 2 Caligraph. every key represents character it prints; no mistakes. $12 cash with order; $16 c. o. d. with trial; $20, $5 cash, balance $5 per month. Smith Premier No. I, $25; Cost, $100. We have a few No. 1 Smith Typewriters in good order which we will sell as long as they last at $25 cash; or $40 on $5 payments . Same keyboard as No. 2 Smith Premier. $100 Typewriters, $15 to $30. $ 60. 00 Chicago or Munson, like new $ 15.00 $100 00 No. lDensmore, good order 25.00 $100 00 Ideal Hammond, good order 15.00 $ 35 00 Blickensderfers, perfect condition 16 00 $ 60.00 Williams Typewriter, fine order 15.00 $ 60.00 Wellington Typewriter, (visible) good order — 30.00 SUPPUES: Noiseless typewriter cushion, $1.00; new ribbons. 50c ; new Dead” platens, $1.00. Mailed to any address upon receipt of price. Iron frame, walnut top typewriter stands with drawer $3. ST. LOUIS TYPEWRITER EXCHANGE, Home Office 80S Olive St., St. Louis, Mo. ESTABLISHED 20 YEARS New York Office 309 Broadway,

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. THE BEST PAPER FOR FAMILY READING. IT COMES EVERY WEEK THE YEAR ROUND. The Y outh’s Companion Every New Subscriber to The Youth* s Companion for 1908 who sends $1.75 before November / st ( see offer below) will receive , free of cost , the eight weekly issues for November and December , 1907. 250 350 1000 2000 THE FIFTY-TWO ISSUES FOR 1908 WILL CONTAIN : GOOD STORIES — Serial Stories, Stories of Character , Adventure and Heroism. ARTICLES — Reminiscences , Sketches, Contributions Knowledge, by Famous Men and Women. to UP-TO-DATE NOTES ON CURRENT EVENTS, and Recent Discoveries in Nature and Science. ONE-MINUTE STORIES Anecdotes and Miscellany. The Weekly Health Article , Children’s Page, etc. EVERY NEW SUBSCRIBER Who cuts out and sends this slip (or mentions this publication) at once with $1.75 (or The Companion (or 1908 will receive f 19 | *| % All the issues of The Companion for November and December, 1 907. 1^ 1^ W* The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Numbers. * The Companion’s 4-Leaf Hanging Calendar for 1908 in full color. Then The Companion for the 52 weeks of 1908 — a complete library of the best reading. Illustrated Announcement for 1908 and Sample Copies of the Paper sent Free. THE YOUTH’S COMPANION :: :: BOSTON, MASS. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ELECTRIC NOVELTIES We hare just received from tbe press a booklet treating on Electric Novelties and Special- ties. Some rare holiday offers are shown. Yours for the asking. A. c* Gives three times the volume of vvDrcn o ^ sound given b y ■ l iLftlvEHi the veiT best box relays. Made with full size re- 1 a y magnets, 150 ohms resistance. Very sensitive to weak currents, givingaclear working sound on circuits where, without it, a relay with local sounder and battery would be absolutely necessary. With key, price, $4.50. Without key, price, $3.75. recommended Mi of florae Telegra- phy free with each instrument. Wound, 5 ohms. $1.15; Wound, 20 ohms, $1.25. IMPROVED GIANT SOUNDER highly polished mahogany base. Used by the largest railroad and telegraph companies. Standard size and design. Wound 5 ohms. Price, $1.40. Made of selected _ ajry^lLa material and hand- ^iRir^7Vf? somely finished, Pi y mounted on ma- hoguny base with V^C> ~ '0OT*^^r ^ metallic surbase. ease on ^SS I nes up to twenty miles, where main line sounders fail to give satisfaction, and requires much less battery power than a main lino sounder of similar resistance. Wound 20 ohms. Price, $1.50. EARLY RISER’S OUTFIT A The clock that gets you up in time. Ahigh- grade clock movement. /f'. Will riug for a week if f*+ VV «wU| not shut off. Every ■ railroad man realizes sxiLi /T the importance of ■iL'flr being on time — this — v~ ^ timepiece will get you Rill there if anything will, r I The clock is attached to battery box, so that a*-*! the outfit may be car- “ ’ tr ried by the top ring. Price, complete, $2.00. ® BATTERY CALL TELEPHONE For lines from 100 to 1500 A practical working tele- phone for outdoor or in- door lines. Especially recommended for connect- ing office or store with house, house with stable, manager’s office with any part of building or grounds, etc. Every instrument tested and guaranteed to work satisfactorily. Will give as good serv- ice on short lines as any phone made. Price, each, $2.50. ANTI-DOC MEDICAL APPARATUS Accomplishes s ^as ! ^ — only $2.00. BURGLAR ALARM TRAP You can make your house or office burglar- trajyind a few minutes P tiie string across a P doorway and any dis- turbance of string d raws the needle to the right, ringing the bell; i f the string be broken, spring draws needle to left, giving the alarm. Makes good fire alarm, as burning of string gives alarm. Two traps for 25 cents. contains 144 pages and over 750 illustrations .. C »*C *1. „ I.' 1 .. 1 1Tvai.iTV.niIv ’ of "Something Electrical for Everybody Manhattan Electrical Supply Co 17 Park PUce-NEW YORK-14 Murray St. 188 Fifth Ave.. CHICAGO Digitized by Google

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You ate ALL CONFUSED — You want the sweetest toned d a ■ — You want that sweet tone to last wr% 2k flACl Vm. Hiclik* tn st %mnd flnv mope CH/V|>V JL ACvAAV — You want the sweetest toned d 4 ■ — You want that sweet tone to last wr% 2k AACl —You dislike to spend any more CAMVlfV & ICIIlVlJt money than necessary But every adviser, and so-called expert, recommends a different make. You are like a man iost in the woods. You don’t know which way to turn. This surely describes your position. THE REMEDY : — Educate yourself on the subject ! Study — read — ■ W Read more — Study more. Then listen in the quietness of your I own parlor to the tone of the highest grade piano you can JL jU get, but without agreeing fb purchase it. Call in all , those musical friends who you know are not under past obligations to any piano \ dealers or friends of dealers. Resolve you will study attentively piano tone and will be deaf, while studying, to the magnetic talk and persuasiveness of sales- men. This is the intelligent way. It s the way you planned your new home. You made a long study of it calmly, thoroughly, and you became quite an expert. You can be just as expert about pianos. We are willing to send yoo free two books: One officially entitled “The Book of Complete Information about Pianos.” TOO NEED THIS BOOK of m Pages handsomely bound, if you n>er intend to buy a piano, no matter what make. It tells how to test a piano and how* to tell good from bad : what causes pianos to get out of order. It makes the selection of a piano easy. If read carefully it will make you an expert judge of piano tone, of action, workmanship and of durability. It tells everything that any one can possibly want to know about pianos ; gives a description of every part of the piano, how put together and all the processes of manufacture. Gives description of the new in- vention for aiding learners to plav called THB NOTBACCORD (en- dorsed by Paderewski and other great pianists). It explains Agents’ and Dealers’ Methods and Devices. It tells about the very first piano. the qualities of labor, the felt, ivories and woods used in every high-grade piano, and compares high qualities with the cheaper kind (used in inferior pianos). Describes what constitutes a musical-piano-tone, and in fact is a complete encyclopedia. You need and should have THIS EDUCATIONAL BOOK to thoroughly inform you whenever CONFUSED ABOUT PIANOS. Its scores of illustrations (all de- voted to piano construction) are not only interesting but are instructive— to children as well as to adults. You will certainly learn a great deal about pianos that you could not hear of or read ANYWHERE ELSE for it is absolutely the onlv book of its kind ever published. Neverthe- less we send it free. The other book is also cope righted but is a short story named ‘‘JOHN HONBYWfcLL’S REASONS.* * The story of an average American family which was ALL CONFUSED about Pianos-it is interesting, readable and prettily illustrated— gives a little hint of a love affair which the piano helped along, as many pianos have done. These two Dooks cost quite a sum to produce, print, bind, illustrate and mail, upwards of 400,000 have been issued and without a single exception have been highly com- mended. SO FAR not one word about our- selves. We are and have been the manufacturers of THB FAMOUS WING PIANO for the past 30 years ! We Have Supplied Over 40,000 American Homes With WING RIANOS WE HAKE SPECIAL TERMS TO RAILROAD MEN We refer to Banks, Governors of many States, and Judges; to Merchants Conservatories of Music. Singers and Professors of Music. We have been students of vibration and of musical tone and strength of materials during all these 39 years. The first patent issued to our Mr. Wing, Senior, for improvement on pianos was in 1876, and other improvements have been invented since at the average rate of more than one yearly. These facts prove our skill and long experience, but would not he mentioned if we did not wish to show you that we know the piano subject as few others have had the opportunity ; for 39 years is a long — long time for a business house to “live and learn ” and constantly prosper. Write for the books at once or fill in the coupon. Take it out a sxd mail to us now while you think of it (and while you have the coupon). You will be under no obligations whatever. WING BUILDING D- QOIW 360*384 West 13th Street, New York TT \Xt JV/ll

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. IfOVBLTIES FOR TELBQRAPHBR OIKIIR. BE BP-TO-BATE. 0. B. T. WATCH FOB Batten la Oold and Bins g Ar SAMPLE FOB 3UC# lie. Extra for Stomping Nmm. Ii Lift if 25 it Hon, 40e. tack. Stamping Name, 10c. Extra. No. 1035 PASS CASE. Grain leather, secret pocket for bills, two celluloid front pockets, with your name stamped 1 1 AA on in gold, onr special. “ 1 ,¥M NO. 5.— An elegant Pass Case, with one trans- parent pass pocket and two side pockets.together with bill pocket, your name tl EA stamped on in gold / v r Polo Pipe with reversible pash bit and nickel ring, 2 inches square folded, each 40*4 Vest Pocket Auto Shaped Briar Pipe with solid reversible rubber pash bit, nickel ring; each pipe packed in a paper box, inches square folded, each 75b* Auto Pipe in vest pocket leather case, each 41.00 POCKET TOILET SETS. 416— Necessaire, put up in leatherette case, haa word “Toilet” in silvered letters on outside, contains three pieces in celluloid, pocket comb, toothpick and nail cleaner, bev- eled glass; measures 2#x3% in. Each, postpaid 25c. No. 416 420 — Red bordered calf leather, with gilt I/Art Nouveau metal ornaments on cover, heavy beveled mirror under cover, satin lined with white celluloid fittings in part stitched com- partments, size 2%x3% inches, each psstpaW..50c« 422— Two-fold red Russia Leather, with strap and button fastener inside moire silk, with extra No. 420 leaf Qf divided pockets, fitted with transparent celluloid comb, ear spoon, manicure fitting, heavy beveled mirror, size 2%x3% in., each, postpaid 75c. 423 — Side and end folds, fancy mottled Persian and fancy leather, plain and with gold stamding, 3 fittings, assorted in celluloid, shell and buckhorn, size 2%x3% in., each postpaid $ 1.00 No’ *22 • 100 ENVELOPE'S. $ | PA 250 ENVELOPES. d»* AA 100 LETTER HEADS. 250 LETTER HEADS. Printed with your Name. Address, Etc., F. 0. B. SL Loots, U. S. A. WRITE FOR SAMPLES. STYLUS No. 3, Hard Rubber Handle. Chased, Agate Point, gA^ 6H In. Long, sent by mail postpaid for Ov C. ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT McLEAN PRINTING CO., STATIONERS, 1115-1117 CHESTNUT ST. # ST. LOUIS, MO., U. S. A. WRITE FOR HOLIDAY XMAS CATALOGUE. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. C LINE INDICATOR 6 CARD WRITING ATTACHMENT C. In addition to the fact that all of the writing on the Fox Visible Typewriter is always in sight, the line indicator not only shows the writing line, but it shows the exact printing point, so that the Fox Visible is just what we claim — A PERFECT VISIBLE TYPEWRITER It shows all the writing. It shows the writing line. It shows the exact printing point. Every feature that will facilitate rapid work (as far as seeing is concerned) is thus provided for. A CARD HOLDING ATTACHMENT AS WELL €L In addition to showing the writing line and the printing point the line indicator serves as a card holding attachment, and by the simple movement of a lever, holds firmly in position either one or any number of cards or thicknesses of paper, holding them so firmly that the extreme bottom edge of the card can be written on, doing away with the necessity of purchasing an extra card platen OTHER DISTINCTIVE FEATURES ARE: Interchangeable Carriages Wide Adjustable Typebar Two color Ribbon Tabulator (with every machine) Automatic Ribbon Reverse Line Lock The Key Tension on the Fox is 2H ounces. The Carrioge Tension I K pounds— From 25 to 50% less than on any other Typewriter. _ If you are interested in Improving the typewritten work in your office, and at the same time doing it at less expense — Write us today. We will demonstrate the superiority of the FOX— AT OUR EXPENSE. Complete Catalog on Request. Fox Typewriter Company Executive Office and Factory 201 Front St. - Grand Rapids, Mich. Branches and Agencies in all Cities Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. THE V ALLOGRAPH la an improved vibrator weighing only 2)4 ounces and ia the only tending machine in the World which ia applied directly to and worked by the old Morse Key. OPERATORS IS THIS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR? Side Motion Machines Will Soon be a Thing of the Past It was thought at first the side motion was necessary for the operator who had lost his “grip” but this has all been proven wrong by the use of the “Vailograph.” It is the making of the dots that gets an operator so afflicted. THE VAILOGRAPH IS INTENDED FOR ALL OPERATORS no matter how expert. It not only saves your arm 50 per cent of the work, preventing you from ever losing your “grip,” but it turns out the most perfect Morse you ever heard. It is adjustable to slow and fast sending, works on short or long circuits; it even worked perfectly in a test on a long circuit through two sets of repeaters on a rainy day. The Vailograph is attached to the regular Morse key in such a way that the ordinary contact makes the dashes while one motion of the key upward will make the dots. The key lever Is normally neld in an intermediate position by means of the ten- sion of spring in the Vailograph slightly overcoming the ten- sion of spring in key. Don't Bay a new sending ma- chine before you in- vestigate the Vailo- graph.” The Vailograph applied to key. Outfit Complete, $10.00. United States Vailograph Mfg. Go. II2I-22-23 Lumber Exchange Bldg. Minneapolis, Minn. Digitized by Google F. T. VAIL, Pres. <* Gen. Mgr.

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When addres&ing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. 12 Art Panels 50c Beautiful Duo Tint Re- productions of Famous Paintings — Studies of tlie Human Form Divine 12 of the most exquisite portrayals of “Woman Beautiful** ever nhown in one collection. We send a full set of twelve full-size panels, in a handsome art portfolio, packed flat and safe delivery guaran- teed, together with eighty minia- ture illustrations of other beau- ful art pictures, for only 50c coin, money order or U. S. stamps. Or two sets (different) for SI. 00. Send at once. Money back if not satisfied. Gordon Art Co. 1209 Foster Ave.( Dept. C20, Chicago The larqrxt exclusive mall order picture houne in the Untied State*. F R E E Order at once, and we will include an extra picture entitled “The Dream Malden” absolutely free and complimentary. About three years ago we presented to railroad men a leather pass and card case; the demand for them was so great that we were obliged to discontinue their free dis- tribution. As we continued to receive a great many requests from Railroad men for something of this kind, we decided to get up another case of much better quality, made of black calf leather. We are offering these at less than cost to us and at about one-third of what they cost at the store. If you want one, send us two ten-cent Eieces. If you are not pleased with the ook, return it and get your money back. ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY, Springfield, Illinois Digitized by ^.ooQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. BREECH LOADING SHOTGUN $2 CQ is our SPECIAL PRICE exactly as illustrated. Mfor same gun with AUTOMATIC SHELL EJECTOR. FOR $2.59 SUYJB 12 -gauge, New England Breech single Loading Shotgun, with extra quality taper choke bored steel barrel, reinforced at breech, bored for either smoke- less or black powder, extra heavy steel breech, top snap break, rebounding lock, full pistol grip, walnut stock, long tang, rebounding hammer, an extra strong shooting gun. and we r latest patent globe sight, which really doubles the value ot the gun. exactly as illustrated above, complete furnish tree with every gun our li I I AT $2.89 WE FURNISH THE EXACT SAME GUN, with ah automatic shell ejector, a 'high grade positive ejector which automatically throws the empty shell free from the gun Instantly the gun Is opened. tl QK BUYS THE GENUINE A. J. AUBREY Hammer less, 12-Gauge. Automatic Shell Electing, Single Barrel. $ I • 30 Breech Loading Shotgun, exactly as Illustrated below and positively the highest grade stogie barrel shotgun made In the world, worth twice as much as any other single barrel shotgun you can buy elsewhere at from $15.00 to $25.00. this gun has the highest graoe stell BARRELS made, bored for smokeless or black powder, taper choke bored, full harnmerless action, automatic safety top snap break, positive automatic shell ejector, flat water table frame, quadruple strength bolt, beautifully shaped throughout, very fanev full checkered pistol grip walnut stock, fancy shaped fore end. made on exactly the same lines, the same high grade workmanship, the same finish throughout as Is found on double barrel hammerless guns that sell at $50.00 to $75.00. and we guarantee It the strongest and best shooting single barrel gun made. OUR GREAT FREE TRIAL OFFER If you want the best single barrel shotgun made in the world, mention No. 205H, or cut this ad out and send to us, enclose $1.00, and wc will send this Aubrey single harnmerless gun to you by express C. O. D., subject to examination. You can examine It at your nearest express office, and If found perfectly satisfactory, then nay the express agent the balance, $6.95 and express charges. You can then use the gun three months, during which time you can put It to every possible test, and If at any time during the three months you arc not convinced that It any gun you can buy elsewhere at double the price, you can return the gun to us at our expense and we will Immediately return your money. Including any express charges you may have paid. Better still, send $7.95 with your order, and thus save the extra express charge for collecting the C. O. D. money and returning it to us. give It three months’ trial, ‘ " You will get the gun at once; and If at any time you are not satisfied you have gotten three times as much value for your money as you could get elsewhere. YOU CAN RETURN THE GUN TO US AT OUR EXPENSE AND WE WP “ MONEY. INCLUDING ANY EXPRESS CHARGES YOU MAY HAVE PAID. W ILL AT ONCE YOUR 'IM; I » I.TVUUL'I.TVI VM CAr K VII IT1.AI IIA» L ■ All/. THIS GUN IS MADE IN OUR OWN FACTORY at Meriden. Conn., it Is the roost wonderful single barrel gun ever made, and is worth ten times as much as any of the cheap single barrel guns on the market: safer, quicker acting, stronger, far better shooting, and by far the handsomest single gun ever produced, far cheaper at OUR SPECIAL $7.95 PRICE than any of the cheap single guns on the market even at $1.00 IF YOU WANT Ol R $2.59 OR $2.89 SINGLE BARREL BREECH LOADER, as Illustrated and described above. enclose our price, either $2.59 or $2.89 (we especially recommend If you order our New England gun that you enclose $2.89 and get the gun with the positive automatic ejector); we will then send the gun to you with the understanding and agreement that you can give It thirty days’ free trial, during which time you can put it to every possible test, and if you are not perfectly satisfied with your purchase, if you are not satisfied It is Uie equal of any gun you can buy elsewhere at $5.00 to $7.00, you can return it to us at our expense, AND WE WILL IMMEDIATELY RETURN YOUR MONEY. TOGETHER WITH ANY EXPRESS CHARGES YOU MAY HAVE PAID. OUR $2.89 AUTOMATIC SHELL EJECTING NEW ENOLAND GUN, AS ILLUSTRATED ABOVE, is made for us under contract, and is far better than single guns that sell generally at $5.00 to $8.00; but In your own Interest, to get the best single barrel gun made in the world. AND TrIE GREATEST SINGLE GUN VALUE EVER OFFERED, WE ESPECIALLY URGE THAT YOU SEND US AN ORDER FOR OUR $7.95 AUBREY, ftllll DATA I rime CDCC If you don’t order one of these guns, don’t fall to writ* for our latest free uun OAIALUUUC rncc. Gun Catalogue. On a poetAl card or in a letter to us simply say. ’’Send me your free Gun Catalogue.” and our latest catalogue of shotguns, rifles, revolvers and all kinds of sporting goods will go to you by return mall, postpaid, free with our compliments; the most wonderful Gun Catalogue ever published, values never before known. Harnmerless breech loading shotguns at $8.95 and up. double barrel breech loading shotguns at $6.75 and up. rifles at $1.98 and up, fine ftve-shot, 32 and 38-callber automatic shell ejecting revolvers at $2.98. ammunition and other sporting goods at about one-half what others charge; wonderful free offer*, great privileges, special propositions, heretofore unheard of opportunities, all shown In our latest free Gun i Catal- 'gur so if you don’t order one of the guns shown In this great CCARQ RHPRIlPlf SL fiH HUIPAnH offer, don’t fall to write for our free Gun Catalogue. Address, dCAVIdj nULDUlflk « UU.| UfllUAUU DO YOU WANT TO MAKE, MONEY? j. Agents wanted to sell our STYLOGRAPHIC and POUNTAIN PENS. Write for Catalogue and Agents* Discount. T. ULLRICH G CO., 27 Thames St.. New York. N. Y. ALL OPRSi — Increase yoar nalarfc*, reduce your hours by learning the Bucketshop-Brskcrage Bis. Send for my bonk containing a complete set of Blackboard" with full day's market sooted there—, ware. daeed from —graved plates. Price, Sl.&V. J. £L SCOTT, Bex ••», Memphis, T— n. Cortf. No. T, C. T. C. A. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention Ihe Railroad Telegrapher. Drunkards Cured Secretly Any Lady Can Do It at Home— Costs Nothing To Try. A MODERN MIRACLE. A new tasteless and odorless discovery which can be given secretly by any lady in tea, coffee or food. Heartily endorsed by temperance workers. It does its work so silently and surely that while the de- voted wife, sister or daughter looks on, the drunkard is reclaimed even against his will and without his knowledge. Many have been cured in a single day. FREE TRIAL COUPON. A free trial package of the wonderful Golden Remedy will be pout you by mail, in plain wrap- per, if you will fill in your name and address on blank lines below^cufc out the coupon and mail it at once to Dr. J. W. Haines, 502 Glenn Building, Cincinnati, Ohio. You can then prove to yourself how secretly and easily it can be used, and what a God-send it will be to you. Find the letter of YOUR line PAGE Railroad Agents 11-13-26 Railroad Companies 6-10-26 Reporters 16 Restaurants 13 Rest of the Pencil Users 1-32 | y o matter What you do, there* s a right LeaiVencil for gour Work Dixon's Pencil Guide describes it by name and number so you can get it anywhere. The Guide is alphabeti- cally indexed by vocations . Find your^ac^and your pencil is before you. The book is free. If your dealer doesn’t keep Dixon’s Pencils, send 18 cents for saoiples, worth double the money. Dept. S. Joseph Dixon Crucible Co., Jersey City, N.J. 2% per Month We have investigated several good dividend-paying mining stocks, paying 12 to 24 per cent, which we can conscientiously recommend to conservative investors. Whether you have $100 or $10,000, you can take ad- vantage of these exceptional opportunities if you act now. Quick action is necessary, as these stocks are listed and may advance any day. Write at once for fall and complete Information about these exceptional investment opportunities, prices, terms of payment, etc. We buy, sell and exchange all kinds of stocks and bonds. Call or write to-day for our free market letter and Special Circular No. 93. giving full particulars of a cer- tain listed dividend-paying mining stock that nets 2 per cent per month on the investment at present prices. UNION SECURITY CO.v 498 Gaff Bldg., CHICAGO, ILL.. CHRISTMAS GIFTS SEND FOR OUR JEWELRY CATALOGUE, FREE W. F. MCDONALD & COMPANY 263 LaSalle St., CHICAGO W. F. MCDONALD, Mjnager Member 0. R. T., Dlv. 91 . Member N. Y. Local Member N. Y. Division No. 16, C. T. U. A. No. 26, O. K . T. IKi,, TYPEWRITERS PR1CE8 $12.50 TO $66:00 My SKCiilty"Fiet«ry Bellt” Oie Year*i 6Mfiiite« Telegrapher^ representative V|BRQPLEX« $7.50 Writs me direct. DANIEL A. MAHONEY. 345 Breadway, New Yerk Digitized by Google

Page 823

When addressing our advertisers-, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. If your townspeople contemplate putting In an exchange, or the farmers In your vicinity build a rural party line, write us about H and we will tell you how you can make a lot of money on the side. Government experts pronounce our telephones better than all others. SWEDISH-AMERICAN TELEPHONE CO CHICAGO, ILL. Dlv. 10. AGENTS REMEMBER th« Alien Fountain fcs. Brumh la guar- ^ onteed u to L \ utility effl- Bk \ ciencyand ustold dangrr* uid to th# m.n or *onu ofnAttmat 1* repulalv* WASH RAGS Mid SPONGES do oot open or clean*, pom, a*. npcrOcU) In action. unAaulurT ud (t»nn broodlar. do not r»fr«.b or InrljoraU- THE ALLEN FOUNTAIN DATH BRUSH I* SANITARV ud SELF- CLEANSING. Fluahlng of th. brbtlM with pur. clnn water that flow* through the Brush pm rot* contamination. THE ALLEN U th. ONLY BATH BRUSH MMOTting th. “THREB IN ONE” caacntlal function*. FRICTION, 8H0WER and MASSAGE Th. ONLY BATH BRUSH which at one operation open* the pore*. thorough!? clean*** the (kin. Imparting a healthy tone and glow and puta on. la eon- dltlon to re*l*t Cold*. LaGrlppe and all contagious aad lafccdou. ifl-rana ITS USE PROMOTES clear complexion, bright «ym, cheerful ralrlta aad •ound refreshing deep. IN THE ORDINARY TUB BATH you rewash In water contaminated by previous contact with th. body— -atrr laden with dirt and Impurldca With the Allen Fountain Brush CLEAN WATER ONLY I* applied to aay portion of th. body at wllL It wcurea all th. adeatlflc effect* of th. bath for the old or middle aged, for the robust aad strong. The only safe bath for the delicate and weakly. A boon to womankind —jut the hath for the little one*. PORTABLE OUTFIT s— For quick shower or eleandng hath at home or while traveling. Fountain Brush, 1 gal. Sac Sure Metallic Fountain, Hoot. Syringe Point*, and Safely Floor Mat. Four dylm. Gem *8.75, Niagara •4.75, Superb 16.00, Improved Superb 16.60. BATHROOM OUTFIT:— Fountain Brush, Hoot aad Fauort Attachment (Give diameter of fauoet). Four *tyl*.. Gem *2.25. Niagara 15.75. Superb jAMUImproved Superb 14.55. Any oatffl whipped on receipt of price. The Marcel Wave Bed Spring is perfectly sanitary, noiseless, vermin and dust proof; made of steel tub- ing sides, gold bronzed, steel angle ends, gold bronzed, and lacedwith No. 13 gauge soring steel wire, finely coppered. The wire is crimped or waved as show n in cut, each crimp or wave is a spring unto itself, evenly distributed the full length of the bed. The Spring needs no cumbersome supports, is light, strong and durable; will lust a lifetime; makes a welcome Christ- mas present, especially to the old folks at home. Send us the size of your bed andfd.OO, either express or P. O. money order, and we will ship to any Kail- road Station in the United States, freight prepuid, one of these handsome Bed Springs, having box spring effect. Write for O. Ii. T. Club Kates. (incorporated) PATENTS Cl P A R If F R Attorney at Law and Solicitor of Patents ■ LiraniXLn 15S Dietz Building, Washington, D. C. Patents secured promptly. Reports rendered as to patentability, validity and infringement. Hand Book for inventors sent upon request ROYAL SLEEVE PROTECTOR SAVES LAUNDRY and keeps Sleeves and Cuffs clean. Made of a fine qual- ity of DUCK in Brown and Black. Self adjusting. Notyingnorpirminsr; held in place by the elastic goring. Small, Medium and Large. Pair. 25<\ postpaid. Liberal terms to Agents. ROYAL MANUFACTURING CO., • - Princeton, Ind. DON’T Patent Your Invention ELAY! Send for free booklet and learn why. MILO B. STEVENS & CO., 907 14th St., Washington, D. C. Branches at Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit Established 1804. No Patent, No fee for our sevloes. Digitized by Google

Page 824

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Free Catarrh Cure Bad Breath, K’Hawklng- and Spitting Quickly Cured— Fill Out Free Coupon Below. Trained Nurses Strongly Recommend Gauss* Catarrh Cure to All Sufferers. The trained nurse is ready for any emergency, just as Gauss is equal to the task of curing you forever from catarrh. Catarrh is not only dangerous, but it causes bad breath, ulceration, death and decay of bones, loss of thinking and reasoning power, kills ambition and energy, often causes loss of appetite, indigestion, dyspepsia, raw throat and consumption. It needs attention at once. Cure it with Gauss’ Catarrh Cure. It is a quick, radical, permanent cure, because it rids the system of the poisonous germs that cause catarrh. In order to prove to all v*ho are suffering from this dangerous and loathsome disease that Gauss’ Catarrh Cure will actually cure any case of catarrh quickly, no matter how long standing or how bad, I will send a trial package by mail free of all cost. Send us your name and address to-day and the treatment will be sent yon by return mail. Try it! It will positively cure so that you will be welcomed instead of shunned by your friends. C. E. GAUSS, 1166 Main Street, Marshall. Mich. Fill out coupon below. FREE This coupon is good for one trial package of Gauss’ Combined Catarrh Cure, mailed free in plain package. Simply fill in your name and address on dotted lines below and mail to C. E. GAUSS, 1166 Main Street, Marshall, Mich. The r.uul Co*t for Collar*, Cuff* ami Laun- dering for One Year I* About $1 P.5-1 The new “l.ltholln” way. 4 dozen Litholin Collars $1.50 Having 1 pairs Litholiu Cuds 2.00 S3 50 *16.04 With adarapcloth they wipe clean, and os white as when new. Won’t w iit, crack or fray. Collars 25c. Cuffs 50c. Ask for I.ITIIOLI \ (Waterproofed Linen) at your shirt store. If not in stock, send style, size and remittance, and we w ill mail to any uddress, postpaid. Catalogue complete with all latest s titles free on request. THE FIBERLOID CO.. Dept- 24 13 Wnvcrly Place, X. Y. LET ME SEND YOU FREE NY TEST LESSONS IN CARTOON- ING, DESIGNING OR ILLUSTRATING. (Tell me which you w ant.) This Preliminary Test is distinctly an original feature of tus ’‘Acme Way ’ of teaching these subjects, and is the only w ay to determine what each student needs in the line of instruction. By its n»e Just the right lessons suited the indh idual requirements and possi- bilities of each and every student can be selected. It requires each student to make tnree special drawings. the exam- ination of wnk-h by my Chief Art In- structor and n.)»eif will enable ue to determine your pres- ent knowledge of the subject, your ability end prospects for future success. If it is advisable for you to continue, I will tell you so, and will be equally frank and honest in case your work doesn t show the requisite ability. There is an enormous demand, constantly increasing, for commercial artists. 1 can place more people in positions now than I have students com petent to All them; that is why 1 offer to send you this Test free and tell you how great your success may be. 1 need more students to All the demand that is being made upon us. As a competent artist you can command *20 to fldOa week, or if you prefer to run your own studio, you can get first price for your work ; there is practically no limit as soon as you are competent. 1 will guarantee to make you competent if 1 teach you at all, or refund your money. 1 will see that your training will enable you to make the kind of drawings to bring the money. Vou will be taught practical work, the kind you will do when you are actually employed or working for yourself. >Toin my experience I have learned that more people can suc- ceed and earn splendid incomes at this work than you think there can. It isn’t alwaysa matter of natural talent, for with- out careful training and systematic development, talent alone would never make a genius of any one. More pt-opie become successful by proper study, application and perseverance than by any other way. Acme lessons are copyrighted and so arranged and prepared that you can complete a full course at home by mail during spare time, or you can put in part of your time atodying iu our Resident School under the personal charge of my Chief Art In -trmrtor. Write me today and I will send you the Test by return mail. D. ELDRED WOOD, Pres, and Gen. Mgr.f THE ACME SCHOOL OF DRAWING, 807 Arme Building, Kalamazoo, Mich. Established 1686. Incorporated 190*. Digitized by Google

Page 825

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TYPEWRITERS, fc At to manufacturer's prices All the Standard Machines, Includtni LATEST MODELS. SOLD OR RENTED ANYWHERE Rental applied on price, ___ Write for Illustrated Catalogue, TYPEWRITER. EMPORIUM, 230 Fifth Avenue. ...... CHICAGO. which enables it to write A RIB BON of three colors and a small lever that brings the color desired between the type and the paper — that’s the three-color feat- ure of le New Tri-Chrome Smith tender Typewriter black record for documents, purple copying for letters and red for emphasis or display. It is so simple that the wonder is it was never discovered before. The ribbon-changing lever is as accessible as the keys, making it possible to change from one kind of typewriting to another in an instant. A stenographer equipped with a Tri-Chrome Smith Premier can produce in proper manner every kind of typewriting any business office demands. The price ia the tame as that of all Smith Premier models. The Smith Premier Typewriter Company Syracuse, N. Y. The Sun Never Sets WHERE THE Brilliant Lamp Barns AND NO OTHER LIGHT HALF SO GOOD OR CH£AP It’s Economy to Use Them. A Saving of 50 TO 75 PER CENT Over Any Artificial Light, which is demonstrated by the many thou- sands in use for the last nine years all over the world. Write far R. R. T. Catalog. It tJIs all sbost then tad Our Systems. BRILLIANT CAS LAMP CO. 42 Stale HI., 4’lilcago, III. BROTHERS We have the newest and neatest devices for cards, de- signed specially for us; and ve ui-e only the finest wed- ding brlstol stock. THIS FISH LEATHER CARD Case with O. R. T. monogram or your nan e, or both, on case, and 100 Snpertta, CaD lac Cardafor ladies or gentlemen, script or old English, with I any one or two of the following deviceson cards: O. R. T. monogram, wreath and sounder, t* legraph key, relay, semaphore emblem. Brotherhood of Railway Clerks emblem. All for 76c. 100 cards as above, with- out case, 40c. Cards printed In two colors without extra charge. Patronize the fraternity. L. J. WILKINS, Friendship. N. Y. Osrt 45, Kt. 41 ’Digitized by CjOOQle

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nPR.SLPPLIES When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. If this Question Were Answered by Every Railroad Telegrapher ► They Would Answer as One Man —YES What’s this All About? Some Fake ?— No It’s an introduction to railroad men of a shampoo that's been used over fifteen years, but we never knew that more of it is used on the heads of railroad men than on most others. A barber told us this. Consequently we have decided to let it be known to more of the railroad men through their own jour- nal. This is nothing more than a simple, sensible, practical hair-cleanser, called the CO-HEN SHAMPOO sre well known everywhere. No.2 Is especially designed for uneven roads and sharp curves. No. 8 will work with great success on the roughest road In America. Spl. Concession A Prem. Certificates with Every Order made in Racine — not a bad place for a good thing. It costs just half a dollar a box. put up in solid form to save all waste — not a powder or paste. One box lasts a year — we know it. Fifty shampoos for 50c. Sample Sent Free for the Asking. Enough for two heads — that alone will save you the price of a box. Your barber asks you a quarter every time you want your head laundered. Try a sam- ple—we’re not afraid to have you test it. You’ll simply agree with us and talk about it as if you had an interest in our business. THAT'S “ AD " ENOUGH FOR US Then you'll send for a box like the others are doing. We know this to be a fact. It is absolutely pure, invigorating to the scalp, beneficial to the hair, prevents dan- druff. saves the hair and leaves it on your head, soft and healthy. It won’t grow hair on bil- liard balls. It is all we claim for it; a thorough hair and scalp cleanser, not in the least inju- rious. You can brush your teeth with it, so pure are its ingredients. This shampoo is just what every railroad man has been wanting these many years. It can be carried in your pocket, nothing to spill, conveniently enclosed in a metal box. Enough for 50c to last for a year, if you use it once a week — that certainly is cheap. For sale only by the makers. Send stamps, sil- ver, or anything handy the moment you read this " ad.” and we will take all the risk. Let- ter carriers are honest; if your money sent by mail gets lost, we’ll take your word for it. and send you the shampoo. All reliable rail- road men are honest— so are we. Write us to- day for a sample, or send 50c for a box that will last a year. ( Look for the hen on the box. There is no imitation.) ON CREDIT Buy Men’s Suits, Over- coats and Raincoats direct from our factory by mail We require no secur- ity and we trust any honest person anywhere in the United States. We send garments on approval— you don’t pay a penny ’till you get the clothes and find them satisfactory — then pay $1.00 a week. We are the pioneers and twice over the lar- gest Credit Clothiers in the world. We oper- 1 \JkJT ate 73 stores in the prin- cipal cities of the United States and have over 500,000 cus- tomers on our books. iTPU'li' Send today for our fine r n£/b une of Fall and winter Self measurement JULIUS J. COHEN A SONS, 1844 College Ave., RACINE, WIS. P 8— This ]■ a good “AD” you'll agree: the man who wrote it charged us half a year's profit on the sale of the Shampoo. But we're willing to take this chance, because he said “the rail- road men of the whole United States are anx:ouato use your elegant shampoo — it's good stuff. ' We better* him and U’a up t* you to prove It. Jjl J blank, tape and full particulars of f / 4w our convenient payment plan— VW all free to you. Commercial rating $1,000.000. • Ser Menter & Rosenbloom Go, 262 St Paul Street Rochester, N. Y.

Page 827

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. DIAMONDS <s CREDIT 205. Fancy Nine Diamond Cluster Tiffany 20l.'Tiffany Solitaire 202. Round Belcher Ring $50.oo 206. Cup Tooth King $100.oo 203. Engraved Scroll Top. Tiffany Bund 207. Tiffany Belcher Ring $40.oo 808. Richly Carved Round Belcher Subscribe for The Railroad Telegrapher Digitized by Google

Page 828

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Description — Made of best quality corded or ribbed silk; hca\y patent I leather visor, green underneath to •hade the eyct, and silk strap cord. Mailed on receipt of price, 85 CENTS, Stamps, Money Order or Express Order. MA COOK REMEDY CO. Digitized by LvOOQie

Page 829

GET YOU A New Lapel Button The official emblem of the 0. R. T. is a Sounder surrounded by a wreath. They are now made up in the latest style with enam- elled face and screw back, both in solid gold and rolled plate. It is the neatest thing of the kind ever produced. : : : : Solid Gold Front - S1.00 Each Rolled Gold Plate Front - - 50 Cts. Each L W. QUICK ST. LOUIS, MO. ..... Grand Sec’y and Treas. Digitized by ^.ooQie

Page 830

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. LATEST FALL AND WINTER STYLES Do You Want a Beautiful Suit, Skirt, Waist, Fur Piece, Cape or Jacket? I A niCC «f you have any need of an up to LAUIEvj date, stylish tailor suit, waist, skirt, cloak, cape or jacket; if you can use a tine fur collarette, scarf, boa or fur neck piece, il you intend to buy any wearing ap- parel, if you waut to wear the most fashion- able Fall aud Winter styles, then uon't fail to cut this ad out and send to us with your name and addrtss. and see what you get. You will receive by re- turn mail, FREE the grandest Ladies and Misses' Fall and Winter Clothing offer e\er heard of. with a beautiful big boo* of pictures show ing the newest .New York and Chicago styles in everything for this s-eason, a wonderful variety, the very latest of everything. Such a style book and fashion authority showing such attractive | rices as cannot be oflered l y any other horse. We cannot begin to cescrlbe the COUNTLESS STYLES OVER 1,000) SHOWN £ 1 PPRr TED THIS BEAUTIFULART Ve will send a copy of this beau**”'1 trt ' ook TREE, bv mail, postage pre- The original cover cost us SoOO-w. la to cut out and return this ad. or Mmoly write os a letter or a postal card and sav. "Please send me vour new Art Rook of Ladies Styles." and this most beuitlful book ever minted. In beautiful colors, showing you the handsomest of everything tha» women wear, all of our latest ofTers^our new’ and wonderfully low prices, full Instructions about measuring and order- ing. everything made plain, slmnle and easv, all this will be sent to you FREE bv return mall. No book like this, no such low prices were ever before oflered. No ladv In America can afford to be without this book. Don’t buy a single garment, at any price, this Fall and Winter for voursclf orthe girls; don’t make any selection until vou first see and examine this great Art Book of Stvlcs. sent FREE If vou write Immediately. It Is positively a wonder. It will pleas* vou Immensely. You never saw such attractive style* MAkrP von AT SUCH WONDERFULLY LOW PRICES. YOU NEVER HAD AN V FIRM MAKE VOU OFFERS OR MORE BEAUTIFUL STYLES. OUR PRICES TH IS SEASON ARUSIMIL Don’t fail to write at once for the TREE Art Rook of Ladies Styles, post ^ “u^lLderful of c» Winter fashions and see if vou would not like to take advantage of one or more of our wondertui oner SEARS, ROEBUCK & CO., CHICAGO paid, to every lady who answers this ad All you need to do ONE OF OUR EXCLUS IVE STYLES ^TYPEWRITERS ARC BETTER THAN NEW MACHINES. To prove lty ask any of our Customers. Our prices are 60 to 75 per cent less than makers’ prices and we rive you terms that no other dealer duplicates. Write for them. We are also general agents for The Transmitter you must eventually buy. If you need an AUTO-DOT or a TYPEWRITER write to us— Write to us anyway. W. F. MCDONALD AND COMPANY - 263 LaSalle Street, Chicago w. f. McDonald, manager. O R T DIV. 01» member o. T. U. A. LOCAL NO. I. KEEPING TAUGHT FREE A CiOOI> POSITION and a large salary always await an expert Bookkeeper. We teach you Bookkeeping thoroughly by mall and make absolutely no charge for tuition until we place you in a paying posi- tion. If you wish to better JFr,t« for our guarantee offer and our t’BI'.r. book **IIow to Become un Kxpert Bookkeeper.” COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS 73A Commercial Building. Rochester, N. Y. JL'MADOIl for Organisations or Clubs yon are Interested in, write for oar catalogue and discounts. P o Steiner engraving a Badge Co. 0 North 8th St.. St. Louis, Mo. Digitized by LxOOQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ONDS LOFTIS SYSTEM You Can EASILY OWN a DIAMOND or a WATCH or present one a* a gift to some loved one. If considering .diamond, watch or I other article of Jewelry loi >our own use. or as a gift, you will find the Lrtls Credit 8'hu mi a great and timely convenience. You don’t need much ready ca.*>b when you buv from u.0.(X) does in a cash store. A small payment entitles you to the goods; the balance you pay in eight equal monthly payments* ' DO YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING NOW, Don't wait until the Christmas rush Is on. Now is the time to secure the choice selections. Write today for our large catalog containing 1.000 Illustrations ofaTl that Islatestand most at- tractive In diamonds, watches and Jewelry. 8elect from It whnt yon desire ■ aa piap| to see and we w ill send It on approval. Yu are under ■ gib ■ |\ no obligations to buy If not entirely satisfied. • jVr I Diamond-Cutters. Watchmakers. Jtweienlour Catalog is free mJZ ■■BROS. 4 CO. Ospt . L.44, 92 State Street Chicago, III. | Write for it today. O. v. JUST OUT y. REVISED AND ENLARGED ‘'Pocket Edition of Diagrams” By WILLIS H. JONES. As invaluable as it is original* You cannot afford to be without it* Every telegrapher, lineman and train dispatcher will want a copy. The construction, connection and arrangement of telegraph apparatus* The 44 STORAGE BATTERY* as adapted to telegraph work. Invaluable rules and other data conveniently arranged for reference* Filled with diagrams* W ft W W W W W Bound In Flexible Leather Cover. Pocket Size* Price, $1*50* Mailed to any Address upon Receipt of Price* L. W. QUICK, Grand Sec’y and Treas. ST. LOUIS, MO. “IDENTIFICATION- INSURANCE SERVICE Something Newt Our perfect 4 'Identifying Credential" (patent No. 467460, enclosed In leather pockctbook) ha* been endorsed ami is accepted by Hotels and Banks, enabling the bearer to cash money orders, checks, etc., everywhere. Our “Service" includes a special policy in one of th© strongest old lino Accident Insurance Corporations, paying $'J,000.00 in caso of Accidental Death and $15.00 Weekly Indemnity for Accident and Sickness. Contracts are Issued to men and women in all occupations between the agos of 16 and 65. TOTAL COST ORLY SB.OO PER YEAR. ArSfltS Wanted highest commissions, including renewal contract and offer exclusive ^ territory to a good agent in each city. Write for booklet, sample policy, etc. K.astern Dept. IDENTIFICATION COMPANY OF AMERICA (Inc. 1902) We.ter.Dent. Pine 8U Sew York HOME OFFICE 1H «wary fct. " f-'.f v. . Nr» Wk 131 LA SALLE ST., CHICAGO. Ha. r ratteen* CaL Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Successful Draftsmen Drawing $125 to $250 Monthly require more than Schoolroom Knowledge= As chief draftsman of engineering firm, I know exactly the quality and quantity of experi- ence and practical training you must have, and will prepare you in a few months’ home instruc- tion for above paying positions which 1 furnish free anywhere. _ , _ Complete Highest Grade Drawing Outfit, everything included, with German Silver Set of Tools, value $13.85, FREE next ten days. Address CHIEF DRAFTSMAN, DIv. 35 Value. Sia.Sft ^ Engineers* Equipment Co., (inc.) Chicago, III. FREE T«eiiimJa at once Be Your Own Boss Phillips Code, m I Tell You How. Price, $1.00 A thoroughly tested method of Shorthand arranged for Telegraphic Purposes and contemplating the rapid transmission of press reports) also intended to be used as an easily arqttW-d method for General Newspaper and Court Reporting. ADDRESS L,. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer ST. LOUIS, MO. > oper»tors Hire's your opportunity to moke $50 PBR MONTH ON THE SIDE union emblem or Photo on the other side. Write to-day for liberal terms. GOLDEN RULE CUTLERY CO. 19-0 Wendell St. CHICAGO. STUDY LAW AT HOME The oldest and best school. Instructions by mall adapted to every one. Recognized by courts and educators. Experienced ana competent instruc- tors. Takes spare time only. Three courses— Preparatory, Business, College Prepares for practice. Will better your _ - * condition and prospects in bnsiness. Btndents and graduates everywhere. Full particulars and £a«] Payment Plan free. Inrans Correspondence 8eh#el of Lew, €24 Majestic Bnlldln* Detroit, Mlefc. Yon don’t want to work for acme one elae all A T" your life. , s You want to be independent. The way to do it \n^^b is to start a business of your own “on the side." Then, some day it will prow where it will take ^^Rall jour time, and you will be “your own boes.” I will tellyouhowtostnrtubuslneBsof your own. You need not invest any money. You can do business on my capital until you I want a Manager in your neigh borhood to take / orders for my ■ Livingston Clothes to Measure My clothes are more stylish— look better, fit Mm U better, wear better, and are better thun any Mf M >a\ other clotiies made. ■I A My clotiies do not cost as much accordingly Ml U y\ as “ready -mades,” though my elothes are far ■ / IJm more de^i ruble. A I j W** I ft is easy to get orders and you make good ml money on every order you take. I tell you just [ Wl how to go almut it how to get an established j ■ business of your own in n short time. | If you are not interested in this, write me II Rn You can do letter with mo In Clothes for your j own wear than you can do with anyone ebe: and I send you my samples and fashion sheet FREE. A “Livingston Clothes to Measure” arc Guar- R "d an teed rio pay if you are not suited. , Write me at one© If you need u Buit or an overcoat, or wish * to become “your own boss.” Write a lawt card if you prefer. Address it to— o LAAtinqslM o'The Tailor 210 Livingston Bldg., South Bend, Ind. Brooks’ New Cure Brooxs* Appliance. New FOR discovery. Wonderful. No l ia|||ywi|V|awr obnoxious springs or Pad8*J|w|||r I Automatic Air Cushions. i MU, Ml Binds and draws the broken S\ parts together as you wouldp^ y ^ y\ a broken limb. No salves.! I No lymphol. No lies. Dnr-| able, cheap. Pat. Sept. 10, ’01 J \^w / SENT ON TRIAL.! W CATALOCUE FREE. L TT ■ C, E. BROOKS, All 6 Brook.* Bid*. MARSHALL, MICH. Digitized by "

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When addrewing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. BIG HEATER OFFER WE HAVE A WONDERFUL one dollar and ninety- eight cent offer we want to make to you on an entirely new HEATING STOVE (an oak heater > we have Just gotten out. Nothing like it was ever known before. It will be a big surprise to anyone need- ing a heating stove, and If you can use a heat- ing stove we want to send the offer to you. THESE TWO PICTURES make, our Best Steel Range and our Best Hard Coal Base Burner. We have something to say, something to offer, something to announce about these two stoves tluit will surprise the stove buyers makers and sellers of the world. WE HAVE THESE TWO BIG STOVES STORED IN W ARE- HOUSES all over the United States, so we can get either stove to you from the warehouse nearest your home town In Just a day or so. and with very little freight for you to pay. OUR FREE STOVE CATALOGUE explains all this. HERE IS OUR OFFER: SBJMfJS: postal card or in a letter to us say, “Send me your stove offer,” and by return mall will send you free, postpaid, our very latest Big New Special Stove Catalogue. You will get our $ 1.98 Oak Heater Offer: you will get our new Surprise OfTer on the two best stoves In the world as shown In these pictures, our ACME TRIUMPH STEEL RANGE AND ACME SUNBURST BASE BURNER. YOU WILL GET THE MOST WONDERFUL STOVE OFFER EVER KNOWN. ntIR N F W D| A kj for putting the best stove in the world in your home, on such terms, such low price, very v w i> iilii r t.nia Httle cost, no possible risk, such easy and very complete conditions will be fully explained. Get our offer and you won t use the old stove next winter, neither would you buy your dealer's stove at one-half his asking price. To get all we have to offer free, today, now as you are reading this notice (don't put It off a minute), get your pen or pencil and write us a postal card or CCADC RHEQIlPlf £. PH PUIPAHH letter and say.“MaU me your FREE STOVE OFFER.” Address. OCAflOi nUCDUUlV Of 0UM vVHuAUU UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY S'ot all AGENTS and OPERATORS to learn the tDck and Grain Brokerage Business FREE and Make* Bid Income on the Side and not interfere with your present position. Write THE STANDARD BRAIN CO. 332 to 334 Schofield Bid*.. Cleveland. Ohio, ■eaten PMMeipMa Beane mi Tie CesssIMateB Stick Exctaafe. Learn Watch Repairing Ha » vfttohuiftk.r— you otn learn this prafl table trad, b y eorre.pond.no. la • few week* la you i ova borne by the Dabelma Chart Byitem. After yon complete the ecuraa you will know a watch from A to S. Ton will kaowjuct what the matter la and how to repair oae. When you frwduate rcu will be a practical watchmaker and repairer and competent to 111 any poaltloa. PoalUoaa for our fiaduatea. Aik for our froo Book. It azplalaa THE OeSELMS WATCH SCHOOL 10 Parry St. ATTICA, IWOI ANA “NITE OPERATORS” “Owl” pin*, with th« “Wl*e Little Owl" like cut, and lettering “Nite Opr." dooe In gold, on “Old Row" background, very •well. Wrap np a quarter or 25 one- cent vtamps and malltous today, and get one by return mail before they are all gone. 8TAR NOVELTY CO, Ft Scott, Kans. SAVE 25% AND USB WHILE PAYING. We sell only the best watches and jewelry, and guarantee satisfaction 0 movement, for ** ** i 4 down and one dollar a week. Or, this beautiful white perfect dia- mond set In 14-kt solid $9CQ0 gold ring, (any style) $5 down and $1 a week, or double the amount every other week. „ You may Mud first payment with order or aak ua to ahip C. 0. D. Ut payment for examination. Illustrated Booklet No. 0-5 FREE. .Send today. Address Olsjeh Ebann Diamond Importer*— Watch Jobbers (■•» ) BI-. Chicago Agents Wanted GET YOU A fieua Lapel Button The official emblem of the O. R. T. Is a Sounder surrounded by a wreath. They are now made up in the latest style with enamelled face and screw back, both in solid gold and rolled plate. It is the neatest thing of the kina ever produced. Solid Gold Front • SI .00 Eaoh Rolled Gold Plato Front 60o Eaoh L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, St Louis, Mo. Digitized by UjOOQle

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THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS. PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP Officers and Members, Division No The Subscriber by occupation a of -years experience, bom in— voluntarily offers himself as a candidate for initiation into THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS, and agrees, if admitted, that he will cheerfully conform to all the laws, rules, mandates and edicts of the Order. I have not been rejected for membership in the Order within the past year. Fee enclosed, $ Signature of Petitioner . Dated at this day of— 190 — *My Postoffice address is Employed by Railroad. This Is to Certify: That we the subscribers, are personally acquainted with Mr. and, from a confidence in his integrity and the uprightness of his intention, do cheerfully recommend and propose him as a proper candidate for member- ship in this Order. *Be careful and fill in your postoffice address. R ECO M MENDERS. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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When addrewing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. 1LLGIN WATCH The Veritas Model is the great truth-teller for trainmen. The signals will tell you where you are — the Elgin Veritas tells you every second where you have got to be. It gives you confidence — the ability to see ■ things right. Most popular because most accurate. Send for booklet, “Timemakers and Time- keepers”— describing five superb railroad Elgins — free to railroad men. ELGIN NATIONAL Elgin, 111. Digitized by Google

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When Addressing oar tdTcrtiieri, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. PERMANENT VICTORY TEMPORARY DEFEAT No. 5. IN the first round of litigation over patents on the mechanical trans- mitter, the lower court has held that the MECOGRAPH transmitters No. 3 are infringements of Martin’s patent. We have appealed from that decision, and confidently expect to “land on top” when the appellate court renders its decision. The Coffe Mecograph was the first mechanical transmitter placed on the market. ' (By mechanical transmitter, is meant one not requiring a battery.) The Mecograph was received with such marked favor and worked such a revolution in telegraphy that, naturally, various other mechanical transmitters sprang into existence. Our temporary defeat brought on a violent brain storm, resulting in MECOGRAPH No. 5. one in no way affected by the litigations above referred to. It eclipses everything else in the line of transmitters, even MECOGRAPH No. 3. It is the simplest, best made, most delightful transmitter an operator ever touched. BRAINS, SKILL AND TOOLS CAN PRODUCE NO BETTER Try it and you will be satisfied with no other. If to be sent C. O. D., the order must be accompanied by a remittance large enough to pay express charges both ways on a four-pound package, which remittance we will deduct from our C. O. D. bill. SE,ND FOR CIRCULAR PRICE $10 CASH; IN NEAT CARRYING CASE $1 EXTRA MECOGRAPH COMPANY 74 Frankfort St., CLEVELAND, OHIO. U. S. A. Digitized by t^ooQle

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BAKER’S COCOA FIRST in Years! FIRST in Honors! FIRST on the Breakfast Tables of the World! I Q HIGHEST AWARDS IN tO EUROPE AND AMERICA WALTER BAKER & CO., Ltd. [Established 1780] DORCHESTER, MASS. ^When you “go Gunninj jf or i Game or Business you will need a. Th. pen with the Clip - C ep II When you are in the woods the Clip-Cap keeps the pen always handy, attached to outing shirt pocket. When you are after big business game the same Clip- Cap will keep the pen just as handy, ready to wr ite at the first stroke, never blotting, never stopping until the last drop ot ink is exhausted. Water- man's Ideal will not demand any at- tention, and will save time, patience and money. It Is the repeating rifle of business in quick and constant effectiveness. For Sate bp all Dealers. L E Waurmon do vose PIANOS EttaUitked in Eighteen Hundred end Fifty- One -Comparison with- other instruments only serves to empha- size the quality that makes the vose DISTINCTIVE and PREEMINENT and to increase the favorable comment# - ■ ■ on vose value^MM. By our eisy payment plan, every family in mod* crate circtumtan< ea can own a V O S C piano We allow a libc-al price for old instruments in exchange, and deliver the piano in your house free of expense. . . .You can deal with us at a distant point the same aa in Boston. Send for .catalogue and full information. vose Oh SONS PIANO CO. 161 BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON MENNENSI BORATED TALCUM ITOILET POWDER and insist that your M \ barber use it also. It Is ■ptt Antlsept c, and will prevent any of the skin diseases often contracted. A positive relief for ^■Kf^^^5unburn, Chafing, ^ and all afflictions of the skin. Removes all odor of per- spiration. Qet Mennen’s — theorigioal. Put up in non-rcfillab’e boxes, **ine Box that Lox." Sold every where or mailed for 25 cents. Simple fr, e. Guaranteed under the Food and Drugs Act. June 30, 1906. Serial No. 154a Try Mermen's PWeZ(Borated) Talcum Gerhard Mennen Co., Newark, N.l. L _ Digitized by [C

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Page 839

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. A Clear Track for New Model Oliver “No. 5” The wonderful new Oliver Model “No. 5” is humming down the track of Popularity. The clumsy, complicated, “blind’* and antiquated typewriters are hugging the sidings. “No. 5” has the right of way be- cause it’s the best machine that ever came down the line. O. R. T. men everywhere greet the New Model “No. 5” with tremendous enthusiasm. They like its looks and its smooth, easy-running qualities — its speed and its perfect work. They like it because of its noise- lcssness— it doesn’t drown the sounder. They like its new Balance Shift, its new Disappearing Indicator, its new Ruling Device, its new Non -Vibrating Base. They like the cut of its new Steel Coat, that keeps its working parts free from dust. They like its Automatic Spacer, which leaves the “key” hand free. They like its Visible Writing and its many other Tiine-and- Labor-Saving Features. Thousands of “the boys” are using IS. — - __ OLIVER Typewrittr You can’t help liking the Oliver when you see how easy it runs and how it reels off the work. If you are pounding away on an old-style machine, it’s because you never tried the OLIVER. You can buy a brand new, up-to-the-minute Oliver “No. 5“ on little monthly payments— not a cent more than you would pay if you rented a new machine. The Oliver is easy to pay for, easy to understand, easy to operate, easy to keep in order. Write for the Oliver Book, and mention in your letter that you are a member of the O. R. T. Address The Oliver Typewiter Company 55 Oliver Typewriter Building, Chicago Digitized by LjOOQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. THE HIBERNIAN BANK OLDEST SAYINGS BANK IN CHICAGO ESTABLISHED. 1867. CAPITAL, $1,500,000. SURPLUS, $1,000,000. S. E. Corner Clark and Monroe Streets. GENERAL BANKING AND TRUST BUSINESS TRUST DEPARTMENT Accept and executes trusts of all kinds : : : : REAL ESTATE DEPARTMENT Buys and sells real estate on commission; collects rents; manages estates; sells high-grade first mortgages; makes loans on improved real estate. SAYINGS DEPARTMENT Deposits of One Dollar or more received, on which interest is allowed at the rate of three per cent per annum, compounded half-yearly. Open Saturday Nights from six to eight o’clock. We respectfully solicit your patronage. : : : : : How to Start a Savings Account by Mail. Full Particulars Sent Upon Application. BANKING HOURS: COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT SAVINGS DEPARTMENT 10 A. M. to 3 P. M. 10 A. M. to 3 P. M. Saturdays — 9 A. M. to 12 M. Saturdays — 9 A. M. to 2 P. M. ###### and 6 P. M. to 8 P. M. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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FOR If't rent all makes of machines at $3 a month and up. w-ww^ W“» Send today for our big catalog list of rare r* I* f* typewriter bargain*. Don’t buy until * *^*-^*-^ yOU sec it. Special offer to agents. ROCKWELL - BARNES COMPANY, 1001 Baldwin Bldg., Chicago, 111. SPEEDY TYPEWRITERS EARN BIG SALARIES! GET SPEED! ANO THE SALARY IS SURE TYPEWRITER SPEED MEANS MORE MONEY FOR YOU Send for our free book today and make your start toward better wages. Iycarn how to use your machine in the best and fastest way; learn to write without ever looking at the keys — in the dark Just as well as in the light — all at the • peed of an expert, l^arn to take messages from the wire as fast as any one can send them, and do your work with accuracy and ease. THE BOOK IS FREE Its 72 pages are full of valuable helns for the typewriter user. It tells how high speed is gained; how errors may be prevented; what kind of practice work is best; how you can master fast touch writing in your spare moments and make yourself an expert operator. Simply tell us what machine you use and the book will be seut THE TULLOSS SCHOOL OF TOUCH TYPEWRIT1IQ 214 College Hill, SPRINGFIELD. O. ^ 8psdal Made to meM ur*. flu like a kid (lota Dsliv.red, *x prepaid, ^ 25 Mga “The shoe that will not We fll you perfectly end save you the job- ■ ber’e and retailer's profits. The IIS sole of a Reliance shoe i§ made of oak tanned leather, tough and ^ durable and costs as much as ths sole of any $6.00 shoe. Every piece of leather in every Reliance shoe is up to the same high standard. The workmanship is the product of the most skilled shoemakers. Reli- ance shoes are made on custom lasts and handsomely finished. In wear, shape-retaining qualities, foot com- fort and style, we guarantee the Re- liance equal to any $6.00 retail shoe made. The grace- ful curve at the heel prevents slipping up and down, the narrow shank properly supports the weight and gives the foot absolute comfort. If yon’ll Investi- gate Reliance shoes, yon’ll wear no other make. We Fully satisfy yon in every way or return your money. Write for our Free style-book aud measurement blank. Reliance shoes are delivered, charges pre- paid, $3.75. All It 0 1 Lance Shoes Bear th* Colon Stamp. RELIANCE SHOE COMPANY, Box 9, Friendship, N. Y. Cut above shows full size SOUVENIR WITCH CHIRM NET. A Perfect Wirttng Drill if the Stindartf BiomII Unless K«j. BY BKGIBTEBED HAIL, $1.50. J. H. BUNNELL & CO., Ml— tactwtrt «f Wish Qrada Tatarah A—ara—s. NEW YORK. m Park Place, Ov New Catalogue 25 X Sant on Application Google Typewriters At Less Than Half Price Thousands of machines, all leading makes, in a sc only long enough to insure smooth running adjustment, $10 to too. Wo are the largest handlers of slightly used typewriters in the world and offer guaranteed rare bar- gains such as no other house can approach ■ 500 Smith Premiers at Special Prices. When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ol Compos* tioa Bronze, Bold Lscqnered Plated Lever. Polished Herd Rob- ber Keeks. Machines shipped for your examination and approval to any point in United Statea

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ini □ ALLEN FOUNTAIN BRUSH THIORDnrA&Y OLD 8TTL1 BATH BRUSH hSM with llta.eerrupclo«»od 41mm Eroding pnu, enatamlnetail by toe rite end pobooew •snedooa from the hemea body la freight with | on told dum *ad to tho mm or ««mi of letoeoMnl la repuldve. WASH SAGS and 8P0NGE8 do not opoa or etetoM porea, on topordetol te u*ka, tuMaitarread gena breeding, do sot rtfrah or iarlgorato. TH* ALLEN FOUNTAIN BATH BRUSH U SAN IT ART ud 8ELF- CLEAN8ING. Floahlagef toe briotloo with pore otoa wtte thtl flow* through tho Brush provouto TH* ALLS* Is do ONLY BATH BRUSH pnosustug tho "TOTEE DC ONI” ooMtlsl fWtious, FRICTION, SHOWER sod MASSAGE. Tho ONLY BATH BRUSH whloh tt ass opsratks oposs tho pares, thoroughly riisnsu tho skis, Imparting s hoslthy toss ssd glow sad puts oao la soa- dltloa to rsiot Colds, LtGrippe sad sU oostsglout sad bbottaw ilinsiw 1TB USB^PRO MOTES dour oooplexloo, brigStayaa, choorfal spirits sad PI THI^RDI%AjK TUB BATH yoo rowsoh la wsisr oostssilnstod hr psortous ooataot with tho body— wstor lsdsa with dirt sad bspuritlso. With tho Alloa Fountala Brush CLEAN WATER ONLY to applied to say portloa of tho body si wflL It soouros sll tho soioatllo oSbcts of tho both no tho old or middle sgod, ter tho robust sad strong. Tbs oaly sb bath ter toe UttiT** >Bd VM^7* A b00& 10 — just toe bath PORTABLE OUTFIT »— For qulok sbowor or olosaslag both at boas or whBo trsToUag. Pouatsla Bruoh. 1 ml. Sanitary Motollfc Fouatala, Host, Srilago Potato, sad Batety Floor Mot. Four toy lea, Gon 98.76, Ntagais 94-76, Suporb 96-00, Improrod Baporb 66.60. BATHROOM OUTFIT »— Fouatala Brush, How sad Fsaoot Attoohwsat (Giro dlsesoter of teooot). Four atylea, Gom 9X-S6. Niagara Bt.76. Suporb 9*60. Improrod Superb 94- T6. Aay owtflt shipped oa rooalpiof prisa. O. R. T. MEXICAN PLANTATION My Brother: Don’t you believe that It Is good, hard business sense for the members of the O. R. T. to go into business by themselves and for themselves! Don’t you think that an 0. D. T. Tropical Plantation in the torrid zone of Old Mexico would be the very best business proposition that the members of our Order could enter! I do. That is why 1 am putting this matter be- fore you, believing that you will later pay me for my trouble ana expense. I am working as dispatcher for the C. M. de P. R. R. Have held this chair for two years and have been with this company four years. I am In no way connected with any land company or real estate agency. If you will write to me I will tell you as brother to brother, exactly how we can start a great filantation— a grand business in this new and of the tropics: in this new land of opportunity. Talk the matter over with the little woman. She will at least tell you to write and get my ideas. [ Cert. 897. ] BEN FINLEY EBANO. S. L. P.. MEXICO ODur Smasma "JUrttarafc &p*tfaT Designed for Operators who do heavy train order work; has finely ground and carefully tested agate point, firmly vulcanized into a hard rubber handle, cannot possibly come loose, large rough grip, smoothest, easiest writing stylus ever made. Sent postpaid for OOets. Send for one to-day .ana use is 5 days, then we’ll buy it back for M efcs. if yon want to sell. We print 100 finest quality white Bristol Cards with O. R. T. Emblem, or your own Railroad trade mark, or key and sounder in Gold for 60 eta. or send a two-cent stamp for “The Op’rs Prayer” and “St. Peter and the Scab and alot of card samples, and learn how you can get a stylus, Free. Best quality T. W. Ribbon W cts. Our O. R. T. Cert, is to Frisco 8 ys. Div’n. 82. STAR NOVELTY CO.. FT. SCOTT. KANSAS. UNDERSTAND woRKCRsuNioN | BROTHER UNIONIST I UNIONjr’A STAMP f That the best made shoes — the shoes made under the best I JgP I manufacturing conditions — the shoes that best stand wear I | — bear the Union Stamp, as shown herewith. Ask your dealer for Union Stamp Shoes, and if he can * not supply you write BOOT AND SHOE WORKERS’ TTNTOIY 246 Summer Street, BOSTON, MASS. L Factory No.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. The Labor Question would seem to hinge on these two important points — (1 ) having something to do, and (2) being able to do it The man run down in health can’t properly attend to his work. May be lots of it but he would be satisfied with less. We suggest to railroad men the advisability of taking Scott's Emulsion for sustaining the body during trying seasons. It helps to get back one’s working force and where his health is con- cerned Scott ’ s Emulsion enables him to keep his name on the time sheet. Nothing better than Scott 9s Emul- sion for weather-beaten lungs. ALL DRUGGISTS; 50c. AND $1.00. I General Physical Weakness When the brain becomes fatigued and dull, the nerves irritable and unstrung, or the digestion and appetite impaired, it will almost always be found that the body is deficient in the natural phos- phates. HORSFORD’S Acid Phosphate A scientific and carefully pre- pared preparation of the phos- phates, restores to the system the deficient elements so essential to sound bodily health. An Ideal Tenle In Nerveus Disorders If your druggist can’t supply you, send *5 cents to Rumford Chemical Works, Provi- dence, R. 1., for sample bottle, postage paid. Let us send you Watch or Ring upon terms indi- cn ted. Remit first payment with order or have goods shipped for inspection C. 0. D. shipped for inspection C. 0. D. first payment . m |l y Attractive Catalog Free Ask For No. 0— 7 \ -a rat commercial white Eerfect diamond eet In U- t. solid tfoM t on nn f I! 1 1 r10 0 at. solid gold Ma AA mounting $0UtUU •5 cash and 13 per month. Gents’ O. F. 11, 16 or 18 size or ladies' 6 size plain or beautifully engraved *0- I year. 14 kt. gold-filled case | fitted with genuine new Elgin or . Waltham CIO CA movement. ylfclvU With hunting case, 616.75. 62.00 cash A 61.50 per month. Herbert L. Josephs Co Digitized by -

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By Lawrence C. Randall. DAWN. Digitized by Google

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Published Monthly by the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. L. W. QUICK - Ed*tor and Manager. 70 Entered at the Post-Office at 8t. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter. Subscription Price • • $1.00 Per Yeas Vol. XXIV. NOVEMBER, 1907. No. 11. Commercial Telegraphers* Strike Called Off After a Thirteen Weeks’ Struggle the Strike is Officially Ended History of the Strike and Its Lessons THE strike of the commercial teleg- raphers, which began at Los Angeles on August 8, 1907, and which rapidly spread until it involved nearly all of the commercial telegraphers of the country, was officially ended at noon on November 9 by the issuance of the following official notice : “Chicago, III., Nov. 9, 1907. ‘To All Local Officers and Members: “A large majority of the locals voting, having declared in favor of the resolution mailed to all locals on Wednesday, Novem- ber 6, the strike against the Western Union and Postal Telegraph Companies and the Associated Press is hereby officially declared suspended, effective 12 o'clock noon, Satur- day, November 9, 1907. All strikers who may so desire are free to seek reinstate- ment in their former positions. “(Signed) W. W. Beattie, “President. “Wesley Russell, “Gen. Sec. and T reas. “S. J. Konenkamp, “ Acting Chairman* “J. M. Sullivan, “M. J. Reidy, “Frank Likes, “ General Executive Board ” As chronicled in these columns last month, a special session of the General Assembly Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1794 The Railroad Telegrapher. of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union of America was called to meet in Milwaukee on Wednesday, October 23, for the purpose of considering matters in connection with the strike, which convention lasted three days, the principal action at which, so far as the strike was concerned, being the elec- tion of three committees of three members each, composed of striking employes of the Western Union, the Postal and the Asso- ciated Press, to wait upon the managements of those respective companies to endeavor to reach a satisfactory adjustment of the matters which were responsible for the strike. The committees went to New York im- mediately after the adjournment of the Mil- waukee Convention, and endeavored to ar- range a meeting with the officials of the interested companies, but were unsuccessful in doing so, and later returned to Chicago and rendered their report to the officers of the union, whose headquarters are in that city. Upon receipt of the committees’ report announcing their failure to secure audiences with the officers of any of the three com- panies affected by the strike, the following letter was issued to all locals of the Com- mercial Telegraphers’ Union: “November 6, 1907. “To All Local Officers: “The following resolution, adopted at the Milwaukee Special Convention, is self- explanatory : “ ‘That this convention elect by ballot one commitee of three striking exclusive West- ern Union employes, one committee of three striking exclusive Postal employes, one committee of three striking exclusive Asso- ciated Press employes; that they proceed to New York and enter into negotiations with the three corporations against whom we are striking for a settlement. “ ‘That the three committees named, after receiving a proposition, shall meet as a joint committee, discuss it and after voting upon the same their report shall be made to the President and General Secretary-Treasurer, and the recommendation of the National Officers shall be submitted to the various locals,’ “While the original report is quite lengthy, in substance, it is as follows: “ ‘The committee reports that their efforts to secure an audience with the officials of either company were unsuccessful; that at- tempts at negotiations through outside par- ties were, in a measure, successful, but failed to bring results. “ ‘Honorable Charles P. Neill made an- other call upon the officials of the various companies, but found them obdurate, all overtures having been absolutely refused. The committee was informed that the Western Union would spend every dollar in its treasury to defeat the union. “ ‘On Saturday, November 2, a great pres- sure was brought to bear upon the com- mittee to induce it to confer with former President S. J. Small and consider a propo- sition he wished to make. The entire day was consumed in discussing this proposition, which finally was unanimously rejected. “ ‘Further attempts through direct and in- direct channels brought no results. On Monday, November 4, the settlement com- mittee, finding it impossible to conclude any negotiations whatever with their respective companies, adjourned sine die. “‘(Signed) David Clamage, “‘R. Brand, “‘Thos. F. Nolen, "* Western Union Committee. “ ‘M. D. St. John, “‘A. W. Copps, “ ‘D. A. Mahoney, “ ‘ Postal Committee. ‘“J. W. O’Brien, “ ‘P. J. Devlin, “ ‘ Associated Press Committee .* “Since the unfortunate episode of Oc- tober 12th, donations from affiliated unions and other sympathizers have dwindled until they have almost ceased, despite determined and concerted efforts to again enlist the financial assistance of our friends. A large percentage of the strikers having reached the limit of self-sacrifice and endurance in this noble struggle, and without prospect for materially increased assistance, we feel that our moral responsibilities render in- cumbent upon us a plain statement of the true conditions now existing. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher! 1795 “Desertions have been heavy in all the larger cities during the past ten days. The local officers in New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Pittsburg, Detroit, Atlanta, St. Louis, Chicago, Milwaukee, Kansas City, and Denver report that local conditions suggest the advisability of a suspension of the strike. “The existing alarming conditions in the financial and business world and apprehen- sion of worse to come impel us to the belief that our duty demands that we do all in our power to improve conditions and re- assure the public mind. “It has been intimated that while the com- panies will remain obstinate in their refusal to acknowledge defeat, they are willing, upon the termination of the strike, to ma- terially improve the conditions of their em- ployes. Time will tell. In view of the con- ditions hereinbefore enumerated, we deem it wise that the strike be suspended pend- ing further developments. We struck for better conditions. In accomplishing this re- sult we shall have won a substantial victory. “While the companies may boast that they have defeated us, truthfulness would com- pel them to add, in the words of Pyrrhus, a famous Roman general who won a hard- fought battle, Tf we have such another victory we are undone/ “Your general officers, the committee on negotiations, concurring, therefore recom- mend the adoption of the enclosed resolu- tion. Fraternally yours, “W. W. Beattie, “President. “Wesley Russell, “Gen. Sec.-Treas. “Approved : S. J. Konenkamp, Acting Chairman; M. J. Reidy, J. M. Sullivan, Frank Likes, General Executive Board.” The resolution referred to in the fore- going communication was one declaring the strike off, which was adopted by practically a unanimous vote of the locals, and which resulted in the ending of the strike. The commercial telegraphers made a most gallant fight; in fact, such a one as could not fail to impress the officials of the com- panies with whom they were contending that they were “foemen worthy of their steel,” and while they did not win a com- plete victory, they nevertheless won a vic- tory that will be a lasting one, inasmuch as they have demonstrated to the telegraph companies, as well as the world at large, that they have grievances which must be righted, and that they are entitled to more consideration than they have received in the past. Also by their magnificent struggle they have no doubt paved the way for amicable negotiations in the future, as it is not believed that a corporation that has gone through a struggle such as the com- mercial telegraph companies have just passed through will ever again want a repe- tition of it. The commercial telegraphers will maintain their organization intact, re- form their lines and by profiting by the ex- periences and realizations of mistakes of the late struggle, will march on to eventual victory. It has often been stated in these columns that a wise man not only profits by his own experience, but by the experiences of others, and a careful perusal of the history of the late struggle furnishes some interesting facts and much food for thought. In order for the commercial telegraphers to profit by their experience in the late struggle and the railroad telegraphers to profit by the experi- ence of others, it is necessary that the principal facts in connection with the matter be known, and, therefore, a brief resume of the history of the commercial teleg- raphers’ movement since January i, 1907, would seem to be profitable to all concerned. Beginning with the present year, the in- crease in membership of the Commercial Telegraphers’ Union of America was little less than phenomenal, and, as is usually the case under such conditions, the membership in general became insistent upon a speedy movement looking towards the institution of schedules or working agreements with the two great commercial telegraph com- panies. As a direct result of the wave of organization that swept the commercial telegraph ranks, the Western Union Tele- graph Company announced an increase of ten per cent in wages, to take effect March 1, and similar action was taken by the Postal Telegraph Company. A few weeks later movements were started in several of Digitized by UjOOQle

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1796 The Railroad Telegrapher. the larger cities to secure local schedules, which efforts were unsuccessful, and which were followed by the presenting of a me- morial by the President of the union, first to the President and then to the Board of Directors of the Western Union and Postal Telegraph Companies, setting forth in detail their demands and a statement of their grievances, including discrimination, the use of the sliding scale and other matters. Efforts to arrange for a meeting between the officials of the telegraph companies and a committee representing their respective employes were unavailing, and serious trouble seemed imminent, and on June io the General Executive Board of the union was convened in New York City for the purpose of going over the situation with the President. As further efforts to bring about an amicable adjustment of the matters at issue proved fruitless, the calling of a strike in San Francisco was decided upon, to occur a few days later, if nothing transpired in the meantime to relieve the situation, and President Small left New York for San Francisco, to take personal charge, in case a strike should be found necessary. As there seemed to be every prospect of a strike, which it was expected would event- ually involve the commercial telegraphers of the whole country, Commissioner of Labor, Chas. P. Neill, went to New York for the purpose of using his good offices in an effort to bring about an understand- ing between the companies and their em- ployes in order, if possible, to avert trouble, which it was realized would have a serious effect on the whole country. Commissioner Neill met with considerable success in his efforts, and within three days after his ar- rival had, as it was then supposed, effected a settlement of the whole matter. Upon President Small’s departure for San Francisco he appointed S. J. Konen- kamp, Acting Chairman of the General Executive Board, as Deputy President, to represent him in whatever future negotia- tions were held in New York, and upon Commissioner Neill’s arrival in New York he conferred with the officers of the com- panies and with Deputy President Konen- kamp on behalf of the union. Deputy Pres- ident Konenkamp eventually submitted the following written proposition to Commis- sioner Neill as a basis of settlement of the difficulties with the Western Union Tele- graph Company, which was concurred in by the other members of the General Ex- ecutive Board and by the General Secretary and Treasurer of the union: “If Mr. Neill can give us satisfactory assurances that the management of the Western Union will: “First, see that any man who has not re- ceived the full ten per cent increase as given on March I shall receive such advance. “Second, maintain for all wires the re- spective ratings that were in effect on March I, and will pay the said ratings to any telegrapher assigned to such wires, and will pay to extra men the rates in effect on March i, inclusive of the ten per cent ad- vance, for such extra work. “Third, see that no telegrapher is dis- missed or punished by any representative of the company for his or her affiliation with a labor union, and will restore to their former positions any telegrapher who may have been dismissed or reduced for such cause. “We will waive the request for an eight- hour day and the furnishing of typewriters that we have asked of the management of the company: Provided, that if any teleg- rapher who has a grievance under any of the above heads can not secure a satis- factory adjustment of it by the District Superintendent, the company will arbitrate the question, the telegrapher to select an arbitrator, the company the other, and these two the third; and in the event these two can not agree on the third arbitrator within one week, the third arbitrator shall be ap- pointed by the Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission and the United States Commissioner of Labor, acting jointly; provided, further, that any teleg- rapher who at any time has a grievance can take it up with the District Superin- tendent in person or through any committee he may select from the other employes of the company in the same district.” Commissioner of Labor Neill, after further conferences with President Clowry of the Western Union, was given the following Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1797 letter by that official, which, it will be seen, generally embraces the stipulations made by the union as a basis of settlement, which letter was accepted by Deputy President Konenkamp and the General Executive Board on behalf of the Commercial Teleg- raphers’ Union, and assurances were given Commissioner Neill that there would be no trouble, and that the union would in future proceed along the lines laid down in the letter : “Referring to the conferences held be- tween yourself and me and other officers of the Western Union Telegraph Company, and having in view the possible grave in- convenience of the public following any general interruption of our business, I am glad to make clear to you the position oc- cupied by the Western Union Telegraph Company in regard to this whole matter. “As to statements made by persons in no way connected with this company that the ten per cent increase granted by the telegraph company on March I, last, has not been ap- plied to all salaried telegraphers, I desire to say that the telegraph company announced this increase in good faith and is carrying it out in good faith, and that if any case can be found in which the increase was not granted it will be corrected at once. “The statement also being made that the telegraph company is endeavoring to neutral- ize the ten per cent advance by the appli- cation of a so-called sliding scale is without foundation. There is no such practice in effect, nor is there any intention of putting it into effect by the management of this company. “The standard salaries for regular posi- tions as established by the increase of March i will be maintained, and the company will pay to any man appointed or promoted to any position the salary attached to that position after that increase, and will pay to extra men the salaries in effect for their work as of March i, inclusive, of the ten per cent increase. “This company has not discriminated against nor will it discriminate against any employe of the company because of affilia- tion or non-affiliation with any organiza- tion; and if it can be shown to me that any subordinate has been dismissed or been discriminated against or any telegrapher dismissed because of affiliation with any or- ganization, such telegrapher shall be re- stored to his position without prejudice. “As evidence of the absolute good faith of the Western Union Telegraph Company in its relations to its employes, I beg to say that if any telegrapher feels that he has any grievance under any of the foregoing conditions, and if he can not secure a satis- factory adjustment of his complaint with the officers of the company, we will submit the matter to the arbitration of three parties, one to be selected by the telegrapher, one by the telegraph company and the third to be selected by the two so chosen, and in the event that the two can not agree upon a third arbitrator within one week, we will be very glad to have such third arbitrator chosen by the Chairman of the Interstate Commerce Commission and the Commis- sioner of Labor acting jointly. “As a further evidence of our entire willingness to deal fairly and preserve amica- ble relations directly with our employes, any telegrapher who at any time has a grievance can take it up with his superior either in person, or, if he wishes, through any committee he may select from the other employes of the company in the same dis- trict. “I have outlined above, in brief, the posi- tion the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany holds in regard to matters we have discussed, and you are at liberty to make any use of this letter that you see fit. “Yours very truly, “R. C. Clowry, President” The officials of the Postal Telegraph Company immediately thereafter issued a statement announcing their policy. President Small, who had in the meantime arrived in San Francisco, was notified by telegraph of the settlement made, but re- gardless of the fact that the settlement was made by his direct representative, and the other officers of the union insisted upon it being observed, President Small called a strike in San Francisco on the following day, thereby repudiating the agreement. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1798 The Railroad Telegrapher. Between the time the agreement was made in New York and the strike was called in San Francisco, several messages were exchanged between President Small and the General Executive Board, in one of which President Small announced that unless a 25 per cent increase was granted in San Francisco he would call the strike. In reply to this telegram the General Ex- ecutive Board insisted upon President Small living up to the agreement made with Com- missioner Neill, and through him with the Western Union Telegraph Company, and informed him that the General Executive Board would not approve of his contem- plated action in calling a strike in San Francisco, which approval was necessary under the laws of the Commercial Teleg- raphers* Union, but regardless of this the strike was called. Commissioner of Labor Neill and the General Executive Board then went to San Francisco, and after considerable effort on the part of Commissioner Neill a settlement of that trouble was brought about, which settlement occurred four weeks after the inauguration of the strike, the basis of which was to be the reinstatement without prejudice at their old salaries within thirty days of all those engaging in the strike, with the understanding that after the ex- piration of thirty days from the termination of such strike the employes were to send a committee to the officials of the two companies in San Francisco, in accordance with the provisions of the letter of Presi- dent Clowry, and that Commissioner Neill would in the meantime prepare a report of the increased cost of living in San Fran- cisco, a copy of which report was to be furnished to the Superintendent of the Western Union, the Superintendent of the Postal, and to President Small, and it was further agreed that Superintendent Miller, of the Western Union, and Superintendent Storer, of the Postal, would make their recommendations to the higher officials of the companies in New York in regard to the demands of the employes, and that they would use their influence towards bringing about better conditions. The employes claim that one or both of the companies violated the intent of the agreement, if they did not in fact violate the actual wording of it, and prior to the expiration of the thirty days that was to elapse before the committees were to go up, the strike in Los Angeles broke out, which was soon followed by strikes in Chi- cago and other cities, and which eventually became general, the result of which is now a matter of history. It would seem that it is fair to assert that the Los Angeles strike, which eventu- ally led to the general strike, was directly attributable to the feeling engendered by the San Francisco strike, and, therefore, that the whole trouble had its inception in the San Francisco strike. The members of the General Executive Board, when they entered into the agree- ment with Commissioner of Labor Neill to accept the letter of President Clowry, be- lieved that a very substantial victory had been accomplished, as did also other officers of that union, and a careful perusal of that document would seem to bear out that opinion. An assurance on the part of the highest official of the Western Union Tele- graph Company, made through the Com- missioner of Labor of the United States, that there would be no discrimination against any employe on account of member- ship in the union, a guarantee to put into effect the 10 per cent increase wherever it had not been put into effect, the elimination of the so-called sliding scale, an agreement to rate the wires and meet committees, and last, but not least, an agreement on the part of the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany to submit to arbitration any matters on which the employes or the committees representing them and the company could not agree, would seem to be a most signal victory for the men, and to establish a con- dition that has seldom been secured by any organization during its first negotiation with the employer, and to have paved the way for amicable dealings in the future between employer and employe, and to give every promise of leading to great improve- ment in the conditions of the commercial telegraphers of the country. Under the concessions granted by that letter, complete and thorough organization of the commer- cial telegraphers seemed only a matter of a Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1799 short time, during which it was even pos- sible to start schedule negotiations, as it was possible, under the provisions of the Clowry letter, to send committees to the various Division Superintendents the day after the letter was written, if desired, with a schedule, and if it was not granted, appeal could have been taken in their regular order to the various officials until President Clowry was reached, and if an agreement could not have been made with him, the matter could have been submitted to arbitration, and it is hard to conceive of an impartial tribunal formed along the lines provided that would make an award that would fail to greatly benefit a class that could present such a preponderance of evidence in their favor as could the commercial telegraphers. It seems most unfortunate that President Small failed to listen to the advice and counsel of his associate officers, and it also seems unfortunate that he should deliber- ately break an agreement entered into by a duly authorized representative of the union, and, as has transpired, by such act, turn what was a most magnificent victory into eventual defeat. By that act he also lost to the union much financial support on the part of other unions that would have been given the commercial telegraphers under other conditions. President Small was eventually removed from office, but that did not in any way lessen the harm that had been done, as the strike had already been lost. The Order of Railroad Telegraphers rendered every financial assistance possible to the commercial telegraphers, and every other assistance was given them that was possible under the conditions existing. There are three very important lessons to be drawn from the late struggle, the first of which is that the deliberate breaking of an agreement is a very serious matter, and something that should not be done. It is stated on good authority that the commer- cial telegraph companies spent several mil- lions of dollars in fighting the commercial telegraphers that would not have been spent had it not been for the breaking of the New York agreement, their contention be- ing that if one agreement was deliberately broken no other that might be entered into would be any the better observed, hence their determination to “fight it out,” regard- less of cost. The second lesson to be learned from the struggle is that unions, in order to be successful, must be managed by busi- ness men who have no personal ambitions to satisfy, but who are guided wholly and solely by the best interests of those they represent, and who take their counsel from men of the same character and not from those who are ever willing to embroil others in trouble for the excitement that it will create without any regard to the conse- quences. The third lesson to be learned from the struggle is that every union, in order to be successful, must be governed by its laws absolutely. As stated before, the commercial teleg- raphers made a most gallant fight under adverse circumstances, and they deserved much better success than they attained. During the long struggle many sacrifices were made, and many who had never before been called upon to show their true char- acter proved themselves to be heroes, and others, who, before the trouble were loudest in their protestations of their unionism, proved themselves to be traitors. After the strike was declared off most of the rank and file returned to work. They returned with a consciousness that they had made a good fight, such a one as can not fail to have a very beneficial effect in their dealings with the companies in the future, as they demonstrated that they are capable of making a most effective fight; while they returned in a measure defeated, they are not disheartened, and the members of nearly every local before voting to declare the strike off, took a solemn oath that they would remain true to the organization and thereby keep themselves in a position to continue their efforts towards better work- ing conditions. At the Milwaukee Convention, W. W. Beattie, formerly First Vice-President of the union, was elevated to the presidency; General Secretary and Treasurer, Wesley Russell, continues in that office; Will C. Long continues as editor of the official organ of the union, and the three members of the General Executive Board, S. J. Konenkamp, M. J. Reidy and J. M. Sulli- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1800 The Railroad Telegrapher. van, who made the New York agreement, also continue in office, and with these able and efficient officers to guide its ship of state the affairs of the Commercial Teleg- raphers* Union should soon be placed on a sound working basis again. President Beattie is known as a conserva- tive, and, at the same time, able leader, and while his induction into office is not under the most favorable circumstances, he will, no doubt, in the near future demonstrate the wisdom of the action of the delegates to the Milwaukee Convention in placing him in charge of the affairs of the union. If wise and conservative action is had during the next twelve months on the part of the commercial telegraphers, there seems every reason to believe that friendly and business relations will be established between the organized commercial telegraphers and commercial telegraph companies. President Samuel Gompers, of the Ameri- can Federation of Labor, in his annual report to the twenty-seventh annual con- vention of that body, which convened in Norfolk, Va., on November u, refers to the commercial telegraphers* strike in the fol- lowing manner: “A movement of great importance was recently inaugurated among the commer- cial telegraphers of the country. For nearly twenty years there was little or no organi- zation among them, in consequence of which many unjust conditions were imposed. Wages, where not reduced, remained sta- tionary during all this period, despite the enhanced cost of living. Any attempt to organize was met with discrimination or discharge. This was particularly true of the Western Union Telegraph Company. “A general revival of organization was manifest during the latter part of last year and the beginning of this, which resulted in securing an advance of io per cent in wages. The deep resentment felt by the telegraph operators against the unjust action of the companies found its expression in a determined effort for the redress of griev- ances, the stoppage of discrimination and the exercise of the right to organize. These demands were either slow of concession by the companies or not conceded at all. The operators manifested their restlessness, which brought forth a promise from the companies for the redress of a number of grievances. The men and women who had so long been subject to unjust conditions had little faith in these promises, and as a result a strike was inaugurated with little or no preparation. They demanded an eight- hgur day, equal pay for equal work by men or women, 15 per cent increase, and that the companies furnish typewriters. “Of course, all of us and all friends of labor sympathize with the righteous de- mands which the telegraphers made. The justness and righteousness of a cause is one thing; the time for its attempted enforce- ment is another. “It was clearly the conviction of those who had experience that the time for a general strike among the commercial teleg- raphers, no matter how praiseworthy the cause, was inopportune, particularly so when such pledges of further concessions had been made. It was at this period that I advised the officers confidentially, and as strongly as I could, as to the impracti- cability of a general strike at that time. I urged them to accept the offers made and to work for the extension and strengthen- ing of their organization, with a view to constant betterment for the men and women who depend for their livelihood upon the operation of the keys. Of course, I had neither the right nor the desire unwar- rantedly to interfere with the management of the affairs of the organization, but it seemed to me duty demanded that I should place my experience before the officers, that they might reap whatever benefit might re- sult therefrom, so as to help safeguard the interests of the membership, that the con- tinuity of the organization might not only be assured, but also that it might prove of lasting benefit to the craft. “That the advice was disregarded by those then in authority in the organization is not due to me, nor to any failure to render them every possible counsel, advice and assistance to carry on their contest to the fullest pos- sible fruition. It has been clearly shown that at least a tactical mistake has been made. Those now intrusted with the affairs of the organization realized this fact. It is my conviction that the strike will not. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1801 however, be devoid of some influence for good in the condition of the telegraphers. It is our duty to render every assistance we possibly can, that the organization of the commercial telegraphers may be main- tained and extended, so that in the light of experience better results may follow for the men and women engaged in com- mercial telegraph work.” THE BOND QUE8TION. THE suggestion made by the Editor in these columns in the September issue, that the only solution of the bond question, which has been a subject of discussion for the last fifteen years, seemed to be the formation of a bonding company to be owned and controlled by members of the Order, appears to have met with general approval on the part of the membership, a large number of whom have announced their approval of the plan and signified their desire to participate in the organiza- tion of such a company by taking stock in it. In the October issue the opinions of a number of prominent general chairmen were given on the subject, since which time many others have expressed them- selves on the question. The general chairman of one of the largest lines in the East writes : “Replying to your circular letter of October 5th re- garding the bonding question, I wish to state that I believe the matter of bond company should be optional with the em- ploye, providing a reliable bond is offered. I have had in mind the forming of a bond company by the O. R. T., or its members, and if such a system is established, I will be pleased to give it all the assistance in my power. Our schedule can and will be amended to permit members furnishing bond in a telegraphers* bond company if the members decide to create such a com- pany.** The general chairman of one of the larg- est lines in the Middle West writes: “An- swering your circular letter of October 5th, beg to advise that I am highly in favor of the project and see no reason why it should not be successful, and I believe that exist- ing schedules could be amended so that employes could give bond in any reliable bond company. Our members suffer many abuses at the hands of existing bond com- panies, and the railroad companies show no disposition to correct the abuses, and it is high time for some move that will afford relief.** Another general chairman in the far West writes: “There is no question in my mind but that the formation of a bond company on the lines suggested in your editorial would be both proper and profit- able and would add strength and dignity to our organization. I for one will willingly subscribe for stock.’* The general chairman on a large system in the Southeast writes : “Referring to your editorial in the September issue of The Telegrapher and your subsequent circular letter on the subject: I have talked with several of the members on this line on the question and they generally agree with me, that we will score a decided point of advantage in following the plan you advocate. I am under the impression that we will have practically very little trouble in introducing a clause to this effect in our agreements.” The general chairman of a system in the Northwest writes: “I think your editorial very good and the proposed plan O. K. It certainly should be a stock company, and these that can afford it should take hold and perfect it. It can most certainly be done and would be a great boon to many of our brothers who have suffered unjustly at the hands of the bond companies.** Another general chairman in the East writes : “Relative to the bond question, beg to state I delayed replying to your cir- cular until after the meeting of our division, as I desired to get an expression of opinion from the membership as to the advisability of forming a bond company as suggested by you. It seemed to be the sense of the membership present that your idea was a good one, and if such a company was formed, would be a pronounced success.** Since the publication of the editorial in the September number, the Editor has re- ceived hundreds of letters from members throughout the country endorsing the pro- posed plan, which lack of space prevents publishing. The following extracts are taken from a few of them: Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1802 The Railroad Telegrapher. By Cert. 96, Div. 48: “I am very much in favor of the bond proposition. Am sure we can succeed/' By Cert. 1415, Div. 130: “In regard to your editorial in the September number, I heartily endorse your ideas on the bond question, and will gladly do all I can to push it along/’ By Cert. 861, Div. 130: “I think the sug- gestion in regard to forming a bond com- pany is certainly a good one and should be acted upon. I for one am willing to invest $10, $20, $30 or more in a company of this kind.” By Cert. 745, Div. 31 : “I am heartily in favor of adopting the plan outlined and would suggest that it be placed before the members at once for acceptance. The mat- ter has been discussed sufficiently and I think it is now time to act.” By Cert. 16, Div. 34: “I heartily en- dorse the proposed bond plan and would cut out those who are ’nons/ as it will have a tendency to bring them into the ranks where they belong.” By Cert. 114, Div. 6: “I think the Editor in his article in the September number on the bond question has it figured out right and that it is a good thing. I will take some stock if the company is formed.” By Cert. 1639, Div. 126: “With reference to members of the Order organizing a bond company, I am heartily in favor of this plan and will take five shares, and if necessary, will take more.” By Cert. 1129, Div. 23: “Regarding your article on the bond question, I think it is proper that such a bond company be organ- ized by members, and members only, of the O. R. T. I think we would be justified in this action, if for no other reason than to protect many of our members who have been unjustly treated by having their bonds cancelled by bond companies.” By Cert. 91, Div. 59: “In regard to the organization of a bond company proposed by you, I am heartily in favor of it and you can put me down as a subscriber for one or more shares, as I well realize the need of such a company for the telegraphers and station agents.” By Cert. 442, Div. 97: “Regarding the organizing of a bond company, there is nothing that is more needed and that will put more men to work and will do so much good as an O. R. T. bond company. I am heartily in favor of it and feel sure all the boys are, too, even though many of them do keep quiet.” By Cert. 101, Div. 132: “I read with in- terest your proposed solution of the bond question in the September Telegrapher. While I am not now in the telegraph serv- ice and may never profit by such an ar- rangement, I am enthusiastic over your proposition and will take at least one share in such an enterprise. I do not see how the membership at large can afford to let this chance slip by to rid themselves of a petty tyranny which is becoming more gall- ing every day.” By Cert. 3899, Grand Div.: “Referring to the bond question and the suggestions made in the September journal, I think this an excellent plan and that it should be car- ried through ; I will appreciate it if you will kindly reserve ten shares for me, and if necessary, will take twenty shares. While I have never had my bond questioned, and have been bonded for ten years, I have known of many men who have not had fair treatment, who were good, honest men.” By Cert. 84, Div. 59: “I heartily endorse the plan as set forth by our Editor regard- ing the bond question. I am in favor of putting this into effect on January 1, 1908.” By Cert. 2081, Div. 93: “I am just in receipt of my October journal and it’s a bumper. We are getting down to business on a few important questions, especially on the bond question. We can and should have a bond company of our own.” By Cert. 81, Div. 1 18 : “Regarding the bond question, I believe the Order is on the right track and that a bond company of our own will be something that is of great benefit to members.” By Cert. 57, Div. 2: “I am glad to see our Editor take a definite stand on the bond question, and if this matter is kept moving, we can see some tangible means of reaching a point that will be of great value to the telegraphers and station agents of the country.” For the benefit of those who have not read the previous articles on this subject, the suggestion made in the September jour- nal by the Editor was that a bond company Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1803 be organized with a capital stock of $250,- 000, divided into 25,000 shares of $10 each, to be sold only to members of the Order in good standing. It was further suggested that this matter be discussed by the mem- bers in the journal until the January issue, in which issue a blank will be published in order that the membership may take definite action on the proposition. THE P08TAL TELEGRAPH COMPANY. DURING the last few years, the Postal Telegraph Company has greatly profited by its professions of friendship for the telegraphers and its an- nounced policy not to discriminate against organized labor, and it can be said without fear of contradiction that the telegraphers in general rendered more valuable service to the Postal Telegraph Company by con- stantly and earnestly soliciting business for it in hours and out of hours than was ever before rendered a corporation by any one. In addition to soliciting business, the teleg- raphers employed by the Postal Telegraph Company, through their friendship for it on account of its supposed friendly attitude toward them, went out of their way to make the service as prompt and efficient as possible, and as a consequence of this co- operation and ever alert interest on the part of its employes, the Postal Company suc- ceeded in becoming a formidable rival to the Western Union Telegraph Company. When the Commercial Telegraphers began to negotiate with the two great commercial telegraph companies for concessions, it was found that the professions of friendship on the part of the Postal Telegraph Company were apparently for “business purposes’* only, as they were very dilatory in dealing with their employes, and since the strike was called off, the officials of the Postal have apparently shown their true colors. In St. Louis and Chicago since the strike was declared off, the actions of the officials of the two companies in dealing with the strikers have been in marked contrast. The Western Union officials in those two cities have treated the strikers with consideration and have re-employed all whom they could use, and announce it to be their intention to reinstate all others as soon as business war- rants. On the other hand, Superintendent S. H. Mudge and Manager W. S. Daniel, of the Postal Telegraph Company in St. Louis, have shown an arrogant spirit in dealing with the strikers, carrying it to such an extent as to become insulting in many cases, especially in talking to many of the lady strikers who applied for rein- statement. Manager Daniel, it is said, also compelled those who are re-employed to sign a paper certifying that they are not now and will not become members of a labor organization* Many of the strikers who applied to Superintendent Mudge and Manager Daniel for reinstatement were un- ceremoniously refused and dilatory tactics were used with others and the salaries of others were materially reduced. It is said that the same condition exists in the Postal office in Chicago under Superintendent W. I. Capen. If the Commercial Telegraphers had been successful in their struggle, the company would have expected, and justly too, that the strikers would render as efficient service after returning to work as they did before the strike, and there seems no just reason why the company should not now show the same spirit toward the men. An official of a corporation who will at- tempt to take advantage of his office to bulldoze and insult defenseless women, and who has no more of the spirit of manhood in him than to attempt to deprive honest men and women of their constitutional rights, is too narrow-minded to occupy a position of trust, and a corporation that will continue such men in office is not worthy of the patronage of any lovers of fair play. The Editor is not inclined to take snap judgment in this matter, as it may be that the actions of the officials of the Postal Telegraph Company in St. Louis and Chi- cago in dealing with the strikers are not known to the higher officials of that com- pany in New York, and in order that there can be no doubt on this subject, a copy of this editorial will immediately be forwarded to the New York officials. If the conditions referred to continue, then it will be apparent to everyone that such actions are the general policy of the officials of the Postal Telegraph Company, and information to this effect will be pub- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1804 The Railroad Telegrapher. lished in next month’s issue of this journal for the information of the 40,000 members of the Order and their millions of friends throughout the country. The Western Union Telegraph Company reaches practi- cally every point that is reached by the Postal Telegraph Company, therefore, it is not necessary for any one to patronize the Postal, unless they desire to do so, and if that company has been parading under false colors in order to get business, the public is entitled to know it. 6DJTORIAL N0t€5 Many articles on the eight-hour day and the $75.00 minimum were crowded out of this issue. At the time of going to press, 37,100 members had already paid dues for the current term. One thousand and forty-six new members were initiated into the Order during the month of October. The Editor has between 400 and 500 photographs for publication on hand at the present time, which it will take many months to use. Only large group or com- mittee photographs should be sent in at the present time. Group photographs should only contain members of the Order in good standing. Help to complete thorough organization throughout the country by furnishing the Grand Secretary and Treasurer with a cor- rect list of all non-members in your terri- tory, using care to give correct initials, the correct spelling of the name, and the correct address, and also to show the road on which they are employed. The Raleigh News-Observer publishes the following: “K. G. Clifton, a telegraph oper- ator who has been in the Western Union office here for some time, was taken to Oxford yesterday by Deputy Sheriff Wal- ters, of Granville County, to answer to the charge of the embezzlement of $200.00 in money, the property of the Seaboard Air Line Company. He was arrested in the Western Union office here Wednesday evening and placed in jail, where he was kept until yesterday, when the officer from Granville came and took him into custody.” The accompanying is an engraving of an official O. R. T. gold ring. These rings can be had from the Grand Secretary and Treasurer for $4.50. In ordering them it is only necessary to give the size desired, which information can be secured from any jeweler. The attention of contributors of articles to The Telegrapher is again called to the fact that matter for the Fraternal Depart- ment must be in the hands of the Editor not later than the 28th day of the month, in order to assure its insertion in the follow- ing issue. Matter intended for use in the December Telegrapher must be in the hands of the Editor on or before November 28th. Their attention is also called to the numer- ous requests that have hitherto been pub- lished that the name of stations be given instead of office call, and that correspond- ents refrain from sending in line-ups, as the practice of publishing line-ups was dis- continued several years ago. The statement issued by the Bureau of Immigration for the month of September, 1907, shows that there were 98,694 aliens landed at the various ports of entry in the United States during that month; that there were 870 debarred from entrance. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1805 classified as follows: Idiots, 3; imbeciles, 4; feeble-minded, 4; epileptics, 2; insane, 8; loathsome or dangerous contagious dis- eases, 217; professional beggars, 2; likely to become public charges, 251 ; mentally or physically unsound, 119; contract laborers, 137; accompanying aliens, 14; under sixteen years of age unaccompanied by parents, 9; assisted aliens, 27; criminals, 9; prostitutes and procurers, 5; without passport, 33; under provisions of Chinese Exclusion Act, 26. The report also shows that there were 147 aliens returned by the immigration authorities after landing. The total number of aliens landed in the United States during the month of September, 1906, was 95,341. J. A. Minnich made quite a record uuring the commercial telegraphers* strike. Ac- cording to reliable information it appears that Minnich caused his son, a minor, to scab for the Western Union in Pittsburg, and his daughter to be placed in charge of the Western Union city office at Weston, W. Va., and as she was not a telegrapher, Minnich assisted her by receiving Western Union messages by telephone and transmit- ting them from his railroad office by tele- graph, and also by receiving the Western Union business and repeating it over the telephone for delivery, and it is stated that on or about September 20 he secured leave of absence from the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- way and took charge of the Western Union office at Weston, and at last accounts was still in charge of the office. It is needless to say that the telegraphers employed on the Baltimore & Ohio Railway are not of that character, and that they will not soon forget the action of Minnich. The Sumner (Illinois) Press , in its Sep- tember 12th issue, contains a very com- plimentary article regarding the long and faithful service of C. C. Judy as agent in that city for the Ohio & Mississippi Rail- way and its successor, the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railway, which posi- tion he has filled continuously for more than thirty years. The article states that he was also the first Secretary of the Sumner Building and Loan Association, and that he has served continuously for twenty-four years as a member of the Board of Di- rectors of that association, and for the past several years has served as President of the Board; also that for the last seven- teen years he has been a member of the Board of Education. He has also been active in lodge circles, being one of the oldest members of Baltimore & Ohio South- western Railway System, Divison No. 74, of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers; a member and Past Master of Sumner Lodge, No. 334, A. F. & A. M. ; at present High Priest of Harmony Chapter, No. 35 R. A. M., and a member of Gorin Commandery, of Olney, 111. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1806 The Railroad Telegrapher. Digitized by ^.ooQle P. J. Metuhan. M. A. Smoot. O. S. Reeve*. A. J. DuBoise. 1. N. Holme*. Gen’l S. <f T. J. A. N«wman, J*t 71«»-Prot. Sam. Johnnon. Om. Chairman. O. R. T. ORNERAIi COMMITTEE — NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAY.

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PERSONAL MENTION The following births have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: To Bro. and Mrs. J. E. West, of Crescent, Mo., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. A. Long, of Lexing- ton, Ky., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. E. G. Alexander, of Anna, 111, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. R. Whitley, of Bruns- wick, Mo., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. A. Yates, of Old Fort, N. C., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. H. J. Postlewait, of Dayton, Pa., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. A. B. Shields, of Roch- ester, N. Y., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. Jerome Dawson, of Gallitzen, Pa., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. A. E. Nelson, of Es- canaba, Mich., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. S. Haynes, of Walla Walla, Wash., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. F. H. Surine, of Queens, N. Y., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. W. T. Shierling, of Plainville, Ga„ a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. A. L. Cash, of Escan- aba, Mich., twin boys. To Bro. and Mrs. H. C. Schliecht, of Thomas, Mich., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. D. P. Richardson, of Corsicana, Tex., a boy. The following marriages have been re- ported since the last issue of The Teleg- rapher : Bro. W. W. Cox, of Div. 130, to Miss McElvain. Bro. R. D. Faulconer, of Div. 130, to Miss Lyon. Bro. P. A. Osborne, of Div. 23, to Miss Julia E. Jones. Bro. W. W. Preston, of Div. 41, to Miss Dora M. Whittier. Bro. D. B. Johannse, of Div. 60, to Miss Mattha M. Newman. Bro. L. W. Givan, of Div. 93, to Sister L. Harrington, of Div. 93. At Kent, Texas, Bro. W. B. Ralph, of Div. 126, to Miss Lydia F. Dart. At New Riegel, Ohio, Bro. W. F. Cough- lin, of Div. 33, to Miss Nora Williams. At Campana, N. M., Bro. A. E. Town- send, of Div. 137, to Miss Florence Ball. At Wiconisco, Pa., Bro. D. C. Bargman, of Div. 52, to Miss Mary Elizabeth Hunter. The Telegrapher extends congratula- tions to the happy couples. The following deaths have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: At St. Bruno, Que., Canada, wife of Bro. E. Daigneault, of Div. 1. At Constantia, N. Y., mother of Bro. C. F. Ingersoll, of Div. 20. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all. WANTED. Present address of O. O. Vermillion. J. W. Martin, Shawnee, Okla. Present address of J. U. McWilliams. Last account was in So. Pac. hospital at Ogden, Utah. W. A. Buchanan, Mizpah, via Cobre, Nev. Present address of F. Treptow. Was agent at Lathrop, Mont., in 1901. Please let me hear from you. Valuable information. Geo. D. Saeger, Lima, Mont. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1808 The Railroad Telegrapher. Present address of S. P. Gerkin. “S. P.,M if you see this write E. P. Kuper, Restholm, Va. J. L. LESTER. General Secretary and Treasurer, M., J. & K. C. Railway System, Division No. 80. Present address of J. M. Bonham, who worked nights at Elm Creek, Neb., -about twenty years ago. Geo. Arendt, Utica, Neb. Present address of Frank E. Thomson. Last heard of working at Detroit, Minn. “Frank,” if you see this write F. A. Goodwin, 1428 Spann Ave., Indianapolis, Ind. Present address of all telegraphers who wrote me while at Uniontown, Pa., during the year of 1905. J. W. Ezell, Box A 4874, Allegheny, Pa. Present address of W. J. Burns. Worked at Winfield in March, 1907. “Will.” if you see this write me ; have business with you. H. O. Crain, Winfield, Tenn. Information concerning the whereabouts of J. E. Kline, aged 24 years. Last heard of at Land Point, Idaho, employed by the Great Northern R. R. in March, 1907. Mrs. J. E. Kline, 438 S. 4th st., Charlottesville, Va. Present address of P. F. McQuillan. Last address was U. S. Signal Corps, Fort Meyer, Va. Also address of J. A. Becke- meyer. Last beard of at Chicago, 111., working for Western Union in 1902. B. S. Knapp, Lima, Mont. To hear from an operator by the name of Stange, Strange or Strang, or the ad- dress of families bearing my name. L. A. Strange, Huerfano, Colo. Present address of J. L. Perkins. Last heard of was working at Old Fort, N. C., on Southern Ry. Very important. Per- kins, if you see this write me at Drexel, N. C. H. G. Alexander. Present address of E. U. Procter, of Glasgow, Ky. Worked as dispatcher for Mexican International, San Luis Potosi, about 1893. “Ca,” if you see this write me. F. L. Losey, 150 Front St., Grafton, W. Va. Present address of J. S.. McCloud, who worked for Minn. Transfer up to February 15. 1907. Last heard of him he left the J. S. MoCLOUD. office for his home in St. Paul. Any brother knowing of his whereabouts will confer a favor by advising C. F. Collins, Emigrant Gap, Cal. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1809 Present address of Helmar J. Carlson. Also address of J. V. Young, formerly of Washington, Pa. L. M. Collecod, Edwards, Ind. Present address of the following: H. L. Weyer, C. E. Hughes, E. G. Faulkner, R. E. Faulkner and H. L. Hayes. Pals, if you see this write me at Weldon, N. C. A. S. Hudson. Present address of “Peg” Maddox, late night manager, McBee, S. C. Also address of “Boston” Frank M. Smith, of the Pos- tal, Chicago. “Boys,” if you see this write me care B. & O., Mt. Braddock, Pa. T. H. Frost. The following members desire to ex- change souvenir postal cards with other members : G. B. Kennedy, Denbigh, Va. A. S. Hudson, Weldon, S. C. J. F. McFadden, Newport, Del. H. O. Mannes, Marvin, S. D. E. R. Fairey, Box 346, Calgary, Alta, Can. E. G. Manthey, L. B. 362, Iron wood, Mich. N. H. Shriver, R. F. D. 2, Box 84, War- ren, Ohio. H. A. Mosher, 3317 Clyburn street, Mil- waukee, Wis. A. L. McBain, 265 West 144th street, New York City. Lost or Stolen. Card No. 8317, Cert. 44, Div. 14, for term ending June 30, 1907. Card No. 1239, Cert. 100, Div. 31, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 22619, Cert. 43, Div. 116, for term ending December 31; 1907. * Card No. 25544, Cert. 495, Div. 29, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 29058, Cert. 968, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. x Card No. 10098, Cert. 114, Div. 135, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 20634, Cert. 666, Div. 70, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 24315, Cert. 477, Div. 70, for term ending December 31, 1907. W. L. Hatchell, H. C. Page, L. M. Dixon, J. D. Bennett. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1810 The Railroad Telegrapher. Digitized by ^.ooQle T. OROUP-C. & N. W. RY. WEST POINT. NEB.

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1611 Card No. 643, Cert. 3880, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8897, Cert. 4804, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3580, Cert. 1310, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 29429, Cert. 205, Div. 57, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6537, Cert. 13 1, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 7202, Cert. 2370, Div. 92, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 28280, Cert. 1182, Div. 76, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 4044, Cert. 330, Div. 8, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 33223, Cert. 765, Div. 70, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 31918, Cert. 1658, Div. 31, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 26608, Cert. 341, Div. 36, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 20402, Cert. 530, Div. 97, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 10799, Cert. 309, Div. 96, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17189, Cert. 1581, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 30935, Cert. 286, Div. 89, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3094, Cert. 197, Div. 118, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8407, Cert. 269, Div. 53, for term ending December 31, 190 7. Card No. 7872, Cert. 103, Div. 78, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 26929, Cert. 986, Div. 8, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 27268, Cert. 44, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 27204, Cert. 1909, Div. 53, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 278, Cert. 612, Div. 7, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 2704, Cert. 41, Div. 137, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3607, Cert. 4381, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 16140, Cert. 1688, Div. 76, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 19390, Cert. 72, Div. 37, for term ending December 31, T907. Card No. 5412, Cert. 1036, Div. 54, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 13404, Cert. 833, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 31084, Cert. 35, Div. 25, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3265, Cert. 4215, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 16431, Cert. 4459, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 26056, Cert. 4971, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Notice. Lost — Card case containing sixteen O. R. T. cards, dating 1900 to 1907, inclusive; Woodman and Masonic receipts for dues year 1907. Anyone returning same to me at Frierson, La., will be liberally rewarded. P. O. Curl. Digitized by ^.oOQle

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1812 The Railroad Telegrapher. a 03. J Of ® 6*3 a? o . B^= z . H H Gu O I c c— 5 8=2 J - •§« z «* . I 02J8 r JC ^ c 7 O fr- K u | < C J £ d r =&• Sd Q fc* of S si C X Digitized by Google

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ill 11 M Worry brings wrinkles and reform. * * * Truth is the opinion that yet survives. * * * The darkest hour is when you haven’t a match. * * * It is easy to love your neighbor if she is good looking. * * * Misery loves company — but it’s tough on the company. * * * “The laborer is worthy of his hire” — when he works. * * * Yesterday has gone ; tomorrow may never come. Do your duty today. . * * * Every time a man’s wife buys him a tie his vanity gets it in the neck. * * * Do all the work you can; there are lots of lazy men who will do the rest * * * Lots of people get in trouble telling the truth, when they should be silent. * * * Some men keep their religion locked in a safe deposit vault six days of the week. * * * Cheerfulness wears well and brings its possessor into much solid comfort. * * * No movement founded upon human greed, pretense and deceit, can long succeed. * * * Some people are doing nothing today, but they hope to move a mountain to- morrow. It’s not the engine with the loudest ex- haust that is hauling the longest train. * * * Keep your conscience as clear as possible, and try to get better acquainted with it. * * * Things that are new are the things that are best, but friends that are old are the friends that are best. * * * Organized railvyay men in Great Britain have decided to demand an eight-hour day and increased wages. * * * Don’t brood over the past or dream of the future; but seize the instant and get your lessons from the hour. * * * Out of twenty-one bills in the Oregon Legislature framed in the interest of labor, twelve passed both houses. * * * Defeat is a word that is not in the ver- nacular of organized labor. Temporary re- buffs don’t spell anything like it. * * * Modern society does not permit the in- dividual to do as he wishes without regard to the rights or well-being of his fellows. * * * Violence is transient. Hate, wrath, ven- geance are all forms of fear, and do not endure. Silent, persistent effort will dis- sipate them all. Be strong. * * * If you are a union man at heart you will never say that you are going to quit the union because you have a grievance against some member, or because you do not like the action of the union on some particular matter. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1814 The Railroad Telegrapher. B. W. Hutchison, C. Amick, O. D. Bradley, J. I. Poole, J. H. Simmons. 0. R. T. GROUP-C. R. I. & P. RY., HAILEYVILLE, I. T. 1. S. H. Gwinn. 2. J. E. Sertsinger, 3. R. H. Davidson. 4. David Schneider.. 0, R. T. GROUP-C, R, I. & P. RAILWAY, HOOKER, O. T. Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1815 To establish and maintain order, har- mony and excellence in the territory under one’s own hat, will keep one fairly well occupied. * * * Industrial peace by trade agreement we can all advocate, but industrial peace where “employes are not organized, because they do not need to be,” sounds like the old fable of the lion and the lamb. * * * The Australian workers are in earnest in making a move for the six-hour day. At a recent rrieeting of of the Carleton trade council a motion prevailed that the Ameri- can and British labor bodies be invited to join in the six-hour movement. * * * The following ad appeared in a Frisco paper : “Wanted — Washing and house cleaning by the day, $i-75 per day. Lydia R. Todd, 248 Boutwell street ; will not work for people that ride on cars run by strike breakers.” * * * To measure the value of a strike it is as necessary to estimate its far-reaching effect on the industry generally, as it is to reckon the cost to the immediate partici- pants, and moreover, much depends upon the initial cause of the strike, as there are foolish strikes as well as foolish men. * * * Having worked an average of twenty hours a day since the telegraphers’ strike was ordered, Harry Behmekin, 25 years, an operator employed in the commercial news department of the Western Union, finally went suddenly insane Tuesday and drove the men and women operators to the street in wild excitement. * * * We will stand by our friends and ad- minister a stinging rebuke to men or parties who are either indifferent, negligent, or hostile, and, whenever opportunity affords, secure the election of intelligent, honest, earnest trade unionists, with clear, un- blemished, paid-up union cards in their possession. Give me the man that can hold on when others let go ; who pushes ahead when others turn back ; who stiffens up when others weaken; who advances when others retreat ; who knows no such word as “can’t” or “give up;” and I will show you a man who will win out in the end, no matter what opposes him, no matter what obstacles confront him. * * * To aid the enemy or to remain neutral when one’s country is attacked is treason. Yet it does less tangible harm than the non- union man who breaks a strike and thereby transfers money from his fellow workman’s pocket to purses already full, as occurred J. F. JUSTICE. General Chairman. Bigr Four Railway System, Division No. 138. in the recent subway strike in New York. The strike breaker betrays his best friends, and in the words of Cain asks, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Men with a keen sense of honor will starve and die rather than do a base act, and when all workingmen be- come enlightened enough to appreciate their solidarity of interests, the commandment which reads, “Thou shalt not unfairly take thy neighbor’s job” will rank with its con- gener, “Thou shalt not steal.” Digitized by C.ooole

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1816 The Railroad Telegrapher. Organized labor makes a higher standard of wages. This has a tendency to elevate the wage of unorganized labor. In the same degree the low rate to which unorganized labor is forced to submit has its influence in lowering the standard sought by organ- ized labor. Thus, non-unionism is an ob- struction to the prosperity of the wage earner and society. . * * * To Germany belongs the distinction of what is probably the longest strike on record. At Solingen, in Rhenish Sheffield, famous for its cutlery, a strike and boy- cott was declared in the shop of Obliger & Co., in 1870—thirty years ago. A few weeks ago the place was again unionized. The concern signed an agreement and paid a “war indemnity.” * * * The labor directory for Cook County and Chicago has been issued, showing that there are 628 labor unions in the county and 290,000 employes enrolled in labor or- ganizations. Of these, 55,000 are building employes, 20,000 belong to the railroad brotherhoods, 30,000 are independent and 185,000 are affiliated with the Chicago Federation of Labor. Of the latter, 15,000 are women, represented in 15 locals. * * * In consequence of the recent disastrous strike of the engineers and firemen on all railroads in the Argentine Republic, and of the strike now existing of the laborers in the port of Buenos Ayres, both of which have been seriously detrimental to the pros- perity of the country, the government has had under consideration certain repressive measures to be submitted for congressional sanction. Then there will be trouble. * * * It is the duty of union members to sup- port and encourage their duly elected officers and refrain from commenting in public places on the manner in which they administer the affairs of the union. If their actions are open to comment, go to your union meetings and declare your sen- timents. Remember your officers, in the performance of the duties devolving upon them, often have to make great personal sacrifices in your behalf. Encourage and do not discourage them. . * * * Undoubtedly the devil was the first scab. There is no disputing the fact that heaven is run according to union principles and is a closed shop. Satan rebelled against these conditions and started to agitate for an open shop, whereupon he was expelled from membership in the angels’ union and fired to perdition. Ever since then harmony has reigned in Paradise and the closed shop prevails. No scab is tolerated in the king- dom of heaven and there is no room for Professor Elliot’s heroes there. * * * H. C. Link, joint telegraph operator at Flatonia, was arrested for violation of the eight-hour law enacted by the thirtieth legislature of Texas, and a test case made by the S. P. and S. A. & A. P. railways, in whose employ and at whose instance the law was violated. The operator was fined, but through his attorneys the case has been appealed. Although these powerful rail- way companies defended the operator with all its great legal talent, the State got “first blood” in the preliminary bout x * * * It is not necessary nor fitting here that a general argument should be made in favor of popular institutions; but there is one point, with its connections, not so hack- neyed as most others, to which I ask a brief attention. It is the effort to place capital on an equal footing with, if not above, labor, in the structure of govern- ment. . . Labor is the superior of cap- ital and deserves much the higher con- sideration. . . No men living are more worthy to be trusted than those who toil up from poverty; none less inclined to take or touch what they have not honestly earned. Let them beware of surrendering a political power, which they already possess, and which, if surrendered, will surely be used to close the door of advance- ment to such as they, and to fix new bur- dens and disabilities upon them, till all of liberty shall be lost. — President Lincoln's Message of Dec . 3, 1861. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1817 There is no employe working but who will admit that he is working for money. Generally speaking, it is their only means of getting money. The glaring fact can not be disputed that members of this organiza- tion are receiving the most money for their services. Is further evidence needed to show that by organizing, the unorganized can get more money? The employe who is too dumb to understand it is an intellectual pervert, and is being paid more than he is worth at the lowest wage. * * * Chicago unionists have started a war upon the Pinkerton Detective Agency and similar institutions. A State conference has been called to meet in that city early in October to prepare plans to smash Pinker- tonism. The Actors’ Union has taken the initiative by having a bill presented to the legislature providing that any individual who exercises police powers other than the duly constituted public authorities shall be punished by a fine of $5,000 and not less than one year in prison. * * * Organized labor, like many other classes, has made some mistakes in the past, but it requires no supernatural vision to see that it has profited by these mistakes. Harmony and a united purpose to reach the high ideals of true citizenship and manhood bring the goal within view, and labor has learned the lesson with Ella Wheeler Wil- cox : Keep out of the past! It is lonely and barren and bleak to the view; Its fires are cold; its stories are old. Turn, turn to the present — the new. Today leads you up to the hilltops that are kissed by the radiant sun, Today shows no gloom; life's hopes are in bloom; Today there’s a prize to be won! The progress of the labor union is re- tarded by the indifference of some of its members. Where a union, which has fifty per cent hard-working members, exists, there are several where the work is left to about five or six industrious men. The others lean on them and make the task all the harder. Are you working to try and improve your conditions, or are you lean- ing on the other fellow, and permitting him to carry a burden which partly belongs on your shoulders? How about this, Mr. Unionist? * * * A law aiming at the prevention of strikes and applicable to the owners of mines, steam and electric railroads, steam- ships, telegraph and telephone lines, gas, electric light, water and power plants and their employes has just taken effect in Canada. By the provisions of this law an employer is prohibited from causing a lock- out and employes are not allowed to strike on account of any dispute prior to or dur- ing a reference of such dispute to a board of conciliation and investigation provided by the act. * * * If our trade union movement of today were to be abolished the American wage earner would become one of the most ab- ject economic slaves on earth. We have not brought about the millenium, far from it, but we have lifted labor to a higher plane than any other nation, and our work has only just begun. Organized labor as now constituted will soon be recognized as a factor which does more to maintain stable government and lead to a higher civiliza- tion than any other known agency. Trade unionism spells Success for government and its people. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1818 The Railroad Telegrapher. J. M. Clements. W. F. White. J. F. Chambliss. W. H. Davis. J. M. Edens. W. D. Mays. H. C. Saunders. O. R. T. GROUP-SOUTHERN RAILWAY, FLOVILLA, GA. J. H. Smith. J. N. Hancock. E. Redelsheimer. O. R. T. GROUP-A. B. & A. RAILWAY, NICHOLLS, GA. Digitized by C.ooole

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THE PHANTOM TRAIN. BY HENRI MONTCALM. YOU may think what you please in regard to the event I am about to describe, and I shall think what I please. Probably we should never agree. You may not believe in ghosts and phan- toms, but I do. For I know that on the evening of the 17th of March, ten years ago, I was a passenger on a phantom railroad train, and my fellow passengers were not human beings like myself, but ghastly, star- ing ghosts. On a certain day, the 17th of March I h^ve just mentioned, I had found myself in the country town of Rumford. About the only business I accomplished there was to induce a young man, John Denham by name, to take the Co/s agency. I got well acquainted with him during the day and took tea at his father’s house that evening. It was only at the table I learned that the half-past seven accommodation to S— had been recently taken off, and there was no other train down to the city that night. I showed so much vexation at this — for I was really very anxious to get to S — that night, having an engagement there early in the morning — that Mr. Denham volunteered to harness up and take me over to Burbank, a larger town four miles down the road, where he said the 11:25 express pulled up a moment. As my case was an urgent one, I accepted, though I was sorry to put them to so much trouble, especially on such a night. It had been raining steadily for the last two days and had as yet showed no signs of clearing. So, shortly after supper, young Denham went out to get the horse ready. “We had better go at once,” he said. “The roads are bad and I shall not get back much be- fore eleven. You will have to wait an hour or so at Burbank, but you won’t mind that.” After he had gone out, the old man went to the window and stood looking out. “It’s a bad night,” he remarked, without turning his head, “just such a one as I remember it to have been five years ago this very month — ay, this very night, I believe. It is the 17th, is it not?” He paused a moment, thoughtfully, and then went on : “I shall never forget it, how I lay awake in the early part of the night and heard the express go by, the whistle sounding like some unearthly shriek of despair amid the wind and rain; and not ten minutes after the whole train was lying mangled and broken at the bottom of Bul- lock’s Creek. Hardly a soul of them got out alive. I hope never again to see such a sight as I saw the next morning when they took the bodies out. Luckily, they didn’t have such big trains then as they do now. And the bridge there won’t be likely to wash away again. It is built strong enough this time.” The old gentleman ceased speaking and came and sat down beside me at the fire. I had traveled a great deal in my life and knew something of railroad accidents, yet somehow or other, the wildness of the night and the fact that I was about to pass over the same spot gave this one of which the old man spoke unusual interest, and I asked him more particularly about the Bul- lock’s Creek disaster. He told me a great deal, and told it so graphically that I grew not a little nervous before he finished, and when the time came for me to don my rub- ber coat and take leave, I was more than half inclined to give up going at all that night. But I quickly shook off this weak- ness and followed John out and took my seat in the buggy. We pulled up the boot Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1820 The Railroad Telegrapher. and drove off down the road, not to any great extent inconvenienced by the rain, which just now came down steadily but not heavily. We had accomplished something more than half the distance, when, all at once, the horse turned lame and could hardly hobble along. This was unfortunate enough under the circumstances, but could not be helped. Denham urged him on another half mile, but at the end of that distance the poor beast gave out entirely, and it was with difficulty that we got him into the barn of a farm house standing by the road. This done, however, and it being but a little more than a mile further to Burbank, I announced my determination of footing it the rest of the way. John proposed to get a fresh horse from the farmer and drive on, but I would not consent to this, and after receiving full directions as to the way, I started off. I was to go down the road a piece and turn off at the first right-hand road, which would take me straight to the railroad track. Here I must turn to the left and then a walk of three-quarters of a mile would bring me to the Burbank sta- tion. “Remember, now,” was John’s last in- junction, “turn to the left when you get to the track. The right would take you up the road again to Bullock’s Creek.” The night was, of course, very dark, and the muddy road, but I had little trouble in finding my way. I soon found the corner, and turning down what was more a cart- path than a road, I walked on as rapidly as I could, and about an eighth of a mile from the main road I came upon the rail- road track. I wish to say here that I dis- tinctly recollect turning off to the left and making my way down the track to the sta- tion. Some persons to whom I have told this story, thinking they know much better about it than I, and being anxious to account for what followed, have tried to convince me that I must have turned to the right and gone straight down to Bullock’s Bridge. Very likely you will reason in the same way yourself when I have finished my story. But I tell you that I, who am the only one who can know and who am no more superstitious than other men — I know perfectly well that I did no such a thing. I remember positively turning off to the left, as Denham had directed. I remember the walk down the track, how I stumbled over the sleepers and splashed through the mud, often wondering how much further it was ; and I remember, finally, that the lights in the station came in sight around a curve, and that I at last stepped upon the plat- form and found my way to the waiting- room fire. I glanced up at the clock as I came in, and found that it yet wanted nearly an hour of train time. I was rather surprised, therefore, to find that, notwithstanding it was thus early, some one else had been waiting there before me — a tall, powerful, illy-dressed man, who did not seem to notice my entrance at all, but kept on snor- ing in the corner. After drying myself a bit at the fire, I wisely concluded to imitate the stranger’s example, and went and set- tled myself in another corner, and almost immediately fell asleep. I can not say how long I slept, for when I suddenly woke again, I did not look at the clock at all. I saw that my friend in the opposite corner had disappeared, taking his bundle with him; I heard the clang of an engine-bell outside, and I hurriedly snatched up my own traps and went out the door. Sure enough, there was the train, with the locomotive, mail-car, and two pas- senger coaches, with their lighted windows. I remember thinking at the time that the train must be shorter than usual. I had not much time to reflect upon anything, how- ever, and had barely secured a seat in .Xh* forward car when the engine gave a few unearthly puffs and groans, and then, with a long, horrible wail of the whistle, wTe rushed off into the storm and the night. The car was well filled, mainly with gentlemen. I found a seat by the side of a thin-faced, clerical-looking man, who had an evening paper in his hand, but did not seem to be reading it. His eyes met mine, as I came down the aisle, with a fixed, un- natural kind of stare that puzzled me and made me uncomfortable in spite of myself. “This seat is not taken,” I said, interroga- tively; and as he made no audible answer. I sat down. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1821 Presently I glanced at him again. He had not moved at all, but sat gazing dreamily toward the car door. “A bad night,’* I said, determined to rouse him into a recognition of my pres- ence, if nothing more. The only answer was complete silence. Good heavens! was the man a boor, or was he deaf, and did he not hear me? I made one more attempt. “May I look at your paper?” I asked, speaking as loudly as I could. Still no answer; still he sat there, rigid as a frozen corpse would have been, un- hearing and unnoticing. With an im- patient movement I took the paper from his hand, even hoping he would resent the liberty; but he did not. He did not seem to know it. I glanced at the heading. Gracious powers! What was this? I held in my hand a paper dated the seventeenth of March, eighteen hundred and eighty — just five years ago — the night of the acci- dent at Bullock’s Creek. I turned faint and cold in a moment. I understood it now — the man at my side was no living man, but a ghost, the pale, star- ing, fleshless, speechless ghost of one who, five years ago tonight, at this very moment, had been hurried on down this same iron way, through a storm just like this, to de- struction. I looked fearfully around at the passengers. Ay! It was plain enough now. Phan- toms all — ghastly passengers of a phantom train, sitting there, motionless and horrible, with lusterless eyes and gleaming teeth, all gliding swiftly on in that terrible ride of death, and I, who alone of them was flesh and blood, was hurried along with them. To what? To death — sure, sudden, hor- rible death! I knew it well, even before the end came, and it came at once. I uttered a shriek of wild, uncontrollable terror. I rose and vainly strove to reach the door. Then there was a great crash, and a falling, and a dizziness, and a shock, and then — I awoke to consciousness again to find myself on my back on what seemed to be hard, smooth stone, with the rain beating in my face, and I knew that my left arm was broken. Strange to say, perhaps, though the darkness was very great, and I had never been at the place before, I knew, with a certainty amounting to conviction, just where I was. I heard the roar of angry waters below me — in the dim light, as I came to distinguish better, I could see that there were broken timbers and bent ironwork all about me. Oh, yes; I knew very well where I was and what had hap- pened. I was lying at the top of one of the piers of the Bullock Creek bridge, and the bridge itself had been carried away by the swollen stream. But how had I come there? Had I turned the wrong way and wandered along the track and stepped off into the chasm? So you will say, no doubt. And yet I swear it was not so. Too well I remember the phantom train that had thus, on its anniversary night, come up the road again and hurled itself into the creek below. I knew in my own mind that I had actually taken the ghostly train at the station, had joined on its deathly ride and had just been saved from destruction by the pier at the bridge’s end. Then came a sudden thought to me. If I had taken a phantom train, where was the real one? Not at the bottom of the creek. No, the waters were rushing by down be- low, still roaring and hungry for their prey. Then it must come along soon. And the bridge was down! Soon indeed! I drew a flask of brandy from my pocket and a draught of it revived me. Then I dragged myself somehow up into the shelter of the embankment, and lighting a match under my coat, I looked at my watch. Ten minutes after eleven, and the train left Burbank at 11:25. Oh God! less than twenty minutes and it would come thunder- ing along, bringing with it maybe hundreds of precious lives to plunge them into de- struction. But could I not stop it? Alas! what could I do, crippled and bruised and exhausted as I was? But I must not stay here at least. I might be able to crawl up the bank ; and then, maybe, I could drag some fence-rails across the track, or pry up a sleeper, and thus throw the train off— anything to stop it before it came to the brink of that terrible abyss. It was a matter of no great difficulty, after all, to get back to the track again. My legs, by some miracle, had escaped with Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1822 The Railroad Telegrapher. neither fracture nor sprain, and I found I could walk very well. Walk? No, I never walked a step. I started off on the run, staggering and stumbling and falling now and then, but still speeding on, forgetful of my broken limb and my bruises, thinking only of the night express. Thus I had gotten perhaps a fourth of a mile away from the creek, when suddenly, far away before me, I heard a whistle — the signal of the train as it approached Burbank. I stopped short and stood in despair. Oh, for two stout arms and an iron bar! I ran down the slope and with one arm wrenched a rail from the fence and went back and tried to pry up one of the iron rails. Alas ! the wood only broke into splinters and did no good. If I only had a lantern or could light a fire! And I could not! I had plenty of matches, but of fuel not a bit. Every- thing around had been soaked by the two days’ rain. But the brandy! Eureka! I had it. The best of French brandy, pure and fiery and inflammable, it would have made a piece of ice capable of ignition. In an instant my rubber coat was off and spread, inside downward, on the ground. Then my other coat and my vest — ay, and my shirt, too, for I knew that would burn best of all — I stripped them all off, and rolling them into a bundle, I put them beneath the rubber coat to keep them dry, and then I poured the brandy over them. Heaven be praised, the flask was nearly full. Not an instant too soon was my bundle ready. Another whistle as the train shot away from Burbank again, then all at once there it was again — the locomotive with its great flashing eye of fire, not a mile away, and coming down the track at almost full speed. Then I held my match case under the coat and drew a match across the bot- tom. It flashed a moment and then went out, but a second one burned steadily and I touched it to the bundle. Yes, it burned. Feebly at first, then brighter and brighter, until I snatched up the mass, all ablaze, careless that it was burning my hand and arm, and yelling like mad, ran toward the coming train. It did not really burn long, only while the shirt lasted, indeed ; but it burned long enough. The engineer, thank God! was a careful man, who always kept a good lookout ahead on a night like this, and he saw it. And the whistle screamed and down went the brakes, and then the great train slowed up and stopped, and the passengers, hurrying out, found a man senseless and half naked, lying just a few feet from the track. That is the whole of my story. The train was saved, and you may be sure the pas- sengers were not ungrateful. They made up a purse for me on the spot, and when I would not take it, they appointed a com- mittee to buy a gold watch for me. I have it in my pocket this minute. I was taken back to Burbank, and my arm set, and the next day I was in a raging fever. When I got back to headquarters a month after that, I found I was quite a hero. They wanted to hear about it? and I gave them the whole story, just as I have told it here. They laughed at the supernatural part, and said that I must have been dreaming. — Express Gazette . REFORMING A REFORMER. HE doctor examined the child’s arm, and laughed. “Why, Lawton,” he said, “judging from your lugubrious expression, a person would be justified in suspecting something serious.” “And it is — — ” “Nothing at all. Merely a slight dis- coloration of the outer skin, the result of a blow, or — yes, there are two distinct marks ; someone has been pinching the child — viciously, I should say. Have a straight talk with her nurse, and don't allow your parental feelings to magnify molehills into mountains.” Lawton gave a sigh of evident relief. “There is no probability of its being a permanent disfigurement?” he questioned. “None whatever.” “Or of future developments?” “Absolutely none!" Picking the little mite up in his arms he kissed her fondly, and left the room. Out- side a tiny governess car was waiting, and a nurse-maid relieved him of his charge. Then he returned. Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1823 “Don’t you think I had better examine you — professionally?” said the doctor. Lawton smiled. “No queer pains in the head, melancholic symptoms, or — ” “None whatever! I’m as sound as a bell.” “Then, for goodness sake, explain your- self! A man doesn’t come to a surgery, even if it is that of his friend, with gloomy forebodings of complications arising from a slight bruise, unless his liver is out of order.” “It’s Maud — my wife,” was the reply. She left me two days ago — ” The doctor sprang to his feet, but Law- ton waved him to his seat, and continued: “And came back last night, after I’d in- flicted that mark upon the little kiddie’s arm. Ugh! I feel quite a brute! You see,” he proceeded, “some time ago she be- came acquainted with a Miss Tartar, and got inoculated with the Woman’s Rights Question.” “And you objected, naturally?” “No, not then ; but later I thought it was occupying her attention too much, and sug- gested it would be better if she left the rights alone. Maud flared up in an instant, and declared I was wrong in treating such a serious matter jocularly. ‘Women ought to have a vote,’ she said; so I offered to give her mine — told her I would vote any- way she wanted, if that would satisfy her. “But it didn’t. She rattled off something to the effect that she wouldn’t rest until every woman in the country had one; so I went out — to the club. “The posters came out last week, and — well, I’ll leave you to guess my surprise when I saw Maud was announced as one of the local speakers. “ ‘Have you seen it ?’ she questioned proudly, when I landed home. ‘They have put my name next to Miss Tartar, and she is one of the leaders — from London, you know.’ “‘Seen it, my dear?’ I retorted. ‘It’s the talk of the town ! The pavement before each poster is crowded with an enthusias- tic, excited mob, and dirty little gutter- snipes are already making chalk-marks around your name !’ “She flushed, and the tears came into her eyes. “ ‘Miss Tar.tar said I must expect ridi- cule,’ she replied huskily; ‘but I didn’t think you’d be the first to give it. I thought you would be proud.’ “ ‘But, my dear girl,’ I persisted, ‘you have never had any experience as a public speaker, and will probably cry your pretty eyes out if you are interrupted, or — what is more likely — howled down !’ “She dashed the tears away and faced me defiantly. “ ‘An organized opposition already,’ she said coolly, ‘led by you.’ “Further argument was useless, so I strolled down to the club again; The other martyrs were waiting, some with despair, and others with something like murder ex- pressing itself upon their faces. “ ‘Congratulate your wife for me, old man,’ said one. ‘She is the only woman of the local crowd who dare speak. The rest of them — my better half included — are con- tented to support her by their presence on the platform, looking pretty in new dresses made specially for the occasion — dresses, perforce, we masculine oppressors must pay for !’ “ ‘I propose we put ’em all under lock and key!’ shouted Jones. “ ‘And give them a good advertisement !’ sneered another. ‘Howl them down!’ “ ‘Too vulgar ! Let the ladies have their own way,’ said Captain Turner. “‘Why?’ we questioned. “ ‘Because they’ll regret it — they always do,’ he drawled. ‘Or’ — he stopped and smiled sarcastically — ‘come here.’ “We gathered round him and waited. For a moment he appeared deeply in thought, but we could see his eyes were twinkling with suppressed merriment. Then he spoke, and when he had finished we stared at each other, speechless with as- tonishment. “ ‘Gad !’ said Jones, presently. ‘But it’s good !’ “ ‘Funny it has never been thought of be- fore !’ returned Smithson. And, collapsing iiito a chair, he roared with laughter. “ ‘Then you’ll do it ?’ queried the Cap- tain. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1824 The Railroad Telegrapher. “‘Do tit?’ replied a round half-dozen voices. ‘Of course we will! * “The night of the meeting arrived. Maud was ready when I arrived home, and, flushed with excitement, looked prettier than ever. “‘Are you going to be there?’ she said. “ ‘Certainly/ I replied. “ ‘And you won’t interrupt me ?’ “‘I won’t speak a word aloud,’ I prom- ised. “‘And if any one threatens me?’ “ ‘Be it man, woman or child, dear/ I answered, ‘they will never want a vote again — on this earth, at any rate!’ “She disappeared, well pleased with my passive resistance, I suppose, and for the moment I half regretted the course I was taking. But the arrival of the rest of the conspirators put an end to that. “When we reached the hall, it appeared packed to excess, but as we had reserved front-seat tickets, the struggling crowd didn’t trouble us. We paraded the front and waited. “Presently a cab rolled up to the side entrance, and Jones announced ‘No. I.’ Others followed in rapid succession, until six cabs stood in line, and six jehus stood grinning on the pavement. * “Then it was that we sent the Captain to reconnoitre. “ ‘You’re right in the front row/ he re- ported, a moment later, ‘the hall-keeper is ours. Enter by the side entrance.’ “Hastily discarding our overcoats, wc obeyed instructions. As we were all in evening dress, our entrance created some- thing like a sensation, and made the ladies on the platform glance at each other un- easily. Individually, I suppose, they didn’t fear us, but collectively, we seemed to startle them. “Ten minutes passed, and the chair- woman ended her remarks. A half-hearted cheer announced the appearance of the great London leader. She stepped for- ward with grim determination, opened her mouth, and then — stopped. “Captain Turner was standing at the side entrance with an expression of sublime in- nocence upon his face, and beside him two nurse-maids, each carrying a young child. After a momentary hesitation, they at- tempted to ascend the^ platform, but the hall-keeper prevented them. I recognized Kiddie’s nurse, and nerved myself for the ordeal. The Captain was blandly pointing us out to the nervous, giggling girls, and a moment later they were crossing the hall. Though acting upon instructions, their ner- vousness made the incident appear mag- nificently real, and the audience roared when Jones and I, each with a despairing look towards the stage, took the children, and sat down. “Miss Tartar looked first bewildered and then indignant. As the laughter died away she commenced to speak, but not for long. Two more nurse-maids appeared; the same attempt to reach their respective mistresses was made, and two more despairing fathers stood up to receive their children. “By this time the crowd had seen through the joke, and fairly shrieked with laughter; and although Miss Tartar still held forth indignantly, it was impossible to understand what she said. A moment later the last two maids ap- peared, and six unhappy fathers, presum- ably acknowledging the supremacy of woman, were struggling^ manfully with six startled little kiddies. “The uproar was deafening, and the ladies on the platform looked like fainting. They glanced at us with pathetically ap- pealing eyes; but we wouldn’t relent, and held the children in the awkward, idiotic manner fellows do when unaccustomed to the task. “For at least ten minutes we were sub- jected to a torrent of sarcastic suggestions for the management of children, and I be- gan to tire of it. The peals of laughter, rising and falling at each witticism, got wearying, and, worse still. Kiddie had hopelessly disfigured the spotless whiteness of my shirt-front, and I didn’t like it. The other fellows were doing no better, and the perspiration was rolling down their faces. Jones’ youngster was scrambling some- where round his neck, and treating his father’s confused efforts to dislodge him as a good joke. To make matters worse, the ladies on the platform — our wives — began to laugh. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1825 “With one accord we looked towards the door, and prepared for immediate flight; but the Captain saved the situation Strolling nonchalantly across the hall, he passed before us. 44 ‘Pinch the beggars!’ he whispered. “For a moment we hesitated. Pinch Kiddie! I shuddered; but it had to be done. “Instantly six little mites stopped strug- gling, and gazed at their unhappy fathers with regretful, wondering eyes. Another second, and little mouths contracted, and little lungs gave vent to a yell of agony, heard even above the ironical laughter. I saw Maud’s face flush with indignation, and pinched again — I really had to. Simul- taneously Kiddie recognized her, and a pa- thetic wail for ‘Mummie!* ensued. A battle royal raged on the platform; the wailing cries of terrified infants and the maternal instincts of mothers struggling against the desire for votes — and won ! “Maud, ever the leader, gave way first. She rushed down the steps and fairly smothered Kiddie with kisses, and the rest following, the meeting ended in a fiasco. “I left the hall hurriedly and sneaked away to the club. Later, I went home, to find a note from Maud, saying she had gone away until I apologized. Yesterday, how- ever, she returned, and, contrary to my ex- pectations, kissed me affectionately, and then actually laughed. “And that, doctor, is the reason why I called with Kiddie. Maud has noticed those bruises, and, although she suspects the cause, it would simplify matters if you were to tell her that nervous excitement sometimes causes an involuntary contrac- tion of the digital extremities; or if you would put it in Latin it would be better. You will? Thanks! Good night.” — Lon - don Answers. A Scab. Freddie — I want a dime for being good. Mrs. Johnson — Why, your little brother said he would be good for a nickel. Freddie — I’ll punch that kid as soon as I catch him. I always said he was a scab. LITTLE STORIES OF THE ROAD. «T HAVE seen many queer happen - ■ ings, both ludicrous and tragic,” said a veteran railroad man, long since retired, to some Washington friends recently. “Nowadays the boys don’t have such queer experiences, because in the early sixties railroads were a novelty to the rus- tics living up the States in newly opened sections. “When I was a boy I was traveling on one of the branch roads, in Middle New York, and an old woman flagged the train. When the conductor went to see what the trouble was she calmly asked him to change a five-dollar bill, which he obligingly did. “When I first took up railroading I worked on the Boston and Albany Road for a short time. One day, just after pull- ing out of Troy, N. Y., the engineer saw two women walking on the tracks ahead of our train, and he rang the bell and whistled frantically. Suddenly, before his startled eyes they disappeared down into a cattle guard, and the entire train passed over them. The engineer brought the train to a standstill, and we ran back to find the women. It was evident that they had not seen the cattle guard, as it had been flooded by recent rains, and was covered with a thin coating of ice, through which the unsus- pecting women had dropped. As we hauled them out dripping, but evidently unhurt, the oldest one gasped: ‘I say, mister, ain’t them things dangerous?’ “After a few years of knocking ’round/ continued the speaker, “I drifted down to New York, and then got a job as brakeman on the Long Island Railroad. I was put on one of the accommodations, which gave me a lot of experience and hard work. We classified these locals as: 6:30, workies; 7:15, clerkies; 8:35, shirkies, and 9:15, flirties. “One night a tall, well-dressed man boarded the train at Mineola, and I noticed he sank down wearily into a seat very near the stove and gently slumbered. We pulled out, and shortly after I jerked open the door and shouted ‘Queens!’ The slumber- ing passenger slightly shifted his position and stammered: Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1826 The Railroad Telegrapher. ‘“The pot’s yours; I stayed in on jacks/ “A few days after that experience our train crew had a bad scare. As we pulled out of Long Island City a man attempted to jump aboard and fell under the cars. The entire train passed over him before the engineer could bring it to a standstill ; when we picked him up he exclaimed : “ ‘I’ve bumped my nose !* “He had, and that was his only injury. “That same year a man was struck by our train at the line between two counties. As nearly as could be told he was in one county when the engine struck him, but it threw him some thirty feet, and landed him just over the line in the next county. Two coroners immediately laid claim to the body, as each said that the man was killed in his jurisdiction. The dead man could not tell, nor any one else, whether he died when the engine struck him or when he reached the earth after his flight. A very pretty fight ensued, and the man remained unburied while they disputed over the possession of his body, but Nature’s law intervened, and he was finally buried in defiance of the laws of the State. “I stayed on that road for some years longer,” went on the railroad man, settling back more comfortably in his chair. “Then I joined the Chicago and Northwestern as fireman on the Chicago-Omaha Express. It was a very smooth road and we usually made record time. “On one run to Omaha the chief engineer placed a full glass of water on a seat in a Pullman car to test the smoothness of the road-bed, and when we reached Omaha he found not one drop had been spilled. He was very much pleased, but thought pos- sibly specific gravity had much to do with it, so, to test that, he placed a full glass of whisky on the identical seat. We went to examine it after we pulled out from our first station on the route and discovered the glass as dry as the burning sands of the desert of Sahara. “Once, when we were going to make the return run from Omaha to Chicago our conductor was approached by a solemn, ca- daverous-looking man, who gravely asked him if he was a Christian. John Gaudam managed to keep calm, and upon further inquiry he learned that the stranger had spent two days in trying to find a train ia charge of a Christian conductor going to Chicago. “He was very anxious to start on his journey, but was firmly resolved not to intrust his life to the care of a sinner. He had questioned fifteen conductors, and had failed to discover one of the desired kind. He did not take our train, and I guess he began his journey on foot. “Conductor John Gaudam was very sen- sitive about his name, and always insisted that friends addressing him hastily should call him ‘John.’ He was one of the best fel- lows I ever worked with, but he was con- tinually geting into hot water. “On one of our trips Gaudam was pass- ing through a coach when he noticed a woman asleep in a seat. Her head was on the window sill, and her feet extended to the aisle. Her dress was so badly dis- arranged that her ankle, and a good por- tion of an exquisitely fashioned calf were plainly visible. A number of men a few seats further down were contemplating the scene with keen enjoyment. “Now, Gaudam was always very strict, and kept things straight on his train, and he noticed this. He touched the woman on the shoulder and woke her up. “ ‘Madam,’ he said politely, ‘excuse me for disturbing you, but your dress is so disarranged that your ankle is exposed.' “ ‘Oh, that makes no difference,’ replied the woman, smiling sweetly. ‘It’s nothing but cork.’ “In three seconds Gaudam was in the baggage car, where he promptly lost his religion. “We had the misfortune, through no fault of ours, to run over a man at a grade crossing just outside of Omaha, and one of the boys in that office was instructed to in- form his wife that her husband had been killed. He was cautioned to break the news gently, so this is what he wrote: “ ‘Dear Madam : I write to say that your husband is unavoidably detained. An undertaker will call on you tomorrow with full particulars. Yours, very truly, etc.’ “The Division Superintendent in that same office told me that he once sent the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1827 customary half-fare ticket to a Nebraska minister. He promptly received a letter from the minister, asking if ‘he couldn’t embrace his wife, also/ Being a cautious man, the Superintendent replied, doubt- fully, that he thought he could, but he would like to see the lady first, as he was a little particular in such matters/ The old man paused a moment to light his pipe, then continued: “While we were in the yards at Chi- cago one fall, a freight train pulled in. We heard most extraordinary noises coming from one of the cars. It sounded as if Bedlam was let loose. Upon inquiry we were told that it was a carload of cats shipped from the Pacific Coast, and con- signed to a dealer in skins in New York. The felines were to be slaughtered on reaching their destination. Concerts had been given, much to the annoyance of the train crew, all along the route, and had attracted universal attention. One would have supposed it a good deal easier and quieter to have shipped the skins rather than the live cats. “My brother was conductor of a local on one of the branch roads of the Southern, and he once told me these two stories to illustrate the slow time made in that sec- tion of the country: “ ‘One day they were making the usual trip, and one of the passengers was awak- ened by the “toot-toot” of the engineer’s whistle, and ejaculated: “ ‘This — train has caught up with that cow again/ “ ‘On another trip a woman put her head out of the door of the last car, and said: “ ‘Why, there’s that nigger on horseback we saw ten miles from here/ A passenger across the aisle remarked: “ ‘Well, I wouldn’t own that horse/ “I’m glad I never worked on that road,” concluded the speaker. “I must tell you of an exciting scene I witnessed in the General Manager’s office in Chicago. “The Jarrett and Palmer train from New York to San Francisco was taken charge of at Clinton by Superintendent Oliver and Conductor Charles Holton, and the engine was run by Thomas Keefe. The train had the right of way over the road, and there was no time-table. “The engineer and conductor were in- structed to go through to Council Bluffs just as quick as steam could do it. The telegraph operators at each station were directed to notify the General Manager’s office, Chicago, of the moment the loco- motive came in sight of the station. “In the office were Keep, Hughitt, Por- ter, Stennett, Wheeler and other interested spectators, all eagerly watching the pro- gress of the train across Iowa. “Between Fairfax and Norway there is but one curve. The train passed Fairfax going finely, and just before it reached the curve, which would bring it in sight of Norway, a coupling pin between the bag- gage and smoking cars came out, and the engineer calling for brakes, pushed ahead and rounded the curve, while the brakeman stopped the train before it reached the head of the curve. “The operator at Norway saw the head- lights of the locomotive, and, rushing into the office, telegraphed ‘train in sight/ While the operator was sending the dispatch the engineer backed the locomotive around the curve to pick up the balance of the train, and, of course, went out of sight of the Norway station. “So, when the operator stepped to the door to see the train pass, it was not in sight, and he excitedly rushed back to the instrument and telegraphed: ‘Train dis- appeared/ “Instantly the company in the Chicago office became wildly excited. Hughitt was the first to speak, and, bringing down his fist with such force that the papers on the table fell in all directions, cried : ‘The whole train has gone to h — 11, just as I expected!’ “Hardly had the words passed his lips when Norway telegraphed: “ ‘Train passed O. K.’ “And the special sped onward into the night on its record-making trip. — Phila- delphia North American. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1828 The Railroad Telegrapher. THE BACKSLIDER. IT was not necessary to hoist the awk- ward country gate in order to pass from the right of way of the railroad into the fields surrounding the farmhouse ; beside the rough-hewn gate-post was a rude stile, the use of which entailed no exertion. Yet Martin Loomis, coming in late after- noon from the strip of woodland that he owned on the other side of the track, put his shoulder under the topmost bar, squeezed his way through when the gate dropped, and lifted it again from the inside. Then, with elbows resting on the bars, he repeated aloud the thought that was in his mind every time that he came this way from the sugaring bush and put up the bars against the railroad and all its ways: “No call-boy to drag a fellow out after three hours in bed. No stumbling over that confounded cat in the dark kitchen while looking for a dinner pail which they’ve probably forgotten to fill. No scrapping with a front-end who has acted like a bear since his wife went East for a long visit. No risk of being stuck in a snow-piled cut for thirty-six hours listening to the laments of a green brakeman who wishes he’d re- mained in the grocery business in Fort William.” It was the first time he had actually spoken the words, and he was immediately struck by the fact that they somehow lacked the exultant ring that he had ex- pected. And yet they were true; just as true as on that first day when he had come down to this very gate after signing the papers, and leaning over to nod defiantly at the rails, had thought them. He remembered the day. It had rained some time between midnight and dawn, and, as he had driven in at the other gate down by the road, the good red earth — his good red earth — had welcomed him with fragrant incense. Something different to the reek of hot boxes and the mingled aroma of fry- ing fish and kerosene in the caboose. That was ten months ago. A glorious summer and a still more glorious autumn had followed. He had been free — yes, free as the manager of the road who this very day was starting West in his private car on a tour of inspection. Come to think of it, the Old Man himself had a farm some- where or other. Strange that he should care to go flying across the continent rais- ing Cain with divisional superintendents when he might be snug beside an open fire- place, at peace with himself and all the world. And yet it was funny how one would get to thinking of the queer rush and bustle of it all, now and then, instead of just giving oneself up to the joys of calm contentment. What the devil right had he, Martin Loomis, farmer, to know that the Old Man’s car was due to leave the city that evening, hitched on to the tail of No. i? He took his arms from the top of the gate and laughed as he turned his face to- ward the house. Instinctively he looked up. The single star shone with extraordinary clearness and brilliance. Martin wheeled around, and climbing the stile, descended to the track. A walk of a few yards brought him to a sharp curve. “I thought so,” he muttered. “Whiskers all over the steel by morning, and rotten pine instead of cedar, and tamped to the end at that. And over two hundred thou- sand pounds in front, and not so much as a shim to save things either way. Now* will it be a broken eccentric on account of the whiskers, or a beautiful spread as a result of those rotting cross-pieces that you could pull the spikes out of with your teeth? Lord, what I’d like to say to a roadmaster that kept a section boss like that on his payroll !” Once more he asked himself to explain. Was the snug seat beside the open fireplace not waiting? What was an Eastern farmer supposed to know about eccentric straps and the dangers of an overgrowth of whis- kers on the steel? How should he judge, just because a few spikes and bolts were loose, that there was possibility of spread track? He gave it up, shrugged his shoul- ders, and went home. After supper, when old Mrs. Murray had retired to the kitchen and he was left alone to enjoy the snug seat and the dancing firelight, he persuaded himself that he really was at peace with himself and all the world, even including section bosses and Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1829 roadmasters whose tracks ought to be im- proved. And yet was a smug complacent peace the one thing most to be desired? True, it seemed to meet all the needs of Arabi Pasha, who lay on his side with limbs outstretched toward the fire; but not every man has the same outlook on life as a cat. Confound it, what was making him so spec- ulative this evening? He lit his pipe and opened a magazine that had arrived that afternoon. Oh, Lord ! Would these hall-bedroom ink-slingers in the city have never done writing railroad stories? The same old thing: The Empire Limited brought to a standstill in two rail lengths because the brave station agent has hurled a handlamp at the headlight. And of course, a girl. Why in thunder couldn’t somebody write a railroad story without lugging in a girl? He asked the question of the fire ; and the fire blinked, blazed a smile at him, then settled itself and prepared to make answer. Five minutes later the magazine slipped from his hand to the floor, but he did not appear to notice. His eyes were fixed on the picture which had been offered by the fire. Why that face of all others? It did not belong to the East, but to a bare, bleak country, where calm contentment had no place, where all was fierce struggle by men who had tunneled mountains, diverted rivers, filled in swamps, and demolished the forest to make their unnaturally wide- awake towns. There, women did not smile at one from the fire. Instead, they gloried in their share of the labor. Most of them despised the East. When he had first hinted that he might purchase a farm with the small legacy that had been added to his savings, she had laughed heartily, and told him that he didn’t look a bit like a farmer. Later, when he had called to say “good-bye,” she had looked wonderingly at him across the counter in the deserted station lunch room, and frankly expressed her wonder in words. “But you don’t understand,” he had said. “You’ve never felt the freedom of it, the freshness and joy of it all.” “No,” she had replied, “I guess I never felt much of that when I lived on a farm.” “You — lived on a farm?” “Sure. All my life, until my aunt died, and I came up here to live with sister.” “You have no memories?” “Oh, yes; lots of them.” “Of what?” “Of never-ending lectures, never-ending work that didn’t interest me, and of the Ladies’ Aid Sewing Circle. But chiefly of the Sewing Circle. I think, even now, if I were to eat too much of the mince pie we unload on a starving and resigned traveling public, I should dream of that Sewing Circle. The men had no sewing circle; if I remember aright, most of their spare time was spent in chewing straws in summer and staring at the fire in winter. They weren’t like the men here, they didn’t do things, they didn’t want to do things, they wanted just to sleep through life and avoid trouble.” “And here?’ “Here they’re men. You know, you’Ve been through it all. They’re looking for trouble; that’s what they came here for in construction days. Think, was there no joy in this country for you the day you ran that first queer ‘mixed’ over that stretch of muskeg where only a few hours before East had been joined to West?” He had not dared to say more. If he had intended to say something of importance — and he scarcely knew now whether he had or not — he had left it unsaid. Plainly, therefore, he could not have been in love. To imagine such a thing was an absurdity, since he had not thought twice of Edith Parsons during the whole of the delightful summer on the farm. The heart of the fire collapsed. Martin started, picked up the magazine, and set himself resolutely to read the article which proved beyond shadow of doubt that the Pyramids were built of Portland cement. He turned the page. More about the Simple Life. Really, they were rather overdoing the Simple Life. It was all very well for the advocate of the life strenuous to find time between tennis and tea to write a mes- sage to the American people setting forth its advantages. But there were other per- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1830 The Railroad Telegrapher. sons more likely to get too much of it than he was. Martin went early to bed with an uneasy feeling that all was not quite as it should be in the realm of calm contentment. He decided that the change in the weather had something to do with it. At two o’clock he was awakened by what at first he supposed to be an earthquake. Certainly, the house trembled. After a minute or two he went to the window and raised it slightly. In the distance he heard the steady hiss of escaping steam. Down came the window, and while hands worked readily to draw on clothes and shoes, the mind worked equally rapidly to find an explanation and to imagine consequences present and to come. Whatever had gone off the rails (and something undoubtedly had) it could not be No. I, for she was not due to go by for twenty minutes. Under any and all circumstances he must not al- low himself to forget the express. He knew where to go and it took him an increbibly short time to reach the curve. It was a short freight of about fourteen cars with one of the big new engines. Mar- tin did not have to ask the cause; he knew at once which of his earlier guesses had been correct ; this was no case of putting an eccentric in splints and hobbling on one leg to a siding. The engine had mounted the rail, ploughed over the ties for a yard or two, slewed sideways, and toppled over. At this moment she was gasping out her life, while somewhere underneath her two brave men lay crushed to death. The weight of the locomotive when she had brought up so suddenly had accounted for the first two cars, and had strewn the others across the track, completely blocking the cut. One look at the caboose told the ex-conductor the story of what had hap- pened at the rear end, and told him also why there was no sign or living human being. Back of the van they had been hauling a ponderous steel water-tank car. This had crushed the caboose like an egg shell and had brought death to those inside. Nevertheless, he called loudly. A moan from near at hand answered him. Hurry- ing forward, he discovered by the light of the lantern he had brought, a young man, scarcely more than a boy, lying close against the snake fence. “What can I do for you?” he asked quickly. “Nothing — it’s my spine — the others?” came the whispered answer. “I am afraid that the others have gone. There was a tank car — n “Yes, I know. Your lantern — No. i.” Loomis strove to ease the youth’s posi- tion. “No.” he answered, “not me — no good — but No. i.” There was no time for more. The sta tion was three miles farther on, and even if he were there at that moment it would avail nothing, for No. I must have left Rosedale already. His hand went quickly behind the prostrate figure and wrenched at a chain attached to a key-ring. A second later he was flying as fast as he could towards the oncoming train with a switch key in his hand. Not half a mile away was a long spur running well up grade for quite a distance to the big cheese factory of the county. If only he could get there in time to open it, and have a moment left to warn the engineer to shut off in time. Then, even as he ran, he knew that he would do it. It was his business to do it. Up on the old North Shore section he had played the game of touch and go with less margin and had always won. There were hundreds of people on No. I, and it de- pended on him whether — The thought kindled him. In spite of the occasion, in spite of the anxiety, he was glad it was so. Ten minutes of such a race as this, for such a prize, was worth an eternity of peace and contentment. Peace and contentment ! Great Scott, what an idiot a man could make of himself by judi- cious and systematic training! Already he could hear the muffled whirr of the express, and far down the track could see the rocking headlight. But he was past the west end of the switch. An- other minute — half a minute — Thank heaven for the old training that caused him to lose no time in fumbling over the lock. He must lock it, too. The pin dropped into place and he stooped and Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1831 picked up a big piece of flint ballast rock by the glare of the headlight, now almost upon him. No hurling hand-lamps for him. The engineer might get it, but he’d take a chance. He rose and faced the monster. With a roar she hit the frog, and at the same moment the stone crashed through the win- dow of the cab. Martin dropped into the ditch. The next instant he heard every wheel on the train screaming in agony, and knew that whether the stone had or had not hit the man in the cab, two# strong hands were certainly clutching the air lever for dear life. The train came to a stop, and Martin waving his lantern, ran forward. A brake- man met him. “Say you,” began the trainman. “What the deuce — ” “Get back there and protect your rear,” yelled Loomis, and hurried on. Nor did the conductor, full of additional importance on account of the private car being hauled by No. i, fare much better. Before he could ask questions, he found himself answering them. “Wreck ahead,” snapped Martin; “about half a mile, at the curve in the cut. Isn’t this the night that Blackham, the road- master generally goes up with you to the other end to work back on inspection?” “Yes, but—” “His track velocipede is in the baggage car ?” “Yes, but I say — ” “Good ; then you’re all ready to go on. You can put the machine on the rails west of the wreck, and in ten minutes you’ll be at Cranston talking to the dispatcher over the wire. It won’t delay you a great deal, if No. 2 isn’t late; just an easy transfer through a field.” He turned and found himself face to face with a tall figure in ulster and slippers. For a moment the Old Man looked search- ingly at him; then he turned to the con- ductor. “I think that is all, Secor,” he said. “You can give the signal and back up.” Then he spoke to Martin. “Will you be kind enough to come back to my car, and tell me more about this?” he said. Martin bowed and followed him. The few passengers who had been awakened by the sudden jolting and had ventured timidly on to the track climbed aboard. Secor sig- nalled with his lantern. Martin stopped with one foot on the step of the last car. “By the way,” he called to the conductor, “I sent brass buttons back to protect the rear. Better have Peggy cough once or twice to let him know he’s wanted.” “Now/ said the president, when they were seated face to face in the smoking room of the private car, “tell me all about this affair. How did it happen? Is any one killed? How did you get into the business? Who are you?” Said Martin: “I’m a farmer. I had to get into this because everybody at both ends of the freight was killed. It happened because a blamed fool of a section foreman has just been inviting a spread rail at that particular point for a long time.” “Umph ! That’s your opinion, is it — as a farmer?” “I wasn’t always a farmer.” “No, I didn’t think you were. Unless I’m mistaken, we’ve traveled together be- fore. But perhaps you’ve forgotten?” “Not much, sir. It was the day we buckled east to west, and sent the mixed out of Bisco to test the last stretch com- pleted.” The Old Man nodded. “Rather spongy, wasn’t it?” he asked. Martin smiled. “It certainly was, sir.” “Loomis, I think your name is?” “Yes, sir.” “Going to stick to farming?” “Why, I — er — I thought I was, but — ” The Old Man nodded. “But you’re a backslider. I know. I’ve been there. Funny, isn’t it? Well, Loomis, we owe you something for tonight.” “No, indeed, sir. I think, if it hadn’t have been for the memory of those poor fellows lying crushed beside the track in the cut, I should rather have enjoyed it.” “But I say, yes. Going over things in connection with this trip I remember that approval is asked for the appointment of a trainmaster on your old division on the Digitized by LiOOQle

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1832 The Railroad Telegrapher. North Shore. I’ll create the position, and, by gad, I’ll fill it. What do you say?” ********** “And so,” said Edith, “You’re a hero?” “That isn’t what the Old Man called me.” “What did he say you were?” “A backslider.” “But I knew, I—” “Please ! Not so soon after your en- gagement.” Edith was relentless. “I told you so,” she said. Then lifting her face to his: “But what I couldn’t very well tell you was' that I hoped you would become a backslider very, very soon. Really, you know, I think you took an awful time about it. — By Frederick Payton, in Even - ing Post. THE STAGE DRIVER'S PROXY. UTT E will come.” I I “Well, why doesn’t he? It’s A all right to say he’ll come, but I want to see him do it.” “You can’t expect the stage to be always on time in a country like this. It’s been late many a time, even since Bob had it; but when Bob Marvin brings her in late it’s when no one else could get her here at all. Last winter, when the bridge over Cinnamon River went down, Bob came in nine hours behind time, and apologized for being late. “‘Where’s your leaders?’ asked the post- master, for Bob came into town with only four. ‘Dead beat,’ says Bob. ‘I had to leave ’em.’ ‘How’d that happen?' asks another. ‘Cinnamon River bridge gone.’ “I tell you, sir, we wouldn’t have be- lieved another man on earth but Bob. You’ve seen the river where the bridge crosses, and you know how high the water’d have to be. For more than fifteen miles each way from the bridge it’s just that way, the banks, and there’s no place where it’s less’n four or five feet on the far side from here, at flood time. And as for the river, it aint nothin’ now to what it was then. “‘How’d you cross, then?’ 1 asked him. ‘Swum, by God!’ says Bob. ‘But the bank?’ ‘ ’Taint but about four feet now at Hus- ton’s, on the far side, an* none at all on this side.’ ‘Huston’s?’ ‘Yes; that’s why I’m late.’ “You see, Mr. Mayfield, Huston’s ranch is more than fifteen miles down the river from the bridge, and no road. Think Bob’ll come through tonight?” “But, great heavens! hasn’t he got sense enough to turn back from a thing like that when he’s got passengers — women?” “I don’t want to scare you about that girl of yours, sir, but if she’s on the stage now, you’ll see her before midnight, and I’ll bet on it. Bob’ll not turn back for any- thing; but he’s safer than most, just the same, for he’ll come through when another driver’d turn back and then wreck the stage anyhow.” George Mayfield was in Hazard’s Camp because he owned mines there; his daugh- ter was coming chiefly because she very much wanted to, and partly because her father desired it. Now the stage he ex- pected her by was already half an hour late, and Mayfield was growing anxious. The account he had just listened to did not make him feel more comfortable, either. The men grouped about the Hazard's Camp postoffice and store were not ex- cited. It was unusual for the stage to be late in summer, to be sure; but, then, it was Bob Marvin who was driving and he would come through. Now and then the postmaster — store- keeper, banker, and many other things, all in one — came out with a lantern, and, hold- ing it high above his head, looked down the road by which the stage would come, listening for the hoof-beats of the horses. An hour after her time, and the stage not in yet. The postmaster’s face looked pale in the light of his lantern. He and May- field were restless and excited; the others, too, had begun to grow uneasy. “Boys” — the postmaster’s voice was a little unsteady — “you’ve got to ride to meet her. Something’s happened.” * “Naw, Bob’s all right. She’ll be here d’rectly.” “There’s nothing to stop her this weath- er— nothing only just one thing.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1833 The postmaster spoke with visible effort. “What’s that?” “Bob carries five thousand in coin to- night.” For an instant no sound came from the crowd in front of the postoffice; then, with a gutteral growl, it surged toward the stables, but stopped suddenly, perfectly quiet again. In Hazard’s Camp the silence was absolute, except for the stamping of the horses in the stables, but from far down the rock road came faintly the rapid beat of iron-shod hoofs galloping upon the stone. “Driving like the deuce!” muttered one. Louder and clearer came the sound of the galloping horses and the rumble of the wheels on the stony road. There was hushed expectancy in the town, for even Bob Marvin did not often drive like that. At last the stage appeared, swaying fear- fully from side to side behind the six plunging horses, and a ringing cheer went up from the crowd. Then, as the driver stood up, leaning far back to rein in the maddened horses, the cheer ended in a gasp of amazement, and silence fell again on Hazard’s Camp. ********** When Bob Marvin, stage driver, left Union City on the morning of July 23, he felt unusually elated. There was not much excitement in driving a stage in summer; no washouts, no floods, no snowdrifts — no fun. So thought Marvin. Today, however, he was to carry coin to the amount of five thousand dollars, and a young lady — a very pretty young lady, who, best of all, pre- ferred riding on the box. “Don’t you think you’ll be lonely out in the camp?’’ asked the driver, presently. His companion laughed. “Are you?” she queried, in reply. “No, I ain’t; but — well, should think you’d be.” “Yes? Why, I’ve been longing to live in a mining camp for years.” “But you don’t know how it is yet, and you mayn’t like it.” There was unques- tionable anxiety in the voice, and the girl looked at Marvin mischievously. “Oh, don’t I, indeed? I know it well; but I’ve always had to go back to school. I’m not going back this time; I’m going to stay in Hazard’s Camp.” A few moments of silence. Marvin was apparently thinking of something pleasant, for he smiled, and the lines hung slack in his hands. The girl watched him with laughing eyes, as if she divined his thoughts. As he turned to her again the amused expression faded suddenly from her face, and she became suspiciously de- mure; but Marvin was not suspicious by nature — at least, not under such circum- stances as the present — and he did not dream that she was laughing at him. “Ever drive horses?” he asked. “Oh, yes, often; but never so many at once,” she responded, looking doubtfully at the six fiery animals ; yet she took the lines as he handed them to her, and drove the six for a time in silence. She was watching the horses, and trying to appear uncon- scious of the fact that he was watching her. “There are too many lines,” she said, presently; “they are hard to hold.” “Not many girls could hold them at all, to say nothing of the team.” Marvin would have been sorry to see his horses con- trolled by a girl if the girl herself had pleased him less. “Drive the leaders,” he said, separating the two lines and taking the rest himself. Ten miles almost in silence, and then, suddenly : “Do you know what you are sitting on, Miss Mayfield?” “What I am sitting on?” “Five — ” Then he remembered the two passengers inside the stage, and his voice sank to a whisper: “Five thousand dol- lars.” “Yes?” she whispered. ‘“And they have you take it through alone?” “No one knows it.” “Oh, yes; I do.” “No one else but one man in Hazard’s Camp and two in Union, besides us” — the “us” being accented slightly. “Don’t you know it is dangerous to tell such things to a woman, Mr. Marvin?” “I wouldn’t to any — ” he stopped, appar- ently uncomfortable. “We stop in — what is the place? Sup- pose I speak of it there?” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1834 The Railroad Telegrapher. “I ain’t afraid.” At Dwyer station, which the stage reached at three o’clock, they stopped for dinner and changed horses. The other two passengers went no farther. “You’d better ride inside, Miss Mayfield,” suggested Marvin, when they were about to start. Miss Mayfield shook her head, smiling. “No; I would rather ride on”— she flashed a laughing glance at him— “on top.” Marvin lifted her up, and was about to follow, when he was hailed by the man who had the care of the stage horses at Dwyer Station: “Bob, this tug’s too low; look at it.” Marvin, from where he was, could see that the tug was right, and he wondered what was up. He stepped close to the man, and leaned over as if to shorten it. “You carry coin, Bob— heard ’em talkin’ about it last night. Nine— four here, five gone on— horseback — in that pine-tree bend, likely. Don’t give me away — there’s only three of us here, you know.” Marvin swung himself to the box, taking the lines from Miss Mayfield. “Quick,” he whispered; “stand up; say you’re sick, or something. You must stav here.” “Why?” “They’re onto the coin. Quick, now! I must start— some of the fellers here.” “I’m going on.” There was no time for argument, and perhaps Marvin was not inclined to oppose Miss Mayfield’s intention; at any rate, his yell to tbe horses was peculiar; it might have been a cry of delight and approval. Miss Mayfield smiled, but she was not laughing at him. The brake flew back, the long lash curled in the air and snapped above the leaders* backs, and the stage started with a jerk. Eight miles from Dwyer Station, Marvin drew up. “You must ride inside,” he said. “Why must I?” “They’re going to try holding up the stage.” “So I supposed.” Well, I think I know where they are, and if they’re there, we won’t run into 'em till about eight ; but maybe they’re closer. Get inside, and soon as they shoot, lie down.” “How many are there, do you know?” “Five.” “You can’t fight five men, and you on top, in plain sjght; you must go back.” “I won’t go back. Anyhow, there’s four of ’em there, and I’d have to fight ’em alone. Besides, I ain’t going to fight these fellers in front if I can get out of it.” “How?” “Go round ’em.” “Then, there’s no danger, and I’ll stay here.” “Might not be where I think. Might run onto ’em.” Then you d have to fight them, and you couldn’t drive.* If you stay up here I’ll just have to give up to ’em if they jump me,” said Mar- vin, plaintively. “You won’t do any such thing.” “You must get down.’ W’ell, I won’t.” Marvin was in a quandary. He could easily lift the girl to the ground and pm her in the stage, but that — no, it wasn’t to be thought of. He threw the brake ami drove on. Half an hour after dark, when within six miles from the point where the road curved around through a thick grove of pines, the stage swung out of the road, and went bounding and swaying over rocks and brush. <rWe’ll be ’way late,” said Marvin, dis- mally. The girl laughed. “But it don’t matter,” added Marvin, more cheerfully. When nearly to the river the stage turned back into the road. ‘‘Beat the brutes, by— er, thunder!” ex- claimed Marvin, as his leaders went on the bridge. Then he pulled the team up short, drawing his breath sharply. a ney’ve heard us,” he said, slowly; “they’re coming.” “Can’t we beat them?” cried the girl. “They’re on horseback.” ’“Cut down the bridge!” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1835 Marvin looked from the bridge to Miss Mayfield, smiling. “Throw out the box!” She stood up, and tried to raise the seat to drag the treasure box from underneath. “Hold the lines a minute, girl,” said Marvin. “What are you going to do?” “Hold the lines a minute,” he cried, im- patiently. She took the lines; then Marvin laid his revolver on the seat, grabbed his rifle, and leaped clear of the wheel to the ground. “Now, Girl, drive, and drive hard; some of them will follow you.” “I won’t,” she cried. “You will ! G’up, Fox — Bud !” He fired over the backs of the horses, and they broke into a run across the bridge. The girl tried to hold in the frightened horses, but they ran on. She turned to look back; Marvin was not in sight. The stage had swung out in the brush, and now she turned the horses back into the road. She kept them there, and her eyes fixed steadily upon them. Rigid she sat, and breathless, moving only with the swaying of the stage. On went the flying team. Then, from far back, came the sound of a rifle shot. The girl shivered as if the ball had gone through her, but she made no sound. Rapid firing for a moment, and then the sound of hoof-beats on the plank- ing of the bridge. Then she stood up, silent still, and lashed the team into a harder run. Mile after mile, with the stage rocking and plunging, and still she whirled the long whip, reaching as many of the horses as she could. Behind her, at times, she could hear the hoof-beats on the rock road. The stage passed over a ridge and went tearing down the farther slope. The driver looked back and saw her pursuers sil- houetted blackly against the stars as they topped the rise; there were two of them. Two miles further the girl heard the horses running close behind, and a shot whistled over the stage. The lines were tied to the seat and she dropped them, let- ting the team go as it would. Turning she held the revolver in both hands, aiming deliberately, and fired six shots at the riders. She was unarmed now, but they did not know, and they stopped. The team dashed on. At lasf the lights of Hazard’s Camp came in sight, and the horses ran slower, till in front of the store the driver, leaning far back, throwing all her weight on the lines, brought the team to a standstill. She dropped the lines, and, still stand- ing, pointed down the road over which she had come. “Go back !” she screamed. “Go back and kill them!” She stood rigid, outlined against the star lit sky; the men, with a growl like that of a bulldog when he takes the hold he will not loose, moved toward the stables again. When they rode back past the store, the quivering stage horses were being taken out, and a trembling, sobbing girl lifted from the box. Grimly, silent, the avengers galloped down the road, resolved not to return till their mission was fulfilled. Yet they did, for by the bridge they found the stage driver, so wounded that he should have died; but this was the unaccountable Bob Marvin. He lived. — By Cloudesley Johns, in Saxby’s Magazine. THE ORIGINAL DAMAGE CLAIM. A CLAIM for damages against a rail- road company is so often a license for exorbitant charges that a simple bill, such as was received by a rail- road company many years ago, even apart from its humorous aspect, is refreshing. It ran as follows : The and Railroad Company, To John Smith, Dr. July 19, 1837 — To running your loco- motive into my wife; as per doctor's bill for curing her $10 00 To smashing ban box and spilling her hat 3 87 To upsetting my deer born (wagon) and breaking it 35 00 To hurting me 5 00 $53 87 There is authority for stating that the claim was paid immediately. — Ex. Digitized by LiOOQle

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1836 The Railroad Telegrapher. THE LOST WIRE MYSTERY. «T T was strange who was stealing the I wire up there on the Lehigh & Hud- son, popularly known as the Lean and Hungry Railroad,” said the old railroad telegraph operator who has gained a repu- tation for his work in assisting Truth to rise after she has been crushed to earth, according to the records of the New York Sun. “You see, the road is putting up a new line of wires and they had lots of trouble losing their equipment. “Most of the trouble occurred up near Sugar Loaf Mountain, near the old ceme- tery, just the other side of Eastchester Sta- tion. They never could seem to find out who stole the wire. “A fellow would be sending messages up the road to the different summer resorts — ‘Love me and the world is mine' — and other telegrams of the soft-boiled-egg va- riety— from guys in the city to their girls in the mountains, but the messages never would get to their destination. ' “Whoever pinched the wires would leave just enough of the metal wire hanging from the pole to reach the ground, thereby making a circuit, and the wire would work all right between Eastchester and the end of the line, but the next morning we would get a postal card from the summer resort saying they lost the wire at such and such a place. The wire thieves were literally running the business of the company into the ground. “So the management stationed a night watchman up near the old cemetery to nab the marauders and teach ’em to keep their hands off the company’s property. For the first three or four nights there was nothing doing on wire thieves. “One night, about eight o’clock, as we regulars were sitting around the big stove in Duff Masten’s grocery store, talking over the general condition of the onion crop, the watchman stumbled into the front door, almost frightened to death. He al- lowed that it was ghosts from the cemetery who were swiping the Lehigh wires. “Res Conkling and all of us pooh-poohed the idea of ghosts. There were a good many operators buried up in the old ceme- tery, but they had had enough trouble with wires during their lives without trying to cabbage any after death. “Barney Smith and three or four more of us framed up an expedition to find out the whys and wherefores of this ghost busi- ness. We journeyed up there by Sugar Loaf Mountain several nights without any results. “About 12 o’clock on the fourth night we were about leaving in disgust when there was a whirring sound up behind one of the large tombstones in the graveyard and a large object went flying over to one of the telegraph poles and began pecking at the wire there. “ ‘By gosh, it is spirits !’ cried Charley Crist, one of the exploring band. “ ‘Change your brand,’ said I. ‘I’ll tell you what it is. It’s an eagle.’ “I’d heard only a week or two before about a pair of bald headed eagles which had been seen up on Sugar Loaf Moun- tain. Barney Smith agreed with me that the wire pirate was the male eagle stealing wire to build a nest for his mate. “Yes, sir, sure’s you’re born. Of course, the wire wasn’t as heavy as the modern telegraph wires and could coil nicely into a fine nest for the lady eagle. The warm messages which had circulated through the wires to the summer girl would aid ma- terially in hatching the eagle’s eggs. “It wasn’t very hard for the big strong male eagle to snap off a length of wire and fly off with a coil of it around his neck. Of course, it was just by accident he left enough of it flying to stick into the ground. “Well, sir, the company tried its best to kill that eagle, placing a bounty of $50 on his head. But no one seemed to shoot straight enough to kill him, or else he was so tough the bullets took no effect. Even so sure a shot as Barney Smith failed to bring him down. The big bifd was a pest, too, for every time he wanted to add an L to his nest or build a new apartment, he’d just draw on the telegraph line. “The supe was at a loss as to what to do. Finally I hit upon a scheme. Why not put in a special brand of barbed wire? It was obvious that if a lady eagle was preparing to lay an egg and sat down on a piece of barbed wire, she’d change her mind about Digitized by L.ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1837 laying the egg and say ‘Prunes/ or words to that effect in eagle language. “My scheme worked all right, and after the barbed wire was installed, the depre- dations ceased, although many sharp mes- sages were sent over the line.” , “Say,” observed the tall, cynical con- ductor, “You’ve got those nature fakirs spiked to the switch.” — The Voice. TOO DIFFICULT FOR THE JUDGE. AY, Judge, we want you to settle an argument.” The speaker was a man from Piper, Kan., a small town in Wyandotte County, and he wore a very perplexed ex- pression as he sat down with a tired air in the office of Van B. Prather, the West Side Probate Judge. “Well, what is it?” asked Judge Prather. “Oh, our whole town is worked up over a question,” continued the visitor. “Wc have talked about it after the church meet- ings and argued around the store. Some of us have almost quarreled over it, and we want you to settle it.” “Well, tell me,” said the Judge, becoming interested . “You see, it is this way,” continued the man from Piper. “Last week William Wal- dron, a young man of our town, and Eliza- beth Wilson, one of our girls, came here and were married by you. Now, William Waldron’s father, John Waldron, was mar- ried several years ago to Flora Wilson, a sister of Eliza Wilson. John and Flora have several children.” ‘Well?” said the Judge. “Now, John will be the grandfather and also an uncle of William’s children, won’t he?” asked the visitor. “Y-e-s,” suggested the Judge. “Well, again,” continued the visitor, as he gave his chair a hitch, “John will also be the brother-in-law of his own son, William. As well as of his daughter-in-law, won’t he?” “Y-e-s,” said the Judge. “Now, we’ve figured out,” continued the visitor, “that Flora, John’s wife, is her sis- ter’s mother-in-law and her step-son’s sister-in-law. William is John’s son and by marriage his brother-in-law. He is the brother-in-law of his step-mother and his wife is, of course, his step-aunt. That’s’ right, isn’t it?” “Yes, I guess it is,” answered Judge Prather. “Well, now,” the visitor went on, “Eliza, William’s wife, is her father-in-law’s sister in-law as well as her sister’s daughter-in- law and her husband’s step-aunt. “Now, we get down to John’s children. John’s son is of course William’s half brother on his father’s side and his nephew on his wife’s side. The son is his Aunt Eliza’s brother-in-law on William’s side as well as her nephew on her sister’s side, which makes William their uncle by mar- riage.” Judge Prather wore a far-away look. “And if William has a son, the boy is John’s grandson and Flora”s, too, but she is also his aunt, which of ^course makes John, his grandfather, his uncle by mar- riage. This boy would of course be a cousin of John’s son on his mother’s side and his nephew on William’s side. Now, what we want to know is — ” But Judge Prather fled. — Kansas City Star. . WHAT IS MONEY. TO the query, “What is money any- way?” the following answers are made : Money is the loudest sound in the voice of life. The most effective substitute for brains. A provider for everything but happiness; a passport to everywhere but heaven. Something that always gets the glad hand. Money is the most difficult road to cul- tivate. The best talking machine. That which women look for while men sleep. A curse to some that have it and a curse to all that haven’t. What the rich don’t need and the poor don’t get. The breath of business. The antidote for poverty. That which speaks a language we can all understand, but in which few are able to converse. — Bulls and Bears. Digitized by yjOOQle

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1838 The Railroad Telegrapher. A FEW DOT8 ON MAN. MAN’S life is full of crosses an.l temptations. He comes into this world with- out his consent, and goes out against his will, and the trip between the two is ex- ceedingly rocky. The rule of contraries is one of the important features of the trip. If he is poor, he is a bad manager, if he is rich, he is dishonest. If he needs credit he can’t get it, if he is prosperous every one wants to do him a favor. If he is in politics it’s for pie, if he’s out of politics you can’t place him, he’s no good for his country. If he doesn’t give to charity he is a stingy cuss, if he does it’s for show. If he is actively religious he is a hypo- crite, if he takes no interest in religion he is a hardened sinner. If he shows affection he is a soft speci- men, if he seems to care for no one he is cold-blooded. If he dies young there was a great future ahead of him, if he has lived to an old age he has missed his calling. The road is rocky, but man loves to travel it. — Chicago Trade Journal. ADVICE OF POLONIUS TO HIS SON. GIVE thy thoughts no tongue. Nor any unproportioned thought his act. Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. The friends thou has, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hooks of steel ; But do not dull thy palm with entertain- ment Of ev’ry new-hatched, unfledged comrade. Beware Of entrance into quarrel ! but, being in, Bear it, that the opposer may beware of thee. Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice : Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment. Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy. But not expressed in fancy : rich, not gaudy ; For the apparel oft proclaims the man. Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend. And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This, above all — to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day. Thou canst not, then, be false to any man. — Shakespeare. NO PLACE FOR CRITICISM. urv O you use the block system on I 1 this road?” inquired a passenger in a train in Kentucky. “No, sir,” replied the conductor, “we have no use for it.” “Do you use the electric or pneumatic signals?” “No, sir.” “Have you a double track?” “No.” “Well, of course, you have a train dis- patcher and run all trains by telegraph?” “No.” “I see you have no brakesman. How do you flag the rear of your train if you are stopped from any cause between stations?” “We don’t flag.” “Indeed ! What a way to run a railroad ! A man takes his life in his hand when he rides on it. This is criminally reckless!” “See here, mister! If you don’t like this railroad you can get off and walk. I am the president of this road and its sole owner. I am also the board of directors, treasurer, secretary, general manager, superintendent, paymaster, trackmaster, general passenger agent, general freight agent, master me- chanic, ticket agent, conductor, brakesman and boss. This is the Great Western Rail- road of Kentucky, six miles long, with terminals at Harrodsburg and Harrodsburg Junction. This is the only train on the road of any kind and ahead of us is the only engine. We never have collisions. The engineer does his own firing and runs the repair shop and roundhouse by himself. He and I run this here railway. It keeps us pretty busy, but we’ve always got time to stop and eject a sassy passenger. So you want to behave yourself to go through with us or you’ll have your baggage set off here by the haystack.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Tap on the Window, Mother. Tap on the window, mother. Your boy is going astray. See, he is wandering even now Afar from the narrow way. Oh! beckon the poor boy homeward! Why should he longer roam? Perhaps a tap on the window pane Will bring the wanderer home. The Man Who Makes the Hit. The pitcher through nine innings does his part With faithful energy and faultless art; A dozen times he might have lost the game And earned the crowd’s derision and its blame; By steady work he keeps the bases clear, But few among the eager thousands there Applaud him for his vigilance or cheer To show him that they care. Tap on the window, mother, He’s going down the street. Perhaps your precious boy may now Some dire temptation meet, For the world is full of evil, And the future, who can tell? Ah! the path to heaven lies very close To the pathway down to hell. Then tap on the window, mother. Your boy may hear the sound; He may see your fingers beckoning him From sin’s enchanted ground. When he pays no heed to your weeping, Though tears may fall like rain; When his ears are dead to the voice of prayer. Then tap on the window pane. Oh, tap on the window, mother! How can you give him up? How can you yield your darling boy To the snares of the drunkard’s cup? Perhaps he may heed your signal When tears are all in vain; Then add to the voice of your earnest prayer A tap on the window pane. — Selected. Uncle Henry on the Grumblers. There is one thing that I’ve noticed, and I’ll tell it to you plain : These here folks that do the grumblin’ in the sun- shine and the rain Are the people that get weary merely thinkin’ of their work And who never can move lively till somebody gives a jerk. When you hear a man complainin’ you don’t need to see his face For to tell just what he looks like or to learn about his case. You can rest assured he’s seedy, and it’s always safe to guess That no matter what he’s gettin’ he is reely earnin’ less. „ 0 ,, ... — By S. E. Kiser. The sun is sinking low; the score is tied; Forth steps a batter with a halting stride; Thrice he has been struck out, and, filled with sh^me, He hits the ball — ’tis safe! He wins the game! The people who sat hopeless and were grim Arise with sudden joy and wildly shout. They cheer the man who wins, forgetting him Who struck the foemen out. And so through life it goes; the faithful man W'ho day by day works on as best he can. May render service that is great indeed, But few men cheer him and few give him heed, While one who may have failed, at length appears And makes a lucky hit, somehow, somewhere; The honor and the glory and the cheers Are his — for getting there. — Record-Herald. Boost a Bit. Here! you discontented knocker, Growlin’ ’bout the city’s ills, Chloroform yer dismal talker, Take a course o' liver pills. Stop yer durn ki-o-tee howlin’, Chaw some sand an' git some grit; Don’t set in the dumps a*growlin\ Jump the roost An’ boost A bit! Fall in while the band's a-playin’, Ketch the step an’ march along — 'Stead o’ pessimistic brayin’ Jine the halleluyah song! Drop the hammer — do some rootin’ — Grab a horn, you cuss, and split Every echo with yer tootin’ — Jump the roost An’ boost A bit! — The Shoe Worker. Digitized by c.ooQle

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1840 The Railroad Telegrapher. Back to Mother. I am going back to mother, back through all the weary years. Back to lands where skies were smiling and I knew no doubts nor fears; I am going way back yonder — I have bartered all the spoil That I earned in years of striving and the fevered race of toil. I have bartered all my chattels, all I garnered in the world, Just to go from hives of men, where throbbing mil- lions are hurled. I am going back to mother, through the shadows, smiles and tears, To the dreaming and her clinging, safe from all the doubts and fears. I am going back to mother — it’s a long, long way to tread, And the ways are half forgotten where my childish footsteps led; There will be no dream of glory in the sunset’s tinted skies, And there’ll be no worlds to conquer that I'll see with closed eyes. I shall wend my footsteps backward to the garden that I knew. Where the hollyhocks stood stately and the timid pansies grew. I am going back to mother, far from city’s wild alarms. To the dreaming and the clinging of her tender, faithful arms. I am going back to mother — O, the years that intervene. And the faded hopes and glories that my tired eyes have seenl I am going with my bundle and my staff, a pilgrim old, To the dear old-fashioned cottage and the warmth of her enfold. The seas, I shall forget them; I’ll forget the vagrant life, And I’ll leave behind the sorrows and the thorns I knew in strife. I am going back to mother, and forget the whims of Fate, And I know I’ll find a welcome when she sees me at the gate! Opportunity. If you can’t upon the ocean Sail among the swiftest fleet. Rocking on the highest billows, Laughing at the storms you meet You can stand among the sailors, Anchored yet within the bay; You can lend a hand to help them As they launch their boats away. If you are too weak to journey Up the mountain steep and high. You can stand down in the valley As the multitudes go by; You can sing a song to cheer them As they slowly pass along; Though they may forget the singer. They will not forget the song. Do not, then, stand idly waiting For some larger work to do; Fortune is an idle goddess. She may never come to you. Go and work in any vineyard. Ever there to do and dare. If you want a field of labor You can find one anywhere. —Ex. Pessimistic Philosophy. Hate and Envy, Greed and Might Ring the knell of Human Right, ^ And Egotism gains the height That Merit should attain. Wit and Wisdom strive and fence ’Gainst the power of False Pretense To gain for men the recompense That Nature grants the beast. Conscience makes a man a tool; Cupid’s taught in Mammon’s school; And Honor’s highest dudgeons cool Before the right of Might. Still we wrangle, fuss and fume; Curse the fate that seals our doom And strive against Misfortune’s gloom For Love and bread and butter. — The Union Label. Friendship. A real friend is hard to gain, A trifle oft may' lose one; Be cautious how you make a friend. More cautious how you use one. Friendship, with pleasure cares will bring. But, should it ever leave you. Its pleasures all may disappear. Its cares remain to grieve you. A friend, if lasting, sweetens life; Be cautious how you use him; You’ll wish you ne’er had had a friend. If, by your fault, you lose him. — Karl Reubrr. Digitized by CiOOQle

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Skinner's Boy Operator. “Telegraphers are a jolly tribe/’ said John Skinner, the Missouri Pacific trainmaster. “I was once asked by an official of the tele- graph department of the Wabash to try a young fellow, an applicant for a job, in order to test his proficiency. As he sat down to the instrument table he turned to me with the request: “Say, Cap, gimme a chew.” “I passed out a fresh io-cent cut ; the cub stowed away a bite in his cheek and handed back about three cents’ worth. ‘O. K. for you, son,’ said I. He proved to be the cor- rect thing and I placed him at the St. Louis quad. After copying several messages with marked capability, he was left to shift for himself. Presently I heard him blurt out a line of talk more vigorous than elegant, and he followed it up with an explanatory state- ment. Said he: “ ‘What d’ye think o’ that? Here’s a line o’ telegraphic literature from some guy in St. Lou’ that fills seven sheets o’ clip, an’ he winds ’er up with “particulars by mail.’ ” “That,” said Superintendent Richards, of the Postal, “is something like the telegram I saw a while ago. The check read : ‘742 D. H.,* and the last line was ‘Will write fully.’ ” Possibly. When P. T. Barnum was at the head of his “great moral show” it was his rule to send complimentary tickets to clergymen, and the custom is continued to this day. Not long ago, after Rev. Dr. Walker suc- ceeded to the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Hawks in Hartford, there came to the par- sonage, addressed to Dr. Hawks, tickets for the circus, with the compliments of the famous showman. Dr. Walker studied the tickets for a moment and then remarked : “Dr. Hawks is dead and Mr. Barnum is dead; evidently they haven’t met.” — Life . Joke That Two Could Play. Young Stevenson was on his way north to spend the week end with his parents, and felt in a particularly jovial mood. The train in which he was traveling had stopped at a small village. As a farmer who was saun- tering up and down the platform came oppo- site Stevens’ compartment, he was asked by the youth if he knew that the Duke of Devonshire was on the train. Immediately the man showed great interest, and said : “No! Is he?” “I think he is not,” answered Stevens. “I only asked you if you knew that he was.” The farmer said nothing, but continued his walk on the plat- form. As he came opposite the window again, he remarked that this town has been experiencing some excitement. “What is the matter?” asked Stevens. “The author- ities wouldn’t let some folks bury a woman,” replied the farmer. “What was the reason for refusing?” “She wasn’t dead,” was the laconic reply. And then he strolled away, leaving young Stevens biting his lip. — Judge's Library. A Lesson. There is a young man in the city hall who never nowadays allows his temper to get ruffled. While at the telephone a few days ago he could not get the number he desired. “See here, central, I’ll report you,” he shouted. “You don’t know who I am,” came the reply. ‘•Well, I’ll find out,” he said. - “I know you, though,” came in soft tones. ‘•I’ve seen your picture. You’re at the city hall,” the young man plunged headlong into the trap. “You have?” he exclaimed delightedly. “Where, in the newspapers?” “No,” was the merry reply, “on a lobster can.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1842 The Railroad Telegrapher. His Purpose. An automobile dashed along the country road. Turning a curve it came suddenly upon a man with a gun on his shoulder and a weak, sick-looking old dog beside him. The dog was directly in the path of the motor car. The chauffeur sounded his horn, but the dog did not move — until he was struck. After that he did not move. The automobile stopped and one of the men got out and came forward. He had once paid the farmer $10 for killing a calf that belonged to another farmer. This time he was wary. “Was that your dog?” “Yes.” “You own him? “Yes.” “Looks as if we killed him.” “Certainly looks so.” “Very valuable dog?” “Well, not so very.” “Will $5 satisfy you?” “Yes.” “Well, then, here you are.” He handed a $5 bill to the man with the gun and added pleasantly, “Fm sorry to have broken up your hunt.” “I wasn't going hunting,” replied the other as he pocketed the bill. “Not going hunting? Then what were you doing with the dog and the gun ?” “Going to the woods to shoot the dog.” — The Voice. A Very Hungry Mule. A gentleman had an occasion to ship a mule by train, sending it to the station in charge of a darkey. When the freight was put on he looked through the bars and saw the mule eating the tag on which its desti- nation was written. He at once ran home and said: “Massa! Massa! dat mule’s gone and eat up de place where he’s gwine to!” — Spare Moments. Of Course. Roundabout — By the way, old man, how are you getting along with your wife now? Gayboy — Splendidly. We were divorced last week. Reversed. Parry M. Postnuts approached the gate presided over by St. Peter and demanded admittance. “You’ll have to show a clear card before you get in here,” cried St. Peter. “‘But I don’t believe in cards. I advo- cate the open shop,” cried Parry M. Post- nuts. “You’ve got the wrong steer, my boy,” said St. Peter. “This is a closed shop in- stitution. Second door to the left is where you’ll find the elevator that will carry you down to open shop headquarters.” — Ex. That Rate Law Again. For several miles the through passenger train No. i had plodded along in the wake of the slow freight. The travelers grew irksome and even petulant. Conductor,” says one of the boldest of them, “Why do you not get that freight to take a siding while we go by it?” “Under the new Hepburn law,” explains the conductor sadly, “we are not allowed to pass anything.” — Kewanec (111.) Star- Courier. No Peace Conference. “Are you going to strike, ma?” asked the little boy, as he tremblingly gazed upon the uplifted shingle. “That’s just what Fm going to do.” “Can’t we arbitrate, ma, before you strike?” “I am just going to arbitrate,” she said, as the shingle descended and raised a cloud of dust from the seat of a pair of panta- loons— “I am just going to arbitrate, my son, and this shingle is the board of arbi- tration.” Deadheads at That “Conductor,” said the gasping passenger, vainly trying to raise a window, “there are at least a billion microbes in this car.” “You ought to be able to stand that if the company can,” growled the street-car conductor. “We don’t get a blamed cent for carryin’ ’em.” — Galesburg (Illinois) Re- publican Register. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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“IMMIGRATION, MOBS, STATESMEN.” SIDNEY BROOKS is an English writer who for years has given us a great many very interesting and sensible essays on the problems of modern nations, and also in connection with their inter- national relations. He has really been a cosmopolitan writer of considerable virtue. He is in sympathy with our development and success. His ideas about what we, in the United States, should do, have often been pretty good and wise, in a broad sense of general international welfare. His last essay, in a recent Harper’s Weekly (we write in the middle of October), dwells on the problem of Asiatic immigration into Canada, the United States, South Africa, Australia, etc. He tells us that our Pacific regions and those of Canada can only be developed through Asiatic workers ; we, white people, being unwilling or unfit to perform certain forms of work at a reason- able price. That has always been the em- phatic implication, in all nations and gen- erations, on the part of those in favor of receiving large numbers of workers from abroad. The writer in question sings, as a matter of course, the old song of “regulation.” He adds: “The Asiatic immigration into re- gions ruled by the white races should be ‘regulated/ not by mobs but by statesmen .** Let us now listen to what a so-called re- form governor of our principal State in the Union has recently told us in a public speech : “What the citizens of this State need, more than anything else, is to ascer- tain the truth, in the dealings of their gov- ernment, or the readiness of the govern- ment to account to the people for the truth.” That reform governor of ours is especially careful not to tell the people the principles on which the truth should be regulated, in connection with governmental doings. That dreadful “truth” about which we have now been chattering for over sixty long, long centuries; would that truth need any new set of regulations every year, and decade, and century, if it was once established on sound, simple, unselfish, altruistic rules? But oh ! We had forgotten all about it. We need to be selfish. God himself forces us to be selfish. Is not that practically what the wise and prudent teachers and leaders have always been telling to the rabble of all na- tions. The knotty problem of immigration com- menced to trouble this nation of ours about fifty-five years ago, and it was not then the Asiatic ; it was European, and European white immigration is yet bothering the mobs and the statesmen all over the Union. And please, why should we have mobs, we so- called Christianly educated nations? What are mobs after all? Are not they but sel- fish manifestations on the part of the people whom we crush under wrong human laws enacted by the superior classes of all na- tions, by our chosen statesmen? Where are the statesmen that have given humanity any kind of decent legislation as suggested by Isaiah and Jesus? The immigration problem, white or yel- low, black or green, cultured or crude, and every other of the ten, twenty or forty or more problems we may have — there must be a simple, fundamental cause for them all ! Please notice that it is always the su- perior nations and races that are pestered with immigration from inferior people. And that happens when the superior nations or races have ten or fifty times more territory than they can properly use. It also hap- pens when the superior races have been su- perior enough to imitate the worst des- potism in legislating the worst govern- mental crime peculiar to all human govern- ments through the whole march of historical Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1844 The Railroad Telegrapher. development. What is the crime in ques- tion? We shall not mention it, because we all know it, but prefer to ignore its exist- ence. The Saturday Evening Post for October 19, refers to the fact that the City of New York could only manage to obtain a loan for $40,000,000 through a private New York potentate, when the demand for bonds was three times the value of that loan. Yet the City of New York, under decent civiliza- tion, would have a capital of five billions of dollars, equal to a net revenue of $250,000,- 000 per annum at five per cent, over double the public expenses of the city, and that would simply mean a tax on monopoly and no tax whatsoever on what labor produces and had to pay, so as to enable the accu- mulation of millions in the hands of a few. We shall in future explain the whole pro- cess if some of our readers ask for it. The process in question is well known to all our influential business men, to all our important lawyers, professors and clergy- men; the very men to whom the governor we have mentioned asks to see about their government resting on the truth; the very truth we don’t want anything to do with. There would be no inferior men, classes, nations or races if we, superior people, had, for at least fifteen or twenty years, legis- lated principles of truth in the compact of our superior nations. We would not be in hot water because of immigration of any kind; we would have no mobs, we would not need any statesmen. Honest legislation does not need anything but honest men. Of course, the governor in question did not ask our millions of plain people to see about their government doing what is right. Every man of sense knows that we don’t give to the people the power to discriminate between the right and the wrong in gov- ernmental functions. Their lives are too harsh for that. Their earnings are not sufficient to generate good blood and healthy ideals. There is neither time nor taste for that, under the excitements, the conflicts, the sorrows and fantastic needs we create under our materialistic progress. Without the bottom governmental crime in force yet everywhere, none of the inferior nations would need to send off any of their people. They all could have, where God and Nature dropped them, the same healthy abundance we all could have, and lack, in our superior nations. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth. Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven.” We thus refuse the Heaven we Could have on earth, and do our best to de- prive ourselves of Heaven in the beyond. Heaven! What can that be? “Complete union, private and collective, with God, through free, spontaneous obedience to God’s simple laws of life and completion universal.” We still prefer obedience to our own laws of universal sorrow and sin. The inferior naitions have their inferior sins and sorrows. The superior nations have their superior sorrows and sins. All nations have their mobs and their states- men, with immigration or emigration, and plenty of other evils besides. All because we, superior and inferior people, lean on statesmen, the kind skillful enough to for- ever play hide-and-seek with the simplicity of the truth in governmental duties. We thus remain at the mercy of the conceits of human wisdom, in open rebellion against the wisdom of God. Jose Gros. LAWS ARE WEAK. The time is not far distant when oui nine-hour day will supposedly take effect, but we really believe there isn’t many of our 40,000 brothers but who are in doubt of the reality. It is simply because they have far greater faith in the railroad companies than they have in themselves with the law and majority on their side, and because they know law never conflicts with capital suc- cessfully. Although we have been given by law a nine-hour day, to take effect March 4, 190S, we are yet in fear that it will never take effect, because law is weak before capital, and it is so easy for the railroad companies to have the law declared unconstitutional. We all know we rightfully and justly de- serve more than our present salary. If it were doubled we would not get more than we earn. Now the thing for us to do, wfhile the railroad companies are striving to have the nine-hour day declared unconstitutional, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1845 is to show our teeth and point out to them that it seems to be unconstitutional for them to relieve us of all that we earn ex- cept simply just enough to exist upon. Unless we get the nine-hour day and $75 per, we are two that will stay with the majority of the boys and come to no other considerations. Tab and Bee. CANADIAN MEMBERS MUST PAR- TICIPATE. I think it my duty to answer Bro. Q. O., Cert 715, and to express to him my grati- tude for having remembered us, that we Canadian members of the great O. R. T. must not be left out, but must participate in the great schedule of March 4, 1908. There is no reason why we should be left behind March 4. We have always been loyal to the Order, and have as strong a membership on every road as any other country. I appeal to all Canadian mem- bers to express their opinions through the columns of the O. R. T. journal, which arc always generously opened to us. Hoping Canadians will make a noise and make up their minds on the subject, I will leave space for others. Cert. 1,808, Div. 7. EIGHT HOURS OR WALK OUT. Eight hours March 4, 1908, or walk out is my vote.. How many vote with me? Have just read an article in the Septem- ber Telegrapher on this subject, written by Bros. Van Auker and Knapp, two men “after my own heart,” and they have the right idea. The only way to get what is coming to us is by united action. Now, brothers, when you get your journal, fill out the blank that you will find therein for your vote and mail to our President imme- diately. Don’t wait a few days to see what the other brothers are going to do about it ; do it now, so Bro. Perham can see, and let us know what is to be expected. Vote to go out March 4, 1908, unless the eight-hour law is put into effect ; then go out and stay. Don’t get scared that you will lose your job and never get another by going out ; that is not the way to win. Go out with a deter- mination to stay out until we win, then victory is ours, and not until then. I for one will walk out the minute Bro. Perham blows the “whistle,” and you will find me out when Gabriel blows his trumpet, unless we get what we ask for. How many of you are with me? If I had the power to in- spire you into action, I would be willing to walk from place to place and preach to you the importance of being firm in this matter. Stand as “Stonewall Jackson” stood. Don’t get weak in the knees and slip back to the company. Stay out until you starve or win. No need to starve, though. You can get something to do to keep soul and body to- gether until we get ours. It is to be hoped we will get the eight hours and not have to be forced to do this. Anything honest and fair before a strike; but when every- thing else has failed, then strike and strike hard. Cu., Cert. 934, Div. 59. “SHOULD MAKE OUR DEMANDS UNITEDLY NOW." Having read so much in our journal rela- tive to the question of shorter hours and better pay for those of our craft, and hav- ing time after time resolved to offer my views for publication through the columns of The Telegrapher, and as many times having failed, I am at last constrained to do so. The time was when I felt that if I kept my dues paid promptly, and always carried an up-to-date card, that was about all that was necessary for one to do. An idea held by too many, I fear. If all felt that way, the Order would be about where it was twenty years ago, would it not? Each would be waiting for some one else to take the lead. This is not a time for such action. It is a time when personal effort will count for much. Therefore it behooves each and every one of us to lend what assistance we can to a move that will in some measure ameliorate our present condition. Judging from the sentiment ex- pressed by so many articles in The Teleg- rapher of late (and we believe this to be an expression of the sentiment of the Order as a whole), it seems to be the consensus of opinion that the time for action is at hand, and I believe if ever the time was opportune, when we should rise in our might and demand our just rights, it is now. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1846 The Railroad Telegrapher. Our organization is stronger now than ever before, and growing by leaps and bounds. Members are being added at a rate of from twelve to fourteen hundred per month, as compared with five or six hundred a few months ago. Great enthu- siasm seems to be manifested in all parts of the country. In view of the advantage we now have, in the matter of national legis- lation, but realizing that this does not com- pletely cover the ground, in that it does not benefit the one-man stations, I think the time for us to assert our rights is now. Therefore, I am in favor of the following plan: Have our worthy President, Bro. Per- ham, take this matter in hand and have ballots prepared and mailed to all teleg- raphers, asking them to vote, if they are or are not in favor of, and in case of a walk-out. would they support the Order, in a demand for an eight-hour day and a 30 per cent increase over present wages (or whatever demands our national officers think best, but the eight-hour day by all means). Then, if the results were in the affirmative (which they unquestionably would be) let him instruct the General Chairman of every scheduled road in the United States to call their General Com- mittees to meet the management of every such scheduled road on a certain stated time, say, March 4, 1908. Then let them submit our demands simultaneously, from Maine to Florida, and from Washington to Texas, and ask them to comply with our requests once, instead of us having to bow to them always. Give them to understand we expected them to concede to our request or we would cease to do business. What would be the result? Would we be asked to take the walk? I think not. I believe there would be such a hurrying to sign schedules on this basis as was never seen before. They would be ready to sign them up as fast as they could write. Look at the attitude the railway officials assumed when there was rumor the O. R. T. would go out in sympathy with the Commercial men. Oh, no! They did not want any trouble with their men. They were too busy running the railroads. I believe the eight-hour day and 30 per cent increase, or $75 minimum, is ours for the asking. Let us ask for it. Then our long-fancied dreams will be fulfilled. There would be some pleasure, some chance of recreation and enjoyment in life. What shall it profit a man if he work his whole life and have no happiness therein? Is he any better than a machine? What was the mind of the Master when He created man after His own image? Was it to serve his days as many who have grown gray in the service have? And shall these younger in the service spend their days thus? No! A day of reckoning, if not at the present, is not far distant in the future. We may defer the action outlined above for a while, but the results of such action must inevitably come. The day when em- ployer can compel employe to work long, weary hours, with no chance for recreation, and for a mere pittance, is fast passing away in this land. The people are becoming educated on the question of organized labor. Some of the best scholars and ablest thinkers of the day are advocating organization. And wh> should not the employe have somewhere near an adequate compensation for what he puts into a business? Are not we who are putting in our best days in the service of the railroads the ones that are making the business profitable, and should we not share in some of the profits? How long do you suppose the train men would stand for the treatment accorded us operators and not register a kick? Suppose the committee for the firemen, or engineers, for instance, would come back and tell them they had signed up an agreement whereby they were to work 30 and 31 days of 12 hours dura- tion, every day in the month, for the sum of $50 or $55, or, possibly, $48? In ray fancy I can see the blue smoke roll out of the stack; the air would be squeezed on, and, with the emergency set, that kind of busi- ness would come to a halt with a rush. They would say, “Our service demands $125 to $180 or more per month.” Are not our services just as valuable, and are we any more dispensable to the operation of railroads than they? Then, why not de- mand equal treatment with our brother worker? Let us do it and do it now. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1847 As I said before, it is a time for personal effort, so let us storm the fort at St Louis with petitions and letters until the ball is started. If enough such letters reach there, I am sure our President will take up the matter. Cert. 637. OF COURSE. You would like to have an eight-hour day. You would like to have enough salary to enable you to live. You would like to have leisure to read and walk and talk. You would like to get acquainted with your wife, or have time to look for her. You would like to feel sure that you were sure of your job. You would like to know that if you were sick. you could be relieved.. You would like to get tired without being fired. You would like to get over one day’s work before you begin another. You would like to have time to exercise at something to keep you straight. Good. You are getting horse sense. Vvnatever a man wants, he may have. If he doesn’t want it and ain’t afraid of get- ting it, God could not give it to him. Gee, but I was tickled when I read The Teleg- rapher for August. Lots of war-paint on, and indications that something is going to happen. I just want to caution you cool-headed fellows a little bit. Don’t make the mistake of which we have so many records. Do not plunge part of us into this fight at a time. Let every division and every member of every division understand at once. Let us give notice to every railroad management in the United States (Canada and Mexico, too, for that matter) that commencing March 4, 1908, every railroad telegrapher will go out and stay out until we get what we ask for. We will notify them that if they want to see something like the facili- ties for traveling that were known when Columbus arrived, they may do so by re- fusing to grant our demands. No petition- ing. Slaves petition. Men demand. Let us get to work at this at once. Stick for an eight-hour day and eight hours’ work. There is no sense in asking for an eight- hour day as long as we allow them to saddle sixteen hours work onto us. Cut out the mail carrying. Cut out the reports incident to information regarding competitive situation. No information can be furnished that can not be gotten from records in our offices. No more shoveling snow off platforms. We will not take one side of the Mis- sissippi, but will take both sides of it. I am coming every month until we have made that eight hours and $75 a reality. The freeing of ourselves from the tyranny of capitalism, however, can be fully real- ized only when all others are freed. Let us put ourselves in as good a position to help others as we can, and then renew the battle to the end that no man who is wil- ling to earn his living shall be denied the opportunity to do so, and that any man who declines to earn it shall not have a living. I will tell you how that can be accom- plished in my next. Fred A. Wilson, Cert. 2, Div. 70. PLANS MUST BE WELL LAID. I have been reading The Telegrapher for a long time, and think I would like to add a little note to what the boys are writ- ing. In the first place, I think Bro. Quick de- serves unstinted praise for the journal. It certainly is “par excellence.” It is the most sensible magazine that comes to my desk, besides being chock full of encouragement to better work and living and of news from all the boys. Every month the journal has a number of articles full of good common sense, that ought to be published broadcast, but the press is so blinded by corporation money that they can not see any worth in the working man’s claims. Particularly the article on “The Man in the Tower,” by Denning, in the May number, and the “Short Line” write-up by Cert. 767, in the September issue. These articles contain facts that would open the eyes of the public if they could be published broadcast. How- ever, I make a practice of marking my journals and starting them out into circu- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1848 The Railroad Telegrapher. lation after I have read them, and if all the boys would do that it would get a few people to know where we are at. And we must have the good will and moral sup- port of the people back of us. It will be good “stock in trade” when the test comes, as it must come soon. And right here, let me say, be courteous and polite to the pub- lic. People are exasperating, I know. I have been through it all. But remember that railroading is a Chinese puzzle to the average traveler, and then, courtesy costs nothing anyway, and we will need their moral support soon now. There is con- siderable complaint and ill-feeling among the general public over the treatment re- ceived at the hands of some of the railroad employes. Kindness to the public will bring better results than you imagine when the “show-down” comes. It takes men of the best sense and mettle to make success- ful railroad men, and the fact that a man makes good is in fact the highest possible recommendation of judgment and ability. Now, a word in regard to the $75 mini- mum. It is all right, and it is little enough to expect ; but your plans are going to have to be carefully laid and your committees as smooth as oil, if it does not arouse the officials to a stubborn fight against it. I think a good plan would be to have the division committees formulate a schedule for each section of the division, raising the pay something like 20 or 25 per cent. Dif- ferent locations and jobs deserve different considerations. You must all act together on this in some way or other. The rail- roads are not going up against the deal the commercial companies are up against now. It costs too much. Stick together. Keep after the nons. Use judgment in your de- mands, and you will win in a walk. The sooner done the better, too. Bert Bradshaw. SIMULTANEOUS ACTION. Hurrah ! At last I believe the boys are coming to their senses. I believe the 4th of March, 1908, should be made the crisis for all telegraphers. We have been op- pressed long enough, and I think this is the time set for a concerted movement for a $75 minimum or hourly pay. I have been out of the railroad service for over two years and am drawing $22.50 a month more than the best job I ever had on the railroad and I have held some of their best. I never expect to go on the road again, unless there is an eight or nine-hour day and $75 mini- mum pay. I know of five telegraphers right in half a mile of my office who have quit telegraphing because there was not enough in it and too long hours. The Santa Fe have raised their teleg- raphers $3 to $5 per month. Do you know the reason? They are expecting the other railroads to give the operators in their em- ploy an increase, and they do not want to has most of the good ones, and the Santa Fe is having hard enough work getting operators as it is. The grand old Order has most of the good ones, and the Santa Fe can not see it right to do the right thing by them, so they have to rustle and raise wages, and then take the hams. I was looking over an old journal the other day, back in 1904; the first thing I came across was an article on the $75 minimum. Here we are, three years later, and still harping on the same old minimum, and, although nearer the goal than three years ago, we are still a good way from it Every road should send up her committee on March 1, and give them until March 4 to sign up for the $75 minimum or hourly pay, and if not, we will all step out on all the roads and stay out until every road is compelled to sign. Why, men, how long do you think it would be before Uncle Sam would step in when all the railroads and telegraph wires were tied up? He could not move mail at all, and he would not stand for that very long. He would come out for arbitration, and that would give us a chance to air our grievances, and we would be bound to win. The public is entirely ignorant of the way we are treated and the wages paid us. To them the railroad man is IT and they think he draws an enormous salary. Here’s hoping that we may have the $75 minimum and the eight-hour day March 4, 1908.' G. E. Spencer, Grand 1,846. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 184* GET BUSY. Cert. 1,404, of Division 33, has an article in the September Telegrapher that every telegrapher in the country, both member and non, should read. Now that we have things coming our way, let’s get the ball rolling and keep it rolling until we get what we want. For the past three years, all kinds of suggestions have been made, and not one of them acted on. Let us make our stand March 4th. Get everything in shape and present it to the railroad companies January 1, 1908, to take effect March 4, 1908 — $75 and eight hours — or tie up the entire country. Stand pat and don’t give an inch. If we do, they will take a mile. Let each division vote on this at their meetings, and those who can not attend, mail their vote. The General Chairman can then put the case in the hands of Bro. Perham, and he and Bro. Quick can act accordingly. In this way, it will take a lot of unnecessary work off Bro. Perham, and, besides, the General Chairman of a division is the proper per- son to handle such cases. * However, it is up to the brass-pounders to get started. So now all get together and it’s got to come. The B. of R. T. com- mittees on all roads entering Chicago got together last spring and made a schedule of just what they wanted, and with the assist- ance of their Grand Master presented it to the railroad managers’ association, and gave them until a certain date to sign it. Naturally, the companies fought them to the last, but there was no backing up, and they signed up to prevent a strike. (Good thing they did.) The B. of R. T. got what they wanted. We can do the same, if we all go together. No use of a few roads trying it. Every railroad in the United States must be in it. Come on, boys, let us take a few bottles from the New York Four Hundred. Wc can do it. Are you ready ? Get busy, Don’t roll cigarettes and sleep ; get that pen moving. Every little helps; and don’t for- get our schedule to be presented January 1, 1908; and out we coipe March 4, if they don’t come up. Yours for what we want, Mackerel Snatcher. TRAIN DISPATCHERS. I would like to say a few words in re- gard to train dispatchers and telegraphers, which subject was brought up in the Sep- tember journal by Cert. 10, Div. 23. We must defend ourselves, and as I am a train dispatcher, and also a brother, I would like to offset our brother’s idea some- what. I will admit there are some things more agreeable, perhaps, in the line of clean offices, etc., but let us look at this work; let us follow a train dispatcher’s route day after day, and one can easily see that a dis- patcher’s life is certainly not all sunshine. There are many worthy brothers in this line of work, and I fully believe they will agree that our responsibility is fully double that of any telegrapher, and our salaries are not always $125. I have been long in the service as a teleg- rapher. Worked in nearly all the largest offices on one particular railroad, and I can safely say I never found one position to equal, or anywhere equal, my responsibility as a dispatcher. We want to take into consideration that promotion means greater responsibilities, and telegraphers are always promoted to dispatchers; therefore, it means brother- hood complete, and we should not trample upon dispatchers’ feet, as it injures much in the way of bringing together the teleg- rapher with the train dispatcher, and it is truly a strong point to consider. It means very much; it is well to be thought over. Telegraphers and train dispatchers should be in one brotherhood. It would mean much. What think you? Cert. 155, Div. 76. EDUCATING THE PUBLIC. In reading the columns of the journal this evening, I was led to think of how much we learn of the general conditions prevail- ing on our own, as well as other roads, through this magazine. Without these les- sons we would soon be dead to the fact that our own cause is not merely individual or local, but a cause of the hard working telegrapher throughout the continent, and so great in magnitude, that to be success- fully coped with, we must use every means Digitized by LiOOQle

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1850 The Railroad Telegrapher. in our power. The greatest power at work today is the public. The lessons of the last few months prove that even the great- est corporations are unable to combat suc- cessfully the forces at command of the people. This public is b.eing brought more and more face to face with the telegraphers’ cause, and with good reason, for what affects the telegrapher affects the public, more or less. From this we learn the benefit to be derived from having the pub- lic thoroughly conversant with the duties of the man who holds the lives of many in his hands; his responsibilities (and they are many), and the essentials that make the telegrapher a man to be trusted. If we desire public aid and sympathy, we must make every possible effort to have not only our desires, but the demands of the employer made known to the public, and this can be best accomplished by, what? By well prepared literature, sent to every community where an operator is employed. Our journal is instructive, and appreciated by all into whose hands I have placed it from time to time, and also has influenced its readers to give us more thought. Pub- lic subscriptions for this magazine, which is such a potent factor in aiding our cause, have been, and are solicited. But how many of us have ever asked a person to subscribe? Not one in a hundred. I would like to ask Bro. Quick if club offers might not be made to would-be subscribers, and I am sure every brother would be glad to make every effort to raise one or more clubs in his own town. We should do either this, or control an up-to-date news- paper in as many centers as our capital would permit — a paper that could not be muzzled by a few dollars, as are the ma- jority of those now in print. I would like to say much more, but know space will not allow it. Would invite the Editor’s criti- cism of my plan of reaching the people. Has any brother another plan? Would be glad to assist in anything feasible. F. W. Crawford, Cert. 14, Div. 83. Note. — Any member securing ten yearly subscribers to The Telegrapher at $1 each will be allowed to retain $2.50 from the amount collected, if the ten subscrip- tions are sent in at one and the same time. — Editor. HOURLY PAY. I have just been reading an article in the September number of The Railroad Teleg- rapher, from Cert. 763, Div. 2, and would like to say a few words on this subject. I think this brother has made a good sugges- tion ; better yet than the $75 minimum and eight hours. But there is no use for us to sit still and talk of the fine times we are going to have when the eight-hour law goes into effect, March 1, 1908, for if we do we will be in the same old rut we are in now. Now is the time to get busy, as there is no time like the present. So let us get busy and go to- gether and ask for a 30-cent per hour rate and eight hours per day (except Sun- day), and 60 cents per hour for all Sun- day work, and one hour off for dinner, or one hour overtime. And then, if the rail- roads do not want to give us what we want, let President Perham call a general strike, and all go out and stay out until every- thing is reported O. K. Let us show the railroads what we are made of. I would like to hear from some one else on this sub- ject. Cert. 1,629, Div. 33. PREPARE FOR THE STRUGGLE. Since the boys are realizing the fact that their talk avails nothing, and that action alone counts, I wish to say a few words in regard to prospective salaries, hours, etc. I do not approve of the method of basing salaries on present salary with a per cent increase, or a stated sum per month on all positions, such increase to cover increase of cost of living expenses, for the reason that salaries are not and never have been what they should be, and no blanket increase will settle the difficulty, but the new rate should be based on the living expenses of each individual position, allowing salary enough to live decently, clothe respectably, raise your family without sacrificing their health (or probably you are like myself, have had to sacrifice even the family on account of not receiving salary enough to warrant your taking the responsibility of a family upon yourself, knowing that it Digitized by ^.ooQie

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1851 would be impossible to support one, there- fore such an act would be a crime), and be able to lay by enough to support you after your years of service are past. I do not think the hour rate would prove satisfactory. There would be too much cutting out of time without previous knowl- edge. The month rate will prove more satisfactory. But, above all, let us have time and a half for overtime and Sunday. In the States which have passed an eight-hour- day law, that length day must be observed, and in the other States, the national nine- hour law until such time as these States can pass an eight-hour law, or the com- panies will treat with our committees on this question. Let this go into effect on the date our national law is supposed to be effective, and make them effective. You have the correct idea if you only have the nerve to carry it out, and it is up to you to say whether these are dead laws or not. From the fact that a national nine-hour law was passed, don’t think for a moment that the companies are going to recognize it; and you will find we are up against a harder proposition this next term of Con- gress, to prevent this law being repealed or amended in favor of the companies, than it was to have it passed. I notice some are in favor of a special assessment to provide funds to put these laws into effect; some favor $5, others up to $25. It is not necessary for a special assessment at all, but it requires far more than either $5 or $25, but it is not necessary for this money to pass out of your hands. We all, where our salaries will permit, like to take a vacation each year and spend all we can earn in the next year (not what we have saved — we can not save it). Let us all set our vacation for next March, and notify, if necessary, our superiors, by Janu- ary 1, to give them plenty of time. You can not afford to lay off at that time? Supposing you are sick, what then? Re cently I had to lay off and h&ve a surgical operation performed. I could not afford to, but the case did it for me ; and that is what we are up against now. It’s got to be done, whether we can afford it or not, and it is those who can not afford it that the com- panies are going to use, not only to kill us with, but themselves, too. My little case takes me from work nearly two months and costs me, well, it scares me to think of it. Begin today and prepare for an enforced lay-off March 1, and take it whether or no. Have some employment in view to hold you up until after this affair is settled, and do not depend upon any beneficiary fund to which you have contributed $5 or even $25 only, to hold you up, but have your own private fund for this purpose. At this season of the year, the grass is getting high enough for grazing; get out on it if neces- sary; have your house rent paid, rent an acre or so of land, plant a garden, and you can live pn the produce one season if not longer, and a few days’ work occasionally as a common laborer will supply the other necessities for a time. If possible, buy an acre near your town, even if you do pay more than it is worth; get an 8x10 tent, set it up and be independent. I have ar- ranged for this very thing myself, only I went to Isle of Pines, Cuba, for my land, where you can clothe yourself for $5 per year, and take a pole and knock your food off the trees every day in the year; where one-half acre of land produces the support of an entire family (native), and there are plenty of places in this country throughout the Southwest where one can live almost as cheaply if you go to a territory beyond the influence of the railways. I will acknowledge it is not. a desirable place for one to live all his life, but a mighty good place to go to in case of trouble, until your demands are granted, and there are none but what might have land enough to set their tent on and suf- ficient for a garden if they would club to- gether, buy a suitable sized piece and dis- tribute by lot. Get independent. You are about to enter upon a struggle for free- dom. You must not lose. Not only your own, but the lifelong happiness of those depending upon you depend upon your action during the next few months. Let the action be as universal and prompt as the movement was to have the nine-hour law passed. H. S. Clow. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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185^ The Railroad Telegrapher. FAVORS MILLION-DOLLAR COMPANY. I notice an editorial in The Telegrapher regarding the bond question. The sug- gestions regarding the formation of a bond company are identical with what I have argued but never written. I can see no reason why a million-dollar bond stock company can not be established among the agents and telegraphers. I am a telegrapher of over twenty years’ actual service, and have always been in favor of helping to do away with that infamous method of having a powerful bond company take away a ihan’s bond simply because some one saw him take a glass of beer, or had a personal grudge against him. I don’t think any of us are so poor that we could not take at least five shares each ; as for my part, I will take ten immediately, and as much more as I can get hold of from time to time. I have so much faith in the theory expressed by the Editor that I will be willing to give up a better than $70 per month position and start out and sell this stock for a small per cent on the sale of each share. Under the present methods I know of men whom I would not loan 25 cents to and expect its return, yet through their shrewdness they managed to scheme through and get a bond, and on the other hand, I know men whose honesty can never be questioned, yet on account of the moderate use of liquor, they are unable to procure a bond. I am not upholding the liquor league, neither am I a member of the W. C. T. U. or anti- saloon league, yet I do maintain that the use of liquor is no forerunner of a dis- honest man. A bond company, such as is suggested by the Editor, would be of mu- tual benefit to all concerned. First, the rail- road companies would be absolutely safe, and they would not experience so much trouble in getting agents as they do now, and there is always a shortage of agents; even during the hard times an agent who could give bond was in demand. Second, the stock would be scattered all over the country, and it would be impossible for a man to “sink” a thousand dollars of the railway company’s money and have our bond company make good and still continue to work in the railway service, for every stockholder would be interested and would be a sort of detective and a protection to our company. Do you think I or any other stockholder would per- mit a man to come in the same office with us and continue to work under the name of “John Smith” or “Pete Ikey” when we knew that his right name was Bill Jones, and three weeks ago he absconded with $3,000 of the S. S. & V. V. Ry.’s money, which “we” had to make good? If a man stole your overcoat from your office and started to run, would you go to the door and say, “Hey, Bill, you are all right, come back and stay all night and take supper with me?” I think not. We would be more apt to send the contents of a six- shooter after him, and it would be the same way with an absconder of our bond com- pany. Now, these railway officials are in- telligent men, and they would be quick to see the benefit they would derive from this, in just such cases as I have here recited. I am not in favor of talking on this subject much, but I am in favor of putting it in operation immediately, on the exact out- line as suggested by the Editor, except I would be in favor of a million instead of $250,000.00. Let’s figure a little, then I will close. There are now 40,000 good O. R. T. men, to say nothing about a whole lot of agents and operators who are not O. R. T., yet nearly as good as we are. Let’s make it, say, 50,000 men, railway officials in- cluded, for if they see a chance of a divi- dend they might invest in a few shares. One hundred thousand shares at $10 per share would mean $1,000,000.00, divided equally between 50,000 men would mean two shares each, or $20.00. Who has not got $20.00? Don’t all speak at once. Cert. 352, Drv. 70. A SIMPLE WAY. I am much pleased to see the article by the Editor, referring to the bond question, in the September journal. And while at present I do not need a bond, yet I do not wish to be like the man whom the Arkan- sas Traveler met in that State: “When the weather is fine we don’t need any shingles, and when it rains we can’t put them on.” Hence this article. I think the Editor is correct when he says the Order H£s all it Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1853 can attend to to take care of union matters, etc. I have studied the thing over con- siderable, and I think the simplest and most effective way would be to insert in all new schedules, “Any responsible bond will be accepted.” For instance, on account of wayward ways in my youth, “absolutely not dishonesty," I can not give bond in the M — S — of A — Co., and as I understand all the bond companies stand together, it is very unlikely I could secure bond in any of the standard companies. However, in my home town there is one of three sound banks which would be willing and glad to go my bond for absolutely any amount in reason, up to $5,000.00, and while the bond would be as secure as any surety* company could be, yet under the present system, few, if any, railways would accept it. I as well as many others have seen for a long time that the bond companies have be- come a sort of blacklisting agency, and I among many would like nothing bett r than to see their backs broken, and I know of nothing which would accomplish the de- sired end more simply and easily than for us to be at liberty to furnish the railroad “any bond which is responsible.” H. D. PROPOSED BOND COMPANY. In the last issue of The Telegrapher Bro. Quick asked for a letter from every member of the Order, giving their views on the founding of a bonding company, to be managed and run by members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, and I wish to say just a few words on that sub- ject. I am sure that one of the biggest benefits that could be derived from organization would then be accomplished, and think that every one should at least say enough to express their opinion on the question. I would be in favor of a bond company for the members of the Order only, and think that that would attract more members, as it would without a doubt be a means of establishing a bond system that would be in effect on all roads, thus doing away with making out an application for bond to a different company every time one went into the employ of a different company. Although I do not claim to be at all posted on this question, I have a plan that I think would be first-class; that is, when- ever a member of the Order takes out a bond to issue a certificate to him, showing that he or she is bonded in the Order; and another thing, if we did not bond nons, the railroads would have two bond com- panies to deal with, and of course that would give them a chance to kick on our organization; we, therefore, ought to pay the premium on our bonds ourselver and have it made an article in all schedules that we were to receive the amount of the pre- mium in addition to our wages, payable either annually or semi-annually, upon re- ceipt of a receipt from the bond company for the payment of our bond premium for the above named time. I am not posted on the cost of bond at the present time, but think the O. R. T. could furnish a cheaper and»just as reliable bond a's the companies now in that business, for the reason that it would not be operated for personal gain, but more for the better- ment of the conditions under which the members of our profession are now work- ing. As Bro. Quick said, I think it would be a good plan to make a stock company out of it and sell shares at $25.00 a share. As I suppose that there will be many articles on this question from brothers who are more able writers than I, I will chop off, as I do not want too much energy to be wasted in making feed for the office goat. “RA," Cert. 103, Drv; 48. O. R. T. BOND COMPANY NECESSARY. Bro. Quick’s call in the September Teleg- rapher should get a good bunch of answers, if each man that has had trouble with a bonding concern should write. I for one have had mine. I was on one of the lines of the South this past winter and was getting along all right, pleasing the superintendent, dispatcher and all of the departments; also getting along well with all the patrons of the company; had been there some four months, when one day I received notice from my superintendent that the Co. of New York wished to cancel their obligation in my behalf, and Digitized by L^OOQle

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1854 The Railroad Telegrapher. that I would be relieved at once. I at once took it up with the patrons of the company at the point where I was stationed, and they petitioned the superintendent to allow me to remain at the point as agent, offering to place the amount of the bond with the railroad or with the bond company and allow the bond to live. The superintendent, however, stated that in view of their con- tract with the bond company, he was pow- erless to act, notwithstanding that my record was clear and that he would like to retain me. He, however, stated that there was some chance of my getting it straight by taking it up with the bond company direct. This I did, sending them the pe- tition, and offering to put up the amount of the bond myself, in cash, or get disinterested parties to put it up, or give them a personal bond for the amount and pay all expenses of having it investi- gated so that they would stand no risk at all in my behalf. They, however, refused to take any action in the matter, and would not give me any clew as to why they can- celed it. Later on I got some of my own county officials to write them and they never deigned to answer their letters, al- though these men had known my father and me from infancy. I took the matter up with the superintendent again, and he said he would be very glad to reinstate me if I could get straight with the bond people. Meanwhile I had arranged with a reliable company to issue a bond to this company and get them to issue their bond to the railroad company in lieu. They wrote me that they could not do anything and that I would please them by considering the mat- ter closed. I have been a railroad agent and operator eleven years and never had any trouble before with any bonding com- pany, nor any one else, therefore I am at a loss to know what to think of. the matter. To avoid such cases as this, it would be well for us to have a company of our own, that we may be more able to take care of our men. In order for us to do this we should take in all classes of employes, as it would be unfair to the company to have to keep two bonding companies on their books when one would suffice. This is my wish and the wish of lots of others, and I hope to see it in operation ere another twelve months. I will be glad to handle a stock subscription list myself. Cert. 41, Drv. 94. NOW OR NEVER. In regard to the eight-hour law, I will say, let there be less talk and more action in connection with this important matter. There is no doubt but what the railroads will do all in their power to put it off if possible and keep us all on the anxious seat. We do not want to spend one cent in fighting this matter through the courts. We hold in our hands the balance of power. So my suggestion is to let each committee call on the railroad officials with a new schedule for 35 cents per hour, same to go into effect on the day the eight-hour law does, and if we do not get this, then notify them that on the 4th day of March we walk out. Dollars to doughnuts we win. Cert. 220, Div. 20. FAVORS BONDING MEMBERS ONLY. I am heartily in favor of Bro. Quick’s proposed bond plan, and can see no good reason why at least 35,000 of the members would not join such a plan, both as a finan- cial endeavor and for self-protection, as it is a well known fact that there are today a large number of telegraphers, who, from various causes, are in bad repute with the bond companies of this country. These men, who are otherwise good, honest, reliable and experienced men in the profession, should be working stations and daylight jobs instead of night offices. A very small per cent of this class would be unable to give bond in a company where justice reigned supreme instead of preju- dice, etc. I would be strictly in favor of the com- pany, when organized, furnishing bonds only to O. R. T. members in good standing. During the past four years here I have had thirty-two night operators and out of that number only five could give bond, while the remainder, with a few exceptions would be perfectly safe for bond if given a chance on their merits, and it is this class of men who should come forth now and Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1855 place their suggestions before the member- ship at once, while the question is up, and we have an opportunity offered us to dis- cuss it. So now is the only accepted time. Do it now, if only a few lines. The plan as outlined in the September issue of the journal is good — the best that has been put out, and it is left entirely to the membership to push it through to per- fection, or reject it and remain silent about the bond question in the future. • Certs. 265 and 1,546, Div. 31. FAVORS A BOND COMPANY. The bond question as put in the Septem- ber journal by the Editor is just the thing needed by our Order and should receive the hearty support of every member, not only from a business standpoint but for other reasons as well, which will do away with the form of blacklisting in vogue at the present time. Now is the time for all members to get busy and write their approval of this ques- tion to the Editor before January 1. While this may not mean anything to some of the members at present, it may mean more to them in the next few years than they now imagine. This is a thing not to be passed over lightly. This is something that has been the talk of Order men for years, and we now have the chance of our lives to get what we want, and all who have not read the Editor's article in the September jour- nal should do so at once. This is some- thing that if passed up now will certainly be regretted in the next few years. I am in favor of confining this bonding to members of our Order, but strict busi- ness methods should be pursued to prevent losses. The Editor has outlined a good plan of action. It is now up to us to finish this great scheme. Cert. 209, Div. 91. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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FRATERNAL Lancaster Div., No. 9. I will again try and treat our friends and broth- ers with my monthly write-up from this young and flourishing division. We had a nice turn-out of boys at our September meeting, and all present assisted in disposing of the volume of business on hand, which included the setting aside of $150 as a saving fund from the well-filled treasury, and the Board of Trustees given instructions to invest same in the most reliable trust company of the city. Seven new applications were presented, with committees reporting favorable, and all were ad- mitted to membership. A like number are already assured for next month, which shows the interest that is being taken by our membership, who contin- ually have their weather eye open for nons. Thus far all members have paid up for the pres- ent term, except a very few, who have promised to come up next month. This is more than coming up to our expectations. Bro. G. H. Eckman, extra from Lancaster, is having quite a stretch of work on middle trick at Dillerville, on account of regular man working same hours at Lancaster. Bro. E. R. Ebersole, nights at Rheems, was off duty the last ten days of October, recuperating at Akron, Ohio, where he is awaiting the news to be broken to him of his office going on the eight-hour system. Extra C. W. Thomas, of Lancaster, creditably filled the vacancy at “KU,” and before this reaches our readers we shall call him Bro. Thomas. Bro. Ed Kauffman moved his family from Lan- caster to Marietta, Pa., where they will reside for the present. During the month of October three twelve-hour offices have been put on the eight-hour system, as follows: F. Q. Lucknow, Harrisburg yard; “H,” station master’s office, Harrisburg passenger sta- tion, and “WM," Witmer. The men at present working these positions, day and night, have been assigned to the first and second tricks, respectively, which leaves the third tricks open for bid. Bro. F. B. Handwork, extra agent, worked two weeks at Mount Joy passenger station while Agent Stoll was enjoying his vacation. Bro. F. K. Ament, telegrapher and ticket clerk at Malvern, has returned to duty from a well- earned vacation. The members of the division responded nobly to the voluntary call for funds to aid the striking commercial telegraphers, and if necessary, many stand ready to make further contributions. Div. Cor. Sunbury Div., No. 12. Sun bury and Lctvistown Division — Bro. J. W. Otto, who has been working the re- lief trick in the superintendent’s office at Sunbury for the last few months, back to his old love, Rog- ers Summit days. Bro. W. F. Shawver off for a few days* rest. Bro. Thoman, of Rogers Summit nights, spent a few days visiting in Gettysburg with his parents. Bro. C. F. Wagner, of McClure, days, relieved for a few days by Bro. C. L. Hawbecker. “13” he and Bro. Calhoun made a record catch of fish. The new tower at Hays is being held down by Bro. Oplinger, days, and by Bro. Johnson, nights. It is hoped that we will all take warning from the experience of one of the brothers whose “mes- senger” “balled things up” for him. No use talk- ing, we must cut them out, and the sooner the bet- ter for us all. Quite a bunch of the boys were noticed on No. 68 on the night of the 10th on their way to the meeting at Sunbury. Certainly would have enjoyed going along, but since we are not allowed to work more than sixteen hours out of every twenty- four, it is simply impossible for us nighthawks to at- tend. However, we are there in spirit if not in person. “13” there were ten applications read and voted on. This should make us all but solid. Of course, there are a few “hard-shelled nons” who are hopeless. Seems strange some people are un- able to see the light when it is pointed out to them. I am indebted to Bro. Wagner for his help in order to have our division represented in our journal this month. Division 12 is a large divi- sion, and there is no reason why we should not have a good write-up each month, but it is a hard job to do it justice without help. It would take but a few minutes’ work each month to chalk down a few notes and send them to me. Brothers, try this next month, and see if you are not better sat- isfied with the write-up in our next journal. “13” our officials are away looking up a new form of running trains, the semaphore alone to govern the movement of trains. This will do away w’ith the copiers, and put an increased amount of responsibility on the telegraphers out on the road. How are we going to get an eight- hour day and an increased amount of wages to correspond with the increased amount of responsi- bility that will rest on our shoulders? Brothers, are we always going to grind away for wages that, figure as we may, will hardly reach from one pay to the next? Did you ever stop to think that we are working 365 days a year, 12 hours a day; no Sunday or holiday to enjoy some of the pleasures Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1857 of this world, for the small sum of a fraction over 12 cents per hour, while an ordinary laborer on the track receives 15.7 cents per hour, has Sundays and holidays to himself and family? Those of us who are married and have families would often like to go calling or to church, but after being penned up in one of these shacks 12 long hours the life is all ground out of us, and bed is the most inviting place, while our wives or children have to go alone, or stay at home. Is it any won- der that telegraphers die young? Take a machine — if it is not kept well oiled and in good repair, it is soon worthless. Just the same a man. He must have a certain amount of rest and recreation in order to keep his body and brain in good con- dition, but where is our recreation to come in? Guess it must be in carrying coal, filling lamps, sweeping offices and a dozen and one more things that are heaped on our shoulders, all for the small sum of $54-55 per? Who is to blame? No one but ourselves. Wrhile speaking with one of out officials about the responsibility and wages of teleg- raphers he readily admitted that the responsibility was as great, if not more so than that of an engi- neer or conductor, and that we should receive at least the same wages as a conductor. If a con- ductor does not receive from $100 to $125 per month he is kicking that he can not make a living. What would we poor “cusses” do if we drew $100 per? No use of dreaming, boys; we must be up and doing; get our organization solid, make our demands and back them up to a man. So let's wake up and act. Cert. 15. Baltimore Dlv.f No. 17# Baltimore Division, No. 17, has again lost one of its members through the medium of the Grim Reaper: Bro. John G. Burns, of White Hall, after an illness of about three weeks, succumbed to typhoid fever. Bros. T. E. Fidlcr, L. H. Nelson, W. Winstanlcy, W. B. Brenize, N. S. Tracey and T. E. Wiers served as pall-bearers at the funeral. Bro. Burns was a favorite among all who knew him. Bro. Geo. Hartman has lost his mother. To each we extend our sincerest sympathy. Division 17, in keeping pace with the Monu- mental City, held an open meeting during the great home-coming week. A goodly number of the brothers were present, and were addressed by Bros. L. A. Page, general chairman of the P. R. R. east of Poughkeepsie; Bro. Vanatta, general chairman of the B. 8c O., and several of the commercial brothers. This meeting was a decided success, but we were disappointed on account of the non-ap- pearance of our president, Bro. H. B. Perham, who it was expected would be present to tell us many things of especial interest to the membership. Bro. E. E. McMann recently purchased a new home at Lutherville. Bro. Chas. F. Bebce, who recently cast his lot with the commercial telegraphers, is again em- ployed on the P. B. 8c W. Glad to have him with us again. Bros. Rollins, Jones and Shaw are all on the sick list. We hope for their speedy recovery. Several of the brothers have political bees in their bonnets. We wish them success, as the boys in Maryland are especially anxious to see the elec- tion of those who are favorable to the craft. Bro. J. G. Good spent part of his vacation in Atlantic City. Bro. J. M. Witmer worked days. Bro. C. H. Smith has been seeing the sights in Western Pennsylvania and New York. Bro. A. R. Day was visiting Jamestown. Bro. Ellen berger, off sick for a week, is on hand again. Bro. Hoyer worked the “vib” during his absence. Only a few “nons” remain on the upper end. We hope to have them with us soon. We understand one of the men hired recently has opened a “ham” factory. We have reference to Harbolt, at “BI.” Get after him, boys. The boys at York are often compelled to work short handed. No necessity for it, as there are plenty of men to be had if they only pay the money. Montabello. Williamsport Dlv.f No. 24. Eastern and Susquehanna Divisions — The regular meeting of the division was held at Williamsport on Thursday evening, October 3d, with a good representation present. Some of those present lost a day’s time to attend the meeting, which shows the interest that is being manifested by the members of this division. Business of im- portance was transacted, with our genial chief, Bro. Tommy Hepler at the helm. There were three brothers initiated, namely: Bros. T. B. Williamson, J. C. O’Donnell and John G. Young. Due to sickness in the family of our worthy secre- tary and treasurer, Bro. John N. Sponsler, he was excused after the opening of the meeting, and Bro. Klingenberger filled this position with credit during the balance of the meeting. Brothers, were you at the meeting, and if not why not? Do you know that you can not afford to miss a single meeting. Some of the brothers are losing time to attend. Do not be among those stay-at-home fellows. So much work is being done by the division that to miss a single meeting is to lose sight of what is being done. Now, brothers, let us give the old O. R. T. wheel a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether, and with one great effort we will land the great ship into port with all her cargo on board. This will not take much effort, as the nons are about all in, and to find the balance after next meeting will require some searching. With the exception of three or four all the mem- bers are paid up to date, and by the time this go's to print they, too, will be paid up, which makes a good showing for our division. To wear an O. R. T. button on the Pennsy means more today than ever before, and you can paste this in your hat. Are you one of the brothers who have been blessed with a “messenger” to help you out with your work? It has been said that opportunity knocks at every man’s door at least once in a life-time. 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1858 The Railroad Telegrapher, of the telegraphers. Never before has our cause found to many friends among those who hereto* fore have been apparently disinterested. Never before have the efforts of the O. R. T. produced so great results. We must make the most of these favorable conditions, and we want every reader of these lines to take part in the great work. On October 12th eight-hour tricks were estab- lished at "J” tower, which is the first office to re- ceive this concession, and we extend our congratu- lations to the boys working this tower. Salary fixed at $60.50 for each trick. First trick begins at 7 a. m., and is filled by Bro. T. B. Williamson, while Bro. J. £. Ruebendall is working in “GO’* office. The third trick has been assigned to Joe Slaughtman. While Joe is no member at this writ- ing, ere it goes in print we hope to call him Bro. Slaughtman. Joe is the kind of material we are looking for, and will make a good member. Bro. S. J. Groff, of Division No. 8, N. Y. C. System, has been employed here, and will soon be transferred to our division. We are all very sorry, indeed, to hear of the illness of the wife and child of our worthy secre- tary, Bro. Sponsler, and sincerely hope that by the time this goes to press they will again be enjoy- ing the best of health. Bro. Harry Diese is taking his vacation at Chi- cago, and we extend our best wishes for a safe and pleasant trip. Bro. C. H. Lenker is doing work as extra agent at different points along the division, and says the agent’s work far exceeds the work of a telegra- pher in the way of being strapped to the saddle. We have six or eight applications to be acted on at our next meeting. Boys, come around and see what is doing. By the way it has been going it will require several extra meetings a month. I want to thank our worthy brother, E. F. Holmes, for some of the personal notes in this letter which he so kindly handed me, and will wel- come more for the next write-up. Cert. No. 25. Pittsburg Div.r No. 52. An apology is in order for the non-appearance of any items from division No. 52 in the October Telegrapher. On account of the writer moving just at the time same should have gone forward, it was impossible to get them out; however, as this is the first offense, I am sure the members of this divi- sion will be lenient with their criticisms. I will endeavor to see that we are represented in The Telegrapher each and every month. Regular meeting of September 14th opened at 8:40 p. m. with Bro. Kiger in the chair. All offi- cers present with the exception of the marshal. Eighteen petitions for membership read and fa- vorably acted upon; of this number two were from the Conemaugh Division, P. R. R., five from the Allegheny Division, P. R. R., five from the Pitts- burg Division, P. R. R., and six from the P. & L. E. R. R. Two requests for withdrawal cards read and requests complied with. Bills amounting to $33, and sick claims amount- ing to $184 read and ordered paid. Bros. H. A. Roberts, F. W. Roth and H. E Shade reported on the sick list. Nothing further appearing to be transacted, meeting closed in har- mony at 11:35 P- nt. Number present forty. First meeting in October held October rath. Opened at 8:20 p. m., all officers being present, with the exception of First Vice Chief Telegrapher J. J. Standley. Minutes of the meeting held Sep- tember 14th read and approved. Twenty petitions for membership read and favor- ably acted upon. These twenty petitions were con- tributed by the various divisions of railroad, as follows: One from the Monongahela Division, P. R. R. ; one from the Allegheny Division, P. R. R. ; nine from the Conemaugh Division, P. R. R.; six from the Pittsburg Division, P. R. R., and three from the P. & L. E. R. R. Owing to some of the officers and members present being obliged to leave at 9:30 p. m., regu- lar routine business was dispensed with, and the question as to whether or not the members of this division would agree to accept a reduction in wages, along with a reduction of hours from twelve to eight, when the nine-hour law becomes effective. Same was discussed from all sides quite freely, it being unanimously agreed that no re- duction in salary would be accepted, also that an increase in wages should be forthcoming in the near future. Bills amounting to $62.26 and sick claims amounting to $80 were ordered paid. Following resolution on the death of Bro. Geo. O. McCoy read and adopted, this division herewith tendering its heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved family : IN If EtfORIAlf . Whereas, God in His All-wise Providence has removed from our midst our highly esteemed and beloved brother, George O. McCoy; be it Resolved, That we deeply regret his untimely demise, realizing that we have lost a good and loyal member, his family a loving husband and father, and his country a true citizen; and be it further Resolved, That we, the members of Division No. 52, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, tender to our deceased brother’s family our sincere sympathy and condolence; that these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this division and a copy br sent to our late deceased brother’s family, and a copy sent to The Railroad Telegrapher for pub- lication. J. C. Hall, R. Long, J. F. Singlet, Committee. Bro. Chas. Ludwig reported sick in the Ohio Valley Hospital. Bro. Robert Gower reported out of employment. Under good of the Order Bro. Dalrymple, gen- eral chairman of the P. & L. E. R. R., announced that a revision of schedule has been asked for, and that an audience with the officials of that road would be secured in the course of the next few weeks. (Probably ere this reaches you you will be working under a new and better schedule than the one now existing.) Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1859 Bro. Wentz, chairman of the Entertainment Committee, announced that this division will, in all probability, fittingly celebrate its twentieth an- niversary November 23d, which is our regular meeting night. Meeting closed at 11:15 p. m. Number present forty-six. Second meeting of October held October 26th. Opened at 8:25 p. m., all officers being present ex- cepting the marshal. Minutes of meeting held October 12th read and approved. Three petitions for membership read and favor- ably acted upon. The same included one from Al- legheny Division, P. R. R.; one from the Monon- gahela Division, P. R. R., and one from the P. & L. E. R. R. One sick claim, amounting to $10, ordered paid. No other bills presented. Under good of the Order, local chairmen of the four divisions of the P. R. R. made quite lengthy verbal reports of the work accomplished by the P. R. R. general committee which just concluded its session at Philadelphia. Bros. T. M. Pierson, second vice-president; E. N. VanAtta, general chairman of B. & O. System Division No. 33, and R. K. Dalrymple, general chairman of the P. & L. E. R. R., also made appropriate remarks. Meet- ing closed at 11:45 P- m. Number present fifty-five. Remember, the semi-annual dues period is again drawing nigh. All members are requested to re- mit as promptly as possible. We have about forty delinquents for current term, and the majority of these will, no doubt, remit within the next few weeks. It is up to our members to fight against any re- duction in salary which, it is rumored, some of the larger railroad companies contemplate. Remember, it has taken us quite a number of years to boost the salaries to the present level. Do not, under any consideration, stand for the slightest reduc- tion. If your salary is reduced, or if you are asked to accept a position at less money than it has been heretofore, make a protest to your divi- sion operator or chief dispatcher, and immediately notify your local chairman, giving him all the facts in writing. Please notify the secretary promptly of any change in your address in order that he can keep in touch with the entire membership at all times. This is important. Stand by your committees at all times, and give them all the assistance in your power. Kling. Elmira Dlv.f No. 100. The regular meeting, held in Elmira, October 1 8th, was the poorest one in point of attendance which we have ever had. Only ten members pres- ent to handle the immense amount of business which came up. Bros. Weeks and Elliott, how- ever, are a host in themselves, and with the assist- ance of Bro. Walker, they finally disposed of the accumulation, after which peace was restored. Bro. Tipton, our local chairman, finding himself unable to attend to his many duties as extra agent, and at the same time devote the attention to Order business which he felt should be given it, resigned, and Bro. E. L. Wood was appointed in his place. Bro. Wood may rest assured that Division 100 will back him up thoroughly. The applications are still coming our way, and they sure look good to us. Five at last meeting was a fair yield. What’s the matter with the south end members? Only one registered last night — Bro. Dunning. Can’t lose him. The ham foundry at Cogan Valley has at last become a nuisance. Nothing much said so long as Evans restricted his teaching to the members of his immediate family, but now that he has branched out, and is instructing everything that comes along, we shall be obliged to protest. One of Evans’ brothers who “graduated” from the Cogan Valley Institute, recently tried to work at Snediker. He stuck all night, but Bro. Pollock had to stick, too, as long as there was anything doing. I Bro. Bcnnet held down Snediker a few nights, and no trouble reported. See it’s the man with a card now. Bro. Crosby off for a couple of weeks. Under- stand on account of his mother's funeral. Ralston advertised eight hours at last, and Bro. Holloran will have some time to himself. That will help some. We are still looking for Bros. Ebersole and Gil- lette, from Roaring Branch, at meeting. “Come on in, fellers; the water's fine.” Delinquent Bro. Collins has returned from his vacation, which he spent at Jamestown and Atlan- tic City. Fine trip, he reports. Mr. Brown is enjoying a vacation which he “earned” some way or the other. Haven't yet learned the particulars. Probably all the brothers received a copy of the proceedings of that assemblage at Southport, in which the words “ignorance,” “incompetence,” and "indifference” were rather freely used. It’s about time something dropped. We are not called on to stand for anything of that kind. The “Sleeping Beauties” will do well to keep their eyes skinned if they hope for anything from the general committee's visit down below. Sister Kinney was there with the friendly smile when we passed Millport. We shall all be pleased to see her at our meetings when things shape up right. Before this number reaches us Mr. C. B. John- son, at “K,” nights, will be entitled to the grand sign, also Mr. J. W. Harvey at “FR,” days. Div. Coa. C res son Div.r No. 109. Cresson Division 109 held two meetings during the month of September, it having been decided to hold the meetings regularly on the first and third Saturdays of each month. The first meeting of the month to be held at Cresson and the second meeting of the month to be held at Conemaugh, Pa., these arrangements to prevail for a few months at least, in order to afford a better oppor- tunity for the admission of new members who may be desirous of becoming identified with the Order. The attendance at our Cresson meeting was rea- Digitized by CjOOQle

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1860 The Railroad Telegrapher. sonably fair, yet not up to our expectations, not- withstanding the fact that due notice of the meet- ing was mailed to each and every member by our worthy secretary. The question of providing a local chairman for the C. & C. Division was taken up at this meeting and Brother S. A. Kuhn, telegrapher at Wehrum, Pa., was unanimously elected by those present to fill the position, and we have every reason to believe that Bro. Kuhn is the right man in the right place, and he should have the hearty co-operation of every man on the system in building up our organization, and mak- ing working conditions better, and in general, mak- ing our services more desirable. Let us do our duty and thereby set a good example for others who follow in our footsteps, that they may under- stand what virtue there is in thorough organiza- tion. We had two applications presented at this meeting which were acted on favorably, with the encouraging news that there are others who will present their applications for admission in the near future. Now, boys, get busy; there is a chance to do a little proselyting among the nons, and we should improve the time. Strike while the iron is hot. While there was nothing special characterized the Conemaugh meeting, there were some very important questions fully discussed by those pres- ent with a view of bettering present conditions materially, and which necessitated a good attend- ance of the members before any final action could be taken in the premises, and which it was hoped could be acted on in the near future, hence the importance of having a good attendance at all of our regular meetings to act promptly on all ques- tions that may arise from time to time. For the want of information from the brothers and sisters in the shape of news items which I have requested through a former write-up, I am compelled to be brief this time. We hope to be able to offer something more interesting next time, with the assistance of the brothers and sisters, which I assure you will be highly appreciated. Coa. 8t Louis Div.f No. 2. A special meeting of this local was held at De- catur, 111., on October izth for the benefit of the Wabash membership and other lines entering that city. The meeting was called to order at 9 p. m., with Bro. J. R. Hefner acting chief telegrapher in the chair, Bro. W. H. Harte, Jr., acting first vice, Bro. A. C. Lindenmuth acting past chief, Bro. T. A. Lane second vice, Bro. J. W. LaFever secre- tary, and Bros. C. A. Burton and J. C. McNairy inside and outside sentinels. Thirty-five of the faithful were present, including a number from the Illinois Central, Vandalia and C., H. & D. rail- roads. The subjects discussed were principally of in- terest to the Wabash members. The general com- mittee of that system are preparing to meet the management at an early date. With the advent of the electric interurban rail- ways throughout the country ticket agents are con- fronted with the question of diminished ticket com- missions from which the larger part of their sal- ary is derived. It is a well-known fact that the passenger department plays but little part in the station agent’s duties, it being possible for the ticket sales to dwindle to nothing, and his duties remain as onerous as before. This system, though manifestly unjust, has survived the antiquated methods of railroad administration, and the opin- ion is gradually taking form that there must be a readjustment of agents’ salaries, independent of the nowadays uncertain ticket sales. The Wabash general committee propose to take this question up with the managing officials at their next sched- ule conference, and to this end the various local chairmen are making a canvass of the membership to ascertain the prevailing sentiment on the subject. Various other matters were discussed, among them being the dismissal of Bro. A. S. Hedden, at East Decatur, for refusal to accept a position of lower rating. The circumstances of the dismissal were gone over thoroughly, and it was the unanimous opinion of those present that Bro. Hedden had been un- justly dealt with. Bro. J. R. Hefner, local chair- man, explained that the case was in the hanJs of the district operator, and was instructed to renew his efforts to secure reinstatement of Bro. Hedden. Under the head of “Good of the Order,” every body was heard from with timely remarks of in terest to the fraternity. Bros. J. R. Hefner, W. H. Harte, Jr.. H. J. Schwarz and J. W. Burch were the chief ex pounders. The debate was prolonged until 2 o’clo k Sunday morning, at which time the meeting ad journed. Those present voted that they had an enjoyable time, and had learned much from the proceedings of the meeting. Bro. W. W. Renner was initiated for the exem- plification of the initiation ceremony. The question of additional special meetings was discussed, but no definite decision was arrived at, the question being left to the discretion of th? local chairmen. The members will be fully advised of future meetings of this kind in ample time to arrange for attendance. The eight-hour situation in Missouri is in a $ ate of statu quo. Several arrests have been made, and indictments secured against a number of su perintendents and chief dispatchers, the final re- sult being a trial in the Circuit Court at Warrens burg, in which the defendant was discharged, and the law declared unconstitutional. It was the intention of the Telegraphers’ Legis lative Committee to carry the case to the higher courts, but the prosecuting attorney allowed the appeal to default. Another case is being prepared with the same object in view, and with the inter- ests of the telegraphers more competently looked after. The promoters of the bill are not discouraged in the least, being confident that it will ultimately be declared valid, and for the further reason that the bill was declared unconstitutional on account of Digitized by . ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1861 the national law recently enacted through the ef- forts of Congressman A. P. Murphy, of Missouri. The committee is still in need of funds, and as- sistance would be very seasonable at the present time. Bro. J. W. Burch, No. 319 Atlanta avenue, Tuxedo Park, St. Louis, Mo., is secretary and treasurer. The commercial telegraphers’ strike situation in St. Louis is decidedly “sticky,” so far as the strik- ers are concerned. The recent denouement of President Small had the effect of solidifying the ranks, and the men and women now on strike are more determined than ever to hold out for a life- time if the commercial companies offer no better terms than past conditions. Defections have been few and unimportant to date. The railroad fraternity may well profit by the example of the commercial telegraphers who have now been on strike since August 12th, and have maintained their ranks practically intact since that date. This is the kind of warfare that wins, and their cause is worthy of every form of support that their railroad brethren are able to give. Mr. D. C. Leach, formerly general chairman of the Union Pacific System, was a recent visitor at the general offices. Bro. L. L. Gouter has returned from Coshoc- ton, Ohio. Bro. C. E. Duncan, iyho has been confined to his bed by pneumonia, has returned to his duties at the general offices. Bro. E. E. Uhls is also back from Springfield, Mo., and Chicago, 111. Bro. E. P. Waples is now on vacation. Bro. Ernest Aber is in Renovo, Pa., visiting rel- atives. Bro. F. J. Bick is back from Clapper, Mo. Bro. H. A. Berry is visiting Kentucky relatives. Dues for the term ending June 30, 1908, are coming in, although they are not due until Janu- ary 1st. However, the dues period is a river the sooner crossed the better. Figure ahead, boys, and swing into line when the time comes. Thomas Aquinas, Div. Cor. New York Div., No. 44. Regular meeting held Saturday evening, Octo- ber 12th, was well attended, and the usual order of business prevailed. Nine new members taken into the organization, and as many more petitions for membership acted upon. The following changes in the station depart- ment: Bro. E. M. Robinson, of Manorville, has severed his connection with the railroad company and gone into other business. Bro. Robinson has the best wishes of a host of friends. He is an old member of the Order, and one of the very best agents the Long Island Railroad ever had. His place will be hard to fill. Relief Agent Wintress takes charge of Manor- ville station temporarily. Bro. B. D. Corwin, of Sag Harbor, who has been with the company many years, and has always been an honest and faithful employe, has left the service of the company, his personal af- fairs having reached a point where it will re quire all his time and attention to attend to them Bro. Corwin has the love, respect and esteem of all who are fortunate enough to have formed h*s acquaintance. Mr. Birs, of Wading Rivei, bid in the agency at Sag Harbor, vacated by Bro. Corwin. Haven’t heard a word from Sister Kittie Ham- mond in a long time. Where is she? Mrs. M. A. Hawkins has been installed as agent at Wading River, vice Mr. Birs, transferred. Mr. J. E. Albright is still at Smithtotfn. Bro. Brennan, of that place, is still on the sick list, but we understand he is improving in health, and will soon return to work. Bro. Tibbals, of Division 8, called on some of his old friends in No. 44 one day this week. Bro. Tibbals has been enjoying a short vacation, taking a much needed rest, which has been very beneficial to him. Bros. Shields and Van Nostrand attended the ball given by Division No. 8 at Poughkeeps:e, Oc- tober 1 6th, in honor of Hon. F. W. Northrup, father of the eight-hour law. They report a good time, and congratulate Bro. J. B. West and his committee of Division No. 8 on their great suc- cess as entertainers. Van says it was a swell af- fair, and Shields agrees with him. On account of ill-health and personal affairs, Bro. F. II. Surine resigned as general chairman. Bro. Surine has been an honest and consrientious worker, and resigns with a good, clean record of work well done, but his health (which is none too good) will not permit him to remain in harness any longer. The General Committee met in East New York on Saturday, October 19th, and elected Bro. Andy Leonard as general chairman to take the place of Bro. Surine. Bro. Leonard has been in harness many times before, and his election means that the affairs of the division will receive proper attention. Bro. Gibson, of Hempstead Cross-over, has re- signed and gone with one of the roads in New Jersey. Bro. Van Nostrand, who is now one of the re- lief agents, relieved Bro. Frank O’Laughlin for two weeks at Flatbush avenue ticket office, and will relieve Bro. Lynch and Miss Hickey in turn at the Jamaica ticket office for their vacations. Sister Mary E. Hunt, of Division No. 16, of the C. T. U., has accepted the position of day telegra- pher at Jamaica, and says she likes the position very much. She says railroad work is not so bid after all. Chief Operator R. E. McLaughlin, of “GO” office, Long Island City, has gone on his vacation in company with Charlie Moore. They will spend most of their time hunting and fishing in the Berkshire Hills. Mac will also visit relatives in Providence, R. I., before he returns to New York town. Bro. David has the race track ticket job. Looks like old times to see Bros. Weeks, Kee- nan and Billy Sprague back on the road, and all working in their home town (Babylon). Digitized by CjOOQle

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1862 The Railroad Telegrapher. In answer to the many remarks of telegraphers who holds positions not affected by the eight-hour law, let me say to you, my brother (or friend), as the case may be, seniority rights on the Long Isl- and Railroad prevail, and you can bid in an eight- hour job as soon as there is a vacancy. (Don’t forget this fact.) The new schedule which is not yet complete will be reprinted after the first of the year, and rates of pay for third tricks will be shown, also connec- tions and alterations made. The board of trustees met in East New York on the evening of the 19th inst., holding a joint meeting with the General Committee, and made arrangements to give these matters proper attention in due time. Bro. Hellar, secretary and treasurer, was present, and received his instructions from the board of trustees in re- gard to investing the unused and surplus funds be- longing to the division. Division Notes — The eight-hour law for New York State, which became effective October ist, was complied with by the L. I. R. R. All employes affected are wearing the smile that will not come off. It makes them feel more like American citizens. It makes life worth living. It is hoped that all will appre- ciate the privilege, and redouble their efforts, and prove to the company that it is worth while. Bro. E. Morrill, an old-time conductor, telegra- pher and agent, is with us again, and is posting up in the signal department. Bros. Hewlett and Simonson are endeavoring to hold down end of double track at Hicksville. Bro. T. F. Gaffney is again with us. Posting up at Hicksville. Thos. Scally, J. Wilkins and W. Gregory are handling the electric machine at Ozone Park. The three regular relief men were dispensed with October ist. Bro. Combs took first trick at Valley Stream, Bro. Yallowley third trick at Wood- haven Junction, and Bro. Jacobe first trick at Freas Pond Junction. Mr. Merringer has bid in the second trick at East New York. Dear old Bro. Jos. Keenan is doing eight hours at Babylon again. * Cor. Boston Div.f No. 41. The October meeting proved to be a very inter- esting one, with a large number present, the pro- ceedings being made more interesting by the pres- ence of Bro. Pierson, who is always welcomed, and Secretary O’Brien, of the C. T. U. A. Meeting called to order at 8:45 p. m. After the routine business, a recess of fifteen minutes was taken, during which time the division listened to some very interesting remarks by Secretary O’Brien, of the C. T. U. A., who showed the solid front still being maintained, and the enthusiasm still being shown by the striking telegraphers, after being out three months, and their courage is still good for holding out against the millions of capi- tal that are against them. Such courage deserves help and we O. R. T. members should give them all the financial as- sistance possible, if we can do nothing more. As has been stated before, it is practically a common cause, and each one should send his mite to Bro. Tuck, weekly, to help out the Boston Division as much as possible. Bro. Pierson made one of his characteristic, common sense speeches, after which the meeting closed at n p. m. The great question this month b the new sched- ule. By this time, the committee is with the man- agement, and, no doubt, hard at work. The in- crease of the minimum will, no doubt, be the hardest question that the committee will have to contend with. It is thought by some that the management will try to take advantage of the new law going into effect next March, making nine hours a day’s work, as an argument against an increase, but this should have no bearing on the matter. The men are overworked and underpaid, and even with a nine-hour day, the telegraphers on this road are still paid much less in proportion to work done than other branches of railroad labor. It is to be hoped that the committee will stand out to a man for an increase all around. Look out for the money part of the schedule, the hours have been taken care of already by the govern- ment. Six new members were voted in at last meeting. “Gathering them home, one by one.’’ Not much news this month, no kicking this time, no one to find fault with, and the scribe b satis fied, but thinks that it is hardly necessary for deals in live stock to be made in connection with official duties of an agent. Hope to have more news next month, and good report from the committee. JAT. To the Members of Boston Division No. 41: Since our assessment for the benefit of the striking commercial telegraphers went into effect, have received several letters from members who were of the opinion that unless the assessment was paid each week, so long as the strike lasts, those not thus responding would be suspended. For the benefit of such members, and any others who may be doubtful about the matter, perhaps a few words of explanation would not be out of order. At the time the motion calling for a referendum vote was passed, the opinion was prevalent among the members present at the meeting, your secre- tary, the Ballot Committee, and the brother mak- ing the motion included, that if such a referen- dum vote was passed the assessment thus levied would become a compulsory one, the same as if levied by the General Committee, in accordance with Section 53, of our Local Division Statutes, and that the same penalty — that of suspension from the Order — would be attached to this as to the General Committee assessments, for non-pay- ment. Such is not the case, however, and, as stated in the second paragraph of the notices, “no soch penalty was attached to the motion as passed;** hence there will be no suspensions. Our Constitution and statutes do not anticipate an assessment of this form, and the real result Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1863 obtained from the vote was the obtaining of the sentiment of the whole division in regard to such an assessment. The results were particularly en- couraging, and showed that the large majority of those voting were willing to assist our commercial brothers and sisters in this struggle financially, as well as morally. As the matter was voted on by the membership in the form of an assessment, the notices were issued by your secretary in thi« form, and each one of us should feel bound to abide by the will of the majority, and as long as our fellow craftsmen continue this fight for jus- tice, every one of us should pay the amount called for each week. The results achieved, thus far, have shown that our members fully realize their responsibilities toward the C. T. U. A., as about two hundred dollars were received during the first fifteen days. Before this reaches you our brothers and sisters of the C. T. U. A. may have attained their well- deserved victory, but if they are still in the fight let us show that we are also “stickers,” and we can do this in no better way than by continuing to pay our weekly assessments. John A. Tuck, Secretary. Springfield Div., No. 38. Meeting called to order at 9 p. m., Bro. Pierson in chair. After minutes of the previous meeting had been read and approved, fifteen applications were read and acted upon. This is very good work, and the boys on the B. & A. R. R. are to be congratulated upon their good work in this direction, and good attendance. We missed quite a few faces who were with us at previous meet- ings, and hope to see them at our next meeting. While the attendance was very good, it might have been better. Had the boys from the west end turned out as did those from the east the hall would have been filled to overflowing. The committee has been in session, and by the time this appears in print something definite will be known. The Boston & Maine General Committee waited upon Mr. Lee the past week, and every- thing was satisfactorily arranged for another year. Business on the B. & M. has never been better than at present, and while we all have to work hard, we have the satisfaction of knowing that it is appreciated, and I think we have as fine a set of officials as are to be found in the United States. The General Committee on the Boston & Albany will meet some time this month. B. and A. Items, West End — Bro. Lackey has accepted the position of station agent at Huntington, Mass. At this writing I do not know who has taken his old position at Mitten eague. Bro. Dresser, at *‘HN” tower, is back on the B. & A. I thank the brother who so kindly sent in these items, and hope he will continue -the good work every month. Bro. Austin, of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R., has resigned to accept a position with the Albany. Now that he has more time I shall expect to see him at our meetings. Do not know the name of the new man who was sent to relieve him. I am sorry that more N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. boys do not show up to our meetings. Bro. Topham has gone to his old home in Vance- boro. Me. Bro. Dunn is relieving him. The boys and girls on the C. & P. Division will soon be wearing the smile that won’t come off, if reports are true. Quite a few of the C. T. • U. A. boys have taken positions on the B. & M. R. R. I suppose the boys on the east end of the Al- bany were too busy to drop me a line, so I have nothing to offer for them this time. Cert. 16. Philadelphia Div., No. 102. Our regular meeting was held October 26. The attendance was good, but not as good as it ought to have been. Those who did not attend certainly missed a very interesting meeting. The meetings are getting more and more interesting every month. There is a great deal more enthusiasm shown than there used to be. This is indicated by the in- creased attendance. We took great pleasure in balloting on and ac- cepting twenty-eight new candidates. The show- ing for the last two meetings proves that the P. & R. men are awakening from their long Rip- Van- Winkle sleep. We hope this good work will con- tinue. There is no reason why it should not; it is all up to you, brothers. Do everything you can for the good of the Order. Get after the nons, and tell them what a good thing unionism is, and keep posted on the rates to enter the Order. You can get the necessary blanks by ap- plying to your secretary and treasurer. He ad- vises that he has a good supply on hand. It is a pleasure to note that there are a good many offices that are now solid O. R. T. Go into one of these offices and see how well they get along together. It is just like a family. The P. & R. is complying with the eight-hour law by placing the more important offices on eight- hour shifts. We understand they are to continue to do this as fast as they can secure the teleg- raphers. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Bro. Thomas on account of the illness of his wife. We hope that she will soon regain her health. Bro. Heller is one of the lucky men to get an eight-hour trick. We always meet toward the end of the month, and if you fail to receive a notice from the secre- tary just drop him a postal, and he will furnish you with the date of meeting. News is scarce on account of no one sending any to the secretary. Send items to him and be will see that they get into the journal. Would like to have a write-up in every number. “Chris.” Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 917

1864 The Railroad Telegrapher. C., B. A Q. Ry. St. Joseph Division — Bro. Hayes, nights at Council Bluffs, is enjoy- ing a few days’ leave of absence. Bro. F. A. Arnold, days at Hamburg, is being relieved by S. M. Clark while he Is spending a well-earned vacation. Understand Bro. W. C. Ledgerwood, days at Langdon, has been thinking of going to Leaven- worth, days. Our old-time Bro. T. M. Hood, days at Me Paul, spent a few days in St. Joseph the first of the month. Bro. W. W. Womstaff, formerly nights at Ne- braska City Junction, is now doing the owl act at Hamburg, while C. L. Baird has assumed the trick at Nebraska City Junction, Bro. J. D. Hayes expects to resume work about October 28th. No new members on the north end this month. Looks bright for some new ones in the near fu- ture. Everybody get busy and write an item or two each day, or at least an item per week. This will make a showing in the journal each month. C. L. Baird has severed bis connection with the Rock Island to go back to the Santa Fe. Roy Haley, days at Curzons, transferred to us from Division 49. Bro. H. G. Henry and Bro. Hanley transferred from Division 31. Bro. J. E. McColloeh, from Nebraska City, nights, to Waldron, nights. Bro. C. E. Rosling, from the Wymore Division, the man who started the “new depot proposition” at Humboldt, is working as day telegrapher at Waldron. Hope he will keep the good work going. Bro. Vandlandingham, night man at Rushville, visited his cousin, Bro. McColloeh, nights at Wald- ron Sunday. Mr. E. A. More, night man at East Leaven- worth, just started telegraphing, after being in other business for several years. He used to be a charter member on the C. G. W., and is going to be w’ith us soon. Bro. R. G. Vincent, days at Clarinda, Iowa, is laying off on account of sickness, and is being re- lieved by Night Telegrapher Hougue, of that place. Hougue is a non, but has promised he will be with us next month. C. M. Privett, formerly day telegrapher at Tar- kio, Mo., drew Clearmont, Mo., on bulletin. O. D. Pierce, night man at Bigelow, Mo., drew the telegrapher’s position at Tarkio, Mo., on bulletin. Bro. R. B. Stewart, who has been at Clearmont, Mo., for the last two months, is laid up with a dis- located shoulder at his home at Union Star, Mo. He will be compelled to cut out ball playing. Bro. B. R. Newlon, at Fairfax, Mo., has suc- ceeded in having a helper put back there, after a four months’ trial of making a one-man station out of it. There is certainly plenty of work there for two men. On the night of September 28th all the agents on the Tarkio and Nodaway Valley branches were called into Clarinda, Iowa, where they held a meeting in regard to the over, short and damaged freight. Superintendent Willsie, Assistant Agent Armstrong, of St. Joseph, Mo., and Mr. F. L. Johnson, formerly L. F. A. at Chicago, were at the meeting. I think this will be a great help toward cutting down the over, short and damaged freight. Bro. W. D. Chinn has returned to work at Beverly, Mo., tower, after enjoying several weeks' vacation, Bro. J. R. Hainesworth, regular night man, relieving him while away, and Bro. Geo. H. McTague doing the owl act during this time. Understand Bro. J. M. Cash, at Waldron, is on the sick list. Mr. C. W. Acord, from the Grand Island, who is now doing the owl act at Iatan, says he is anxious to come in soon as he has served the required time. He has been telegraphing but two months. Bro. F. L. Stewart is doing the relief work as day telegrapher at “BO,” Weston, while Bro. Dick Faulconer is absent. Bro. H. G. Henry, a new arrival from the D. & R. G., at Green River, and a member of Division No. 49, Cert. 439, is doing the owl stunt at “BO.” Weston, Mo., and says, he likes it fine, with th: exception of dragging the U. S. mail three blocks each morning before breakfast. Cot. Omaha Division — Bro. Stasenka, operator at Auburn, relieved Bro. Haworth at Vesta for a few days, while Bro. Ha- worth relieved Bro. Zink, agent at Peru. Bro. Zink, agent at Peru, was relieved a few days to attend the funeral of his mother at Ster- ling. Bro. Zink has the sympathy of all in his sad bereavement. Ceet. 1653. Galesburg Division ( Quincy Branch ) — The new block machines are now in working order, and the boys are busy most of the time keeping up the block. Every office between Galesburg and Quincy is now a night office, and with only two or three exceptions, solid. The night man at Coatsburg, Mr. B. F. Little says he is going to be one of us after pay-day. Mr. E. C. Warnacut, who relieved Bro. FHke at Sand Cut for a few nights on account of sick- ness, says he will soon be with us. I understand there is a brother on the south end who is running a wholesale ham factory. Now. this kind of work will not do at all. I do not think such actions will be tolerated very much longer, and if the practice is not discontinued within a short time doubtless charges will be preferred. A hint to the wise is sufficient. There are still quite a number of the boys be- hind with dues. Get busy and get the matter straightened out, as we need your help. It’s not too late. Do it now. Don't put it off. Sit right down and make out a money order and send it in before you forget it. The local chairman wrote me saying there were a number of delinquents. I think he is framing up something good, and some- thing that will please all of us, from the way he speaks. Now it is very easy to get behind, which fact was brought forcibly to my mind today. I Digitized by c,ooQle

Page 918

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1865 generally pay assessments about five months in advance, but on going to the postoffice I found I was one month in arrears. It is needless to say I scrambled around, and have made a remittance to cover. Now watch this one thing, and keep it straight. It discourages our brother officers to look over the line and see the boys falling behind. ' It makes them feel as though the members were losing interest, and growing weak. Let’s have for the first item next month: “Quincy branch solid.” Every member pay up, and secure an application, or help some one else get one. Of course, there is not enough nons left for each to secure a new member, but we can double up on them. Bro. Malone, nights at Galesburg yards, re- turned from Michigan, where he was on a thirty- days’ lay off. He resumed duty on September 20th. Mr. Max Clarke relieved while Bro. Malone was in Michigan. Upon Bro. Malone’s return Mr. Clark left the service of the Burlington and went 'to St. Louis. Clark is up-to-date with the C. T. U. of A. Mr. Mercer, days at Galesburg yards, who has been sick for some time, relieved by Mr. Mc- Cleave. On the return of Mr. Mercer Mr. Mc- Cleave relieved the day telegrapher at Galesburg block office, “DS.” Mr. Harry Osbem, nights at Yates City. On account of the illness of Mr. Osbern’s mother, he was called to Chicago; relieved by Mr. I. A. Akers, of Camp Point. Mr. Akers promises that he will get in line soon. Bro. Parker, telegrapher at Ottumwa, passed over our division on the 2d inst., and advises that the Ottumwa Division is solid. Why can’t we get after the nons on the Galesburg Division and make her solid from stem to stern? Let us try. Bro. Chatman, nights at St. Augustine, relieved by Bro. Davis. Don’t know where Bro. Davis is from; anyhow, he holds an up-to-date. Bro. Chat- man, I “13,” is now on the Union Pacific at Paxton, Neb. I “13” we have a non, Mr. G. W. Hill, nights at Maquon; been there since last December. Boys, we will have to get after this fellow and explain the O. R. T. to him. Too bad he has not yet been able to realize what unionism is. Night offices opened at Fowler, La Prairie and Paloma the first of the month, but haven’t yet learned the names of the night telegraphers. Mr. Brown, nights at Barstow, relieved by Bro. Cunningham. I “13” Mr. Brown has gone to St. Louis to work for the St. Louis Terminal and at- tend medical college. Mr. Brown is an up-to-date C. T. U. of A., but a back number in the O. R. T. Looks bad to see him working for the St. Louis terminal. Bro. Wisehart, formerly nights at Saluda, is now working nights at Colmar. We noticed him in Galesburg on the 8th inst., taking in the Street Carnival. He was relieved at Saluda by Mr. Sam- ple who is a back number in the O. R. T. but promises to get up-to-date shortly. Our local chairman Bro. Foster advises that Bro. M. J. Johnson, our general chairman, was on our division recently looking over the situation. Bro. O. R. Martin, Colchester, days, was up to Chicago a couple of days this month watching the Cubs and Tigers battle for the championship of the world. “R. N.” Galesburg Division — After having made ourselves conspicuous by the absence of our communications for the past month or so, due to the failure of the boys to con- tribute items, we will try to demonstrate, to the best of our ability, that we are not always sleep- ing on the Stormy Route. Bro. W. T. McMillan, Seventeenth street block, Rock Island, was called to Neponset, 111., very suddenly during the past month, due to the serious illness of his mother; she later succumbing to the call of the Grim Reaper. Bro. McMillan has our most sincere sympathy in his sad bereavement. Mr. R. J. Stromquist, agent at Jo9lyn, layed off ten days last month; relieved by C. S. Kirkman. Joslyn recently opened nights, with Bro. H. C. Lane, from the Pennsylvania Line, doing the owl stunt. Am sorry that I am not better posted as to changes on the south end. H. W. K. Sheridan Division — The meeting held in Labor* Hall, October 20th, was the first held in several months. It was not opened until 9:40 p. m., on account of Bro. John- son, our general chairman, being on No. 42, which was late. Bros. Johnson and Meehan in the chairs. Several subjects were suggested, and mem- bers asked to write papers on them, to be read at the next meeting. The question of representing relay operators was discussed. Bro. Kesinger made the suggestion that each member of Division No. 130 contribute one day’s pay each month until March, in order to create a reserve fund. This met with the approval of all and Bro. Johnson promised to take the matter up on other divisions. The meeting was well attended, and every one was pleased. It has been decided to hold meetings monthly, at Gillette and Toluca, alternately, on account of the length of the division. We had a hard time getting the boys together, but finally appointed a committee to round them up. After cutting out the nons they finally cor- ralled the O. R. T. bunch and got started. There were a few ladies in attendance, which made it more interesting. In fact, we had the largest aggregation of operators in Sheridan that has been seen there for a long time, and I doubt if at any time in the past. We want a good attendance at all future meetings. The boys departed on trains Nos. 41 and 44. The train auditor on No. 44 said he had thirty-two D. Hs. Bro. B. H. Kling is back from a thirty day3' vacation to Clearmont days. Bro. Vaning is on the night shift, Bro. Marcotte resigning. A Mr. Bernhard to Verona nights, Bro. Gar- ieghty leaving the service. Digitized by ^.ooQle

Page 919

1866 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. U. G. Smith, from Nebraska, is agent at Alger. We realize the good Bro. Johnson is doing since being placed on the road. Grievances are now settled in one or two days, where before it required one or two months. May he continue the good work. We are advised that to date we have only nine nons and two delinquents on the Sheridan Divi- sion. It makes us about 95 per cent strong. We are the record division of the Burlington System. Let us keep that record. When a non goes to work, you go to work on him, and don't let op until you have his application. Bro. R. H. Seaton is keeping tab on the ballast trains south of Warland by phone until the tele- graph line is completed to Kerby. Bro. E. G. McPherson has charge of the new station at Kirby, where the Gebo coal mines are located. The stub line is being extended, and there are prospects of more trains on the branch. Mr. Mike Ryan, a former section foreman, is agent at Frannil. "13” his wife is an operator, but do not suppose they carry cards, as he is the man who boarded the "scabs” during the Northern Pacific strike. Operator Madison, from Moorcroft nights, quit the service. Bro. Duxbury, from Dewey, relieved him at Moorcroft. He was relieved by Operator Ness. Bro. R. E. Nelson is at Newcastle. Bro. R. C. Benner, a C. T. U. A. man, relieved Bro. Brown, days at Newcastle, Bro. Brown leav- ing the service. Thornton night office closed, and Bro. Brasfield returned to Croton. "13” scarcity of operators reason for closing the office. Bro. Carpenter returned from his vacation to his position, days at Gillette, Bro. Bennett taking the night trick, and Bro. Edsall going to Arvad and then to Deitz. Remember the time is getting close when our semi-annual dues are to be paid. Don't fail to pay early and avoid the rush. Don’t be behind and have a lot of delinquents on this division If it is impossible for you to raise that $5, write your local chairman about it. Everybody get to- gether and stay together. Div. Cox. LaCrosse Division — There are very few on the LaCrosse Division who have not paid their dues, hence a word to the aforesaid few, pay at once, don’t put it off, but do it today. If you haven’t got the money do as one man I solicited to join the Order did. I asked him to come in with the majority, and he very politely suggested that I lend him the price, which I did, and he is now a good member and doesn't let his dues lapse. It is bad to be behind when the Order has done so much for all of us. We don’t want any "backsliders” or nons on this division. Bro. Marks, formerly lamplight telegrapher at DeSoto, is now holding down the agency at Hager. Bro. Shultz is working the lonely trick at Bay City. Agent Kelly, at Nelson, has resigned as agent, and is now working the twilight at the same place; man who signs Hendricks is doing the agent stunt. Bro. Griffin and Bro. Yeager are doing the work at Lytle. "13” they are doing the housekeeper act. Bro. Duffy, at Stoddard, and Bro. Rogers, a local chairman at Victory, have had their hands full lately handling the work trains. Bro. Clark, at De Soto, has a helper, and Bro. Dyer, at Lynxville, has asked for and, we trust, will get one. On October 14 we were informed that our long- time chief dispatcher, Mr. F. C. Beisell, had been promoted to the office of trainmaster. Mr. Beisell has worn out the bottom of more than one cha-.r while chief, and has always been a man to appre- ciate good work. Mr. A. C. Millington, who has worked a trick for a long time, is our new chief. It is hoped that the boys will do their best to help his work along. Mr. P. H. Hough, our former trainmaster, goes to Beardstown as division superintendent. Bro. Battelia, who has been sick for three weeks at the Winona Hospital, is convalescing, and is going to his home at Sparta for a vacation. Bro. C. E. Dodge, days, north yards, is also on sick list. We hope for a speedy recovery. Mr. Arthur Cummings, who will be a member before long, has had the typhoid fever at his home in Dubuque for about ten weeks, but is now con- valescent. B. A. Howe, with an up-to-date C. T. U. A. card, is working days at "WO,” Winona, while Bro. Battelia is sick. Bro. Ragatz, nights East Winona, has been transferred to north yards nights, which is nearer home since his folks moved to St. Paul. He suc- ceeds Bro. Dodge. L. H. Wehrman is the new one at East Winona nights; new man in the business. Bro. Ned Brodt, of Savanna station days, and his lady friend were visitors in Dubuque lately, and took in "Brewster’s Millions.” Bro. Hemingway, having resigned the day job at "CU,” Savanna yards, the place is filled by Bro. Soldberg, Bro. Homes taking "RS” nights. Bro. Homes is now in the hospital at La Crosse with typhoid, but is recovering. Bro. Routt, from the Omaha, is relieving him. Mr. E. W. Jay, Savanna station nights, has his application blanks in and will be a good Indian before this is in print. All of the boys join in wishing Mr. J. P. Groff, formerly operator on "GO” wire in La Crostt, success in his new position as car distributer. La Crosse office raised to $80 per and eight hours’ work, with two operators added, which makes four there now. Mr. H. A. Worthington, wire chief at La Crosse, has just returned from a two weeks' vacation; relieved by wire chief from "HD,” St. Paul. Bro. B. C. Harrison was a Sunday visitor in Rock Island. He reports everyone lining up down Digitized by Google

Page 920

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1867 that way, and Bro. H. W. K. has agreed to make a showing for the Galesburg Division, “stormy line,” monthly, in the journal hereafter. One word more, BOOST. Don’t believe everything you see in the papers concerning the Commercial strike. Every telegrapher will please remember the name E. A. Noonan. He is a “scab” of the worst kind. He went out with the boys in Dubuque and accepted $36 benefits, qnd then went back and did the “scab” act. He is getting the cold shoul- der in Dubuque by people who were raised with him. He has changed his sine from “H” to “ON.” J. J. McLaughlin, who had a C. T. U. A. card, also received benefits from the C. T. U. A., and more than his share of the benefit game proceeds, is “scabbing” at the Postal. He was offered a job on the C., B. & Q., but complained of throat trouble, so went “scabbing.” William G. Sanderson, the combination dope* booze comedian “scab” at the Postal, went across the street and got helplessly drunk and was dis- charged, and McLaughlin took his place. Mr. James Donahue, with a C. T. U. A. card, is working Marcus days. Do your best and show them that we are worth more money. Boost $75 per and eight hours. Don’t forget the notes about the 15th of Novem- ber. “High pockets.” McCook Division — Bro. L. J. Meyers, Cambridge nights, is taking a short vacation, visiting his old home at Chilli- cothe, Iowa; relieved by B. Devinski, from Den- ver. Bro. E. B. Perry, Cambridge days, availed him- self of a brief vacation during September, to visit Denver and other Colorado points; relieved by Mr. W. R. Crooks. Understand Mr. Crooks has left the service. Bro. Cantrell, agent at St. Francis, takes Heart- well; relieved by Bro. F. L. Enlow. Bro. Jas. Boldman, Indianola, is contemplating a vacation if he can get relief. Bro. E. G. Carter, our local chairman, Naponee, just back from a twenty days’ vacation, visiting relatives at St. Louis and Illinois points; relieved by Bro. L. O. Nash, late from Wymore Division. Bro. Carl Ketler, Bloomington agency, to cash- ier, Minden. Understand Bro. C. R. Bauer, cash- ier at Minden, takes Bloomington agency. Bro. A. O. Bloom, agent at Mascot, away on honeymoon; relieved by A. V. Bloom, formerly night owl at Mascot. T. W. Threlkeld now doing the night stunt. What is the matter with the west end of this division? Appears to be nothing doing in way of news. Why not brace up and get in the game? There is certainly no good excuse why you should not. The way the necessaries of life are advanc- ing in price it appears that a as per cent increase would be in order. To keep both ends meeting is a rather difficult proposition. This should remind us that our suffering Com- mercial brothers would appreciate prompt assis- tance. Trust all of us have tendered them the financial assistance recently asked for. Div. Coa. W y more Division — Brothers, if you wish to see this division rep- resented in The Telegrapher you positively must come across with the items, as that is the only way the news can be gathered. Trust some of you will be awake by next month and make good. “SN,” Wymore, now boasts of a lady teleg- rapher. Believe her name is Lytle, and she is from the W. U. She is evidently making good on that job. Chas. Fuller, a late arrival from the Rock Isl- and, is holding down Humboldt, nights. Wliat about the card? Mr. Minnick, agent at DeWitt, has been on vacation; relieved by Bro. Wyatt. Mr. VanDusen, agent at Tobias, recently visit- ing in Illinois; relieved by Bro. A. F. Heskett. Bro. Hicks, recently transferred from agent at Fortesque to agent at DeWeese. “13” that Bro. Geo. Adkins, days at Edgar, gets Thompson permanently. Bro. Anderson, days at Chester, recently re- lieved Bro. Litty at Kcsterson, a few days. Bro. Dempsey has concluded that the old Bur- lington is good enough for him, and can now be found located at Lancaster. Bro. C. B. Beck, of Division No. 27, is doing the night stunt at Salem. We have failed to mention that W. J. Stro- hecker, agent at Bruning, joined us in August, and has been wearing the wreath and sounder since that time. Bro. Geo. Skinkle, recently transferred from agent at Hollis to agent at Palmyra. C. L. Bush, nights at DeWitt, and L. L. Hath- away, day telegrapher at Hebron, are among the latest to file applications. Bro. E. A. Cox, formerly nights at Table Rock, landed Hollis station on bulletin. Mr. F. B. Fuller, agent at Hanover, has been in California; Bro. Hartzel has been “it” during his absence. Bro. J. F. Ford, agent at Firth, and Bro. W. F. Ilgen, agent at Highland Station, have resigned and entered the train service on the Lincoln Divi- sion. Bro. A. E. Miller gets Firth and Bro. Jes- sup checked in permanently at Highland. Div. Cor. CARD OF THANKS. Through the medium of The Telegrapher we wish to express our thanks to the members of C. B. & Q. Division No. 130, who presented the beautiful floral piece, and for their expression of sympathy in our late bereavement, the loss of our mother. C. E. Zink. R. C Zink, Val. Zink, Jr. Digitized by t^ooQle

Page 921

1868 The Railroad Telegrapher. Lincoln Division — I wish to thank the brothers who so kindly helped with items this month. I certainly appre- ciate every note sent in, and Lincoln Division has the right kind of boys when they get started. All brother telegraphers be sure and show all the time you can on the “report to chief dis- patcher." We understand they are going to show the government that we really only do seven or eight hours' work a day. You know what this means to you, I or the other fellow who pounds brass for his living. Bear this in mind when mak- ing out the report. Bro. W. T. Starkey, of Utica, off on a ten-day vacation; relieved by Mr. J. M. Holden, of Hastings. Bro. W. J. Rau, agent at Louisville, is spending his vacation with his parents at Utica, Neb. New dispatcher on Lincoln-Ravena line, a Mr. Falkner, of Helena, Mont. Bro. Bourne, of Bradshaw, goes to Ravenna as agent. Operator Saul is holding down the day trick at Havelock, while Bro. Whitelock looks after the owl trick. Mr. Saul has the right spirit, and will be with us pay day. Bro. Goldsberry is doing the owl act at Waverly. Bro. James, of Archer, gets Bradshaw on bul- letin. Bro. Dill back from his vacation in Canada; relieving agent at Wolbach. Bro. Welsh, of Ravenna, gets Central City on bulletin. Bro. Edwards, of Dorchester, gets Wahoo on bulletin. Mr. Woodruff, of Ithica, gets Dorches- ter, and Mr. Bixby of Roggen, gets Ithaca. Bro. Downing, of Trumbull, at Sheridan, Wyo., a few days this week. Bro. Best, of Aurora, nights, again on duty after a ten days' absence, visiting in Omaha and Pleasant Dale. Bro. Harry Sheldon, cashier at Aurora, made a flying trip to Omaha one day this week. Bro. Murphy, agent at Aurora, visited with friends at Lincoln and Bradshaw this week. Bro. Miller, nights at Seward, spent Sunday at Germantown, the guest of Bro. F. F. Miles. Mr. McGrady, owl at Ravenna, is now a brother. Bro. Miles, of Germantown, visited at Seward between trains this week. Operator Woods now nights at Bradshaw. Bro. Johnson going to “DA," Omaha. Brothers, why can’t we have meetings once a month at Lincoln? This would bring us together, and would be beneficial to our Order. Think this over, and see if we can not arrange to have these meetings. Lincoln-Ravenna line boasts ot not hav- ing a student on the line. That sounds good. Wish Lincoln-Hastings line could say as much, but we can not. It is a hard matter to get broth- ers along the line to tell their names, where they are from, or where they belong. This is wrong. Any good, honest man is not ashamed to tell where he belongs, and his name. It is a local we are after, and not his personal affairs. Ravenna office now has a cashier. Bro. J. L Bloss, of Chicago, holding down same. Sister Hicks, division correspondent, takes two weeks' vacation this month, visiting Alliance, Den- ver and Raton, New Mexico. Ravenna telegraph office will be moved up stairs in the depot, and “maybe" they will have a carpet on the floor. Bro. Geo. Eckhardt is nursing a sore face. Bro. F. R. Hubble, local chairman, will take his vacation this month, visiting over the State and at Denver before his return to duty. Bro. Earl Denton, of Denton station, visited a few days this week at Crete. Bro. Tanner, of South Omaha, was a Crete vis- itor over Sunday. Shortage of operators still prevalent. Birks office closed half of the time. Miss Hamm, night operator at Bellnap, visited with friends at Denton this week. Lincoln Division handled Rock Island trains to Beatrice last week on account of a wreck on the Rock Island road, near Lincoln; kept dispatchers and operators busy for two days and nights. Bro. C. E. McMullen transferred from Pappio, nights, to Gretna, nighgts. Bro. Likewise, of Plattsmouth, nights, has re- signed from the service. Understand he is in Chicago. Mr. S. A. Mead, agent at La Platte, transferred to Keene, Neb., as agent; relieved by Mr. L. Kim- ball, of Nickerson. Bro. A. B. Hass, of Oreapolis, again on duty, after a week’s vacation. Mr. Geo. Trier, of Oreapolis, nights, transferred to Plattsmouth, nights; relieved by Bro. W. D. Glock. Mr. Trier will be one of us pay day. Mr. R. Kransgrill, of Pappio, nights, is another who will join our ranks pay day. Bro. Roy Miles, of Plattsmouth, days, resigned, and understand will move to California. Sorry to see this brother go. Mr. W. C. Woodlide, new night man at Birks, promises to make good pay day. Mr. J. Bowman, agent at Sutton, has resigned on account of failing health, and understand will move to Colorado. Bro. Welsh, from the Southern Pacific Railway, is a new night man at Harvard. Bro. O. L. Foster, of McCook Division, is new night operator at Sutton. Cot. Aurora Division — Bro. Wegener has resumed work at Western ave- nue tower, after an illness of nearly three weeks. Mr. Lane returned to Western avenue station after a week’s vacation; Bro. Montgomery, of Clyde, relieved him. Bro. Beardsley, from Kedzie avenue tower, has been working in Bro. Montgomery’s place at Clyde. He has returned to Kedzie avenue. He expects to lay off in the near future. Mr. Ruane, from the repair department, has been relieving Bro. Beardsley at “CG." Digitized by t^ooQle

Page 922

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1869 Bro. Brennan, from Pan Handle tower, had a few days off this week. Mr. Peters, from Clyde, doing the relief act. A meeting of the O. R. T. was held at Mendota, 111., October 19th, in charge of Local Chairman Bro. Todd. Bro. Johnson, general chairman, was unable to attend, being called to settle a grievance on the Ottumwa Division. Bro. Platt, from the Pan Handle tower, has had his vacation. Mr. Hagerty, agent at Clyde depot, is in the hos- pital to undergo an operation for appendicitis. Bro. L. W. Wicks, of Neponset, 111., attended the meeting at Mendota, 111., October 19th. Mr. Lymangood on days at Kedzie avenue this month. Bro. Filkins, of Montgomery, nights, took a day off October 12th; Bro. Kopa relieving him. Bro. E. M. Swanson, of Kewanee, III., attended the meeting at Mendota, 111. Bro. McNamara, agent at Plano, is talking about a change. At present have not learned what it is. Bro. Pratt, agent at Sandwich, spent the after- noon in Chicago October 8th. Bro. Ranger attended the meeting at Mendota, 111. Bro. Bob Brundage, agent at Somonaul, took an afternoon off and went to Chicago. Bro. Sexton, agent at Leland, was an eastbound passenger last Sunday, October 13th. Bro. Nelson, agent at Montgomery, called on Aurora friends last week. Bro. C. E. Hade, of Malden, 111., was one of the boys who attended the meeting at Mendota, 111. Bro. Johnson is doing the telegraphing at Mont- gomery, and is ranked as a helper. This certainly will have to be looked after. He gets an operator’s pay, but they call him the helper so he will have to take care of the switch lights. Bro. Ranger, who has been working for the C., R. I. & P. R. R. at Guymon, Okla., returned home Saturday, October 12th. Bro. Kebler, of Zearing, attended the meeting October 19th. Bro. Ed. Shimel, formerly at Kewanee freight house, is now holding Shabbona, days. Mr. King is doing the wire work at Kewanee freight house. The block cabin at County Line, between Kawa- nee and Neponset, was put in commission October 13th. Bro. L. L. Henderson, from the Southern Pacific, Division 53, is the day man. Ray Ness, from Oswego, 111., working the night trick. Un- derstand Mr. Ness has his application papers in. Bro. Butler, of Wyanet, arrived at the meeting on the 19th too late to take part in same. Mr. J. J. Lord and C. W. Piper, of Galva tower, have been taking vacations. Bro. Hedberg, of Galva station, relieving them. Block cabin at Sadlers, between Kewanee and Galva, was put in commission October 18th. Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Fortey, of Chicago local C. T. U. A., are the force at this office. We are somewhat overstocked at present with promises from non-members. Isn’t it about time you were making them good? We can’t cash your moral support. Don’t forget to send in a few news items each month to the local chairman or his assistant. We can’t get a good write-up each month without your assistance. This means you. Bro. C. A. Johnson, of Montgomery, 111., at- tended the meeting at Mendota, 111., October 19th. Bro. Ranger, of Sandwich, 111., is now working extra at Plymouth, 111., on the Galesburg Division. Brp. Russell and wife, of Downers Grove, 111., have returned from their vacation, having spent the same at Denver and Colorado Springs. Some time ago a rumor was circulated that W. G. Davis was working on the “Katy” during the strike on that road. This report is untrue, as Mr. Davis has never worked for any roads other than the C., B. & Q. and the Chicago & Alton, and the local chairman can vouch for same. Mr. Davis is now working at Altona, 111. E. F. Todd, Local Chairman. Alliance Division — Bro. C. E. Perrin, agent at Custer for a number of years, has left the service, and has entered one of the banks at Custer, S. D., as cashier. Bro. Perrin has been with the company for a number of years, and had a standing with the auditing department that most of us would appreciate very much. He has the good wishes of all the boys on the Alliance Division. Bro. M. J. Trego, agent at Litchfield, Neb., has accepted a position on the Sheridan Division as agent. Litchfield is a very heavy station for one man, and is one of the stations that should have an operator, as one man can not do the work. This is perhaps the reason why Bro. Trego re- signed. Two brother C. T. U. A. men are doing the necessary at Litchfield, Neb., while the place is on bulletin. We learned that Bro. C. O. Jones, agent at Whitman, Neb., has landed it on bulletin. Bro. F. Doolittle, nights at Anselmo, Neb., has just returned from a two weeks’ vacation, which was spent with old friends out on the Northwest- ern. He was relieved by C. T. U. A. Bro. L. M. Davis, who has a big Kinkaider -near that station. Bro. H. P. Fagan, at Anselmo, Neb., as extra agent, relieving General Chairman Bro. M. J. Johnson. Understand Bro. Johnson expects to move out of the depot as soon as he can find a place to move. Bro. Ed. Powell, day operator at Broken Bow, Neb., is off on a vacation; relieved by Bro. J. W. Thompson, of Mason, Neb. Bro. R. V. Cox, day operator at Crawford, Neb., lately returned from his annual vacation, which was spent in Ohio, New York and other Eastern States. Bro. S. H. Neavill, agent at Merna, Neb., has just returned from a short vacation. He was re- lieved by the night operator who has been working nights for some time at that place. Ex-Bro. L. H. Brown, day operator at Hecla. Neb., has been laying of a few days on account of having no night man, and had to work day and night for a week or more. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1870 The Railroad Telegrapher. H. L. Ormsby, agent at Broken Bow, Neb., was at one time a member, so the story goes, but has fallen by the wayside. He is getting exactly $16.50 more per month than he did previous to the time the organization commenced its work for him. Bro. W. J. Hoback, agent at Hazard, Neb., is on a vacation for a month. On the eve of his departure for the East the depot at Hazard was set on fire by a passing train and he barely es- caped burning up by jumping from a window. He lost all his belongings, besides a considerable amount of money, nothing in the depot being saved. He is being relieved by Bro. B. L. Liv- ingston, one of our rustling extra agents. Bro. C. F. Triplett, one of our “true blues,** and by the way, senior extra agent on the division, relieved the agent at Hot Springs, S. Dak., for a month or two. He is now relieving at Custer, S. Dak., while the station is on bulletin. There are so many new night men on the divi- sion that we can not keep pace with them; nearly every one is a good C. T. U. A. man. All but two “owls’* between Alliance and Ravenna are C. T. U. A. men. Let the local chairman get busy and line them up in our Order, that is where they belong. Why can we not have a good assistant local chairman on the west end? We notice some broth- ers working beside nons, and they do not know it. Can’t we interest ourselves in the Order, and not expect some of our officers to do it all. Why not each of us try to get an application? It is easy to do. Can any one answer this: Why can not the Burlington keep men on the Alliance, Sterling and Sheridan Divisions? There is a shortage all over the system, but it is more noticeable there. There is only one answer, and that is low wages. When the wages are raised in proportion to the increase in living, it will be easy to keep men, but not until then. Is it not best to pay telegraphers what they are worth? They have been the most deserving and the least paid. Unless a substantial increase is made soon a great number of our best men will leave the service for better and more desirable positions, positions that will permit men to live a more congenial life. We are all asking about the eight-hour law, will it take effect? Well, I should say, yes; why not? Practically speaking, all other classes arc working eight hours; we occupy the most respon- sible positions, why should we work more? Life depends on our every movement; we must not err, the eight-hour law is the solution of the problem. Why are not some of the good stations on the Burlington offered to some of the Alliance Divi- sion men? It seems that when there are any plums to be had our officials give them to men from other divisions or off foreign roads. This is the right kind of judgment to use if it is de- sired to drive men away, but if we are to get a square deal it is not. Why not have these larger offices in the schedule and have them bulletined, so deserving men can have a show for some of the cream, and not be forced to survive on skimmed milk or sour milk. Let us have our committee look into this. Let us all get to work and get Alliance Division back to its old standard. We have been asleep too long. Carr. Sterling Division — Every “job” in America should pay an Ameri- can wage, such as would raise and educate an American family with enough to assure our old age in peace and plenty. How can we avoid “race suicide” when so many positions only pay enough to support one. Every such position is un-American. Are you doing your part to make things better for yourself and your family? Bro. Fry, formerly of the Lincoln Division, is doing the owl act at Sterling yard office. Bro. Broughton, of Venango, has just com- pleted his tenth year at that place, and we hope he may spend many more useful years with us. Bro. L. H. Martin is now acting agent at Hax- tun during the absence of Bro. Banister. Bro. Martin was formerly cashier at Bridgeport. We are glad to welcome a few new members this month. Each new man to come on the division, it seems, is an addition to our organized strength. He either holds an “up-to-date” when he comes among us, or secures one as soon as he lands on the division. This is as it should be. Boys, let us not be deceived into thinking that we are doing well, just because our necktie may outshine that of our farm boy friend. The years roll by and the farmer lad owns bis home, much land and live stock, and an abundance of good health — each one of these possessions helping to add more to his wealth. While the poor teleg- rapher working every hour of the day and every day of the week, often loses his health in the delusive pursuit of wealth, finding at last he has only made a bare living. Every laborer is entitled to robust health and a competency in his old age. As we go along are you getting yours? I recently met a flockmaster who, ten years ago, was herding sheep, and when I told him my wages he looked at me with that same look of ' compassion I might bestow on a beggar, telling me how he got his last “hand out.’’ The flockmaster said he figured on clearing mote cash in one trade than I could make in a year. Boys, some of you are too young to know your worth, and by the time you find it out you arc too old for other business. Wake up and organ- ize. Get to work, and better conditions will result Every American knows we should have Sunday rest and wages that will enable us to lay up some- thing for a rainy day and old age, besides raising and educating a happy family in a healthy man- ner. Cut out all idea of “boozing,” make yourself indispensable to your employer, study every means to lighten your work and increase the revenue of the company, join the order of your craft, and point the way to success to any stumbling non you may meet. “73” to all. J. T. Maddox. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1871 Wisconsin Central Ry. Fourth District — The following names have been reported since the last issue as having placed their applications, and are now entitled to be called brothers: Frank Carey, P. J. Temby, J. E. Van Alstine and L Heinkel, also Bro. Einsigncr reports another new member, but forgot to mention his name, which, by the way, is not very bad for one month on this end. No report from the south end. What's the matter, brothers of the south, get some new mem- bers and send us lists of their names. Bro. Hunt, of Abbotsford yard office, is talcing a vacation; relieved by Bro. Taylor, of Hoyt, who in turn was relieved by Bro. Semerau, the night owl, and Hoyt nights, closed for the season. Bro. Carr, who had been woilcing the night shift at Abbotsford yard, went on days so that Bro. Taylor could get full benefit of the sleepy hours. Bro. Cowen, still at Abbotsford, dispatcher’s office, although the place was on the bulletin, and some of the older brothers had a chance for it if they wished. Bro. Wesenberg, of Chelsea, visited relatives at Campbellsport, Sunday the 6th, Bro. Andersou, the night owl, handling the station for the day. Mr. Swindt, agent at Prentice, has left the north end, going to the Southern Division to work at Neenah as operator. Hope the boys on that division will soon convert him. Mr. Elwell, for- merly of Ore yard nights, holding down Prentice temporarily. Mr. Oscar Oden, nights at Phillips, in place of Mr. Andy Carlson. Understand Bro. Roen, of Fi- field, has bid in Owens, and Fi field will be on the bulletin. Bro. Frank Carrey relieved Bro. Harry Oden, nights at Mellen. Bro. Oden is reported as work- ing at Amery, Wis., on the Soo. Bro. C. W. Cheever, at Marengo, bid for Pren- tice, and will very likely get it, putting Marengo on the bulletin. Mr. Andy Carlson, formerly of Phillips, now relieving Bro. Eddick, of Ashland nights, who is visiting with friends and relatives at Milwaukee. Account of Mr. Brigham’s ill-health and ad- vanced age, he has gone to the hospital at Ash- land, and the station at White River is closed for the present. At present Mr. Joe Rindt is holding down the agency at Upson, Bro. Pierson being called to his home at Ogema, on account of the serious illness of his mother. Bro. Ramberg, agent at Somerset, has been tak- ing a month’s vacation, and it was reported that he was married, but can’t say how true it is. Bro. Finegan, owl of Somerset, acting agent during the absence of Bro. Ramberg, and the night stunt was handled by a Mr. Hunt, who is anxious to come in soon as old enough in the service. Bro. Finegan went to Duluth Junction, after be- ing relieved by Bro. Ramberg. Can’t say who will get the night job there. Bro. Riddebough, of Sheridan, has resigned and left the service. Was relieved by Mr. Tingley, who has the blanks and will be up-to-date soon. Bro. Root, of South Oshkosh, is taking a vaca- tion for a few days; relieved by Bro. Chapman. Our local chairman, Bro. Watts, took a trip to Stevens’ Point one Sunday between trains to do a little missionary work. Mr. Monroe, the printer at Cadott, who is an old-time operator, was at Gladstone a few days, relieving Bro. Johnson, who took a vacation. At present Bro. Johnston holds membership in the C. & N. W. Division, but expects to transfer to our division the first of January. New man at Owen by the name of Elmer An- derson, from Chippewa Falls. Says he will make good as soon as old enough. That’s the way to talk and then live up to it. Bro. Turner, of Owen nights, relieved Bro* Shelp, of Irvine nights, who has left the service. Did not learn where Bro. Shelp is going. This is a good chance for Bro. Turner, as it puts him at home. Another new member is Bro. Mordant, who went to work at Boom Island a short time ago on the night shift. Bro. Nelson is taking a two months' vacation, and is relieved by Bro. Lake. While away he expects to visit in New York, Vermont, and other points in the East. Bro. Clark, of Boyceville, made a trip to St. Paul not long ago for a day’s recreation. Bro. Hoffman, after being relieved by Bro- Andre, at Glcnwood nights, went to Eau Claire to relieve Bro. Skoag, who is on vacation. The provision in our schedule regarding bulle- tins is being complied with, which fact is gratify- ing to most of the boys. Another important change, which takes place shortly, in reference to our duties, is the removing from our hands the care of switch lamps. This is a good thing, boys, and I, for one, am glad of it; don’t know how the section men like it The brothers on the south end should get busy and hold a meeting down there. If they don’t we will be having two to their one before they know it. I would request that any brothers sending me items use the name of the station in full, as there are some calls on the system that I am not famil- iar with, and office calls should not be used in write-ups. S. L. Brunelle, A. L. C. and Cor. Southern Division, First District — Bro. W. L. Rich has resumed work at Rocke- feller after being absent for some time. Bro. M. A. Wagner, of Gray’s Lake, who lias also been having a vacation of several weeks, has taken his old place again, and Bro. C. J. Wagner, who acted as relief agent, has taken his old place as night owl at that point. Bro. John Weber, formerly agent at Lamira, has been appointed as permanent agent at Plainfield, and has already moved and settled down. Bro. Weber acted as train auditor for some time, but as that office has been discontinued, he has again returned to station work. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1872 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Cramer, formerly agent at Colgate, is now located permanently at Coloma, on the Portage branch. We would, ask that every brother on the south end or Southern Division, send me at least one item, and as many more as you can. If you know of any changes, any vacancies, any new brothers coming on our line, just let your local chairman have the information, and don’t wait for some one else to do it, or think some one else has al- ready done so. Your local chairman has no way of finding out these things, nor knowing if you have any grievances unless you speak up and make yourself known. Now, it’s up to you, fellows, and if we don’t hear from you we can not reasonably be expected to know much about your whereabouts or your doings. “13” Bro. Hess, of Des Plaines, is going to take Bro. Walsh’s place at Trevor. Bro. Walsh has resigned and is going to Oklahoma on the C., R. I. & P. Bro. Arends, of Wheeling, has been to North Fond du Lac for a few days, relieving Bro. Bag- ley, who has been granted leave of absence for ten days, and is visiting his former home at Mukwonago. Bro. Patterson, Byron nights, has been enjoying a vacation at his home in Lake Beulah. Don't know who is relieving him. Bro. Watts, agent at Lomira, took a flying trip up the line a few weeks ago on Sunday. At the recent smash-up at Marsh, Bro. P. Buchen did the telegraphing, but did not seem to be very much taken with such close-to-nature-open- air business. The wreck was caused by conductor or engineer on No. 2 9 misunderstanding orders and running into No. 2. No. 2 9 had until 6:05 p. m. to make Theresa against No. 2, but under- stood the order to read 6:50 p. m. instead. Had until 6:10 p. m. at Marsh, but must have passed there about 6:12 p. m. and crashed into No. 2, something over a mile beyond Marsh. No one seriously injured, although both trains were run- ning at full speed. Engine crews jumped and escaped injury by landing in the water. Bro. Barber, of Allenton, has returned to work after about nine weeks’ vacation. He was relieved by Bro. McDonald, of Vernon nights, who went from Allenton to Grand Rapids for a few days, but has now been checked in as agent at Valdcrs. Bro. McDonald was relieved by a Mr. C. O. Schae- fer, from the C., M. & St. P., at Racine, who has now returned to Racine again, to attend the High School. Bro. Neubecker, formerly of “FVV,” on the south end, is permanently located at Waukesha days, and since leaving dispatcher’s office at Fond du Lac has taken unto himself a life partner. Understand Bro. Phillipi is relieving Mr. Mc- Millan, at Unity, while he is touring Canada. We are glad to report the following brothers on our side since the schedule took effect: Bro. J. H. Burns, of Prairie View; Bro. W. R. Thompson, Waukesha; Bro. E. C. Lawyer, Wheeling; Bro. M. S. Butler, Hamilton, and Bro. B. A. Bagley, North Fond du Lac. Bro. Butler has been off for some time sick, but he is expected to resume duties soon again. Now, brothers, excepting the bulletined positions. I have given you all the news in my possession, and if this isn’t enough or if you have been omitted, just remember that you didn't give us any assistance, but don’t forget to come next time, sure. Wheeling, North Fond du Lac, Van Dyne and Medina agencies are now bulletined. Ask for them if you see any thing to your liking. We understand there are a few of the striking brothers from the commercial telegraphers now in our service. Now, before closing, we would enjoin every brother to be careful’ and prompt in handling the company’s business. Pay close attention to the wires and answer your call. Answer all corre- spondence as soon as you can and don’t lay it aside and forget about it, and be civil; courteous and reasonable when dealing with the public, and let us endeavor to prove to the company that the Order of Railroad Telegraphers means “some- thing good,’’ and that wherever an O. R. T. man is employed the company may know that they have a man who will attend strictly to business and always be found looking after the interests of the company. The O. R. T. will uphold you in all that is just and reasonable, and if your service for the rail- road company is what it should be, you will have no difficulty in getting your rights. First, last and for all times, boys, let us hear from you regularly. It’s no fault of ours if things don’t go right with you when you are silent. Cor. D., T. & I. R. R. I see very few letters in the journal from the boys on the D., T. & I. Railway. This is regret- table, and if for no other reason, our boys should write and express their appreciation of the hercu- lean efforts of our worthy committee, for we have an excellent committee, and it is up to us to show them that we appreciate their work, as each indi- vidual has a duty to perform who is responsible to a certain extent, for the success of our com- mittee, and there is no better way of doing than to stand to their backs and give them all your support. We are proud of the brotherhood, both as a social organization and as a business proposition. It acts as a lever to adjudicate differences, and often prevents dismissals on account of spite. Therefore let us not be taken unawares. Do not lay down upon your laurels or cast aside any ad- vantage that has been given, but let us keep thor- oughly organized, and by all means make an at- tempt to attend to our meetings. If you join the Order and never attend the meetings, or never speak an encouraging word to the nons of your acquaintance, you can not rea- sonably expect to derive much benefit frem your Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1873 membership in the organization, but if you will take an interest in the organization and help to push the work, satisfactory results are bound to follow. Get busy and round up the straggling nons, and get them in our “ranks.” To a few “knockers” who have wielded their hammers so gracefully, and who want something for nothing, throw away your hammers, and help us get what we all need. Don’t be unreasonable. You could not expect to get everything in our first schedule, but look out for the next one, and give all your support to the committee. Some think when they have paid their dues, they have done their full duty to the O. R. T. However, they have “another think coming.” If you are working with a non, get his application. I think if we should be a little more sociable, all pull together, and attend our meetings, we would then make more progress in our next schedule, which will be under way in a month or so. Let us have more interest, and more business at our next meeting. Do our business in a business way, so it will prove a success in every detail. It is just as much for your interest to attend our next meet- ing as it is for any of the rest. Just one more “punch” and then I am done: Remember our motto: “No cards, no favors,” and try to land the nons in our ranks so they will not be looked upon as getting something for nothing. . “G. W.” Ann Arbor R. R. Bro. H. J. Tobin, our former general chairman, and one of our most active workers in the last committee on schedule, has left the service of the Ann Arbor, and has gone to the Southern Pacific, at San Francisco, in a general office. A Mr. Holcomb, formerly with the W. & L. E., has been appointed to fill the place vacated by Bro. Tobin as third trick dispatcher. He is not in the fold at present, but we want to get busy and land him before spring, and be solid when the fourth of March comes. I understand that an election is to be held in the near future to elect a local and a general chairman to take the place of Bros. Tobin and Randolph. I- think that Bro. C. B. Adams, who is local chairman pro tern., is about as good a can- didate as we could find on the line for the posi tion that he is now filling. Let us see to it that we get our rights when we bid for a position that is up for bids, and in re- turn let us live up to our agreement to the letter. Bro. Suydam, first trick at Hallet, who has been sick for some time, reported for work, but was unable to stand it, and has resigned, and will enter the service at some place where the strain is not so great. His position is being filled by Mr. E. E. Heisy, a C. T. U. of A. man, who went out with the strikers at Chicago. Bro. Mattis, formerly third trick at Boulevard, has resigned. It is said he is going to settle down in Howell and work in his pa’s store. He is re- lieved by a Mr. Gunn until the position is opened for bids. Bro. Manor, of “MA,” Ann Arbor, has been on the sick list for a week or two, but is again at work. He was relieved by Mr. E. L. Walker, who worked there several years ago, before he went into the train service. “Dad” is a B. of R. T., and O. K. A new man showed up at “MA,” Ann Arbor, nights, taking the place of Mr. E. D. Whitsell, who left the service, but he only stayed two nights. Bro. Manor is called on to work double until the position is filled. Bro. Bohne, of Federman, nights, is off sick; being relieved by a new man, whose name I have been unable to learn. Bro. G. E. Cooper, formerly of Dundee, days, has received “FS,” Alma, on bid; relieving Bro. J. W. McNamee, who returned to Lakeland. I am informed that Bro. Boylan, formerly of “BR,” Ann Arbor, has been assigned the posi- tion as operator at “DI,” Owosso. Not b“ing ready for the second operator at “A,” Toledo, there has not been any assignment made as yet. Position at Ithaca, days, is now bulletined. Can not say where Bro. Renwick has gone. Telegrapher Carr, formerly of “CD,” Cadillac, has left the service to accept work on the G. N. He is relieved by Bro. McMullin, formerly at Toledo stock yards, who went out at that place at the time of the commercial telegraphers’ strike. I understand a transfer is to be made at Yuma in the near future, but can not say who will re- lieve Bro. Reynolds, or where he goes. A number of the members on this line are very anxious that we have a meeting, and I would like very much to hive our local chairman call one for some time in the near future. I think that I am safe in saying that there will be a good at- tendance, and if it is possible to have Bro. Camp- bell with us, it would do every one concerned a great deal of good. Your correspondent has his eye on a couple of nons up the line, and has already got the promise of their papers, to send in in time to get a card for the first term of the coming year. Mr. Non, “don’t you think it a shame to take the money” that you are getting for the overtime that you are working, when you do not contribute to help get more improvement in working condi- tions? There has been a night helper allowed at “CD” who takes care of the baggage and mail, which formerly fell to the operator. Cadillac was looked upon as a “fierce” job, but it ought to be among the best of them now. The position of operator at Dundee, days, has not as yet been bulletined, and has been open for some time. This is the relay office for Detroit business, and is a pretty hot job, and takes a good man. Third trick at both Hallet and Boulevard should be on the bulletin board soon, also. “R. A.” Digitized by c.ooQle

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1874 The Railroad Telegrapher. Chicago & Northwestern R. R. Madison Division — Another summer has passed, and most of us have had our vacation. It was a hard matter to get relieved, as the low wages paid have no great attraction to the many telegraphers engaged in other avocations. After waiting three months your correspondent got his vacation. Part of it he spent on a trip West as far as the “Black Hills,” South Dakota. At Chadron, Neb., we met Mr. Joe Brown, an old Madison Division man, who formerly worked at Evansville and North Yards. He is working a trick in dispatcher's office, and sends his “73” to the boys on the Madison Division. The new line was in a pretty fair shape, and some of the depots were finished, others under construction; the agents are leaving their box-car offices without regrets. Brothers, if you want to enjoy an inexpensive trip, get your pass to the Hot Springs, South Dakota, then take the B. & M. to Lead. Spend a few days in the Black Hills, and one or more in the “Bad Lands” of South Dakota, and you will not regret it. We have found that twelve hours and upward per day, 365 days a year, is injurious to our health, as well as our moral, spiritual and intel- lectual welfare. Now is the time to round up the few scattering nons, and where there are so many, there are gen- erally a few backsliders. Let’s get after them like they do sinners at camp meeting. Many cases are simply carelessness. It is better that one of these be saved than a hundred telegraphers be made to suffer. September 26th was the last meeting of Schnei- der’s Lodge. Bro. Troy, general chairman, was present and gave the brothers some fatherly advice. Through some misunderstanding, all who came to Madison to attend did not meet, but became scattered. Bro. Corcoran, at tower “EA,” days, took in the sights around Chicago and Omaha. Bro. M. M. Zeches relieved him. Bro. W. P. Joyce, who hails from Janesville, is holding down tower “EA,” nights. He has been with the S. P. in Texas, and holds a Grand Di- vision card. Bro. Barnhart is taking his vacation. Bro. J. A. Richardson doing the stunts nights at Caledo- nia meanwhile. Bro. Tesky relieved Bro. Richardson at tower “DO,” nights. Bro. Zeches went to Leyden, nights, from “EA” to relieve Bro. Eberts, who got Lavalle, nights, on bulletin. Bro. H. D. Adams, agent at Caledonia, attended the agents’ meeting at La Crosse. Bro. W. F. Briggs, agent at Roscoe, has re.-igned and bought ex- Bro. Harding's interest in the store at Caledonia. Bro. Harding, formerly a Madison Division man, is going to Colorado for his health, but does not intend to follow telegraphing. Mr. D. R. Roach acted as agent at Roscoe while on bulletin. Understand Bro. J. E. Dolbier got that station on bulletin. Roach bid in Sullivan, nights,* and may Bro. Williamson lead him in the right way, for he b unconverted, and has no card. Bro. Luclcfield had charge of Afton while B rt>. Seales was enjoying his trip to Madison, and C. W. Moore (can not say if a brother) relieved Bro. Luckfield, nights at Afton. Bro. A. L. Crump bid in Kendalls on bulletin, and Bro. Main relieved him as agent at Footville while on bulletin. Bro. J. F. Gannon has resumed his duties as agent at Mendota. He took in the sights in the “Rockies” on his “honeymoon” trip. Bro. A. G. Thomas, who had charge of the sta- tion, went to Calhoun to relieve Bro. C. P. Kellogg as agent. Bro. Teskey relieved Bro. C. Hansen at Monona yard, “M,” days, going to tower “DO,” nights when Hansen resumed work. Bro. G. E. White concluded twelve hours at night at Merrimac, “BR;” working the interlocking plant was too strenuous, so returned to his old trade as a barber. Bro. P. W. Avery had charge of tower “BR,” nights, while same was on bulletin. Telegrapher J. H. Meyer relieved him at Devil's Lake, nights. Bro.* Fred Tisher received tower “BR” on bulle- tin. Bro. S. C. Potter took a few days’ vacation, and visited relatives at Viroqua; was relieved at Mer- rimac, “Z,” days, by Bro. Tisher, who was relieved nights by Telegrapher A. Steinhof, who has the pa- pers filled out and will have a card in the near future. . Bro. H. R. Pigg enjoyed the sights of Chicago and a visit with his folks at home recently. Bro. Potter relieved him at Merrimac, “BR,” days. Bro. R. D. Wood, agent at Merrimac, is enjoy- ing a short relief from his railroad troubles. Bro. F. H. Main is relieving him. Bro. P. J. Eberts is working nights at Summit while it is on bulletin. Bro. W. Langenham, from North Freedom, nights, is going to assume the troubles at Baraboo, “BY” office, while Bro. Keeffe takes a well-earned vacation. Bro. Barnhart, from Caledonia, nights, bid in Baraboo, “BY,” on bulletin. Bro. Eisner is now working side wire in general office, Baraboo. Bro. J. M. Miller is relieving Bro. Eisner at Madison, nights. Bro. E. S. Durkoff bid in Jefferson Junction, nights, on last bulletin. Mr. W. T. Copeland has resumed his duties as agent at Jefferson Junction, after an extended va- cation. Mr. T. H. Hienerl, who relieved him, has resumed duty as cashier at Baraboo. Bro. A. C. Matzek is back again at his duties as agent at Wales. Bro. Barnhart, while enjoying a few days with his parents at Dousman, relieved Bro. Schneider, Digitized by c,ooole

Page 928

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1875 local chairman, as agent. Bro. Schneider going to Mliwaukee to enjoy a ride on the street cars. Telegrapher Retzleff put in a few nights at Mendota until Bro. Duprey took charge. Bro. J. J. Schleck relieved the agent at Galena for a few days. Bro. Webster is enjoying himself blocking trains nights at Dane. Bro. C. B. Adams is working the cross line trick, days, in dispatcher's office, Baraboo, and Bro. Glencole, from the Ashland Division, is working one of the north end tricks. We Sre in receipt of a letter from Bro. Frank L. Crevits, who writes that he never recovered from the spell of sickness he had while working in the dispatcher’s office at Baraboo. It developed into tuberculosis, and the doctors advised him to go West. Before leaving he married Miss Flor- ence M. Burns, of Trempealeau, and they are now keeping house at East Las Vegas, New Mex- ico, where he finds relief, and we hope will ulti- mately recover. He sends his regards to the brothers through your correspondent, and would like to hear from all of them. Bro. C. O. Butler, Monono yard, 44FR,” nights, has resigned, and a C. T. U. of A., Bro. Benny, is holding it down at present. Bro. C. C. Hunners relieved Bro. F. E. Warner at Baraboo, 44 B” office, while Bro. Warner was off on account of the illness and death of his grand- mother. Div. Cor. Iowa Division — There has been a great many changes on this division in the last few months; in positions, we mean, and hope that a few of the old hardshell nons have experienced a change in heart, and have come across with the needful that entitles them to a card, and the respect of their fellowmen. Local Chairman Harrington made a trip up the Midland Branch some time ago to gather in a few of these misguided mortals, but as yet we have not heard what success he had. We hope his trip was not altogether barren of good results, as there are several good men on this line that were outside the fold. Bro. A. H. Schmidt has been assigned to Lyons, Iowa agency, vice Grant Brczer. Bro. F. W. Mathews, freight agent at Ames, vice Bro. A. G. Nordstrom. W. N. Walters, agent at Story City, vice A. H. Schmidt. R. Seamonds, agent at Scranton, vice F. W. Mathews. W. C. Houts, agent at Long Point, vice E. W. Stoecker, who goes to Comanche, nights. R. D. Buckley from Comanche, nights, to Arion interlocker, nights. J. O. Randall from Boone, dispatcher’s office, to Maquoketa, day operator. R. M. Truesdale from West Side, nights, to Council Bluffs yards, days. F. E. Walters got tower 44A,” Boone; Doc Cen- ter going to Polk City Junction. C. Pleshek bid in West Side, nights, on last bulletin. Several good positions open for bids on last bulletin, including day operator at Boone, dis- patcher’s office at Dunlap, day operator at Mar- shalltown, night operator at Grand Junction, day interlocker at Beaver, agent and several night offices. Bro. Ira Kempkes was on the sick list in Sep- tember, and not able to attend last meeting. Bro. . Harrington also unable to attend on account of other business. Bro. Chet Caldwell, 44DI” tower, Dewitt, on vacation; Milo P. Richardson relieving him. Coa. IV is con sin Division News — Our local chairman was off for a few days last month on account of sickness. Bro. Herman, from West Bend, did the relief work. Bro. Trin- with had to go to West Bend and work nights on account of no men. Jackson, nights, being closed for the time being. Bro. H. H. Gotsleben left the Wisconsin Divi- sion to work as night operator at Stambaugh, Mich. Mr. Cammack is holding down Bain Junction, nights, at present; J. L. Vail being sent to Allis to work nights. Bro. C. King is working a split trick at Pleasant Prairie, from noon until midnight; the office being closed from midnight until 7 a. m. Bro. W. P. Livezey, of Woodworth, took a month’s vacation, visiting in Iowa; being relieved by Mr. Woodbury. Bro. C. H. Seaman, agent at Salem, is taking several weeks’ vacation; being relieved by Night Operator Stocker, who, in turn, is being relieved by Mr. Bruneau. The agency at Genoa Junction is being handled by Mr. M. K. Jones. Bro. John Mages taking Glencoe on the last bulletin. There are but a few that are back in paying their dues for the current' term on the Wisconsin Division, and I am glad that the boys take the good advice given at our meetings. It does not cost any more to pay this month than by putting it off from one pay day to the other, and the first thing you know you will be out, and might be the loser. Be sure that your family is protected. We have but a few more weeks to toil twelve hours in the State of Wisconsin, when we will be governed by the eight-hour law, and we will have to figure on a revised schedule. Let us get one that will be a hummer. There are a lot of men coming from other divi- sions who claim that they belong, and are in good standing. When you hear of such a man, notify your local chairman, and he will%have him trans- ferred to our division. Ceet. 66. Northern Wisconsin Division — A. C. Lary, of Appleton nights, has returned to work, after spending the past month at his home in Ohio. Digitized by t^ooQle

Page 929

1876 The Railroad Telegrapher, Bro. J. O. Sund, now doing relief work at Ft. Atkinson nights; Bro. Wm. Jaehnke taking Bro Remmel’s place at the cashier’s desk, while Nick is helping straighten out matters at Oshkosh. We are solid at Ft. Atkinson, and all other stations should follow the example set at this station. Solid and loyal. Bro. Becker, of Clyman, back at work again after a few weeks’ vacation. * Bro. E. C. Neitzel now working at Neenah nights in place of Bro. Morrissey, who I “13” has taken the position of bill clerk. Bro. Evenson, former cashier at Grand Rapids, is now cashier at Neenah. We have quite a solid front at this station at the present time. Brothers, keep after the non-members. All the men that arc being appointed at the non-telegraph stations arc now eligible to membership and we want to get them all in line before our committee goes in. When you learn of a non-member go after him and also drop the local chairman a note and I assure you Bro. Hackbcrt will do all he can to land him. I think it would be a good plan if every member would write the nons on the division asking them to join us. This would go to show them that we are all taking an interest in them and want them to be with us. Now, brothers, just write the local chairman for a list of the non- members and delinquents, which he will be more than glad to furnish you and go after them good and strong and I think we can land a good share of them, for when they see that we all are inter- ested in them, if they are men they can not help but come over. We have several delinquents and several mem- bers who have been dropped and suspended for non-payment of dues. All members should pa/ their dues promptly and see that all other members are in good standing at all times. We will have but a few meetings before the first of the year. Let us have a good crowd out at every one of them.' This will give our local chair- man some kind of an idea as to the kind of sup- port he is to receive when be goes in on committee business. Introduce topics you wish discussed at the meetings. This is the place for these matters to be discussed and not with the train men. Div. Cor. Ashland Division, South End — Our meeting at Antigo was very successful, in point of numbers as well as in enthusiasm shown by those who attended. General Chairman Bro. Jas. Troy was with us, and delivered one of his interesting addresses, which was enjoyed by all present. The eight-hour law was thoroughly dis- cussed in an endeavor to anticipate its probable workings. After we ha<f transacted all our business the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 a. m. to enable the brothers to get a lunch and catch train No. 6 at 1 a. m. Bro. Jno. Jacoby and Bro. Carle, formerly day operators at Calumet yard, have left for the North- ern Pacific Railway. Bro. Chas. Krumrey has returned to work as day operator at Yvausau, after a three weeks’ va- cation, being relieved by Bro. M. J. Johnson, whj is now relieving at New London. We are pleased to announce that Mr. F. A. Emmott, agent at Gogebic, Mich., can now be called brother. Bro. Pat. Maloney, nights at Hortonville, has returned to work after a two weeks’ vacation, be- ing relieved by Bro. Wm. Burke. We are in receipt of a letter from Bro. Isaac Serier, formerly of the Lake Shore Division, stat- ing that he is working as bookkeeper for the Government on the Menominee Indian reserva- tion. He has an eight-hour job, with four weeks’ vacation each year, a great deal better salary than he ever received from a railroad company. He also states that he still holds an up-to-date ca*d and intends to do so for a long time to come. Mr. Herman Heinricks is back on the Ashland Division, working extra. He has been relieving Bro. A. E. Irelan at Fenwood, who has been away on vacation fo^ a couple of weeks. Bro. Quade, of Eland Junction, relieved Bro. Coffman at Hatley, during the illness of Bro. Coffman’s wife. Bro. De Long, formerly of Texas, is working extra on the division. Cert. 23. Ashland Division, North End — Bro. P. J. Meredith captured clip job at Ash- land dispatcher’s office by bulletin. R. Schillcman, holding down Saxon days; new night man not known. Bro. J. B. Duval, at Hurley days, while posi- tion is on bulletin. Bro. H. C. Dunn, Manitowish, off on vacation, being relieved by stranger. C. V. Fletcher stationed at Woodruff days. Our recently acquired brother, L. Dygart, who worked on this division for several years, left for the West, evidently having something better in sight. Regular agent at State Line is on sick list, b.** ing relieved by Bro. E. Leurquin, a new one on this end. Mr. Henry Hutchinson got Conover station by bulletin. We have his promise to discard the non title this pay day. Bro. D. E. Lamon left Conover to accept agency at Marathon City, on south end. Sorry to see the old standbys go. Bro. H. W. Bruss, Three Lakes, has returned from his vacation. He was relieved by H. A- Downie, a non. Have the promise of his apphea- tion soon. Cert. 4°9- Galena Division — The meeting at Dixon, October 19* was well attended and much interest shown. As it may not be advisable to publish in The Teleg- rapher all the good things that are dished up at these meetings you should be on hand meeting nights. Next meeting will be held at Dixon, vember 16. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 930

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1877 Bro. L. L. Goff, now at Huntley as operator. Loving bid in this job. Bro. Ed. Troutman, agent at Broadmoor until Charles Ladd, who has bid in Broadmoor, is re- lieved at Austin, which is on bulletin. Bro. W. M. Sheller will remain at Union Grove, having withdrawn his application for agency at Hahnaman on account of decision not to cut telegraphing out at Union Grove. Bro. C. A. Wells has resigned. Bro. L. D. Agnew is back in the service, at present acting agent at Kedzie avenue, Chicago. Bro. J. B. Agnew is acting agent at Morrison on account of the illness of M. V. B. Smith, the venerable agent. The boys seem to be shy of some of these large agencies lately bulletined. They arc not afraid of work, but it seems that it is necessary to pay for help to do the work properly out of express or Western Union commissions, which makes these positions far from desirable. It is not the salary you draw, but what part you are able to take home to your wife that counts. Bro. Gleason is back at “NY,” Nelson, after a short vacation. The student that relieved Jack found that it was a warm spot and resigned and went back to the cornfield. Bro. Hamilton is working at Morrison nights, having lately received his honorable discharge from the U. S. army. Bro. A. C. Woods bid in East Clinton nights. Bro. W. E. Wood is agent at Ringwood, having bid in this position. Bro. James Henning is at Dekalb days, “DU” office. Bro. King nights there. Understand Ashton will be opened nights at once. None of the boys got fat on Western Union commissions in September; most blank reports that ever hit the superintendent’s desk, and very little doing for October. There surely are some fierce would-be telegraphers trying to handle busi- ness in “CH” office. No matter how carefully you make ... they always say — .. — . Andther scab factory is busted. The Sterling Telegraph School, started by Clyde P. Bowlesby, who was the rottonest “ham” the C. & N. W. ever canned, has gone out of business. Bowlesby has a job as janitor in the postoffice, and his professor, Mr. W. C. Scheler is scabbing for the D. O. Cs. in Chicago. He wanted to see what money looked like, even if it was tainted. Read this from a brother: “W. C. Scheler, late professor in Sterling Telegraph School, unable to make his board running a scab factory, has joined the scabs in Chicago, working for the W. U. Wm. Stocking, of Sterling, 111., is also scabbing in Chi cago. He was Mr. Scheler’s only graduate, and neither of them ever held a job telegraphing be- fore. Will, no doubt, be a great help to the D. O. C.” Bro. S. J. Smith, days at Wheaton, just returned from a vacation. Bro. Joe Deitz, nights in “CU” office, Chicago, is taking a vacation. Bro. R. E. Meador, nights at Wheaton, is back from a visit home; relieved by Bro. Smith, at Wheaton. Miss Marie Stromberg, Marengo nights, worked at Wheaton days, until Bro. Meador’s return. While Bros. Meador and Smith were on vaca- tion they were relieved by Bro. F. J. Onthank, Mr. W. M. Burke, Mr. K. M. Jarrett, Mr. M. B. Palmer and Mr. W. Pitz. Mr. Gailbraith, days at “JN” tower, promises to come in next pay-day. Mr. K. M. Jarrett is working at “JN” tower nights, at present writing. Bro. Boardman, days at Elmhurst, bid in Au- rora days, I “13.” W. Robeson is working at “U,” Chicago, nights, while Bro. Deitz is away. Mr. Robeson is a W. U. striker. Think he holds an O. R. T. card. Remember we are selling our time to the com- pany, and it is up to them to pay our price, not us to accept their price. Besides, we can make our service such that they will be glad to pay our price. Plan now to attend the next meeting. Something good will be said that you will be sorry you did not hear, if not there. Div. Cor. Minnesota Division — At this writing positions are opening at the rate of about two per week. Thus far all the positions are good ones, and I notice the boys are all mov- ing for the winter. The agency at Minnesota City, vacated by Bro. Smith some time ago, was filled by Mr. Margraft, from the G. N., I “13.” Mr. Margraft, not liking the place, Bro. J. G. Johnson, of Judson, took it on bulletin. Bro. Johnson afterwards turned it down, and I “13” Bro. Christopher, formerly of Owatonna nights, was next in line and has tackled it, and, as far as can be learned, he is making good. Bro. W. F. Gray, Rochester days, was laid up a few days on account of sickness, but at present is acting agent at Rochester while Mr. Van Campen is off on vacation. Mr. T. F. Ferris is holding down the day stunt, and G. F. Gudmonson the night shift. Telegraph office opened at Fiefield’s Pit during this month to handle gravel trains between the new yards at Winona and Minnesota City. Bro. T. F. Carroll is holding the position, while Bro. J. Jordon is working the night side wire at Win- ona, in his place. L. V. Smith, working nights at Mankato Junc- tion, after doing a few months’ extra work on the division. W. A. Wagner drew Milroy on bulletin, and then drew Utica. Guess he will stop now and settle down. This moving isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. At least that is what he says. Night office opened at Byron during the busy season, being held down by a telegrapher named Pffeferly. Do not know him and can not say whether he is up-to-date or not. Bro. Banks, of Evan, laying off sick, being re lieved by Bro. Nixon. Digitized by U.ooole

Page 931

1878 The Railroad Telegrapher. Positions received on bulletin since last issue are as follows: W. H. Earsley, agent, Canby, Minn.; J. L. Christopher, agent and telegrapher. Minnesota City, Minn.; E» £. Turner, agent and telegrapher, Judson, Minn.; R. C. Wood, night telegrapher, Judson, Minn.; W. A. Wagner, agent and telegrapher, Utica, Minn.; G. P. Skeels, agent and telegrapher, Courtland, Minn.; B. H. Nixon, night telegrapher, Lewiston, Minn. Positions open are: Day telegrapher, Kasson; agent and telegrapher, Milroy; agent and teleg- rapher, Meriden; night telegraphers at Owatonna, New Ulm, Sleepy Eye, and Watertown, S. Dak. Now, brothers, here's the same old gag: I want you to send me something to write about. I can keep pretty good track of what happens on the middle division, but it's almost impossible to know what's going on on the other two ends. If you hear of some one moving or anything that would be of any interest to the other brothers, let’s have it. It only takes a minute to write two lines and only a cent to get it to me. Send all communications to G. W. Cotton, Es- sig, Minn. Acting Div. Cor. Eastern District — Bro. Jensen, our former correspondent, resigned to accept a position with the U. P. He is well pleased with his new work. J. Bailey, agent at Pilger, has been relieved for three weeks. Bro. Anderson, of Hastings, relieved Bro. F. McGahn, of freight yard, Norfolk, while Frank went to Omaha for an operation. Bros. Anderson, Hicks and Farmer were shown the sights of Hastings by Messenger Ogilive the night of October 12th. “13” Bro. Hicks goes to Albion as operator, and Bro. Hewitt to the agency at David City; Bro. Brome to the agency at Bristow. Bro. Hilke, of Atkinson, was relieved for a cou- ple of weeks, and visited friends at Harvard, David City and Morse Bluff; also took in the Ak Sar Ben at Omaha. F. J. McGahn, day operator at Norfolk freight yard, Adams at O’Neill, Anderson at Bennington, and Burham, Norfolk, dispatcher’s office, are now brothers, and carry the little blue card and wear the button. We will give you more names next time, who are filing their applications now, and will have their cards before you see this. Bro. Weist, of Irvington, laying off for a few days; relieved by Bro. Green wait, who was for- merly at Bee. W. J. Chapman, night operator at Irvington, and formerly agent there, is going to move, but have not heard yet where he goes. Bro. O’Connor is working nights at “RH,” South Omaha; he was formerly at Rawhide, days. Operator F. K. Keenan, from Oshkosh, Wis., is working days at “RH,” South Omaha. He is not a brother, but has promised to come in pay day. Bro. Anderson, night operator at Bennington, was laying off twelve days this month, being quar- antined on account of smallpox in his boarding house. Bro. Golden (not W. B. G.), from Dodge street, was there for four nights, and Bro. Mills, agent, worked three nights, and the rest of the time the night office was closed. Bro. Foote is working as day operator at Arling- ton. He bid for the job, and I presume he will have it permanently. • Bro. W. R. Kelley, who held down this job for two or three years, has taken the agency at Bra- dish. Bro. Friend, of Hadar, got Winnetoon by bid. Unable to say who got Hadar, or who is doing the stunt until it is assigned. Bro. Hartung, of Verdigree, got away at last. Have not heard who was assigned to Verdigree. Bro. Mead, of Niobrara, was off for a week on account of his father being sick. Understand he has a cancer, and an operation was necessary. M. O. Hagerman holding down Bristow until it is assigned. Do not know if he is a brother or not. A brother on the “BO” line called a Western Union scab down in good shape recently. Some of them have the gall to ask us to call some other office for them on the train wire. Bro. Goodell, of Spencer, has taken his father to California in hopes that a change will be bene- ficial to his health. S. B. Alloway is holding down Spencer during Bro. Goodell’s absence. ' Bro. Sharp and wife, of Bonesteel, visited rela- tives at Pilger for a day. Bro. Ryan taking care of “BO” for that length of time alone. Bro. Vestal, of Burke, asked for a few days off, but was greeted with the same old story: Impos- sible to relieve you. Mr. Sherman, of Gregory, thinks it is all right for his son. Fay, to scab for the Western Union at Omaha. He is one of these fellows that is always telling what the O. R. T. should do, and never attended a meeting or made an effort to attend when he belonged, and he had a day and night operator and a helper to do the rustling. This man had a good chancfe on the South Platte once, but his ways did not suit the company or the peo- ple down there. “13” the man from Sawyer got the day job at Oakdale. We expect to have a big meeting at Fremont soon. When you get notice of the date, you fel- lows at one-man jobs try and make arrangements with your wife, sweetheart or section foreman to look after your station while you go, and ask for a pass to Fremont and return. Those of you where there are more than one, arrange to let one go at least. There will be big doings. New motor car passenger service has been put in on the Hastings line, from York to Fremont This causes long hours for some of the brothers down there. I presume they are putting in their overtime slips every day now? When you read this kindly send me the names of all telegraphers at your station, and adivse if Digitized by c^ooQle

Page 932

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1879 members, and if members of other divisions, give me certificate and division numbers. Do this without fail. C. M. Wurtzbache*, Local Chairman. Peninsula Division — The October meeting of Peninsula Division was called to order by the chief telegrapher. The re- maining offices being filled as follows: First vice chief telegrapher, T. Voellcer; second vice chief telegrapher, A. Haberman; marshal, M. Malloy; inside sentinel, J. Murray; outside sentinel, C. Crickelair. There was a great deal of business to act on, all of which was disposed of in good sHSpe. The humorous, enthusiastic and business- like attitude of the boys, to say the least, was striking, and they all left the room wearing the smile that won’t come off, thinking of the ’’do- ings” that will be in evidence at the next meeting. Be on hand, boys, at that meeting. It is going to be a red-letter day on this division. Don’t dig up that old chestnut: ‘‘Can’t get away.” Come pre- pared to do something, because you will have to do something at the next meeting to make a hit, as everybody will have to work but father, and if he is on the job, he is liable to become implicated in the doings, of which I assure you there will be no small amount. Bro. Raymile, of ”OB,” days, is at Green Bay undergoing a course of treatment for his leg, which has been bothering him somewhat of late. L. C. Murray transferred from ”KC” to ”FC” agency on bulletin; being relieved by Bro. Crick- elair, who has been acting as relief agent for some time. Bro. Dagenais, ”KC,” nights, to “AD,” nights, has more inducement to keep awake. Lunch room is handy. Bro. Sullivan took Wilson, nights, on bulletin. The correspondent had the pleasure of having the grip handed to him by Bro. Kendalls, of Met- ropolitan, recently. Bro. Honeywell was off on a short sojourn in lower Michigan; being relieved by a C. T. U. of A. man. Mr. Dupras transferred from Florence, days, to the agency at Waucedah; being relieved at *'FC” by Mr. Peterson. Both of them have promised to square themselves and be in line at the next meeting. Bro. Pegg took Quinncsec on bulletin; being re- lieved, in turn, by Bro. Kendalls at Metropolitan. Bro. Johnson, who had been relieving Mr. Du- gals at **SC,” drew Iron Mountain, days, on bulletin. Bro. Moran and Bro. Clark spent the Sabbath hunting in the wild woods surrounding Stager. Bro. Groeschell, night telegrapher, off for a few days. His relief is a brother, but can’t recall his name. Mr. Vanderpool, or “MS,” had the good fortune of connecting with three bears by the way of the lead route before they had the opportunity of in- itiating him into the bear hug society. Judging from the size of them the hug would have been yery impressive. R. A. Moran. Illinois Central Ry. Chicago Division — At the monthly meeting, held at Gilman Octo- ber iath, twenty -two were present, but owing to the fact that only two officers were on hand with rituals, the usual form of business was dispensed with. Inasmuch as we only have one set of rituals each officer is urged to attend every meeting possi- ble, and bring or send his books so that the meet- ings can be conducted in regular form. Bro. Langford, local chairman of Springfield Di- vision, was present, and after being presented by Bro. Morrison, gave us some pointers, and related some of his experiences on the Springfield Divi- sion. He also brought up the question of having an additional member appointed on the sub com- mittee to represent the agents in Central and Northern Illinois, the fact having been brought out that the two present members on the sub-committee are located in the south. Both of them are oper- ators. After some discussion motion was made that Chicago Division request Bro. Mulhall to appoint an additional member of the sub-committee, said member to be an experienced agent, to represent agent-operators in Central and Northern Illinois. Motion carried. The minutes of last meeting were not read, as Bro. Templin, secretary and treasurer, having caught train on fly, unfortunately left book at home. Bro. Langford slated that a meeting of Spring- field Division would be held at Clinton, October 19th, and extended a cordial invitation to Chicago Division members to attend. Four of us journeyed to Clinton on No. 19, arriving in due time, and making some inquiries, we learned that O. R. T. meetings were sometimes held at the Board of Trade room. Thither we Wended our lonesome way, only to find darkness and a locked door. “Nothin’ doin’.” After stand- ing around the street for some time, a brilliant idea seemed to strike Bro. Morrison, and he called up the manager of the Board of Trade, who was kind enough to come down to the office and let us in, but hadn’t heard anything of an O. R. T. meeting. After some telephoning, and with the assistance of two or three other members who had strayed in, we rounded up nine, all told, and proceeded to await the arrival of Bro. Langford, who, we were informed, was scheduled for 1 1 :zo p. m. This was an informal meeting, as it consisted of personal reminiscences entirely. About 1 :30 a. m. some brave knight of the key woke up and peeped out something about nine hours, which woke up the rest of us, and it was declared ad- journed individually. Some few changes have taken place during the last month: Bro. Templin has returned to Matteson; reliev- ing Bro. Hubbard, who got mixed up in the West- ern Union telegraph wires, so it is claimed, and has gone in search of another position. Bro. Cramer, at Monee, is laying off; being re- lieved by Bro. Baugh, extra agent. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 933

1880 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Morrison, at Pcotonc, was off a couple of days attending the investigation of Bro. Meara, from Cullom, who, it is claimed, also got tangled up in the Western Union strings. Unable to say just how the case will be settled, as Bro. Meara stoutly denies the charge of tampering with the Western Union wires. Bro. Johnson, an old-timer from most every- where, has been working nights at “KB,” Kan- kakee tower, relieving C. O. Sharpe, who is visit- ing at home. Bro. Adams now located permanently at “HN,” Kankakee, while Bro. Morrow returns to Gilman, nights. Bro. Poe bumps Mrs. Williams at Manteno, nights; his old stand at Laurette having been closed October ist. Do not know just where Mrs. Williams will land yet We understand Bro. E. J. Coss, from Birkbeck, has bid in Cullom, which will probably put Bro. Carrington back at Birkbeck again; Leverett also having been closed as a telegraph office October ist. Mr. A. J. Flatt, a grain dealer, postmaster, store-keeper, city marshal, etc., etc., in fact, the whole cheese around Leverett, has been appointed agent at that point at $25 per. Bro. Gilman has returned to Thomasboro, after a pleasant vacation; Bro. O’Connell going to Cul- lom. Bro. Hersher, from Hersher, is off for two weeks; being relieved by Bro. Heath. Bro. Pendergast now working extra on terminal, going there from Danforth. Presume he will retu n to the old stand at Merna when through on ter- minal. Bro. Robinson has returned to Flannagan; re- lieving extra agent, Bro. B. C. Madison. Most of the boys have had their vacations, and have settled back into the harness for another winter. Hope to see a big crowd at Champaign Novem- ber 9th, as we expect to have a good meeting. Div. Cor. Freeport Division — The positions that were bulletined since my last write-up are as follows: Hart, nights; Orangeville agency for thirty days; Irene, nights; Kappa agency; Blanchardville agency, thirty days; dis- patchers’ office, nights, $75; second trick leverman, So. Elmhurst; So. Addison agency; Minonk, nights, for thirty days, $70; day telegrapher, “DR,” Free- port; day telegrapher and ticket clerk, Rockford, for thirty days; Amboy, nights; Colvin Park, nights; Burlington, nights; Broadview agency; Freeport yard office, days, for thirty days, $65; day telegrapher, “DR,” office, Freeport; Plato Center agency; Plato Center, nights; Alworth, nights; Monroe, day telegrapher and cashier; Cole- man agency; Freeport yard office, days. Among the new members initiated in the past month we have Bros. M. L. Perry, Normal, 111.; H. R. Aufdenspring, Minonx, 111.; Walter Scott, LaSalle, 111.; J.'F. Eickman, German Valley, 111.; L. V. Hamm, Coleman, 111.; H. E. Dresser, Free- port, 111.; C. C. Nolf, Orangeville, III.; C. G. Owens, Tonica, 111.; R. J. Starry, J. M. McGowan. In my September items I note I have “F. H. Kochsmeier was successful applicant for day teleg- rapher in ‘DR’ office, Freeport.” This was a mis- take. as Bro. M. J. Madden received the same on bulletin, vice Mr. W. M. Lane, appointed second trick dispatcher, east end. The position in “DR” office, Freeport, that was bulletined September 11, was received by Bro. R. Toombs. The same was formerly held by Bro. Madden. The positions bulletined October 15 and 17, “day telegrapher ‘DR’ office, $70,” were the same posi- tion. This is the south end message wire, for- merly held by Bro. R. A. Wheeles. He resigned to accept a position in the ticket department, Chi- cago. Mr. F. Renfro, one of the true blues that quit with the crowd of commercial brothers at St. Louis, is at present holding down the above posi- tion while the same is on bulletin. The bulletin dated October 17, day telegrapher, “DR” office, Freeport, $65, is the branch wire, formerly held by Bro. R. Toombs. Bro. H. E. Dresser is at present working this job while on bulletin. Bro. M. J. Madden is at present- breaking in for extra dispatcher on the south end. Mr. J. V. McGinty, formerly with Hearst's Chi- cago American, before the strike, is filling Bro. Madden’s place on the east end message wire. Bro. D. B. Krueger, formerly days at Freeport yard office, has left the service, and is at present in South Dakota on a farm for his health. Telegrapher J. Hayes has been transferred from the Chicago Division, and is at present working at Freeport yard office days, while the same is on bulletin. Bro. Geo. Cox spent a three weeks* vacation in Nebraska. Mr. W. T. Jones relieved Bro. Cox at Freeport yard office, nights. Telegrapher E. B. Lund was successful appli- cant for Freeport yard office for thirty days. Brothers, uakc up; you are certainly not all dead. Not very long ago I heard the dispatcher telling one of our brothers what his duty was. Now, don’t let this happen. This is not a good showing for us. Of late you often, yes, too often, hear the telegrapher in “DR” calling some one along the line for wire. There is no need of this; when you see that a wire is open, ground it and see which way it is open. If it is open so that your ground completes a circuit to the dispatcher in “DR” office, tell them what way it is open. This would be great help to them, as well as to the movement of trains, for no wire means no work, or more work. Mr. W. T. Jones is at present doing the “owl” at Alworth nights. He formerly worked in “DR” office, Freeport, extra. Mr. W. J. Pendergast is at present working at Plato Center, nights, while the same is on bulle- tin. Bro. H. K. Gilman, formerly agent at Plato Center, was successful applicant for Kappa agency. Digitized by c,ooQle

Page 934

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1881 Bro. D. W. Blough, formerly agent at Kappa, was successful applicant for position as day telegrapher and ticket clerk at Polo. Bro. J. J. Conners, night telegrapher at Burling- ton, is successful applicant for Broadview, nights. Bro. I. R. Crawford, night telegrapher, Colvin Park, is successful applicant for Hart, nights. Bro. O. R. Sherbert relieved Bro. F. B. Schlaf at Charter Grove nights, for a few weeks. Bro. Schlaf was away on ^ vacation. Mr. P. H. Morrison relieved Bro. L. V. Hamm at Coleman days. Bro. Hamm has left the ser- vice. There is some misunderstanding in regard to Bro. Hamm that he is not a brother, but he is up-to-date. Mr. Collins (new man) relieved Mr. P. H. Mor- rison at Monroe days. Bro. A. E. Norville returned to Buckbee days, after a thirty-day leave of absence. Mr. R. J. Starry filled his place during his absence. Mr. P. S. Babbit is at present working days at Munger. Bro. L. I. McConnell, formerly at Broadview nights, has left the service. Since then he has worked for the C. & E. I. and the Wabash. Mr. W. J. Albright relieved Bro. McConnell at Broadview nights. I understand that W. C. Silvey, the man that was scabbing for the W. U. in Chicago, has had the can tied to him. He formerly worked with the I. C. at Munger. Bro. R. O. Kelly is enjoying a few weeks’ va- cation at the home of his parents in Mt. Pulaski. Telegrapher Davenport relieved him at Coleman nights. He was, in turn, relieved by Mr. W. J. Albright. Mr. John Funk (non) was successful applicant for position as second trick leverman at South Elmhurst, vice Fred. Patterson, who is working for an auto company in Chicago. He says there is no twelve hours and seven days a week to that. I just received a report from Bro. R. L. Shan- non, showing that we have thirteen brothers on this division who have not, as yet, paid their dues for the term ending December 31, 1907. I will withhold this list and live in hopes that next month will find it much smaller; then I will put it in the journal next month, showing the names of all that have not paid up. Mr. A. O. Wilson is at present filling the va- cancy at Broadview, while the same is on bulletin. “13” he carries on up-to-date C. T. U. A. card. Mr. P. H. Morrison was relieved at Monroe days by Mr. Collins. Can not say whether he is a brother or not. Bro. H. J. McConnell, formerly agent at Broad- view, has left the service. He was relieved by Mr. A. Fluhr. Mr. W. J. Pendergast is at present filling the vacancy at Plato Center nights. We have just one brother on this division who has been dropped from the membership of the Order for non-payment of his mutual benefit as- sessments. 1ms is something that every brother should be proud to keep paid up, as very few of us receive a large enough salary to leave our loved ones financially independent. Bro. F. A. Henion is at present doing the owl shift at Seward nights. Mr. Boyer, who was there formerly, left the service. Mr. R. J. Starry is at present enjoying a few weeks’ vacation from his duties at Buckbee nights. Mr. W. J. Pendergast, who was working extra at Plato Center nights, was taken sick. Bro. Wolfe, from the Dubuque Division, relieved him. Mr. Lundgren is at present filling the agency at Plato Center while on bulletin. Bro. O. R. Sherbert is at present doing the night shift at Irene, while the same is on bulletin. Mr. R. J. Starry, formerly Irene nights, was the successful applicant for Buckbee nights. Bro. R. C. Eiser, Hart days, enjoyed a two weeks’ vacation visiting in St. Louis, Chicago, Freeport, Mt. Carroll, Lanark, and Savanna. Mr. C. G. Price relieved Bro. Eiser at Hart days. Bro. F. H. Kochsmeier, nights at Hart, has left the service. He was relieved by W. R. German, who carried an up-to-date C. T. U. A. card. Upon Bro. Eiser’s return to work Mr. Price relieved Mr. German, as he did not like seven days per week and twelve hours per day, being used to en- joying life. Mr, Hockman is at present filling Mr. Starry’s place at Buckbee, nights. Mr. Heyworth, an up-to-date in the C. T. U. A., is at present working the night shift at Minonk, while Bro. Kelly is out working for the good of the Order. Bro. Goodrich is relieving Mr. Haynes, of We- nona, and will relieve Telegrapher Whitney upon the return of Mr. Haynes. Mr. R. J. Steele was successful applicant for position as agent at South Addison. I just received a note from Bro. Kelly stating that there will be a special meeting held in Free- port in November. Bro. R. L. Shannon, Bro. Mulhall, and probably one of the grand officers will be on hand. The exact date has not been fixed yet, but will be made at this coming meeting. Now everybody get permission and turn out, as there is something doing. You remember what Bro. Mulhall promised he would come back and do in a few months; well, that’s what he is up to this time. So get busy and turn out 100 strong. Everybody get busy on the few remaining nons, and see what a harvest we can get before Novem- ber has passed, for this coming year will be a year of doings in the telegraphic world. I have a large supply of application papers, which will be at your service any time you wish. “Shorty.” Centralia District — Bro. A. J. Johnson, of Irvington, who has been off on a thirty-day vacation, has returned to work. Bro. Johnson spent his vacation in the West, ac- companied by his family. Bro. H. J. Alexander, who has been working as relief agent, is now doing the night stunt at Ashley. Digitized by t^ooQle

Page 935

1882 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. J. F. Settlemoir, agent at Bois, has returned from his thirty days* vacation. Don’t know the man's name relieving him. Understand Bro. H. M. Johnson, from Finney block office, got Galatia agency on bulletin. Hope the student question will improve at Galatia now. M. L. Coding, who has been working a trick on the branches, has taken his old position back as manager of "CD” office, Carbondale. Bro. S. J. Woodward and Bro. Ward East are working days, and Bro. T. E. Davis and J. H. McAuliffe working nights. Bro. G. T. Starkweather, who has been working nights at Pulaski, has bid in the night job at "U,” north yard, Carbondale. Bro. J. G. Mulcaster, agent at Makanda, is tak- ing his vacation; being relieved by R. S. Newman. Don’t know whether Mr. Newman has an up-to- date or not, but think he has. Bro. J. F. Ormsby, night man at Anna, was married to a young lady from Cobdon in August. Bro. Noble, at Balcom, had the misfortune to lose his house by fire about a month ago. He saved most of his household goods, however. Un- derstand he is going to build himself a new house. Bro. A. M. Winstead, of Wetang, has returned from his vacation, which he spent in Nebraska. He was relieved by Mr. Newman. Bro. C. W. Downs, of Ullin, has also returned from a six weeks’ vacation, spent in Iowa and Ne- braska. Bro. Rash, from St. Louis District, re- lieved him. Bro. T. T. Turner, of Pulaski, who was off for about two months, has returned. He was relieved by Bro. H. J. Alexander. Bro. Turner worked for Bro. Blythe at Mound City about three weeks during his absence on account of Bro. Blythe los- ing his wife and baby. Bro. A. Violett talks of resigning and going back to California before long. Bro. G. E. Chance, our local chairman, back to his old job as manager at "UN” office at Mounds; being assisted by Bro. S. S. House and Bro. J. A. Cavitt, days, and Bro. Livesay and Bro. Goodman nights. Bro. W. S. Elsey is still holding forth at "KT,” Central Station, Cairo. Understand Bro. H. C. Burge, who has been doing the night stunt at "CE,” Centralia, has been assigned to the new position as second day opera- tor at the same office. Don’t know who gets "CE,” nights. Cbet. 813. Cherokee Division — At a meeting in Remsen, October 6th, it was decided to hold a meeting every third Sunday of each month. The meeting for the third Sunday in November to be held at Remsen. It is earnestly hoped that all members will avail themselves of the opportunity to attend these meetings, as there are important matters for discussion which can wily be settled in our meetings. It was decided that the bond question, as out- lined in September journal, page 1,432, be pushed, and every effort made to make it a success. There would be a good number of shares taken by the brothers on this division, and we suggest that sub- scriptions for shares be circulated at an early date. Bro. I. H. Brokaw, local chairman of C., R. I. & P., Division 126, came up from Manson to at- tend the meeting, but by a misunderstanding he did not get there in time for attendance. Meeting was called to order by Local Chairman A. J. Hoskin. Many important business matters were brought up and passed upon. Bro. A. J. Hoskin, of Alta, has been appointed to fill the vacancy of local chairman, Bro. E. W. Hill resigning. Manson is open on bulletin. Bro. O. E. John- son gets operator at Cherokee on bulletin. Bro. C. G. Anderson is working first trick at Cherokee. Mr. N. P. Mills having been promoted to trainmaster. Bro. J. F. Christ is doing the telegraph stunt at Cherokee until same is filled by Bro. Johnson. Bro. F. J. Spinhamey is acting agent at Rein- sen, Iowa, until station is filled by bulletin. Bro. J. Urban has been promoted to agent at Le Mars, Iowa; leaving Remsen, Iowa, open. Bro. G. C. Hoskin, formerly agent at Le Mars, has been promoted to division agent, with head- quarters at Cherokee. H. R. Arthur, formerly division agent, has betn transferred to the Omaha Division. He fomerly had charge of both the Omaha and Cherokee Divi- sions. Permission has been given Bro. Wm. Dodds, of Quimby, Iowa, to enter other service in the I. G R. R. for three of six months on account of ill- health, and without loss of seniority. Bro. F. W. Grending, agent at Gaza, is away on a vacation, visiting his folks at Bloomington, 111. H. Nance, of Anthon, is acting agent. Quimby, Iowa, is open on bulletin. Bro. W. H. Deisner was away the first of the month attending to legal business for the L C. R- R. Bro. Spinharney filled the position. Bro. C. W. Stoker is working as telegrapher at Sioux City. Mr. Ed. Francious, operator at Sheldon, prom- ises to get an up-to-date card. Nons on this division are very scarce. In our next write-up we will give names of nons and brothers who are not up-to-date. Bro. D. H. Connor has been transferred from the G. N. to Cherokee Division 93. Bro. Greenke has been transferred from the G N. W. to Cherokee Division 93. New members: Bros. F. B. Sudmeyer, C. W. Stoker, D. Marshall and E. B. Stiles. Bro. A. L. Smith relieved Bro. L. J. Gordon at Hills during the Harvest picnic. Mr. H. M. Mease, of Cherokee, expects to spend a few months in California. Conductors Moose Tindel, chief poke, and J. Jones, assistant poke, were honorary members at Remsen October 6th. We are always glad to have a good line-up, and hope they will come again. Business is very good on this pike. Brothers, work for the company’s interests, and show them you appreciate the contract we have with them. Cut, 144* Digitized by ^.ooQle

Page 936

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1883 IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Death has visited the home of our es- teemed Bro. M. S. Tierney and removed there- from his loving wife; and Whereas, In token of our respect and sympathy for our brother and his family; be it Resolved, By the members of the Cherokee Divi- sion that we extend our sincere sympathy to them in their bereavement; and be it further Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the division, published in Thi Telegrapher and a copy sent to the bereaved brother- J. Urban, A. J. Hosjcin, J. P. Farley, Committee. Tennessee Division — The regular monthly meeting of the Tennessee Division of telegraphers was held in Knights of Pythias Hall at Fulton, Saturday evening, October 19, with forty-one members present. The meeting was called to order by Chief Telegrapher Bro. Wm. Merwin, all officers responding to roll call, except Bro. T. P. Beard, absent on account of re- lief, his place as past chief telegrapher being filled by Bro.*W. B. Roming. A great deal of important business was disposed of. The bill passed at our September meeting and later approved by our president, Bro. H. B. Perham, abolishing the stu- dent permits on the Tennessee Division for a period of one year, was adopted. Any of the members on this division who may wish to apply to Bro. Perham for student permits, need not do so, for they will not be granted. There being no one presented for initiation the remainder of the evening was taken up with sev- eral short talks from the different members. Our genera) secretary and treasurer, Bro. R. L. Shannon, gave the brothers a great deal of infor- mation, and also good advice. Letters of regret were read by Local Secre- tary Bro. Cosgrove from Bros. Mulhall and Chance, who were unavoidably detained. There being no further business the meeting adjourned about midnight to meet again on the third Saturday of next month, which will be No- vember 1 6. . Brothers, do not forget the regular meeting night, which is the third Saturday in each month in the K. P. Hall, Fulton, Ky. This meet- ing will be held regularly henceforth, and it is hoped that everyone will attend when possible. Those who are behind in dues will please try and pay as early as possible. Local Secretary. Indianapolis Southern R. R. Division No. pj — Am not very well acquainted with the road, hav- ing been in the service of the Indianapolis South- ern only a short time, but from what I have seen and heard the local is strong and there is no trouble with the student question, as I do not know of a single student on the entire division, and do not think our dispatchers would work with one if a non happened to bring one of the “brutes” in. The student question is an important one to a card man, as I have found to- my sorrow, as the division operator where I formerly worked decided he would make his own “operators;” which he did and, as a consequence, I was discharged and one of them installed in my place. On October 16, Mr. L. K. Butler was appointed chief train dispatcher, vice Mr. E. C. Russel, re- signed. So far every one is pleased with Mr. But- ler, and it has been reported that he is a “prince of good fellows.” Bro. C. A. Kean is now working third trick in dispatcher's office at Indianapolis, in place of Bro. N. P. North. Bro. Kean is a good man for this position, and what is still better, is an enthusiastic card man. Bro. H. O. Bean, of “Q,” Indianapolis, has been appointed traveling dispatcher, and under- stand he is to take a trick soon. Bro. Bean is well liked by every one. Effective October 16, the new track between Linton and Victoria was put in use. The work at Wakefield will be finished soon. Bro. Wells, an extra man, has been doing work at Switz City, days, in place of Bro. B. M. Short, resigned. Bro. W. R. Slauter, Switz City nights, has been enjoying his vacation; relieved by Bro. An- drews. Bro. Smiley, Linton nights, on sick list. Re- lieved by Operator Goodman. Goodman now working Robinson nights. Can not say if he car- ries an up-to-date card. Positions bulletined consist of the following: Morgantown nights, Bloomington nights, Sols- berry nights, Switz City days, Linton nights, Dug- ger nights, Sullivan nights and Robinson days. There has been a night office opened at Meron, but have not been able to hear who draws his pen- sion here, nor how long it is to be a night office. The contract for the new depot at Switz City has been let, and they have most of the grading done. Bro. Pate, formerly of Bloomington nights, is now working at “Q” office, in Bro. Beans' place, while B. is learning the road. “13” this job is to be bulletined soon. Pay-day was a surprise to every one this month in its being earlier than usual, and in the fact that no one was notified of the date until the even- ing before. Bro. Ren f roe transferred from Robinson days to agency at Stanford. Abe Martin. Union Pacific R. R. Western District — Bro. Burch assigned Bitter Creek on bulletin. Just in time to catch that roast in connection with the sheep shipments which have been running about twenty cars per day. Bro. Colony, late of Bitter Creek, worked a few nights at Tipton, resigned and is now in Wash- ington. Bro. Burkart and Bro. Tipton have ex- changed positions, Bro. Burkart going to Latham, Bro. Tipton to Blairtown. Digitized by t^ooQle

Page 937

1884 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Braddock lost out at his little home at Red Desert, now working at Daly’s ranch, end of dou- ble track, with Bro. Ford, who was moved there when Solon was closed. Sister Ford assigned Red Desert on bulletin. Bro. Crigler assigned Bitter Creek nights on bulletin. Bro. Robinson relieved Bro. Crigler at Thayer Junction. Bro. Robinson just landed from the Panhandle in Indiana. Double track put in operation between Thayer Junction and Point of Rocks, October 19. This also puts in commission the interlocking plant at Point of Rocks, with Bro. Schlaff, nights, and Bro. Borset, days, to handle the levers. Point of Rocks now one of the heaviest offices on the divi- sion, being a reporting station, express office, in- terlocking plant, detail office for eastbound trains, and necessarily a heavy train order office. Bro. Schlaff is getting in position to leave the telegraph service, being interested in the new coal mine recently opened at Point of Rocks. Bro. Schlaff located this mine himself, interested capi- tal enough to put it in operation and, apparently, is on the highroad to a well-merited success. C. T. U. A. Bro. Lee, from the Postal at Den- ver, now doing the night trick at Rock Springs. Bros. Crane and Kerr, of Green River office, have **moved along,” Bro. Crane to Michigan, Bro. Kerr to Los Angeles. The brothers were relieved by Operators H. E. Thomas and H. E. Madison, both commercial men. Out of ten operators at Green River, *‘GR” and “D” offices, we have but three members that be- long to Division No. 6. Before this comes out in the journal the double track on the western district will have been com- pleted as far west as Riner, the intention now being to cut it in at Riner about the 1st of No- vember. Those who have already paid their assessment for defraying the expenses of the General Com- mittee will either be exempt from assessment when the committee finally does convene, or will be given credit for the amount for the next semi- annual dues. Our journal representative on the Sixth Dis- trict has been so overburdened with work the past month that we are unable to get hold of any news from that end. What we need most now is a firm stand for unionism. The time is fast approaching when our destiny will be shown by the stand we make as a labor organization. We can not presume that the railroad companies throughout the country are going to submit, without a struggle, to the radical changes that are scheduled to take place on and after the 4th of March, 1908. We have the second best schedule now in force on any road in the United States, but the general efficiency of the operators employed by the Union Pacific are second to none. Our ultimate aim, then, should be the securing of a schedule in keeping with our rank among operators. Cert. 410. Wyoming Division, Eastern District — Brownson, Neb. Bro. Perry has resigned, un- derstand to go into the picture business. But as operators, and especially those who know how to handle station work, are so scarce, think we will have Bro. Perry’s company for some time yet Bro. Fox, just from the W. U. at Denver, is holding down the night hours. Potter, Neb. Both Bro. Daily and Bro. Cald- well, regular agent and night operator, have been laying off for some time, and understand Bro. Daily is about to enter a position where the salary plays a more prominent part than in most agencies on the U. P. Bro. Bronscomb, formerly agent at Dix, is relieving Bro. Daily, while Bra Jamison, just from the C., B. & Q., over in the “Show Me State,” is doing the owl stunt. Dix, Neb. Mr. VanDyke has been appointed “IT.” Bushnell, Neb. Understand that Bro. Patter- son, agent, has handed in his resignation some time ago; but it is the same old story — unable to get relief. Pine Bluffs, Neb. Have pulled the day tele- graph job off, leaving Bro. White to do it all, which is more than one man can do justice to, making Bro. Bitler, who is working nights, step around some to do his share of the work now placed on the owl trick. Bro. Bitler’s resignation is in and he expects to be in the far West soon. Egbert, Wyo. Bro. Fitzgerald is working nights in place of Bro. Duff, who resigned to go south for the winter. Hillsdale, Wyo. Bro. Henderson, who has been working nights, resigned. Bro. E. Baldridge filled the vacancy. Cheyenne *‘N” Office. So many changes I can not keep up with them, but I guess the boys can keep track of the old reliables. Dale Creek, Wyo. Bro. Dan O’ Mara has left us and gone to his home in the civilized part of the world. Bro. Galbraith relieved him. *‘RX” and **SN.” Eastern District, Kansas Division — Mr. Joe Johnson is acting as chief during the absence of Chief Dispatcher Brownson. Bro. Geary is back again in *‘Z” office, having relieved Bro. M. L. Chandley. Bro. H. D. Miller relieved Mr. Guyton at R- I- Junction, likewise relieving us of a non, which helps some. Bro. C. A. Smith relieved at Loring by Mr. Julius Dehn, from Rossville. Bro. Smith bid in Bonner Springs nights. Bro. A. Ii. Engle relieved at Linwood days, and Mr. Sharritt relieved Bro. Engle. Miss N. E. Sims is back at work again at Lawrence, after being off duty several weeks. Bro. Perky, Lawrence nights, is taking a trip down in Texas, being relieved by Bro. Leger. Bro. DeHoney, from Ogdensburg to Perry days, and Mr. Farrell, Perry nights, relieving Bra Shannon, who is in the hospital at Kansas City. Bro. Hooven, Wamego days, concluding there was more money in braking than in telegraphing, Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1885 secured himself a badge and a dope bucket, and now his pay check looks just about twice the size of yours. Without any disrespect to the boys who ride the box-car9, a little comparison here might not be out of place. To become a full- fledged brakeman, you make two trips on the local, learn the head end from the rear end of your train, and soon learn how long a box may burn without becoming, dangerous. You lead a health- ful outdoor life. We all know what it takes to become an operator. From eight months to two years of strenuous labor as flunkey and roust- about, taking the blame for everything that goes wrong. After these months of hard service you are promoted to the position of night operator at “Nowhere.” And the proudest moment of your life is when the dispatcher asks you for the weather and you look up the track and say, “Not yet.” It doesn’t take long for the glitter to wear off, and at the end of four or five years of lonely, killing night work, you find that you have secured the long-coveted promotion and are now a full- fledged agent, operator, expressman, mail carrier, freight flunkey, an expert on weather and crop conditions, statistics, rates and what not. You have become stoop-shouldered, an old grouch, and can’t look at a soda cracker without a pain. Meanwhile your brakeman friend has been run- ning a train and is talked of a9 being slated for a trainmaster’s berth. Why are conditions such as they are? How many of you have helped your helpers over the rough places, fitting him to take your place? How many of you have a grudge against the Order for some fancied personal slight or injury, losing sight of the great benefit you are receiving each day. Read your Teleg- rapher. Keep posted on what’s going on and take an interest in the working of your division. What’s the use of giving your section foreman a lengthy discourse on how the Order should be run each morning, when you close up like a clam as soon as you sight a non. Come out of it, brothers, borrow our Commercial brothers’ motto of “Stick,” and then stick like — well, like glue. Bro. Hendrix is doing the day stunt at Wamego, being relieved by Mr. Mierotta. Bro. Pinet, from Onaga, bid in Ogdensburg night. ■ Bro. Marshall from Manhattan extra to Topeka extra, relieving Bro. Cosgrove. Bro. Caldwell, extra at Manhattan nights, with myself, working the second day job regular, Bro. Payne having bid in the managership at Ellis. Bro. H. A. White passed through Manhattan on his way to Cheyenne, where he will again telegraph for the U. P. Bro. Henry Collins Wiggle relieved Bro. Carson at Ft. Riley a few days while Bro. Carson at- tended court at Leavenworth. Miss Wade, from Marietta, relieved Bro. L. M. Smith a few days at Stockdale, Miss Wade being relieved by Mr. Mann, formerly agent at Garrison Crossing. Mr. Heathman relieved Bro. Sleeper at Con cordia, while Bro. Sleeper took his vacation. It's time to think about that new card. Appoint yourself an organizer. Individual effort has built this organization up to a member- ship of forty thousand telegraphers, which repre- sents between eighty and eighty-five per cent of the total number of telegraphers. Come on, boys, let’s round up that other fifteen or twenty per cent. Start in this month. Wake up and take some interest in the welfare of your organization. Read your journal — every word of it Cut out this ham business and work for a solid member- ship. Be a worker among the workers. Don't lay down and expect the few to do it all. There remains only a few weeks of 1907. We have done remarkably well in the past year. Let’s do better in 1908. We have much before us; it isn’t very long until March 4th. We all know that the different railroads have done all they could to create the impression that when the nine-hour law becomes effective there would be a great shortage of telegraphers. It seems that for this reason, or some other philan- thropic reason, some few, brothers as well as non- members, have taken it upon themselves to help fill this so-called shortage. To those who have been so ambitious in behalf of the company, it may be of interest to know that they no longer need burden themselves with the extra work of making first-class operators out of student helpers, as from reports in the papers the U. P. has made arrangements with a h^m factory at Salina, Kan., to furnish students. “HO.” Nebraska Division, Branches North of Grand Island — Bro. C. R. Conger, for several years agent at Dannebrog, has bid in St. Libory agency, and now reigns supreme as agent and postmaster at that point. Bro. B. C. Clinton, agent at St. Paul, attended .the horse show at Omaha, 19th to 21st. Bro. T. A. Clark, day operator, looking after the station during his absence. Bro. T. G. Cook, of Scotia, absent several days on a hunting trip; being relieved by Bro. G. G. Gard, from the main line. Bro. L. L. Hurd, of Cotesfield, off on account of the serious illness of his father; Bro. G. G. Gard relieving him. Bro. I. J. Thelin, for several years day operator at Ord, has bid in North Loup agency, relieving Bro. F. N. Neville, who has been promoted to the agency at Shelton. Bro. John R. Nicholson, from the Great North- ern, is acting as day operator at Ord. Bro. R. M. Grimes, of Dannebrog, off on leave of absence for a few days; being relieved by Bro. Gard. Bros. R. H. Fountain, of M. P., Division 31, and G. H. Smith, of C.t B & Q., Division 130, are recent additions to “GE,” Graqd Island office. They will be transferred to Division 6. Would like for all members to watch new ar- rivals and find out if they are members or not, and if members of other divisions, notify your local chairman and he will take steps to have them transferred to our division. This matter Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1886 The Railroad Telegrapher. is of more importance than many members seem to realize, as our division needs all it is entitled to, and if transfers are attended to promptly, it means quite a little additional revenue. Co*. C., R. I. & P. Ry. Minnesota Division — Bro. Schriber, of Laporte, days, is taking his vacation; being relieved by Mr. Walker, who has just arrived from the Philippines. Bro. Moore transferred from Cedar Falls, nights, to Clarion, days. Mr. O’Brien on extra at Cedar Falls until vacancy is filled by bulletin. C. T. U. man named Allen, who has been hold- ing down Palo, nights, the past two months, re- signed, and has gone to scabbing in Western Union office at Cedar Rapids, where he formerly worked prior to the strike. Bro. Smith .transferred from Washburn to Hardy. New man, Mr. Castle, at Clarion, nights. He promises to line-up as soon as old enough in the business. Mr. Merrill (C. T. U. man), at Clarksville, nights, now, and says he intends to stay in the railroad service. We leave him for Bro. Scobee to bring in. Bro. Wilson got the agency at Shellsburg. Agent Monroe, of Palo, and Wire Chief Rice, of “CR” offices, have filed applications, and will hereafter be known as brothers. Morkie. St. Louis Division — Bro. H. G. Chalfant laying off thirty days for rest, with Bro. I. B. Lakin relieving at Versailles. Louis Middleton relieving at Freeburg thirty days. H. R. Son relieved J. E. Son at Bowen a few days recently, and some train men asked Bro. Henry to close the switch for them. In trying to catch the caboose he narrowly escaped being run over by a car which they were trailing behind the caboose. As it was, he suffered severe cuts about the face. The attending surgeon took several stitches to close a cut in his forehead, and it was feared his eyes were severely *irijured, but wc are glad to hear he is back at work at Belle, entirely recovered. Bro. F. Kendall is back at the old stand at Denton. Bro. E. F. Gidinghagen relieved H. R. Son a few days at Belle while Bro. Son was at Bowen. Bro. Emmett Smith has been assigned agency at Henley. Bro. J. J. Gunn, of Pleasant Hill, nights, is off on ninety days’ leave of absence. Bro. E. F. Gid- inghagen relieving. C. M. Ford, dispatcher, who left the division several months ago, is back again working first trick. Operator N. T. Petty, who worked the day trick at Eldon, has left the division. W. E. Hinton, ticket clerk and operator at Olym- pia, Washington, made us a pleasant visit last week. Bro. Jesse Waters who is also located on the Northern Pacific in Washington, sends his best regards to all inquiring friends. Bro. E. Ferguson, agent at Belle, has accepted the agency at Eldon, Iowa. Leslie Station was up for bids this month, but Bro. J. W. Oram concluded he had better stay with it a while longer. Mr. Neff has returned to Henley, and Bro. Em- mett Smith is again on the move. Operator Geo. F. Reinhardt relieved at Belle the latter part of October. Bro. J. E. Son has been awarded the agency at Belle, Mo. Bro. C. G. Russler, of Beaufort, is off for a va- cation. Bro. Emmett Smith went to Beaufort on No. 24 the other evening to relieve Bro. Russler. Drv. Coa. Des Moines Valley Division — While the $75 “minnie” and eight-hour day are being discussed, should we not also give the ex- press business a part of our attention? Four dol- lars per thousand bond premium yearly is out of all proportions to what I think any of us should pay. I am in favor of the following proposition as regards the express bond premium: All those in the service less than two years should pay $1.25 per year premium. Those who have been handling the express business two consecutive years, or longer, should pay no bond premium. I consider it an injustice to be compelled to pay $4 per year bond premium, under present conditions. Can you cite me one express agent on this division who has handled express for a period of three months or more, and has caused the express company any loss whatever ? A decided improvement has been noticed in the appearance of the various offices and waiting rooms since the assistance of the section force was se- cured in scrubbing floors and outbuildings, and cleaning windows. It may be well to add that this order was put in effect through the kind ef- forts of our local chairman, Bro. Brolcaw, who is ever ready to further our interests and those of the company as well. When you receive correspondence from your local chairman make it a point to furnish him the in- formation he desires, and mail it at once. He surely needs the information for some good pur- pose, otherwise he would not ask for it. Nons are a very scarce article on this division. In fact, the “specie” is nearly extinct with us. A word regarding our working conditions as shown by our schedule: If you have worked over- time, do not fail to send in your overtime tickets. Keep a carbon copy of them, and number consec- utively throughout the month. Should you write to any one in regard to overtime or other schedule matters, always keep a carbon copy, or other copy, of all letters written or received bearing on the matter. When a new man comes on the division ascer- tain if he is up-to-date. If he does not carry the proper credentials, and is eligible to membership, Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1887 it is your duty as a member of the Order to secure his application at the earliest possible moment. Re- member, that it is individual effort that counts. E. L. Hughes, who is doing the relief act at Rossie, is now a brother. Bro. Copp is taking a rest from station duties; relieved by Mr. J. R. Parkins, a new man on this division. Rossie, Iowa, bulletined at present. Cert. 695. Indian Territory Division — Brothers, in the beginning I call your attention to Bro. H. R. Clark's appeal through September Telegrapher, page 1,487. I have taken it upon myself to ask you all to mail to me, or direct through to Bro. H. R. Clark, Box 253, Covington, La., any amount you can give to this just and worthy member. Don’t overlook this. Sister M. A. Farmer transferred from Wewoka to Wapanuclca. This division stands almost solid. Only about three or four nons remain on the entire division, which comprises the main line, Booneville to Shaw- nee yard at Ardmore Branch. Bro. Simmons, who was manager and wire chief at Hailey ville, I. T., has left the service. Don’t know the present manager’s name. Think he is a C. T. U. of A. Four or five of the boys from this division at* tended the meeting at El Reno the 12th. While the attendance was small, all seemed to enjoy the meeting. Boys, we all want to be there every meeting. Why should we not attend and get the bright side of this life we are leading? There are some changes in local board of adjust- ment. Bro. Gramer resigned. Bros. Doles, of Barber, Ark.; W. C. Riggs, of Wardville, I. T.. and J. I. Poole, ais North Beard street, Shawnee, Okla., now serve. Everybody seems to be waking up. The Indian Territory Division has never been in better shape, and we all feel it is due to the faithful work of our local chairman. Boys, we don’t give credit for all that is due him. We should try and make it pleasant, and induce him to remain with us. Understand Bro. Blackwell, formerly operator at Tishomingo, now doing the agency stunt there, while Bro. Smith is on vacation in Arkansas. Mr. Tyer, formerly manager of the Western Union at Ardmore, locked up when the trouble came up, and is doing the operator’s work for the railway. There is some talk of putting another operator on at “S” ticket office to help Bros. Emerich and Salmon out. Bro. Salmon was on the sick list last week and an unknown up-to-date relieved him. We arc glad to see him back at his post. Don’t let those nons rest, for we must have them when our general committee goes up, which we hope to be shortly. We want to say Indian Territory Division solid. Cert. 1096. “GO” Chicago Office — Miss Elizabeth Essley, who has been in “GO” for a number of years, received her card October 14th. This makes “GO” solid O. R. T. office, with the exception of Chief Lewis and Assistant John- son. We are sorry to note that ”VN,” Davenport, is the only all-non office on the System. General Chairman Bro. W. T. Brown was in the city October 10th. Some of us paid our respects at his rooms in the Kaiserhoff Hotel. There is always something doing when “Brown’s in town.” He is working on a new proposition that sounds good, and all he needs is the fraternal support of every operator on the Rock Island to enable him to carry out his plans. Local Chairman Bro. Kay, of Joliet, paid us a friendly call October 8th, while in the city attend- ing the theater. He reports things flourishing on the Illinois Division. Bro. John F. Jones, who resigned about three months ago to accept a position as stenographer in a large real estate office, is now a member of the firm: “A. L. Milenberg & Co., Real Estate Brok- ers.” Bro. Jones intends keeping up-to-date in the O. R. T. Bro. R. M. Buckley, who resigned October 1st, has accepted similar position in the C. & E. I. gen- eral offices. Bro. Walter Favorite has returned from St. Charles, La., where he has been spending a thirty- day vacation with friends and relatives. Bro. Quigley spent Saturday and Sunday of the first week in Davenport, visiting friends and rela- tives. Bro. Meisner was on the jury the week of Oc- tober 7th. He is now moving from Auburn Park to Normal Park. Several C. T. U. of A. men working in “GO” now. Soon as the commercial trouble is settled and the men get back to work, there will be an opening for some good O. R. T. relay or general office men. Push buttons for calling messengers are being installed. This will be of great benefit to the oper- ators, as it is very annoying to be compelled to call out several times when a messenger is wanted. Girl messengers arc being installed in place of boys. We have two on the job now, and will have more soon as get rid of some more of the boys. Cert. 1693. Topeka Division — Bro. Ed. Ehrhart returned a few days ago, after a month’s vacation in Colorado and Wyoming. Mr. A. B. Mathews (C. T. U. of A.), is off on a ten days’ vacation visiting at St. Louis. Bro. C. E. Liptrap spent two days in Kansas City October 1st and 2d attending Priests of Pal- las parade. Bro. P. R. Lynch, who has been enjoying his vacation, returned to work recently. El Reno Division — Bro. G. G. Porter, L. N. C., promoted to the position of dispatcher at Amarillo. Mr. F. F. Baxter promoted as acting late N. Bro. I\ B Northcott in San Antonio, Old Mex- ico, enjoying his vacation. Br<-. C. R. Sawtell on the sick list. L. C. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1886 The Railroad Telegrapher. Omaha Division — Bro. J. A. Merrill, of Scandia, is laying off on account of ill-health. Bro. S. D. Blakely received Mahaska on bul- letin. Mr. C. B. Beymer working at Alvo, Don’t know where he is going to next. Bro. S. W. Potts working relief at Rydal while Bro. ‘ Potts is ill. Bro. Potts came to us from the B., R. & P.f and is strictly up-to-date. Rydal and Montrose both bulletined. Don’t know where the boys are going from there. Night job at Belleville, Kan., also bulletined. Bro. E. G. Wolford received Jansen, nights, on bulletin. Bro^ H. Moore back to work at Hallam. Bro. C. H. Fuller has resigned. Don’t know what he intends doing. Coa. Colorado Division — Mr. Warren E. Stimson, also known as William E. Stimson, formerly traffic chief of the Postal Telegraph Company at Boston, later of the Rock Island at Goodland, is now scabbing for the Pos- tal Company at Denver under the name of E. B. Jones. We think he should have gotten a better position in Denver under his real name, but he probably has good reasons for not wanting to be known. He tried to get some of the boys from Goodland to scab by offering them jobs at $25 per week, but they are honorable men, and there was nothing doing for him at this place. We are nearly solid on this division; in fact, only about five nons on the division and three or four of them promise to come in pay day. We had a very enthusiastic meeting at Good- land October 27th, there being a large attend- ance, considering the distance some of the west end boys had to come, and the inconvenience and discomfort of traveling half of one night coming, and a half of the next night getting home, and it certainly shows the brothers of the Colorado Divi- sion are alive to their best interests. We also wish to thank those who stayed at home and worked long hours to enable their broth- ers to attend. We had a very interesting meeting, and threshed out several questions that came up regarding Sun- day hours, increase in pay, etc., and all took the opportunity to get well acquainted with the others. With soft coal at $8.50 and $9.00 per ton, clothing, groceries and house rent gone up in proportion in this part of the United States, the operators, and especially those who are men of families, need an increased compensation to live as we should, and lay by something for a rainy day. Another thing the operators want to go after with vigor is to have it thoroughly understood among the powers that be that an operator leaving the service after sixty days' service shall have a pass furnished him to the point where he came from to enter their service, or an equal distance in any other direc- tion over that company’s rails. At present several of the railroads contend that when an employe has quit, or even given notice of resigning, he is not entitled to free transportation under the new In- terstate Commerce Law, and this works a hardship on many a good man, no matter if you are leav- ing in good standing, for another position after several months* service, it is either pay your fare or get over the road the best way you can. Superintendent Abbott extended us every cour- tesy in his power, having the most convenient trains possible stop to pick the boys up and bring them in to meeting, and also stopping No. 40, a fast train, to enable some of the east end boys to get home early as possible after the meeting was out, and those that wished could ride any freight they chose going in their direction. Mr. Ellis, our chief dispatcher, met with us, and gave us a short and appreciative talk regard- ing our duty to the company, and how to assist the dispatchers in the movement of trains. If anyone has not filled out the schedule blanks and returned them to Bro. Wood, kindly do so at once, as it is from these blanks that our com- mittee learns what we desire, and if they are not filled out and returned, they may take it for granted that we are satisfied with what we are get- ting. Then if we do not get a raise we have no one to blame but ourselves. Little things count, and if there is no complaint on our work when our committee meets the man- agement we will be that much more certain to get what we ask for, and it will assist our own com- mittee, as they will know they have loyal support from a class of men it will be an honor to repre- sent. Cert. 1,587. El Paso Division — Saturday evening, October 12th, the members of the El Paso Division held a meeting at Pratt, Kan., which was well attended by all the boys who were able to get there. The trains were late, and the boys were late in getting together, but those who were there stayed with it, and we had a very nice meeting. The meeting was addressed by Bro. Brown, who gave those present some idea as to the relations the telegraphers and the company have for one another, which is the most friendly. Remarks were made by all those present. After the close of the meeting we were very pleasantly surprised by being called to partake of lunch and hot coffee, which was on hand through the thoughtfulness of Bro. Williamson. Bro. Harry Pain, of Cullison, started for the meeting with his horse and buggy, but when about five miles out he was compelled to turn back on account of his horse taking sick. Bro. Gilby was also compelled to get off the train at Hutchinson on account of taking sick on the train. We are glad to say that Bro. Brooks filled out his application blanks while in Pratt. Mr. Thos. Farrell, of Meade, promised us his ap- plication. Mr. Jett and wife, of Pratt, also gave us their promise that they would do likewise. It was reported at the meeting that the former local chairman of the El Paso Division of the R. L had gone to work at the Western Union office at Hutchinson. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1889 E. J. Kelly has returned to work at Hutchin- son, after a few weeks' vacation. Mrs. M. A. Lusk, who was working nights at Hutchinson, has resigned and gone to work for the Santa Fe. Bro. Diffy, one of the C. T. U. of A. boys, is working at Texhome, Bro. Creswell having gone to Naravisa. G. T. Terra, of the U. P. Division, is now work- ing nights at Guymon. We are going to try and have a meeting on this division every month, and hope that all the boys who can will make an effort to attend and get acquainted with the men he is working with. One of the brothers present at the Pratt meeting said he had been working at one station for sev- eral years, and that he had met his next door neighbor for the first time; that he was glad that he had come, as he had no more idea what this brother looked like than the man in the moon. It’S a good thing, boys, to come out and find out what kind of men you are working with. Let’s all try and be present at the next meeting. Plenty of no- tice will be given so that you can arrange to be present. We wish to thank Chief Dispatcher Creagan for the interest he took in this meeting, and for the favors in assisting the boys in getting in. Bro. J. A. Merrill, from the Nebraska Division, is visiting his brother, E. L. Merrill, local chair- man of the El Paso Division, at Logan, N. M. Div. Cor. Canadian Pacific Railway. Western Division, District No. 3 — Bro. Reid, of CreSton, away nearly two months, being relieved by Bro. Boyle. Bro. Hinds transferred, Ryan to Blairmore. Bro. Hales filling vacancy at Ryan. Local Chairman Willson now holding down agency at Cranbrook, vice J. Moe, promoted to District Passenger Agent at Nelson. Mr. Drowley now at Wardner. Think he is one of us now. Have not heard who goes there per- manently yet. Bro. Austin is not back from Winnipeg, where he has been on committee work for the past three or four months, being relieved by his brother from the East for a while, and Bro. Aclon now re- lieving. We have been granted a good, substantial in- crease, but not without hard work. Several of the boys along the pike are having hard work to get off this summer on account of shortage of men. I “13” Bro. Inglis, at Jaffray, has had his “shack” put in condition to withstand the cold weather, and, judging by the looks of his “shack” as we pass by, it would not be a bad idea to repair it with a new one. There was a small gathering at the meeting held in Cranbrook on October 13. Cert. 1088. Central Dhnsion, District No. 5 — Meeting held in Moose Jaw Sunday, October ao. About twenty members present. Come, broth- ers, wake up and attend meetings, as you do not know what you are missing. Bro. Goulding, our local chairman, likes to see a good percentage of membership on District No. 5 at meetings, so he can exchange ideas with all and give them information for their own benefit at these meetings, and help to promote sociability and good friendship among all. Bro. Campbell, our third vice-president and gen- eral chairman, Bro. Goulet, of New Westminster, passed through Moose Jaw Sunday after their labors in the East effecting settlement of our schedule. Bro. Goulding met them at the station, and had a few minutes’ talk with them. Bro. Guernsey, relief agent, just returned from vacation, visiting Vancouver, Victoria and Okano- gan Valley, stopped over on his way East with Bro. Maynard at Mortlach. Bro. Robinson, night operator of Chaplin, re- lieved for vacation. He is spending it at Toronto and Eastern points. Bro. McGillivray, of Sintalula, just returned from the coast, where he spent his holidays. Bro. Fillmore, of Milestone, relieved by Bro. Guernsey, and has left on vacation, going to Van- couver and British Columbia points. He also took a day at Mortlach. Bro. Spence, of Qu’Appelle, has returned from Winnipeg to Qu’Appelle, and taken charge of that point after filling the position of freight claim agent for last month also, at Winnipeg. In my last write-up I requested members on this district to send me any news that they could, but, as yet, only one brother on the district has taken any interest in the matter. I can not get in touch with you all by wire to get the news, so would be glad if you would send any news that you can. Local Cor. Western Division, District No. 2 — Our regular monthly meeting in Red Deer last Sunday was a genuine success. Nearly all the boys were there. As this division is 99 per cent, no doubt the attendance will be greater every time. Fred. Bye is holding down “CG” days again, after a pleasant trip to the coast. He met Bro. Pelkey out there, who is in the contracting busi- ness. Bro. Kirby relieving Laggan now after a three months’ vacation, owing to an accident received from kicking a football too hard. Bro. Schuman appointed Crossfield, Bro. Hughes going to Morley to allow Bro. McLeod to go to Bawlf. A member at a meeting recently was heard to remark, “We can’t have too much of a good thing.” This remark arose from his having once attended a meeting where the chairman addressed the members on the principles and effectiveness of the organization. The O. R. T. has been the means of elevating our positions, financially, fra- ternally and otherwise, and it is up to each and Digitized by CjOOQle

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1890 The Railroad Telegrapher. every one of us to be present at the meetings and learn of the worm accomplished by what has been rightly termed our “bread winner.” Bro. Fairey is tiow telegrapher in the general superintendent’s oftice. Our next meeting will be held in Calgary on the third Sunday in November. The next two consecutive meetings will be in Red Deer, on the third Sundays in December and January. Apply early and try to get to them all. Div. Coa. Pacific Division , Qistrict No. I — Fourteen per cent increase and improved work- ing conditions will help some. Assistant General Chairman Bro. Mooney was back from serving on Schedule Committee, but left for Winnipeg again yesterday to assist in rearranging the improved conditions. What they are we are, as yet, un- aware, but if in proportion to increase, surely no one will have any Aick coming. That the few )ns on the district are keenly alive to the bene *s ./> be derived from joining our ranks is illustrated by the fact that with one exception all have £ome in during the past sixty days, and in justice to these same, who have now a right to be called brother, we are glad to state that they butted right in when the air was full of trouble rumors, and applied for membership when not sure whether their job was good for a day or a week. These are the sort of cadets we are looking for. Surely this may be taken as evidence of confidence in our officers, also that it has already dawned or is rapidly dawning upon operators in the railroad service that the O. R. T. is strong enough to secure their rights when they go after them in earnest. Our committee has fought a hard fight and too much credit can not be given them for the firm stand they maintained throughout. The company’s representatives were as adamant that train dispatchers should not be classed as telegraphers, also that we should hand them back a present in the shape of the two weeks’ annual vacation it took so inuch hard fighting to secure, and that they succeeded in neither case adds luster to our victory. As to sacrificing the train dispatchers “we guess not.” It is fine business to be able to realize that the man with the iron arm and much grief is a brother, and has your interest at heart as a part of his own, and who, instead of trying to make life a burden for you, does his share toward pro- moting peace and harmony, and when we know that this same harmonious, prompt and willing transaction of the company’s business can not help but be of benefit to their interests, we marvel that the officials of this great corporation should seek to destroy such relations and, possibly, create friction by which the interests of the company would be the only sufferer. During the past sixty days the following have been enrolled among the good people: A. Gillespie, Field, B. C.; C. A. Classon, Donald, B. C.; A. W. Sharpe, Sushwap, B. C.; D. D. See, Field, B. C., and J. W. Lindsay, Revelstoke depot, B. C. This makes District No. i solid, with the excep- tion of one who will no doubt get either lonely or some horse sense shortly and do biz. Do not sup- pose the fact of his not having contributed any- thing towards procuring the new schedule will prevent him putting out his mitt for his portion of what the rest of us got for him. Our old schedule includes an article which reads: “Where telegraphers are obliged to live in the un- settled districts the company will deliver fresh meat to them during the warm months free of charge.” This is very good of them, but who pays for the meat when the baggageman tosses it off into the bushes a half mile from the station, and the operator has to run a foot race for it with a coyote, and the coyote wins? Cert. 1158. Soo Branch — On Saturday night, October 19, 1907, a meet- ing of the Soo Branch boys was held at Blind River. Bro. J. A. Hawkins, Assistant General Chairman, of Sturgeon Falls, was present and presided. We were few in number, but the in- terest manifested made up for numerical de- ficiencies, and left the impression that the “mud- sills of society” must be better recognized from every point of view, or something will be “doing.” More determination was never exemplified. Every brother seemed to be full of the same sort of de- termination. We felt thankful to our committee for what they got and for what they did, but it was understood that it would be more satisfactory if future negotiations with the company were carried on in the same old manner, with the ex- ception of final settlement, which would have to be approved by the membership affected before the General Chairman and Grand Representative could accept. This would make every member re- sponsible and relieve the committee of anything they may be unjustly censured for. It would require a great deal of space to give all the details of the gathering. In fact there was not a phase of the case that did not receive its share of attention, and when “Criminal Re- sponsibility” came up, no one lost any time in getting their work in. The other matters were im- portant, but this question could not be crowded out. It meant civilian’s attire or State stripes for almost any one at almost any time. During the discussion of this question local instances were cited which ^proved that the courts would be per- fectly justified in passing a manslaughter sen- tence on a railroad man who did not make a mistake. It is not necessary that men be over- worked and underpaid, and thereby rendered in- capable of properly performing their duties. Every one connected with railroading knows the many duties a passenger conductor has to perform, yet if he forgets one o^his “meets” or his “do nols,” and lives are lost, he is “criminally responsible.” Or, in the case of an operator that may have from one to six trains at his station and one or more orders for each one of them, and at the same time he is selling tickets, checking baggage, handling express and money orders, commercial Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1891 telegrams, and waiting for a chance to slip into the freight shed and let the draymen get their freight, besides the thousand and one things that any good agent has always got to keep his eyes on; yet with all of this responsibility he is “criminally responsible" if he forgets to deliver one of those orders to one of those trains. A train dispatcher is also “‘criminally responsible" if he happens to bring a couple together. He may be trying to do the work of two men at that time, yet th» double strain does not relieve him in the eyes of the law. If these matters were placed before the rail* road commission plainly, and brought to the at- tention of every legislator, we would soon have more men at stations, shorter hours and better pay, which should be the only conditions under which we would be “criminally responsible." If the railroad commission and the legislators will not sit up and listen, it is high time for us to consider the advisability of putting our own class in power at Canada’s capital and turn the gov- ernment at Ottawa into a labor congress, where all men will get their rights. There will be a meeting at Blind River the third Saturday of every second month. Remember the next date, December ai. I understand that Bro. Hawkins is arranging for the Main Line to come in between ours. L. E. Tushkfmu. Erie Ry. Susquehanna Division — The last meeting of the Susquehanna Division, held at Elmira, N. Y., October 17, was well at- tended, the main subject being the eight-hour law. Action was taken which should bear results ere this appears. Our division officials were very busy during the last two weeks of September hiring telegraphers, and about thirty names were added to the long list, with a promise of eight hours after Octo- ber 1st. On the eve of September 30, the wind changed to a New York direction, and all the eight-hour tricks were swept away by the cancellation, except Cameron and Chemung Junction, who enjoyed an eight-hour day of one day’s duration. On Wednesday, October a, the movement was normal, except that telegraphers were putting in overtime for hours over eight, and the chief dis- patcher’s office was showered with them. On October 6, the chief dispatcher of the Sus- quehanna division issued an order that overtime would not be allowed on this account, and that it was not in accordance with the schedule. During the first week of October, several of the men on the extra list, who had been employed with the understanding that they were to have an eight-hour position commencing October 1, were laying idle and drawing a regular salary, but this soft one could not last, and on October 9 they were notified of the veto, and again the wind swept disastrously over the line. Several of the recently engaged telegraphers were notified by the chief dispatcher that because the company considered the eight-hour law uncon- stitutional, it would not be enforced, offering to give them extra work until March 4, 1908, when, he said, the Federal nine-hour law would be effective and which law would have to be enforced. As a result of the temporary dismissal of some of the men engaged there are all kinds of threats being made; one man, it is said, will bring suit against the Erie railroad for damages as an in- dividual. Meanwhile Bro. Hall was working on the case, and soon after the meeting in Elmira, October 17, a hearing had been arranged for with the utilities commission at Albany, N. Y., October 33, at which time the Erie Railroad Company, through their general attorney, agreed to put the law into effect immediately, pending a decision of a court on the constitutionality of the law. Up to the evening of October 26 no eight-hour tricks have materialized, although we are enter- taining hourly expectations. A number of members ha e looked to the Order to enforce the law, but let me say, good men, in large bunches, we can not go beyond our power; moreover, we can not do that which seemingly the officials of the State should do. There is but one way for us to enforce the law, and that is, read the agreement, do some thinking, and then act. East End — Telegrapher J. D. Collins, of Owego, has bid in Wcllsburg nights. Bro. Beilis, of “BS" tower, has been enjoying a vacation. Relieved by Mr. Coleman, night man. How much more pleasant it is working eight hours. We would feel very bad if we had to go back on the old twelve-hour trick again. We were glad to note that there were a number of brothers at the meeting at Elmira the 17th, who have not attended for some time. Glad to know that these brothers will endeavor to attend regularly in the future. We had a good turn-out at the last meeting. It is only once a month and we should all make every effort to attend. Every brother has a desire to know what is going on at these meetings and it is to your own interest to be there and take part. Bro. Delaney, of “BT" days, has bid in “DH" days, which brings him to his old home. Bro. Shultz is working days at “BT" since Bro. Delaney left West End — Bro. Murphy was absent one day from “GJ" Horsehead9. Relieved by Bro. Spencer. Several new members were added to the list last month, which is encouraging for the old timers. Some of our brethren were threatened with dis- missal from the company’s service for being per- sistent in the overtime eight-hour act. As all of the regular men are in their places now in the dispatcher’s office, we presume the vacancy will be filled sooner or later, viz.. No. 1 days, advertised early in August and vacant in June. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1892 The Railroad Telegrapher. D. L. Cole, of “AQ” Corning, took a trip to the Adirondacks. Relieved by Bro. Walbridge. Bro. Barkalow is working days at “RX” and Bro. Horey nights. Bro. E. I. Kelly, “FD” Corning, spent four days at his home in Millport. F. M. Roach, formerly an Erie man, has an eight-hour position with the N. Y. C., Lyons Division. G. B. Owen, a former Erie brother, has taken a position with the Pennsylvania at Harrisburg, Pa. Wish to thank all members assisting in the contribution to our worthy distressed brother, H. Ruble Clark, of Covington, La. A. E. Marsh, L. C. Mahoning Division — The changes on the Mahoning Division at the present writing are as follows: S. H. Ridinger bid in “OB/’ superintendent’s office, Youngstown days. There are three men there working eight hours per day and one Sun- day in three. Frank Sanders, at “VO** tower, laying off; re- lieved by Norman Grimm, from “CB” tower. A. R. North is back on the Erie and working at “SN” tower, Leavittsburg. R. N. Babcock has resumed work at “SN” tower nights. The levermen are to be taken off at “SN” tower, and three telegraphers put on, working eight hours each at $58 per month. This will be a saving of $26 per month to the company, and three men to handle the tower, instead of four. C. G. Perry has returned from the West, and taken his old place at Hubbard tower. A. J. Klinite is holding down “HD” nights. Walter Post, of Ferronia, is back at work after being off on his vacation. E. B. Van Woert, of “YO” nights, has gone West. J. B. Aylward, of “CS,” off on vacation; re- lieved by a commercial man. H. B. Cutlip bid in “MA” tower nights. C. J. Fenstermaker bid in “MA” tower days., Dispatcher F. J. Jones is at Cripple Creek, Colo., looking over some mining investments. Sherman Hart, of Warren tower nights, is off on his vacation, having gone to Niagara Falls and New York City, being relieved by J. A. Terry. When Hart gets back Terry leaves us, going to the Bessemer, where he gets a better job. F. E. Brooks goes from “SN” tower to “YO” nights. C. W. Morse is back at Niles days, after having worked at Warren and “CB” towers while Mitchell and Armstrong were having their vacation. Remember the joint meeting of Meadville Divi- sion and Mahoning Division that is held at War- ren, Ohio, the last Saturday night of each and every month, and make an effort to come out. Div. Cor. Delaware Division — The following are recent changes: E. J. Fiedler, “RJ” Rosas nights, permanently. This position has the distinction of being one that no one desires, being tried by at least ten different men within the last six months. A good argu- ment for more pay for this point when the com- mittee go up again. Bro. Fortner, “BQ,” Lacka waxen, nights, was successful applicant for “XR,” Comstocks, nights. Have not heard where Bro. Stiles is located. Bro. Hempstead, “SR,” Susquehanna yard tower nights, is out of the service. Patsy White, of “KZ,” Deposit tower days, was called on to help out a few nights at this busy point until a man could be found to hold it. The practice of taking regular men away from home to fill in at heavy points, and placing $45 men in their places does not appear right to me. It is an injustice that should be righted. Bro. Tom McMahon, of “TU,” Tusten days, is absent on his vacation. Bro. W. F. McMahon, from “WF,” Westcolang tower, is filling in dur- ing Tom’s absence, and a $45 man in Billy's place. Bro. W. A. Terry, “SR,” Susquehanna yard, days, is laying off sick. Drv. Cor. Lima and Chicago Divisions — All items and news should go to the same old address, your local chairman, 414 South Pine street. We should all feel gratified over the work that is being done on our divisions on the C. & E., and we understand everything is going smoothly over the entire system. We have, during the last month, received applications from several old heads. They are all good men and we are glad to be in a posi- tion to call them brothers. We feel confident that all of the nons here will be in within the next sixty days, thereby making us nearly solid. Operators generally are now counting the months and days when the national nine-hour law goes into effect. While we believe it will be put in operation, still we should not leave any stone un- turned to see that it is enforced. “MJ” tower, Marion, has been turned over to Lima Division, now being controlled by Chief Dis- patcher Kern, at Huntington. The night position at ‘“MJ” will, in a few days, be advertised by C. & E. McConnel, who has held that place for some little time, has been relieved. Bro. Krautter, regular day man at Marans Switch, is taking a thirty-day vacation. Bro. Smith, regular night man, is on day, and Mr. C E. Brown, of Alger, is working the night shift. Mr. Dutton, agent at Decliff, starts on a trip for the West in a few days, expecting to be ab- sent some time. Bro. Pace will act as agent dur- ing his absence. Bro. Hopkins, days at “KN” tower, is now tak- ing his fall vacation, the night man working his trick and extra man on nights. Unable to learn their names. R. C. Rudy, days at “HN” tower, will in the future be known as Bro. Rudy. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1893 Bro. J. A. Jones, for the past ten years agent at McGuffey, has resigned. Bro. Jones has an onion farm on the marsh and will devote his entire time to raising, buying and shipping onions. M. D. McCaubry, for many years agent at Alger, has resigned, and is now cashier of the Alger Bank. Position advertised September 3 and bid in by Mr. R. A. McCaubry. Extra Operator Helverson now working nights at Alger. Bro. C. R. Phillips, accompanied by his family, took in the sights in Chicago during his vacation, he being relieved by Bro. A. L. Dempster, from “HN” tower. Mr. Coomler, regular nights at “SJ” tower, has returned from an extended vacation. Bro. P. Thatcher, nights at Lima, was off duty a week, entertaining his brother, Dr. Thatcher, of Bellefontaine. Bro. Grant Harbison, days at “SV” tower, now taking a much deserved vacation, he being relieved by Mr. Roe, of Ossian. Bro. Joe Grim, regular days at Huntington yard office, now working message wire in dispatcher's office, relieving Mr. Worcester, who is in Michi- gan, we understand, on vacation. Bro. J. F. Spohr is back at his old trick, copying, nights. Bro. J. P. Hill, days at Simpson, spent a few days recently at Bass Lake. Bro. Zellars, of Germany, days, has been re- lieved. Unable to learn where he goes. Mr. Pee- bles, from the Clover Leaf, relieving him. Mr. Mathews was off most of the time during October on account of serious illness, being relieved by Operators C. M. Sennett and S. H. Morrow. Bro. C. K. Sennett is working No. 3 wire in Huntington, dispatcher's office. Bro. Ligard has decided to remain at Aiding for the present at least. Bro. J. R. Sennett, agent at Montery, has been given a helper for a short time during the rush. Bro. J. V. McVey, agent at Bass Lake, seems to be unable to get relief. We presume no one wants it at $50 per. “JP” tower nights and “DR” tower days open. Neither of these places have, as yet, been adver- tised. Extra man at “JO.” Unable to learn the name. Mr. J. Koschnick is working “DR” tower until a regular man is assigned. Bro. E. B. Stipp, days at “DR” tower, has re- signed and accepted an eight-hour trick with the Panhandle at LaCrosse, Ind. We understand the Erie Railroad has opened a school of telegraphy at Kenton, with L. V. Wil- son, formerly agent at Markle, as professor. How Mr. Wilson can get so far down as that we are unable to see; however, there must be a weak place in his flash pan. Bro. C. R. Phillips, days at “SJ” tower, Lima, on sick list. Si Slocum. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased our Almighty Father to remove from our midst our worthy brother, R. Cortright, an esteemed member of Bradford Di- vision, and Whereas, We wish to express the profound sense of bereavement that we entertain; therefore, be it Resolved, That Division No. 42, O. R. T., in the death of Bro. Cortright has lost a worthy member, his family a kind and loving husband; be it, fur- ther, Resolved, That in respect to his memory we ex- tend to the wife and family our heartfelt sympa- thy, and that a copy of these resolutions be en- tered upon the minutes of Erie System, Division No. 42, published in The Telegrapher, and a copy sent to the widow of our deceased brother. J. F. Karl, Cert. 262, M. M. Loney, Cert. 6510, H. S. Munson, Cert. 253, Committee. Bangor & Aroostook Ry. Probably before this goes to press our commit- tee will have been in to see the mai\agement, and if they don’t have good luck why we hope they will still be there when this comes out in our next journal. The new cut-off is nearing completion, and we will soon have double track from Northwest Pond to Northern Maine Junction. Bro. Kelly, of “KX” office, has returned from his vacation. Bro. Marr, of “KX,” has also completed his vacation. We are glad to welcome Bro. Newcomb as one of our local chairmen. Bro. Crozier has got an assistant at last. Mr. Mosher is back on his old job at “NO” freight office. Bro. Connelley is doing the day trick at Nor. Me. Junction, at this writing. Bro. Jno. Walsh working at Milo Junction days. Bro. Gerrish, of Greenville, is taking an ex- tended vacation. Bro. Leighton is relieving at “DX.” Mr. Belorgea (soon to be a brother) is doing the telegraphing at LaGrange at present. Bro. Harper is doing the owl act at Brownville. Bro. Patterson at Kidders Point at present. Bro. C. R. Bowley, days at Stacyville. Bro. Tompkins, from Patten to Monticello per- manently. Bro. Paul is doing the telegraphing and excess- ing in “HF” office, Houlton. Bro. Gaffney, who worked awhile at Schoodic, has returned to the New Haven. Mr. Lutes is doing the owl stunt at Schoodic now. Bro. Gallant is still on the C. P. Ry., doing re- lief work, we “13.” Bros. Crozier and Crocker made a flying trip to “MK,” recently. Div. Cor. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1894 The Railroad Telegrapher. Vandalia Railroad. St. Louis Division , East End — “No card no favors.’* In fact we may say, “No card no friends/’ at least among your brother workmen. Why is it we do not care for a non as a personal friend? We could give a great many reasons, but we will give only a few of the strongest of those we have in mind. In a general way we figure that there must be something decidedly wrong with any man who doesn’t stay with the boys. We generally find him lacking in one or more of the traits of character which tend to make a man likeable. Some might think that just be- cause a non differs in his belief from the mem- bers does not make this true — the members may be in the wrong. Yes, but doesn’t it stand to reason that the judgment of ninety-eight per cent of any large body of men stands a pretty good chance of being right? Whether you see it that way or not, can’t you give in to the judgment of so large a majority? No doubt, Mr. Non, you are following your present course expecting a “great stand-in” with the management No doubt you have been handed some “hot air” and con- sider yourself such an extraordinary fellow that you do not need the O. R. T. Let me say right here that the railroads are run on a strictly com- mercial basis and could a mechanical contrivance be installed to do your work a few dollars cheaper, no personal consideration for you would be tolerated for a minute, nor does “hot air” buy bread. So, Mr. Non, even though you may have been favored more than some others, do not say to yourself, “I’ve been treated all right, to h — 1 with the rest of the boys,” for that is a very unlikable quality in a man. Get out of the rut. Put yourself on a footing where you will be sure of what every man should expect — the friendship of his fellow workmen. Perhaps paying your share has kept you out of the fold. The “lecture” your conscience gives you every time you draw your increase in salary, which was secured by the organized efforts of the boys, for which you have not helped pay and in which you have no doubt hindered a great deal, by throwing your influence against us, should decide you that you are in the wrong. A man who will not pay his way is sure to be disliked. Just stop and think. Out of an investment of something like $10 a year, many of our boys are drawing $126 yearly. I’ll bet they never made such a good investment of that amount of money before. But we haven’t enough nons that can put up much of a kick. In fact, they are remarkably scarce, there being only one regular man on the East End who can not show a card, which is a splendid percentage. But we hear that there are a few members who have not paid their dues promptly. Brothers, this shows something wrong with you somewhere. You haye no excuse whatever now that we have secured a raise. Per- haps you do not realize that by dropping out you are putting yourself on a footing with the nons, of whom we have been speaking. It is an abso- lute fact that there is only one way in which the O. R. T. can be put out of business, and that is by the members dropping out. Any old-timer will tell you that in no other way could the L. & N. have got the upper hand of the boys down there. So, let us get busy, not with a great bluster, but let each brother do his share quietly and -faithfully, even though his share be no more than to keep his dues paid up promptly. If all do this, there is no question but that we will win cut. Bro. B. H. Hershey, of “HB” Hobbs days, has been off for a few days, being relieved by Bro. Orville Hixon. Extra Telegrapher C. Hall is doing the night work at “HB.” Bro. G. E. Stevens, of “GN” Green castle days, is off for a short time. Bro. E. C. McCullough has been doing the day work during his absence, with Extra Telegrapher C. Hall on nights. Bro. N. E. Browning is working nights at “SV” Seely ville. Bro. Geo. Challis has resumed his regular po- sition at “EY” Terre Haute nights, after being absent for a while. Bro. N. E. Browning bandied the levers at “EY” during Bro. Challis’ absence. Bro. O. O. Scanlon has left the East End and we understand is now working nights at “K” tower, Terre Haute, middle division. Bro. E. Colbert, “SV” Seelyville days, is in temporary quarters about one-half mile west of the old office and at the end of the new double track, it being in service from Terre Haute to that point now. Bro. H. L. Hearn, of “KV” Knightsville nights, is off for a short time, visiting in Sidney, Ill- Extra Telegrapher D. V. Carter on nights during his absence. Agent C. C. Orrell, of “AM” Amo, has been laying off, being relieved by Bro. C. R. Short- ridge, of “CO” Coatesville days. Bro. J. Stew- art, of “GB” Gibson nights, has been on days at ‘“CO.” The boys at “SF” Indianapolis, are enjoying the eight-hour trick, the first office on the Vandalia System to be furnished with three men. Boys, it is Bro. Hunt at “HK” Hamrick days now, instead of Mr. Hunt. Bro. F. I. Stanberry, of “CA” Casey, Middle Division, is doing the night trick at “HK.” Agent A. Leachman, of “KN” Knightsville. made a trip to Fillmore a short time ago. Bro. C. C. Chesterson, who has been doing the owl act at "SU” Summit nights, has gone to the West End, “RY” East St. Louis nights, Bro. Y. S. Alexander, of “WA” Watson days, having bid in the night position at “SU.” Extra Telegrapher D. V. Carter has returned to the Middle Division to work nights at "WB” Woodbury. Bro. Fred Farris, of “MD” Almeda nights, has been off on account of sickness. Relieved by Extra Telegrapher O. Wilbur. Bro. J. T. Colburn, of “HN” Harmony day*, has been having a new residence built at that place. Bro. O. M. Coffin, of “FM” Fillmore nights, has been at “CO” Coatesville nights, for a short time, Extra Telegrapher O. Wilbur relieving Bro. Coffin at “FM.” Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1895 Extra Telegrapher W. W. Stinson is on nights at “GB” Gibson, while Bro. J. Stewart, the regular night man at “GB,” is at “CO” Coatesville days. Bro. C. C. Chesterson is with us again on the East End, at present writing, at “NE” Green- castle nights. Bro. V. A. Woodward is working the day trick in Bro. W. A. Vaughn’s place, Bro. Vaughn having gone to “MN" Martinsville, Illi- nois, Middle Division, to relieve the agent for a short time. Bro. C. A. Wilson, of “WA” Watson days, off for a few days, moving his household goods from Brazil to Staunton, Extra Telegrapher O. A. Pierron working during his absence. Mr. Pierron has in his application and will have the necessary cardboard in his possession ere this is in print. Bro. H. S. Miller, of “WA” Watson nights, is off, Bro. R. H. Yates, from “BW” Brownstown, Illinois, on West End, relieving him. Bro. F. R. Parker, of “AO” Amo days, is laying off for a few days. Extra Telegrapher C. Hall relieving him. Bro. E. C. Thompson, our Secretary, will send out the “notice of dues” in November this time, and now let us see how promptly we can respond and every man hold an up-to-date card by the middle of December. Do not put this matter off, brothers, as it is of great importance to each and every one. Also answer promptly all corre- spondence sent you by our officers, as your delay is holding them back. The social meeting in September, at Effingham, Illinois, was a grand success, and enjoyed by all. Twenty brothers were present, and among them Bro. Clancy, of President Perham’s office, St. Louis; Bro. O’Donnell, who is county judge of Effingham County, and holds a card in I. C. Division No. 93; and Bro. Thompson, of the Southern Pacific. Through the courtesy of Judge O’Donnell, the county court room was tendered us in which to hold the meeting. After listening to interesting talks by Bro. Clancy, Judge O’Don- nell and Bro. C. H. Wilson, and dispensing with a box of good Havanas, all went home feeling that they had spent an enjoyable evening, and had been benefited by coming. Bro. C. C. Chesterson had quite a thrilling ex- perience the other night at “NE” Greencastle. About four o'clock a. m. his thoughts were rudely disturbed by a highwayman thrusting a revolver through the ticket window and requesting him to “come across.” After securing all the money in the money drawer the robber made good his escape. The “University City” is an exception, it being the only position on the division where the operator sells tickets. Bro. J. W. McCullough, of “HN” Harmony nights, was in Terre Haute on business the other day. An inspection party was over the East End October 23, consisting of four trains of four or five cars each. In the party were the officials of both the Vandalia System and Pennsylvania Lines West, one hundred and twenty-five in all. The inspection extended from St. Louis to Pittsburg. Cbrts. 107 and *52. Middle Division — Seems as though everything was in good shape for the “inspection” by the P. H. officials and our G. M., Mr. McKeen. Bro. T. S. Jones now has Greenup days, and Bro. Humbarger, from the West End, the night position. Bro. J. L. Brown, at Jewett days, is visiting his old home near Topeka, Kan. Bro. Hutchinson days and Mr. Carter nights. Bro. W. G. Anderson, Farrington days, left for his old home in Michigan this week, Bro. Fuller, Liggett days, relieving him. Bro. Schickle is back at “K” tower. Bro. H. E. Eves, McKeen days, has left us to engage in business In Oklahoma. Bro. Benson has the day position and Bro. See nights. Bro. Postlewait, who has been with the “work extra” 533, has returned to Oak Leaf nights. Our extra dispatcher, C. F. Ward, is spending a week at Jewett. Bro. W. P. Homer will leave us November 8 for thirty days, to visit his Hoosier home. Know of only one non on the division, and it is still next pay-day with him. Bro. F. A. Goodwin, at Greenup nights, has been transferred to Vandalia days for a short time. Bro. Danner, Marshall days, returned this week. Bro. Davidson resumed nights. Bro. Archer returned to Terre Haute. Cirt. 105. West Endt St. Louis Division — We are all proud of this $60 per, and are look- ing forward to that eight hours with hopes of living like human beings after March 4, 1908. After several changes at “RY” Rose Lake, Bros. H. E. Weaver and Roy Elliot are hitting the ball there now. Bro. Lynch is back at “QN” days. Bro. H. O. Morrow, Mulberry Grove nights, has been given Smithboro nights, his home job, Bro. C. B. Beck going west. Bro. Morrow was relieved at “BY” by Bro. G. H. Vest, who worked extra there until F. H. Mathews was placed there permanently. Bro. Mathews was night agent at “MC” St. Elma up to this time. Mulberry Grove is his home town. He was relieved at “MC” by W. A. McCracken. Bro. J. E. Stout, “BY” Mulberry Grove days, has been off a couple of days. Bro. G. H. Vest relieved him. Bro. W. O, Lyerla, “HG” Hagerstown days, is off for seven or ten days, visiting home folks near Irving, 111. He was relieved by Bro. G. H. Vest. O. A. Pierron has gone to the East End to work a few days. It was he that relieved P. J. Heartleaf at “SJ” St. Jacobs nights. Bro. Con Campion, now agent at “MU” Mul- berry Grove, has been given a clerk. The position was given to Bro. G. C. Kilby. Mr. M. J. Robinson is not coming back from his vacation for some time. The position will be given to some older man than Bro. Campion. Bro. Campion has been appointed District Chair- man for District No. xo. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1896 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. J. T. Middleton transferred from Effing- ham days to Vandalia days. J. H. Johnson, "V’' days, has gone to Effingham days. L. G. Beck is relieving the night man at Dexter. To brothers who have not paid up: Do not let Xmas find you in arrears. Cert. No. 86. Mobile & Ohio Ry. Montgomery District — Bro. E. W. Pridmore has returned to the serv- ice, and has Maplesville, nights. Bro. L. M. Mills, after an absence of several years, has returned, and takes Kingston agency. Bro. J. B. Vickers returns to west end yard, nights. Bro. G. F. Morgan installed as agent at McShaw avenue. Bro. Arundale goes to his old home, Reform, nights, which, after January ist, will uphold its name by cutting out everything wet. Mr. J. M. Moss, after several months’ sojourn with us, resigned McShaw agency, and re-enters medical college at Mobile. Bill. Murphysboro Division — Mr. Fox is bulletining now; that gives all a chance. New Hanover and Mill Creek are open. No one seems to want “NE.” Bro. Sterns, our former local chairman, has re- signed, and is attending medical college. Bro. W. H. Polsgrove takes his place as local chairman. Mr. Burke, day man at “WC,” off on vacation. Bro. J. D. Wilson, day man from Sparta, reliev- ing him. Mr. Cook, night man, relieving Bro. Wilson. Mr. Childers relieving Mr. Cook. Neither Cook or Childers belong to the Order. Mr. Chil- ders has quit, I understand, and is going to school. Mr. J. W. Nelson relieving him. Mr. Nelson has only been working a short time, but has asked for application blanks. Bro. M. S. Cauble, night man at Mill Creek, has resigned. Mr. R. E. Williams relieving him. Mr. Williams has been out of the service for some time, and has just returned to telegraphing. Bro. S. Lawrence, days at Ava, is off. Don’t know whether he is coming back or not. Bro. W. Williamson, day man from Percy, relieving him. Mr. Buyatte relieving Bro. Williamson. Bro. J. S. Knapp relieving Mr. Buyatte, nights. Mr. Buy- atte does not belong to the Order, but is going to line-up at once. Bro. Knapp is an old-timer, hav- ing just come here from Nebraska, where he was working commercial work until the strike. Bro. Stanley is off. Bro. Knapp, from Percy, relieving him. Bro. W. C. Hight relieving Bro. Knapp. Bro. J. Snook worked a week at Sparta, reliev- ing Mr. Cook, he being sick. Mr. Covher reliev- ing Bro. Snook. Bro. O. B. Sims, night man “GO,” has gone to MerHian as clerk in train master’s office Bro. W. F. Cleary, day man from "FR,” relieving him. Bro. L. Knauer, night man, relieving Bro. Cleary, and Mr. Coyher relieving Bro. Knauer. H. B. Western Maryland Railroad. I, for one, will seek some other employment un- less we have better working conditions after March 4th, and I think a great many others will do the same. All kinds of labor around us are working ten, and mostly eight hours per day, with their Sunday liberties and all holidays, and are re- ceiving for their services from $2 to $2.50 and $3 per day, so you can see how easy it is for us to better our conditions. All we need is to have the nerve to go up against a little muscular exercise with no fear of destroying property and taking the lives of railroad employes, and thousands of pas- sengers, and standing a chance for life imprison- ment or stretching our necks. What did we do before w'e fooled our time away learning telegraphy? I know, from experience; I lived just as good, and had my liberties and a bet- ter time than I now have. I never worked on Sunday, never worked on legal holidays, and often got off on Saturday, and had a better living than at present, because I always got my good, hot meals, and now I hardly know what a warm meal is, and have to eat my cold ones just as I get a chance; often have to pound the key with one band and eat with the other. We know all other kinds of labor get their hour for meals. Now, since we have to work every day in the year from twelve to eighteen hours per day, 1 think it is time for all of us to wake up and put it up to the railroad companies to pay us what we deserve, and make our day eight hours. I am ready to walk out tomorrow, and stay out until we get what we deserve. I will not say what I think we should have for the time we put in on this road; it might cause the officials to collapse if they should see it. But I do think if they can pay the trainmen from 30 to 40 cents per hour, that, considering the small number of telegraphers employed compared with the trainmen, they should be able to do as much for us as they do tor them, as I think the telegraph system is the train tuff of the road, even if they do not confess it. With- out it they could do nothing. An agency was established between Bissell and Mill Switch Wednesday, October 16th. It is in charge of Bro. H. W. Ruch. We are glad to know that Bros. McCubbin and Fleigh have been promoted to train runners, and are having success. Telegrapher Stoufter has been transferred from Edgemont, night, to “G” office, Hagerstown, nights, filling the vacancy caused *by Bro. Fleigh. Very sorry to say that Mr. Stouffer is a “non,” and says very plainly that he will not join our ranks. He is a different man from his son who took his place at Edgemont, night, as he is a member of the C. T. U. of A., and walked out when the commercial telegraphers struck. Brothers, wherever there is a “non” in your reach get after him, and if he won’t come our way, do not forget the good old card, and say to the “nons:” “No card, no favors,” and live right up to the saying. Div. Co*. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1897 Southern Ry. Knoxville Division, East End — Our regular meeting called to order Saturday night, September 28th, at 8:30 p. m., with small attendance. Come one, come all, to our next meet- ing, and let us see if we can not bring old Knox- ville Division to the front. We can if we will. At the last meeting two new members were initiated. Do not know the two new members' names. I would like to see it solid from one end to the other; not only Division 59, but all over the United States. It is not a great while until our committee will go to Washington, D. C., to arrange for shorter hours and better pay. Now, because our committee is going to Washington, D. C., do not sit down and fold your hands like you were going to get a “registered letter from dad,” but work as you never worked before. Get every non you can possibly rake or scrape that is not a ham, and do your best to put all the ham factories out of business. There has been several jobs bulletined, but I am unable to say who bid them all in. Wish some one would sent me or Bro. C. L. Porter, Alpha, Tenn., what news he is able to get by the 25th of each month. If one brother would do this between Morristown and Asheville, and one between Morristown and Bristol, I or Bro. Porter will look out for the rest, and we will have a good write-up for each month. The jobs that were on bulletin were as follows: Days at “BS“ office, Knoxville. Days at Roe Junction. Days at West Bridgeport. Days at Watonga. Nights at Barnard, N. C., and several others that I do not remember. The positions were bid in by the following telegraphers: “BS” office, Knoxville, Bro. Barkley; bid afterwards with- drawn. Days at Watanga by Telegrapher Web- ster. Days at West Bridgeport by Telegrapher Keebler. One new office opened up: Friends Station, Tenn., with Telegraphers W. F. Keebler, days, and J. C. Anderson, nights. Telegrapher J. E. Hayes relieving Bro. Barkley at Hodges for ten or fif- teen days. Bro. F. M. Leeson doing the owl trick at east end double track while Bro. J. P. Bradshaw is away on fifteen days' vacation visiting his mother in the East. Bro. Franklin, Russellville, is off on a fifteen days’ vacation. Not able to find out his relief. Bro. Houston, after a twenty days’ vacation, has returned to work at east end double track. Bro. E. E. Marshall, wjio was express messenger a short time, has returned to telegraph service. H. G. Barkley, Div. Cor. Macon Division — Mr. J. C. Ellis, trainmaster, has resigned to ac- cept service with a Brazil S. A. R. R. Co. Mr. Ellis was succeeded as trainmaster by Chief Dis- patcher O. A. Gunthorpe. Mr. Gunthorpe suc- ceeded by Mr. G. W. Adams as chief dispatcher. Mr. Adams formerly held first trick, and the trick dispatchers moved up, giving Mr. Mosley, for- merly copyist, third trick. Bro. Persinger, for- merly day operator in “MA," Macon office, copyist. Bro. Croft, nights at "MA,” going days. Bro. Ingram, former agent at Juliette, going nights at “MA” office. Bro. Lon Pitts, nights at Locust Grove, to agent at Juliette, and Bro. J. D. Hin- son, nights at Polhill, to nights at Locust Grove, and Extra Telegrapher Moseley going nights reg- ular at Polhill. Mr. J. G. Coleman, days at Ellenwood, again on the sick list. Bro. C. R. Stephenson doubling un- til a relief man can be sent. Mr. Nottingham, days at Flippen, on vacation, enjoying a trip to the Jamestown Exposition. Mr. Nottingham relieved by Bro. McVickers, formerly nights at Cochran. Bro. McVickers relieved at Cochran by Bro. Baker. Bro. Richardson, nights at Stockbridge, re- signed; relieved by Bro. Lawson, nights at Lumber City. Have not learned who relieved Bro. Lawson at Lumber City. Bro. E. H. Boutwell, nights at Cork, resigned. Have not yet learned who his relief is. Bro. West, agent at Berner, resigned; relieved by Night Man Jno. Chambliss, of Berner, while Bro. West accepts nights at Berner. It is with much pleasure that we note the changes in the service given by the brethren on the line. That is the right thing to do, boys; keep it up and improve. Answer as promptly as you can, and you will very soon convince the officials that the right kind of men are the wearers of the “wreath and sounder” with an up-to-date card. We all seem to think that the nine-hour law is an assured fact from the way the boys are sitting contentedly waiting for it. Wish something would happen that would open your eyes and start your brain to working on your own condition as fast as it works following the busy sounders, then there would be some improve- ment shown, for one man can do nothing to assist himself without the aid of the others. Boys, wake up. Attend the meetings. Learn what is being done. Learn what you might do if you would try. Take a hand in the matter. Stop waiting for the other fellow, and try to be more than a piece of machinery, for we are enough of a “rousterbout” now. Div. Cor. Washington Division — Those that were absent at the meeting held at Charlottesville, October 19th, missed a grand meeting. It was the most successful held since our existence on the division. All present were enthu- siastic. The north end was well represented, but was sorry to see the south end lacking in numbers to equal the north end. Come next time brothers, and bring your pal along to help swell the bunch of O. R. T.s; there is abundance of room to accom- modate a couple of car-loads of those of the right stripe. Bro. Grim, who was previously elected chief telegrapher, informs the local, with regret, that it being inconvenient for him to attend the meetings regularly he is compelled to decline the position, but appreciates the honor that was bestowed upon him. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1898 The Railroad Telegrapher. At this meeting Bro. P. T. Robertson was elected to fill the chief telegrapher’s chair. Several other officers being absent on this occasion, other brothers were appointed to fill the vacancies in order to proceed with the business. Many important questions were discussed, and the majority of them were decided and disposed of by an unanimous vote of the brothers. The student question brought many brothers to their feet, who hotly protested against having a student in a rifle shot of a ticker, and the seated brothers also sanc- tioned the skidoo of the student to the tall timbers. Having students around, making them as wise as ourselves, is one of the greatest evils and the hardest battle we have to fight at the present. Arm ourselves to the teeth with that power "/ will not be a professor to work hardships against myself.” Understand there are several students located along the line at different points. Some of them may be getting wise, but under whom? Our friends? No. The title of the professor can be written by com- mencing with a big N — or S — , and using two or three additional letters to complete the title of the — what is it? Several of the boys that were dislodged on ac- count of their offices being cut out, have not lo- cated themselves permanently yet. Bro. W. R. Connelly worked “CD,” Alexandria, and Manassas a few days this month. Bro. D. W. Sullivan working the middle relief. Bro. J. B. Rouark, of the Washington office, also working the south end relief. Bro. T. R. Roberts, of Shipman, off on a vaca- tion. Understand Bro. C. D. Urban, of Elma, desires a few weeks also. Two candidates were initiated at this meeting. Boys, any little happenings around your joint, of interest, drop me a line. Div. Coa. Knoxville Division — The General Committee, consisting of twenty-one members, convened in Asheville, N. C., September 25th, for the purpose of electing a general chair- man, general secretary and treasurer, and transact- ing such other business as might come before it. The meeting was called to order at 3 o’clock p. m. The meeting was a grand success throughout, and harmony prevailed from start to finish. Bro. Duncan, from the Danville Division, took the floor, and in a very nice little speech put in nomination for general chairman Bro. W. J. Greg- ory, of Chase City, Va., who was elected by ac- clamation. Bro. A. L. McDaniel, of Forest City, N. C., was re-elected general secretary and treasurer. It was then decided that we should have an assistant gen- eral chairman. Bro. Duncan, of Pelham, N. C., was nominated for this place, and was also elected by acclamation. Everybody left Asheville believing that great good would come from the meeting, and was ap- parently satisfied with the results. We believe we elected the right man for gen- eral chairman, and as Bro. Duncan said in his speech at Asheville: “We have a man for general chairman who will see that everybody gets justice, and will not be an easy mark.” With Bro. Dun- can as assistant general chairman, and Bro. Greg- ory, the Old Virginian, at the head, we need not have any fear that we will go backward, but will be found climbing up, and before many more months passes into history the organization on the Southern System will rank with the best roads in the country. A grievance committee was elected also, and things are now in shape for the organization to accomplish results on the Southern. Let every local chairman go to work in earnest for the up- building of the organization. We have a good general chairman and good men for officers. Let’s not become careless on this account, and leave the whole load for them to carry, but let us assist them in every way possible. Remember, that unless the local chairmen do their work well, and work for the upbuilding of Division 59, the general chair- man will be hampered in his work. See what a change has come with the tide of time on the Southern. Has it not done you good to watch the organization grow? Just keep on working for the betterment of System Division 59 and we will soon be line with others. There is but one thing that can defeat us, and that is the members themselves. Other roads are now working hard, because there will be a turn- ing point in our lives next year, and the turn will be what we make it. Get in the push, and not wait for the other fellow to do the work. We will soon be getting what the telegraphers justly de- serve: The eight-hour day and $75 minimum. Dues were increased to $10 per year; an increase of just $1 per year. I am sure no member will object to this increase. I hope every one is pleased with the officers elected, and that good feelings will continue to exist. W. H. Coed, L. C. Knoxville Division, West End — Effective October 1st, the Chattanooga Division was abolished, and it is now as it was before the cut last January, Knoxville Division. We have now as chief dispatcher Mr. Tom Boyd, Mr. C. L. Harris superintendent, Mr. C. C. Hodges is with us again as trainmaster. Now brothers, we should see that we give the company good service. Next we should see that we get fair treatment, and all that is coming to us, and if we fail to get it, the matter should be taken up with the local chair- man at once, who will handle it for you. Our men on the Chattanooga Division were given good treatment under Mr. Pelter and D. O. Hahn. They granted their telegraphers many favors that were consistent, and in return the men endeavored to give good service. We want the same condi- tions to exist under the present as under the former officials. I would call your attention to the importance of giving strictly first-class service, and in return see that you get fair treatment, and if you fail in this you know the remedy. Mr. C. L. Harris told me that any agreement the higher officials made with the telegraphers would be complied with. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1899 Now, brothers, I ask that you see that your chief dispatcher does this. You must take up your grievances, otherwise there is no need for any one to represent you. Unless you do this you are not the right kind of a union man. If you allow the officials to give you unfair treat- ment in violation of the contract, and just let it pass by, you are not only hurting yourself but the organization in general, therefore, I hope you will see the importance in handling your grievances with promptness. In cases of unjust treatment of any kind, or violation of our agreement, you should immediately handle with your local chairman, giving him papers in the case, with complete statement, and nine times out of ten he will adjust the matter to your satisfaction, and you won’t regret the action taken in the matter. The matter is with you, and the local chairman is powerless to do anything without your support. Some members seem to think that the local chair- man will see that everything is handled all right They think that he knows their troubles all the time without their telling him, and that he (the local chairman), will take care of them. Well, now, you are just that much fooled. As long as you sit still and wait for this to be done, just so long you will not get anything done for yourself. If the members refuse to take up their grievances and support the local chairman, why, the local chairman will necessarily have to sit still, also, therefore, there can be nothing done. I would like to see the members get busy and see that their grievances are handled. The local chairman is here for that business, and if you have just grievances, and handle them in the proper way, he will see that you get a fair deal. If your case is fair, he will handle it, but if it is not jus- tice, he can not handle it, and will advise you. I hope that everything will move along as smoothly as it did under the jurisdiction of the officials of the Chattanooga Division, which is bet- ter for the men and better for the company. Men can not be expected to give good service unless they receive fair treatment at the hands of their superior officers. Wade H. Coed, Local Chairman. Asheville Division, A & S. District — Bros. Garven and Skein just returned from their “honeymoon.” We extend congratulations. *‘XO” is solid and all right. Buena Vista, N. C., we find Williams teaching a boy and girl the art of telegraphy. This office causes our dispatchers lots of trouble. He should take a tumble, or we will make it warm for him. Night man a new man, Mr. J. F. Gregg. He is “game,” and is coming our way when he gets his first check. Bro. J. R. Nicholson, C. T. U. of A. man, nights at Inman, S. C. Uncle Sam has just mustered him out. Mr. M. E. Lindsay, new man, days at Sigsbee, S. C. Bro. L. L. Jenkins, from the C. & O. Railway, nights at Spartanburg Junction. Boys, let’s see if we can't bring in the nons, and make this division solid. We are all looking towards the $75 minimum and eight hours March 1 st, but we must be solid in order to accomplish anything. Some of the boys are sleeping too much at night This must be cut out. Stay awake and answer your calls promptly. I find our schedule is not being lived up to. New jobs are not being bulletined. If a new man comes he’s put on a regular job at the start, and we never know that the place is vacant, while some older man in the service would take it had he known there was a vacancy at that place. I will take the matter up with our chairman, Bro. H. G. Alexan- dria. One thing we need on the A. & S. is a local chairman. We also need a correspondent. Been nothing in our journal from the A. & S. for a year or two. Bill Bailey. Hocking Valley Ry. Hocking Division — Bro. M. C. Carty has returned from the B. & O. R. R., where he has been working on the Pitts- burg Division. Understand he is going into the service of the H. V. again. Bro. E. C Lay, of Logan, second trick, and Mr. E. B. Nettler, night dispatcher at Nelsonville, attended the Lancaster Fair. Block office at Hamley Run was closed Satur- day, October 12. W. M. Deeds, assistant trainmaster, spent sev- eral days this week in Logan. Night Chief Dispatcher Remindo is taking sev- eral days’ vacation on account of his health. First Trick Dispatcher W. J. Galbroner is taking Mr. Remindo’s place during his absence. Bro. J. B. Mattison, of East Clayton days, was a Logan visitor this week. Bro. Lehner, formerly night operator at Hook- ers, accepted the third trick at Mound street the 1 st of this month. The work on the car shops at Logan is being rushed as fast as possible, and understand they are to be completed the first of the year. The following offices are now on an eight-hour basis: Logan, Ohio; Old Town and Mound street. As fast as operators can be secured all offices will be on this basis. Think all the third trick men ought to keep awake now, as they are only on duty eight hours. Don’t let the dispatcher call several times before answering. Don’t think it long before nons on the H. V. will be a thing of the past. If the boys keep after them they will, in time, join the ranks. The meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, September 25, with the Toledo Division boys, was well at- tended. Every one that can possibly attend should be at the next one. Bro. L. E. Miller was a Coes visitor Thursday, the 17th. Bro. E. Woods, of Hocking nights, attended the Lancaster Fair, Co*. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1900 The Railroad Telegrapher. D. A R. G. Ry. South End, Pueblo to Trinidad and LaVeta — We have done some good work in the way of landing new members and getting old ones back. Bro. T. C. Bailey is back at Huerfane, after having a very enjoyable visit to the Southern States. He reports things in the South as being in very good condition, as far as the O. R. T. is concerned. Bro. Duffenbaugh went from Huer- fane to Parkdale. Bro. “Fatty” Jones has resumed duty as agent and yardmaster at Cuchara Junction. Bro. J. G. Butler, who was acting agent during the absence of Bro. Jones went back on nights. Man named Welsh was there nights, but was sent to Cleora. Don’t know what he belonged to. Brb. Kepple, now at LaVeta nights. Don’t know where Bro. Bowen is. Bro. H. H. Wiles is once more back at his old stand, Rouse Junction. Bro. G. H.« Rumke, from the Southern Pacific, nights there. Bro. C. A. Wright, the old-timer at Old Rouse, is away on his vacation, and is being relieved by Bro. J. Slank, who is regular night man at Rouse Junction. Mr. G. M. Forrester is at Trinidad as agent again, after a good visit in the State of Missouri. Bro. W. B. Kenny has gone to Canon City, I “13.” Can’t say as to what he expects to do. “Shorty." First District, R. G. W. — Several of our good O. R. T. boys (we have no others) have left to seek work on the Northern Pacific, a 10 per cent increase on that road prov- ing a good drawing card. One or two more have “options” on jobs on the N. P. A special assessment of $1 for each of the last five months of this year is made, and we hope there will be no excuse whatever for all to be there with the goods. That is only ten cigars a month for you to deprive yourself of. It has been reported that the boys on the Salt Lake Route have secured an $80 minimum. Al- though that road runs through the “Sahara” they can not beat us as far as desert is concerned, especially Helper to Grand Junction. This would be an ideal place to hold a meeting. The “pencil pushers” from the San Pete, and the rest of the bunch on the main line, Helper to Salt Lake, would have a golden opportunity to attend. All that is needed is to go ahead and the boys will be there. The local chairman is the man to make the call. A number of changes have been made on this division of late. Bro. Carpenter has weighed anchor at Mill Fork, and is now holding forth at “UD,” Ogden, while Bro. Jones has transferred “UD” to Mill Fork. Bro. H. M. Rosmussen has bid in and received the agency at Tucker. From a clipping taken from one of the Salt Lake papers, we learn that Telegrapher V. L. Bums, formerly Bro. Bums, who was located at Thistle, has been released from the “pen” at Caldwell, Idaho, and accepted employment with the W. U. at Boise, Idaho. Bro. Cooper, of “UN,” Salt Lake, has been promoted to dispatcher on the High Line (Bingham and Garfield branches). Bro. Jan Debauer, of “UN,” Salt Lake, has re- signed; relieved by Bro. Ensign, of “SA,” O. S. L. office. Bro. Ford, agent at Lehi, has returned to work after having spent his vacation at his old home in land of “show me.”’ I wish to call the reader’s attention to the write-up from the Southern Pacific, Salt Lake Di- vision, in the September number. It applies to the Rio Grande very well, especially Grand Junc- tion to Helper. They have the best of it in regard to pay, their minimum being $77.50, while ours is $10 per month less. Cebt. 188. Northern Pacific Ry. Since the time that we secured the new sched- ule on the Northern Pacific Railway, I have heard this remark from members, nons, and officials, “Why, I thought the Order was dead on the N. P.” Although we are very much alive I do not blame them for taking this view of the matter, as we never hear a thing from the N. P. in our Telegrapher. We have the Federal law to contend with next January, and I would like to have a personal letter from each and every member on the system, stat- ing just what their opinions are on this question, and what they will demand as to hours and wages. This on account of the management claiming that a blank filled out and signed does not always ex- press the opinion of the telegrapher, but is signed merely to get rid of some troublesome person who is trying to secure their signature to such a docu- ment. Be this as it may, the fact remains that a per- sonal letter carries a good deal of weight, and if we are able to secure one from each member on the road it will, at least, be impossible for the company to say that we are not voicing the senti- ments of the majority of telegraphers on the line. In view of the fact that the N. P. Ry. has seen fit to treat their telegraphers very fairly, and have shown a very friendly feeling towards the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, we should try and re- ciprocate by doing everything in our power to better the service and demonstrate to them that they are gainers and not losers by having union telegraphers and a scheduled road. For th* information of operators on other roads I wish to state that there is plenty of room for good O. R. T. men, who are competent telegra- phers, on the N. P. and we expect, in a very short time, to have competent telegraphers and good O. R. T. men filling every position on the road, and we will not have to work with scabs, nons and students, as we have done in the past two years. I would like to call the attention of the entire membership to the bond question. Read Bro. Quick’s article* on this subject in the September issue of The Telegrapher, and read any other articles on this matter which may appear in sub* Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 1901 sequent issues, and let us hear from some of you through The Telegrapher. In regard to the Lake Superior Division, I wish to state that in a very short time we are going to be solid O. R. T. I am receiving four to five applications weekly, and very soon a non will be a curiosity on this pike. I wish each and every member to constitute himself a committee of one and get after any non that he may discover, and not give him a minute’s rest until he is on the right side of the fence. We must have at least a 98 per cent membership to back us January next, as the railroad company will have all kinds of trouble to dish out to us, such as cut-wage scale, split tricks, making agents fill in six hours at telegraphing, making the oper- ators work nine hours at telegraphing, and do station work the balance, and so on, and unless we wish to work under such conditions we must line up and stand up for our rights, and our only means of doing so is through our organization. I also would advise the membership to elect a competent man on each division as local chairman, a man in whom you have perfect confidence as to his good judgment, discretion and executive abil- ity, and when you have done so leave the affairs of the division in his hands, and do not butt in with petitions and circulars of your own, as some have been indiscreet enough to do in the past. This only tend to create discord and ill-will among the telegraphers, and serves to undermine and re- tard the work of those you have elected to serve you. In conclusion, I earnestly request each and every one of you to get busy, try and get at least one man on each division to send in a write-up each month, and send your notes to him. Get after the nons and when in need of application blanks apply to your local chairman. Get after any member who may belong to some other divi- sion, and secure his transfer, or if any one read- ing this article should belong to some other divi- sion do not delay, but get transferred at once into Division No. 54, as dues paid to some other division does not help us secure any better condi- tions on this road. Do not make a telegraph school out of your office; it will take all your time to give the com- pany the service to which they arc entitled after treating us so fairly, and do not forget that with a Solid membership and a membership with some backbone, we will be able to get a square deal in January. Your General Committee can not do it all, so get busy. Let us hear your opinions regard- ing the nine-hour law, the bond question, and any other subjects which you would like to have taken up and discussed. Yours fraternally, Sam Johnson, General Chairman. Yellowstone Division — Now that we are again numbered among the scheduled roads, let us each and every one make a special effort to put the Northern Pacific and Division No. 54 at the head of the list, both in service and membership. We have a good start, and with a little individual work on the part of each member to secure another member, it will only be a short time until there will be but a few nons left. When you have a new name or sine on the wire, get after it and find out whether he is a member or not. Advise me of new arrivals on the division that you know of, or where a set of application papers can be used, and I will get in touch with them at once. It it the company’s desire and intention to live up to the schedule in every respect, and we as a party to it, must do as much as they. I would advise every telegrapher to ascertain from the chief dispatcher where he stands on the seniority list, and when a vacancy is bulletined, if you are entitled to the position and desire it, insist upon having it. It would he a good idea for all of you to study the schedule and understand every part of the rules, so you will not violate it, and also know when it is not followed out by others. Also think about what you want in compensation for the nine-hour day, which will be put into effect next March. Your committee goes to St. Paul in January to revise the schedule to conform with the nine-hour law, and as we wish it to satisfy all as near as possible, we will want your opinion and ideas of the matter. This information will be asked of you soon. Be ready to answer it promptly. Contractors are ad- vertising for men to work on the ditch out of Glendive, offering to pay thirty-five cents per hour, eight hours per day. Are not telegraphers just as necessary to the running of a railroad as that kind of labor is in digging a ditch? Should we not receive pay in comparison to our respective usefulness? My address is now *Glendive. I expect the help of every member on the Yellowstone Division in making it the best division on the system. Drop me a line when anything occurs of interest to the membership. Any part of the schedule not under- stood by you will be cheerfully and promptly ex- plained to Bros. Johnson, Holmes or myself, if requested. Bro. Johnson will go over the system soon, and I am positive his visit will be both interesting and pleasing to all he meets. Bro. Webster has returned to Glendive after a short vacation. Cooper and Hawkins, two C. T. U. A. brothers, from Minneapolis and Chicago, are railroading at Fallon and Terry. Bro. Etling has returned to Sims after a visit to Ohio. Bro. Rowan came out with Bro. Webster and is now working nights at Hoyt. Bro. Schwindt was called East on account of sickness, Bro. Short relieving him at Terry. Quite a few changes on the division; I am unable to keep track of them all. I wish to take this method of thanking Bro. Miller for his good work during my absence from the division. If there were a few more who would come out and take as much interest in the good cause as Bro. Miller, the Yellowstone would soon be lined up in good shape. Four new members since the first of the month, and as many more promised. M. A. Smoot, Local Chairman. Digitized by c,ooole

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1902 The Railroad Telegrapher. First District — Our new schedule and wage scale shows an in- crease at stations where it was needed. Perhaps it is npt exactly what some of us expected, but it is a good start, and we always have to com- mence at the bottom of the ladder. Remember that shining light ahead (nine hours in March, 1908) and do all you can to help us when the time for action comes. It is impossible to keep track of all the changes, therefore pardon any mistakes. Marshall is the western terminal of the new A. B. C. block system, and “13” it works fine and may be extended further west in the near future. Bro. A. J. DuBois, our Local Chairman, who recently returned from St. Paul, is holding it down days at Kline. Down along the lake, Concord, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson off on a vacation. If they return to work expect to be with us. Llnable to find out who is relieving. Ed Fraser, from Tokio, is now in the chicken business. Bro. Johnson, formerly of Marshall, is working days at Ritzville. Mr. Pence, regular at Essig, has gone to Eltopia to relieve Bro. Kelly, who is sick. Mr. S. J. Langlois, at Lind, promoted from night operator to day operator, relieving Bro. Walters, who went to Toppenish days. Bro. W. G. Oneil, a new man, on nights. Bro. W. P. Hoffman, at Beatrice, who has recently been sick, is back “home” again. Bro. C. L. Hawthorne, recently from Toppen- ish, is working days at Cunningham. Bro. Walker, at Hatton, has just returned from an extended visit to Penn. Mr. Eaton, at Connell, has been trying for an agency, and may make a trade with Mr. Nance, of Mesa, as “13” “N” don’t like the new-born agency at Mesa. Bro. A. J. Kelly, regular night man at Eltopia, is sick; being relieved by Mr. H. E. Pence. Lowry Heights Correspondent. Montana Division — We have some as true blue members as will be found on any* division, and some few — well, I don’t like to use the word, it leaves rather a bad taste in a person’s mouth. You know who I mean. It is a safe bet they were not instru- mental in helping us get our raise. Then, again, we have some few nons — good fellows — but mostly “show me” kind of fellows. Now that we have shown them that we could get them a nice little raise, we are going to ask them to do their duty and get an up-to-date and keep one on hand at all times. That sounds easy. It is easy if your heart is in the right place. It’s your duty as a man. It isn’t right to have the good, true members go down in their pockets and dig up special assess- ments and all those kind of things in order to benefit you, and you not show your appreciation of it. But we are willing to do it. I for one, and there are plenty of others that would be willing to double the assessments in order to get a still better schedule. Our committee have been untiring in their efforts in our behalf and words will not express our thanks to them. Now, let’s get busy and chase in all the nons, and then we will have accomplished the mo$t important point in getting a better schedule and better working conditions. For our own sake, as well as the sake of others, let’s get together and see if we can’t make the Montana Division solid. Bro. Warren is now doing the day stunt at Bozeman. Bro. Logan is now days at Columbus. Under- stand a man by the name of Anderson is doing the night work. W. R. Bell, formerly days at Columbus, has re- signed and is now working for the Oregon Short Line at Divide, Mont. Understand Bell intends coming back to the N. P. G. E. Lamb goes from Grey Cliff to Reed Point. Mr. H. F. Edwards from Manhattan to Laurel nights. Notice Lombard agency is bulletined. Don’t think any of the boys are breaking their necks bidding on it, as it is one of the fiercest roasts on this division. Was over there a few days my- self, helping Mr. Boulter get out his monthly reports, on account of being shy a cashier. Wonder what is wrong with Lombard. Several men have fought shy of the cashier’s job at Lom- bard the last few weeks. Also have changed both day and night operators there lately. Operator Hayes, from Lombard, has gone to his home in Ohio. Can not say who is working there at present. Mr. D. U. Davis grew tired of the strenuous life as a car juggler and has hied himself to the Great Northern, where he now does the owl act at Chester. Bro. R. R. Skinner, who has been working an eight-hour job at Redding, Cal., writes that he and the roadmaster at that point tried to decide as to whom should be crowned heavy-weight champion. Owing to a foul blow being struck with a stove poker, all bets were declared off, and “QX” is now installed as night operator for the N. P. at Granite, Idaho. Brothers, what do you do with your Teleg- raphers? Don’t read them and lay them aside. You are doing the noble Order a great injustice if you do. As anxious as I am to get the dear old book, I will allow a non to read it first if I think his intentions are good and his heart in the right place. Last month two of the boys read my Telegrrapher before I even saw it. Both of them have promised to become members. If they are made of the right stuff, one thorough reading of The Telegrapher will convince them that they are out in the cold, and they will begin to squirm until they get into the fold. Send that Teleg- rapher to the non down at the next station, and in a few months our membership on this division will have doubled. Drop me a postal next month and tell me about the changes at your station. Be kind enough to Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. i 1903 mention whether the new men are members or not. You can reach me at or about Park City. Now, boys, one and all, members or not, drop me a line and let's get busy and wake up and prove to the committee that we are alive and back of them in every move. Come on, non-members, we would especially like to get you interested. E. C. Skinnkr. Pacific Division — Boys from all roads in the country are drifting in and out on our division and makes it quite hard to keep track of what the correct percentage is at the present writing. We figure about ninety per cent solid, including the C. T. U. A. oper- ators that are employed on this division. The nons that are left are those that are hard to get, as the boys on the Pacific division are all doing their share toward lining them up, but hope we will be able to make the nons extinct, with the exception of three or four scabs, which we will probably have to contend with until they are fired or leave us on their own accord. Those who received a raise as per our new schedule are rejoicing. This is not all they should do. Some of them have not as yet paid their special assessment. This is very important and should be looked upon as such. We are sorry to see from the new schedule that there are some of the boys who did not get any raise in salary, but nevertheless they should not be discouraged and neglect the payment of the special assessment. Our committee has done all in their power to secure a good schedule, without going to ex- tremes, as was anticipated by so many. The new schedule contains many new good points. One, especially. Rule 14. Salaried chairmen considered in service of the company as to rank and right, etc. Our superintendent, W. C. Albee, expresses him- self as “delightedoskie" over the new schedule. We should all act as per circular letter from our committee, give our best services, and by at- tending strictly to our duties and making the best of everything it will make it more pleasant for ourselves as well as everybody else.. “Ye should sow as ye wish to reap.” We hope to be more successful in our next attempt. We will be able to secure shorter hours in the first place, as that is understood by both sides. The way this division is strung out it is hard for one party to get in touch with all the news along the line. The South and East End are practically cut away from each other, therefore members should help in getting a write-up. You all like to see it. The first thing you do when you get a copy of The Telegrapher you look for a write-up from your own division. News is not scarce, by any means. Let us know Bro. Pat is the proud father of a boy, and Sister Betty is going to get married and quit pounding brass. There are many of our brothers back East that would read it with much interest. And wherever you find a non, write it up, so we will know where to go to get him. If you are unable to initiate him yourself, some one else might tell him a different story that would bring him to the front. Bro. E. J. Bassett, of Weston, brought down the first deer of the season. Bro. V. O. Brunner is filling Bro. Bassett’s place while the latter scours the hills, gritting his teeth, for the large game. Bro. R. W. Baker, second trick permanent at Lester. Glad to hear Bro. L. A. Peterson back on the wire, after acting relief agent for some time at said place. Lester solid again.. Bro. M. O. Jochum left us quite suddenly. Hear he is in Los Angeles. Bro. W. B. Glenn has just returned from a pleasant trip to Wisconsin. He acted as operator at the big wreck near Kennedy for a few days. Sister Miss Christy May, from the Rocky Mountain Division is visiting with her sister, Mrs. Fischer, at Upham. “13” the two sisters do the telegraphing while Bro. Fischer pursues big game in the cascades. Bro. P. C. Arnold, from Kennedy, is now nicely located in the new depot at Martin. Bro. R. M. Boyle has been relieving Bro. Glenn at latter place. Bro. Hildemann is back on the hill again, after a month’s vacation, visiting at Grand Rapids, Wis. Mrs. A. E. Crawford has resumed work at Kennedy after a few weeks* vacation. Bro. W. F. Pangle has resumed duties at Ka- naskat after a short vacation, being relieved in return by Bro. Kurtz. Bro. McDaniels, of Canton, has taken a con- tract for clearing school grounds and spends his hours off duty rolling logs. Sister Wiley, of Ravensdale, returned after a long leave of absence, spending it at the famous gold camp, Tonapah, Nevada. Pacific division is having considerable trouble in moving the heavy freight business. More than two-thirds of the sidings and passing tracks are blocked with cars. Engines are failing, passen- ger trains are being delayed and freight trains given up. The boilermakers seem to gain head- way every day they stay out. Have not been able to secure any news from our dispatcher’s office, even though we have some brothers there. Trainmasters Coyle, Campbell and Wilkinson are busy out on the road night and day, doing all within their power to prevent the blockades. The South End is dead. Very few changes. Bro. U. G. Calvert, who acted as relief agent at Napavine, was taken sick and has gone back to tele- graphing again. We “13” he has Easton regular. Bro. R. F. Graham, nights at Auburn, has traded with Bro. Brimbcrry, Tacoma “WR” office. Bro. Frank Kinsman, Lemolo nights, has re- signed to go to Panama. Bro. D. Phillips, Hot Springs, has been on the sick list for some time, but we learn he is now improving A request has been made to Bro. I. N. Holmes, General Secretary and Treasurer, to call a meet- ing at Auburn for the election of a Local Chair- man. This meeting is very important and should be attended by every member that can possibly get away from duty long enough to do so. “Slim." Digitized by t^ooQle

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1904 The Railroad Telegrapher. Great Northern Railway. Breckenridge Division — This division is now 70 per cent O. R. T. and more coming in. Let each member do a little hustling. We will soon* be in good shape. Bro. Denison, formerly at “CX” nights, now working for C., R. I. & P. at Kansas City, Mo. Bro. Gregory relieved Bro. Hunter at “RA” for a few weeks. Now back to his old job at “QC.” Bro. Burdick, formerly of Division No. 23, at “MV” days. Bro. Joyce, at “FN,” is planning a trip to the coast this winter. Understand a ham factory is being operated at Herman by the agent. Changes have been made at “FO” and “RU.” Unable to get names of new men, as yet. The N. P. boys got their new schedule. Our committee intends to meet in St. Paul in the near future for the same purpose. Remit for your special assessment at once, as it takes money to keep a committee going. Get after the nons. L. C. Devil’s Lake Division — From what information I can gather, we are in pretty good shape. Students very scarce. We have a few nons waiting for pay-day to show us that they are the right stuff. Quite a number of changes are taking place and perhaps more will occur, as the boys do not like the cold weather very well. We understand the boys at “KS” office are en- joying a $5 and $10 raise this month. We are glad to see the brothers in such luck, and we hope to see the rest of the brothers on the road get the same treatment, which we expect to see before a great while now. The “WS” tower has been moved to the pas- senger station, with Bros. Martin and Bryan doing the heavy work there. “KS” office. Devil’s Lake, has been moved from the freight office to the new yard office, with Bros. Holbrook and Ruth in charge days, and Bros. Moore and Rowan doing the owl tricks. Bro. Dickson has been transferred, Doyon to Niagara days. Bro. Terry has been transferred, Michigan nights to Niagara nights. Unable to say who is at Michi- 8an- Dash. Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Ry. Howard Johnson is holding down Fowleston nights, vice A. C. Born, promoted to agency at “FR.” H. H. Chamness, day towerman at Losantville tower, “RN,” has returned to work after three weeks’ vacation. W. H. Hutchins is acting as relief for Bro. Chamness. Voyte T. Johnson, formerly with C., C. & L. as day operator at “RI,” has accepted a position with the Big Four at New Castle, Ind. E. W. Johnson, local chairman north, spent his vacation with his parents in Ohio. He was re- lieved by Bro. if. A. Johnson. Wm. Royal, agent at Fowleston, Ind., has re signed and has moved his family to the Sunny South. Now, as to our condition on this division. How many of you have stopped to consider how im- portant it is for every member to keep the chair- man posted as to the nons in your immediate ter- ritory? So far as Division No. 75 is concerned this information has not been given your committees, and they have,, in turn, not kept the general chair- man posted. In future do not let a non light near you without giving full information to your local chairman, *and steps will be taken to get them lined up. Let us have Division No. 75 100 per cent in the near future, and then keep them lined up. The many changes taking ‘place on the line makes this necessary. Give your committee your support Cert. No. x, Div. 7s. M., St P. A Sault Ste Marie Ry. Winnipeg Division — Bro. Ferguson, of Lancaster, still out on his homestead, while Mr. Nelson, of Henning, holds down the joint. Bro. Allison, our local chairman, of Bronson, is moving into a house of his own which he has just completed. Bro. Dalton, of Halma, has returned from a thirty days’ vacation, visiting relatives and friends at La Crosse, Wis. and Austin. Minn. Mr. Len- non was holding down Halma while Bro. Dalton was away. Lennon goes to Conway from Halma. Bro. Haulotte, of Strandquist, is going further South, therefore there will be a permanent change of agents at that station. Bro. P. J. Boyce, who has been owl at Mahno- men for some time, is now temporarily at Thief River Falls. He will return to Mahnomen as soon as the regular day operator is put on again, which will be soon. Bro. Wilson, who has had the re- lieving of Lankins for six weeks, relieved Boyce at Mahnomen. As soon as they can get a man for Mahnomen nights Bro. Wilson will take his old job at Erskine. Bro. Paine has been off on a ten days* vacation, visiting at Eau Claire, Milwaukee, and North Cran- don, Wis. He was relieved by Bro. P. M. Wilson. Bro. C. J. Pederson has quit at Detroit He was relieved by Mr. J. E. Burgess, a new man, non. Bro. Field, Richville, is going to quit the busi- ness and go to farming, so we can look for that station to be bulletined soon. Bro. Johnson, Henning, has been off on a va- cation for a couple of weeks. Mr. Nelson, his owl, relieving him. At present Henning is sup- plied with a helper, instead of an operator. Bro. Salisburg, Parker’s Prairie, also bad a short vacation shortly after Bro. Johnson returned and relieved Nelson. Nelson also relieved Salisburg while he was away, and he is now at Lancaster. Bro. C. V. Danielson, Oslo, was off a few days looking up land. 9 Digitized by c,ooQle

Page 958

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1905 Bro. Oliver, who for the past two and a half years has been agent at Adams, has left the service and gone East. Bro. O. W. Chapman, of Gardena, has been assigned Adams agency. Bro. Cannon, formerly days at Adams, has also left the service and gone to the C. & N. W. He is now agent at Wokama, S. Dak. The night job at Adams is bulletined. Bro. Lennon relieved Bro. Chapman at Gardena, and will act as agent until the station is bulletined. Mr. C. A. Castle is at present acting as agent at Grano until that station is bulletined. Bro. R. A. Snyder, of Loma, has resigned and is going where he will not have to shovel snow this winter. Bro. C. M. Chaffee, days at Overly, relieved Bro. Voigt, at Kramer, a few days during October, while the latter was attending court. Unable to say who took charge of Bro. Chaffee’s chair at Overly while he was absent. Bro. Abbott, Garrison, has been appointed local chairman for the Missouri River Division. Loma and Tolley agencies are bulletined, also the night job at Thief River Falls. The local chairmen would like to suggest that when an operator applies for a position that has been bulletined,' to send his local chairman a copy of the application, as he will then know if assign- ments have been made according to age, etc. It seems that some of the brothers do not un- derstand the procedure of grievances, and for the information of all would like to suggest that those having grievances with the company observe the following: First, Take the matter up with the proper offi- cial for adjustment, and in the event you are un- able to effect a satisfactory settlement turn the matter over to the local chairman. Second, After you have turned the matter over to the local chairman the aggrieved party has noth- ing more to do with the grievance, and can only recall through the local chairman. Third, If the local chairman can not effect a desired result he will turn all papers over to the general chairman, and if the general chairman is unable to secure from the superintendent an ad- justment he wll take the matter higher until sat- isfaction is obtained. Bro. T. E. Crandall, local chairman, has twice been placed in embarrassing positions by brothers placing grievances in his bands, and then have the brother aggrieved recall his grievance after the superintendent had given him a “nice little spiel.” Both times these brothers had just grievances, and would have gotten justice if they had left the matter in the hands of the local chairman. You will confer a favor if you will observe the above. There was a meeting of the Wheat Line and Main Line boys held at Kenmare Friday, October 4, but it was not as largely attended as we would like to see. It seems that more could attend these meetings if they would make some effort. By meeting is the only way we have to get together and discuss matters pertaining to our organization. “NA” office, at Minneapolis, is getting lined up. Only one non left there and he is very friendly. Wretched service given at “MS,” Minneapolis of- fice on account of only scab operators there. Brothers, do not lose interest; we have lots to work for. Look at the old N. P. and G. N. We must work hard the next six or seven months, as we will look for better results when the committee goes in next spring. Perhaps a large number of us could do better financially by going to some other road, but my advice is to stick and get the good things at home. The Soo Line is a good road and if we put forth an effort, as we should, we will be on top, instead half way down the lad- der. We are so near too per cent strong on this division that there is no fun in it, but brothers we must not stop working; write to non-members on other roads and send them application blanks. Efforts of this kind may be fruitful. Recollect that when we secure a member on another road we are strengthening our organization of the “army of toilers.” Asst. Div. Cor. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Almighty God has deemed it wise to remove little Mary from the family of our brother, J. Schmid, therefore, in manifestation of our re- spect and friendship for our brother and his wife, be it Resolved, By the members of Soo Line, Division No. 1 19, the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, that we extend to the bereaved parents our heartfelt sympathy in this, their hour of affliction; and be it, further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the bereaved family, a copy spread on the records of the division, and a copy fur- nished The Telegrapher for publication. G. W. Lewis, O. R. Hatton, F. C. Paine, Committee. B. 6 O. Ry. New Castle Division — We are pleased to report that we have a dis- patchers’ and side wire office 100 per cent strong. Newcastle office is now solid O. R. T. We have made a gain of 60 per cent in membership the last eight months, which, if continued, will put us in about as good shape as they get We are unable to report any gain in membership of exclusive agents. The most of them seem to think they are overworked to the extent of four to eight hours per day, and underpaid $15 to $25 per month. How they expect to improve their conditions by standing each man for himself is more than I can figure out. If they think the operators and dis- patchers are going to pull chestnuts out of the fire for them they will likely be disappointed, for the operators and dispatchers have enough to do for themselves without delaying the game for the ben- efit of the agents unless they are willing to do their share, then we will be with them until the last dog is hung. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1906 The Railroad Telegrapher, Our relief operator, Wm. McCarthy in public life, but W. A. McCarthy in private life, left the booze route. He is a fine-looking old gentleman, about forty-five years of age, with one arm off above the elbow, and wears an O. R. T. button, but has no card. He forgot his board bills at several places along the line, but, thanks to Divi- sion Operator Cahill, he was reminded of his obli- gations, and will not have any funny stories to tell about “how I forgot my board bills'* on the Newcastle Division. He should be treated as any other pest of the species boomer, and the brothers should not be fooled by his button, but ask to see his card, which he has not. Bro.’ W. J. Howey, at Deforest Junction, col- lected $8.75 for the commercial men; Bro. O. C. Bedell, at Akron Junction, collected $15, and Bro. G. M. Thompson, at New Castle, had col- lected $30 at last report Mr. Elson, of Sullivan nights, has been sick for some time. Bro. Mann, of the Grand, work- ing there at present. “MN” tower is being bulletined. Bro. Birch is working days at present, and a Mr. Gray, a new one at the business, nights. Vacancy caused by Mr. C. H. McGhee resigning, which will be good news to all Order men. We “13” Bro. Brenne- raan, at present west end relief man, expects to settle down at “MN,” and enjoy his old age, and the money he has saved while on the relief job. Bro. Cecil, Lodi, nights, has gone West on ac- count of poor health of his wife. Bro. Trussell working nights at Lodi during Bro. Cecil’s absence. Bro. Gray working nights at Newtons, in place of Bro. Trussell, and C. T. U. A. Bro. Wolf, nights at Chardon, in place of Bro. Gray. Understand Bro. Gray has been assigned to east end relief. Bro. Gleason, “everything”- at Boughtonville, reports he checks short one day telegrapher. Bro. Sweet bid in “CO” tower, a new office on the construction work a mile west of “FD” tower. Mr. McConney working nights. Mr. Weaver is at “FS” tower nights until Bro. Taylor can get the “white elephant,” Wayland, agency off his hands to take “FS” nights. Bro. Jones, Newton Falls days, has been off for about six weeks, and is reported seriously sick. Bro. Woods, of C. T. U. A., relieved Bro. Jones until the 15th, when he resigned, being relieved by Bro. Bell, of Division 2. T. W. Hynes bid in night job at Haselton; va- cancy caused by Bro. Flory resigning to go to the Lake Shore. Bro. Maloney, Lowellville days, is back on the iob, after an absence of about four months, caused by a broken limb. Bro. Johnston is doing the night trick again. Bro. Wilson is working nights at “NC” junction just at present. There have been several men on the job while Bro. Leahy has been on the side wires, and no wonder the job does not look good to them — too many hours and too many irons in the fire. We have for chief dispatchers now Mr. W. P. Cahill, brother of Division Operator Cahill, and Mr. C. C. Steinmetz, day and night. Bro. G. M. Thompson taking second trick east and dispatching trains. We have about as nice a bunch of dispatchers to work with as is to be found anywhere, nine of them and all O. R. T. Mr. Post, clerk at Warren, main line, has gone to Niles as clerk. Have not heard who takes the Warren job. Bro. F. E. Hawk, a Division No. 33 man, » at Concord days, and Mr. Spoolman nights. Our last meeting was held in Akron the night of September 18, with a good crowd. Bro. Owens, of the Erie, being present, favored us with a short address, which was well received. The telegraphers all seem to be of the opinion that we should .stand for an eight-hour day and more money than we are getting now. The papers announce each week the increase in price of the necessaries of life, but we fail to see our wages increase or our hours of labor shorter. By the way, has any one seen any eight-hour jobs running around looking for operators? Uncle Tom. Pittsburg Division, West ( Narrow Gauge Dis- trict)— Bro. V. C. Smith, at Tyylersburg, taking his vacation. Mr. Stone, night man from Clarion Junction, relieving him. Dispatcher Mr. Heinman has returned from his two weeks’ vacation. Mr. Burns from the main line, relieving him; doing the telegraphing, and Bro. Wilson, at Butler, running trains. Bro. Snyder, at Nansen, spent two weeks* vaca- tion at New York City. Bro. Jordan, from Shippenville, spent his vaca- tion at Atlantic City. Bro. Ryner relieved Bro. Jordan and Mr. Wray while they took their vacation. Bro. Ryner is one of the old boys. He is attending college at Gettysburg during the winter time, and works ex- tra during the summer. Bro. Grimin, who has been at Foxburg, nights, left for his home in West Virginia to spend his vacation with his parents. Bro. Richards, formerly of Kane, relieving him. We regret very much to announce that Mr. Stone, night man at Clarion Junction, has a stu- dent. Ce»t. 1,045. Wheeling Division — West end Holloway, nights, is at present being filled by a new man, Bro. Langdon. Bro. P. A. Schultz, one of the division chiefs from the Western Union, in Chicago, is at present holding the yard office, Holloway, days. Bro. Van Fossen returned from a trip through the West a few days ago, and is back at his old stand at yard office, Holloway, nights. Bro. R. A. Stiles has ben off duty several days with stomach troubles which made it necessary for Bro. W. Kinney to double several times. Bro. T. L. Ellis, of “FI” tower, nights, had to chip in at "HO” one night, which made it neces- sary for Bro. E. E. Holloway to make a double. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1907 Bro. F. Scholes was under the weather for a few days this month, but has returned to duty. Bro. C. L. McFarland, of Maynard, spent four days with the old folks at home this month; re- lieved by Relief Operator Schultz. Bro. Ingram, a new man, at Maynard, nights, at present. Bro. C. Williams, of St. Clairsville Junction, made a flying trip to Bridgeport one day this month. Bro. C. H. Mitchell, of Bridgeport, at present holds that office, days, while a new man from the C. & P., Bro. R. J. Gerry, does the owl act. Bro. R. T. Sallisburry has the day turn at Tower “DK” again, while Bro. Garrison does the owl. Bro. L. R. Siglar has been off duty a few days on account of sickness. Bro. Roy Fetty has resumed duty on the west end, Glover Gap. Bro. Moore, who was working his turn, has re- turned to the O. R. Division. Dispatchers Bros. Woodward and Smith were out on the road posting up a couple of days lately. Bro. F. T. Fulton has returned from the James- town Exposition. Bro. A. S. Rush ford, of Burton, days, has bid in for the relief block job on the east end, and it is understood at this writing that he gets it. This will take two offices from Bro. H. A. Schultz, “HN,” Ben wood and Schick. Bro. Ice, of Barricksville, nights, is working days at Roseby Rock until advertised. Bro. John Odea, of Littleton, days, has returned from a trip to the city of baked bean fame. Bro. C. Linn got Valley Falls, days, by bulle- tin. Bro. W. K. Carr, a new brother, got Wheeling yard, “WR” office, by bulletin. Bro. E. C. Shewbridge got third trick, Cam- eron. Bro. C. A. Lovejoy is off on his vacation. Bro. M. B. Rickey is at present working Bro. J. E. Rickey’s trick on west end while J. E. gives the boys on north end their relief. Bro. M. C. Deegan leaves the 26th for his vaca- tion. Bro. Walter Cochrell took a trip over west end lately. Cert. 729. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, The Almighty God in His infinite wis- dom has deemed it wise to remove from our midst Bro. Frank M. Ingram, and in memory to our brother, who has been taken from us, and in sym- pathy to the bereaved family; be it Resolved, By the members of the Wheeling Di- vision, No. 33, B. & O. Railway, that we extend to the members of the family of the deceased brother our heartfelt sympathy, and we commend them to Him who docth all things well, and who will comfort them in this their hour of bereavement ; be it further Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Frank M. Ingram the Wheeling Division of the B. & O. Rail- way, Division 33, of the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers, loses a true and faithful member, the wife a kind and loving husband, and the children a kind and loving father; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of the deceased brother, a copy spread upon the minutes of this division and a copy sent to The Telegrapher for publication. H. A. Schultz, O. B. Crapt, E. E. Holloway, Committee. Philadelphia Division — At a meeting of Baltimore Division, No. 17, on the 18th of September, action was taken upon the Legislative Committee of Maryland that nearly completed it. The Philadelphia Division of the B. & O. was well represented at this meeting. Chief Skinner called on all the B. & O. boys present for an ex- pression of views regarding this committee. He desired not only their views, but the opinion of all the telegraphers in Maryland, so far as those pres- ent knew. Then it was decided that the committee be filled up, and organized at once. This was done and after the regular meeting closed the Legisla- tive Committee met immediately, and Bro. F. F. Sullivan was unanimously elected chairman. Sev- eral communications were read from various offi- cers of Division 33 in relation to the above sub- ject It was last April when these officers were notified of the intentions of the telegraphers in Maryland, and asked to get a committee of five to co-operate with the five from Baltimore Division, No. 1 7, but up to this time there had only been one elected by the telegraphers, and it appears as if his election was subject to the rejection or approval of the General Committee of Division 33, as the telegraphers did not care to wait any longer on any one, they elected their committee, >#nd are doing business in the proper shape. It is hoped now that the boys throughout Maryland will at- tend meetings when held, and try to find out what is going on. With the chairman at its head that safely conducted the first eight-hqur telegraphers' bill through the Legislature that was ever passed, and with his knowledge of the ins and outs of leg- islation, it is natural to suppose that something beneficial to us will come from the work of this committee. Every one on it is a power, and their work will tell. Regarding the editorial in The Telegrapher for September about the bond question, there seems to be no reason why this company should not be started; but it should bond not only members of the Order, but any one who can give the proper credentials. The government of this company is something that should be looked after and guarded very closely, and Bro. Milburn’s idea of how a system division should be managed applies with equal force here. His idea is to have three mem- bers, not members of the General Committee, to pass on all bills before being paid, and look after the welfare of the system division. This should be adopted for this bond company when orga- nized: Just have three members of the Order, not Digitized by t^ooQle

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1908 The Railroad Telegrapher. officers in any way connected with it, to pass on all bills before being paid, to audit accounts once each year. This committee could fully investigate those turned down on questionable grounds by other bond companies, and accept or reject them subject to approval of board of directors and the president of the company. Some railroads pay the premium of the bonds of their agents, which should also be considered. There is no doubt that if this com- pany is started and managed economically that in time it will exceed our expectations in the busi- ness it will secure. To start, and start right, is the main question. It is rumored that Division 33 is agitating the question: '‘Should * dues be raised or not?” If the necessity for the raise is shown, then the telegraphers will decide the question. An open meeting of great interest to Maryland telegraphers was held in the hall of Division No. 17 on Wednesday night, October 16th. Much re- gret was expressed on account of President Per- ham not being able to attend. The commercial telegraphers were well represented. We had the honor of having with us on this occasion Bro. Page, general chairman of the Penn- sylvania Railroad Lines, east of Pittsburg and Erie. Bro. Sullivan, the newly-elected chairman of the Legislative Committee of Maryland, was pres- ent, and delivered quite an interesting address. Local Chairmen Pierce and Wright, of Division 33, and several members from Division No. 60 were present. Chief Skinner presided. Dr. Sebas- tian, of “eight-hour fame in Maryland,” was on hand with his usual supply of funny stories which “took the house.” He wound up his address a little seriously, asking the boys to stand by that which we have gained by hard work, and we would be in a better position to gain something for the benefit of telegraphers in the future. The senti- ment throughout the meeting was: When you find any one that is not the right stripe, “get after them,” the same as the commercial brothers all over the country have. No changes on this division, and we expect an- other meeting soon. How about these monthly meetings that were to have been held on the Baltimore Division, B. & O. Railroad? Cert. 421. L. E. Division — Bro. Wright, of dispatcher’s office, is taking an extended trip through the West for his health. Bro. Titus, who fell some time ago and frac- tured his ribs, has returned to duty. Bro. Kennison of the second trick, dispatcher’s office, is on the sick list; Bro. Leslie working his trick. Bro. Connor and wife have returned home from an extended trip through the West. Bro. Hahn, our night chief, is able to resume duty after several weeks’ sickness. Bros. A. J. and W. B. Grubb have resumed duty at “IN,” after several months’ sojourn through the West. Bro. Anderson, of “WF,” who has been attend- ing the convention of old-time telegraphers, is back to his post. Bro. Kerr, copier in dispatcher's office, now run- ning trains on third trick for past month. Bro. Mix enjoying six months’ leave of absence. Bro. Walsh, of “SD,” returned to duty after spending the summer in California. It is rumored that Division Operator Kimball has instructions to install several eight-hour tricks on the line. Div. Cor. Chicago Division, West — I wish to call your attention to the item in the September issue of the journal charging Mr. E H. Loomis with student teaching in the telegraph school at Garrett, Ind. This is to advise you that Mr. Loomis was teach- ing in the school, but decided it was not the proper thing to do, and he quit the school, filed his appli- cation with the O. R. T., and is now carrying an up-to-date card, Cert. No. 1650, Division 33, and promises to make us a good member. Bro. J. C. Shoults bid in Syracuse, nights, on bulletin for month of October. Bro. Leslie, Milford Junction, nights, took a few days’ vacation, spending the time at Tippeca- noe, Ind., with relatives. Mr. Love, extra opera- tor, filling the vacancy. Dispatcher J. W. Odum, third trick on the Dud- dle line, spending his vacation renewing acquaint- ances with old friends at his home, Peru, Ind.; re- lieved by Extra Dispatcher A. R. Moore. Bro. B. C. Briggs took ten days off. Bro. Loomis relieved Bro. Briggs as manager. J. J. Fleck doing the extra work in “G” office, days, and Mr. W. G. Marine, a C. T. U. of A- man, doing the night trick. Bro. Beery, Syracuse, days, spent Sunday with friends at Deshler, Ohio, October 13th. Bro. W. G. Smith bid in night copier’s position, Garrett, dispatcher’s office, on bulletin the month of October. This leaves a vacancy in “G” office for some good all round man on next bulletin. Fourteen new members in one month is not so bad. Let the good work proceed, and nail every desirable non you can get your fingers on. Yen don’t need to be ashamed to take the money, for the cause is a just one. One of our brothers is endeavoring to secure * lodge hall at Garrett for the ensuing year, and things point favorably at this time to securing either the Firemen’s or Trainmen’s Hall. This will make an ideal place to hold meetings, as we understand Nos. 11 and 12 are to be put on this fall again, and there should be a good attendance every night. Should be able to advise you by next issue as to his success. Cert. 1,400, Div. 33. River District, Pittsburg Division — Regular monthly meeting of Division 33. held in Pittsburg October 19th, while not largely at- tended, proved very successful and intensely inter- esting. Chairman Bro. Will Carr, presiding. Digitized by c,ooQle

Page 962

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1909 Several important matters of business were taken up and handled in a highly commendable manner. Owing to the increase of business the services of a regular secretary were deemed nec- essary. Bro. Jas. McDonald, of Wheeling Junc- tion, was elected by unanimous vote to fill this office for Pittsburg Division. The following sisters and brothers were also ap- pointed as a Committee on Social Events, viz.: Miss M. Magee, of Allegheny. Mrs. V. F. Alley, of Pittsburg. Miss Lizzie Bellman, of McKeesport. Chas. Paul, of Versailles. Harry W. Mason, of Pittsburg. Arrangements are now under way for holding a social meeting, or smoker, at Hotel Wilson, Pitts- burg, at an early date, open to members, their wives, sisters and sweethearts. We sincerely hope you will try to attend. Can safely guarantee an enjoyable evening to all. Quite a few changes being made: Bro. Garence Baker will relieve Bro. M. T. La Mar as clerk to division operator, Mr. Day. Bro. La Mar return- ing to “DS.” Bro. Rust to succeed Bro. Baker. In “DS,” Pittsburg, we find Bros. Baker, Fulwi- der, Landymore, Maratta, Drumm, Wheeler, O’Donnell and Mason still doing business in their usual hustling way. Three of this office, we are sorry to note, are still on our list of nons. This looks bad, in view of the fact that this office has been specially favored, largely through the efforts of our Order. Our agreement is soon to be revised; we are handling some very important business in connec- tion with same, and it is specially desired that each member give voice to their actual sentiments in or- der that our committee be able to handle the mat- ter in the most intelligent manner when they ap- pear before the management. If it is otherwise, who are you going to blame? Your committee and the few who work and attend metings, or the many who say nothing and remain away? Among those present at last meeting we were pleased to see our three and only sisters of this division: Miss Grace Reilly, of Banning; Miss Lizzie Bellman, of McKeesport, and Miss M. Magee, of Allegheny. Bros. LaWell, of Pittsburg, and J. Yeager, Jr., of Wheeling Junction, have left us for better positions in the far West; also Bro. E. M. Brown, of Versailles. The four-track system has been extended, and is now in operation from Wheeling Junction to Mc- Keesport. This closes Rankin and throws their work back on Wheeling Junction. Sister Bellman, of “KS,” McKeesport, has just returned from a trip to Buffalo, Niagara, Montreal and other northern points. Bro. H. F. Farren, formerly of Ellrod, is now with the P. R. R., we understand; more money and less work. Mr. Moore, of Lucinda, Pa., now working days at West Newton. Bro. La Grange, from the A. V., has caught the only “pie” job of the division, Reduction. The boys at Hickman Run are well pleased with their new tower and location. Bro. Cook, of Hick- man Run, days, has been off for a few weeks at his home in New York on account of sickness. Bro. Gleisinger, of Reduction, is enjoying a six months’ leave of absence, and will likely engage in business for himself. Sister Grace Reilly, of Banning, is at present off for unknown cause. What does our agreement say? Kindly refer to the second article and say if we are to submit tamely to any and all ruling our local officials may choose to apply? Sister Reilly, I am pleased to note, has, however, secured a better position with the P. R. R. Commercial telegraphers are very much in evi- dence along the line. Chairman Bro. Will Carr put in a few days on the road recently looking for nons. He found a few. Div. Cor. Hartville, Ohio, October 25th. To Members O. R. T. Division No. 74: We desire to extend to you our most sincere thanks for your kind words of sympathy in our recent sad bereavement. Yours truly, Mrs. H. B. Howard and Family. C. & N. Division — It has been demonstrated that intermediate divi- sion meetings are practicable, and at the meeting held the 21st of this month, presided over by our local chairman, it was unanimously adopted. So, in the future, we can look forward to a regular monthly meeting on this division. Last month we had an informal intermediate division meeting, and it was decided then to call our local chairman to meet with us and preside over our next meeting. Bro. Foust is of the opin- ion there is an opportunity for us to accomplish much good at these division meetings. Let us have a full attendance in the future at same. If this is done these meetings may continue, but if there is not a good attendance and a lack of interest is shown by the membership, it may be deemed un- wise to have them. Now, let us turn out en masse and attend these monthly meetings. I am sure they will be instructive and entertaining. I know of nothing you could give one evening of your time to that you would feel better repaid for time spent. There were a number of brothers in attendance at both of our meetings that candidly admitted it was the first time they ever attended an O. R. T., and were quite enthusiastic, and wanted to know when we would again meet, as they wished to be there next time. I remember of hearing one brother say he had been working on this division for fifteen or twenty years, and it was the second time in all these years he had the pleasure of meet- ing one of the other brothers, working not over fifteen or eighteen miles distant from him. Now, what do you think of this? Is it not about time we were holding meetings or doing something to get better acquainted with one another? Digitized by c,ooole

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1910 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. C. D. Phillips, of Outville, nights, resigned; relieved by Bro. C. R. Wilson. Brothers, do not lose sight of the fact that there is a standing reward offered for any non refusing to accept the increase in their salary obtained through our committee, under the guise of it be- ing tainted money. A. Volunte jut. Cleveland Divisions — We had a good attendance at the last meeting held at Massillon, Thursday night, October 17th. The east end boys were all there. Let us all try to be on hand at the next meeting, when Bro. Mc- Coy will sing. Don't miss it. Mr. Orahood, Midvale, has been taking a short vacation, but now back; relieved by Bro. Chancy, extra relief man. Bro. Frank Landis resumed duty at Columbia, days, after one month's absence. Mr. Ferris made a week’s stand at "Bridge Eighty," nights, and left for W. & L. E., dis- patcher’s office, Canton; Bro. Stevens relieving him. Bro. Stevens is going to Lester, nights, and Mr. A. L. Snyder, from "FN," to the Bridge. Mike Hamel and Bro. Weaver, of New Philadel- phia, went to the Exposition at Norfolk. Fred Mitchell, at Canal Fulton, is off few days. Bro. R. H. Johnson, of Boston Mills, relieving. Bro. S. M. Harper applied for leave of absence last Christmas, and has just been relieved for two weeks. Bro. Wilbur George, of Freeport, days, laying off; Mr. Davis working in his place. Bro. H. D. Harris on two weeks’ leave; relieved by Bro. Ford Hoover; later Bro. Hoover went to Midvale. Ce*t. 1,458. C.f M. & St. P. Ry. LaCrosse Division — Some of the brothers are laying off at present, and a lot more that would like to if they could be relieved, but we are informed by some telegraphers who have tried to get on the extra list that the company has enough extra men. I would like to ask where they are and why we can’t get them when a vacation is asked for. The joint meeting, held at Milwaukee September 2 1, referring to the C. T. U. A. brothers and O. R. T. brothers, was well attended by the brothers from many divisions, and several of the Local Chairmen were present and argued some very good points for the benefit of both organizations. All that were present fully understand the con- ditions under which they have had to work and the way in which they have been treated by the officials of the Western Union and Postal Tele- graph companies. As this goes to press we learn the following from the State Tax Commissioner: "Madison, Wis., Oct 15, The Western Union Telegraph Co., through its attorney, A. G. Zimmerman, of the County Court, today paid its taxes of $19,- 710.90, with $331.70 interest penalty for delaying it, to the said State Treasurer under protest." It appears from the above that the W. U. are not satisfied with reducing the salaries of the em- ployes 38 per cent in the last twenty years, but in order to make good on their enormous divi- dends, are compelled to try and defraud the public in this State as well as in the several different States which have taken the same action against the said company. Bro. O. R. Behl, Columbus, off for a few days; relieved by Mr. W. J. Breene. Bro. Magoon off a few nights at Watertown Junction; relieved by Bro. Kehoe. Bro. Stewart, at Lyndon for a few nights. Can not say who he relieved. Nons are very scarce. This division is near to the top notch, and there is no reason why those that are not in can not help us along and make the roll a full and complete one. They ask for application blanks and assistance and then turn the matter down. Beware of those fellows. In time of want and need, they will ask for some assistance; then is the time the medicine can be given. Ceit. 249. Kansas City Division — The best thing that has happened for some time was the meeting at Ottumwa, la., October ij. While the boys from the West Division failed to get out at all, and only two from the Middle Division, on account of no train service, the brothers from the Main Line and East Division did well, and we had a good crowd, but it was quite a disappointment to us when we learned that those west of Ottumwa were unable to attend, as it was the first time that we had been honored by the presence of our worthy General Chairman, O. W. Renshaw, and General Secretary and Treasurer, Bro. Soyster. The address of Bro. Renshaw was full of good, sound reasoning; in fact it was O. R. T.-ism pure and simple, which will stand the test at all times, and if each brother in attendance did not carry away some good thought, it was his own fault or lack of ability to appreciate and grasp ideas when presented. Bro. Soyster gave us some good sound advice and a whole basket full of Division No. 23 re- ports and statistics, which was highly appreciated, and made us feel that we were a well organized body, and that we were both financially and nu- merically strong enough to help ourselves ma- terially in the bettering of our working conditions. There was one theme that appeared to be upper- most in the minds of every one present, and that was a shorter work day. While the brothers were all well satisfied with the treatment we are receiving from our local officials in regard to the schedule (with the ex- ception of the failure to bulletin side table por- tions promptly), every one is looking forward to a better schedule with a shorter work day, and to that end we pledged ourselves to do every thing in our power to hasten the time when we should realize a shorter work day. Our worthy Local Chairman, Bro. Doherty, was a little late in getting in, but made up for lost Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1911 time by starting things right off as soon as he arrived. He informed us that he had extended an in- vitation to the junction officials to call, but none of them put in their appearance. There have been quite a number of changes recently. Our old-time friend and train master, J. F. Richards, has been appointed division super- intendent of the Rochelle ^-ine. Mr. H. W. Druen, C. D. on East End, became train master. This gave Mr. Chick, first trick on East End the position of C. D., and moved the boys all up a notch. Bro. Gibaut, days at Linby, is off on a vacation, visiting his brother at Moresville, Mo. Bro. Jacobs, of Haysville, is away on his va- cation; Bro. Koetling relieving him. Day telegrapher at Seymour has been taken off, on account of shortage of men to fill night jobs. How strange 1 Bro. A. R. Herdman, who has been working nights at Osgood, was home the other day, on account of his father’s sickness. Bro. Shields, at Cowgill, is off on a vacation. Bro. Goeffing, nights at Liberty, relieving. Do not know who is in his place. Quite a number of the brothers have not paid the $x toward the incidental fund voted at the Laredo meeting last spring. This is something we should not neglect. We need a fund of this kind. All those who have not paid please remit to Bro. G. L. Gallaher, Gault, who will receipt you promptly. And, as a closing remark, let us all make a strong pull, a pull altogether, for a shorter work day. Div. Cor. C. & C. B., Iowa Division — Bro. Elder, Aspinwall nights, to Dedham nights, relieving Bro. Julius, who left the road. Telegrapher Rose back to Aspinwall after work- ing at Arion a short time nights as towerman. He is still minus a card. Telegrapher Asher to “RD” Council Bluffs, re- lieving Bro. Forbes, who resigned. Bro. Swenning, who left the road several months ago, has returned from the wilds of New Mexico to Van Horne. Miss Anna Ranniger, of Aspinwall, called on Bro. Elder the latter part of September. Bro. Peasley relieved Bro. Erven at Weston nights, Bro. Erven leaving the road. Telegrapher Asher, of “RD” Council Bluffs nights, was ordered to Manning nights, but quit before he got there, leaving it up to Bro. Lau- baugh to work two nights. Telegrapher Rose, of Aspinwall nights, helped him out by working three nights. Rose being relieved by young Blakeslee. who will be up-to-date as soon as old enough to join. He was ordered to Collins nights on Rose's return to Aspinwall. Bro. Zadnicheck, formerly of Morley, at present working nights at Manning until Bro. Ryan, the regular man arrives. Bro. Soystcr, our hustling Local Chairman, was out doing business the first of the month, land- ing nearly all the delinquents and making the “Grab List” look like a fifteen-cent piece. The following were fixed up for an up-to-date: Rogers, Disburg, Wright, Crowe; also Arrasmith, of Stone City. Bro. Griswold, who worked extra nights at Manning, got Haverhill on bulletin. Bro. Minahan, Persia to Neola nights on bul- letin; relieved at Persia by Bro. Mullis, of I. C. Division No. 93, who will be transferred to Di- vision No. 2 3. Bro. Lewison was appointed day man at Hern- don through an error, as Telegrapher Etzel beat him to it. Gibson appointed nights at D. M. River. Bro. Karsche appointed night operator at Cam- bridge instead of Operator Patton. Bro. House, of Defiance, received Weston nights on last bulletin. Bro. Halpin, who worked nights a short time at “RD” Council Bluffs, is at present working in the Wabash yard office at Council Bluffs. Telegrapher Lee Harned, a former brother, is now working nights at “RD.” Will be up-to-date next “Joy” day, he says. Bro. Forbes, who was at Council Bluffs nights, has gone to work for the L. V. R. R. in Penn- sylvania. He is copy operator for dispatcher. Bro. Porter, who was injured by falling off a train in Des Moines, is better. Young Madison, one of Doyle’s students, worked a few hours at Van Horne and then turned the keys over to a citizen and hit the grit before the agent got up. The meeting at Perry October 20 was well at- tended, although I believe more could have turned out without any great inconvenience to them- selves. It is a shame that some members don’t make a strong effort to attend when Mr. Rozum, our train dispatcher, does everything in his power to arrange for every member to get off if there is any possible show. In a number of cases he has closed offices and stopped passenger trains to pick up and let off members. There were only twenty members present where there should have been forty or fifty at the least. Mr. Rozum was present and gave a very interesting talk on the cause of wire trouble during the present C. T. U. A. strike. He also spoke of the poor attendance at the meet- ing and was sorry that more were not out. Sec- ond Trick Dispatcher Anderson also talked on wire trouble and better service, and said there was considerable time lost in calling night men who were asleep, and others who did not try to help him out by giving him important information and promptly reporting trains in and out of stations. Bro. Soyster asked if more satisfactory arrange- ments could not be made for transportation of members to meeting. It was thought a pass sent to the farthest man in each direction who was going to attend, the pass to read ten or fifteen men, the member holding the pass to pick up the other members enroute. After Mr. Rozum had departed, a closed meeting was held and several important matters pertaining to the Order were discussed by Bros. Soyster, Renshaw, and all the members present. Bro. C. E. Olsen, who is extra Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1912 The Railroad Telegrapher, agent at Madrid for six months, made a very able speech. Also Bros. Snyder, Anderson, Brown, Genrich, and last, but not least, Bro. Lingham; all of the brothers, in fact, had something to say. Every station should be represented at the next meeting. Our chief dispatcher should be given the best of service, as he is doing his best to accommodate us on meeting day, and if we give him a square deal he assures us we will receive the same from him. The brothers on the Middle and Eastern Di- vision will do me a favor and also themselves by furnishing me items to reach me on or before the aoth of each month. “Nick." Southern Minnesota Division — There has been considerable of a change among the dispatcher’s force, both at LaCrosse and Madi- son, S. D. Mr. S. C. Sorenson, chief dispatcher for a num- ber of years at Madison, has been transferred to chief dispatcher at Aberdeen, S. D. Mr. J. M. Moore, who has been first trick at LaCrosse, has been promoted to chief dispatcher at Madison. At present S. A. Whitford, formerly third trick man at Lax, is out on extension, and understand he is to be gone at least six months and possibly longer. Bro. E. J. Whalen advanced from side wire to third trick, temporarily working the first trick until side wire is assigned on bulletin. Bro. Thompson, of the C. T.'U., is holding down side wire for a couple of weeks. F. D. Campbell still working second trick, but will take first trick in a few days. Superintendent’s clerk, O. H. Berg advanced to third trick, but presume when change is made he will take second trick permanently. Don’t know as yet who will fall heir to his slippers, but be- lieve it will be W. B. Fraser. No vacations forthcoming for love or money, so not much doing in the way of news on the First Division. Business good, with two crews, on the Fountain Hill, and everyone fills up at Dexter with cars; nothing stronger to be had in that berg. A few Sundays ago every one along the line was dumfounded to learn that S. C. Elson, agent at Armstrong, had shot both himself and his little daughter. The father and daughter were out walk- ing and, while deranged, he shot the little girl, aged eight years, through the head, killing her almost instantly, afterwards turning the gun upon himself. They were found in this condition by a neighbor. Mr. Elson lived but a short time. Do now know who is Mr. Elson’s successor at Arm- strong station. Bro. VV. E. Campbell transferred to Lily from Alden, and Bro. S. VV. Fuller transferred from Lily to Alden for a period of six months. Bro. J. M. Johnson, at Mapleton, was very fortunate — he got a three weeks* vacation. He was relieved during his absence by Mr. Gunderson from the Iowa Central. Heard the night man at Mankato wiring for a week’s lay off, and if he gets it the way I got mine he is still working at Mankato nights. Seems mighty curious to yours truly that some of the nons can get a lay off and the remainder can stick to the ship. About the ist of the month the Milwaukee took possession of the “Alphabet” road and their forty odd miles of rust, and I guess they will have their hands full getting it into shape. Don’t think Bro. J. E. Clayton, at Albert Lea, has seen any sign of a raise for the increase in work. Bro. Jas. Sheehy has returned to Easton. Bro. O. A. Laugen, now located at Welcome, is filling the vacancy caused by Bro. Sheehy’s return to Easton. Mr. Jensen has returned to Delavan after a vacation, and right here let me say that any one who has goods enough to go on a trip with cer- tainly ought to have the wherewith to get into the band wagon and help play the horn. I hear that Bro. J. C. Creedon, formerly at Welcome, is enjoying his leave of absence. Bro. Griffin must be figuring on a change, as Chandler station is bulletined and Mr. Gunderson hhs gone there as temporary relief man. Bro. R. N. Miner assigned to Howard station for six months. Didn’t learn where Bro. Fry in- tended to locate. Ed. Malone is taking Bro. Miner’s position as day operator at Egan. Bro. E. M. Phillips has been assigned to Lake Preston. Bro. Flindt had a vacation and made a trip to Rochester. Now, brothers, west of Jackson wake up and help me out, for if you don’t I shall continue to drum at you every month until you do. There are lots of changes out there, and with a little assistance from you we could make a good showing of the west end. If it’s only one item, send it along, and you all know my address, for I work at the “jumping off place” of the Milwaukee System. T. P. Horton, Div. Cor. Northern Division — Bro. Dunlap, at Minn. Junction, has been having serious trouble with his student baggageman, other- wise known as ham, who is inclined to learn the (art?) of telegraphy whether Bro. Bill will have it or not. Heard the trainmaster was out on the C. & N. W., giving Bro. Bill instructions regard- ing the student, and said he would send him a set of instruments for the ham to practice up on. so he can some day be the general superintendent of some wheelbarrow. He wants this student to have from two to three hours* practice dailyt rt~ gardless of other work, but Bill can’t see it that way. Bill says he can put his instruments in freight house and have all the practice he wants. If this isn’t satisfactory he will box the whole outfit and send it to the superintendent Bro. C. A. Doyle enjoyed a few days’ vacation at Pardeville; relieved by his son George, who in turn was relieved by Mr. Hary, a new man. Digitized by LjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1913 Mr. Jones, from Pardeville nights, back to school at Cambria. That’s where he belongs. Bro. Woodchick, at “C,” Fox Lake, off a few days; relieved by Bro. Sellen, from “RP,” Rolling Prairie, where he was relieved by Mr. Ward, from the C. & N. W. Bro. H. L. Radtke, at “B,” Beaver Dam Junc- tion, off for three weeks, his brother, E. H. Radtke, doing the stunt, being relieved of night position by Mr. Evans, a new man from the C. & N. W. Bro. Gensmer, at “J,” Horicon Junction, nights, vice Bro. Doyle. Bro. Thiel, at “D,” Hartford, is having all kinds of changes with his night force. Bro. Dorgan, having resigned, was relieved by a Mr. Shepard, who lasted about two weeks, and was relieved by Mr. Evans, who lasted one night, and then Mr. Hoey, who got cold feet and didn’t work at all. Then Fred had to double, but find him back at work next night. Hope he stays there now, as Fred has enough to do without doubling. Bro. Dorgan has secured a position on Southern Pacific Railway, near Los Angeles. Bro. Herberg, at ”RG,” North Milwaukee nights, vice Mr. Griswold, who is back at school. Bro. Holt has been on the sick list, but am glad to see him back at the old stand. Bro. Nichols had the misfortune to break a finger, but is back at work again; was relieved by Mr. Ward. Bro. Sawyer, at “J,” Horicon Junction, days, was off about two weeks; relieved by Bro. E. Radtke. We have nine nons still on this division, the majority of whom are undesirable material for our craft. We should weed out the desirable ones and land them, and keep close tab on the new- comers. All get busy and make us 100 per cent. E. H. R. Third District — The telegraphers of the C. & M. Division, through Bro. F. J. Alleman, local chairman, bought and presented to Bro. E. E. Livezey, former local chairman, general secretary and treasurer, a dia- mond-studded stick pin, as a token in a small de- gree of the respect and appreciation of the great services that Bro. Livezey has rendered them in the past. It would he hard to present anything approaching in value the services he has rendered to the division. He was one of the first to take the matter of organization up, and has been true blue through the many discouragements which be- set every step of the way to our now compara- tively successful position. Such men can not be honored too highly for the sacrifices they have made. Bro. Livezey is now on leave of absence. Bro. Ed. Taylor, of Everett nights, is relieving at Buena Park during Bro. Livezey’s absence. Bro. C. E. Eckerly, of Galewood days, has been on a few days' vacation; relieved by Mr. J. Calder, a new man on the road. Mr. Calder also relieved at Union street. Bro. Homberger, of Pacific Junction, first trick, has resigned and gone into business at Deerfield, we understand, the vacancy being drawn by Bro. G. H. Hattendorf, agent at Glenview. The va- cancy at Glenview has not been filled up to date. Mr. J. A. Patterson is working the first trick at Pacific Junction until Bro. Hattendorf is re- lieved at Glenview. Bro. Tuffley, of “WV,” was called home on account of the serious illness of some of his folks. He reports them recovering now. Dispatcher C. A. Larsen has been ill with some- thing like typhoid, but will probably resume work in a week or so, the second trick being worked by Dispatcher Babcock, and the first by Extra Dis- patcher Welsh during Larsen’s absence. The side wire, days, is being worked by a Mr. Coffin. Mr. J. L. Bauer, formerly of “DI" days, drew night job at “CG,” and is now working that job, which was made vacant by the resignation of Mr. M. S. Carr. Bro. McGillas, who worked in “CG” up to last spring, and went to a position with Rockefeller on the personal request of President Earling, re- turned, he finding the job not as represented. He asked to be reinstated with his rights, and a vote was taken on the question, which resulted in the granting of his request, and he is now on his oM job at “CG.” The new cut-off at Oakwood is now completed, and trains are moving over this track. The depot has been moved to the new location on the east side of the town. Mr. Wilkins is working nights at Oakwood now. Mr. C. B. Lester worked at Everett a few nights. He is now at Fox Lake nights, Mr. Allen at “A 23” nights. It is understood that Bros. McCann, of Ingle- side, and Kelly, of Fox Lake agencies, are going to leave the service and go into the general mer- chandise business at Russell. Bro. Dan McCann is relieving at Fox Lake and Willey at Ingleside. Bro. Macnamara, of Russell, surely deserves the prize for the interest he manifests toward the C. T. U. boys. He secured $20 from the citizens of that town toward the aid of the striking commer- cial boys, and then gave $5 himself, making quite a neat sum from Russell. The action on the part of the citizens shows clearly the stand they are taking, and also the way the “wind is blowing” by the majority of the people in regards to the course being pursued by the Western Union and Postal companies. The action of several railways in starting schools show what we may expect if they can create a surplus of operators (?); it means less wages if they can find the men to work for them, and I think we should hold to that article in most sched- ules, “that we will not be required to teach teleg- raphy;” this means just the same when imparting any information to a “graduate” that may want to “finish up,” as it does to the entire teaching of a student, and it is hoped that all brothers will ab- solutely refuse to do any “finishing up.” Our trade is our capital, and I take it as an injustice when any one tries to force us to give up that capital just the same as if it was the “coin of the realm” that is ours for our labor. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1914 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. P. B. Moshier has returned from Bozeman, Mont., where he has been working for the N. P. ; now extra nights at Hebron tower. Bro. F. J. Alleman, our local chairman, attended an O. R. T. meeting at Madison, Wis., October 26, and reports an interesting time. Mr. C. J. Fisher is now working the second trick at Rondout. Cut. 1129. MEMBERS OF DISTRICT No. 3: I desire to extend my heartfelt thanks for the token of appreciation which I received at the hands of your committee for my efforts in the past five years in handling the work attached to the office of local chairman, and to say that I am delighted with same is putting it very mildly. I wish to thank each and every member in the dis- trict for the manner in which they have assisted in the work of making this one of the most suc- cessful districts on the system, and the only one which was not at one time partly or entirely or- ganized by aid of a Grand Division organizer. The work in this territory was done by the mem- +ers alone, without any outside assistance or in- fluence. In tendering my resignation as local chairman I felt that the position could be better filled by a new officer, and I knew that you would elect the best man to the position and support him as you did me, and I am pleased with the way which my successor, Bro. F. J. Alleman, is handling the work, and ask that each of you redouble what assistance you have been giving him, and work all the harder to support him, as you know that his many other duties make it a hardship on him to handle this work for you. Attend all meetings and always be ready to assist and advise a brother, and the practice of fraternalism will bring more success to our beloved Order than anything else we can do. Again thanking you for the beautiful present which I received from you, with best wishes for each and every one, I remain, E. E. Livezky, Past Local Chairman. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has p eased Almighty God to sum- mon unto his fold the beloved wife of Bro. A. J. Bernie, thus depriving him of one who, in life, was ever a true, kind and noble soul, while mourn- ing his loss with a heavy heart, may he humbly submit to the will of Divine Providence, saying not my will, O Lord, but Thine, be done; there- fore, in token of our respect and sympathy for our brother and his relatives; be it Resolved, By the members of LaCrosse Divi- sion that we extend our sincere sympathy to them in their bereavement; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this memoriam be pre- sented to our Bro. A. J. Bernie and relatives of the deceased wife, that these resolutions be spread upon our minutes and a copy be forwarded to The Telegrapher for publication. And when she parted from this life. Her sufferings all did cease; The wish of all her dear friends is: That her soul may rest in peace. W. N. Upham, F. J. Hake*, R. D. Peck, A. D. Finnigan C. L. Parsons, Committee. A CARD. Tomah, Wis., October 4, 1907. 7 0 Members of LaCrosse Division: Please accept my sincere thanks for the beauti- ful flowers sent at the time of the death of my wife. It is a comfort to know that your friends think of and sympathize with you in the hour of death and sorrow, and I hope you may all find such friends when sorrow comes to your homes. Very sincerely, A. J. Bernie. Queen & Crescent Route, North. Our committee has been up and secured a nice little raise; not a word about it in the journal. If we don’t do something our brothers on other lines won’t even know we have a schedule. ‘*13” Bros. Wm. and C. M. Gooch, of Rings Mountain, have resigned and accepted positions with a lumber company at $80 per month. The po- sition as agent has been accepted by Bro. Goode. Does not such cases as this clear the problem as to why operators can not be secured? Well, I think it does. Do you suppose these two brothers at “KM” would have resigned had they been get- ting $80 there? No. Then where are the opera- tors all over the country now? They are following other occupations which affords better salary and better working conditions. Bro. True, formerly from “NS,” nights, and Bro. O’Neal, of “MA,” nights, are now with the Missouri Pacific. Bro. True writes: “Have the best job on the pike at $77.50, and overtime for meal hour.” Taking effect October 1st, Bro. A. B. Willison has been appointed general chairman, vice Bro. Collins, resigned. Taking effect same date, Bro. K. C. Gardner, Lexington, Ky., has been appointed general secre- tary and treasurer, vice Bro. Caldwell, resigned. Bros. Collins and Caldwell have been excellent officers, but we realize the fact that Bros. Willi- son and Gardner are worthy of the positions to which they have been appointed. Let us do all we can to help them along, and we will soon have a “full house.” Two new applicants on L. & A., at Nicholasville will be “safe within the fold” ere Jhis is in print. “13” they can not belong to 62, but “the grand” looks good to us. I have heard some complaint about the small raise secured by our committee this year. Now, brothers, “come off.” You all know deep down in your hearts they did the best they could Digitized by c.ooQle

Page 968

The Railroad Telegrapher. 1915 under the circumstances. ' Take what you can get, and be satisfied. You have heard the song: ‘‘Every little bit, added to what you have, makes just a little bit more.” Have you paid the assessment? If not, it’s not too late. There are still a* few nons. All you brothers that are near a non get after him. Don't let him rest. Preach to him till he sees O. R. T. in “box-car" letters in his dreams. He will soon get so he won't hardly answer you; afraid you’ll ask him: “ Has he got a cord t” If a new man comes in get to him by the time he lights. Now for a man who has a student: Can’t you see where you stand? Do you know what you are doing? If you don't, please read our journal and see. I don’t see how an O. R. T. man can scrape up enough nerve to teach one (although some do). I'll bet he can’t look a true brother in the face without “blushing.” Do you remember the obliga- tions you took upon yourself when you joined? Do you know when you are teaching a student that you are committing a sin? Cert. 303. Chattanooga Division — At the regular September meeting, which was held at Chattanooga, September 23d, there were about sixty members present, and a great many were disappointed on account of No. 5 being late, and they could not reach there in time to be worth while coming. Most of those present managed to get on the high flyer, which reached Chattanooga in due time to open meeting on time, but we were not particular about closing it so early, so just continued it till the wee hours of Sabbath morning. You should not miss these meetings, whenever the opportunity permits. I am sure there are a number that did not take advantage of this one. The chief dispatcher did not deny any one that asked for transportation, and I notified all by let- ter, so there is not much excuse for a great many between Somerset and Oakdale. Fourth District turned out fairly well. Recently there has been a new set of local chair- men elected on account of Bros. C. L. Miller and R. T. Shaw resigning. These brothers have done good work; now let’s give our assistance to our new local chairmen, and get things to going, and keep them going. They are doing all they possibly can for your welfare. Let every mfember assist. Our general chairman, J. W. Collins, and also general secretary and treasurer, have resigned on account of both accepting positions that would occupy so much of their time they thought they would not be able to give proper attention to the work of the Order. A. B. Willi son, of Science Hill, Ky., has been elected to serve the unexpired term aa general chairman, and Bro. K. C. Gardner, of Lexington, Ky., elected G. S. and T. Any busi- ness that you may have to transact take up with these brothers direct, as it will save time in get- ting action. Bro. Meadows, Cave Springs, is now working in a sx4, as his happy home, “CA" tower, was burned to the ground, caused by defective flue. Bro. S. W. Jenkins, days at Rathburn, has just returned from a vacation; relieved by J. E. Jen- kins. Bro. Chas. Jenkins doing the night act. Bro. R. P. Hodges has recently been transferred to agent at North Dayton. Bro. J. M. Holloway, of Spring City, who is taking his vacation, relieved by Mr. Carr. Night offices have been opened at Lorraine and Glen Alice, and closed at Roddy and Spring City. This is done, I understand, on account of the eight-hour law, which is effective March 4, 1908; thus making all of the above-named a one-man job. Have not learned the names of the new men who bid the jobs in. Bro. Frank Roddy has resigned as agent at Roddy. Bro. John Howe, regular day man at Harriman Junction, is taking a much needed vacation; re- lieved by Bro. C. X. Smith, night man. Mr. Mum- ford doing the owl act. Bro. Mack Williams, Oakdale, off for a few days on account of his wife being ill. Bro. Cudaback, night man, relieving. Bro. Williams, a C. T. U. of A. man, doing the stunts at night. Bro. I. C. Stevens, Rugby Road, just returned from visit with relatives in Ohio for the last month. “DK" and “BC" towers, new block jobs re- cently opened up; salary now $65, straight; no meal hour included. These jobs are manned by Bro. D. E. Young, Bro. D. Strunk, Mr. King and Mr. Frost, C. T. U. of A. man. Bro. Waldron, of Tateville, has been taking a vacation in or about Cincinnati for a few days, but understand he has returned. Bro. Gooch, nights, “US" yards, Somerset, relieving Bro. Addyington for a few days. Bro. Addyington has been visiting his father and mother down South, somewhere near Oakdale. C.y C., C. St. L. Ry. NOTICE l To all Members Chicago Division, East — I notice with much regret that our end, as yet, has not shown up in The Telegrapher. Bro. H. M. Clark is now acting as our division correspondent, and he, as well as myself, will ap- preciate anything that any brother will send him in regard to happenings along the line. Now, let’s all help him to get a good write-up, and have it come out in the next issue. Hoping each one will do their best, and com- ply with this request, I remain at your service. Your Local Chairmam. Michigan Division — New information blanks are being furnished the members and nons, and all are requested to hand them in not later than December 1st. A revised schedule is being prepared to present to the man- agement Remember March 4th is the big day for all operators. The three trick shifts are being instituted by our management taking effect about November 1st. Let each one of us try and fill these new places with up-to-date men. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1916 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. J. H. Pepper, agent at Carthage, is sick, and is being relieved by Bro. Edgar P. Defort, a member of Division No. 40, C. & O. We are glad to report that Bro. Pepper is recovering. Bro. A. F. Defort has accepted agency at Letts Corner, which was made vacant by the death of former agent, C. H. Wasson. Bro. C. M. Baker has accepted the position of day operator at North Vernon, vice Bro. Doris re- signed to seek employment elsewhere. Bro. J. Stricheal, who has been off on leave of absence for a few days, is back. Bros. Ed. Becker, of Goshen, and Ed. Middle- kauf, of Jonesboro, made a flying trip to Alexan- dria as the guests of Bro. Lavengood between trains Nog. 39 and 40. Bro. Edw. Middlekauf was at Wabash on Oc- tober 23 d. Bro. Geo. Lovengood, of Alexandria, is now our local chairman, vice Bro. Edw. Becker, of Goshen, who had to give up this work on account of his health. New Paris agency is reported advertised, also day operator at North Vernon, agent and operator at Milford, and agent and operator at Letts Cor- ner. I think the three latter places have been filled. Called meeting at Indianapolis on September 24th, was a good meeting, and all enjoyed them- selves. Glad to report Bro. Shinebarger, of Eau Claire, is back at his duties, after a few days’ lay off on account of a piano pinching him while unloading out of a car. E. M. Indiana Division — Meeting called to order at 3 p. m. by General Chairman Justice. Various letters and bulletins were read by Gen- eral Chairman Justice. Grievances were reported on the Indianapolis, Michigan and Chicago Divi- sions, which Bro. Justice promised to adjust at the earliest possible time. The meeting was en- thusiastic, and those present were well pleased. We adjourned at 5 p. m. to meet at 7 p. m., same date. Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p. m., by General Chairman Justice. The grievances of the various divisions were gone over again so as to be fully understood by the members that were not present at the pre- vious meeting. Many other subjects were gone over by the general chairman for the welfare of the order. Meeting adjourned at 10 p. m., to meet at some future date. H. C. Willing, Acting Secretary. Sandusky Division — Mr. Frank Ruff, who has been working message Wires in dispatcher’s office for the past year, has been promoted to extra dispatcher on this division, and is at present learning the road. Bro. S. G. Dykes, agent at West Liberty, has returned from a thirty days’ vacation, spent in the southern part of the State and at the James- town Exposition. Bro. McCune, West Liberty, nights, was doing the agency stunt during Bro. Dykes’ vacation. He being relieved, nights, by Evans, of Springfield, and a Mr. Willey, from Dayton. Bro. H. C. Stokes, of Huntsville, was off two weeks during September on account of being sick. He was relieved by F. B. Myers, one of Mr. Jones’ graduates from Huntsville. Silver Creek is to be made an agency, and is open for bids at this writing. Mr. Harry Craig, from Cincinnati Division, is doing extra work at Kenton, nights, at present. This place has not been bulletined yet. All posi- tions are supposed to be bulletined when a vacancy occurs. Bro. Ed. Utiz, Grants, doubled for Bro. Aud- ritch one night last week. Forest crossing of the Pennslyvania and Big Four is now mane three tricks. Seems nice to hear the boys talking about their tricks, even if we don’t possess one ourselves. Only five months until we will all be enjoying that kind of work, if the laws of our land are any good. Mr. F. B. Myers, working extra at Wharton, nights, relieving Bro. Miller, who is at present on his honeymoon. It is rumored that Sandusky Division is to be made absolute block, which will require two or three new offices, and an additional night man or two. Bro. R. M. Carter, who has been working for the past eighteen months as night operator at Tiffin, has secured the agency at Green Springs station, vice Mr. Walker, who has, as I understand it, quit railroading, and has gone into some more profit- able business for himself. Bro. R. G. Debolt, who has been working a block job at a station called Myers, on the Colum- bus branch, succeeds Bro. Carter as night man at Tiffin. Oo«. Cincinnati & Indianapolis Division — The last few weeks have been a hummer for this division, new members coming in, and the proper spirit is being shown by the boys indi- vidually to build up the membership and make us solid. Every one seems to understand the neces- sity of this. All are enthusiastic for the eight- hour law and hourly pay and won’t stop until they get it. Bro. Hess is arranging for a meeting at Belle- fontaine, and also Anderson or Muncie. for the West End boys. Vacancy bulletined at Longville days. Bro. Benson, night man, now days there. Bro. Bogan, formerly at Van, there nights. Bro. Smith, agent at Mt. Victory, took a few days off last month, Bro. Ford, of Lome, reliev- ing him; Bro. Golden relieving Bro. Ford. Van has been discontinued as a block office, but Bro. Nelson still does the “OS” work days and runs the pump. Mr. Kelley, Ex-W. U. man, from Mancie, now nights at Elroy. Bro. Miller, at Grenta, is laying off; “Skinny' Thatcher relieving him. Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1917 Bro. Foster, of Farmland, is relieving at Dc- graff now, while Agent Vance is off. Bro. Harvey is back at Taft, after a rest of fifteen days. South Anderson days, and “BU” yard nights, advertised. Bro. Doane, “QC,” who has been on vacation, has returned. A very sad accident occurred some time during the night, between York tower and ”CJ” office. Mr. Fred Kuntzinan, night man, on reporting for duty, asked his brother to work a while for him. This was the last seen of Fred until the next morning, when his mangled body was found along the tracks. It is not known how or by what train he was killed, but there is some suspicion of foul play. We understand several of the boys wished to attend the meeting at Indianapolis last month, but for some cause could not get passes. The boys are paying more attention to that forty-five-minute clause and the overtime lately. Remember, it is between 11:30 and 1:30, and don’t forget to ask for it. Cert. 675. Cincinnati Division — Regular meetings will be held in the Hollencamp Building, Dayton, Ohio, the third Monday night of each month. There seems to be a disposition on the part of our membership to think that they have fulfilled their obligation in being the bearer of an up-to- date card. If the present membership did nothing more than pay their dues we would not accom- plish much as an organization. Get after that non working next door to you and tell him what a mistake he is making by not joining us and help- ing the cause along, and that he is doing himself an injustice as well as ourselves, and keep right after him until he joins. Bro. Heflon, of Lily Chapel, is off, sick. Mr. Compton, of Georgesville, being the relief man. Bro. Paul, of Galloways, is off on his annual vacation, being relieved by Bro. Rolan. Wm. Ferguson, of Georgesville, now has charge of Myers nights. Bro. Rogers, of “AK” tower, is off on a vaca- tion, visiting friends at Sandusky, O., Bro. Arm- strong, the night man, being the relief. A. Mr. Long, from the Sandusky Division, is doing the owl act during Bro. Rogers’ absence. Bro. Stabler, at Brooks, has been off on a vacation, being relieved by Mr. Harrison, of Plattsburg. Bro. C. G. Berry is now copying in “J” office. West End has been bulletined open, day and night, on account of Bros. Bright and Douglass refusing to accept the $5 cut in wages, since the company put an extra man in to take care of the gates. Bros. Bright and Douglass gave the com- pany ten days to put them back on the old wage scale. The schedule states West End pays $60, and the crossing gates are not mentioned. Mr. Dennis Staley, employed by the Pennnsyl- vania Co., at Springfield, O., as telegrapher and clerk, is trying to establish a class in telegraphy at the local Y. M. C. A., but his prospective students seem to know that the art of telegraphy calls for long hours, small pay and a multitude of duties; and he is unable to get the required num- ber of students for a class. Bro. Keever, of M. & C. Junction, spent a day with home folks, hunting squirrels. Bro. Billingslea, of Franklin Junction, made a short visit with home folks. Mr. D. E. Harmon has accepted the agency at Monroe. L. D. Stabler. St. Louis Division East — We should all be proud of the East End of this division as to membership and students. There is not a student known to the writer, and a very few nons. Brothers, what do you think of that picture on the front page of the September journal. The non is certainly a funny looking creature when placed under a magnifying glass. Our worthy Local Chairman has secured a lodge room at Paris for the purpose of holding meetings therein, and is making speedy arrangements to get the room fitted up with the necessary fixtures. Now, brothers, let’s all be ready to attend these meetings, as many as possibly can. There is al- ways knowledge to be gained at each and every one of these meetings, as well as getting acquainted with your fellow brethren. Bro. O. A. Ilurin, at Avon, has been off on a short vacation. He was relieved by Telegrapher Husson. Telegrapher Slegner has left the service. He was relieved by Telegrapher Hodson. Agent Jackson, at Danville, was called away on account of the death of his brother. Bro. M. O. Denny was checked in as temporary agent, Bro. W. O. Setty as day telegrapher, and E. R. Daw- son as night man. Bro. T. F. Macinch has been transferred from Delmar nights to Reno nights. He was relieved at Delmar nights by Bro. Munday. Bro. W. C. Byers has left the service. Did not learn where he went. Bro. R. N. May has resigned. He was relieved by H. D. Allen. Bro. D. M. Adams is relieving Bro. Case at “HY” for a few days. Bro. Chittenden is acting as relief agent at St. Marys. Bro. R. E. Graham is the new owl at “WR.” Bro. E. R. Wright is spending his vacation at Terre Haute. Bro. Withers, of Perth, has been taking a va- cation; relieved by G. R. Hodgens. Cert. 258. Cairo Division, North End — Bro. Fry, formerly at “BI” Birds days, bid in Marshall days. Bro. D. Sewell resigned. “13” he has accepted a position as timekeeper for the Big Four. Bro. Bert Dix is doing the day stunt at “JB” Trimbly. He formerly worked nights there. Bro. A. Rodgers bid in “BI” days. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1918 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Wm. Gerdes, formerly at “ON” Robinson nights, is working the owl trick at “RD” Pink- staff. Bro. J. H. Bayles is working nights at “ON” Robinson at present. New station at Robinson cut in the 29th. New tower at Robinson is completed and ready to move in. Boys, send your news to me at Robinson. L. R. Cottam. B. 6 O. 8. W. Ry. We had an interesting meeting at Cincinnati, October 23, some thirty or thirty-five members being present. Local Chairman Weis, of Ohio Division, gave us a few good pointers. There were also interesting talks by others. It seems a num- ber of operators do not understand the meal hour, and arc altogether too indifferent to this part of our schedule. The schedule reads very plainly: “When operators are not allowed sixty consecu- tive minutes between the hours of 11 and 1 o'clock they shall receive twenty-five cents.” This means you are not to go to eat before 1 1 o’clock and if held until 12:01 you are to turn in an overtime slip. Not an operator should fail to do this. We have been working for this article, and for a few (who want to “stand in” with the officials) to take only thirty or forty minutes for the meal hour, with- out claiming twenty-five cents, means we may have the meal hour eliminated in the next schedule unless we make a fight for it. It seems to me we should have a meeting some place on the system once every two months at least, and have our general chairman with us, pay- ing him when it is necessary for him to be re- lieved. Bro. Hopping, agent at North Bend, resigned to accept an eight-hour trick on the Big Four at Griffith. Understand the Big Four is making three tricks out of their towers as fast as they can secure operators. R. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Almighty God in His wisdom has deemed it best to remove from the family of our brother, H. F. Howard, his beloved father, in man- ifestation of our grief and fraternal sympathy for our brother and family; be it Resolved, by the members of the Baltimore & Ohio Southwestern Railway, Division No. 74, Or- der of Railroad Telegraphers, that we extend to the bereaved brother and family our heartfelt sym- pathy in this their hour of affliction; and be it further Resolved , That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved family, a copy spread on the records of the division, and a copy furnished to The Telegrapher for publication. A. R. Huber, P. C. Stanhope, E. E. Parker, Committee. Nickel Plate Ry. First District — The meeting of the First and Second District boys at Conneaut, Sunday, October 20, was a grand success. Twenty-two members were present, the greater number coming in on train No. 6. The boys on the east end were badly handi- capped owing to no local passenger train in the forenoon. The meeting was called t o' order at i:»$ p- «n. by the General Chairman, Bro. E. M. Mulcahy. who reviewed the work of the past few months, reading several important communications pertain- ing to advertise positions, the dinner hour ques- tion, the hours of service laws, and the present struggle of our sister organization. After giving the members some very good advice as to the duty they owe the organization and their employers, Bro. Mulcahy vacated the chair in favor of Local Chairman Bro. C. F. Mayer. A great deal of business was transacted. Local chairman of the Third District, Bro. C. W. Hudon, was present and made a brief speech. Bro. Kist moved that the members of Division No. 18 continue to give their moral and financial support to our brothers and sisters of the C. 'T. U. of A., and also that we fulfill our obligations to the railroad company. It was seconded by all pres- ent and carried unanimously. Sister Macie Spaulding was appointed by the chair as secretary of the meeting. Sister Spaulding is a new member and a very enthusiastic one. On account of many members returning to their homes on No. 5, the meeting was closed at 4:30 p. m. Every one present voted the meeting one of the best that has been held at Conneaut. We understand the meeting held at Ft. Wayne by G. S. and T. Bro. Smith, on the same day, was also well attended. Our General Committee express their apprecia tion of the interest taken by the entire membership, and wish your correspondent to state that it is this deep interest in the division’s welfare that brings about good results, for without your indi- vidual and collective support a committee is power- less. We now have about 95 per cent of the telegra- phers employed here enrolled in the Order, and if each member will do his part we will have all the eligibles in line by January 1. While at Conneaut we learned of our former general chairman, Bro. E. J. Parrish, receiving the nomination for Mayor on the Independent ticket. Bro. Parrish served one term as Mayor of Conneaut. Chief Dispatcher G. C. Todd has been promoted to trainmaster, effective October 24, 1907. Night Chief Dispatcher J. J. Brown has been appointed chief. Mr. Brown is an ex-member of this division, serving as local chairman. Second District, and was instrumental in securing the first schedule agreement on this line. In order that his troubles may be reduced to a minimum, we call upon every telegrapher (night men take notice) to make an extra effort to assist him by giving the best possible service. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1919 Mr. Homer Jones takes Mr. Brown’s place as night chief. Do all you can to strengthen our organization by giving your local chairman all necessary infor- mation, pay dues and assessments promptly, and we can rest assured better things are in sight. We understand another meeting will be called soon. Don’t miss it if you have to walk. Dist. Cor. Western Division — A meeting waa called at Ft Wayne for Sunday evening, October 20, at 8:30 p. m. There were twenty-six members present. All members showed an unusual interest in discussing various subjects. Bro. F. F. Cowley acted as presiding officer in the absence of Bro. Hudon, who went to Con- neaut to attend a similar meeting held at that place. The probable effect of the national nine- hour law was discussed at length, which resulted in the passing, by unanimous vote, of the follow- ing resolution, presented and read by Bro. A. Barney : Whereas, The so-called nine-hour law goes into effect on the 4th day of March, 1908, be it Resolved, By the members of System Division No. 18, O. R. T., in meeting assembled, that it be our sentiment that a meeting of general chair- men of all divisions be called not later than Jan- uary 1, 1908, to adopt plans by which demands including a minimum day of eight consecutive hours at not less than thirty cents per hour, shall be made on all railroads in the United States sim- ultaneously, to go into effect on the 4th day of March, 1908. We expect to have another meeting at Ft. Wayne before Christmas, and we hope we will have as good a turnout. Those that were not with us will never know what they miss by not attending these meetings. It was after 1 o’clock a. m. when the meeting adjourned, and many brothers were heard to remark that they would not miss any more meetings. Cert. 3. Pennsylvania Railroad. Allegheny Division — It is not necessary to go into details covering the meeting of the General Committee in Philadel- phia for the reason that most of you have been able to gather practically all the information through the open meetings which have been held from time to time, but for the special information of such of you as have not been able to attend any of these meetings, I will say that it took the General Committee thirteen days to accomplish what might have been done in three or four days, due solely and wholly to the unfriendly attitude and misrepresentation of one who is posing today as the only friend of the rank and file on the Pennsylvania Railroad. I refer to L. K. Marr, who, in his efforts to aim a blow at our grand officers in St. Louis has seen fit to place all man- ner of obstacles in the way of the present legiti- mate committee. His efforts will prove fruitless, as a matter of course, and while it is not my pur- pose to heap abuse upon the heads of those who do not believe as I do, which seems to be the main stock in trade of the ’’insurgents,” I will say it is my sincere belief that the “outlaw” organization can not last very long, for the simple reason that they have no standing with other railroad organiza- tions, and are considered more in the light of a joke than otherwise. A serious matter confronts the operators, not only on the Pennsylvania Railroad, but on all roads as well, and that is the matter of resisting any cut in our present rate of wages when the require- ments of the nine-hour law are complied with, and I can not urge upon you too strongly the necessity for concerted action in this matter. By united efforts only can we hope to combat this proposition, and I trust that every member and non-member (if there be any) will do his part. The excuse the company makes is that it will cost approximately $400,000 annually to comply with the Federal nine- hour law, and our reply is that it is just this sum of money that has been withheld from the opera- tors every year for the past decade. We are not objects of charity, and do not feel that we are getting one cent that we are not justly entitled to, and for which we do not render proper service. This organization asks that every man and woman do his or her duty to the best of his or her ability, and discourages the idea that many members have that because of-their membership they are immune and can do about as they please. Get away from that idea and resolve today that you will be loyal to the company that gives you employment and loyal to the organization that has been instrumen- tal in bringing about such wonderful changes for the betterment of the craft. Support your com- mittees to the best of your ability; remember the backbone of any organization is its protective fund, and this is true also of your general committee, its affairs can not be conducted without ammuni- tion, and I would urge all of you to pay the special assessment of $1 at your earliest convenience, and when doing so bear in mind that this assessment was made necessary by the unfriendly and unfair acts of the Marr crowd. “Brigham.” Atlantic Coast Line. Newberry District — Mr. E. B. Tucker, former second trick dispatcher at Jacksonville office, assumed duties as chief of Newberry District yesterday, October 14th, vice Mr. E. T. Mulquin, whom, we understand, has been transferred to Sanford office as chief. Agent Roberts, of Alachua station, is on sick leave for short while, having been injured by falling of heavy freight some few days ago; re- lieved by Bro. F. H. Cason. We understand that Bro. Cason will be assigned Trenton agency regu- lar after Mr. Roberts’ return to duty at Alachua. R. L. Lockhart has been assigned Raiford agency regular; no other men bidding. Mr. Walker, a C. T. U. of A. member, who has been working Newberry, nights, is relieving Op- erator F. E. Guinn at Newberry, days, until appli- cations are all in, as this job was bulletined on the nth inst. Have not heard where Mr. Guinn Digitized by CjOOQle

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1920 The Railroad Telegrapher. will be moved. New man working Newberry, nights. Bro. J. W. Priester, who has been in Waycross hospital for the last few months with typhoid fever, has again resumed his position as owl at Lake Butler. * Mr. Snipes, new brother, now working Komoko agency. Bro. Rex Fannin, who was relieving Bro. Mix- son at Lake Butler during the latter’s illness, is now working a clerical position in Jacksonville yardmaster’s office. New man at Jacksonville terminal block “OG.” Would like to see a lodge organized in Jackson- ville, as we could get a good attendance and make things interesting. Let’s hear from some of th; brothers on the subject. Cotton season now on in full blast, but not many shipments, as the farmers are holding the cotton for higher prices, and consequently business is not as brisk on this district as it will be a few months later, when we will have lots of long freight trains carrying white or green signals, and continually hear the “31” call pounding over the wire, awak ening sleepy night operators from their peaceful slumbers and dreams of the 9th of next month, when “the ghost will walk,” and making many an overworked agent leave his job of trucking or checking freight in the warehouse, and go stum- bling over trucks, boxes and other obstructions, w-ith words otherwise than Sunday school language on his lips in his haste to answer his call, and save some freight a delay on “206.” L. C. Savannah District — Bro. W. R. Barnett, of McCullough, and Bro. S. H. Pruiett, of Densmore, are spending a few days in Jacksonville. Mrs. W. R. Barnett, wife of Bro. Barnett, is spending a thirty-day vacation in Atlanta. The old reliable standby, Mr. Henry, working her trick at McCullough while she is off. Bro. T. E. Baker, of Ways, has left us again to accept a position with the Sal. Bro. C. Jackson, of Walthourville, has also re- turned to his old love, the Sal, having accepted a position writh that company at Claxton, Ga., which, we understand, is his home place. Bro. S. J. Hood, from the C. of G., Division 46, takes the Walthourville agency. Mr. A. E. Huffman has accepted the agency at Ways. Cracker Joe. Lakeland District — Transfers on the Lakeland District have been somewhat numerous during the past month, partly accounted for by several of the permanent agents being aware of the increase in business at this sea- son of the year, brought on by the orange move- ment, prefering to give up their positions rathei than remain without the necessary force to handle the business. The tendency seems to be to de- crease the force just now, when it should be in- creased. All vacancies have been filled so far, and business moving in good shape at the present time. Floral City transferred from Bro. A. N. Eu banks to Bro. J. L. Cranshaw; Bro. Eubanks not caring to handle that agency without an assistant, which has recently been cut off. Bro. Crenshaw has just returned from a trip to Jamestown. Istachatta agency from Bro. J. T. Howe to Bro. W. P. Johnson, Bro. Howe having secured a po sit ion near his home in Georgia. Juliette agency from Mr. F. E. Hemphill to Bro. H. E. Judge, of S. A. L. Division. Mr. Hemphill on vacation; is expected back soon, and Bro. Judge, who is at present working extra, will stand for anything open. Homosassa from Mr. J. M. Oren to Bro. C. J. Woodward; Bro. Woodward returning from vaca tion. Bro. Fortsen, of Hernando, returned from his vacation and took charge, relieving Mr. J. M. Me Caskill. High Springs from Mr. C. A. Robinson to Mr. J. B. Neill. Punta Gorda from Bro. A. E. Pooser, Jr., to Mr. C. A. Robinson. Bowling Green from Bro. C. H. Jones, on ac- count of reduction of force, was relieved by Mr R. K. Brandon, who lasted only one; being re lieved by Mr. J. J. Hollingsworth. Inverness from Bro. J. I.. Williams to Bro. A. N. Eubanks. We don’t know where Bro. Wil- liams goes. Cert. 309. New York, 8usquehanna 6. Western Ry. Wish to inform all brothers that we will hold joint meetings the last Saturday of each month in Munzer’s Hall, Market street, Paterson, N. J- Next meeting November 30th. At present there are quite a few jobs which have not been put up for bid. For instance. Dundee Bridge, nights; Riverside tower, nights; “JC.” nights. Hawthorne agency looks as though the company does not intend to live up to their agree ment with the telegraphers. Mr. Klopman, agent at Wortendyke, has severed his connection with that station. There are at present several nons on the road who can not be induced to join our ranks, but are more than willing to reap benefits of our hard- earned money, especially the non at “MP,” nights, who can see no good in our Order. Agent Goetichus, from Camp Gow, bid in “W.” Kimble, from “JD,” nights, gone to “YD,” days. Why not have this job advertised, if this position needs an operator? An interlocking plant has been erected at Rivet - side which is equipped with twelve levers and two sets of gates, with Bros. Haniquet at the handles, and Vankirk, nights. Would be pleased to have any or all brothers write to me of little incidents and changes on the N. Y., S. & W. and W., B. & E. to be put in The Telegrapher. Send me these notes about the first of the month. Address your letters to H. Hani- quet, 268 Fifth avenue, Paterson, N. J. Cot. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1921 Norfolk A Western Ry. Scioto Division — This will find us nearing the close of another busy and prosperous year, and hope when our work in Division No. 14 is reviewed little if any improvement could have been made in conducting its affairs as managed by Bro. Layman and his assistants. Recent service bulletins would indicate “too much hay’* is being used by our eight-hour night brothers. This matter we will pass by briefly, saying that your local board of adjustment can not consider your case in event you get into trouble for this offense. Now, be wise and always on the alert to answer your calls, remembering the importance of good service and your obligations to all concerned. Oscar Wilson, of Crumm, W. Va., is now on the extra list. Minnie Gentry, night operator at Prichard, W. Va., met with a painful accident September 20, while horseback riding. She was thrown from her horse and sustained a broken arm. Bro. M. R. McMillan and wife, of Kennett, W. Va , reported among the visitors at the James- town Exposition the first week in October. Miss L. M. Walker, first trick at Webb., W. Va., now signs up “Spauldin.” Following appointments were recently made: Boyd Marcam, agent at Glen Hays, W. Va. ; Jacob Marcum, agent at Dunlow, W. Va. ; W. R. Pratt, agent at Wilsondale, W. Va. Bro. G. F. Ferrall, Naugatuck, W. Va., is spend- ing his vacation in the Western States. Bro. G Stratton, Naugatuck, W. Va., is on the sick list; relieved by Bro. Mathews. Bro. Stokes, Coal Grove, O., has resumed duty after spending several weeks with friends in Arkansas. On October 1 we had eleven positions on 'bul- letin board awaiting applicants for places. All of them will undoubtedly be filed, however, be- fore this is in print. However, the idea of how the boys on the N. & W. are kept in line will be conveyed to our readers. When this list is filled, those positions made vacant by promotions will be advertised for those who stand next in line for promotion, ability and seniority considered, by our chief, Mr. C. T. Davis, whose hope and pleasure is to elevate his men in their work. Effective October 6, office at East Wood, O., in charge of Bro. Jacob Compton, was temporarily closed, Bro. Compton returning to his former position, second at Hewlet, W. Va. New time table, effective October 13, shows many additional trains, made necessary by the steady increase in traffic on the N. & W. This should be taken as an appeal for the very best of service, and promotes better conditions for telegraphers. Bro. A. V. Osborn, Fort Gay, W. Va., is spending his vacation with his parents near Wayne, W. Va. Annual inspection will take place within the next few days. Our international trackmen brothers are very busy preparing for this event. First prize for best conditions will be $25; second, $15, and third, diploma. A great deal of interest is manifested in this contest. New passenger station at Ironton, O., is now being used. This is one of the finest stations in Southern Ohio, and was erected at a cost of $125,000. Bro. A. F. Smith, Mineral Springs, O., is on sick list; relieved by Bro. Martin. Mr. Chas. Shultz, night ticket agent at Ports- mouth, Ohio, is dangerously ill with fever, being relieved by Bro. W. A. Powell. We are pleased to note that quite a number who recently appeared on the non list have come across and are now with us, and propose to stand with the workers of their craft. It is now time for those desirable ones remaining on that undesirable list to wake up to a sense of duty. Cert. 750. Pocahontas Division — Bro. Ford, dispatcher, from “BF,” out on an inspection tour with the section men. Bro. C. M. Davis was the lucky one on third trick, West End tower, and has resumed duty there. Bro. Kidd, of Bluestone, is off on a vacation. Bro. Jennings, of Cooper, was called home re- cently on account of the death of his mother. Bro. J. J. Hale, of Rock, W. Va., is spending his vacation with his parents at Pearisburg, Va., and will also take in the “Jim Town” show. Bro. Townes has left us and again entered the Medical College of Virginia, to finish his course in dentistry. Bro. Furbush, of Coaldale, W. Va., has resigned and will accept a position with the S. A. L. Bro G. W. Pile, of Elkhorn, W. Va., is spend- ing his vacation at his old home near Abingdon, Bro. Vaughter doing the relief act. We hope to have space for the Pocahontas Division in each issue of our journal, and in order to give all the items of importance, I would be glad if you would drop me a line when any of you brothers have news. It will be a big help to your correspondent, and give us a good, live write-up each month. Please see that this is done. F. H. Hughes. Radford Division - — One of the best meetings in the history of the N. & W. System Division No. 1$ was held in K. of P. Hall, Roanoke, Saturday night, October 19. Matters of vital interest to the operators and agents were discussed. The inferior service of the third trick eight-hour men was the principal subject. It was clearly shown that a greater part of this trouble is caused by the class of men that have recently been employed by the company. They pick up men without a recommendation as to moral character or ability, and entrust them with the most important department of the service. The increase in the number of telegraph positions has made it necessary, or, rather, has made it hard for the company to get enough desirable men to fill the positions and grant the men their annual vacations. It was shown that the proportion of Digitized by t^ooQle

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1922 The Railroad Telegrapher. men getting into trouble for sleeping on duty is not as great as it was under the twelve-hour law; but a case now and then gives the officials room to complain, as they know there is no excuse for a man not doing his duty for eight hours after he has been off duty for sixteen hours. The true O. R. T. men are as much down on this class of service as the company is, some of them advocat- ing a resolution that every man found sleeping on duty be dismissed from the Order. Others that the men be notified that if they get into trouble for this, the Order will not take their case up with the management Now, brothers, you have had your attention called to this often enough. If you are one of this number, cut it out and do your duty. Let's have it said that no O. R. .T. man gives the company any trouble in this re- spect. Too many of you boast that you do not care if you are discharged; that you can go to any other road and get as good a position as you have here.. This may be true, but no man likes to have it said that he was discharged. If you wish to change your position, resign like a man, and you will secure a position much easier on the other road, and when the question is asked why you left the N. & W., you will not have to say "I was discharged," instead of doing as little as you can and draw your wages. Try to be one of the best men the company has. We can not all be first-class operators. The positions do not re- quire this, but we can all be first-class men. By not attending to your duty you make it hard on the O. R. T. committee, on your dispatchers, on your chief dispatcher and on your division super- intendent. Your committee will soon have to formulate a new schedule. You want all they can get for you. Then make yourself an indispensable man to the company, and they will have a much easier time getting what you want. Wc had a report from one third trick dispatcher who said he was having trouble with but one man, and he was a non. Sorry there were not more dis- patchers present, so we could have gotten reports from them all. All who missed Bro. Cabiness' address on duty missed a treat. It will be pub- lished in the journal. Do not fail to read it carefully and thoughtfully. It is time we were thinking of what we want our committee to ask for in the new agreement. We have always advocated double pay for Sunday work and legal holidays. Our committee was in- structed last year to ask for this, but they did not. We are in a position to demand it. The public is with us. Where will you find another set of men who never get a Sunday off, working for less than any other class? Does fifteen days’ vacation pay you for fifty-two Sundays on duty? The C. & O. operators get time and one-half for Sunday work. The B. & O. men get two days each month. Are we going to continue to do more work on Sunday than other days and get nothing for it? No opportunity to go to church, no time with one’s family — not even time to eat dinner. What is a man’s life worth to him at this rate? Brothers, let us say we will have our Sundays or we will have double pay, or thirty days’ vacation. If it does not pay the company to run Sunday trams, let them make it pay or quit it. If it does not pay us to work Sunday (which none of us want if we can have the day off) why do we do it? and why will we continue to do it? Be on hand at every meeting from this on and do all you can for what you think we need in the next agreement. Don’t stay at home and then say the committee did nothing because they did not get all you think they should have. What is the matter with the men on New River? The P. D. men always make a good showing, but there is seldom a man from the river — not even our Assistant Chairman. Brothers, is this all the interest you have in the welfare of the Order? Have you no interest in the future working con- ditions on the N. & W. ? nor in your future wel- fare? Bro. Collins, of Abingdon, has resigned his position as cashier and accepted the position of cashier on the Southern Ry. at Bristol, Tenn. Our Division Chairman, Bro. W. E. Dungan, of Marion, spent his vacation at Jamestown, being relieved by Bro. Millard. Bro. Dutton, of Meadow View, Va., has been spending some time in Philadelphia, Pa. Bro. C. M. Asbury, better known as "Kildee," has resigned the agency at Meadow View and accepted third at Glade Spring. We are glad to see that our non list has been materially reduced recently. Ce*t. 231. Shenandoah Division — Everything seems very quiet on the Shenandoah Division this month, with the exception of the freight traffic, which is very heavy. Some of the boys are making good overtime on this account, so ghess they will not have any kick coming when pay-day comes. We are looking forward to the October journal with many anticipations, as a general write-up from the N. & W. looks good to us. This is something which we should have had long ago, and now that we have it going, we should keep it up by furnishing ail the notes possible to the locad and system correspondents. We have a new bridge over the Potomac River under construction at this place, which will make the work very heavy. The new train order signals have been installed at some of the stations and the boys say it is worth its weight in gold. There is a new man by the name of Bryant working first trick at Rippon at this time. Bro. Biedler is now doing the relief stunts at Riverton for Bro. Compton, who is taking his fifteen days. Bro. Probst, relief agent, is still answering the call at *‘FK.’’ All the boys on the division should try to attend each Roanoke meeting whenever possible, as this will show our officials that we are taking an in- terest in our Order, as they can do nothing with- out our support. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1923 Bro. Dunlap, at Boyce, took his fifteen days a short time ago, being relieved by Bro. Melton, third trick man at Loch Laird. Bro. Moffett is wearing the badge at Lithia at this time. He is fresh from Sunny Tennessee. Bro. Bowers, of White Post, took his vacation a few weeks ago, Bro. Shultz, third trick man at Basic, doing the relief. J. M. W. Winston-Salem District — Every one is looking forward to the new eight- hour law next March, and do not forget that the railroads are not going to be idle, but are going to fight such a move all they know how; and the better service we give, especially the places that have eight hours now, the less they will be able to fight it. They naturally expect more from the eight hour jobs, and it is no more than their due to give them an improvement in the service. Now, while I do not wish to censure any one, I would be glad to see every one answer calls, etc., promptly, so the officials will say we are giving better service than any other district on the road. Dispatcher Bro. S. F. Moffett came back from his vacation the other day and is now working the second trick, giving the boys on the third trick their regular man, Bro. T. M. Sheet*. Bro. W. T. Gentry, first trick at “FO” is doing a relief stunt at Stoneville, where he came from. Bro. H. H. Layman, second trick “FO,” is now at Pine Hall, where he has been for some time. (“DF” not filled yet.) Man relieving him signs “RO.” Don’t know him. Bro. R. M. Helm is working first trick in Bro. Gentry’s place and Mr. Davis working third. Bro. W. H. Shultz is at Martinsville, relieving Agent H. S. Teague. Bro. Penn is working days and Mr. Martin nights. J. M. W. Norfolk Division — Who said “banquet?” Our worthy Bro. Lay- man, who, as usual, was in the chair at the Roan- oke meeting Saturday night, the 19th, and mind you this is by no means all that was said by those present to brighten the prospects of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. Yes, we expect to have the banquet, and it was voted by the meeting at Roanoke that as this city was the most central point, and could be reached by a greater number, that it should be held at Ro- anoke, probably the first Saturday night in Jan- uary. Brothers, we don’t mean to be “pigs,” and to act as such on these memorable occasions, but we do enjoy the good things set before us, but more especially do we enjoy the social features con- nected with these banquets. A link is formed at these gatherings among the brothers, and I might add, “families,” that will never be broken. There is a brotherly and sisterly feeling created by com- ing in contact that otherwise could never exist, and means for us a stronger organization, as it links the entire family of telegraphers together. Again, these social meetings have a stimulating ef- fect. Now, those of you who have bad the pleasure of attending last year, try to arrange to let your brother telegrapher attend this time, and make him feel interested ih the grand old Order of Railroad Telegraphers. I know from experience that after partaking of such good things it is against our “piggish” nature to say to the other fellow: “You go next.” However, it is the true, unselfish spirit that should characterize the union man. I believe our progress on this system can be summed up in one word: “Confidence.” Where would we stand if it were not for the confidence we bad in our leader, and again, what progress could we have made if it were not for the confi- dence our leader has placed in us in co-operating with him in his plans? Confidence means an understanding of the capac- ities of different people. Some are to be trusted within certain limits, or with a particular line of work. We must recognize the limitation in others, while giving a field of liberty. Others, again, will have more confidence in us, as they ob- serve our growing capabilities. Confidence is a contagious element. Faith is a flowing stream of actual energy. Every individual possesses some special phase of merit. If we are individually to “get on,” we shall find it advantageous to allow the most in other people, to exercise tact, and recognize where the strong points lie. If we are to have help and not hindrance, we must inspire a mutual confi- dence. We will progress in our sphere as we develop the spirit of confidence, in ourselves, in others, in all life. The old limits and barriers are gone; new kingdoms to be conquered stretch out before us; new opportunities; new life. And these new realms are so large that the old narrow methods must go; we must have co-operation and combina- tion and expansion. We must have a true union of forces. Hence the call for more confidence and autual lellowship. Let us attend the regular monthly meetings, when possible, and give to our organization and its leaders our hearty support and personal aid in bet-, tering the conditions of our craftsman. There are no important changes in this immedi- ate territory known to the writer except among the extra men. We have among us a good many of the C. T. U. boys, and glad to have them. We trust these brothers will turn their attention to the railroad work, and bend every energy to giving good service. Of course, we recognize that these commercial men are new in this line of work, and do not fully realize the responsibility connected with the handling of trains and train orders. Our attention recently has been called to the poor serv- ice given by the telegraphers, which, we think, is largely due to the new men coming into the serv- ice, and we trust that these brothers will make spe cial effort to learn the business, and give the best service possible. Brothers, don’t forget to work on the nons, and get all that are worthy to come in. We have a Digitized by t^ooQle

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1924 The Railroad Telegrapher. good many “hard-tacks” on this division, and hope to convert them before the close of this term. Re- member, personal effort is the keynote to the success we have already attained. T. O. M. C., St. P., M. A o: Ry. Ea'tcrn District, If iscortsin Division — The car distributers’ jobs at Eau Claire have b:cn rearranged. The position of car clerk and tel ?g* r ii her has been abolished, and Mr. G. F. Bouthe- Ictte has been appointed chief car clerk, with Bro. H. P. Goodwin and Mr. Brewer as assistants. Bro. Goodwin has jurisdiction over the Eastern District, and Mr. Brewer over the Northern District. These positions are now purely clerical. Bro. F. S. Fonda, of Prince street, is acting as tracing clerk temporarily. He is being relieved by •Bro. Geo. H. Snure, from Division 23. Bro. Showalter, formerly of Altoona, is now lo rated on the N. P., at Mullin, Idaho. Bro. A. W. Hoffman is working at Altoona pending the bul- letin. Kipling and Rosedale have been closed now that the double track is in operation. Bro. Fritz Kottke, East St. Paul, is on the sick list; relieved by Bro. C. O. Manske. Bro. I). A. Campbell drew Augusta on bulletin, and moved there. Bro. Strieker taking his place at Sheppards for the present. Bro. H. H. Adams at Wright, days, on the bulletin, and Bro. John- son going to Tunnel. Bro. Brandon is at Sheps, and Mr. Fahey, from Washburn, working nights at Wrights. Bro. Tommy Smith, at Fairchild, was off for a week’s vacation and hunting trip. Bro. W'ahlquist was off for a few days on ac- count of his mother’s sickness. Bro. T. F. Hurst, at Baldwin, has composed and dedicated to our noble Order a very fine march. A party named Murray, who was at one time operator at Shell Lake, has opened a school of telegraphy at Shell Lake. He is advertising it extensively, but although he has been open for business several weeks, it is reported he has not yet secured a student. The membership of this division are urgently re- quested to keep a sharp lookout for members from other divisions who are working on the Omaha, and secure their certicate and division numbers, and send them to the local chairman in order that they may be transferred to Division 76. This is very important, and without the co-operation of the membership it is impossible for the chairman to keep a correct line on the members. We wish to request the membership on this divi- sion to get after every eligible non, and make every effort to make the Wisconsin Division solid in the full sense of the word by January 1st. The membership on the Omaha has now reached the high-water mark. We have more members than we ever had before, but there is still some ma- terial outside the fold. On account of Bro. Quinlan having been pro- moted to the position of cashier at New Richmond, he had to relinquish the position of local chair- man for the Northern District. He leaves as a leg acy to his successor a practically solid membership on the North. The members on the North are also to be congratulated on their extreme good fo: tune in securing as the new chairman, Bro. S. S. Brodt, agent at Clear Lake. Bro. Quinlan stil acting as district correspondent. General Chairman Liddane, while off last month, visited at Eau Claire, Clear Lake, New Richmond, Lake Crystal, as well as conferring with the gen- eral officers in St. Paul. Several matters of im portance to our members have been adjusted dur ing these conferences. A new rule secured from the general superintendent, is as follows: “Any agent or telegrapher leaving a schedule 1 position and accepting a non-scheduled position a* cashier, clerk, car man, etc., will retain bis sen iority rights for three months, and if, at the end of that time he does not resume work in a sctied uled position his name will be taken from the sen iority list and he can only enter the service again as a new man.” It has also been ruled that leave of absence will not be granted for moi'e than ninety days. Ceut. 1,405 Wisconsin Division, Northern District — Applications have been filed by the following telegraphers: G. M. Funnc, recently at Clear Lake, now at Warrens; O. E. Bradley, Rockmont; C. R. Chase, Strum; F. Kozlik, Haugen, and C. R. G. Dopkins, Cable. A very nice reduction from the non list. Bro. Stouffer off on his wedding trip during the month of October, and is being relieved at Bar- ronett by H. C. Hendrickson, new man from the Great Northern. Bro. F. D. Sinclear at St. Paul taking medical treatment. Bro. Cray, at Comstock, has somewhat of a task keeping things moving. He lives at Cumberland so as to allow his children to attend school, and he is compelled to make tw'o trips to Comstock and re- turn daily; rain or shine. Another man who is in favor of eight hours. Bro. H. E. Harbour and wife returned from a two weeks’ visit at Menomonie on October 1st. Professor Conrad, of Tuscobia, says he will not join the O. R. T. on this division, as he does not wish to be a brother to a bunch of knockers. Bro. Applequist, Turtle Lake, paid New Rich- mond and Somerset visits late in October. Things seem to be rather quiet these days at the Murray Institute. Bro. T. A. Berg is off on a va- cation; relieved by R. A. Slaker. Local Chairman Bro. Brodt made a trip to Pierre, S. D., early in October. Bro. McDonald acted as agent, and Bro. Chase as day telegrapher during Bro. Brodt’s absence. Bro. F. C. Kottke has been assigned to the day job at Northline; Bro. Donahey goes to Sheppard. Bro. O. T. Balgord takes the first day job in the Eau Claire office. Do not forget that it is about time we were thinking of paying up dues for the new card. Div. Co«. Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1925 Minnesota and Ioxva Divisions — A big meeting is being planned at Windom Sun- day, November 3d. Every one that can should ar range to be present at this meeting, as some very important business will come up, and of such na- ture that all members should be present. Bro. Humble, of Kasota, is happy in the knowl- edge that the Omaha General Committee secured him a raise of $2.50 per month. This is the C*. & N. W.’s proportion, but as the C*. & N. W. com mittee refused to take up the case, the Omaha gen- eral Committee laid the matter before Mr. S. G Strickland, who immediately conceded the increase. This raise should have been granted by the C. & N. W. when our last revisement went into effect. If it comes rather late, Bro. Humble says: “Bet ter late than never.” Bro. J. H. Nelson, of Sioux City freight office, who drew Mountain Lake on the September bul- letin, has decided to remain at the Sioux City freight office. Bro. M. E. Bash, who for the past several months has been acting as assistant cashier in the freight office at Sioux City, has returned to the op- erating service. Bro. and Mrs. B. C. Offins, of Westbrook, left the 8th inst. for a visit with friends and relatives in the Sunny South. He is relieved by Mr. Lucky. Bro. R. Burdick, of Madelia, who has been un- well for some time, has taken a leave of absence, and is relieved by Bro. Jansen. Bro. O. A. Artz, late of Salem pit office, is acting as day telegrapher at Madelia in the meantime. Mr. J. G. McKenzie, formerly night baggage- man at Lake Crystal, and later assistant to the agent at Amboy, having passed his telegraphic ex- amination, is now located as night telegrapher at Deer Park, Wis. He has applied for application blanks. Bro. Martin, of Fairmont, has put in several days hunting, and reports splendid luck. He ani his wife Sundayed at Mankato on the 6th inst. Bro. Lourie, of Madelia, nights, has been away on a vacation. J. H. Johnson relieved Bro. Lourie at Madelia, nights. Bro. F. E. Anderson, who was relieving at Far- mer for a few days, is now taking Bro. Riddell’s place at Ottowa, the latter being sick. Bro. C. B. Fairfield and wife, of St. James, Sun dayed at Worthington on the 13th inst. Bro. A. P. Jamieson, of Lake Crystal, nights, spent Sunday at Mankato the 20th inst. Bro. M. J. Roberts, who, for some time past, has been night operator at Sioux Falls, did the wire work at Lake Crystal the 19th inst. while Bro. Tenney went hunting. Bro. Roberts is now located at Nicols, days. Bro. Robt. Jamieson, of Beaver Creek, with his wife and daughter, visited with his son at Lake Crystal the first of the month. ‘Bro. Wm. Cosgrove is now working at Bigelow, nights. A. G. Lane (non) is relieving at Blakeley. Grogan was closed the 12th inst. to allow Bro. Himley an opportunity to go to St. Paul. Bro. Determan, of Sheldon, nights, has taken up his position as day telegrapher at Montrose. J. H. Johnson relieved him at Sheldon. Mr. W. H. Leak, agent at Elmore, underwent a successful operation at the Rochester hospital the first part of the month. Mr. Ottis, formerly at Montrose, is now located at Blue Earth, nights. Bro. D. J. Vincent and wife, of Blue Earth, took a short trip through South Dakota the first part of the month. He was relieved by Bro. C. N. Williams, who afterward went to Winnebago to relieve Bro. Feyder. A. G. Lane claims he can not see his way clear to rejoin. He was the only member who allowed himself to become delinquent the last semi-annual period. Still this same man had nerve enough to ask for traveling expenses which the O. R. T. se- cured for all. Wonder if he can realize Jiow we used to work for our little $40 and $45 per month, and go when and where the management said. Then we carried switch-lamps, we worked all day without anything to eat; Sunday was the same as week days, and we never thought of being paid for traveling from one place to another, and losing from one to three days’ time. Still Mr. Lane thinks that as long as he can secure these benefits he will pay nothing for them. What would be- come of us should the others lack the manhood to pay their share of the game? Mr. Lane would probably not now be working at all, and if he wa> it would be at $40 per, and carry switch-lights. It is such rif-raff that we wish to see eliminate ! from the service of the company, and with whom it is hard to be civil when compelled to work with them.. We might add that what Mr. Lane lack* in manhood he does not make up in competence. Today the division is in the best of shape, and all are enthusiastic. We should each one strive to keep the O. R. T. foremost, both in and out of the company service. Let non-members see that you do not care to have anything to do with them, and they will soon tire of standing upon the out- side. The time will soon be here when we will need to be represented by unionized forces in the fight to keep our salaries from being cut when our hours are shortened. No one can afford to lose a day in endeavoring to bring in the few non-mem- bers still left in the service. Bro. H. G. Stumm is on the sick list. Bro. Fair- field is doing the night work at St. James while Hugo is absent. Ceet. 260. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom has taken from us our beloved brother, E. J. Cosgrove, and while we bow in humble submission to Him who doeth all things well; be it Resolved, That in his death our Order has lost a faithful and worthy member, and his parents a devoted son ; and be it further Resolved, That the M. & I. Division of the Or- der of Railroad Telegraphers extend to the be- reaved family our heartfelt sympathy in this, their great sorrow, and that a copy of these resolutions Digitized by CjOOQle

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1926 The Railroad Telegrapher. be sent to the bereaved family, a copy be placed on the minutes of this division, and a copy mailed to The Telegrapher tor publication. D. O. Tenney, C. B. Fairfield, A. M. Keher, Committee of the O. R. T. CARD OF THANKS. We wish to extend our thanks to the members of Division No. 76 who contributed the beautiful floral offering and their kind words of sympathy in our sad bereavement in the loss of our dear son and brother. Mr. and Mrs. D. Cosgrove and Family. Southern Pacific Ry. Louisiana Western Division — Although the strike of the commercial men has placed a large number of telegraphers in the rail- road service, the lack of competent men is still keenly felt on this division. Our last bulletin has just been issued, and several of our best jobs are going begging. Bro. H. A. White, day operator at Jennings, has just returned from his honeymoon trip through the north. He spent six weeks visiting Chicago, Milwaukee, and points in Iowa. Bro. S. H. Simpson, night man at Jennings, re- turned to work this month, having spent several weeks in New York, Norfolk and Philadelphia. Sister Louise, from Jennings, has been working at “FY” for the past ten days. Bro. C. R. Roberts, from Midland, has resumed work after a few weeks* stay with friends in “good -old Missouri.*' Sister “LU,** from Lafayette, visited friends in Jennings last week. Bro. E. L. Stafford has returned to his post as agent at Midland, after having spent a few weeks with his parents at Los Angeles. Bro. T. C. Cochran, of Crowley, has resigned. J. V. Leblanc, the old non from Lafourche, has been agent at Crowley since last spring, but as soon as the rice began rushing in he and others found out that he was entirely too light for that agency, therefore quick conveyance was made of him, and Bro. E. A. VonEye installed in his stead. Bro. J. M. Sargeant is doing the night act at Crowley. After enjoying a two months* vacation in Mex- ico and “the Wooly West,’’ Bro. C. B. Hanley has resumed his duties as agent at Roanoke. Bro. C. Fremeaux has been checked in at Esther* wood. Cert. 1097. Salt Lake Division, Winnemucca to Caslin — It is the 15th of October and no bulletin of vacancies. Looks like some one does not care. Not even one-third of the vacancies were on the last bulletin, but it seems that all interest out here, between Winnemucca and Caslin, are dead. We have a few nons also. Can say that Cert. 767 tells the truth about our living quarters, ice, etc. Now, brothers, why can not something be done. The signalmen get every- thing they want, good houses, and, in fact, their wood and coal houses are much better than otu sleeping quarters are. I heard one of oar opera- tors asking the chief for six weeks off. He made the remark to this operator that he could stay off as long as he wanted, as he had plenty of oper- ators now. If this is the case, why can not we have the eight hours that the law gives us. I, for one, say let us stand up like men, and on March 4 demand our rights. Brothers on this division, wake up and show us that you are not all asleep. Our Salt Lake Divi- sion seems to be going backwards, and it is dis- couraging to us all. Cert. 1779, Drv. 53. Between Los Angeles and El Paso, Tex. — There are lots of good Order men on this sys- tem, and all they need is someone to take the lead. I could not work for a road that pays their section foremen more than an operator. I consider myself as worthy as a section foreman, no matter where I go. It’s a dirty shame the way the S. P. treat their operators. I have been from one end to the other, and know of many little tricks that this company has served on operators. Still, nothing is said or done. Why not try and remedy this in some way? If a section foreman is above an operator, what must we class ourselves with — nigger porters? It’s too much for me to put up with and I am glad to say they consider an operator a section foreman’s equal where I came from, even if they do not pay as good wages (Kansas City, Mo.). The S. P. Ry realizes the fact that they have the only road through this country that an operator cares to work for, and, consequently, treat them any way they please. It is very hot on the desert now and will be for thirty or forty days yet, and five days ago the S. P. quit sending out ice. The water on the desert is very warm, and brings on typhoid fever if one drinks it. What does the S. P. care for that? Plenty more opera- tors and also a hospital ready for the unfortunate that gets sick. An Easterner Just Passing By. C. of Q. Ry. Savannah Division — Bro. Boyd, who has been at Ocomulgee Bridge for some time now, days at Meldrim, relieving Bro. D. C. Newton. Haven’t learned where Bro. Newton goes. A Mr. Powell working nights. Bro. H. B. Myers to Ocomulgee Bridge, days. He was relieved at Dover by a Mr. David, one of the strikers. He only stayed a few nights, and then Bro. C. C. Carrol was assigned this position regular. Mr. C. A. Ozburn appointed agent at Mansfield, vice Mr. Cook. Mr. J. H. Wright, who has been in the turpen- tine business for some time, has accepted the Still- more agency, relieving Bro. C. G. Rogers, who goes to Pulaski agency, relieving Bro. B. J. Moore, he being given the Halcyondale agency, vice Mr. Brown. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1927 There is a certain non on this division who, upon seeing his name in the journal at different times, attacked oar local chairman very severely by U. S. mail for using his name so promiscuously in print, as a non and student teacher. However, he was notified that he was a non, and every man on the division knew this fact, and just in order to let the entire membership know it, was no harm. His name will be withheld this time, but will not promise further than this issue. He asked for blanks last August, said he would fill up and return promptly. It is now October 28, ntg dng et. Mr. Johnson, working days at Millen, vice Bro. Fennel, who we understand has left the company. A Mr. Davis there nights at present, he being one of the C. T. U. A. strikers. Notice good many of our old men are leaving us, guess something better ahead for them. Bro. H. R. Clark, of Division No. 80, who ap- pealed through different divisions for aid, is get- ting a right healthy subscription from old Savan- nah Division. The boys do not mind assisting any brother in such circumstances as Bro. Clark is in. The list has only reached six stations, and has got- ten him over $20. Cert. 3. W. * L. E. Ry. NOTICE OF MEETING. To All Members of Division No. 55: This is to notify you that Division No. 55 will hold regular monthly meetings at Massillon, Ohio, in Trades and Labor Assembly Hall, at 8 p. m., on the third Saturday evening of each month. Yours fraternally, C. R. Guthrie, Gen. S. and T. Approved : J. O. Peoples, General Chairman. Toledo Division, West End — Mr. C. R. Cassiday, second trick dispaptcher at Ironville, “NX,” is taking a vacation, visiting his Erie friends at Galion, Ohio. He is relieved by Relief Dispatcher H. A. Plantz. Mr. D. M. Hunter, who formerly worked at Clarksfield, “CE,” left the W. & L. E. to accept a position on the Erie at Cleveland. Bro. North, an old-timer, at Clarksfield. Mr. F. C. Hull, who returned from Texas a short time ago and accepted the relief agency, has joined our ranks. Mr. Hull was ordered to Oak Harbor to do relief work. Bro. Bligh, who was doing the owl act at Sher- wood, “WS,” is now at Clarksfield, nights. Bro. Ruppert is working nights at Sherwood. The new schedule granted our committee, taking effect July 1, 1907* has been sent to all operators along the road. All seem to be much pleased with it. This should make some of the nons open their eyes and take notice, and get in line. I don’t see much of an excuse for pleading no money. It seems as if they could find enough money to make themselves good now, since we all have an increase and overtime for meal hour. This is my ticket: Don’t coax and plead with them, for those kind are no good and will be a detriment to the Order, and would never stand in case of trouble. We had better have 90 per cent good, solid O. R. T. than to have 100 per cent showing, and 10 per cent of them flunkers. Bro. Durand, regular night man at Norwalk yard “NY,” is taking a vacation. Mr. Gebhardt is working in his place. Cert. 148. Pittsburg Division — Pitch in and let's see how many applications we can get this term. Get after your neighbor and see if he has an up-to-date card. If not see that he gets one. There are still a few members that have not paid their dues for the current term. They should do so at once and avoid being dropped from the rolls. The meeting at Masillon, October 23, was very well attended, a few brdthers from every division being there. Cert. 8. East End, Pittsburg Division — Mr. Weiss, agent at Brilliant, off on vacation. Bro. Cecil Collins, agent at Warrenton, has re- signed. Bro. Ray Andrews, formerly night operator at Smithfield, was successful bidder for Bolivar nights. Nons are getting rather scarce since we have secured the new schedule, but there are some few remaining out of the fold for reasons I am unable to explain. I think we have given them ample time to line-up, and would suggest “No card, no favors.” It would only be a matter of time until the few remaining nons would be only too glad to become members of the grand old O. R. T. One operator in particular on this division had the audacity to say: “It does not pay to be a mem- ber.” How absurd such talk as this. Would like very much to have this man seek employment of any kind in a city, no matter what occupation he may follow. Most assuredly he would be unable to find a position uness he could produce a union card. The O. R. T. has certainly made grand strides during the past two years, and today almost all roads in the United States, except the Pensyl- vania lines west of Pittsburg, have a schedule of wages and working conditions, and without a doubt during the next two years we will advance just as rapidly as we have in the past. The W. F. T. and W. S. B. boys are not attend- ing the meetings as they should. Hope each brother will make a special effort to attend meet- ings and do all they possibly can to help the good work along. Each member should take a personal interest and co-operate; individual effort is what is needed. W. A. A., Cert. 93. Seaboard Air Line. First Division — Well, have you noticed the advertisements lately in the News and Observer and the Times-Dispatch. King’s Business College, of Raleigh, N. C., says: “10,000 telegraph operators wanted, March 4, 1908, to work eight hours; better pay and better work- ing conditions.” Smithfield’s, of Richmond, says: Digitized by CjOOQle

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1928 The Railroad Telegrapher. “8,000 telegraphers wanted, March 4, 1908, tn work eight hours; good wages.” Now watch out for another advertisement in the Roanoke .Vet vs, 5,0^0 telegraphers needed March 4, 1908. This school is known as “Conway's Busi- ness School.” The supposed owner is Hugh L. Conway, of Franklinton, N. C., who has been operator at Weldon for several months, and who has enjoyed the eight hours (which was secured by the O. R. T.), and now he is going to attempt to cripple the glorious Order. It is safe to say the S. A. L. Ry. is behind the plan of opening this school of telegraphy. On July 3, 1907, Conway and Bro. A. S. Hud- son were held out of service for investigation. Conway was discharged, but reinstated. He had only refused to break the law. Hudson was not discharged, but compelled to accept another posi- tion. Hudson put up a noble fight for the eight- hour law to be put into effect. He also refused to break the law. I must say that this brother was not treated right, and it looks to me as a disgrace to us. At present I do not know where Hudson is, but wherever he may be “May God be w'ith him.” I heard he was in Cincinnati. Ohio, on the C. & O. Guess he has gone to a road that appreciates an Order man. When I say Order man, I do not mean men like you and me, who only carry cards and do a little hot-air talk, but one who does some- thing, and is always trying to help his division out, as did Bro. Hudson. I was in Weldon a few months ago and heard the first trick man remark, “If it had not been for A. S. Hudson we boys would be working twelve hours in “WN” office, instead of eight.” Now that’s what an A. C. L. man said, but the S. A. L. boys wanted to fight him out of **JU” as soon as they heard it would be an eight-hour job. ‘‘Corbet.” Second Division — Nothing new over here much. We arc all very- busy handling the Jamestown travel, which is very- heavy at present, and the new rate law makes us hustle around for pennies now, and answ-er about three times as many questions as before the new rate went into effect. We understand, from very reliable authority, that our trainmaster, Mr. K. S. Brooks, and the genial agent at Cheraw, S. C\, have formed a company, and have been granted a charter to do business in the State of South Carolina. The na- ture of their business, I regret very much to say, is or will be a very strong opposition to Armour and Swift, viz., “turning out hams.” Yes. A regular telegraph school, and from the present in- dications they will manufacture about forty a week, and the time is not very long when the railroads will just order their operators from Cheraw, S. t.\, by the carload. And last, but not least, they have secured the services of his honor, Mr. D. M. Ham- ilton, from Apex, N. C., who is well known by every one on this division as being one who has turned out more hams than he has brains. From the looks of his face and the size of his head, in- dications are strong that he will not overstock the market with his so-called operators. W'ith the Second Division very near solid. Messrs. Brooks and Smith will have a hard time getting their little “pets” located, after they have “graduated” from college, as I feel justified in saying there is not an office on the Second Divi sion that would have one of the pesky things in its office. Let’s get together, boys, and make it very en tertaining for the whole bunch, and when any one that is connected with it steps off at your station give them to understand you are above student teaching and any one who is connected with it, and don’t forget to show this favor especially to the professor. It is rumored our general offices wil» be moved from Portsmouth to Atlanta, Ga. Do not know how true this is. It has also been talked at the “round house" that Mr. J. M. Shea, our present superintendent, would soon leave us to fill a better position in Portsmouth, and our warm friend, W. A. Gore, from the Third Division, would succeed him. Our friend. Mr. J. C. Wroton, third trick dis patcher at Hamlet, has left us to accept similar position with the Southern Railway at Knoxville, Tenn. Mr. Bundick, extra dispatcher, now falls in regular. Mr. Sauls, who has been doing extra dispatching for the past month, is now back in the chief > office, getting out the desk as. Tar Heel. First Division — I have just been reading the September journal and I find several items there which I have read w-ith interest, especially the one by Cert. 886, Div. 32, which appears on page 1,489. The officials are going to fight this hard, and it's up to us to fight it harder, and I think we will win. I join him in saying that my telegraph career ends March 4, 1908, unless we get the eight-hour work and $75 a month. You know it becomes national law. March 4, 1908, and I think it’s time to get busy. There are none of us going to starve as long a4 anybody else has anything to eat. Some brother* seem to think they can do nothing but telegraph I speak from experience and unless there is sonu thing doing by March 4, 1908, you can count on me skiddooing. As long as we say nothing ai*oui more wages the company certainly will not volun- tarily give us more; they think we are satisfied with our lot. and we are not existing. House rent, minimum $zo 00 Groceries, meats, etc 30 00 Lights and fuel 1000 Lunch or dinner 10 00 roundly 4 00 Car fare _> 00 Total $76 00 The above figures allow nothing for clothing, doctor’s bill or any recreation whatsoever. You would have to make four or five hours overtone to barely keep up. Now, let me ask you, are you Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1929 giving your best service, answer your calls promptly and be on duty at the appointed time? When you fail in this important matter, don’t you see it will make it harder on your representative to better your condition. Let us prove true to ourselves and our neighbor, and all work for the eight-hour and better pay. Billy, Cer. 305. Georgia Southern & Florida Ry. It is with regret that we announce the illness of our brother, J. M. Wooten, of Pinehurst. Bro. Sasser, of Kathleen, is also reported on the sick list this week. We have several new men on the line, but have been unable to get hold of their names. Mr. Good- win has relieved R. T. Baird, of Grovania, “Bob- bie” taking clerk’s position with Mr. Goodwin. It is with pleasure we announce the fact that we now stand 93 per cent strong, with outlook for 98 per cent within the next ten days. Bro. A. Greene, of Worth, now agent at Lake Park. Bro. Quartelbaum taking his place at Worth. Boys, remember the dates of our meetings at Tifton, third Sunday in each month. Come out and help make your road a banner road of the South. You will never have cause to regret attend- ing your meetings. “Red.” Wabash Ry. Chicago -Detroit Division t Third District — Our Local Chairman furnished the items from here the last two months, while I was away. I laid off two months — spent a month in the hos- pital at Peru, with typhoid fever, and was at my home in Colorado a month, recuperating. Miss Iva Fiske has left the Wabash and is at present working for the Ann Arbor at Owosso, Mich. Bro. J. H. Mahoney, who was laid up with in- flammatory rheumatism at the hospital in Peru for about two months, is back at Delray nights, temporarily. Bro. J. H. Pennington on days and Bro. F. Jones laying off, sick. Mrs. J. Holliday, formerly at “KA,” East Oak- wood days, has been transferred to the agency at Hand, while Sister E. M. Jackel, who was re- lieved by Mrs. Holliday, has been placed at Adrian nights, temporarily. Of course, we are all aware that this transfer was not made accord- ing to “Hoyle.” Bro. Frank Beatty is at Belleville nights, regu- lar. Bro. Karl Speiser has gone from there to Whittaker nights regular. Bro. Todd Gary, a former Wabash boy, is now working for the B. & O. at South Chicago. Heard a few days ago that Bro. H. J. Jones and wife, Sister F. Jones, expect to return and resume work on the “Banner Route” the first of November. Bro. Floyd Smith, who was at Milan nights, during Bro. Yoder’s absence, worked at “XG,” Montpelier, a few days, relieving Bro, Earl Haney, who was learning the road preparatory to becoming extra dispatcher. Bro. Smith is at “SU” Detroit, temporarily, at present. In a few days our committee will be going to St. Louis to meet the management of the Wabash for the purpose of revising our schedule, and if they are successful or not depends on the support we give them. Think of how much more in- fluence it will give our committee if they are sure of our hearty support in their dealings with the management. They can then say to them: “The operators of the Wabash have authorized us to demand this and that. We must have it.” On the other hand, if we support them in a half- hearted manner, part of us with cold feet and others with knees shaking and ready to fly at the first sign of danger, they will not feel like making their demands and sticking for them, because they will feel we would not support them. So now all get out on the firing line. Let each and every member appoint himself a committee of one, and cheer up some cold-footed neighbor, or line up some non and explain to him what is going on, and how it is absolutely necessary that 'all stand by our committee in order to secure success. We are not getting what we should. We have been down in the rut long enough, and it is up to us to say if we are going to stay there or not. If we demand our rights and will accept nothing but our rights, we will get them just as sure as the sun shines. Other railroad unions have better working conditions than we. Why is it? Simply because they are well organized and are not afraid to stick for their demands. We can be the same if we will. We are all looking forward to that 4th day of March, 1908, when the national nine- hour law for operators is to go into effect, and rest assured that the strength and determination that we show from now until that time will in- fluence the enforcement of that law to a great ex- tent. Determination and energy are bound to win, so let us all get busy. Div. Cor. Western Division — I have been looking over a list of the members on the Wabash and was pleased to see that only a very few have not remitted for their cards for the current term. We have a few nons on this division yet, but most of them have . promised to join before the committee meets next month, and we expect to have this division practically solid w’:<n the committee meets to revise the schedule. Experience has taught us that the only way we can expect to improve our present condition is through a strong organization. Years ago the en- gineers were receiving about the same salary that we are receiving now. I know an engineer who only worked three weeks in September and drew $160.00. If the telegraphers would have organ- ized when the engineers did and kept a strong organization until this time, the railroads would not think any more about paying us $200.00 a month than they do of paying the engineers that amount. We should get every man employed in the telegraph or station department to join the Order, and then all stand together for our rights. Some men stay out of the Order, hoping they will have a “stand in” with some division official by refusing to join a labor organization. If one of Digitized by t^ooQle

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1930 The Railroad Telegrapher. these weaklings would inquire around a little he would find out that the most of the officials con- nected with a railroad detest a man who has not got backbone enough to stand up for his rights. The time has passed when one man has to take his hat off to another. Railroad officials are smart men, and they expect the men who work for them to have minds of their own. When you find a man trying to curry official favor by staying out of a labor organization, you have found a man who can not rise on his own merits. It is to the in- terest of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers to give good service, and any well-informed man can tell you that the most competent telegraphers in the country are found on the strongest organized roads. Several changes have been made in the dis- patcher’s office in Moberly in the last month. Miss Alma Snyder has resigned and is scabbing for the Western Union in St. Louis. Carl and Forrest Edmonston resigned and went to the Katy. Bro. E. Baldridge resigned and has accepted a position with the Union Pacific as dispatcher. The vacancies were filled by Bro. N. W. Fer- ritor, from East Switch; Bro. R. D. Bedgood, from Moberly yard office, and Mr. C. W. Layton, from Kansas City freight office. Mr. Layton was relieved at Kansas City by Bro. Evans. Bro. Ferritor was relieved at East Switch by Bro. M. H. Meeker. Bro. Bedgood was relieved at yard office by Bro. C. E. Asbury. Bro. D. C. Rodgers takes the night trick at the yard office. Bro. J. M. Lowry has resigned the night job at Clifton and is visiting in Texas with his bride. Mrs. Lowry was formerly Sister Mildred Henlinc, of Division No. 126. Bro. L. R. Hood, agent at Dalton, is taking a thirty days’ vacation, and is visiting in Chicago. Bro. Griffin relieved Bro. Hood. Bro. H. L. Smiley has been transferred to Glasgow as agent. He was relieved at Camden by Bro. Chadwick. Cert. 453. Decatur Division — By order of Local Chairman Bro. J. R. Hefner, a meeting was called to order October 12, in the B. of L. E. Hall in the Masonic Temple at De- catur, 111. Bro. Hefner presided. Bros. J. W. LaFever, our Secretary and Treas- urer; Burch, Lindenmuth, Lane, McNairy and Burton, of St. Louis, were present. Bro. Quick could not be present on account of urgent business. As a whole, the meeting was a pronounced suc- cess, with an attendance of forty. The I. C. and Vandalia were represented, and we were glad to welcome these visiting brothers. Business of importance was transacted, and every one seemed to be very enthusiastic, and a great deal of good was accomplished. Our visiting brothers from St. Louis came over the Interurban via Staunton and Springfield, and for some reason, which was not agreed to, they missed their connections at Springfield and had to wait an hour, making it about 9 p. m. when they made their appearance in Decatur. But this did not shorten the meeting any as it was about 2 a. m. when a motion to adjourn was adopted. Ere this number of The Telegrapher reaches you our General Committee will be in session, with the management, demanding a revision and ad- ditions to our unexpired schedule, that, no doubt, will be a benefit to the majority, if not all. It must be considered that to gain a cause unionism must be complete and of standing, and it is hoped that a satisfactory agreement is reached, as our standing and membership demand more than mere recognition. All can not expect an increase or benefits, as a number secured this at the last session, and those who were not fortunate enough to be included acted the part of true patriots and remained in the fold for future developments. I venture to suggest that our new and revised schedule will be of a nature that will be satis- factory to those who are diligent workers and contemplate only a fair working condition. How many of you have ever listened to a man condemn a labor organization? If you will con- sider the source from which it came, you will readily form an opinion of the speaker, and say he lacks the experience or does not consider his own welfare. Unionism dates back from the earliest history of creation. Bro. A. Moore, of Raymond, not long ago was called to Harvel to relieve the night owl, who was in an unfit condition to properly care for his duties. Upon Bro. Moore’s arrival there he was met by the man who, flourishing a revolver, com- pelled Bro. Moore to witness a ‘fshoot-up,” and then opened the office door with a cartridge. After a discussion of several moments, the West- erner was overpowered and disarmed, and after putting his charge to “hay,” Bro. Moore reigned in peace until a relief appeared and assumed charge. Bro. Youlle resigned Mt. Olive night position, but unable to give his destination. Bro. Hogan acted as relief. Mr. Morrow, an ex-brother, resigned Staunton night position and departed for regions unknown. Bro. Garner, regularly stationed at Carpenter nights, handled the wires a few nights at Staun- ton. Mr. Brewer, of Hillsboro, resigned and de- parted for the South. Bro. Curtis, recently with the St. L. I. M. & S., at Harvel, but understand night telegrapher from Oakley bids for it. Bros. Moore, of Raymond; Bandy, of Morrison- ville, and Weglitsch, of Harvel, took turns in doubling Harvel night position while that station was minus. Telegrapher Randolph has accepted service with the company, but unable to state his location. Mr. Calvert transferred from Galesville to Staunton night position. Mr. W. R. Case, formerly of “BX” tower, transferred to Mitchell nights. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1931 Bro. E. J. Carrol], a former Wabash boy, is reported to be comfortably located in the State of Kansas. Bro. Vance, of Lotus, enjoyed a vacation; re* lieved by Bro. Wheeler, formerly nights. Operator Vance, after filling Lotus a few nights, went to Chicago Ridge nights. Bros. Wheeler and Davis doubled Lotus job several nights the past month. Bro. Kelly, formerly agent at Blue Ridge, is now holding forth with the Big Four at Dan- ville, 111. Bro. Brandenburg, regularly assigned to Blue Ridge, relieved Bro. Ward of the position. Bro. Richards doubled at Lotus on account of sickness of the night man, Lowry. The following agencies were on bulletin and parti :lly filled by “seniority** men: Chicago Ridge, Stewardson, Harvel, Blue Ridge, Steele, New Lenox, Ritchie and Sangamon. Bro. Wetzel, after doubling Blue Mound night position, returned to his regular assigned posi- tion at Stonington. Bro. Dunham back to his former position at Stonington, days, after acting as agent at Blue Mound temporarily. Bro. Montgomery, in turn, shifted to the Mil- mine agency. A non landing amidst the O. R. T. membership on the Wabash feels as uneasy as a mouse would in the presence of a lion. A telegrapher possessing the required experience that does not carry a card is a “drug on the mar- ket,** and a dead one to his profession. Bro. R. F. Willison, who has been agent at San- gamon for several months, resigned his position and left for the wild and woolly West on the fif- teenth of October; relieved by a Mr. Hurley, who is practically a new man with us, and indications are that he will not remain long. Bro. Willison worked nights at Sangamon a few nights after being checked out, relieving Mr. Wm. Keller, who returned to work on the fifteenth, and suddenly quit /or some reason, causing the agent to double the night of the nineteenth. Bro. R. E. Layne, of North Ritchie relieved Mr. Keller, or, rather, the agent who was doubling. Bro. H. O. Folrath, of Cerro Gordo, made a flying business trip to Southwest Missouri early last week; relieved by Day Operator A. F. Win- gate doing a double jrtunt. A number of good men recently left the service and the chief reason seems not enough money for the services performed. Bro. G. F. Koehler, day operator at Forrest, has advised us that he expected to leave October 20th. We are advised that Bro. S. M. Walton, who has been holding down different chairs in the dis- patcher's office for some time, but who, has re- cently been working nights in “H** office, has been tenedered a position as dispatcher for the U. P., at Cheyenne, Wyo. Bro. E. O. Brouming, who has been night op- erator at Blue Mound for some time, is now nights at Sannemm. Bro. Curtis -bid farewell to Harvel, night posi- tion after remaining there less than a week. Harvel is considered a “hoodoo** by all that land there. Unofficial reports are that the Big Four is in- augurating on the St. Louis Division the eight- hour system, thereby complying with the Federal law. This month brings forth Thanksgiving Day, and may our thanks be given for a new and revised schedule satisfactory to all. Bro. W. E. Harte, Jr., of Bemcnt, 111., will act as correspondent in future. Div. Cor. St. Louis Division — Information blanks are now being sent out to all employes, and by the time this reaches you the committee will be in St. Louis bombarding the company for our back pay. I call it back pay for the reason that it is something that is due us, and that we have not been getting. It is true that since we have been presenting our itemized state- ments once a year to the company in the form of a schedule, we have succeeded in reducing this out- standing account considerably. This year we ex- pect to lift a portion of it again, and had we been paying attention to and watching our business In this manner for the last ten or fifteen years, our money matters would not have gotten in such a deplorable condition. It is much easier to let a dollar slip away than it is to regain it, and that is the case with us exactly. In years gone by when we were getting a five and ten per cent cut in pay each year, we offered no resistance, and it was evident we were satisfied, now, when we are striving to regain this note how difficult It is, and how our employers try to stand us off. Don't you sometimes feel ashamed of yourself when you look back and see where you neglected your interests, how you have been buncoed and flim-flammed time and time again, have you not about cut your eye- teeth? There is no use in crying over spilled milk. Our experience in the past should be of help to us in the future. Whenever we can get to think- ing as individuals that nothing is too good for us, and that we will have the best there is going, many of our troubles will cease for the reason that we will then be establishing a limit, and people whom we deal with will readily know how far they can go in the way of heaping injustice on us. It is plain to me that our present conditions are directly traceable to the fact that we stood for everything, and as a result we were easy picking. A few words in regard to the information blanks may be well here. Too much care can not be taken in showing all that is called for on these blanks. You have no idea the number of questions that come up in a discussion of our grievances with the management. They are innumerable, and it would be an impossibility to provide a sheet that would cover all, for this reason it becomes neces- sary sometimes for the committee to write you for additional information during the session. This should be given them promptly, and if you can not give it, you should acknowledge their letter, and not keep them waiting, as many times they are Digitized by t^ooQle

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1932 The Railroad Telegrapher. unable to proceed with the negotiations, and sus- pend business waiting to hear from you. This very thing happened last year. During the ncgoti ations the committee hung up and were unable to go further. They immediately got out a letter to all. The number of replies received to this letter was not anything like it should have been ; in tact, some of our best men failed to answer at all. Their reasons for not answering they told me afterwards were that “you were there, and you know what is needed, and anything you do will be satisfac- tory.” Now, I consider that a very unfair way of looking at the matter. Myself, as well as the remainder of the committee are perfectly able to take care of ourselves, but in this instance we have others to look after, for this reason we want your endorsement of everything we do, and we want it in black and white as a matter of protection to our- selves, for the reason, again, that there are tricks in all trades, and ours happens to be full of them, and if your committee returns home with a “bunch of jokers” instead of some “long green,” we ex- pect to be abie to show that you were a party to the transaction, and as much responsible as the committee. Do you get the idea? Bro. E. R. Banks, who was formerly agent at High Hill, but now with the Burlington at Haw'k Point, Mo., accompanied by another brother, took in the street fair at \Varrenton and made us a very interesting visit. He reports a strong line-up on the Burlington. Just received: The new seniority list for the latter half oi the year, as described in Rule 16, of schedule. On the new list we are all arranged in numerical order according to our length of time in the service, and numbered accordingly. The list shows 185 men on the division, and No. 1 has been in the service since 1870. Any of you gents that want to know “how many times out” you stand, or how you rank up with some one else, I will be pleased to quote you the information. Th:s for members only. Lost, several years of seniority on the coal docks at High Hill. Supposed he had it, and did not miss it until he accepted a jiosition in dispatcher s office at Moberly, when he was unmercifully bumped. All this happened to Mr. Downs. Ask him for particulars. He loves to talk about it. A brother sends us a clipping from a Moberly paper which states that Miss Alma Snyder, after putting in twelve hard winters in the office at Mo- berly, had resigned and accepted a position with the Western LInion Telegraph Company in their main offie in St. Louis as a telegrapher. Are you ready for the question? Bro. Sam McCoy, whom we mentioned in our last write-up as having resigned the ageny at Bridgeton and gone South, is now braking on the local here. He says no more station work for him. Bro. L. Galispay, agent at St. Charles, is taking a thirty-day lay-off, visiting his folks at Colorado Springs, Colo. Bro. J. H. Lewis, agent at Jonesburg, has re- signed, and will depart soon for the Northwest. where he has accepted employment with another company. Bro. Pemberton, of Pendleton, secured the agency at Jonesburg, which was duly bulletined. Mr. Childs, night man at Pendleton, gets the day job there. The depot at O’ Fallon burned to the ground Oc- tober 20th, and Bro. Wooley is now located in a box- car. The fire is supposed to have been started by one of the early morning trains. W. Murphy, Local Chairman. Peru D tins ion — Ere this you have no doubt all heard of the two good meetings this month. Bro. Shutt had to go to the Lafayette meeting on crutches, being unable to step on his injured foot, but am sure he felt amply paid for the effort by the enthusiasm shown, and the encouragement given by the broth- ers who attended. The New Haven meeting was also well attended. Several important amendments to our schedule were discussed, also the proposi- tion to raise the dues to $5 per term was favored by all present, and it is hoped that all will see the necessity and advantage of making our dues $10 per year. The $2 is to cover the expenses of the committee, and by raising the money in this way the extra expense of making special as- sessments and the extra work to handle the assess- ments is saved. There have been a good many changes in the past two months. Brailey telegraph office closed, Bro. J. L. Steele taking charge of the agency at Andrews. I. J. Thompson now agent at Monclova. Bro. R. Hoover, of Division 138, now at Maumee, nights. Bro. C. R. Van Gundy resigned; now at- tending college at Green Castle. However, he says he has no intention of entering the ministry. EL H. White resigned to accept position with the Nickel Plate at Fort Wayne. The vacancies in “Z” office filled by Bro. Gladden, days, and Bro. Barcklow, nights. Understand Bro. Burke. Lo gansport, nights, will take the day, trick vacated by Bro. Gladden. Bros. Biesecker and Tabler left the service. Telegrapher Champ and Bro. Edson now at West Peru. After the New Haven meeting Bros. Kennitig- ton and Shutt accepted the invitation of Bro. E. 1). Williams, of Artie, to go home with him for breakfast, and after partaking of the same, Bro. Kennington asserted that he felt able to resume work, and would probably do so about November 1st. Bro. Shutt says he will probably stop with Bro. Williams again soon. Bro. G. L. Steele, of Mardenis, enjoyed a two weeks’ vacation; relieved by Operator Rosmer. who has since left the service. Bro. Lennon was off ten days on account of the death of his father. Bro. Bechtal, Grabill, and Bro. Fullen, Okolona. each had a short vacation; relieved by Bro. Brey. who is now at Liberty Center for a short time. Div. Cor. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 19J3 Lake Shore 6. Michigan Southern Ry. Michigan Division — Operator McMillan, of Elkhart, “RT” office, took a three weeks* vacation; was relieved by Bro. Ilostick. Manager Snyder, of “BC,” Elkhart, spent a • three weeks’ vacation around Lake Superior; was relieved by Bro. Hasbrook, the owl at block office “B,” who also relieved Bro. Theiman, the day man at “B.” Bro. Pancake, who resigned a few months ago to try his hand as brakeman, has quit and is again pounding brass at the old stand, “\VG” tower. They are building a fine new interlocking plant at Main street, Elkhart, which will do away with the old block office. We '‘13” it is to be an eight- hour office, and it’s about time, as there is too much work for two men. A labor agent for the Great Northern passed over the line, trying to secure operators for that pike. He left a schedule book with the boys at Elkhart depot, but nothing doing, as their scale is to low, considering the country out there. Bro. Hostick took a run down to Toledo on No. 32, for a day’s visit. The Branch dispatchers have all taken their vaca- tions. Operator Fritz, of “BC” office, doing the relief act. Bro. Gangever, who hails from Legonier, put in all summer on nearly every trick in Elkhart, while the boys took their vacations. “Hoosier.” Erie Division — The meeting held at Erie, September 24, was very well attended. Bro. Kipp presided, and made a good speech, in which he gave the boys some pointers which they should take heed of. Another meeting is to be held soon, and hope all the good brothers who can attend will do so. Bro. Simms, formerly second trick at Bay View, took first trick at Canadaway, which office was re- cently reopened with three men, Telegraphers Mack on the second, and Cooper on the third tricks, respectively. The new tower at Angola was put into operation recently. Bro. Barrett, formerly of Wickliffe, holds first trick; Bro. Jim Woods, second, and Bro. J. V. Kaufmann, formerly of Dunkirk depot, nights on third trick. Bro. C. P. Kane, second trick at "X,” Dunkirk, was off for two weeks last month. He was relieved by Bro. L. J. Fay, who re-entered the service re- cently. Bro. Jim Madell, who has fccen working third trick at “X,” Dunkirk, has taken the position as regular relief, and is at present working at “CN” office. Bro. Madell succeeded by Bro. L. J. Fay. The telegraphers at Brocton have been put on an eight-hour basis, Telegrapher Barchus working from 8 to 4 p. m. and Bro. Hall nights from 8 p. m. until 4 a. m. The rest of the time there is no operator in this office. Bro. Diffenbach, Westfield station, days, has taken first trick at "JI,” Chutes, on account of this being made an eight-hour job. Unable to learn who is working second at “JI.” Bro. AVeath- erup works the third trick, while P. M. Smith, who formerly worked at “JI,” took Bro. Diffen- fcach’s place at “WB.” State Line has been made an eight-hour job, but I am not posted as to who is working the various tricks at present. The train order officers at Ripley, Athol Springs and Dunkirk station, have been closed. The work at Dunkirk now being done by telegraphers at “X” tower. “GC” yard office, Erie, has been reopened with three men on the job. Bro. Throne, from Erie depot nights, works first trick; Telegrapher Gross on the second. Unable to learn who is working third trick. New man working at Eric depot nights. Unable to learn his name at present writ- ing. Wish some of you good brothers would help me out. Any little news item will be accepted at any time. “Slim.” New York Central. Electric Division — Everybody busy on the Electric Division en- deavoring to make our ball a success. Don’t forget the place, brothers. Murray Hill Lyceum, 34th st. and 3d av.. New York City. We may have our General Committee with us on this happy occasion. The 56th st. tower bunch are now working in the “GC” yard limits. Why not insist that the “GC” yard and the Electric Division are all one, including our dispatcher’s office, and that all posi- tions be put up for bid. There are six positions in the dispatcher’s office that should be put up; also a large number of positions in “GC” yard. This condition of affairs will last as long as we stand for it. Second trick operator at 106th st. was not put up for bid. Bro. Blizzard, of s6st st., spent his vacation at Middletown, N. Y. Bro. J. Henry Dooley spent his vacation at Wil- liams Bridge, N. Y. Bro. A. Mead spent his vacation at Melrose Park, N. Y. Bros. J. H. Byrne and W. Fredrickson took in Niagara Falls and Buffalo. Vacations were resumed on September 15. Chief Dispatcher G. H. Wilson availed himself of the services of so many good railroad telegraphers, who are out of employment on account of the commercial telegraphers’ strike, that every man will probably have his vacation before the middle of November. This is the best record here in a number of years. There are a number of married women scabbing for the telegraph companies in New York City, who had quit the business, but the bait of double time, bonuses and expenses were too much for them to withstand. They, possibly, will look for contracts with Sharkey, Wulfer & Haymarket Co. Possibly they will cause a strike there. There arc 3 large number of members who would prefer two days a month off to the annual vaca- tion. How do you feel about it? Digitized by UiOOQle

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1934 The Railroad Telegrapher. About December i members should get busy and get after all nons, and endeavor to get them to join December pay-day. Also see if any member is in arrears for dues and M. B. D., and get after members employed upon the Electric Division and belonging to other divisions. I thank the brothers for their notes and sug- gestions, and ask them to continue sending them. T. F. Noon. Mohawk Division — Bro. "Ben.” Maricle, of first trick, “BS 24,” Little Falls, has resigned to associate himself with his father in the restaurant business in Buffalo. It will be well for the brothers to remember that when they are in Buffalo they can find him at 822 Main st. Bro. "Dan” Bradley has recently returned from a business and pleasure trip to Chicago and other points in the West. Very likely before you receive this write-up our General Committee will have been in session with the management in New York, looking after our interests. Two loyal brothers have been chosen for this important work, and we may all rest as- sured that their work will be done to the best of their ability. Mr. Herbert Brown, one time local chairman. West Shore, now a member of the C. T. U., and until recently employed by the Western Union at “SY” office, Syracuse, covered Utica yard nghts, lately, for a month. Same point now being cov- ered by Telegrapher Judge, from Syracuse. Telegrapher William VanDusen, formerly a member of the O. R. T., now working for the Grand Trunk, near Montreal, 19 in this section, re- newing old acquaintances. Bro. John McVeigh, first trick at “BS 26,” Her- kimer, has been transferred to dispatchers’ office, Albany, to be put in line of dispatcher. Bro. P. T. Higgs, at Harbor, has resigned, and is succeeded by Mr. Dague. Budd, Div. Cor. Hudson Division — The “Eight-Hour Ball” is now history, but it is history that will always be fresh in the minds of those that thronged the Columbus Institute on October 16th to do honor to the Hon. F. l^orthrup, assemblyman, introducer in the past Legislature of what is now our “eight-hour law.” It is not in my power to phrase a sentence that would do justice to this ball. The grandeur and magnificence of the decorations, and the appearance of the hall throughout could only be appreciated by those who had the pleasure of attending. The walls, columns, gallery and stage were draped with American flags and bunting in endless profusion, against the wall on either side of the stage were crossed American flags covered with the American shield. Another feature of the decorations that commanded admir- ation was the elaborate floral display, which con- sisted of bay trees, kentia palms, and a large dis- play of Latinia palms with cut flowers. The guests began to arrive early, and before 9 o’clock the hall was well filled with telegraphers from several parts of the State. Our general chairman, M. G. Woolley, presided, and called the ball to order at 8:30 p. m., and after stating the purpose of the gathering introduced Hon. J. K. Sague, Mayor of Poughkeepsie, who made a very appropriate address. Next to be in- troduced was our worthy Bro. J. E. Sheild, from Division 44, and although not coming prepared to make an address, his latent ability for an emer- gency of this nature was not found wanting, and I will say he upheld the reputation of his division of “always being there with the goods.” The last, but not least to be introduced was our guest of honor, Hon. Frederick Northrup, assemblyman, who made a long and elaborate speech, dwelling upon our present eight-hour law, and the need of further legislation for public safety. After his speech was concluded our general chairman asked his attention while he presented him in behalf of the telegraphers of New York State a beautiful solid gold watchchain and charm, which contained a large diamond. Mr. Northrup was completely taken by surprise, and it was with an effort he found his voice to respond. Next in order was the grand march, which was headed by our assemblyman, and with the effect of calcium lights which were used throughout the evening, the march was a thing beautiful to behold. After the grand march Assemblyman Northrup was called upon again, this time to be presented with a cake made by the wife of our worthy Bro. W. S. Smith, whose reputation as a cake-maker was previously established, and thi9 cake especially looked too good to eat. My space is too limited to mention all the prom- inent telegraphers present, but they were there in goodly numbers, and with their “eight-hour faces.” I wish to thank the several divisions and also committees in charge of this function for the sup- port rendered jn making it the grand success it proved to be. It was conceded by all present to be the grandest ball ever held in New York State. Assemblyman Northrup wishes me to say through these columns to the telegraphers of New York State that he regrets he is unable to person- ally express bis gratitude and appreciation to each of you for the magnificent tribute you have paid him, and that age can never eliminate this honor from his memory. Every one present enjoyed themselves, and dancing continued up to 3 o’clock a. m. Everything on Hudson Division is moving on harmoniousiy, and before this is in print your General Committee/ should be in session with the general management in New York seeking a re- newal of the wage scale, with a substantial in- crease. I wish to say to every member that while your committee is in session have patience to get the final result from your local chairman. Do not accept rumors as facts. You will, as in the past, hear from the stovepipe committee. They will keep you advised as to the actions of the general com- mittee throughout the whole conference, but I wish to advise you all that I will absolutely refuse to be interviewed by any of this committee. Carr. 525. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1935 Western Division — All positions on this end now eight hours, and it makes life worth living. We ought to give our very best services now to show that we appreciate what has been done for us. We are all looking forward to the time when the paymaster will pass over $75, or more, instead of $52.50 or $55, but in the meantime let us show the railroad company that we mean business by getting after the nons. There are a number over here on the Buffalo Divi- sion, and I suppose there are some on the main line. Show them where they are only harming themselves by staying out, and I think that they will come across with the necessary. I am not in a position to give any of the changes along the line although there have been a number, because of the new eight-hour jobs. Let’s wake up and show the rest of Division 8 that we are not dead, and have a lengthy write- up in The Telegrapher each month. Kicker. River Division — The changes on this division have been mort than I can state, but will give you just an idea of what is doing in some places: The eight-hour law which we expected to hit all offices, only affected those offices west of Cornwall tower, and about eight block offices have been closed for the want of operators. I have known in some cases so far that the second, as well as the third tricks have been closed for this reason, but according to information received from good au- thority, they are going to make many more eight- hour jobs as soon as they can scrape up some more operators which, in my mind, will be hard to get, “especially if they secure them from the schools, as several new men have been employed as operators, and then get into the office to prac- tice, and can not do any wire work at all.” The Wallkill Valley has made a splendid show- ing for the past month, and if the good work goes on they will be solid in a short time. Bro. Northrop has returned from his vacation. Bro. Hasbrouck has been acting relief agent on the W. V. Bro. and Mrs. Bostwick have returned from their honeymoon trip. Bro. Coleman bid in second trick, “CN” tower, vice Finnigan “drunk and discharged.” Bro. Freer gone to Kingston, second trick. Bro. Tansey, second trick man at “KC." “RO,” “MI,” “WI,” “US” and “PN” block offices closed on account of being short of men. At our regular meeting, held at Newburgh, a grand time was enjoyed by all, and if more of the brothers would take an interest in these meetings they would know more about what is going on. If you have a kick a coming, come to the meet* ing and thrash it out there; that is the place to do it, so we all can see what is going on. I wish the brothers who have changed there po- sitions to other offices would drop me a note ana let’s know where you are, so all can be located con- veniently. Hot Air. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased an All-wise Providence to remove from our midst the beloved mother of our brother and friend, Harold G. Stegman, and while we bow in humble submission to the will of the Most High, who doeth all things well, and Whereas, We feel that Bro. Stegman has lost his most trusted and esteemed friend, his father has lost a devoted wite, whose words of counsel, cheerful presence and untiring devotion to the wel- fare of her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her, can never be replaced, we feel that their loss is her eternal gain; therefore be it Resolved, That to the sorrowing father and son we tender our heartfelt sympathy and consolation, and pray for the comforter of the weary to give them courage and strength to fulfill their mission well. Sorrows like these are inevitable, and tend to impress on us that we, too, must soon be numbered among the absent, and we hope for a reunited meeting on the other shore; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be spread on the minutes of our division, a copy be published in The Telegrapher, and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceased. E. Neumullkr, A. E. Holbrook, M. J. Geoghecan, Committee. N. Y., N. H. & H. Ry. Plymouth Division — Bro. N. Petrie has bid in spare towerman’s job. Bro. J. F. Thomas is covering the agency at Nantasket Junction temporarily. Bro. E. E. Diegas, who left the tower service some time ago, to enter the motive power depart- ment, has returned to the tower service and is holding down Buzzards Bay tower nights. Bro. J. P. Woods, formerly of the master me- chanic’s office, South Boston, bid in day trick at Braintree station. Bro. Whtney, Campello tower, has resumed his duties after laying off about three weeks on ac- count of a sprained ankle. Mr. J. P. Lyons relieved Bro. Whitney. m Bro. O’Brion has resigned from third trick at Harrison Square tower to accept a good job with the City of Boston. Bro. Bailey, of Halifax, is back from a two weeks’ vacation, spent in the Plymouth woods. Sister Nichols is back at Cohasset after a month’s vacation. Bro. Flood, of South Duxbury, is off on a va- cation to the Maine woods. Bro. Jack Walker, of Braintree Station, has bid in the split trick at the tower. Bro. Broderick seems well and happy at Saga- more. Bro. Hopkins, of Yarmouth, has been relieving Mr. Gidley at Buzzards Bay station the past month Bro. Joe Landers has refused the position of assistant to the trainmaster at Boston. Digitized by L,OOQle

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1936 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Clifford has resigned second trick at At- lantic tower, and Bro. Smith, of Savin Hill tower goes there until bids are settled. Bro. Rex is covering Savin Hill. Bro. Jack McDonald has gone to Neponset nights. Mr. Brown has resigned the agency at Wol- laston. So Braintree is solid O. R. T. Jeremiah McCarthy can now be addressed as brother. • Mr. Lewis has been assigned to the agency at I’lympton. Mr. Gray, formerly of the B. & M., has landed the agency at Nantasket Junction. Bro. Chester Purtle, of Quincy, is off on a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. J. F. Thomas is relieving Bro. Purtle. Cor. Midland Division — The tower just nearing completion at Bird street was burned beyond repair last month. The night telegraph office at Franklin Station has been abolished. Mr. Winters is doing duty as yard clerk and ticket agent. Bro. John Silva, of Keadville tower, has bren off a week or ten days, to regain his health. Bro. Gilbert, formerly of Franklin, is doing spare duty at Woonsocket Junction. Bro. Scully, of Milford, has just returned from a month's vacation. Bro. Bardol, of Franklin Junction tower, spent ten days at Buffalo, N. Y., attending a family reunion, during “Old Home Week” celebration there. Cf.rt. 226. Bessemer 6. Lake Erie Ry. Regular meeting of Division No. 51 was held at Greenville Friday evening, October 18, with a fair attendance. All officers were in their respect- ive chairs. Bro. C. L. Campbell, Hilliard, and Bro. Alexander Bonner, Shenango, were initiated into the division. It is hoped that a large class will be present at our next regular meeting, to be held in November, due notice of which will be given by card from the Secretary. * The Chair appointed a committee of five, com- posed of the following members, to act as initiat- ing team: Bros. A. C. Kiser, J. H. Eastlake, E. E. Kane, A. Bonner, C. R. Miller and O. L. Flceger. It is expected that these brothers will be present at each meeting to carry out the work assigned to them. It is desired that a full attendance will be pres- ent at our November meeting, that arrangements may be completed for the representative of the Grand Division to give us a talk. Also a pro- gram from members of Division No. 51 at some meeting in the near future. This can not be done without your attendance, brothers. O. (J. Richardson, second trick man at “YA” tower Conneaut Harbor, is off on an extended leave of absence. Bros. Kughler and Olcott have been doubling up on this work. Mr. J. L. Risley, former manager of the W. U. at Conneaut. Ohio, has been doing the night stunt at State Line while S. 1) Ames has been enjoying h s ten-day vacation. “Joe” expects to have third trick at “YA” tower for the present. Bio. Truesdell, agent at Conneaut, Ohio, is on the sick list. Miss Ruby Barnes, a former Postal operator, has been enjoying an extended vacation since the Postal and W. U. strike, with her father, near “HX” tower. Bro. T. S. Hughes, “HX” tower, has returned to work after a two weeks’ vacation with friends in Forcstville, Pa., being relieved by Mr. R. E. Byrnet, former W. U. operator. The way Bro. W. B. Risley has been receiv- ing new applications for membership this division is not dead by a long ways. The boys are taking hold with a firmer grip and determination. There will be a good time at our next meeting, as there will be a number of new candidates to be put through. Come out and help saddle the goat, and don’t have that old excuse. “I forgot all about it” Div. Cor. Chesapeake & Ohio Ry. Cincinnati District — A meeting of more importance has not been held at Huntington since the last schedule was secured than the one held October 26th. Our general thairman, L. G. Bentley, and Chairman A. \V Holmes, of the Allegheny District, were present, and each discussed the special topics in a convinc- ing manner. The Western Union strike came in for its full share of consideration, and the Cin cinnati District agreed to stand by the instructions issued by the general chairman, but demanded the elimination of the offending clause in the next schedule. We are too strong a body of men to be trampled under foot by such a corporation as the Western Union, and will have our just dues from them, or they will do no more business with us. These little peanut side isucs have been played oft on us to the limit of endurance, and as Abraham Lincoln was the great emancipator of the negro, so will the O. R. T. be our emancipator from the slavery of the Western Union, Adams Express and the United States mail. If any class of workmen can show’ where more skill, study and considera- tion is required than in the telegraph department of a railroad, trot them out. Engineers, with scarcely any education, are drawing 69 cents per hour. Conductors of same education 45 to 5° cents per hour, and brakemen, many of whom can barely read their own names, making from $90 to $130 per month on this division; while the opera- tor, after years of hard study, is drawing the mag nificcnt (?) salary of $60 per month, and have to contend with and attend to all the little side shows which the railroad company can find room to tent under the roof of a telegraph office or station building. Why should we not rise like Brethren of Sparta and throw off the yoke which is distasteful to us, and demand what is justly due us? We arc not given any more consideration than the sec tion man whose thief asset is a strong back and a Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1937 weak, sun-baked brain. Are we always to be the lowest paid and the least considered of all em- ployes, to be disciplined and suspended for of- fenses caused by disobeying the instructions of some official who would be more of a success rushing a hod up a ninety-foot ladder? Our organization has curtailed this injustice within the last five years, and may the time soon come when we will see the end of our oppressors. We must complete our organization, and keep everyy m§n in line, and the “no card” operator will find “no encouragement.” Now is the time to rally round the “wreath and sounder” flag, and make a stand for fair wages ($90 per month.) We can have it, and have it March 5, 1908, if we will live up to our obliga tion. Strike while the iron is hot. There are quite a few C. T. U. men with us now, and they are staunch union men, on whom we can depend to support our every move, and who will be with us in all things. Bro. (i. F. Willis has returned from a trip to Denver, where he had gone for the health of his family. Bro. C. K. Carter has resumed work at Buena Vista, after several days’ absence on sick leave. “BV” seems to be a “Jonah” for regular men. Bro. D. W. Riley has resumed work at “OF” Cabin, after a twenty days’ leave of absence. Local Chairman Mathewson was in Chicago sev- eral days in October. C. T. U. men are earnestly requested to trans- fer to O. R. T., and stay away from the Western Union Telegraph Company jobs. We need every man we have to fill up offices March 4th, when the nine-hour law becomes effective. Bro. B. F. Hall was assigned Limeville, nights; Bro. L. S. Otto, Springdale, nights, and J. E. Sandford (C. T. U. man), “MS” Cabin, third trick, on last bulletin. Bro. H. L. Willis has resumed duty at Glenn after several weeks’ vacation in Oklahoma and other points. Remember our meetings arc the fourth Saturday night in each month, and try and arrange to at- tend. Nothing promotes good feeling among the boys like meeting one another in the lodge room and getting “next” to each other, and it huilds up the organization, too. Come out if you can. Cert. 88. James District — We all know of the eight-hour day that is com- ing March 4, 1908. Bro. C. L. Maupin has been assigned “WS” reg- ular. Bro. J. S. Hamilton has resumed duty after a trip to the Jamestown Exposition. Bro. G. H. Harman is now off sick. Hope to see a good crowd at the meeting No- vember 16th. Cert. 74 7. Cincinnati Division — During the progress of the commercial telegra- phers* strike, the boys on this division are having no great difficulty in securing relief for vacations. About thirty C. T. U. of A. hoys are working ex- tra here, and many of them have expressed the in- tention of following this branch of the business. The C. & O. appears to be taking time by the forelock in preparation for the eight-hour law, and are securing many first-class men. Outside of a very few non-desirables on this division, we are solid. Mud. Pere Marquette Ry. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Almighty God in his divine wisdom and honor has seen fit to take from us Bro. R. C. Thompson, and Whereas, We deeply deplore, and are likewise grieved at his death; be it Resolved, That we give expression to our heart- felt grief at our loss of one who has been with our committee and a zealous worker in the Order, and extend our sympathy and consolation to his be- reaved wife and loved ones; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be pre sented to his family; that they be printed in The Telegrapher and spread upon the minutes of the division. Committee. CARD OF THANKS. We wish to thank the friends and members of the O. R. T., B. R. T. and B. R. C. for their kindness and floral tribute. We see through our sadness a gleaming light of their loving kindness to cheer us on, and carry us through the gloom. Mrs. R. C. Thompson. Frank Thompson and Rel- atives. Delaware 6. Hudson Ry. Saratoga Division — Relief Agent E. J. Wyman, who has been reliev- ing E. J. Clingman at Whallonsburg, is now at “CW,” Lake George, giving Mr. Noyes a little recreation. Bro. Govereau, of “PO,” Port Henry, days, has bid in first trick at “Z,” Fort Edward. Bro. I. E. Shields, of McVille, taking third trick same place, but at present writing first trick, not covered. Bros. Ramsdell and Shields doing twelve-hour stunts. Bro. Ryan, of “XN,” Saratoga, who has been at Cliff Haven all summer as agent, has returned to first trick, “XN.” Can not say now who got sec- ond and third trick. Bro. Boyle drew second trick, “OW,” Watervliet. This gives Bro. Potter an eight-hour shift. Mr. II. C. North, agent (Liv. avenue), Albany, resigned, and Mr. H. C. Palmer appointed to the vacancy. Mr. L. H. Stewart, our former local auditor, but later comptroller, has also resigned. Mr. W. H. Davies, assistant comptroller, promoted to his position. The papers state the C. P. Railway boys are granted a 14 per cent increase. This is the out- come of solid O. R. T. Hope to say the same of I). & H. We are nearly solid. Cert. 35. Digitized by c.ooQle

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1938 The Railroad Telegrapher. Gulf & Ship Island Ry. We had a very interesting meeting at Gulfport, October 27. Bro. J. F. Capps, at Silver Creek, has resigned; relieved by Bro. Wm. Burt, of “D. Lo.” Bro. Burt was relieved by Bro. W. Green, of Saucier. A man by the name of Stewart relieved Bro. Green at Saucier. He is from Ora and a non. Bro. Newbill, at Perkinston, resigned; relieved by Bro. Hartzog, of Grange. Bro. Hartzog was relieved by Bro. O. H. Kennedy, of Ralston. Rals- ton agency cut out. Goss agency closed a few days on account of Bro. Alexander having chills and fever. Under- stand that he would ask dispatcher at MN" if he could take his “17,” as he felt his chill creeping. Glad to state he is O. K. and working again. Special meeting at Hattiesburg, November 16. All come that can possibly do so. Div. Cor. Chicago Great Western Ry. Northwest Division — Bro. Norris, agent at Inver Grove, has just re- turned from a thirty days’ vacation. Bro. Green, who relieved him, goes to Ricevillc nights. Bro. McElrath is back at Coates. It is rumored that Bro. Brown, the old reliable standby at Hayfield days, is about to leave the service. Bro. Plath, formerly night telegrapher at Dodge Center, is holding the day job at that place, being relieved nights by Bro. Falzmaraf. Bro. Jenny, South St. Paul days, has returned after taking a month’s vacation. Bro. P. Stenstrom, day operator at Randolph, was absent a few days on account of sickness, be- ing relieved by the night operator, Bro. Day, who in turn was relieved by Bro. Foreman. Bro. H. B. Bobb is now at Hampton nights. Several of our division officials are detained at Oelwein shops, striving to “keep things moving” where the present boilermakers’ strike is so effec- tive. “13” that there is a new man at Renova, nights. Mr. W. J. Bpyle, formerly relief agent, has se- cured the position of day operator at New Hamp- ton. Bro. Kendree at New Hampton, nights. Bro. Donovan, formerly night owl at New Hamp- ton, is now working days at Sumner. Bro. Foreman, nights at Hayfield. Bro. Simp- son is working days there, vice Bro. Brown, re- signed. Dispatchers Page and Galvin are doubling now. Mr. Grover, our third trick man, having quit the C., G. W. to take a similar position with the M. & St. L. Our committee goes in this month and we hope that we can capture every non before New Years. Keep right after them and don’t let them rest until they can show the pasteboard. Owing to the scarcity of men, some of the boys are having a hard time getting a lay-off. Agent Wilson, of Taopi, has resumed lever pull- ing, after a few days’ vacation. If you have any items for the journal send them to Bro. C. H. Kinne, of South St. Paul. The items must be in his hands before the 15th of the month. Vlasaty night office closed. Bro. F. R. Mills, agent at Rch Valley, trans- ferred to agency at Vlasaty. Bro. Dowell goes to Rich Valley. Bro. Whitecraft, Taopi nights, is absent on ac- count of sickness, being relieved by Bro. Mar- quette, an “old-timer” on this division. Bro. Denn has returned from his Eastern trip and has taken up his duties as agent at Hampton. Glad to see you back, “DN.” Bro. Van Antwerp, another “old timer,” is with us again. He relieved Bro. Bobb. Bro. Bobb has entered the lumber business at Spokane, Wash. The former agent at Vlasaty, alias instructor and proprietor of the renounced telegraph school, has been transferred to agency at Stanton, and “13” he has taken his students with him. It looks like he did not expect to find the student business very profitable in that district May he always find it so. We have our opinion of a man who will attempt to retard the progress of his fellow workmen, and prevent them from attaining a greater elevation in the business and social world, directly or indirectly. We were all glad to hear Dispatcher Wilhelm’s fist on the wire again. He had been acting as chief on the Tidewater line, and we were inclined to believe he had left us for good. Operator Cunningham, a C. T. U. of A. man. who has been working at Rich Valley nights for some time, has left the service, and is being re- lieved by Operator Simpson, a new man. Bro. Hurley is back at his old stand at Randolph nights, after a two or three months’ absence. Operator J. L. Green, from C. M. & St. P-, is working at Eden, nights. Our committee is conferring with the officials at St. Paul at the present writing. We are un- able to say what grievance they have, but Bro. Potter, representing the W. M. & P., says “We are after all we can get.” Now, boys, if our committee goes at the fight with this determination the rest of should show the same spirit in backing them, and stand by them in whatever course they take. Cert. 194- Norfolk <& Sou. Line. The writer has accepted the office of Secretary and Treasurer for the boys of this road at our recent meeting in Norfolk, Va., and has been “sitting up nights” in an endeavor to accomplish something. When he accepted this position, be did so, knowing full well that with his other duties he must have assistance from some of the brethren on this pike, as his other duties required twelve hours every day. As matters now stand, it is apparent that the other members of the O. R. T. have serenely folded their arms, wiped the sweat from their brows, and settled down for a winter’s nap. Boys, this is no time for napping. The officials are busy talking against the O. R. T. over here. This may be the trouble with you. Some Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1939 official may have put a bug in your ear. Are you scared of your little $35 job? What is one little official to the big Order of Railroad Telegraphers? Wake up! Be a man I In the world’s broad field of battle, In the bivouac of life; Be not like dumb driven cattle; Be a hero in the strife. You boys must wake up if I am going to help you. It shows very little appreciation for you to sit still. Write letters to nons; the more and oftener you write, the better. The officials are working to keep us down. You must work to counteract their efforts. Get your rusty pen down from its rack and help me pull the O. R. T. wagon to its destination, a fully organized road. Prospects were never brighter than at present, and a good word put in by some or all of you will make my task lighter. We have nons seeking in- formation about the O. R. T., and I have to write from fifteen to twenty-five letters a day, at times, to keep up, and at present, am two weeks behind. This job is something fierce. Who will be my assistant? It is simply impossible for me to keep the work up alone. I have inside information that the officials have called a number of nons into personal consulta- tion, the purport of which was their desire that employes should not join labor organizations. Why is this? You can answer the question in your own way. It shows that something is doing. This talk would not be indulged in if there was not a reason for it. Wake up! Work! Success is about to crown your efforts. I can not give a write-up of the road, owing to the pressure due to organization work. Some of you boys can do that. Cert. 506. Twin City Telegraphers’ Club. The meeting of the club, on October 1 2, was not very well attended. Several new brothers at- tended and we enjoyed a pleasant evening. The brothers who were absent missed a treat, as Bro. Winnie, of the Great Northern, showed up with the box of cigars that he had promised. This brother was married several months ago, but was tardy with the cigars. First Vice-President Newman spent the evening with us, also had one of the N. P. committee men, Bro. Reeves, with us. Hope this brother can ar- range to come often. The dance given by the Switchmen’s Union, October 4, for the benefit of the striking C. T. U. of A. boys, was well attended, and about $100 was cleared. Quite a number of wreath and sounder buttons were in evidence, which shows the rail- road boys are always in on a good thing. The revised schedule of the Northern Pacific is out and copies mailed to all members. It shows several of the rules changed, so they will suit the boys better, and a nice increase for some of the offices. Bro. Bradley, of East Seventh st., has the third trick at Mississippi st. at present. Quite a bad wreck near St. Anthony Park a few nights ago, made some extra work for our worthy secretary. It's almost time to have another one of our dances. Winter is coming and a few dances or parties like we had a year ago, would help kill time these long evenings. Would like to see a full attendance at our meetings and arrangements made for a dance. Bro. Galvin was laying off a few days. Seems it’s a hard matter to get a lay-off now. Club Correspondent. St L., I. M. & 8. Ry. Little Rock Division — Every month I mail each station a note asking for items, but I seldom receive a reply from a third of you. There are numerous changes every month on this division, and we should be capable of furnishing as good a write-up as any you see in this journal. I will see that it is done if you will only do your part and co-operate with me. After closing Minturn nights for three weeks, on account of being unable to secure telegraphers, Bro. E. T. Moody, a new-comer, has accepted the position. Bro. T. E. Brown relieved Bro. Simpson (re- signed) nights at Alicia. Bro. Simpson has gone over on Cach River trapping for the winter. Bro. R. L. Jackson, night telegrapher at Diaz, has been transferred to Arkadelphia, being re- lieved by Bro. P. Belleville. Bro. M. E. Doyle, after an absence of three months, has returned to work nights at Newport, relieving Bro. J. M. Gritton, who has accepted an agency on the Pine Bluff district. Understand Bro. Sparks, from Donaldson, will relieve Bro. J. M. Ashley, agent and telegraher, at Olyphant. Night office at Judsonia was closed for a few nights on account of sending Bro. J. H. Orr to Bald Knob to relieve Sister Weldon, who was called to Kansas City to attend the funeral of a friend. Bro. C. E. Beem, agent and telegrapher at Hig- ginson, is off on a sixty-day vacation, being re- lieved by Bro. W. D. Brewer. Telegrapher S. F. Lively relieved Bro. C. D. Tucker nights at Austin. Bro. E. G. Sponenberger, agent and telegrapher at Fulton, has resumed duty after an absence of two weeks; relieved by Bro. J. B. Bruce. Bro. J. R. Hudson was off a few days this month; relieved by Bro. W. R. Gamble. Bro. E. J. Dugal, day telegrapher at Eldorado, has accepted an agency at Strong, Ark., on the Natchez division. Bro. J. R. Coulter, who for- merly worked in the dispatcher’s office at Ferriday, relieved Bro. Dugal. Bro. W. H. Scott, night telegrapher at Higgins, has resumed work after taking a thirty-days’ va- cation, visiting his old home in Nashville, Tenn. On his return he relieved Bro. W. B. Cunning- ham, agent and telegrapher. The latter is off on a few days’ camp hunt. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1940 The Railroad Telegrapher. Little Rock Terminals — Mr. G. H. Cooper, division operator, has been promoted to train master on Pine Bluff district. He is succeeded by Mr. A: N. Stroud, formerly night chief. I later understand that Mr. P. H. Mellville, division agent, will take charge of the teleg- raphers as well as the agents, relieving Mr. Stroud of his title as division operator. Bro. W. B. Laing has been taking a twenty-day vacation, being relieved by Bro. Chas. Robinson, who recently returned from Cuba. Bro. W. B. Sowell and family have been visit- ing Armstrong Springs. Bro. Sowell was relieved by Bro. Thompson, from St. Louis. Bro. H. F. Villars is attending medical college. Bro. J. F. Smade was off, sick, for a few days last month. Bro. H. T. Laird, from “GM" St. Louis, has accepted a position in “CF” office. Bro. H. F. LeGrande, our manager, has been chilling. Bro. J. W. (juiggins is contemplating a vaca- tion. Bro. J. T. Turnipseed and W. A. McCaulley reported working banking hours. Bro. YV. S. Mathiney, from Canada, has ac- cepted a position in “CF.” YVe have only one non in “CF” office. Our new* union station is nearing completion. The “CF” boys are rejoicing over the fact that ere many moons they will be occupying the swell- tst offices in the country. LaForge. The Minneapolis 6. St. Louis Ry. The M. & St. L. has awakened from its long sleep. An O. R. T. meeting was actually held at Des Moines October 13. Although the at- tendance was not large, the enthusiasm shown was great, the chief aim of the boys being to awaken our brothers from the lethargy which seems to have fallen upon us all. Steps were taken to see to securing a new schedule, a corre- spondent was appointed, and plans laid for future meetings. The fact that a half-dozen applications were secured from non-members that were pres- ent, made the meeting worth while. A little earnest effort will bring in all the nons. Bro. Perkins has left Gowrie to accept the day operator job at Wmthrop, Minn., his place being filled by Bro. Vaughn, from Albert Lea. Bro. YVadsworth has left Mallard, to accept a position in a hardware store at some point m South Dakota. The man relieving Bro. Wads worth carries a card. Have not learned his name. Mr. F. V. Rhoades is back at Paton after a three weeks’ lay off, during which time he was at Des Moines, undergoing an operation for appen- dicitis. Mr. A. N. Mann, regular relief agent, filled the vacancy. I “13” we are to have a new time-card soon, introducing new trains. Too much business for the present service. Cert. 103. N. Y., O. & W. Ry. Sorthcrn and Utica Divisions — The following changes have been made recently on this division: Bro. YValton, agent at Solsville, lias taken the third trick at Sidney, nights. Bro. Brooks, agent at Central Square, has been checked in as agent at Solsville. Bro. Hadley, ticket agent at Oneida, checked in as agent at Bernhards. Bro. Osgood, of New Berlin, is holding down the day operator’s job at Oneida. Bro. Jno. Carpenter, agent at Bernhards, has started in his new position as night copier in the dispatcher’s office at Norwich. Bro. J. E. Horan, of Pecksport, nights, is back to work after a ten days’ vacation. There have been a few new positions under the new eight-hour law, am unable to say who landed them. Most of the men on this division got a share of the increase on the revised schedule. The nons on this division are scarce. Let’s try and make it solid. Cert. 20b. Digitized by c,ooQle

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CRAND DIVISION NOTI C E C. B. Thomas, Cert. 132, Grand Division, has been expelled from the Order for scabbing during the C. T. U. of A. strike. J. A. Minnich, Cert. 536, Div. 33, has been expelled from the Order for unbecoming conduct and scabbing during the C. T. U. of A. strike. MUTUAL BENEFIT DEPARTMENT. Assessment No. 104 is due NOVEMBER 1, 1907. Time for payment expires DECEMBER 81, 1907. AMOUNT OF ASSESSMENTS. On $ 300 00 (Series A) 20 cents each On 500 00 (Series B) 30 cents each On 1,000 00 (Series C) 60 cents each BENEFITS PAID DURING OCTOBER, 1907. GULIM OXBT. No. Nam. Cause. Div. No. Basins. Amt. 624.. .. T. J. Anderson Alcoholism 93 6288 A $ 300 00 626 .. .. Francis R. Morrison Killed by Railroad Train . 6 14671 C 1,000 00 631 A. J. Davern Acute Hepatitis Followed by Pleurisy 7.... 822. ... C. ... 1,000 00 635 Eugene H. Davis Tuberculosis of the In- testines Grand.. 19627 A 300 00 637 N. M. Wadsworth Run over bv Railroad Train .' Grand. . 18444. .. .C. .. . 1,000 00 639 Edson L. Bennett Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 8 21754 A 300 00 642 Edward Rycroft Subacute Nephritis ..... 7 5007 B 500 00 643 Frank H. Roberts Hypertrophy of Liver. . Grand. . 1171 B 500 00 644. . . .Raymond C. Baughman.. Appendicitis 93 14832 B 500 CO 645. . . .William R. Pringle Drowning Grand.. 6363 B 500 00 646 Guy W. Barnes Heart and Liver Disease. 126 19762 A 300 00 FINANCIAL STATEMENT — MORTUARY FUND. RECEIPTS. Received on Assessment Account to September 30, 1907 $570,467 69 Received on Assessment Account October, 1907 5,342 14 $575,809 83 DISBURSEMENTS. Death Claims paid to September 30, 1907 $370,081 47 Death Claims paid in October 6,200 00 Assessments refunded, account rejected applications 974 48 Assessments transferred to dues 159 13 Cash on hand to credit Mortuary Fund, October 31, 1907 198,394 75 $575,809 83 L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1942 The Railroad Telegrapher, official directory. General Offices, St Louis, Mo. GRAND OFFICERS. H. B. PERHAM President. St Louis, Mo. J. A. NEWMAN ...First Vice-President St Louis, Mo. D. CAMPBELL Third Vice-President. 364 Rusholme Road, Toronto, Ont. BOARD OF C. E. Layman, Chairman, Troutville, Va. Geo. O. Forbes, Secretary, Spring Hill Junction, N. S. L. W. QUICK. . .Grand Secretary sad Treasurer. St Louis, Mo. T. M. PIERSON Second Vice-President St Louis, Mo. J. J. DERMODY Fourth Vice-President St Louis, Mo. DIRECTORS. A. O. Sinks, Jefferson Street Depot, Portland, Ore. C. G. Kelso, 533 E. Pacific St Springfield, Mo. Geo. E. Joslin, Lock Box xx, Centerdale, R. L ADVERTISING. All correspondence pertaining to advertising should be addressed to W. N. Gates, Advertising Manager, Garfield Building, Cleveland, Ohio. DIVISION DIRECTORY. GRAND DIVISION — Attached membership not confined to any particular railroad or territory. H. B. Perham, President, St. Louis, Mo.; L. W. Quick, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 1. — Division covers the Grand Trunk Railway System. Meets subject to call of chairman. J. Willoughby, Gen’l Chairman, Bracebridge, •Ont.; D. L. Shaw, Gen’l S. & T., 769 King'st., London, Ont. NO. a, ST. LOUIS, MO. — Meets 1st and 3d Mondays each month at 8 p. m., Small Hall South Side, 3d floor Masonic Temple (Odcon Building), Grand and Finney aves., St. Louis, Mo. L. W. Quick, Chief Telegrapher, 7th floor Star Building, St. Louis. Mo.; J. W. *La Fever, S. & T., 373a N. nth st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 3, HARRISBURG, PA. — Meets 1st Thursday each month in Mauk's Hall, corner 6th & Kel- ler sts., Harrisburg, Pa., and at some point on Middle Division, P. R. R., 3d Thursday evening each month, 7 p. m. J. S. Leyder, Chief Tel., Thompsontown, Pa.; B. H. Saltsman, S. & T., 1711 Market st., Harrisburg, Pa. NO. 5. — Division covers the Kansas City Southern Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. R. L. Caldwell, Gen’l Chairman, Lisle, Mo. J. V. Thornbrugh, G. S. & T., Merwin, Mo. NO. 6. — Division covers the Union Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. E. L. Stump, Gen’l Chairman, Box 40, Denver, Colo. John H. Hughey, Jr., Gen’l S. & T., Box 394, Junction City, Kan. NO. 7. — Division covers the Canadian Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. Ed. Goulet, Gen’l Chairman, Westminster, B. C.; John Wagner, Gen’l S. & T., Sudbury. Ont NO. 8. — Division covers New York Central Ry M. G. Woolley, Gen’l Chairman, 155th st and Eighth ave., New York.; A. E. Blim, Gen’l S. & T., Chili Station, N. Y. Hudson Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman; J. & West Local Chairman, 11 Thompson st., Pough- keepsie, N. Y. Western Div.— Meets 3d Sat urday evening in July, Oct., Jan. and April, at North Tonawanda, N. Y. ; March, June, September and December, at Rochester, N. Y.: February, May, August and November, at Syr- acuse, N. Y. Mohawk Div. — Meets on 3d Wednesday each month, at 8 o’clock p. xn., in the Court House, at Fonda, N. Y. Harlem Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman. Fall Brook Div. — Meets 3d Tuesday evening each month, 8 p. m., Rettig’s Hall, West Market st., Corning, N. Y. R. R. Mclnroy, Local Chair- man, Middlebury Center, Pa. Electric Zone— Between tower 7, King's Bridge, and “VO” tower, Mt Vernon to 56th st. — Meets 3d Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p. m., Colonial Building, Rooms 54, 67 and 69, West 135th st. New York City. Every third meeting a day meeting at 10 a. m. F. von Hatten, Local Chairman, 3117 Park ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, Assistant Local Chairman, “FH” to “MJ,’* 136 W. 167th st., New York City. H. R. Vernon, Assistant Local Chairman, representing G. C. Terminal Chas. Armitage, in charge of Station Agents, 135th st Station, New York City. September meeting will be a day meeting at xo a. m., and every third meeting thereafter will be a day meeting. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1943 NO. », LANCASTER, PA.— Meet* 3d Tue*day of each month at 8 p. m., in Central Labor Union Hall, ad floor, No. aa South Queen at., Lancaster, Pa. Chas. E. Kacy, Chief Telegra- pher, 119*4 North Charlotte at, Lancaster, Pa.; A. B. Hambright, S. & T., Landiarille, Pa. NO. 11, OLD TOWN, ME. — Meets 4th Sunday each month, 1:30 p. m., Royal Arcanum Hall, 1 16 Main st., Bangor, Me. Burton A. Brackett, Chief Tel., 3a Coombs at., Bangor, Me.; E. E. McPheters, S. ft T., Great Works, Me. NO. 1 a, SUNBURY, PA.— Meets ad Thursday evening of each month, I. O. O. F. Hall S. W. corner Market and 3d sts. F. J. Reigcl, Chief Tel., 314 Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa.; W. D. Grant, S. ft T., aas Fairmount ave., Sun- bury, Pa. NO. 14. — Division covers the Norfolk & Western Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. C. E. Layman, Gen’l Chairman, Trout- ville, Va.; T. H. Lankford, Gen’l S. & T., P. O. Box 11, Cloverdale, Va. NO. is. OTTAWA, ONT.— Meets subject to call of Chief Telegrapher at Ottawa, Ont.; G. W. Shepherd, Chief Tel., Alexandria, Ont. ; D. Robertson, S. A T., Glen Robertson, Ont.; D. Robertson and G. W. Shepherd, Legislative Representatives. NO. 16. — Division covers the Miohigan . Central Railroad. Meets 3d Monday each month at 7:30 p. m.. Prismatic Hall, 140 First st., Detroit, Mich. J. C. Culkins, Gen’l Chairman, Albion, Mich.; J. H. Staley. Gen’l S. ft T., Falls View, Ont NO. 17, BALTIMORE, MD.— Meets 1st and 3d Wednesday of each month at Old Town Bank Building, 3d floor, Baltimore, Md. Wm. M. Skinner, Chief Tel., 222 4 E. Oliver st., Balti- more, Md.; Daniel L. Roller, S. & T., Hartford road and West Erdman ave., Baltimore, Md. NO. 18. — Division covers the New York, Chicago ft St. Louis Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. M. Mulcahy, Gen’l Chairman, 33 Courtney st, Dunkirk, N. Y.; O. S. Smith, Gen’l S. ft T., Argos, Ind. NO. ao. — Division covers the New York, Ontario ft Western Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Guy Cochran, Gen’l Chairman, Kings- ton, N. Y.; H. D. Pfoor, Gen’l S. ft T., P. O. Box X14, Jermyn, Pa. NO. a 1. — Division covers the Cincinnati, Hamilton ft Dayton Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. F. Stenger, Gen’l Chair- man, R. F. D. No. 3, Miamisburg, Ohio; A. C. Bushwaw, Gen'l S. ft T., 55 Samuel st, Dayton, Ohio. NO. aa. — Division covers the Missouri, Kansas ft Texas Railroad System, R. J. Clark, Gen’l S. ft T., 3897 Delmar bon L, St Louis, Mo. NO. 23. — Division covers Chicago, Milwaukee ft St. Paul Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Milwaukee Terminal meetings held subject to call of Local Chairman. O. W. .Ren- shaw, Gen’l Chairman, 2 West 14th »t., Minne- apolis, Minn.: G. E. Soyster, Gen’l S. ft T.. Covington, Iowa. NO. 24, WILLIAMSPORT, PA.— Meets 1st Thursday evening of each month in K. of C. Hall, N. E. Cor. Fourth and Pine sts., Williams- port, Pa. Thos. R. Heplcr, Chief Tel., 423 Park ave., Williamsport, Pa.; J. N. Sponsler, S. ft T., 935 Erie ave., Williamsport, Pa. NO. 25. — Division covers the International & Great Northern Railway System. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. F. W. Lyon, Gen’l Chairman, Bracken, Texas; R. B. Adams, Gen’l S. ft T., Jewett, Texas. NO. 26, NEW YORK, N. Y.— Meets 2d Sunday each month at 3 P- m., 265 W. 144th st.. New York City. F. J. Ryan, Chief Tel., 228 W. 141st st., New York; A. L. McBain, S. ft T., 265 W. 144th st., New York City. NO. 27, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.— W. W. Culmer, Chief Tel., Martinsville, Ind.; E. C. Thomp- son, S. ft T., 26 N. Holmes ave., Indianapolis, Ind. NO. 28. — Division covers the Mexican Interna- tional Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. M. T. Fenelon, Gen’l Chairman, Barroteran, Coah., Mex.; L. Hemender, Gen’l S. ft T., Valardena, Dgo, Mex. NO. 29, NEW HAVEN, CONN.— Meets 1st Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m., in Red Men’s Hall, 48 Church st., cor. Crown, New Haven, Conn. L. H. Dowd, Chief Tel., 47 Division st., Danbury, Conn.; G. F. McCormack, S. ft T., 93 Main st., West Haven, Conn. NO. 31. — Division covers the Missouri Pacific Railroad System. Meets subject to^call of the Chairman. L. M. Nance, Gen'l Chairman, 4563 Cook ave., St. Louis, Mo. W. M. Holman, Gen’l S. ft T., 7210 Pennsylvania ave., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 32. — Division covers the St. Louis ft San Francisco Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. C. G. Kelso, Gen’l Chair- man, 522 E. Pacific st., Springfield, Mo.; J. E. McQuade, Gen’l S. ft T., 5 ** E. Pacific st., Springfield, Mo. NO. 33. — Division covers the Baltimore ft Ohio Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. E. N. Van Atta, Gen'l Chairman, Box 36, Newark, O.; W. Edgar Frasher, Gen’l S. ft T., 814 W. 9th st, Wilmington, Del. Pike Division meets on 3d Saturday night of each month at Hotel Wilson, No. xo Smithfield st, Pittsburg, Pa. Will Carr, Local Chairman, West Alexander, Pa. Digitized by Cjooole

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1944 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 34. — Division covert the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. V. Phillips, Gen’l Chair- man, Wellington, I1L; S. M. Ritten bouse, Gen’l S. ft T.. Sid ell, III NO. 35. PROVIDENCE, R. I.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month in Swarts Lodge, Odd Fel- lows* Hall, 96 Westminster st., Providence, R. I. J. F. Brady, Chief Tel., 5 2 Woodbine st.. Providence, R. I.; Rob’t A. Brown, S. & T., 36 Cora ave., East Providence, R. I. NO. 36. — Division covers the Pennsylvania Lines west of Pittsburg. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. W. Burch, Gen’l S. & T., 319 Atalanta ave.. Tuxedo Park, St Louis, Mo. NO. 37. NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y.— Meets ad Friday evening each month, 8 p. m., Bank’s Hall, over Post Office, New Rochelle, N. Y. Daniel Kenney, Chief Tel., 32 Madison ave., Port Chester, N. Y. ; Jos. A. Hannan, S. & T., P. O. Box 140, Rye, N. Y. NO. 38, SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Meets 3d Sat- urday each month, 8 p. m., at 33 Lyman st., Springfield, Mass. Art O. Betters, Chief Tel., 216 Summer st., Springfield, Mass.; John R. Cardinal, S. ft T., Box 1417, Springfield, Mass NO. 39. — Division covers the Pere Marquette Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman* John Heusted, Gen’l Chairman, Mt. Morris, Mich.; Charles I. Mead, Gen’l S. & T., Smyrna, Miofa. NO. 40. — Division covers Chesapeake & Ohio Rail- way System. Meets 4th Thursday of each month at Fraternity Hall, 2x5 West Broad st., Rich- mond, Va. Third Saturday night of each month at Eagle’s Hall, Clifton Forge, Va. Third Tues- day night of each month at Manhattan Hall. Hinton, W. Va. Fourth Saturday night of each month at Buffalo Hall, corner Third ave. and 9th st., Huntington, W. Va. L. G. Bentley, Gen’l Chairman, No. 25 South Adams st., Rich- mond Vrf. ; J. W. Kiser, Gen’l S. & T., 824 27th st., Huntington, W. Va. NO. 41, BOSTON, MASS.— Meets 2d Saturday night each month, Engineer’s Hall, 164 Canal st., Boston, Mass. Ben C. Chase, Chief Tel , Wenham Depot, Mass.; John A. Tuck, S. & T., upper station, Wakefield, Mass. NO. 42. — Division covers the Erie Railroad Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. .Frank N. Hall, Gen’l Chairman, 35 Clinton st , Sala- manca, N. Y. ; C. L. Bridge, Gen’l S. & T., De- posit, N. Y. * NO. 43. — Division covers Canadian Northern Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. A. E. J. Willis, Gen’l Chairman, Roland, Man.; E. G. Skelding, Gen’l S. & T., 531 Victor st., Winnipeg, Man. NO. 44, NEW YORK, N. Y. — Meets 2d Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Fraternity Hall, 22-24 Harriman ave., Jamaica, N. Y.; C B. Van Nostrand, Chief Tel., 31 Aberdeen st., Brook- lyn, N. Y.; A. F. Heller, S. & T., 1441 Bask wick ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. NO. 45. WOODVILLE, N. H.— Meets 3d Satur day of each month at 8 p. m., K. of P. Hall. Woodvillc, N. H. B. C. Berry, Chief Tel, South Barton, Vt.; F. P. Learned, S. & T., Plymouth, N. H. NO. 46. — Division coves the Central of Georgia Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. T. F. Hemminger, Gen’l Chairman, Gay- ton, Ga. ; O. S. Travis, Gen’l S. ft T., Route 68, Atlanta, Ga. NO. 47. CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. I.— Meets 3d Thursday of each month at 8 p. m , at B. I. S. Hall, Charlottetown, P. E. I.; A. D. Lawson. Chief Tel., Hunters River, P. E. I.; J. J Trainor, S. & T., Bedford Station, P. E I. NO. 48. — Division covers the Detroit, Toledo I Ironton and Ann Arbor Railways. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. H. J. Tobin, Gen’i Chairman, 315 E. Exchange st., Owosso, Mick.; A. F. Weast, Gen’l S. & T., Bainbridge, Ohio NO. 49. — Division covers the Denver ft Rio Grande Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. A. H. Wasson, Gen’l Chairman. Amethyst, Colo.; F. W. Aiken, GenT S. ft T. Parkdale, Colo. NO. 50. — Division covers the Georgia Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John S. Stovall, Gen’l Chairman, Milledgeville, Ga.; A. C. McKinley, Gen’l S. ft T., Milledge* ville, Ga. NO. 51. — Division covers Bessemer & Lake Erie Railway System. Meets ist Friday evening after r 6th, each month, in Eagles’ Hall, Greenville. Pa., after the arrival of trains 2 and 13. C V. Patton, General Chairman, Kaylor, Pa.; W. B. Risley, Gen’l S. ft T., 96 Marshall st, Cos* neaut, Ohio. NO. 52, PITTSBURG, PA.— Meets 2d and 4th Saturday evening each month at 8 p. m., at 204 Fifth ave., 3d floor, Pittsburg, Pa. John Kiger, Chief Tel., 6426 Howe st.. East End, Pittsburg. Pa.; H. K. Klin gen smith, Secretary, 243 Grand- view ave., Pittsburg, Pa.; C. C Campbell, Treas- urer, 605 Arlington ave., Pittsburg, Pa. NO. 53. — Division covers the Southern Pacific Railway Lines. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. H. Lester, Gen'l Chairman, Weimar. Tex.; D. W. Koppikus, Gen'l S. ft T., 1220 12th ave.. East Oakland, Cal. NO. 54. — Division covers the Northern Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chan- man. Sam Johnson, Gen'l Chairman, North Branch, Minn. I. N. Holmes, Gen’l S. ft T., 10 is 10th st., Olympia, Wash. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1945 NO. 55. — Division covers the Wheeling, Lake Erie Railway, Wabash, Pittsburg Terminal and West * Side Belt Railway Systems. Meets third Satur- day evening of each month at 8 p. m., in Trades and Labor Assembly Hall, Massillon, Ohio. J. O. Peoples, Gen’l Chairman, Bolivar, Ohio; C. R. Guthrie, Gen’l S. & T., Box 71, Jewett, Ohio. NO. 56. — Division covers the Georgia Southern & Florida Railway Systems. L. D. Hamilton, Gen’l Chairman, Tifton, Ga. O. H. Watson, Gen’l S. & T., Tobesofkee, Ga. NO. 57. — Division covers the Houston & Texas Central Railway System. Meets every third Sat- urday at 8:30 p. m. in Labor Temple, over 401 Main st., Dallas, Tex. W. J. Burke, Gen’l Chair- man, H. & T. C. yard office, Dallas, Tex.; J. A. McKey, Gen’l S. ft T., 43 N. Benge st., Mc- Kinney, Texas. NO. 58, WILMINGTON, DEL.— Meets third Wednesday evening, 8 o'clock, Red Men’s Hall, 517 Shipley st., Wilmington, Del. H. W. Ken- nedy, Chief Telegrapher, 305 N. Van Buren st., Wilmington, Del.; F. C. Melvin, S. & T., 19 W. 33d st., Wilmington, Del. NO. 59. — Division covers Southern Railway Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. W. J. Gregory, Gen’l Chairman, Chase City, Va. A. L. McDaniel, Gen’l S. & T., Forest City, N. C. NO. 60, WASHINGTON, D. C.— Meets 3d Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m., at Typographical Temple, 423 44GM st., N. W., Washington, D. C. J. E. Vandergrift, Chief Tel., 1116 Va. ave., S. W., Washington, D. C; H. L. Simcox, S. ft T., 638 44B” st, S. W., Washington. D. C. NO. 61, CAMPBELLTON, N. B.— Meets 4th Tuesday evening of each month in Engineers’ Hall, Campbellton, N. B. J. W. Morton, Chief Tel., Campbellton, N. B.; R. A. McMillan, S. & T., Charlo Station, N. B. NO. 6s. — Division covers Queen & Crescent (North). A. B. Willison, Gen’l Chairman, Sci- ence Hill, Ky. K. C. Gardner, Gen’l S. ft T., 365 S. Broadway Park, Lexington, Ky. NO. 63, MONCTON, N. B— Meets 3d Saturday of each month, alternately at Moncton, N. B., and St. John, N. B. F. T. Atkinson, Chief Tel, Bloomfield, N. B., Can.; T. A. Scribner, S. & T., Moncton, N. B. NO. 64, LEVIS, QUE.— Meets 4th Friday of each month at 1 p. m., at Victoria Hotel, Levis, Que. A. Dion, Chief Tel., Levis, Que.; Joseph Remil- lard, S. ft T.f St. Charles, Bellechasse Co., Que. NO. 65, ROCHESTER, N. H.— Meets at 8 p. ra., 2d Saturday each month in G. A. R. Hall, Roch- ester, N. H. E. J. Scott, Chief Tel., West Ossipee, N. H.; G. F. Berry, S. & T., 453 Main st., Biddeford, Me. NO. 66, TRURO. N. S.— Meets 3d Wednesday each month, McKay's Hall (B. R. T. room), Inglis st., Truro, N. S. W. A. Harris,* Chief Tel., Windsor Junction, N. S. ; Geo. O. Forbes, S. ft. T., Spring Hill Junction, N. S. NO. 67, WILKESBARRE, PA.— Meets on the 3d Friday each month at 8 p. m., at O. U. A. M. Hall, No. 31 W. Market st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. E. O. Sherman, Chief Tel., 331 S. River st.. Wilkesbarre, Pa.; J. Nelligan, S. ft T., 30 New- port st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. NO. 68. — Division covers Washington County Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. James F. Desmond, Gen’l Chairman, Eastport, Maine; Wm. C. Myrick, Gen’l S. ft T., East Machias, Maine. NO. 69. — Division covers Queen ft Crescent Route (South). Meets subject to call of Chairriian. J. A. Shields, Gen’l Chairman, Morton, Miss.; J. C. Talley, Jr., Gen’l S. ft T., Box 283, Jack- son, Miss. NO. 70. — Division covers Great Northern Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. P. M. Abbott, Gen’l S. ft T., Logan, Mont. NO. 71. OSKALOOSA, IOWA.— Meets 2d Satur- day in each month at 8:45 p. m., in Trainmen’s Hall, over Pike’s Drug Store, Oskaloosa, Iowa. H. W. Landfear, Chief Tel., Wright, Iowa; F. H. MeCarl, S. & T., New Shardn, Iowa. NO. 7a, ST. JOSEPH, MO.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., 623 Mt. Mora Road, St. Joseph, Mo. C. P. Cahill, Chief Tel., 1615 S. nth st., St. Joseph, Mo.; W. E. Reese, S. ft. T., Box 682, St Joseph, Mo. NO. 73, MAUCH CHUNK, PA.— Meets 2d Wednesday of each month at 8 p. m., on the 4th floor Odd Fellows* Hall, Broadway, Mauch Chunk, Pa. John F. Boyle, Chief Tel., Penn Haven, mail, Mauch Chunk, Pa.; William M. Butler, S. ft T., Room 11, Court House, Wilkes- barre, Pa. NO. 74. — Division covers B. ft O. S. W. R. R. J. M. Peck, Gen’l Chairman, Farmingdale, 111.; A. W. Morrow, Gen’l S. ft T., 425 Jefferson st., Greenfield, Ohio. NO. 75. — Division covers Chicago, Cincinnati ft Louisville Ry. System. G. W. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Losantville, Ind. ; F. K. Harter, Gen’l S. ft T., Jonesboro, Ind. NO. 76. — Division covers the Chicago ft North- western Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Jas. Troy, Gen’l Chairman, Jew- ell Junction, Iowa; W. J. Liddane, Ass’t Gen’l Chairman, 386 Grove st., St. Paul, Minn.; Ira R. Kempkes, Gen’l S. ft T., Nevada, Iowa. NO. 77, DENVER, COLO. — Meets 1st Tuesday evening in each month, 620 14th st., Denver, Colo.; C. M. Worth, Chief Tel., rooms 38-40, 1427 Stout st., Denver, Colo.; C. L. Cheney, S. & T., 935 17 th st., Denver, Colo. NO. 78, ALBANY, N. Y. — Meets 3d Saturday each month at 7:30 p. m., A. O. U. W. Hall, 82 S. Pearl st., Albany, N. Y. James Disney, Chief Tel., 46 Franklin st., Albany, N. Y.; B. M. Nichols, S. ft T., Altamont, N. Y. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1946 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 79. — Covert G. ft S. I. Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Gen’l Chairman. J. 0. Bolton, Gen’l Chairman, Seminary, Miss.; W. L. Yeates, Gen'l Sec. & Treat., Box 60, Maxie, Miss.; H. J. Schneider, Ass't Gen'l S. ft T., Maxie, Miss. NO. 80. — Division covers the M. J. ft K. C. Ry. System. T. E. Cooper, Gen’l Chairman, Bay Springs, Miss.; J. L. Lester, Gen’l Sec ft Treat., Union, Miss. NO. 81. — Division covers the Colorado Midland Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of Chairman. Guy Sailing, Gen'l S. ft T., Floris- sant, Colo. NO. 8a. — Division covers Western Maryland Rail- way System. H. C. McCubbin, Gen'l Chairman, Hagerstown, Md. ; C. E. Marker, Gen'l S. ft T., Smithsburg, Md. W. Va. Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman. Md. Div. — Meets 2d and 4th Thursdays of each month at 8:30 p. m., in G. A. R. Hall, corner Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 83. — Division covers the Bangor ft Aroostook Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. A. W. Sherburne, Gen'l Chair- man, New Sweden Station, Me.; F. J. Crozier, Gen’l Sec. ft Treas., Nor cross, Maine. NO. 84, CAMDEN, N. J.— Meets 2d Friday at 8 p. m., at Morgan’s Hall, Fourth and Market sts., Camden, N. J. F. S. Pheasant, Chief Tel., Mer- chantville, N. J.; I. W. Newkirk, Scc'y, Pit- man Grove, N. J.; T. J. McCabe, Treas., 1014 Spruce st., Camden, N. J. NO. 85, TRENTON, N. J.— Meets 3d Friday at 8 p. m., at Concordia Hall, 33 West State st., Trenton, N. J. Chas. R. Carty, Chief Tel., 9 22 Pond st, Bristol, Pa.; Chas. Parker, S. ft T., 204 West Hanover st., Trenton, N. J. NO. 86, ALTOONA, PA.— Meets 2d Wednesday at 10:1 s a. m., and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p. m., in Lee Building, E. 12th st, between 8th and 9th avea., Altoona, Pa. J. W. McCoy, Chief Tel., Juniata, Blair Co., Pa.; J. L. Franks, S. ft T., 325 Beech ave., Altoona, Pa. NO. 87, SCRANTON, PA.— Meets 1st Monday evening of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, Main st, Archibald, Pa. J. W. Sampson, Chief Tclj, Dickson City, Pa.; M. G. Grennell, S. & T. , Carbondale, Pa. NO. 88. — Division covers the Texas & Pacific Rail- way System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. W. E. Sledge, Gen’l Chairman, Keitbville, La. ; J. E. De Souza, Gen'l S. & T., Chamberlin, La. NO. 89, BOSTON, MASS. — Meets 1st Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Ratbbone Hall, 3d floor, elevator service, 694 Washington st., Bos- ton, Maas. W. A. Fenwick, Chief Tel., Fram- ingham, Mass.; J. W. Finn, S. & T., as Milton ave., Dorchester, Ctr., Boston, Mass. NO. 90. — Division covers Coal ft Coke Ry. of W. Va. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. J. Shawver, Gen'l Chairman, Walkersville, W. Va.; J. A. Arthur, Gen'l S. ft T., Blue Creek, W. Va. NO. 91, CHICAGO, ILL. — Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., at Liberty Hall, 70 Adams st., Chicago, 111. G. Dal. Jones, Chief Tel., 386 Dearborn ave., Chicago, I1L; Wm. F. McDonald, S. ft T., Room 550, 263 LaSalle sL, Chicago, III. NO. 92. — Division covers the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. H. R. Childs, Gen’l Chairman, Warsaw, N. Y.; J. T. Simmons, Genl S. & T., 901 W. Long ave., DuBois, Pa. NO. 93. — Division covers the Illinois Central Rail- road System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. C. A. Mulhall, Gen'l Chairman, Clarkson, Ky.; G. E, Chance, Ass't Gen'l Chair- man, Mounds, HI.; W. P. Moore, Gen'l Chair- man, Y. & M. V. Lines, Lulu, Miss.; R. L. Shannon, Gen’l S. ft T., Anna, HI. Chicago Terminal hold regular meetings on 3d Saturday each month at 8 p. m., sharp, in Vicinity Hall (3d floor), N. E. cor. 35th and Cottage Grove ave., Chicago, 111. NO. 94. MERIDIAN, MISS.— Meets 4th Wednes- day night at 8 p. m., in Young Men's Benevo- lent Association Hall, S. E. cor. Dauphin and Jackson sts.. Mobile, Ala. J. E. Jones, Chief Tel., Oak Grove, Ala.; R. L. Howell, S. ft T.. 18 South Catherin st., Mobile, Ala. NO. 95, PORTLAND, ME.— Meets 3d Thursday each month at 546 $4 Congress st., Portland, Me. H. G. Adams, Chief Tel., R. F. D. 2. Cumber- land Center, Me.; C. A. Ford, S. ft T., Wed- brook, Me. NO. 96. — Division covers the Chicago Great West- ern Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. L. Albrecht, Gen'l Chairman, Fred- ericksburg, la.; W. H. Scott, G, .S. & T., Eliza- beth, 111. NO. 97. — Division covers the Seaboard' Air Line Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. D. May, Gen'l Chairman, Carlton, Ga. ; F. 0. Cumming, Gen’l S. ft T., Seaboard, -N. C. NO. 98. — Division covers G. V. G. &.N. Ry.. Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. R. W. Smith, Gen’l Chairman, Thatcher, Ariz.; B. R- Marks, Gen'l S. ft T., Pima, Aria. NO. 99. COBALT, ONT.— Geo. A Dufour, Chief Tel., Cobalt, via North Bay, Ont. Arnold C Moir, S. ft T., Uno Park, Ont. NO. ioo, ELMIRA, N. Y.— Meets ilurd Friday each month at 9 p. m. sharp, Red Men's Hall. 164 Lake st., Elmira, N. Y. CM. Week*. Chief TcL, Stanley, N. Y.; C. R. Elliott. Sec. k Treas., 381 South Main st, Elmira, N. Y. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1947 NO. xox. — Division covers Northwestern Pacific Ry. John A. Bondeson, Gen’l Chairman, Port Reyes Sta., Cal.; W. E. Hicks, GenT S. & T., Geyserville, Cal. NO. xos, PHILADELPHIA, PA.— Meeting place subject to notice from Secretary and Treasurer. Harold O. Mennig, Chief Tel., Conshohocken, Pa.; Arthur C. Malstrom, S. & T., West Con- shohocken, Pa. NO. X03, STELLARTON, N. S.— John T. Mc- Queen, Chief Tel., New Glasgow, N. S.; N. G. Munro, S. & T., Box 15s, Stellar ton, N. S. NO. 104, AYER, MASS.— Meets 3d Sunday of each month at 9:30 a. m., in the ante-rooms of Pierce Hall, 3d floor, Clinton, Mass. F. H. Willard, Chief Tel., Lancaster, Mass.; John F. Mullen, S. & T., 153 Lunenburg st., Fitchburg, Mass. NO. 105. CONCORD, N. H.— W. H. Mescrve, Chief Tel., Penacook, N. H.; B. C. Jones, S. & T., Newport, N. H. NO. 106, HAGERSTOWN, MD.— Meets 1st and 3d Thursdays of each month at 8 p. m., in G. A. R. Hall, over Market House, cor. Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. C. V. Lar- rick. Chief Tel., Mason-Dixon, Pa.; J. K. Sny- der, Sec., Box 46, Hagerstown, Md.; G. F. Hoo- ver, Treas., 254 South Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 107. — Division covers Toledo, Peoria & West- ern Ry. C. M. Finch, Gen’l Chairman, Watseka, 111.; O. L. Lang, Gen’l S. & T., El Paso, 111. NO. 108, ADDISON, N. Y.— Meets ad Sunday each month at 11 a. m., in C. M. B. A. Hall, Addison, N. Y. F. J. Taylor, Chief Tel., Cross Fork, Pa.; L. D. Jacobs, S. & T., Elkland, Pa. NO. 109, CRESSON, PA.— Henry D. Border, Chief Tel., Portage, Pa.; Louis Biter, S. & T., Wilmore, Pa. NO. no, RENOVO, PA.— Meets 3d Wednesday of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, 4th st.. Emporium, Pa. D. J. Shea, Chief Tel., Water- ford, Pa.; A. L. Goodwin, S. & T., Box 375, Emporium, Pa. NO. in. — Division covers San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. C. Mangrum, Gen’l Chair- man, 10 Delmar ave.. Salt Lake City, Utah. Lester Rouse, Gen’l S. & T., Kelso, Cal. NO. 1 1 2. — Division covers the Columbia, Newberry & Laurens Ry. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. David W. Boland, Gen’l Chairman, Pros- perity, S. C. ; James P. Wilson, Gen’l S. & T., Newberry, S. C. NO. 1 14, ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, N. S..— H. A. Jaques, Chief Tel., Middleton, N. S.; W. W. Clark, S. & T., Annapolis Royal, N. S. NO. xx 6. — Division covers the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway System. Meets ad Sunday of February, April, June, August, October and December in places designated by General Chair- man. J. H. McLean, Gen’l Chairman, L’Anse, Mich.; C. Reif, Gen’l S. & T., Lake Linden, Mich. NO. 1 1 7, SHAMOKIN, PA. — Meets 3d Saturday months of January, March, May, July, Septem- ber and November, at 7 p. m., in I. O. O. F. Hall, Mahonoy City, Pa., and on 3d Saturday, at 8 p. m., months of February, April, June, August, October and December, in P. O. S. of A. Hall, Shamokin, Pa. A. F. Wallaner, Chief Tel., Quakake, Pa.; H. M. Michael, S. & T., Qualcake, Pa. NO. 1 1 8. — Division covers Toledo & Ohio Cen- tral Railway System. H. E. Arnold, Gen’l Chair- man, Nelsonville, Ohio; R. M. Henderson, Gen’l S. & T., Marysville, Ohio. NO. 119. — Division covers the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway System. G. W. Lewis, Gen’l Chairman, Orleans, Minn.; F. C. Paine, Gen’l S. & T., Erskine, Minn. NO. 120. — Division covers Lake Erie & Western Railway System. V. E. Trittipo, G. S. 8r T., Fisher’s Switch, Ind. NO. 1 2 1. — Division covers Wisconsin Central Ry. System. G. A. Harsh, Gen’l Chairman, Dorches- ter, Wis. O. V. Soderstrom, Gen’l S. & T., Medford, Wis. NO. 123. — Division covers Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway System. H. S. Vogler, Gen’l Chairman, Young America, Minn.; Robert Ham- ilton, Gen’l S. & T., Belview, Minn. NO. 125. — Division covers Richmond, Fredericks- burg & Potomac Railway System. Meets 2d Friday night each month at K. of P. Hall, 3d floor, 825 Main st. (opposite postoflfice), Frede- ricksburg, Va. C. H. Boschen, Gen’l Chairman Ashland, Va.; S. R. Gentry, Gcn'l S. & T., Fredericksburg, Va. NO. 126. — Division covers Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway System. Meets Maccabee Hall, Rock Island, 111., 4th Saturday evening of each month at F. O. E. Hall, El Reno, Okla., second Saturday of each month at 8 p. m. W. T. Brown, Gen’l Chairman, Whiting, Kans. ; M. E. Schooler, Gen’l S. & T., Whiting, Kans. NO. 127, VIRGINIA, MINN.— C. J. Keenan, Chief Tel., Kelsey, Minn.; J. F. Kenney, S. & T. , Alborn, Minn. NO. 129. — Division covers Lake Shore & Michi- gan Southern Railway System. G. E. Kipp, Gen’l Chairman. Blasdell, N. Y.; C. D. Hull, G. S. & T., 1029 Central ave., Sandusky, Ohio. NO. 130. — Division covers Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad System. M. J. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Anselmo, Neb.; W. A. Henry, Gen’l S. & T., Ericson, Neb. Digitized by CjOOQle

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1948 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 13a. — Division covers Atlantic Coast Line Railway System. Meetings, Florence, S. C., 4U1 Saturday night each month. Rocky Mount, N. C., bi-monthly, February, April, June, August, October and December, on ad Saturday night. B. F. Wheeler, Gen’l Chairman, Oviedo, Fla.; J. H. Williams, Gen’l S. & T., Wilson, N. C. NO. 133, SYDNEY, N. S.— G. B. Anslow, Chief Tel., North Sydney Junction, C. B. ; Archie B. McDougall, S. & T., Grand Narrows, Cape Bre- ton, N. S. NO. 134, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Meets 3d Sun- day each month, at 136 East Bay at., Herkimer Building, Jacksonville, Fla. L. R. Funderburk, Chief Tel., care Jacksonville Terminal Company, Jacksonville, Fla.; N. C. Hall, S. & T., New Smyrna, Fla. NO. 135, OLEAN, N. Y. — Meets 3d Tuesday even- ing each month at Rafferty’s Hall, ad floor, Tower Building, Olean, N. Y. A. D. Mathew- son, Chief Tel., Ischua, N. Y.; E. C. Stevens, S. & T., Ischua, N. Y. NO. 136, READING, PA.— Meets 3d Friday of each month. Geo. P. Riggleman, Chief Tel., Mt. Holly Springs, Pa.; C. F. Petree, S. & T., 93 a Pear at., Reading, Pa. NO. 137. — Division covers El Paso & Northeastern Railway System. J. C. McNairy, Acting Gen’l S. & T., 1435 Angelica st., St. Louis, Mo. NO. 138. — Division covers C., C., C. & St. L. Railway System. J. F. Justice, Gen’l Chair- man, 366 North Grant ave., Columbus, Ohio; C. A. Burton, Gen’l S. & T., 4056a Laclede ave., St Louis, Mo. System meetings held at Eng- lish Hotel, Indianapolis, Ind., subject to call of General Chairman. Cleveland Division meets Trades’ Council Hall, Galion, O., third Tues- day night of each month. Otto Krichbaum, 590s W. Pilsen av., Cleveland, O., Local Chairman. Cincinnati-Sandusky Division meets third Mon- day night in each month at B. of L. E. Hall, Hollencamp bldg., Jefferson st., Dayton, O. J. F. Justice, Local Chairman. St Louis Division- Meets at Paris, 111., every two weeks, subject to call of Chairman. Edw. Whalen, Local Chair- man. Indianapolis Division meets at Anderson, Sidney and Bellefontaine, subject to call of Chairman. H. G. Hess, Local Chairman. Chi- cago Division West meets subject to call of Chairman. O. J. Repschlager, Local Chairman. Chicago Division East, meets subject to call of Chairman. W. M. Williams, Local Chairman. Michigan Division meets subject to call of Chair- man. Geo. Lavengood, Local Chairman. P. & E. Division meets subject to call of Chairman. L. V. Peckenpaiigh, Local Chairman. NO. 139. NORTH ADAMS, MASS.— Meets on the 2d Saturday of each month in Odd Fellows' Hall, North Adams, Mass. T. E. Powers, Chief Tel., W. Valley Falls, N. Y.; H. F. Cook, S. & T., Shelburn Falls, Mass. TWIN CITY TELEGRAPHERS’ CLUB.— Meets ad Saturday night each month at Columbia Hall, Prior and University aves., St. Paul, Minn. L D. Beamer, Pres., 360 Selby ave., St. Paul, Minn.; T. H. Line, Sec’y & Treas., 2365 Dos well ave., St. Paul, Minn. TELEGRAPHERS’ SOCIAL CLUB OF N. Y.- Meets subject to call of President at “The Plata,” 141st st. and Edgecombe ave.. New York .City; M. G. Woolley, President, 155th st. and 8th ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, S. & T., 126 Union at.. High Bridge, New York Gty. Digitized by c,ooQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. THE BEST PAPER FOR FAMILY READING. IT COMES EVERY WEEK THE YEAR ROUND. - The Youth’s Companion The fifty -two issues of the new volume for 1908 will give to the subscriber for $1.75 an amount of good reading equivalent to twenty 400-page book*— fiction, travel, biography, science and miscellany — costing ordinarily $/ .50 each. The fifty -two issues for 1908 will contain Or'/J GOOD STORIES — Serial Stories, Stories of Character, mOI/ Adventure and Heroism. QCZfk ARTICLES — Reminiscences, Sketches, Contributions to / Knowledge, by Famous Men and Women. Up TO DATE NOTES ON CURRENT EVENTS and A \J\J\J Recent Discoveries in Nature and Science . O/l/l/l ONE-MINUTE STORIES— Anecdotes and Miscellany. m(/(/v/ The Weekly Health Article, Children’s Page, etc . NEW SUBSCRIPTION OFFER. Cut out and send at once this slip (or mention this publication) with $1.75 for The Companion for 1908 and receive of. 19 All the issues of The Companion for the remaining weeks of 1907. The Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Holiday Numbers. The Companion’s 4-Leaf Hanging Calendar for 1903 in full color. Then The Companion for the fifty-two weeks of 1908 — a complete library of the best reading. Free Illustrated Announcement for 1908 and Sample Copies cf the Paper sent Free. THE YOUTH’S COMPANION - - - - BOSTON, MASS. Digitized e

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ^typewriter bargains^ Rebuilt Typewriters REMINGTON No. 6. For 25 years the Remington has been the .Standard Writing Machine of the world. Small, compact Keyboard, light action, high speed, noiseless, good manifolder. We offer the late model machines, with automatic ribbon reverser, speed dog and platen release, rebuilt new at $50.00 instead of $100.00. SMITH PREMIER No. 2. The Smith Premier is one of the leading Writing Machines on the market. Every key represents the character it prints. No con- fusing shifts. Easy to learn, high speed, noiseless, ball-bearing Carriage. Late model machines with extended carriage improvement, platen release and Morse linger for automatic paper feeding, rebuilt new at $40.00 instead of $100.00. OLIVER TYPEWRITER No. 3. More than 100,000 machines in constant use, testify to the popu- larity of the No. 3 Oliver Typewriter. That class of operators who appreciate Visible writing will make no mistake In buying a No. 3 Oliver. Work in plain sight, high speed, superior alignment, good manifolding and ease of operation are some of the advantages of the Oliver Typewriter. Rebuilt new in our own factory at $50.00 instead of $100.00. Underwood, Monarch, L. C. Smith & Bros., Welling- ton, Densmore, Century, Hammond, Caligraph and Chicago Typewriters, $15.00 to $50.00 We do not handle second-hand Typewriters. Every machine we sell is dismantled, all worn parts replaced with new ones, bright parts renickeled, etc., making machine as good, if not betterthan ever. Terms cash. Transportation charges prepaid to any part of the United States if full amount of purchase price accompanies order. r Rebuilt Typewriter Co. (a MISSOURI CORPORATION) Olive St. (P. O. Box 612) ST. LOUIS, MO.

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When addressing onr advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ON CREDIT (XMAS) IIgiftsJ BnvVnur Christmas Gifts on Eight Months’ Time Use the Loftis System. It enables you to make beautiful and valuable presents without the outlay of much money. By giving credit and lowest prices we make $5.00 or $10.00 do the work that $50.00 does in a cash store. Don’t make the mistake of buying something cheap or trashy, whon the same money would make the first payment on a beautiful diamond ring. stud, brooch, locket, a pair of cuff buttons, ear rings, a fine watch or any other article of high-grade jewelry from our enormous stock. A diamond is the idea! gift for a loved one — it lasts forever, and every day reminds the wearer of your regard and good judgment. Make Your Christmas Selections Now Christmas catalog, and in the privacy of your own home select the articles you desire, and we will send them to your home, place of business or express office, for your inspection. If you like them, if they are all and more than we clhim them to be. pay one-fifth on delivery and the balance in eight equal monthly amounts. We give a signed guarantee of value and quality with every diamond, also the privilege of exchange for full value at any time, for any other article of Jewelry from our $1,000,000 stock. We take all risks and pay all express charges. You have absolutely nothing to lose and a great deal to gain, so don’tTSelay. WRITE TODAY FOR OUR CHRISTMAS CATALOG, con- taining 1.000 beautiful illustrations. You will find it averl- G IFTIS BROS A CO. &’a table gold mine of Xmas gift suggestions, suitable for friends, relatives and loved ones, all at a low price and on terms to suit any purse. With its aid you can quickly solve the vexing Christmas problems, and select appropriate presents for all. Write for our Christmas Catalog today — now — at once. Diamond Cutters, Watchmakers and Jewelers Dept. M44, 92 to 98 State Street, • Chicago, III., U. S. A. | [I] 1 1 1 Reduce Your Fat Like Above TRIAL BOX FREE No dieting, exercise or exertion I s necessary. My nat- ural, ii’icntinc Obesity Reducer does hIJ the work. You will feel a hundred times better the first day you try thi9 wonderful home reducer. Simply fill in your name and address on dotted lines below and mail to F. .1 . Kellogg. I1NO Kellogg Itlock. Katfl** Creek, jlirli., and you will receive a trial package by return mall, all charges pre- paid. &W CATALOGUE OF WATCHES ^ that will pass inspection on every rail 7/ road in America, will be sent free of charge upon application. We handle the highest grades of the Elgin, Wal- tham, Hamilton, Hampden, Rockford and Illinois movements that are built expressly for R. R. purpose, along with the Boss, Crown and Dueber Cases. Also a complete assortment of Chains and R. R. order emblems. This cat- alogue is gotten up expressly for the R. R. man. It costs you nothing. Address , M J. D. ROWLAND JK? 214 Summit St TOLEDO, O Digitized by "

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ELECTRIC NOVELTIES We have just received from the press a booklet treating on Electric Novelties and Special- ties. borne rare holiday offers are shown. Yours for the asking. EUREKA TELEGRAPH INSTRUMENT I IMPROVED MAIN UNE SOUNDER A moderate priced apparatus, osophyand Practico of Morse Telegra- phy free with each instrument. Wound, 5 ohms, $1.15; Wound, 20 ohms, $ l .25. IMPROVED GIANT SOUNDER Quick acting and gives a loud.^ c 1 e a ^ ** 1 *°s r l W 111 w a 1 u m i n u m lever, pol- islied brass plate, ^ .. . , mounted on highly polished mahoganv base. Used by the largest railroad and telegraph companies. Standard size and design. Wound 5 ohms. Price, $1.40. / 3 BATTERY CALL rj/'r* \ TELEPHONE I fijy ^ ■^’or j frl'l i x phone for outdoor or in- \ VI w <loor lines. Especially (VRu i recommended forconnect- (V©? I; ing office or store with J liouse, house with stable, I l . manager’s office with any t J part of building or grounds, ...y etc. Every instrument tested and guaranteed to work satisfactorily. Will give as good serv- ice on short lines as any phone made. Price. each,$2.50f BURGLAR ALARM TRAP Yon can make your house or office burglar- proof by use of this trap and a few minutes fwork. Simply stretch the string across a doorway and any dis- turbance of string , draws the needle to the right, ringingthe bell; if the string be broken. Bpring draws needle to left, giving the alarm. Makes good fire alarm, as burning of string gives alarm. Two traps for 25 cents. Gives three times the volume of sound given b y the very best box relays. Made with full size re- lay ihagnets, 150 ohms resistance. Very sensitive to weak currents, givingaclear working sound on circuits where, without it. a relay with local sounder and battery would be absolutely necessary. With key, price, $4.50. Without key, price, $3.75. EARLY RISER’S OUTFIT O The dock that gets you up in time. Anigb* grade clock movement, Will ring *or • week If nr* kSj not shut off. Every WZ .CTi nulroad man realise* W*L »e importance of being on tipe — Ala timepieee wOl get yon MM fcMsgJS to battery' bos, so that ’ the outfit may be car- ■ 1 B ried by the top ring. Price, complete, fiSLOO* ft ATI I pi) M.99 contains 144 pages and over 750 illustrations OCNT CD EE im I ALUU 11 A L of “Something Electrical for Everybody.” DENI HIES Manhattan Electrical Supply Co. 17 Park Place— NEW YORK-14 Murray St. 188 Fifth At... CHICAGO Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Yon are ALL (ONFUSED — You want the sweetest toned ^ I — You want that sweet tone to last KAMT I AACV —You dislike to spend any more CH/WVM^ A lAUVlJ# money than necessary But every adviser, and so-called expert, recommends a different make. You are like a man lost in the woods. You don't know which way to turn. This surely describes your position. 'm THE REMEDY r— Educate yourself on the subject ! Study — read — B 9 Read more — Study more. Then listen in the quietness of your I own parlor to the tone of the highest grade piano you can JL mS get, but without agreeing to purchase it. Call in all those musical friends who you hnouo are not under past obligations to any piano dealers or friends of dealers. Resolve you will study attentively piano tone and will be deaf, while studying, to the magnetic talk and persuasiveness of sales- men. This is the intelligent way. It’s the way you planned your new home. You made a long study of it calmly, thoroughly, and you became quite an expert. You can be just as expert about pianos. We are willing to send yon free two books: One officially entitled “The Book of Complete Information about Pianos.” YOU NEED THIS BOOK of 1.71 Pages handsomely bound, if you ever intend to buy a piano, no matter what make. It tells how to test a piano and how to tell good from bad : what causes pianos to get out of order. It makes the selection of a piano easy. If read carefully it will make you an expert judge of piano tone, of action, workmanship and of durability. It tells everything that any one can possibly want to know- about pianos; gives a description of every part of tne piano, how put together and all the processes of manufacture. Gives description of the new in- vention for aiding learners to play called THE NOTBACCORD (en- dorsed by Paderewski and other great pianists). It explains Agents' and Dealers’ Methods and Devices. It tells about the very first piano. the qualities of labor, the felt, ivories and woods used in every high-grade piano, and compares high (]ualities with the cheaper kind (used in inferior pianos). Describes what constitutes a musical-piano-tone, and in fact is a complete encyclopedia. You need and should have THIS EDUCATIONAL BOOK to thoroughly inform you whenever CONFUSED ABOUT PIANOS. Its scores of illustrations (all de- voted to piano construction) are not only interesting but are instructive— to children as well as to adults. You will certainly learn a great deal about pianos that you could not hear of or read ANYWHERE ELSE for it is absolutely the only book refer to Banks, Governors of many States, and Judges; to Merchants, Conservatories of Music, Singers and Professors of Music. We have been students of vibration and of musical tone and strength of materials during all these 39 years. The first patent issued to our Mr. Wing, Senior, for i uprovement on fiianoswas in 1876, and other improvements have been invented since at the average rate of more than one yearly. These facts prove our skill and long experience, but would not be mentioned if we did not wish to show you that we know the piano subject as few others have had the opportunity ; for 39 years is a long — long time for a business l.ouse to “ live and learn ” and constantly prosper. Write for the books at once or fill in the coupon. Take it out and mail to us now while you think of it (and while you have the coupon)., You will he under no obligations whatever. WING BUILDING 360-386 West 13th Street, New York wing & SON Digitized by v joogle

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When addressing out advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. NOVBLTIB8 FOR TBLBGRAPHBR8 ODDER IIW. IEIMO-DATE. 0. R. T. WATCH FOB Button In QoM and Blue jj A _ SAMPLE FOB 3"C. Button In QoM ond Blue jj A _ SAMPLE FOB 3UC. * 18c. Extra for Stamping Name. Id Lots if 25 or Mm, 40c. each. Stamping Name, 10c. Extra. No. 1035 PASS CASE. Grain leather, secret pocket for bills, two celluloid front pockets, with your name stamped 0 1 QQ on in gold, our special, W 1 ,ww NO. 6.— An elegant Pass Case, with one trans- parent paas pocket and two side poc kets, together with bill pocket, your name 01 Rfl stamped on in gold - — Polo Pipe with reversible push bit and nickel ring, 2 inches square folded, each 40t. Vest Pocket Auto Shaped Briar Pipe with solid reversible rubber push bit, nickel ring; each pipe packed in a paper box, 2% inches square folded, each 75c. Auto Pipe in vest pocket leather case, each .. 91.00 POCKET TOILET SETS. 416— Necessaire, put up in leatherette case, has word “Toilet* * j in silvered letters on outside, contains three pieces in celluloid, pocket comb, toothpick and nail cleaner, bev- eled glass; measures 2#x3% in. Bach, postpaid 25c. No. 4.18 420— Red bordered calf leather, with gilt L'Art Nonveau metal ornaments on cover, heavy beveled mirror nnder cover, satin lined with white celluloid fittings in part stitched com- partments, size 2%x3% inches, each psstpaM..50c. 422— Two-fold red Russia Leather, with strap and button fastener inside moire silk, with extra No. 420 leaf of divided pockets, fitted with transparent celluloid comb, ear spoon, manienre fitting, heavy beveled mirror, size 2%x3% in., each, postpaid 75c* 423 — Side and end folds, fancy mottled Persian and fancy leather, plain and with gold stamding, 3 fittings, assorted in celluloid, shell and buckhorn, size 2%x3% in., each postpaid $1.00 No* 422 100 ENVELOPES, j»| EA 250 ENVELOPES. (8 AA 100 LETTER HEADS, 250 LETTER HEADS, Printed with your Name, Address, Etc., F. 0. 5. St Loots, U. S. A. WRITE FOR SAMPLES. onnv'T TTO vt^. ^ Hard Rubber Handle. Chased, Agate Point. gA _ w 1 X LUw INO* Jy 6K in. Long, sent by mail postpaid for 3"Ci ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT McLEAN PRINTING CO., STATIONERS, 1115.1117 CHESTNUT ST. 4 ST. LOUIS. 140., U. S. A. WRITE FOR HOLIDAY XMAS CATALOGUE. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. These pictures are real perns — the most exquisite por- trayals of “Woman Beautiful*' evershovm in one collection. We send a full setof 12 full-sized panels, in a hand- some art portfolio, complete, prepaid, together with 80 minia- ture illustrations of other beauti- ful art pictures for only 60c coin, money order or iT. S. stamps. Or 26 panels (different) for $1.00. Send at once. Money back if not satisfied. Gordon Art Co. 1209 Foster Ave., Dept C 34, Chicago The lartjctt cxelwnre matl order picture h>nuc in the LTnited States rDrr Order at once and we will include an extra LivEiEi full-length picture in colors, free. — •— 12 Art Panels 50c Superb Reproductions of Famous Paintings — Studies of the Human Form Divine 0CT About three years ago we presented to railroad men a leather pass and card case ; the demand for them was so great that \ve were obliged to discontinue their free dis- tribution. As we continued to receive a great many requests from Railroad men for something of this kind, we decided to get up another case of much better quality, made of black calf leather. We are offering these at less than cost to us and at about one-third of what they cost at the store. If you want one, send us two ten-cent pieces. If you are not pleased with the book, return it and get your money back. ILLINOIS WATCH COMPANY, Springfield, Illinois a© Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. THE VAILOGRAPH la an improved vibrator weighing only 2V£ ounces and is the only sending machine in the World which is applied directly to and worked by the old Morse Key. OPERATORS IS THIS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR? Side Motion Machines W ill Soon Be a Thing of the Past . It was thought at first the side motion was necessary for the operator who had lost his “grip,” but this has all been proven wrong by the use of the “Vailograph.” It is the making of the dots that gets an operator so afflicted. THE VAILOGRAPH IS INTENDED FOR ALL OPERATORS no matter how expert It not only saves your arm 50 per cent of the work, preventing you from ever losing your “grip,” but it turns out the most perfect 3Iorse you ever heard. It is adjustable to slow and fast sending, works on short or long circuits; it even worked perfectly in a test on a long circuit through two sets of repeaters on a rainy day. The Vailograph is attached to the regular Morse key in such a way that the ordinary contact makes the dashes while one motion of the key upward will make the dots. The key lever is normally held in an intermediate position by means of the ten- sion of spring in the Vailograph slightly overcoming the ten- sion of spring in key. Don't Buy a new sending ma- chine before you in- vestigate the *'V allo- graph.” TheVailograph’s main features are its direct contact, its vertically disposed vibrator, its sim- plicity, its compact- ness and the fact that it is operated by the standard Morse key, doing away with the necessity of learning the side motion as in the lateral vibrator. Don't Buy a new sending ma- chine before you in- vestigate the Vailo- graph.” The Vailograph attached to key. Outfit Complete, $10.00. Cash with order or sent by express C. O. D.f on receipt of $1.00 as a guarantee of express charges. UNITED STATES VAILOGRAPH MFG. CO. (INCORPORATED) GENERAL OFFICE AND SHIPPING DEPARTMENT: 1121-22-23 Lumber Exchange Bldg. CABLE ADDRESS: VAILOGRAPH MINNEAPOLIS. MINN. SALES DEPARTMENT: 414 Guaranty Bldg. Digitized by Google

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Yc?n«iDRAFTSMAN making Si&O monthly when taking Individual instruc- from Chief draftsman concern, who will in few months' home study equip you fully with complete technical and practical knowledge enab- ling you to start at S20-S30 weekly salary and rapidly ad- vancing. Furnish tools free of charge and steady posi- tion when completed. Reasonable terms and success guaranteed. Beet trade with best future. Address Chief Draftsman. Pin 8 Eng’s Eqmp’l Co. (Inc.) Chicago t The People's niversify f Th© Correspondence School is Yfi the People’s University , open to 1 all, at all times. The American School of Correspondence is con- stantly praduatinRexpert telegraphers. Our course, “The Electric Telegraph. " is tlie most complete taught, and with it is furnished the Auto Alphabet Instrument, which is a complete learner's outfit and automatical ly sends messages to the student, thus training his car to an accnrutcstyleof sending and giving him practice in sending and receiving. The equipment of a small office, main line cir- cuit, railway, in ultinlex, and wireless telegraphy are all thoroughly taken up in this course. WE EMPLOY NO AGENTS. All communica- tion with you Is by mail. Write for our FREE 200-page hand book fully describing 60 technical courses, including: The Electric Telegraph, Elec- trical Engineering, Central Station Work, Tele- phone Practice, Electric Lighting, Electric Rail- ways, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Stationary Engineering, Municipal Engineering. Mention Railroad Teltfraphrr, November, 19U7. Edison Says: *• I WANT to see a ,2a \ Phonograph In every mf ] American Home.” AMERICAN SCHOOL OF CORRESPONDENCE W CHICAGO Free Trial Means Free T rial No Money Down— No C. O. D. Try this great new 1908 model phonograph in your home: play the beautiful Edison gold moulded records and if then you do not care to keep the out- fit return it at our expense We do not charge you one cent for the trial. AA « II, _ if. now buys a genuine Edi- oZ.UU 3 JnOntn t°,n Outfit -easiest possi ^ * ble payments at the rock- bottom prices— and ?io interest on payments. Our beautiful catalog quotes prices which may surprise you- the magnificent new 190S Edison Out- fit No. 5 at about one fourth the cost of inferior imitations. * Write for Catalog Do not bother with sending a letter merely sign and mail coupon, writing name and address plainly. Write now. ^ Remember free trial— no money down. Send no money to anybody for a talk- ing machine until you have had the A great genuine new 1908 Edison on cV4io / FREDERICK /'+/’*&$ / / rar^rn •• LEARN HOW TO Judge Inyestments My book “How to Judge Investments” tells how you may safely start on the road to wealth. It tells you about everything you should know Before making any kind of an investment. A financial critic says of this book. “It is the best guide to successful investing I ever read/’ The regular price is SI. 00, but to Introduce my magazine, the ‘‘Investor's Review,” I will send the boos postpaid on receipt of a two-cent stamp and in addition will send tou the Review for three month* free. Address Editor, INVESTOR'S REVIEW, 1492 Gaff Bldg., Chicago, III. ■ TTTTTTTTTTYTTTTYTYTTTYTTTTI ►the ideal half-sleeves < W They reduce yourlaundry bills ^ andsaveyou money. Theldeal ^ ^ Sleeves are made of the best ^ ► mm material, are extra full and *4 ► s long, button at the wrist, and ^ ^ I rXy yyyyy held up by an invisible rubber ^ r atthetop. Send forupair j ^ to-day. Money refunded if ^ ► not satisfactory. State color ◄ ► wanted, blue and white stripe, d or plain black. d V TheldealSleeveCo.,3094 W. 25th St. .Cleveland. 0. d IAAAAAAAUAAAaaaaaaaaaaAAAAI CHICAGO, Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Help Save One Mother’s Girl V Whose Girls go Wrong? Some mother 0 — perhaps living, perhaps dead — hut always her's. Why do Girls go Wrong? Sometimes through ignorance, often through ambition, oftenest through deception. How Many Girlfl go Wrong? Thousands every year. Today there are fully six thousand m the seventy-one Florence Cnttenton Mission Homes trying to gain courage to face a frown- ing world (fallen women usually get a chilling reception), and to learn some occupation which will help them to be self-supporting. This is about the average number always within the Mission's walls, and yet the faces change almost daily. The pages of the Florence Crittenton Magazine tell of these unfortunate women and girls, their needs and what you can do to help their helpers. Not all can be Mission Workers, but all can help those who are. Though no one whom you know, or for whom you are responsible, has thus fallen by the wayside, let us urge you to open your hearts to the desperate needs of these strangers who are so needy. Please send One Dollar for a year's subscription to The Florence Crittenton Magazine Address A. W . ELLIOTT, Care National Florence Crittenton Mission, 218 Third St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Cert. 1129 Grand Dlv. Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. 20% Down, 10% a Month The few Christmas gift suggestions illus- trated on this page will serve to show how really low our prices are. You can buy all your Christmas presents from us on credit and have nearly a year to pay for them. Our 64-year reputation for reliability is your guarantee of quality. Choose by number from the illustrations on this page, or send for large illustrated catalog number 7Q. We send all articles prepaid, with privilege of examination. If your home jeweler can duplicate any diamond or piece of jewelry at the same price, we will take it back and re- turn your money. Send for catalog number 7Q to-day. J. M. LYON &.CO. 71-73 NASSAU STREET NEW YORK . Established 1843 HOItlfi Start Your Own Business Stud-si ] The bobbing up and down of a cover on an ordi- nary tea-kettle suggested to .lames Watt the idea for the modern steam engine and locomotive. Today You can secure in compact, easily ac- cessible form, all the knowledge that Watt acquired from hard study and the knowledge that hundreds of other scientists have given to the world before and after his time. CYCLOPEDIAof ENGINEERING f*lx Volumes. 3000 pages; page sire, 7x10 inches; 2000 full page plates, diagrams, sections, tables, formu- lae, etc.; bound in half red morocco. Complete sets of test questions in every volume— thus combining the best features of a text book and reference work. The most practical and comprehensive treatise yet published on steam engineering and allied subjects. The greatest authorities, the best know n engineers, have helped to make this great work the very embodiment of perfection for Home Study. The best work published forthe Locomotive Engineer and Fireman. Everything pertaining to steam, gas and oil engines thoroughly explained in a plain and easy manner. $14.80 Instead of $36.00 RENT EXPRESS PREPAID FOR FIVE DAYS’ FREE EXAMINATION. Send *2.00 rash and *2.00 a month thereafter, until you hate paid * I 4.80, the special price. Relurn at onr expense, If you do not care to keep the books. Mention ** Railroad Telegrapher/’ Nos., 1907. American School of Correspondence CHICAGO On My Capital ^Don’t work for other people all your A Start a business of your own and be independent. Commence in your spare moments. & Let your business grow. Some day it ^^^j^^^will need all your time. I Then you will be “your own boss." I show you how to do this. I want a Manager in your neighbor- hood to take orders for— Livingston Clothes to Measure It is easy to get orders for these Clothes, because they are made es- fm pecially for the people who order them; If 1 1| and because Livingston Clothes to if % JR Measure are more stylish— look better, f| ■ Bg fit better, wear better and are better I 10m I than anything you can get anywhere I else at anything like my prices. If you can’t become one of my man- J3j agers, write me anyway. You can do better with me on clothes for your own wear, and Livingston Clothes to Measure are guaranteed. No pay if you are not suited. It Send for my samples and fashion sheet. I furnish them FREE. Just your name and address sent tome at once will bring you particulars by return mail, postpaid, of how to save money on clothes and how to stnrt your own business. Write me today— a post card will do. Address it to— 2 Uvmgtton South Bend, Ind.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Get Busy, Boys! N your townspeople oontemplate putting In an exohange, or the farmers In your vioKnlty bulM a rural party llnef write us about It and wo will toll you how you oan make a lot of money on Government exj bettor than all < \ pronounoe our SWEDISH-AMERICAN TELEPHONE CO. CHICAGO, ILL. Die. IS. SAVE 25% AND USB WHILE PAYING. We sell only the best watches and jewelry, and guarantee satisfaction or money back. No publicity. Write to-day for catalog. BERLIN GO. Box DIB. Birmingham. Ala. Jmakeisj gTROSg Iwome-m I The Marcel Wave Bed Spring Is perfectly sanitary, noiseless, vermin aud oust proof; made of steel tub- ing sides, gold bronzed, steel angle ends, gold bronzed, and laced with No. 13 gauge soring steel wire, finely coppered. The wire is crimpea or waved as shown in cat, each crimp or wave is a spring unto itself, evenly distributed the full length of the bed. The Spring needs no cumbersome supports, is light, strong and durable; will lust a lifetime; makes a welcome Christ- mas present, especially to the old folks at home. Send us the sue of your bed and 55.C0, either express or P. O. money order, and we w ill ship to any Rail- road Station in the United States, freight prepnid, one of these handsome Bed Springs, having box spring effect. Write for O. R. T. Club RateB. COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURING CO. (incorporated) 114 East North Ave.. CNICA60, ILL. | CHRISTMAS GIFTS SEND FOR OUR JEWELRY CATALOGUE, FREE I W. F. MCDONALD & COMPANY 263 LaSalle SL, CHICAGO; W. F. MCDONALD, Manager Member 0. R. T., Dlv. 91 . Dollar Dotlle M DATCMTC There’s Money inj I A Ida 10 Small Inventions us well as large. Send for free booklet. MILC 1 B. STEVENS & CO., 907 14th Street, Washington, i D. C. Branches at Chicago, Cleveland and i Detroit. Established 1864. No Patent, No Fee for our Services. J Just send name and address and we send you by mall $1 bottle Dr. Rainey’s great formula ^ of Vitaline Tablets: pay nothing, i not a cent accepted until you are entitled, until you can say with a glad heart that you have at last found the right medicine, then send us a dollar, but remember, you alone are to be the Judge. Vitaline Tablets CURE Nervous Debility, Any Weakness, Weak Vitality, General Debility, Dys- pepsia, All Stomach Troubles, Heart Weakness, Catarrh, Impure Blood, Paleness, Thin Run Down Health. They act quickly, make you eat, add flesh, build you up. give you at rength, vigor and vitality every day; they restore complete manhood and womanhood, after all tried remedies and doctors failed— let us prove It to you by sending testi- monials from many grateful men and women who will write you of their wonderful cures by Vitaline Tablets. You have never had anything like Vitaline Tablets— they are guar- anteed under U. S. Pure Food and Drugs Act Serial No. 3877, to contain absolutely nothing poisonous or In- jurious; harmless and pleasant to take. DR. RAINEY WRITES TOO AND AUL M AIL IS PLAIN AND SEALED. Plainly write name and address below. Dr. Rainey Medicine Co . Dept. B31. Dexter Bide.. Chicago:— 8«nd at once $1 00 bottle of Vitaline Tab- lets, without charge, absolutely free on trial, and if I get satisfactory benefits I will send yon 91-00.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. '$sa WHISKEY These figures tell exactly what we are doing— telling a $20.00 watch for 95.4$. We don't claim that thit ft a $40.00 watch or a $.10.00 watch, but it ia a 9*0.00 watch. A leading watch manufacturer, beiug hard pressed for ready cash, recently told ut 100,000 watches— watches actually built to retail at $20.00. There it is no doubt that we could wholesale these to dealers for $12.00 or $13.00, but this would involve a great amount of labor, time and expense. In the end our profit would be little more than it is at selling the watch direct to the consumer at $3.45. This Clarefax Watch, which we offer at $3.45 is a rubied Jeweled finely balanced and perfectly adjusted movement. It has specially selected Jewels.dust band, patent regulator, enameled dial, Jeweled compensation balance, doablebuutluc rase, tea ulue told* laid and handsomely engraved. Each watch is thoroughly timed, tested and regulated before leaving the factory and both the case and movement are guaranteed for 20 years. Send us your name, post-office address, and nearest express office and name of this paper. Tell us whether you want a ladies* orgeats' watch and we will send the watch to your express office at once. If It satlsflea you, after a careful examination, pay the expresa agent $5.45 and express charges and the watch is yours, but if it does t please you return it to us at at our expense. A 20-Tear guarantee will be placed in the front case of the watch we send you and to the first 10,000 customers wc will send a beautiful gold- laid watch chain. Free. We refer to the First National Bank of Chicago, Capital $lUt; Telegraphy^ Morse Code, Cipher Message, Cable Message, Marine , uuuicj nepeaiei f bonoplex are very complete and clear. In addition, everything in connection with Wire- , . T^fKrapby and the Telautograph is ex- plained in a plain and easy manner. LESS THAN HALF PRICE free for Inspection Special Price, J(? 1 4.80 Regular Price, $30.00 These books are compiled from the best* in- struction papers in our Electrical Engineering course and to bring our hom^ study course widely before people interested in electricity, we nave made this special price for 30 davs. pavable th>n ® days and $2.00 per month until the $14. SO is paid. Brief List of Contents: Electric Telegraph— Wireless Telegraph— The Telautograph- Insulators— Electric Welding- Direct Current Dynamos— Types of Dynamos-Electrlc Machinery-Direct Current Motors — Electric Motors— Storage Batteries— Electric lighting— Electric Railways— Management of Dynamo Electric Machinery --Power Stations— Telephone LInes-Telephonc Operation— Telephone Systems- Automatic Telephone— Wireless Telephony -Electric Wiring— A Modern Central Station Design- The Alternator — The Transformer— S witch-board and Station Appliances — Power Transmission— Mercury \apor Convertor- Elements of Electricity- The Electric Curreot— Electrical Measurements. " WH* Chicago, Illinois. COUPON Clip and mail today. R. R. Tel. 1 1-’07. AMERICAN SCHOOL OF CORRESPONDENCE, CHICAGO. Please send set Cyclopedia Applied Electricity '°f ® days’ free examination. I will send $2.00 within five days and $2.00 a month until $14.80 is paid; otherwise I will notify you to send for the books. NAME Address ADDRESS Digitized by L^OOQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. TYPEWRITERS, At 34 to manufacturer** pricac Ail the Standard Machine*. Indndind JUi. . HAKES. LATEST MODELS. -SOLD OR RENTED ANYWHERE. = Rental applied on price. ___ __ ^ Write for fflurtraied Catalogue. TYPEWRITER EMPORIUM, 230 Fifth Avenue. - CHICA T From the Wire to a Smith Premier Typewriter / That is the surest and safest manner of hand- I ling messages. The Smith Premier writes accurately, easily and quietly, and is always / equal to the amount and kind of work demanded by a busy rail- X road office. The favorite “mill*’ of the operators of America. The Smith Premier Typewriter Co. Syracuse, N. Y. THAT \ \ km BUNION W\ /jf CAN BE . CURED TRIAL TREATMENT FREE If you suffer from * bunion, ire want to cnre it for you. No matter how much pH i you suffer, wo can remove it. Our wonderful Anti-Bunion Plasters cure the oldest, hardest and most painful bunions. This is done at homo without trouble. Hundreds have been cured by our free trial treatment alone. Send fr a treatment at once. Simply send your name ami address for treatment and 20p. book- let,*' How to hove Easy, Healthy, Shapely Feet ’’ Enclose 2c stamp, FOOT RFSKDY CO.. 13S9 Lawadalr Aw.. Chirr** Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Mo. 11 Tiffin? Diagonal Diamond Bine $62.22 No. 15 put Belcher Diamond Bing. *60.22 ?J^arg?ACCOUNT| To YOU at Cash Prices— Ton can have a Diamond at once— if yon want to. No use waiting till you’ve saved the price. Buy one now— and get the good of it. We’ll trust you on terms that will surprise you— Then Pay As You Earn. Think of it for Christmas— when you will want to make some one a handsome gift— a Diamond would be just the thing. There's nothing more appropriate or that would give more pleasure to sweet- heart, wife, mother, sister or daughter. Are you looking forward to the anniversary of some happy event? Mark the day for her with a present of a Diamond. Don't deny yourtte if and her any gratification of that kind. Buying Diamonds from us on a charge account makes paying easy. Why not have a Diamond for yourself? Think of the dignity and distinction It will give yon. Adds a valuable item to your personal possessions also, which can be turned into cash at a moment’s notice. Just write us : ”1 wont a Diamond." Select the one you like from our catalog. We’ll send it at once at our own expense. You’ve noth- ing to pay until yon’ve seen the stone. When you’ve made up your mind that it’s a bargain— and yon want it— send as. say a fifth of its price, and the balance in small payments that will be convenient for you. Our Diamonds are first water gems only— pore white stones of marvelous brilliancy that increase in value from year to year. Write today, while it’s fresh in your mind, for Free Catalogue of Diamonds, Watches, etc. Our prices save money for you on every purchase, and onr liberal terms will please yon. The Diamonds shown in accompanying cuts are pure white, perfectly cut stones, tho pick of the mines, set in 14 kt. solid gold hand-made mountings. Every one a bargain— and it requires only a small payment of one-fifth down for you to possess it. Write to-day— now, before yon forget. THE WALKER-EDMUND CO. DIAMOND IMPORTERS J 81 State Street, CHICAGO, ILL. 806 Tacoma Bldg. Chicago. IDENTIFICATION COMPANY OF AMERICA . WAJiTED (incorporated 1002) Agents Everywhere This Identification Pocketbook ^Protects and Insures You Annrnval ■ MDv. 0nr rrrfort “Idrutlfylna-Credentlal’* (Patent No. 4ft7,4AO) ha* been endorsed and In icn-pli d by Rank*, Holds, Me., Prenaid for vfiW ,-Si *£- enabling the bearer to cash money orders and checks every - ^ ® ® when*. Our “KeKl*trafion«Notifleatlon''hrrvlrc positively ."JA /, IdmtillrH In rate ol ilekanii, icrldrnt or »udd«>o death. The “Credential” la inserted in a handsome aval leather pocket-book tent *3 size). At the bottom on the lower card pocket ia printed in gold, your muncor emblem of your fraternal order. (Special card case for ladies.) a ff Each holder is furnished a registered aluminum kej-rkrek; alio a special combination bv $2,000 Accident and Health Insurance Policy I9KL1 D1.\G ($111.(10 Weekly Indemnity for Accident (limited to A weeka, 28 Hazards.)) $15.(k> Weekly Indemnity for Sickness (limited to 20 common diseases.) Sllkt.OO Special Belief Fund for Hospital, Medical or Emergency expense. J Issued to men aud women from 16to &T> years of age in all occupations. All poll«*i \V, Cts P€r To know' that should your keys be lost. If found, they will be returned to you. i n»r Year? ; To know that should you meet with sudden accident, yonr person will be positively identl- ( Bed and all expense necessary to put you Id the cure of friends will be promptly paid. J ,,ay Cnn/,:~| Z°thomc "•■»>'»!* »o examine the “IdeutWcatlon-Pocketbook” and readtbc Accident-Health Policy oDCCIdl Ul If I. b*,or* P?r/:b***,”F **!e following offer: Rend n* f 1.00 and we will send you prepaid on ■ approval, the ‘ Identification-Pocketbook''and sample Policy. This amount will be credited In Home Office: purchase or immediately refunded upon return of pocketbook. Digitized by

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Description --Made of be»t qualify corded or ribbed silk; heavy patent leather visor, green underneath to •hade the w, and silk strap cord. Mailed on receipt ef price, 85 CENTS, Stamps, Money Order or Express Order. Money refund'd if not satisfied, Mention correct size. REGULATION UNIFORM CAP Black ribbed silk (best quality): heavy patent leather visor; gold embroidered letters; two rows gold tape* Mention correct size. PRICES i Agents or Conductors $3.00 Trainmaster or Superintendent 3.56 Stamps, money order or express order; express prepaid. Prompt shipments. Light weight. UNION MADE M. 80ETTLER HAT CO. 1 260 S. Broadway ST. LOUIS, MO. FROM MANUFACTUR- ER TO CONSUMER World Famous rill! - w miiitir m ’ X,.» ... '"-"in 1 Meister Piano Only $ J 00 a Week Less Than J g C a Day READ OUR PLAN! First — we save you $150,00 at a single stroke by selling you direct from the factory and cutting out all dealers', agents, and other middlemen’s, commissions, profits and expense of handling. Then— we trust any responsible party. Send u» only $10.00, and we will ship you any Meister Piano. After that pay by the month or by the week less than you would pay as rent for a common piano. And the “Meister” is no common piano. “Meister" means master. The “Meister” Piano is a master piano— the master piece of piano craft. No other pianos have the “Meister” exclusive features. There isn’t room here to describe “Meister” Pianos in detail. But— we put the whole story in our “Meister Piano Book0 which we send you FREE and postpaid for the asking, if you think of getting a new piano. The “Meister Piano Book” tells how you get an instrument perfect in every working part, from key board to sounding board, of full rich, sweet, resonant tone capacity — housed in an ex- quisitely finished case of either Mahogany, Walnut or Oak. in whatever finish you prefer. The “Meister Piano Book,” tells how the “Meister” Pianos are made, toned and tuned, how you save money by buying direct from the fac- tory— and how you may pay for your piano a little at a time, as suits your convenience. This book also tells you “How to Pick Out a Piano” and how to take care of it in your home— information worth much to the musical quality and life of any piano. This “Meister Piano Book” also shows exactly how “Meister” Pianos look — even 10 the finish of their exquisite cases. No matter who you are or where you are — what you do or what piano you think of getting — you should send for the “Meister Piano Book” before making up your mind. You owe It to the money you have to spend for music to read this book. You owe It to your musical eduoation and that of your family to read this book. You owe it to the life and voice of your piano to read this book. Sendjfor it today. Just your name and address on a post card mailed to us at once will bring you the “Meister Piano Book,” promptly and fully postpaid. Don’t trust dealers who must get a living out of what they make you pay in addition to the piano maker’s legitimate profits. Don’t be satisfied with a “half new” piano which has been banged about warehouses, show rooms and stores. Send at once for the “Meister Piano Book” — buy direct from the factory, and get a new and perfect instrument backed by a ten-year guar- antee Write for the book to-day — now. Address, Rothschild & Co., Piano Dept., 172 Chicago , III. Our Guarantee Bond Protects You. Digitized by " .oogie

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. are well known everywhere. No.2 Is especially designed for uneven roads and sharp curves. No, 3 will work with great success on the roughest road In America. Spl. Concession A Prem. Certificates with Ever) Order EVERYTHING FOR THE OPERATOR. R R SPl No 51, Genuine German Agate Point, Gold Ferrule, Ebony CA. Handle 4 A COOK REMEDY CO. A Good Smoke For Operators fl The O. R. T. cigar is the beSt cigar on the market. fj I guarantee this cigar to be made from the very be^t Havana tobacco; give it a trial and see for yourself. Medium size packed in boxes of fifty cigars each, mailed to any po£- office in the United States or Canada. One box 5c cigars - - $2.35 One box 10c cigars - $4.20 Club of 19 boxes will be given one box free of charge. CJ Express or postoffice money- order must accompany order. Address Department C, R. H. Hays, IMilstead, Ala. QPR, SUPPLIES Digitized by V joogle

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SHORTHAND £ b» IN 30 DAYS “N1TE OPERATORS” ' “Owl” pin*, with the “Wise Little Owl” like cut, and lettering “Kite Opr.” done in gold, on “Old Rose” Background, very swell. Wrap up a quarter or 25 one-cent stamps and * ~ mail to us today, and get one by return mail "ITE 0PR I b«for« they «re *11 gone. STAR NOVELTY CO., Ft Scott, Kans. . . TYPEWRITERS . . DENSMORES. $20 —REMINGTONS No. 6. $30. to $4$-F0X No. 3 lor $31.— RUBBER STAMP FAC SIMILE SIGNATURE. $1.— Track Alarm Diagram, 25c.— Throe Black and While Pictures of GIRLS' HEADS, Pen and Ink Drawings. DEN Pictures, $1.— I have 900 Agents all over the U. 23. and want more.— Write me for terms— you can make some extra money— Up-to-date O. R. T. L. S. McNUTT, Boone» Iowa. High-Grade Instruction by Correspondence Established 1898 Mwm IB 1 Wilwi The Phillips Code PRICE, $1.00 PRICE, $1.00 A thoroughly tested method of shorthand, arranged for Telegraphic Purposes and contemplating the rapid transmission of press reports; also intended to be used as an easily acquired method for General News- paper and Court Reporting. mm ADDRESS L. W. QUICK ST. LOUIS, MO. ... Grand Sec'y and Treas. Digitized by " .oogle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Leakn Bookkeeping Free Would you like to succeed in business, to obtain a good paying position; to secure an increase in salar> r Would you possess the I capacity that directs and controls lar^e business enterprises? If so, you should follow the example of Mr. Edw. Chapman, of No. I 6 in brilliancy to any genuine stone at oae- thirtu tn tlie OOSt. Baroda Diamonds in Solid Gold Bings stand arid test and expert examination. Wt guarantee them. See them first, then p*r < atalocuoFret*. Patent Ring Measure included for FIVE two-ceut stamps. THE BARODA - COMPANY Dept. 28. 230 North Suir liirwl, Uk<f« It* office* ere located on the seventh floor mi the Star Building, corner Twelfth and Olive street*, St. Louis, Mo. EGOME Are Ion Up-To-Date? If yon are a user of the ordinary steel pens, wouldn’t vou welcome a pen point that will write twenty times longer with one aip in the ink well? A pen tointof fine longer with one dip in the ink well? A pen rointof fine quality that won't blot, clog or corrode? If yon wish writing to be a pleasure, try our patent pens. 26c per dozen, or 13c for six, post-paid. J. T. FUREY & CO. *6922 Fifth Ave. Brooklyn, N. Y. Eam*25to*75aWeek I Teach You FREE ®v Watch Repairing « Mail give you a diploma after graduating by the Elmore System, and help you, as I have hundreds of others, to start a successful business of yonrown, raying from F-5-00 to STT.lD according to your capabilities. Act now — today, write me at once and be tho one in your neighborhood to get my 1701717 SCHOLARSHIP IN F i\LL WATCH REPAIRING This is one of the cleanest, easiest, most Interesting and most profitable professions in the world. Don’t work for small wages when you can master this artwithout a penny of expense for my instructions. By steady application yoa can graduate from my Watch Repairing College and be ready to start a shop of your own inside of three month*. All text iKXiks. diagrams, photo illustrated charts, etc., absolutely free. Don’t put off writing to mo for par- ticulars and Lesson 1 J . For a 2-eent stamp yoa can find out how to get a start in a good paying business. CHAS. F. ELMORE, Principal. Correspondence College of Watch Making Rogers, Thurman Sc Co., Props. 42 Michtgaa Are., Chop Digitized by

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f When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. "PAYAS - YOU GET PAID 50t .*2' A WEEK Same case, 18 size only, with 21 Jewel high-grade toocn Deu be r - Hampden movement, for u “ $4 down and one dollar a week. Or. this beautiful white perfect dia- mond set In 14- kt solid V2C()0 . , gold ring, (any style) A&CIltS $5 down and $1 a week, or double the iwanfD/4 amount every other week. ndlllxU Too may »eud flrat payment with order or ask us to ahi C. 0. I). 1st payment for examination. Illustrated Booklet 0-5 TRUK. .Send today. Address Olsjek 1*5 ) State St Chicago GET YOU A Heua Li a pci Button The official emblem of the 0. R. T. Is a Sounder surrounded by a wreath. They are now made up in the latest style with enamelled face and screw back, both in solid gold and rolled plate. It is the neatest thing of the kind ever produced. ?3.000ToiOOOO A Year IN THE REAL ESTATE BUSINESS We will teach you bv mall the Real Estate, General Broker- age, and Insurance Bu*ine*s, and appoint you SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE of the oldest and largest co-operative mil estate and broker age company in America. Representative* are maklngW.OOl Representatives arc making $.1,000 ly investment of capital. Excellent toSlO.OOOa year without any investment of capital. Excellent opportunities open to YU. By our system you can make money in a few weeks without interfering with your present occupation. Our co-operative department will give you more choice, sa lable property to bundle thanany other in- stitution in the world. A THOROLOH COMS^^IAL LAW COURSE FREE TO EACH RLPRtJ>LNTATI\ t. "Write for 6J page book free. TIIK CROSS COMPANY. 1 030 Reaper Block. Chicago. Ill Brooks’ New Cure BrooKs' Appliance. New discovery. Wonderful. No I ■ obnoxious springs or pads. ] L Automatic Air Cushions. Mi Binds and draws the broken parts tooether as you would^. a broken limb. No salves.l. ^ No lymphoL No lies. L)ur-| able', cheap. Pat. Sept. 10, *01 1 SENT ON TRIAL.! CATALOGUE FREE. » C, E. BROOKS, 5181 Brooks' Bldg. MARSHALL, MICH. YOU'RE A HAN “OPERATORS* BUTTON” Just like picture- 3 colors— Gold and Enamel $1 O') Celluloid Button like cut 50 Rates on lots of more than six or twelve. Give me your order now before someone beats you to it. They will sell like hot cakes. Address, L. S. McNUTT, Opr., Boone, lowa-0.R.T. Watch for mv new Solid Gold Tie Pin of small orH Sounder. Solid Gold Front $1 .00 Eaoh Rolled Gold Plato Front 50o Eaoh L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer. St, Louis. Mo. UNUSUAL OPPORTUNITY For all AGENTS and OPERATORS to learn the Stock and Grain Brokerage Business FREE and Hake e Bid Income on the Side and not interfere with your present position. Write THE STANDARD DRAIN CO. 032 to 034 Schofield Bldd., Cleveland, Ohio, ■eaters Ptlladetfhla Burst aid Tic CnielMitd Stack Exeteafe. Learn Watch Repairing lto » «»tch?n»k«r-— you can learn thla profitable trad* by sorrMpondeno. la a few week* la your own boro# by *• Itoitolm* Chart Byatom. Aftor yon oompl.to ts* eoorm you will know a watoh from A to S Y»a will kro» ‘cat what tba mattar la and bow to ; BROTHERS m ThU Fine Leather Card Ca*** wilbO. It T. monogrutn or your name on case. and 100 Bupcrllne cards for ladies or entlemen, script or old iuglish, with any one or two of the following devices: O. R. T. monogram, wreath and sounder, telegraph kev, re- lay. semaphore emblem. Brotherhood of Railway Clerks emblem. All for 76c. Just right for a Jkrtat- niat ProM-at. 100 cards without case. 40c. Cards printed in two colors witout extra charge. V Wedding Invitation* or Announcement*, the flnest KinU, with two sets of envelopes, S3.60for 100 $-.60 for 60, express prepaid. Patronize the fraternity. E. J. WILKINS, Friendship, N. T. Cert. 45, Dir. 42.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Comrades that make an engineer happy. That’s what you call good railroad- ing. The VERITAS Model Elgin is the watch specially designed to meet all conditions of railroading. Four other railroad Elgins in- terestingly described for railroad

Page 1024

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. PERMANENT VICTORY ■■ - - ~~ FROM I TEMPORARY DEFEAT No. 5. IN the first round of litigation over patents on the mechanical trans- mitter, the lower court has held that the MECOGRAPH transmitters No. 3 are infringements of Martin’s patent. We have appealed from that decision, and confidently expect to “land on top” when the appellate court renders its decision. The Coffe Mecograph was the first mechanical transmitter placed on the market. (By mechanical transmitter, is meant one not requiring a battery. ) The Mecograph was received with such marked favor and worked such a revolution in telegraphy that, naturally, various other mechanical transmitters sprang into existence. Our temporary defeat brought on a violent brain storm, resulting in MECOGRAPH No. 5, one in no way affected by the litigations above referred to. It eclipses everything else in the line of transmitters, even MECOGRAPH No. 3. It is the simplest, best made, most delightful transmitter an operator ever touched. BRAINS. SKILL AND TOOLS CAN PRODUCE NO BETTER Try it and you will be satisfied with no other. If to be sent C. O. D., the order must be accompanied by a remittance large enough to pay express charges both ways on a four-pound package, which remittance we will deduct from our C. O. D. bill. SE1ND FOR CIRCULAR PRICE $10 CASH; IN NEAT CARRYING CASE $1 EXTRA MECOGRAPH COMPANY 74 Frankfort St., CLEVELAND, OHIO, U. S. A. Digitized by t^ooQle

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BAKER’S COCOA Reglfltered. U. S. l*ut. Off. FIRST in Years! FIRST in Honors! FIRST on the Breakfast Tables of the World! HIGHEST AWARDS IN EUROPE AND AMERICA WALTER BAKER & CO., Ltd. [Established 1780] DORCHESTER, MASS. M rs£>] Everybody f M fjm> J wauts m. good 13 f M' / P*n. and you 1 j £ f mpm can suit every- V| I mfw body with a Water- SS W / mffjr man’s Ideal, made wa szf in a variety of exclii- ■ / £SW sire desigus, and with ■ f SrJ a wide range of gold pen I myw point*) to suit all writing; 1 jjpjr prices to please, so put it on 1 Jpj your list for all who write. S'yf Sold by bed dealer* everywhere. WjP next !»'»»« * J rr rti*er»*ea< fur jy GifU, IlltutratieaaaMt Price Lut / LE VVewtcrman Co.l73BrMtf«wJC ra SCHOOL ST. BOSTON 209 state sxdtias •*« ST. JAMES ST. MONTREAL 74* MARKET ST. SAM FRANCISCO •Z COLOEM SAME LONOON.CC. m: stcusa m; ■ arrc aieKmet ^lim^inPen #prob- / , lems- a M 4’//k vose s^PIANOS®*^ \ Established in Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-One T« The Unvarying Superiority of Vose ^ quality, maintained for more than half jjf a century, has made vose piano# 3 Impregnable in their A Musical Supremacy £ V £ By oor easy payment plan, every family in mod- A crate circumstances can own a VOSe piano. We allow a liberal price for old instruments in ** exchange, and deliver the piano in your house r free of expense You can deal with r ua at a distant point the same as in Boston. Q Send for Catalogue and full information. W vose & SONS PIANO CO. £ 1 6 1 Boylston Street, Boston, Mass. & MENNENS BORATED TALCUM ITOILET POWDER and insist that vour ■ V barber use it also. It u ■P« Antlaept c, and will WM prevent any of the ■ML skin diseases often contracted. ^ A positive relief for Chapped hands, Chaf- Ing .and all afflictions of the skin. Removes all odor ot per- spiration. Get Mennen’s— theoriginal. Fut up in non-refillable boxes, * the Bo* that Lox.*' Sold everywhere or mailed for 35 cents. S mpie fr,e . (Guaranteed under the Food and tfrugs Act, J une 30, 1906. Serial No. 154a Try Mermen's J'Vp/e/fBorated) falcutn Gerhard Mennen Co., Newark, NJ.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. A Clear Track for New Model Oliver “No. 5” The wonderful new Oliver Model “No. 5” is humming down the track of Popularity. The clumsy, complicated, “blind’ * and antiquated typewriters are hugging the sidings. “No. 5” has the right of way be- cause it’s the best machine that ever came down the line. O. R. T. men everywhere greet the New Model “No. 5” with tremendous enthusiasm. They like its looks and its smooth, easy-running qualities — its speed and its perfect work. They like it because of its noise- lessness—it doesn’t drown the sounder. They like its new Balance Shift, its new Disappearing Indicator, its new Ruling Device, its new Non -Vibrating Base.* They like the cut of its new Steel Coat, that keeps its working parts free from dust. They like its Automatic Spacer, which leaves the “key” hand free. They like its Visible Writing and its many other Time-and- Labor-Saving Features. Thousands of “the boys” are using 18* — - __ OLIVER Typ«*rlttr You can’t help liking the Oliver when you see how easy it runs and how it reels off the work. If you are pounding away on an old-style machine, it’s because you never tried the OLIVER. You can buy a brand new, up-to-the-minute Oliver “No. 5“ on little monthly payments— not a cent more than you would pay if you rented a new machine. The Oliver is easy to pay for, easy to understand, easy to operate, easy to keep in order. Write for the Oliver Book, and mention in your letter that you are a member of the O. R. T. Address The Oliver Typewiter Company 55 Oliver Typewriter Building, Chicago Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. STATEMENT OF CONDITION OF Hibernian Banking Association -CHICAGO— - ~ Before the Commencement of Business Nov. 19. 1907 Resources Time Loans $13,142,875.83 Overdrafts 4, 522. 47 Real Estate and Fixtures.’ 120,007.35 Bonds and Securities $2,592,757.54 Demand Loans 2,661,128.84 Cash and Exchange 5,525,179.92 10,779,066.30 $24,046,471.95 Liabilities Capital Stock... $ 1,500,000.00 Undivided Profits 1,079,348.12 Demand Deposits $ 3,312,742.07 Time Deposits 18,154,381.76 21,467,123.83 $24046>47195 JOHN V. CLARKE., President. JOHN W. MACGEAGH. Cashier. Deposits of One Dollar or more received, on which interest is allowed at the rate of three per cent per annum, compounded half- yearly. Our Savings Department is open Saturday Nights from six to eight o’clock. We respectfully solicit your patronage. We will gladly send you full particulars on “How to Start a Savings Account by Mail.” Write today. Special Notice All deposits made in our savings department on or before the 10th of January will draw interest from January 1st. THE HIBERNIAN BANK S. E. Corner Monroe and Clark Sis. CHICAGO, ILL. Digitized by Google

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.SPEED GETS THERE SPEEDY TYPEWRITERS EARN BIG SALARIES I GET SPEED I AND THE SALARY IS SURE "ii TYPEWRITER SPEED MEANS MORE MONEY FOR YOU Send for our free book today and make your ftart toward better wage*. Learn how to u«e your machine in the best and fattest way ; learn to write without ever looking at the keyt— In the dark Jutt as well as in the light— all at the speed of an expert. Learn to take messages from the wire as fast as any one can tend them, and do your work with accuracy and ease. THE BOOK IS FREE Its <2 1 pages are full of valuable helps for the typewriter °Ser" h°w high speed is gained; how errors may be ... ** **»*ii^u j Iiww irrvrn may ue prevented; what kind of practice work is best; how you can master fast touch writing in your spare moments and make yourself an expert operator. Sim pi v tell us what machine you use and the book will be sent free. THE TILIOSS SCHOOL OF TOUCH TTPEWKITW 215 College Hill. SPRINGFIELD. O. and up Slightly Used Typewriters At Less Than Half Price Thousands of machines, all loading makes, In use only long enough to Insure smooth running adjustment. 910 to #55. We are the largest handlors of slightly-used typewriters in the world and offer guaranteed rare bar- gains such as no other houso can approach . 500 Smith Premiers at Special Prices. Machines shipped for your examination and approval to any point in United States //V rent all makes of machines at $j a month and up. r* ¥7 Scn 1 ^ay for PUr blr catalog list of rare r* rV.fl. t.Tpewritcr bargains. Don't buy until you see it. Special offer to agents ROCKWELL - BARNES COMPANY, 1101 Baldwin Bldg., Chicago, 111. [JK wmm *3/ ‘The shot that «(1l We 111 you perfectly end save 70a the job- ber’s end reteller’s profile. The sole of e Reliance shoe is made of oak tanned leather, tough and durable and costs as mnch as the sole of any G8.00 shoe. Every piece of leather in every Reliance shoe is up to the seme high standard. in every Keltanee shoe is up to the seme high standard. The workmanship is the product of the most skilled shoemakers. Reli- ance shoes are made on custom lasts and handsomely finished. In wear, shape-retaining qnalities. foot com- .. . fort and style, we guarantee the Re- liance equal to any 96.00 retail shoe made. The grace- ful curve at the heel prevent* slipping up and down. the narrow shank properly supports the weight and gives the foot absolute comfort. If you'll investi- gate Reliance shoes, you’ll wear no other make. We fnlly satisfy you in every way or return your money. \Vnte for onr Free style-book and measurement , . Reliance Rhoes are delivered, charges pre- paid, $3.(5. All Reliance Shoe* Bear tha Union Stamp. RELIANCE SHOE COMPANY, Box 9. Friendship, N. Y. Gold Lacpered Plated Hud Bob- ber Koobs. Cut above shows full size SOUVENIR WATCH CHARM KEY A Perfect Wertdeg Hotel ef tH Staoferi Bieiell Legless Koj. BY BEGIBTEBED MAIL, 01.50 J. H. BUNNELL A CO., 4) Itanfaetm of Nfek-Srsfe TahmH Appanta. SO Park Place, NEW YOB B Our New Catalogue IS Z Sent on Application. Digitized by Goog

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. A GOOD SMOKE For Operators The O. R. T. cigar is the befl cigar on the market Q I guarantee this cigar to be made from the very be& Havana tobacco; give it a trial and see for yourself. Q Medium size packed in boxes of fifty cigars each, mailed to any poft* office in die United States or Canada. One box Sc cigars - • $2.35 One box 10c cigars - $4.20 €J Club of 1 9 boxes will be given one box free of charge. Q Express or postoffice money- order must accompany order. Address Department C» R. H. Hays, Milstead, Ala. 7s THIS the letter of YOUR line ? PAOB Accountants 8 Advertisement Writers 17 1 Architects 13 Artists 4 All Pencil Users 1-32 Jfo matter what you do, there’s a right Lead Pencil /or your Work Dixon's Pencil Guide describes it by name and number so you can get it anywhere. The Guide is alphabeti- cally indexed by vocations. Find your page and your pencil is before you. Th$ book is free. If your dealer doesn't keep Dixon ’• Pencils, eend 16 cents for samples, worth double the money. Dept. S. Joseph Dixon Crucible Co., Jersey City, N J. UNDERSTAND BROTHER UNIONIST That the best made shoes — the shoes made under the best manufacturing conditions — the shoes that best stand wear — bear the Union Stamp, as shown herewith. Ask your dealer for Union Stamp Shoes, and if he can not supply you write BOOT AND SHOE WORKEES’ EXIOIf 246 Summer Street, BOSTON, MASS. $00T & iS//^ WORKERS UNION unionism? Tactory No. Multiply This in Yourneaq Wouldn't vou like to be able to figure this an yourself and your employer, to hold the whip-hand In financial transactions. t < make vour wors easy and Interesting instead of tiresome, you should write f. r this book at once. It will cost you nothing but the trouble of asking for it. A postal will bring it to your very door. It may cost you a good position or a valuable proiucSlon to neglect this opportunity. Write lor It to-day before you forget it. Address 73C, COM’l BUILDING, ROCHESTER, N. Y. COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS, Digitized by V google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Cat Hauled on the Carpet In other words, called up for “official investigation.” Neglect and carelessness may be the charge. No railroad man is anxious for such an interview; it9s usually costly. Same with your health. Nature sometimes calls you up with a round turn. Same charge — neglect and carelessness; didn’t remember SCOTT’S EMULSION. Had a slight cold and let it run. Got worse and lost several days time perhaps. That means something to a working man and his family. Scott 9s Emulsion would have stopped the trouble right at the start. Perhaps you’ll see the ad- vantage of remembering Scott 9 s Emulsion . Same rule holds good with any winter ailment — weak lungs, loss of flesh, poor blood. ALL DRUGGISTS; 50c. AND $1.00. General Physical Weakness When the brain becomes fatigued and dull, the nerves irritable and unstrung, or the digestion and appetite impaired, it will almost always be found that the body is deficient in the natural phos- phates. HORSFORD’S Acid Phosphate A scientific and carefully pre- pared preparation of the phos- phates, restores to the system the deficient elements so essential to sound bodily health. An idnal Tenie in Norvout Disorders If your druggist can’t supply you, send 25 cents to Rumporo Chemical Works, Provi- dence, R. 1., for sample bottle, postage paid. Let ut send you TT'afcA or Bing upon terms indi- cated. Remit first payment with order or have goode shipped for inspection C. 0. D. first payment. I x. L * Catalog Free h -*arat commercial white perfect diamond net In ti- ll t. solid gold A A A mounting $dU«UU Ask For No. P—7 •& cash and tS per month. Gents’ 0. F. IS, 16 or 18 (dee or ladles' 6 size plain or beautifully engraved 20- yeur, li-kt. gold-filled case fitted with genuine new Elgin or ... _ Waltham OflO CA movement. $lfcs9U With hunting case, tlS.TR. 12.00 cash 6c ti.&Oper month. Herbert L. Josephs Co Diamond Importers :: Watch Jobber.* ^ 217-219[ P—7 I State Stmt. Chicago

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fgt» THE RAILROAD ^ m TELEGBAPHEB6® Published Monthly by the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. L. W. QUICK * Ed’tor and Manager. Entered at the Post-Office at St. Louis, Mo., as Second-Class Matter. Subscription Price • - $1.00 Per Year Vol. XXIV. DECEMBER, 1907. No. 12. IMPORTANT NOTICE. MEMBERS of the Mutual Benefit Department are again urged to pay their assessments promptly when due, in order to be in good standing at all times. During the last month three deaths have been reported of members who allowed themselves to become delinquent in the Mutual Benefit Department, shortly before their death, and in each case they left large families in very poor financial circumstances. The attention of certificate holders is also called to the fact that no remittances can be accepted from them after the expiration of the sixty-day time limit for the payment of an assessment that has expired, unless such remittance is accompanied by an assessment slip for the first month for which they are delinquent properly signed. Where a re- mittance is received from a member of the Mutual Benefit Department who has al- lowed himself to become more than sixty days delinquent for an assessment, and where such remittance is unaccompanied by an assessment slip properly signed, such remittance will be returned to the remitter, which action is made necessary by a deci- sion recently rendered by the Court of Ap- peals of Missouri, in a case wherein a bene- ficial society, similar to the Mutual Benefit Department, was concerned. THE BOND QUESTION. IN the September number of The Teleg- rapher, the Editor suggested that the only solution of the bond question, which has been a subject of discussion for the last fifteen years, seemed to be the for- mation of a bonding company, to be owned and controlled by members of the Order. In the October and November numbers, the opinions of many prominent members were given, all favoring the suggestion. Since then innumerable communications have been received from members in all sections of the country, heartily indorsing the plan, and Tequesting that prompt action be taken for putting it into effect. Digitized by Google

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1952 The Railroad Telegrapher. Since then hundreds of additional com- munications have been received on the sub- ject, all indorsing the proposed plan. It is not possible to publish extracts from all of these, therefore, the following expressions on the subject are taken from among those received : By the general chairman of a large system division in Texas: “Referring to your proposition regarding the bond question, I have* read the article and given it quite a bit of thought, and am free to say that I indorse the plan fully, as presented, and have no suggestions of any consequence to offer as an improvement on the plan outlined by you. I will take some stock and believe nearly all our members will do likewise. The telegraphers certainly need some relief in this direction, and I can not but believe that they will be eager to hasten its organization, and the opening of the company for business.” By another prominent general chairman in the South : “At several meetings, held on the system at different places, it has been unanimously voted in favor of handling the bond question as outlined in your article in the journal. There can be a good many shares placed along this line.” By Cert. 874, Div. 2: “Believe that the bond proposition, which you suggested in the September Telegra- pher, is another fine thing, and is one which I will support. Hope to see the voting blank in an early issue of our dear book.” By Cert. 373, Div. 8: “The plan proposed in the September Telegrapher for forming a bonding com- pany is a first-class one, and should also prove a first-class investment. There should be no trouble in getting members to sub- scribe for the stock.” By Cert. 153, Div. 21 : “Regarding the bond question, discussed in the last few issues of our journal, I think this would be a very fine thing to get started, and as soon as you can get it started I will take my share of stock.” By Cert. 1162, Div. 23: “We should have a bond company of our own. An O. R. T. bond company wfculd be just as safe for the railroad and express companies, and would be a great deal better for us. When we pay for a bond we should, at least, have a right to pick out the one we want.” By Cert. 1005, Div. 31 : “With reference to the bond question, the plan, as outlined by yourself, is heartily in- dorsed by me, and should be by the entire membership. Depend on me as one who will subscribe for at least ten shares.” By Cert. 804, Div. 31 : “I note the items in the journal about the bond question, and wish to say that I am very much in favor of the O. R. T. organ- izing a bond company of its own, and will take as much stock in the company as will be allowed one party.” By Cert. 1766, Div. 31 : “The suggestions made by the Editor in these columns in the September issue. I be- lieve to be the only solution of the bond question. Wake up, boys, and let’s organize a bond company of our own. I will take two shares of stock, and more if necessary- Let’s talk less and do more.” By Cert. 343, Div. 32: “I also wish to add that I heartily indorse the plan for our own bond company, and will be glad to take a share or two, and more if necessary, if the plan is carried out. There has been two of our boys let out at this point in the past year on account of their bonds being cancelled, and neither of them are able to learn why they were can- celled. It seems the surety companies of today are prosperous, and I can see no rea- son why we can not organize a company, and let the premium pay the expenses, and a neat dividend to all who hold shares. All of the boys are in favor of doing this, and I believe a vote should be taken.” By Cert. 51, Div. 34: “I am heartily in favor of forming a bond company in our Order, and will do all I can to support it.” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1953 By Cert. 759, Div. 40: “Regarding the proposed bond company, advocated largely by the membership, I am heartily in favor of such a movement, and will subscribe as largely as my means will permit, and equal to any other member. I think, like the M. B. D. Department, it should be a distinct entity, yet an integral part of the Order. The capital should and could easily be $1,000,000, paid up, which could pay a fair dividend. I wish the pres- ent movement all success.” By Cert. 760, Div. 40: “Hjurrah for the bond question. Keep it going. We must have some relief on this question, and I, for one, am willing to do anything to help bring about this relief. I have been talking on this subject to every member I have met, and they are all in favor of it.” By Cert. 1556, Div. 53 : “Having read the article in the September number, regarding the organization of a bond company for the mutual protection of members of the O. R. T., I wish to state that I left the telegraph service six months ago because of discrimination of a tyranni- cal bond company, and I heartily indorse your plan. I will do all I can in this sec- tion to stimulate interest in the coming vote, and will want some of the stock, when is- sued. I believe this to be a step in the right direction (only delayed too long), and it will, undoubtedly, eliminate a goodly por- tion of the craft called ‘boomers.’ ” By Certs. 1810 and 1994, Div. 53, and Cert. 1039, Div. 54: “Please consider us as hearty advocates of the proposition on the bond question. It should be voted upon as soon as possible, that our decision may be made, and action had by March, 1908.” By Cert. 2183, Div. 53 : “I am in favor of forming a bond com- pany for members of our Order, on the basis of line in the September Telegrapher. While I am not in need of this myself, yet I think it excellent for other brothers, who have suffered unjust treatment, and I will be glad to take a number of shares, and do all I can to support such a move. Am in favor of making the capital more than $250,- 000; anything up to a million.” By Cert. 1670, Div. 59: “I wish to say that I am heartily in favor of an O. R. T. bond company, and will take $50 to $100 worth of the stock, if it is or- ganized.” By Cert. 280, Div. 76: “I wish to put my vote in in favor of the bond company.” By Cert. 835, Div. 76: “Referring to the bond question now be- ing so thoroughly discussed in The Teleg- rapher, I heartily approve of the Order organizing one, as described in the September issue, and try to eliminate the present black- listing system.” \ By Cert. 1452, Div. 76: “I think your idea of organizing a bond company is a good one, and think it should be done at once, and then not stop until we have an O. R. T. bank, and also a telegra- phers’ telegraph company, but, first of all, finish the bond company, and then take up the next most important one, and carry it through, and then go back and get another ; in this way, with the co-operation of all members, we could soon be the strongest union in existence.” By Certs. 6 and 90, Div. 80: “Referring to the bond question, we are in favor of the Order of Railroad Telegra- phers having a bond company of their own-” By Cert. 2097, Div. 93: “Having read your article in regard to the bond question in the October journal, can say, I heartily indorse your plan, and will take fifteen or twenty shares, and am in favor of bonding only members of the Order. Anything I can do to help this along will most gladly do it.” By Cert. 13, Div. 97: “I am with you on the bond question, and will take at least one share of stock.” By Cert. 22, Div. hi: “I have read with considerable interest the articles on the bond question, and I Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1954 The Railroad Telegrapher. favor your plan entirely. By all means put it up to the members, in the shape of a vote, and then get down to organization. My theory would be to operate it from St. Louis general offices, same as the Insurance Department is. Once get it incorporated, and our Order becomes invincible. Let's have it, Bro. Quick, and I speak for five or ten shares. Limit the shareholders to mem- bers of the O. R. T.” By Cert. 8, Div. 121 : “Would just like to say that I consider your bond plan O. K., and you can count on me, if the plan is adopted, for a few shares. It’s a good thing, push it along.” By Certs. 129, 599 and 751, Div. 6: “We want an O. R. T. bond company, an eight-hour day, and a general increase of at least 10 per cent.” By Cert. 1930, Div. 130: “I think the plan, as outlined by you on the bond question, a good one. I can see no reason why this should not be a success in every way, and it would aid materially in strengthening the organization. I hope you will be able to put the matter through.” By Cert. 60, Div. 137-: “In regard to the bond question, I wish to say that I am heartily in favor of it, and will guarantee to invest $20 at the start and more later, if necessary.” By Cert. 631, Div. 138: “I am in favor of Bro. Quick’s bond plan, and see no reason why all members should not joifi in such a plan. I would be in favor of bonding only O. R. T. members in good standing.” By Cert. 2069, Grand Division: “I am heartily in favor of the bond plan, as outlined by you in September issue of The Telegrapher: By Cert. 3899, Grand Division: “When the subscription list is ready in January, I will take ten shares, and, more than likely, will take twenty shares. If the ones that are able will take more than one share, this will make up for the ones who do not take any. I expect to get some large subscribers by the time it comes to .a test, so as to do some good. I have never had my bond questioned, and hope I never will, but I believe this a great thing for our Order, and it will settle one thing that has been talked of a long time. I feel that if we will all go to work, and do our part, we will have no trouble in raising plenty of money to back it up.” By Cert. 4819, Grand Division: “About the bond question, would like to say that I am very much in favor of an 0. R. T. bond company for the purpose of bonding O. R. T. men only, and also for the stock to be held by O. R. T. men only.” By Cert. 3415, Grand Division: “I have read the various articles on the bond question, and want to say that I be- lieve the O. R. T. should have a bond com- pany.” From communications received from other than members, it would seem that in- terest is being taken in this matter by other than telegraphers. An Editor of a prom- inent periodical, in a communication to the Editor of The Telegrapher, made the fol- lowing reference to this subject: “That bond proposition is splendid.” In the January number of The Telegra- pher will be published a comprehensive plan of what is necessary in order to organize the proposed company, and in the same is- sue will be published a blank, in order that the members may take action on this propo- sition. THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR CONVENTION. THE twenty-seventh annual conven- tion of the American Federation of Labor, that great federation of labor organizations, was called to order at 11 a. m. Monday, November nth, in the Auditorium of the Jamestown Exposition, Norfolk, Virginia, with 356 delegates pres- ent, representing 86 international and na- tional unions/ 29 State branches, 933 central bodies, 26 local trade and federal unions, and 5 fraternal delegates, with President Gompers in the chair. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1955 Several addresses of welcome were de- livered by prominent speakers, among others being that of Hon. Claude A. Swanson, Governor of Virginia, who delivered a most interesting and instructive address. He spoke as follows : “Mr. President and members of the American Federation of Labor, Ladies and Gentlemen — I feel highly complimented in being allowed the privilege and honor of addressing such an assemblage as this. Now, you have been welcomed by every- body in Virginia, the mayors, the laboring man, the capitalists, but I extend to you' a warm, loving welcome on behalf of the great toiling masses of Virginia, who are glad to see you here in our midst. Before I welcome you as an organization, I want to welcome your distinguished officers to Virginia, for I feel a pride in having your president and your- splendid secretary here in this State. I was in Congress for years, and I wish to pay this tribute to these two splendid officials of the American Federa- tion of Labor. They have been patriotic, unselfish, and have served the organization actively and untiringly. I am glad to have this opportunity as a member of Congress to pay this tribute to them, and also as Governor of Virginia, to say they have been to see me whenever labor had any rights to be maintained or wrongs to be re- dressed in this State. I could not have any peace, I was chased up and down, from committee room to lobby by your president and secretary, if a bill affecting labor was pending — and they always got me. “I also want to extend a cordial welcome to this splendid organization. If there is any body of people that has done a great deal for the uplifting of America, for the building of American institutions, for the honor and credit of America abroad and at home, it is the American Federation of Labor. I pass down the streets of a city every day, and I see beautiful, gladsome lit- tle girls going to school. When I look at them I think of the homes they will some day preside over, of the future Americans who will cluster around them, and realize that the fact that they are going to school, instead of working in factories is due to the American Federation of Labor. (Applause.) When I pass one of those sweet little flaxen- haired girls I give a tribute of gratitude and approval to the institution that brought these great blessings to her, and to America, and to humanity. I go to the laboring man’s home — and I have been there, I am one of them — when I go to that home and find comforts, when I find leisure on the part of the man to talk to his family, and keep in touch with his children, when I find the hours of labor are limited so that he can get some pleasure in life, I give the credit to this great organization. Indeed, I go fur- ther, I think of the great future of this country, the home of the greatest race the world has even seen, the amalgamation of all the victorious white races met here. The Anglo-Saxon, the Scotch, the Jew, the Irish, the Dutch, all are met here and blended into one great race, the American, the greatest and noblest race of all time, that holds in its hand the destinies of the world. The races we descended from were great races. I know the organization and the people, who have stood as a barrier against the greed of capital, and refused to have an infusion of Oriental blood in America, are right. You have built, not only for yourselves, not only because you did not want competition in labor, but you have been broad enough to build America for future generations. Surely an organization that could do this, an or- ganization that is broad enough, and patri- otic enough to build American institutions, not for the day, but for the future, is enti- tled to a cordial, warm, loving welcome at the birth-day party given for the celebration of the foundation of this great nation. I extend to you the high seat in the synagogue here today. Take possession of it. “There has been a great deal of complaint about the demands of labor. I was in Con- gress for many years, and I have been Gov- ernor of Virginia for two years, and it has been very rarely that they have come to me with demands that were not just. Sometimes they have ; for I have had labor- ing men come to me with demands that were not just, not the organizations, but the members, and I have had the courage to refuse them when they were not right; but nine times out of ten when the organiza- tions made demands they were just. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1956 The Railroad Telegrapher. “My friends, what makes America great? It is not the vast fortunes piled up here and there; it is not the great millionaires, not the great statesmen, speakers and soldiers; it is the myriad of happy homes dotting the hills and valleys, whose inmates are blessed with refinement and education. They are greater than all the armies and navies, and splendors, and wealth of the world. And America is builded that way. The settle- ment here at Jamestown three centuries ago, marked the beginning of a great social revolution. Up to that time, caste, the priv- illegal classes, and the aristocracy ruled the world. Labor was servile, and to admit you were a laboring man was to admit you were a slave of some feudal lord, some king or some aristocrat. But in the forests of America, humanity made for it- self a new existence. Privilege, caste, aris- tocracy had no power in the wilderness. What was needed was ability to fight sav- ages, to build homes, and construct bridges and roads, courage and achievement became the password of success. The idle and list- less drone, however high his station or blue his blood, had no place in the forests of America, and disappeared. Enterprise, la- bor, achievement, gave dignity to manhood, and every city and commonwealth in Amer- ica has been built upon it. “This great social revolution in America has circumnavigated the globe. It has gone to Great Britain, and the great power in that country today is not the aris- tocracy, but the working class. It re- generated France, and brought life and liberty and change to an oppressed and down-trodden people. It emancipated the serfs of Russia. This great doctrine of what a man is, not what his father was, emanated from America; it was founded here at Jamestown, and has circumnavigated the globe, and is the harbinger of great rev- olutions yet to come for the relief for down- trodden humanity. Here was first taught to humanity the dignity of labor, and he has today more honor, more power, and more profit than the listless dude who does noth- ing but spend the accumulations of a father or former ancestor. And we will cling to these ideals. We do not want fortunes in America piled up like snow in a storm. When I was a country boy I used to go out and see the snow piled up in great heaps by the wind, while out in the fields were spaces bare and without snow. America does not want such conditions. We want the great accumulations of wealth in Amer- ica justly and fairly distributed between labor and the employers of labor. You can not get rich by legislation. You can take a sorry, trifling member of the American Federation of Labor, let him sit here in Nor- folk on a dry goods box and chew tobacco and spit, and Abraham Lincoln might be President, all the statesmen the world might ever furnish could control the destinies of this nation, and that man will have nothing to eat at home, and nobody to credit him. Labor must produce wealth; there is no wealth except that produced by labor. Gov- ernments can not create wealth, but they can distribute it when once created. I am not going to make a political speech, don’t be uneasy. “What is honest government? Honest government is one that will take the toil and sweat of one man, and let it stay in the pockets of the man that produced the wealth. Dishonest government is the one that will take the sweat and toil of one man and put it into the pockets of another; that will take the earnings of labor, and put it into the pockets of the man who did not produce it. Edmund Burke, one of the greatest states- men that ever lived, said that when a bill came before him his first question was whether it left the wealth stay in the pocket of the man who produced it. An honest public man is a public man who will not unite with the laboring man to rob a rich man, or assist the rich man by any system of legislation to rob the laboring man. This is the great principle that should animate this organization. Work for the nation, work for the flag, and when you do that you will work for yourselves, because the great glory of America is inseparably wound up in the government. As long as the masses of the people are honest, as long as they can have sweet homes, unmort- gaged, as long as they can spend hours with their children, and in educating themselves, the future of America is assured, and her past glories are but a prelude to greater Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1957 power, greater glory, and greater achieve- ment. “We have made a wonderful progress in three centuries. The settlement of Vir- ginia was peculiar. Among the 107 men who came here were three bricklayers, three carpenters and one barber. The rest of them were gentlemen who never did any work. The greatest man who ever lived at that time was John Smith, and he said to these gentlemen, “No work, no food,” and the sons of these dukes and lords went out and cut down trees, and soon began to vie with one another to see who could cut down the most. He taught these men of gentle blood the lesson that labor gives dignity, that labor gives position. This principle was established here three centuries ago, and it has been the principle of the country ever since; by the sweat of your brow shall you earn your bread. “The pioneer, as he advanced across the continent, constructed with his log cabin the log church, and the log school house. We give more money today for schools, we have education more generally diffused than any country in the world, and we propose that this great system of education shall continue to be invigorated and strengthened until there is not a child in the country who has not the blessing of a splendid educa- tion. “Whether by a laboring man or a public man, whether in the higher walks of life or the humbler ones, let us be true to our calling and our country; let us feel as our fathers felt, that public honor is private honor, that public disgrace is private dis- grace, that public success is private success- Let us put that principle above money, and carry this great country to that goal which God and opportunity has pointed out to us. (Applause.)” Among the other speakers was Hon. H. St. George Tucker, President of the James- town Exposition, who spoke, in part, as follows : “Mr. President and Brothers of the American Federation of Labor: — It gives me great pleasure as President of the Jamestown Exposition, to welcome to its gates your great body. All expositions should have some great distinctive object in view. Our Exposition has been chiefly historical ; but we have sought to emphasize certain things in the building and running of this exposition to be signalized as differ- ent from anything else that has occurred in the country. We count ourselves happy in having in the celebration of the Jamestown Exposition signalized one great fact, that it is the only exposition ever builded in Amer- ica by union labor. We have demonstrated to the world that capital and labor can work harmoniously together. “I take special pride in the position which I occupy in this Exposition in being able to point to the world the one great achieve- ment made on the soil of Old Virginia — the unity of capital and labor in this great un- dertaking. You know Old Virginia is al- ways first in everything. She is like the Irishman, first at a frolic, a fight or a fun- eral. Mighty good qualities. We fight sometimes down here when some people think we ought not to fight, and we are sometimes called rebels. Some people don’t like the word rebel — I like it. The man or the people that has not the starch to rebel against wrong or oppression is unworthy of freedom. “My simple province is to bid you wel- come. I want you to see this Exposition. It has had a great deal of knocking besides what the carpenters have put on it; it has had a great deal of hammering besides what has been done on these anvils; but I want you to go and look at it, to go through the beautiful w'alks and buildings, and then when you leave these grounds, say whether or not this Exposition is not worthy of the great event which it celebrates, worthy of our great people and worthy of Old Vir- ginia. Some people ask me whether we are going to pay out, and say : ‘Your Exposi- tion is not a success, is it? You are not going to pay out.’ Some people have an idea that you can not have anything that is a success unless there is a little money in. Did you ever hear anybody ask the ques- tion whether Abraham Lincoln died rich or poor? “I bid you God-speed in your work. I trust your session may be a pleasant and a profitable one, and that when you leave Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1958 The Railroad Telegrapher. these shores you will say it was good for us to have met together in Jamestown in that Exposition builded by union labor and car- ried through without controversy by them.” President Gompers, on behalf of the con- vention, responded to the various addresses of welcome. He spoke, in part, as follows : “I am sure that no one could have been within hearing distance of the magnificent addresses that have been delivered to us this morning without being impressed so deeply by them as to make that impression last so long as life shall remain. And for a moment I was transported back a third of a century, and it seemed to me I could see again the doors of decent society closed against the men who had the intelligence and the courage to face antagonism, bitter- ness and prejudice, the men who had the courage to associate themselves with the few in the labor movement who proclaimed the rights of labor, and who pledged them- selves and their lives to the task of trying to bring about the knowledge and concep- tion among the toilers of our country that unity was essential to their common uplift. (Applause.) In those days, to speak in the language of today, the men who spoke of united labor were regarded as having had a ‘brainstorm.* Passing through the years since, aye, and looking farther back into the days when men not only had their fore- heads branded with red-hot irons to desig- nate their contumacy against their masters but to the jails and to the gibbets, we find ourselves here in grand Old Virginia today with a transformation that has not only honored labor but in return honors the in- telligence of the men who have come here and welcomed us in their presence and in their speech. No man can speak of that wonderful progress without feeling some exultation that the day of -real freedom is near at hand, or that its coming events are casting their shadows before or that there is a ray of sunlight that is peering into the homes and lives of the working people of our country and of our time the world over and that justice and liberty in their truest and best acceptance will reign among the people of the earth. “I am always proud to be in Virginia ; its history is so interesting, its influence is so great, and its men have done so much. They have coined language that has had a magical effect upon the destinies of man- kind. No man can read with unmoved emotions the declaration of the immortal Patrick Henry, who preferred, in the last analysis, death rather than the loss of free- dom. (Applause.) No man can read the declarations of Thomas Jefferson without feeling that he lived for his fellowmen. No man can read and study and think over the wonderful declarations made in the three conventions in which was done the founda- tion work for the principles enunciated in that famous document, the Declaration of Independence. We know Virginia as the mother of presidents, the mother of states- men, and the mother of States. Virginia has given us glorious men and glorious peo- ple, and when the time came for a contest for that which her people believed to be right, no matter how much we may differ with them as to the merits of it, no one will dispute either the mental capacity or the physical courage of any of them. (Ap- plause.) And I venture this prediction, that when any grave crisis shall arise in the affairs of our country or our people, Vir- ginia will make good her quota of all that may be essential to the progress or the pro- tection of our rights. And I want to say that this does not apply to Virginia alone, nor are my words intended to be flattery; they are simply a far just estimation of the make-up of Virginia’s people, but apply also to all our people. “Now a word in reference to this great Exposition. I very well remember one of the earliest expositions of the whole world, somewhere in the neighborhood of i860, held in England. Workingmen were per- mitted to go to that exposition occasionally, and workingmen’s children were allowed to go semi-occasionally. I remember the growth of the several expositions held in various places, and they show a continued and marked progress. In one place I saw an exposition being arranged in which con- tract convict labor entered, and because I criticized that I do not think my stay in the town was prolonged with the consent or encouragement of those who were in charge of the management of the exposition. We Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1959 saw a large measure of recognition in the exposition in Chicago, a little better recog- nition in San Francisco, in Omaha, in Buf- falo, in St. Louis, but it remained for the great Jamestown Exposition management to have all this grand work of genius that existed in the minds of the projectors trans- formed into actualities by the brain and brawn of American organized labor. (Ap- plause.) And it was the great concern, both of the management of the Exposition and of organized labor, that there should not occur one hitch on which opponents and critics might find a peg on w'hich to hang their criticism. You may go through the grounds and view the buildings from the exterior and the interior, and you will see that they are so artistically constructed as to make a deep impression upon the minds of all who visit the Exposition. They are a credit to everyone who had anything to do with their designing and construction, and the pity of it all is that the Exposition will soon have to be closed, perhaps not to be reopened. “Today the only people, if there be any, deprived of any rights; the only people, if there be any, upon whom tyranny and wrong and injustice are imposed, are the men and women of labor. It is the last estate in the development of human prog- ress upon which injustice will be practiced. But we have made great progress, and we propose to make still more. If ever a move- ment has been established whose influence extends far beyond its own membership, that movement is the much-abused organ- ized labor movement, for it consists of such elements that its members can not do any- thing for themselves that has not a corre- sponding influence upon every other work- ing man, particularly, and generally upon all the people. I know of no organization that make so little pretense of patriotism, but in which true patriotism prevails to such a large extent as in organized labor. We want peace; we love peace and we are working for peace, and in the proportion our working people are better organized, in that degree will we secure peace. But we are not supine, we are not driveling cyco- phants; we know our rights — or we think we do, and that is just as good — and we are going to stand for them. “I believe that industrial peace is essen- tial to our progress, almost as essential as is air to lung-bYeathing animals; but the time is passed when the possessors of wealth, the employers of labor who con- sider themselves masters, can look down upon the laboring man who stoops with bent shoulders and accepts the order of the mas- ter. Labor today stands erect looking the whole world in the face, insisting upon equal treatment and equal opportunity, and resents any attempt at injustice or wrong.” President Gompers rendered a very ex- haustive report to the convention, touching generally upon the various matters of im- portance now before the laboring world, in his usual able manner. The following is taken from his report : “Fellow Trade Unionists: In obedience to the requirements of our laws, I submit to you a report upon some of the more im- portant matters which have transpired since our last convention. In it occurs such sug- gestions and recommendations which, to my mind, should receive your earnest consider- ation and action. Of course, you will appre- ciate the fact that it is impossible in an annual report, such as this, to deal with the multifarious questions which have trans- pired, and the action taken thereon during the entire year. In the preparation of the tentative report for the consideration of the Executive Council, I have endeavored to have it include the more detailed transac- tions in connection with our movements for the past year. Nor therein is it possible to enumerate, much less comprehensively re- port, upon the thousand and one matters of importance, perhaps of equal importance, to those incorporated in the report. Indeed, though in these reports, and in the Ameri- can Federationist, I endeavor to publish much of the thought, and many of the trans- actions in connection with our real move- ment, the real history exists in the archives of our offices, and in the memories of men. It awaits the coming of the man who will record and interpret for all time the great struggles made, the prejudice, the ignorance, the bigotry, the selfishness with which labor Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1960 The Railroad Telegrapher. has had to contend, and the antagonism of greed which has been overcome; the glori- ous achievements which have dispelled the gloom, and brought the light of life into the homes of the toilers, and the spirit of self- reliance, unity and fraternity which our movement has engendered. “When the true historian shall present to the world the great struggles of the past and of the present; when the tinsel and false coloring shall have been removed from the real figures and events, there will be re- vealed to mankind’s astonished gaze the continuous struggle of labor against ty- ranny, brutality and injustice; the struggle for the right, for humanity, for progress, and for civilization. The trade unions and the Federation of our time are in their very essence the continuity of the historically de- veloped progress of labor through the ages. “We, who are engaged in the battle of labor to secure its rights, and to achieve justice for all our people, are, in the very nature of things, too much engrossed in the performance of constantly pressing duty to be enabled to write its story. “We meet here on this historic ground, where three hundred years ago the first per- manent settlement of the English-speaking people was made. It was an event porten- tious in its world-wide influence upon pro- gress and civilization. It has a magnificent lesson for the men of labor. The trials and tribulations of the early colonists, and the difficulties with which they had to contend, put their endurance and forbearance to the severest tests. That they established a new order of society, maintaining the largest amount of individual sovereignty consistent with interdependence and mutuality, should prove an inspiration to us to struggle on tenaciously to achieve the high and enno- bling aspirations of labor. From these col- onists have come the men who, with immor- tal inspiration, gave to the world the doc- trines and principles, not only of a new and independent nation, but of the inherent and inalienable rights of man. “We meet on this historic ground, repre- senting the best general federated labor movement in the world, a movement founded upon the highest principles of justice, right and humanity; a movement which has for its mission, not only the uplifting of the submerged, but the attainment of a higher and better life for all ; a movement which aims to make the principles of the Golden Rule, and of the Declaration of Independ- ence the rule of conduct of our every-day lives. “It is a privilege to be permitted on this ground, made sacred by such historic events, and at this time, commemorative of them all, to meet in the highest councils of labor ; to devise ways and means whereby we may still further be of service to our fellows, now and for the future. “To this convention, representatives of America’s toilers, permit me to extend to you a sincere and hearty welcome. The eyes of our fellow-workers and friends are directed toward our deliberations and ac- tions. The labor movement of our country represents, not only those who have by membership declared their comradeship with us, but also the millions who, by force of circumstance, momentarily yield their ad- vantage of organization and fraternity, and yet who yearn, hope and pray that our legis- lation may be wise and fruitful; that its influence and power may reach and protect them, so that they may become brothres and sisters in the great fraternity of labor. “It may not be amiss to bear in mind that of all those who will have their attention di- rected to this convention, none will be more keen and alert than those who are either our open or covert antagonists. The so- called National Association of Manufactur- ers and industrial alliances, and industrial workers, with their Pinkerton agencies, their legal lynxes and hirelings, are always on the qui vivc, and crouching to take ad- vantage of, and leap upon labor for any mistake which it may make. They will dis- tort, misrepresent and exaggerate it, not only to the general public, but to our own fellow- workers, to prejudice both against us, our movement, and our cause. That our course, our conduct, and our work may disappoint and confound them, and bring enlightenment and encouragement to our fellows and our friends, is my most earnest wish. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 196t “AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS EXTENDING — THE LAW OF GROWTH. “During the last fiscal year we issued from the office of the American Federation of Labor 373 charters, as follows : International unions 3 State federations 1 City central bodies 72 Local trade unions 204 Federal labor unions 93 Total 373 “We have now affiiated to the American Federation of Labor the following: International unions 117 State federations 37 City central bodies 574 Local trade and Federal labor unions. . 661 “The international unions are made up of, approximately, 28,500 local unions. “Of course, it is known that the American Federation of Labor issues charters to such local unions only of which there is no inter- national union of the trade, or calling, in existence. It must also be borne in mind that when local unions are organized for which there is even a remote kindredship to an existing international union, that appli- cations to us for charters are denied, and turned over to the international union hav- ing the clearest jurisdiction. It is of greater importance to add to the strength of an in- ternational union than to have local unions directly affiliated to the American Federa- tion of Labor. “The secretaries of 112 international unions report that they have issued from their re- spective organizations charters to 2,948 newly-organized unions during the past year. There has been an increase in the membership in the organizations comprising our Federation of 188,373, during the same period. This leaves entirely out of account the forty thousand members of the brewery workers, formerly affiliated to our Federa- tion. “Our State federations, and particularly our city central bodies, have increased in numbers, power and influence. They all have helped in the fullest in carrying on the great work of organizing and aiding in the common uplift of our people. Upon them we must largely depend in enforcing the de- cisions and policies declared by the conven- tions of the American Federation of Labor. It is with pleasurable pride that it can be stated to their credit that now more than ever exist closer fraternal relations, and more loyal support to the principles and pur- poses for which our great movement stands. “And of the local unions of affiliated inter- national unions, and those directly attached to our Federation, let me say that there is clearly manifest the spirit of fraternity and solidarity; the faithful effort, not only to initiate, but to carry to its fulfillment the work for the material, moral, political, and social improvement of the toilers, and of our people. The great rank and file of or- ganized labor, in all its ramifications, are earnestly engaged in the movement to bring betterments and light into, not only their own homes, but into the homes and lives of all. In the tremendous work for progress, brotherhood and civilization, in which our entire movement is engaged, none appreci- ates more than do I the great debt of grati- tude we owe to the rank and file of the local unions. In the last analysis, it must be re- alized that upon the membership of the local unions rests the responsibility for the success and perpetuity of our movement. “For about a year previous, and until the early part of 1907, there was a slight reac- tion from the growth of our movement. This is clearly shown in the reports made to the Minneapolis Convention and the vot- ing strength of the organizations affiliated. From reference to the increased membership and voting strength this year it will be seen that there has been a decided gain in or- ganizations and membership, clearly dem- onstrating that our movement has recov- ered, and is again moving onward and for- ward for the more thorough organization of our fellow-workers. “In connection with this it may be well to call attention to the fact that there is a nat- ural law of growth in the labor movement, a law that is not generally understood. When there is a falling off of membership, no matter how slight, our opponents point to it with satisfaction as an indication of dis- integration or dissolution of the labor move- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1962 The Railroad Telegrapher. ment. The unthinking in our own ranks view it with alarm. The fact of the matter is that any temporary falling off in mem- bership is due largely to the failure on the part of those organizations to adopt the means by which the members’ best interests are safeguarded. After all, a better intelli- gence and a revived spirit of workmen soon demonstrate the necessity of organization to protect their best interests, and they soon return to their Alma Mater of the labor movement, the trade union. With this revived spirit the enthusiasm penetrates into the ranks of the unorganized, and these, together with the trend of events in industry and labor conditions, have their compelling force upon the minds of the wage-earners, who in constantly larger numbers join the ranks of the grand army of organized labor, to make common cause for the protection and advancement of all the wage-earners. “Let pessimists and opponents take unc- tion to their souls for their mastership of the past. The present and the future are for labor, which in its organized, federated movement will stand as a protest against injustice and wrong toward any of our fellow-men, as the vanguard to proclaim and achieve the rights to which the toilers, the masses, are entitled. “no wage reductions. “In my reports to conventions, beginning at Boston, I felt it incumbent upon me to press home upon the attention of labor the economic unsoundness of the old school of political economists who advocated the assent of workmen to wage reductions as a means to what they were pleased to term the way out of an industrial reaction or crisis. Not alone in our conventions, but in the gatherings of labor generally, ‘No reduction in wages’ has been made the slogan and watchword. That policy has had its beneficent influence, not only upon labor but upon all industry. It has been heard and heeded ; at no time has it had greater justification and demonstration of its effectiveness than during recent months. “Not in the history of all our country has there been what has been termed a shrinkage of values so great as within a few months past. The shrinkage occurred not upon actual, tangible values, but upon inflated or watered stocks which in the financial vernacular are termed ‘values/ In former periods, when shrinkage of inflated values transpired, its general influence upon industry was almost immediately to affect the real values of production, which in turn were forced upon the toilers in the form of reductions of wages, bringing in their wake an industrial crisis and panic. “It is due to the determined and clean-cut policy of labor of our country that our princes of finance, despite their machina- tions, could not influence employers of labor to hazard an attempt at wage reductions. If all labor will unfalteringly adhere to the determination to resist any and all reduc- tions in wages, we shall not only avoid the misery, poverty and calamity of the past, but we shall teach financiers, employers and economists in general a new philosophy of life and industry, the magnificent and humane influences of which will live for all time. “To achieve success we must more thor- oughly organize, unite and federate our fellow-workers. We must establish more fully faith in ourselves and confidence in each other, stand shoulder to shoulder amidst stress or strife, make fraternity the principle of our every-day lives, and im- press upon our fellow-workers the necessity of helping to bear each other’s burdens. “In our organized effort we should en- deavor to maintain industrial peace by trade agreements with employers. These agree- ments, written or verbal, should be faith- fully kept. We should use our best in- fluences and judgment to avoid industrial conflicts wherever possible, and under any and all circumstances to resist to the utter- most every attempt to reduce wages. “With a view that all may have the op- portunity of understanding clearly the soundness of our position, a restatement of it here may not be out of place. I can not express it better than by quoting part of my report upon the subject to the last con- vention and referring you to my previous reports : “ ‘In this world of ours, and especially in our own country, with the wonderful fertility and extent of our land, the mag- nificent ingenuity of our people, and par- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1963 ticularly the tremendous energy and indus- try of our workers, there should not be any workers who are workless. “ ‘Some have taken unction to their souls and loudly proclaimed that they are the cause for the better general conditions of employment of the working people of our country. Without discussing the hypothesis upon which they base these claims, we assert and emphatically reaffirm that whatever improvment jn a material, moral, social, and political way has come to the toiling masses of America, is due to their own efforts in their more thorough organization, their higher intelligence and their positive determination to aid and stand by each other in the contention and struggles for the common uplift. “ ‘It was but a few years ago when the working people of our country were con- fronted with a condition similar to that which was previously repeatedly presented to the toilers in similar situations. Had we acquiesced or consented to the policy presented -to us by the representatives of the captains of industry, we would have ex- perienced all the poverty, misery and suffer- ing incident to lack of employment, and a constantly decreasing opportunity for em- ployment resultant from reductions in wages, one following close upon the other. ‘“It is due to the firm and unequivocal declaration of America’s organized workers, and their positive repetition since, that wage reductions will be resisted to the uttermost, that we have averted the usual industrial crisis and emerged from it with a greater industrial and commercial activity than ever before. “ ‘In several countries the people are con- fronted with the great problem of an im- mense number of unemployed workers. In some form or other they are endeavoring to ascertain the cause and to find a means to assuage it. Often in the. history of our own country have our people been confronted with the same problem. “ ‘If we adhere firmly to the policy, estab- lish and maintain it as a fixed principle in the industrial affairs of America, that at any and all hazards we will resist any attempt at wage reductions, we shall establish not only a new economic principle, but a new philosophy by which industrial panics and crises will be obliterated, and we shall set an example for the whole world to follow. “ ‘A reduction in wages compels retrench- ment in the household economy of the workingmen affected. In other words, it cur- tails their consuming power which neces- sarily results in the discharge from employ- ment of those workers who were formerly employed in the production of the very articles theretofore used and consumed. Then follow reductions in wages, resulting as in the first instance; and this process of wage reductions, of retrenchment in house- hold economies, of more discharges from employment ensues, bringing in its wake poverty, misery and suffering, stagnation and an industrial panic, -until the lowest ebb is reached and a turn in the industrial tide begins. “ ‘There is neither economy nor wisdom, judgment nor humanity, in such misconduct and misconception of industrial affairs or duties. And if, perchance, our captains of industry fail to profit by the lessons and experience of the past, then at least the wage-earners of America will teach the les- son from which the human family will reap untold blessings. “ ‘It is not presumed that all of labor’s contentions and struggles can result in im- mediate victory; yet none can dispute that every justified battle undertaken by labor has been fraught with advantage, and that particularly every defensive struggle of labor’s rights has had a potent influence to check deterioration in the condition of the workers. “ ‘Employers will hesitate long before in- augurating an industrial struggle when they are conscious of the fact that the toiling masses will defend any encroachment upon their standard of life against their being forced back from the position they now occupy in civilization. “ ‘If labor shall resist all attempts at re- duction in wages, some battles may be lost; but these would be reduced to a minimum in the same degree as it is clearly under- stood that it is our firm resolve that .we will rather resist and lose than not to resist at all. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1964 The Railroad Telegrapher. “ ‘At present we are confronted with no immediate danger or threat that the em- ployers of labor contemplate reductions in wages. There is not now even an excuse for such a course. It therefore all the more commends itself to our judgment that dur- ing this year of comparative industrial tran- quility and more general employment of our people, that we write on* our banners, beside the watchwords and slogans which have carried the toilers along the road of progress to victory, that which for ages has been the missing word in our social progress: ‘No reduction in wages for American labor; we will resist to the uttermost.' “The American workmen in return for their services to society demand a living wage, a constantly growing minimum living wage. They demand a wage which shall be sufficient to maintain them and those de- pendent upon them in a manner consistent with their responsibilities as husbands, fathers, men and citizens. Labor demands such a living wage as shall make secure the opportunity for a more perfect physical and mental health and growth as required by rational, self-respecting human beings who aspire for themselves and for all hu- manity to a higher, a better and a nobler life. “We, therefore, demand from modern society a constantly increasing and larger reward as the result of our labor and our services to our fellows. This effort must not be retarded by the machinations of financiers or the shortsightedness and greed of industrial* captains. Labor demands in the interests of humanity that wages shall not be reduced or the American standard of life deteriorated. “RAISE FUNDS — PERPETUATE UNIONISM. “Again, I feel it my duty to impress upon all our unions the importance of providing themselves with funds that shall stand them in good stead in time of necessity, to pro- vide their members with the means to sus- tain themselves and their families not only during strikes and lockouts but also to con- stantly attain a greater measure of justice and right for labor without the necessity of either strikes or lockouts. “There is no factor so potent to secure the just demands of labor as a well-organ- ized union with a goodly treasury. “In the endeavor to secure the just de- mands of labor without a strike a sense of justice on the part of employers can not be compared to a well-organized body of work- men with a well-filled treasury, nor is there so potent an influence or power to prevent a lockout as labor intelligently and com- pactly organized and prepared to defend its rights. “Experience has demonstrated beyond peradventure of a doubt that though some workmen thoroughly imbued with the de- termination to manfully uphold the rights of themselves and their fellow-workmen will endure the severest trials of poverty and hunger rather than sacrifice the princi- ples for which they stand, the spirit and independence of the mass of men succumb wheh the gaunt figure of hunger stalks across their threshold. If we hope and expect that men shall assert and maintain their spirit of right and their interests we must have the foresight so to conduct the affairs of our organizations as to provide at least bread, the commonest need to sus- tain life. “contemptible capitalist antagonism — IT WILL NOT AVAIL. “It is well known that in many instances there are employers and employers’ associa- tions with which the unions of labor live in terms of peace and agreement Employers’ organizations of such an intelligent charac- ter are not oqly welcome but should be en- couraged. With organized labor they can not only work toward the maintainance of industrial peace, and the minimizing of in- dustrial conflicts with the attending cessa- tion of industry and commerce, but by their combined efforts constantly render them- selves more independent from the trickery and machinations of the so-called princes of finance. “When, in 1895, the National Association of Manufacturers was formed it had a de- fensible purpose to serve, that of promoting trade, commerce and markets and the elim- ination of restrictions and barriers. With the advent of Mr. Parry as its president it was first covertly and then openly diverted Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1965 from its original purpose and became an avowed union-crushing institution. He and his successor, Mr. Post, utilized every avail- able means to carry out the new policy of union-baiting, union-smashing. Finding the citadel of unionism firmly entrenched in the hearts and minds of the workers, they were repulsed at every step and in their every move. “And now, a new Roland has come upon the field in the personage of their successor, Mr. Van Cleave. He would not only follow the old line, but strike out for a new one. He recommended to his last convention, which adopted the proposition, that a War Fund of a million and a half dollars should be raised which is to be devoted to what was euphoniously declared ‘educational’ purposes. It was not difficult to discern, and circumstances since have demonstrated, that this fund is to be devoted to the effort to weaken, cripple, and destroy the unions of labor; the unions which are the only means of defense of the workers from the cupidity and greed of the worst elements of the capitalist class; the only means by which the working people, the wealth pro- ducers of our country and our time, can hope to secure some of the advantages of advancing civilization, participate in the progress and become larger sharers of the wealth which they produce. “I am reliably informed that not less than twelve thousand secret detective agents of the Pinkerton and other companies are con- stantly in the pay of fhe manufacturers’ as- sociations to spy upon and misrepresent the doings of labor. Are these hireling charac- ter assassins to be the principal beneficiaries of the million and a half dollar War Fund and is the fund to be further devoted to suits at law against organized labor so as to engage our organizations and our men in defensive litigation and to divert us from the imminent and important work to which we should devote our time and whatever ability with which we may be possessed? Surely, recent events justify an affirmative answer. “It is quite true that the make-up of the manufacturers’ associations is not only of a comparatively small class of employers of our country, but it is also true that many of its members are out of touch and sympathy with the policy of the Van Cleaves, Posts and Parrys. Several resignations from membership have recently occurred, em- ployers sending to me copies of their let- ters of resignation and protest. Yet what they lack in membership and caliber, they endeavor to make up by attracting to them- selves public attention. And for this rea- son, and this alone, do they receive any con- sideration at our hands. “It is now generally recognized that the labor movement is tbe necessary and in- evitable outgrowth of industrial conditions; that it was quite as much the impelling force of circumstances as desire which brought the labor movement into existence. The toilers have recognized that the advan- tages they now enjoy over previous periods were not brought to them upon a silver platter or philanthropically conceded to them. “Even our worst antagonists concede that the organizations of labor have done much to improve the conditions of the workers. If this be true, and it is true, then to the unions of labor belongs at least that much credit. The question naturally arises, if the work of union labor in the past has been of a beneficent character, in what regard is the labor movement of today more at fault than that very movement which has brought this betterment which even our most bitter an- tagonists concede? “Surely, none can truthfully assert that the labor movement of today is less intelli- gent, less humane, less lawful, than form- erly. In truth, the observer must concede the reverse. “The sum total of labor’s offending today lies in the fact that by our larger member- ship and increased intelligence our move- ment has become more effective in gaining for our fellow-workers the rights to which they are justly entitled, the elimination of the wrongs which they have too long borne and the bright prospect for the fulfillment of their high hopes and aspirations in the interests of humanity. “There is nothing for which our move- ment may declare, there is no action which it may take of an effective character to pro- tect and promote the interests of labor, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1966 The Railroad Telegrapher. which will meet with the approval of labor’s opponents. Only after success has attended our efforts and some pf our demands are established and in. full operation, whether this be by law or by agreement with em- ployers, and the beneficenbe of these meas- ures generally recognized, will the clamor of ignorance, greed and bigotry be silenced. This has been demonstrated in the past ; the future will justify labor’s present contention. “It has been truly said that the demands of labor are usually made ten or twenty years in advance of their general acquies- cence and approval. If labor but goes on in the even tenor of its way, organizing our fellow-workers, securing for them more time and leisure and opportunity for their education and the cultivation of the best that is in them, pressing home upon modern society the right/ul claims which are ours, we shall not only improve public opinion, and more largely ourselves constitute that public opinion, but we shall achieve for our- selves and for all posterity that real free- dom, justice, progress and humanity of which poets have sung, philosophers have dreamed, and for which labor in all time has struggled, and which it is the mission of labor now and in the near future to es- tablish. “EIGHT- HOUR WORKDAY — MAKE IT UNIVERSAL. “The general movement for the reduction of the hours of daily labor; that is, the establishment of the eight-hour workday, has made considerable progress within the past two decades, and this is largely due to the encouragement given by our Federation to the crystallization of the hopes and de- mands of labor for the achievement of that result. The first convention of the Federa- tion declared for the general eight-hour workday. In 1884 we declared for a con- centrated effort of all labor to secure that boon, and since then no convention has passed without a declaration for, nor has any effort been spared to secure, the ex- tension or enforcement of the eight-hour workday. For your information and for the general interest it may have, I submit to you a statement of the hours of labor pre- vailing among a number of trades. “Carpenters — Eight hours; Saturday half holiday generally. “Electrical Workers — Eight hours gen- erally. “Plasterers — Eight hours generally; some places seven hours. “Bricklayers — Eight hours generally. “Granite Cutters — Eight hours ; universal. “Masons — Eight hours generally. “Painters — Eight hours generally. “Decorators — Eight hours generally. “Paper Hangers — Eight hours generally. “Plumbers — Eight hours generally. “Gas Fitters — Eight hours generally. “Steam and Hot Water Fitters — Eight hours generally. “Tile Layers — Eight hours generally. “Roofers — Eight hours generally. “Building Laborers and Hod Carriers — Eight hours generally. “Compositors, afternoon papers — Eight hours generally. Compositors, morning papers — Seven and one-half hours. Compositors, book and job — Eight hours generally. “German Compositors — Eight hours, five days constituting a week’s work. “Stereotypers and Electrotypers on news- papers— eight hours. “Coal Miners in bituminous regions — Eight hours. “Coal Miners in anthracite regions — Nine hours. “Cigarmakers — Eight hours generally. “Coopers — Eight hours generally. “Brewers — Eight hours on Pacific Coast; nine hours elsewhere. “Iron and Steel Workers — Eight hours; three shifts. “‘Stationary Firemen — Eight hours; 50 per cent. “Paper Makers — Eight hours. “Bookbinders — Establishing eight-hour day. Generally successful. “The International Prnting Pressmen and Assistants’ Union and the International Association of Machinists are now prepar- ing for a movement for the inauguration of the eight-hour workday. “Other organizations more particularly of a local character are engaged in similar efforts. But it is quite true that immense Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1967 numbers of workmen, particularly in the unskilled trades and callings, still work gen- erally ten or nine hours a day, and rem- nants of other trades and callings toil many more hours each day. “It should be our aim to give every en- couragement and aid to all in the establish- ment of a maximum day’s work of eight hours. “In our country so great and fertile, with its people so endowed with genius and so marvellously industrious in their productive capacity, there can neither be justification nor defense for a workday of longer than eight hours. “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for recreation and im- provement, is not only a scientific but a natural division of the day. It is a slogan and a watchword with which we can go not only to our fellow-workers, but to all our people and secure their co-operation and their sympathy. “Upon the industrial field I urge the con- centration of all our efforts to the universal establishment of the eight-hour workday. “labor's bill to regulate injunctions. “In my report to the Minneapolis conven- tion atention was called to the fact that the opposition to our bill to regulate the issu- ance of injunctions, comprising many of the great employing corporations and trusts of the nation, was fully represented by their own officials, as well as by attorneys; that it was clear, even to the most unfriendly members of the Judiciary Committee of the House, that not even the array of talent op- posing us could disprove our contentions. For the purpose of delay the committee re- sorted to dilatory tactics. “After two months of time-killing argu- ment, the essential features of our bill were referred to a sub-committee of three mem- bers of the Judiciary Committee. The sub- committee withheld its report until very shortly before the adjournment of the fifty- ninth Congress. We had the greatest diffi- culty to obtain a copy of that report. “The astonishment of labor’s representa- tives can be beter imagined than described when it is stated that the sub-committee, in- stead of conducting an investigation of the principles involved in the bill, quoted the very judges and courts who have rendered decisions and opinions against which our just complaints are lodged, and which our bill seeks to remedy. “We had the advice of Hon. T. C. Spell- ing, attorney-at-law, on the untenable and unfair report, and we concluded that a re- view, criticism and reply were necessary. With our Legislative Committee I tried to have labor’s reply filed with the Judiciary Committee, so that it might be printed with the report of the sub-committee, in order that all might have an opportunity of judg- ing the merits or demerits of either or both. No encouragement was received from the chairman of the Judiciary Committee. An ef- fort was made to obtain the written assent of a majority of the members of the committee to accomplish the purpose. The signatures of eleven members of the committee, agreeing to the proposition, were obtained. Four members of the committee, however, refused to give their assent — Chairman Jenkins, of Wisconsin; Parker, of New Jersey; Terrell, of Massachusetts, and Littlefield, of Maine. However, the signatures of the eleven mem- bers of the committee, and the intensity of feeling prevailing, evidently brought about an emergency meeting of the Judiciary Com- mittee, at which Representative Pearre, of Maryland, who introduced our injunction regulation bill, presented the assent of the eleven members of the Judiciary Committee to our proposition. He also presented Mr. Spelling’s brief. It appears, however, that the effort was of little avail. “We should see to it that the reply is printed as a Federal public document by the sixtieth Congress. It was published in the June, 1907, issue of the American Federa- tions t. “In dealing with the subject of injunc- tions, and the necessary action thereon, the Minneapolis convention instructed the offi- cers of our Federation as folows : “ ‘There is no tendency so dangerous to personal liberty, so destructive of free insti- tutions, and of a republican form of gov- ernment, as the present misuse and exten- sion of the equity power through usurpation by the judiciary; and we, therefore, urge the speedy enactment of the Pearre (anti- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1968 The Railroad Telegrapher. injunction) bill into law, and we further recommend that candidates, for legislative or judicial positions, be carefully investi- gated as to their past acts, and interrogated as to their position on this matter before they be given any support, and that those who, from their actions or their expressions, are deemed unsound, be, regardless of any other question,^ repudiated.’ “In compliance therewith the Executive Council authorized me to issue a circular to all organized labor, appealing to our fel- low-unionists and friends to safeguard their interests in an effort to pledge candidates for public office to express themselves fully as to their attitude upon the subject of the injunction abuse, and their attitude toward bona-fide relief from that species of gross injustice. A copy of that circular, and a copy of another regarding the hostility of Speaker Cannon, of the House of Represen- tatives, toward all labor’s reasonable de- mands, will be placed in the possession of the apropriate committees having this sub- ject under consideration. “eight-hour bill. “It was reported to the Minneapolis con- vention that the majority of the Committee on Labor of the House, as made up by the Speaker, was hostile to the interests of la- bor ; that hearings were held to prolong the time, so as, ultimately, to prevent the pas- sage of our eight-hour bill ; that by mere accident, at one of the hearings, the minor- ity members of the committee were in a temporary majority of a quorum of the committee present, and by a vote of that temporary momentary majority ordered that the bill be reported favorably to the House, with a recommendation that it pass; the bill was so reported. “Representative Rucker, of Missouri, in the course of his speech on the floor of the House, said, in part, that when he asked the Speaker to recognize him for the purpose of asking consideration of the eight-hour bill, that he, the Speaker, replied in language more forcible than polite, that he would not recognize him or any member of the House for the purpose of considering that measure. “We should see to it that the eight-hour bill is introduced in Congress in the early stages of the coming session, and press home the necessity for its passage. The eight-hour bill proposes to carry into effect the inten- tion and spirit of the eight-hour law of August i, 1892. The sensation of the convention occurred on the ninth day, when President Gompers took the floor, and recited, at considerable length, the details of an attempt made by one Brandenburg, who held credentials from the National Association of Manufacturers, to bribe him (President Gompers) into be- traying the union movement. Branden- burg’s way of putting the inducements he had to offer for doing so, were: “While I do not want to express in specific financial terms what the National Association of Manufacturers is willing to do, yet I can guarantee that you will be financially safe for the balance of your life.” President Gompers presented to the con- vention several letters he had received from Brandenburg, and other data. The convention adopted a resolution ex- pressing its full confidence in President Gompers, which resolution was adopted by an unanimous and rising vote. President Gompers, Secretary Morrison, and all of the other retiring officers, were re- elected by acclamation. Denver, Colo-, was selected as the next meeting place. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1969 6RLT0RIAL N0t€5 Many articles on the eight-hour day and the $75.00 minimum were crowded out of tfiis issue. Nine hundred and eleven new members were initiated into the Order during the month of November. A member in Los Angeles, Cal., requests that telegraphers stay away from that sec- tion of the country, as there are now more men there than positions. The Editor extends his best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all officers and members of the Order and to all its friends. Help to complete thorough organization throughout the country by furnishing the Grand Secretary and Treasurer with a cor- rect list of all non-members in your terri- tory, using care to give correct initials, the correct spelling of the name, and the correct address, and also to show the road on which they are employed. The accompanying is an engraving of an official O. R. T. gold ring. These rings can be had from the Grand Secretary and Treasurer for $450. In ordering them it is only necessary to give the size desired, which information can be secured from any jeweler. The members of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers contributed $34,000.00 to the Commercial Telegraphers Union of Amer- ica, during the late strike, which contribu- tion was made through the Grand Secretary and Treasurer. These figures do not in- clude amounts contributed to the various locals of the C. T. U. of A. by members and divisions locally. More extended reference to this matter is prohibited in this issue on account of lack of space, but will be made in the January number. The year 1907 has been a most prosper- ous one for the Order of Railroad Telegra- phers. The number of schedules secured during the year has exceeded anything ever before accomplished, and the increase in membership has been very flattering. A net increase in membership of approx- imately 10,000 has been made during the year. The International Brotherhood of Main- tenance of Way Employes, whose head- quarters are located in St. Louis, and of which John T. Wilson is President, has _ made wonderful strides during the last year towards a more thorough organization of the craft represented by it, and has also made great strides in the matter of con- cessions secured. A chain letter regarding the $75.00 mini- mum and eight-hour day has been going the rounds for the last three months. Origin- ally the letter bore no signature, but re- cently some over-enthusiast in “Pushing It Along,” signed the Grand Secretary and Treasurer’s name to it, and it was sent over the Soo Line, the Wisconsin Central and the C., St. P., M. & O. in this form. The signing of the Grand Secretary and Treas- urer’s name to that letter was unauthorized. All official communication emanating from the office of the President or Grand Secre- tary and Treasurer bear their fac-simile signatures. The attention of contributors of articles to The Telegraher is again called to the fact that matter for the Fraternal Depart- ment must be in the hands of the Editor not later than the 28th day of the month, in order to assure its insertion in the follow- ing issue. Matter intended for use in the January Telegrapher must be in the hands Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1970 The Railroad Telegrapher. of the Editor on or before December 28th. Their attention is also called to the numer- ous requests that have hitherto been pub- lished that the name of stations be given instead of office call, and that correspond- ents refrain from sending in line-ups, as the practice of publishing line-ups was dis- continued several years ago. Will wonders never cease? The follow- ing most important (?) announcement ap- peared in the Maryville (Mo.) Republican of November 15th: “The telegraph stu- dents of the Maryville Business College or- ganized a union Thursday night which will be known as the O. T. S., or Order of Telegraphy Students. It is said that it may threaten to rival the O. R. T.” The article concludes with the following solemn an- nouncement: “With their hands dipped in battery fluid the members have sworn to obey the rules of the ‘Union.’ ” The editor publishes this “startling information” with considerable reluctance (?) on account of the consternation (?) it will no doubt cause in the ranks of the membership. The statement issued by the Bureau of Immigration for the month of October, 1907, shows that there were 111,513 aliens landed at the various ports of entry in the United States during that month; that there were 1,060 debarred from entrance, classified as follows: Idiots, 7; imbeciles, 7; feeble minded, 16; epileptics, 3; insane, 20; loathsome or dangerous contagious dis- eases, 372 ; paupers, 1 ; likely to become pub- lic charges, 325; physically or mentally un- sound, 120; contract laborers, 85; accom- panying aliens, 29; under sixteen years of age, and unaccompanied by parent, 7; as- si ted aliens, 1; criminals, 15; prostitutes a.l procurers, 12; without passport, 28; under provisions of Chinese Exclusion Act, 12. The report also shows that there were 107 aliens returned by the immigration au- thorities after landing. The total number of aliens landed in the United States during the month of October, 1906, was 99,974. It is said that Jackson Devore, first trick dispatcher for the Sandusky Division, Big Four Railway, at Springfield, Ohio, is act- ing as “professor” in a telegraph school at that place after hours. The fact that the supply of railroad telegraphers was greater than the demand in years past enabled the corporations to force down wages and lengthen out the hours of service until con- ditions became almost unbearable. By or- ganization and an elimination of the student teaching the supply has been brought down to something near the demand and the con- ditions of the railroad telegraphers have been materially improved during the last few years. From his acts it is presumed that Devore is willing for a few paltry’ dol- lars to assist in bringing about the old con- ditions regardless of the welfare of the thousands upon thousands of railroad teleg- raphers of the country. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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PERSONAL MENTION The following births have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: To Bro. and Mrs. J. H. Gove, of Sibley, la., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. B. A. Bales, of Suffolk, Va., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. T. C. Allen, of Omaha, Neb., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. B. Painter, of Rome, Iowa, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. L. S. Stephens, of Lodge, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. C. B. Taylor, of Prairie City, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. A. J. Paysee, of Park Falls, Wis., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. A. L. Savage, of Clin- ton, Mass., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. G. A. Raines, of Shel- don, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. D. Willard, of Sealy, Tex., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. E. H. Lewis, of Mo- nowi, Neb., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. M. G. Simpson, Indian Head, Sask., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. S. C. Bannister, of Marion, S. C., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. A. A. Todd, of Garinte Quarry, N. C., a boy. To Bro. and Mlrs. J. H. Lefebrre, of Mon- treal, Quebec, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. E. Williams, of Newtown, Mo., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. T. B. Wood, of St. Edwards, Neb., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. H. Murphy, of Sharpsboro, Ga., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. R. A. Hutchins, of Springfield, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. C. S. Lumbley, of Vicksburg, Miss., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. R. F. Hendricks, of Marble Head Falls, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. M. Suter, of Buffalo, 111., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. H. King, of Ferrol, Va., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. R. F. Kyle, of Austin, Nev., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. W. V. Pyle, of Kenton, Ohio, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. B. Divinney, of Lodi, Ohio, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. S. Stains, of Paton, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. D. D. Leslie, of Hous- ton, Va., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. N. McCann, of Ingle- side, 111., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. E. L. Dotson, of De- catur, 111., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. R. H. Smith, of Craw- ford, Neb., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. F. J. Nichols, of Aspin- wal, Iowa, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. A. L. Irwin, of Min- burn, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. Vandalinda, of Dundee Lake, N. J., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. G. Barkley, of Straw Plains, Tenn., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. J. B. Frent. of Good- ville, W. Va-, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. B. F. O’Toole, of Belle Paline, Sask., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. W. I. Plummer, of Vineland, Mo., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. V. L. Hubbard, of Brierfield, Ala., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. G. W. Simmons, of Dawson, Ohio, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. U. H. Walford, cf Hurlburt, Ind., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. J. M?. Olsen, of Grand Meadow, Minn., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. Geo. Baltazor. of Franklin Park, 111., a girl. Digitized by L^OOQle

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1972 The Railroad Telegrapher. To Bro. and Mrs. Brown, of Potosi, Wis., a girl. To Bro- and Mrs. J. H. Gore, of Sibley, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mlrs. J. A. Giddings, of Falls Creek, a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. G. A. Raines, of Shel- don, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. Turnland, of Win- ger, Minn., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. B. E. Nelson, of An- tigo, Wis., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. R. Whitely, of Bruns- wick, Mo., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. S. H. Pruiett, of Dins- more, Fla., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. D. S. Brower, of Good- water, Ala., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. W. R. Jones, of Whit- comb, Wis., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. H. F. Anthony, of Sewand, Pa., a boy. To Bro. and Mrs. C. P. Varney, of El Reno, Okla., a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. E. L. Riddell, of River Sioux, Iowa, a girl. To Bro. and Mrs. C. C. Cable, of Sulphur Springs Landing, Mo., a girl. The following marriages have been re- ported since the last issue of The Teleg- rapher: Bro. L. C. S. Albright, of Div. 93. to Miss Pansy Wier. Bro. R. C. Eiser, of Div. 93, to Miss Ma- bel E. Corson. Bro. H. C. Dresser, of Div. 93. to Miss Mabelle Taylor. At Bridgeport, Neb., Bro. Bert Cuddy, of Div. 130, to Miss Nelson. At Zainesville, 111., Bro. Bandy, of Divi- sion 2, to Miss Ida White. At Logan, Ohio, Bro. L. E. Miller, of Div. 1 18, to Miss Elta Gano. At Pawnee, Neb., Bro. F. W. Ballance, of Div. 130, to Miss Alberta Bears. At Chicago, 111., Bro. E. E. Livezey, of Div. 23, to Miss Clara Muessler. At Tippecanoe, Ohio, Bro. H. D. Harris, of Div. 33, to Miss Sadie Howes. Bro. R. E. Sigman, of Div. 59, to Miss Propst. Bro. J. S. Garmley, of Div. 14, to Miss Owell. Bro. D. D. Lawton, of Div. 6, to Miss Morris. Bro. O. W. Long, of Div. 138, to Miss N. C. Coppler. Bro. J. B. Bailey, of Div. 76, to Miss Annie Caton. Bro. W. C. Beegan, of Div. 33, to Miss Agnes Smith. Bro. J. A. Devine, of Div. 76, to Miss Elva J. Kyle. Bro. R. A. Confer, of Div. 138, to Miss Ethel Randel. Bro. H. G. Dunson, of Div. 33, to Miss Bertha Moore. Bro. O. H. Braese, of Div. 8, to Miss Anna M. Murty. Bro. J. ML Cash, of Div. 130, to Miss Pearl M. Ehret. Bro. A. D. Letcher, of Div. 76, to Miss Edna May Green. Bro. J. D. Fouts, of Div. 76, to Miss Agnes M. Pickett. Bro. S. E. Hines, of Div. 132, to Miss Hattie T. Harrell. Bro. C. W. Murray, of Div. 93, to Miss Maude M. Eckerty. Bro. O. J. Bourgeois, of Div. 53. to Miss Anne P. Boudreowy. Bro. C. E. Rogers, of Div. 130, to Miss Anna Wannamaker. Bro. A. S. Leyerle, of Div. 32, to Mi:*$ Dollie E. Berthune. At Slayton. Miss.. Bro. R. V. Reed, of Div. 76, to Miss L. M. Parker. At Sterling Run, Pa., Bro. C. A. Dice, of Div. no, to Miss Cora Yocum. At Litchfield, 111., Bro. F. Humphrey, of Div. 2, to Miss Lizzie Danaher. At St. Louis, Mo., Bro. Jno. Smith, of Div. 6, to Miss A. K. Wilkinson. At LaFayette, Ind., Bro. F. W. Schwarm, of Div. 2, to Miss Barbara Siler. At Haxtun, Colo., Bro. D. Bannister, of Div. 130, to Miss Anna Anderson. At Harrisburg, Ont., Can., Bro. E. H. Vrooman, of Div. 1, to Miss Gertrude An- derson. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1973 At Elk Creek, Neb., Bro. A. E. Miller, of Div. 130, to Miss Louise A. Fink. At Titusville, Pa., Bro. C. P. Kane, of Div. 129, to Miss Margaret Cartney. At Ellendale, N. D., Bro. A. D. Letcher, of Div. 76, to Miss Edna M. Green. At Worthington, Wis., Bro. A. E. Hyde, of Div. 76, to Miss Lillian Brennan. At Morenci, Mich., Bro. J. L. Barton, of Div. 16, to Miss Rena M. Blanchard. At Dresden, Mo., Bro. Chas. E. Taylor, of Div. 31, to Miss Kathryn Rothwell. At Council Bluffs, Iowa, Bro. D. D. Law- ton, of Div. 6, to Miss Mildred E. Morse. The following deaths have been reported since the last issue of The Telegrapher: At Crewe, Va., Bro. G. Clay, of Div. 14. At Sims, N. D., Bro. I. E. Etting, of Div. 54- At St. Louis, Mo., Bro. R. Patillo, of Div. 2. At White Hall, Md., Bro. J. G. Bums, of Div. 17. At O’Brien, Fla., Bro. C. H. Davis, of Div. 132. At Bridgeport, Ohio, Bro. F. M. Ingram, of Div. 33. At Bigelow, Minn., Bro. E. J. Cosgrove, of Div. 76. At Elwood, Ind., Bro. R. C. Thompson, of Div. 39. At Midland City, 111., Bro. C. H. Dalton, of Div. 27. At Wauzeka, Wis., Bro. J. E. McDonnell, of Div. 23. At North Adams, Mass., mother of Bro. S. P. Prince. At Middleboro, N. C., Bro. E. C. Bullock, of Div. 125. At Uniontown, Pa., father of Bro. R. W. Hoover, of Div. 33. At Mifflinville, Pa., wife of Bro. G. A. Artley, of Div. 12. At t)unkirk, N. Y., wife of Bro. Henry Wiser, of Div. 18. At Bridgeport, Tenn., wife of Bro. E. S. Gaby, of Div. 59. At Hatley, Wis., wife of Bro. F. M. Coff- man, of Div. 76. At Cleburne, Tex., wife of Bro. J. K. Busby, of Div. 2. At Boyd, Maryland, sister of Bro. J. C. Austin, of Div. 33. At Duncan, Miss., wife of Bro. E. L. Owen, of Div. 93. At Reverre, Mo., father of Bro. A. R. Herdman, of Div. 23. At Carpio, N. D., daughter of Bro. J. Schmid, of Div. 119. At Moundsville, W. Va., wife of Bro. H. G. Woodward, of Div. 33. At Register, Ga., little daughter of Bro. D. M. Rogers, of Div. 46. At Milo, Mo., Jos. Strahe, son of Bro. H. T. Strahe, of Div. 31. At Rock Island, 111., mother of Bro. W. T. McMillan, of Div. 130. At North Fork, W. Va., only child of Bro. McPherson, of Div. 14. At Hallville, Tex., father of Bro. W. L. Bass, of the Grand Division. At Cable Rock, Neb., ‘mother of Bros. Ed. and R. C. Zink, of Div. 130. The bereaved relatives have the sympathy of all. WANTED. Present address of L. R. Claypool and C. A. Sanders, R. H. Downs, Villa Grove, 111. Present address of Robt. C. Campbell. Please write his sister. Mrs. C. Campbell, Topeka, Kans. Present address of J. M. Holmes, left D. & R. G. about August 30. Anyone knowing his address write me, as it is very important. J. E. Laizure, Canon City, Colo. Present address of F. W. Shumpert, last heard of was with Southern Ry. “BO,” if you see this, write me, R. F. D., No. 3, Macon. Ga. Have something for you. B. B. Holland. Present address of L. K. Marion. Last heard of was working for C., B. & Q., Cro- ton, Wyo., in November 1906. Also E. Sperlin, who worked for C. & E. I., Spiller- town 111., in June, 1904. “SN” if you see this write me. W. C. Hight Percy, 111. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1974 The Railroad Telegrapher. Present address of Jack Martin. Last heard of was in Kansas City, Mo. “MN” if you see this, write me at Perry, Iowa. Q. O. Present address of Frank H. Kahl. Last heard of at Marley, 111. Florence E. Trapp, 922 N. 16th St., Omaha, Neb. Present address of C. L. Grimm. Last heard of working for the Erie R. R. at Hammond, Ind. If you see this, “GR,” write me. M. A. Plummer, W. & L. E. R. R., Kent, Ohio. Present address of F. E. English. Worked for the C., B. & Q., near Louisiana, Mo., in 1905. If you see this, “F,” write me at Rockford, 111., care I. C. R. R. A. E. Norvell. Present address of F. U. Tompson. Last heard of was working at Nilewood, 111. “FW,” would like to hear from you. C. A. Button, Farnham, N. Y. Present address of Chas. R. Furr- Brother, write me. Have been home. J. M. Furr, 3745 Indiana Ave., Chicago, 111. Present address of M. J. Mullen. Last heard of working nights at Nelson, B. C., on the C. P. R. R. E. H. Vrooman, Harrisburg, Ont., Can. Present address of Fred. Allen. Last heard of was working for the Pure Oil Co. at Sistersville, W. Va., in 1904. B. F. McGucken, Handley, W. Va. Present address of J. A. Kirkman. Last heard of was working for the D. & R. G. at Laveta, Cal. “Zan,” if you see this, write your father or me at once. W. T. Darden, Care So. Railway, Greensboro, N. C. Present address of Jno. Corcoran. Last heard of working for the Western Union at San Francisco. “Hux,” if you see this, write your old pal. L. R. Carbee, Covington, Iowa. Present address of the following: W. F. Hines. Last heard of with M. P., Pitts- burg, Kans., and R. E. Beall. Last heard of in Pittsburg, Kans. E. M. Richardson, Agent C., B. & Q., Dewey, S. D. Present address of E. R. Fuller. About twenty-two years of age, small in size. Last heard of was with the M. & O. Ry. at Okla- homa, Miss. “F,” if you see this, write me. Very important. L. B. Deen, Colfax, Cal. Present address of E. C. Plunkett. Last heard of in Pittsburg, Pa. “KB,” if you see this, write me at once. Have important news for you. T. M. Kimmel, Glasgow, Mont., Care of G. N. Ry. Present address or information of Chas. M. Reeves. Was discharged from U. S. Signal Corps, September 28, 1905. Left him in San Francisco, September 28, 1905. “Mud,” if you see this, write me. G. W. Malone. 580 E. Berrien St, Galesburg, 111. Present address of H. E. Huffington. Worked for the Southern Railway at Rome, Ga., awhile last summer; married while there. Wife’s relatives very anxious to hear from them, having heard nothing since their departure. Any information will be greatly appreciated. C. E. Moss, L. C., Box 143, Austell, Ga. Present address of Jno. L. Ashbaugh. Last heard of five years ago, working for the Santa Fe at Merced, Cal.; weight, 140 pounds ; height, about five feet ; dark com- plexion. Three fingers and part of thumb missing from right hand. Any information concerning him, whether living or dead, will be greatly appreciated. Mrs. Jno. Hoblitzell, 15 E. 2 1st St., Baltimore, Md. The following members desire to exchange souvenir postal cards with other members: M. L. Sell, Kiona, Wash. C. C. Corey, Corinth, N. Y. Jas. F. Kelley, Hadley, N. Y. Digitized by LiOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1975 L. C. Coty, Lake George, N. Y. J. E. Rumbley, Bluff City, Tenn. F. C. Thompson. Watauga, Tenn. S. G. E. Thornhill, Liberty, Tex. Miss Bernice M. Dickey, Lintner, 111. E. S. Woods, R. F. D. No. 3, Jackson, Mich. F. M. Leeson, 19 Cherry St., Knoxville, Tenn. B. A. Hawks, Las Cascadas, Canal Zone, Panama. F. H. Young, Box 401, Havre de Grace, Maryland. Edw. A. Schelat, 205 Cable Ave., East Pittsburg, Pa. Geo. Hartman, 2056 Madison Ave., New York City, N. Y. Harry A. Coddington, 258 Child St., Rochester, N. Y. A. L. MacBain, 265 W. 144th St., New York City, N. Y. C. E. Teague, Embreville Junction P. O., Johnson City, Tenn. N. J. Frizelle, Jr., care of A. C. L. yard office, Savannah, Ga. The following would like to exchange pencils : Would like to exchange pencils with all brothers and sisters in the United States, Canada and Mexico. S. M. Davis, Guntown, Miss. Would like to obtain lead pencils of all railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Will gladly exchange. J. E. Sullivan, Laclolle Station, Quebec, Canada. Would like to get a copy of “19 & 31” orders and clearance card from every rail- road. Will return the favor. Wm. A. Decer, 63 Oak St., Mt. Vernon, N. Y. LOST OR STOLEN. Card No. 31474. Cert. 1035, Div. 14, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 24750, Cert. 1207, Div. 53, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 7411, Cert. 347, Div. 46, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 27005, Cert. 495, Div. 16, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 22679, Cert. 318, Div. 119, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 25866, Cert. 1123, Div. 76, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6019, Cert. 992, Div. 59, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 28182, Cert. 467, Div. 49, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card. No. 21379, Cert. 718, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 22837 » Cert. 139, Div. 45, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 13269, Cert. 232, Div. 62, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 4688, Cert. 1462, Div. 126, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6072, Cert. 1437, Div. 59, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 7411, Cert. 347, Div*. 46, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 34789, Cert. 52, Div. 48, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 27215, Cert. 2079, Div. 53, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6583, Cert. 750, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 6930, Cert. 1765, Grand Div., for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 26477, Cert. 1457, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17372, Cert. 107, Div. 33, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 20220, Cert. 913, Div. 59, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 32565, Cert. 786, Div. 138, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 13807, Cert. 1409, Div. 130, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 33513, Cert. 432, Div. 36, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 34724, Cert. 463, Div. 36, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 25681, Cert. 1985, Div. 2, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 28257, Cert. 639, Div. 76, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 28104, Cert. 107, Div. 21, for term ending December 31, 1907. Digitized by t^ooQle

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1976 The Railroad Telegrapher. Card No. 8030, Cert. 1085, Div. 126, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 24172, Cert. 73, Div. 40, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 15912, Cert. 8 22, Div. 31. for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 34248, Cert. 1424, Div. 32, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 34934, Cert. 1758, Div. 59, for term ending -December 31, 1907. Card No. 36362, Cert. 179, Div. 5, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8023, Cert. 882, Div. 54, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 16178, Cert. 206, Div. 21, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 17955. Cert. 3680, Grand Div., term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 3571 1, Cert. 269, Div. 36, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 35674, Cert. 1240, Div. 54, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 19177, Cert. 334, Div. 74, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 8962, Cert. 1230, Div. 93, for term ending December 31, 1907. Card No. 1405, Cert. 1120, Div. 31, for term ending December 31, 1907. W. G. Neelley. H. H. Sapp. J. H. Henderson. O. R. T. GROUP-H. & T. C. RAILWAY, GROESBECK, TEX. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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ARIZONA, THE SNAKE AND THE BABY. THE eastbound local, pulling into a station only ten miles out, with a lung gone in the middle of the train, was manned by a crew about as dis- gusted as was possible for this particular set of men to be. Leaving the terminal a short time pre- vious, a discussion with the yardrnaster had arisen over tonnage, during which that in- dividual had had certain disclosures made to him about his past life and antecedents most painfully surprising and wholly un- pleasant. The engineer had, with smiling candid- ness, informed him of his unfitness for the man’s work he was endeavoring to perform with the limited assistance of the brains of a fool; the “Snake” had consigned him to a place noted for the elevation of its temperature, and Arizona had concluded his discourse on the genealogy of that un-( fortunate individual by a remark tending to convict his immediate ancestors of ex- treme cruelty in having been the cause of inflicting upon the world his extremely un- desirable presence. “Which, in conclusion,” continues Ari- zona, “I now holds and expresses the belief that it ain’t been very far back when you all was hangin’ to trees by your tails an’ throwin’ cocoanuts at the other distin- guished members of your family.” After chaining the cars together where the tubercular trouble had occurred, Ari- zona had caught the caboose as it came by, and, entering the door, made the discovery which eventually became of much interest to the division. A wicker basket stood far back in the rear of the car, and as Arizona approached a cry issued therefrom which brought the ex-cow man to a sudden and fearsome stop. In trepidation he raised the cover and disclosed to view — a baby, which immedi- ately celebrated its transition from dark- ness to daylight by a terrifying yell, which reached the “Snake” as he was coming back over the cars from the engine and brought him on the run down the ladder and into the door on the side. Side by side, speechless from the in- tensity of their feelings, they confronted, helplessly, what seemed to them to be the crisis of their lives. Arizona raised his hand and solemnly misquoted: “And the thin blue line halted.” “Where’d you get it?” asked “Snake.” “I didn’t,” said Arizona, “it got me.” The baby, who had been contemplating them gravely, now broke into renewed cries, strenuously delivered and with tell- ing effect. Never before had they been placed in a position like this. Arizona removed his hat and the “Snake” followed suit. An involuntary act, forced from them by some mysterious manifesta- tion of hereditary reverence for innocence and purity. Awe-stricken, they knelt by the basket, hand in hand. The baby let out another yell and the “thin blue line” went to pieces. At a safe distance Arizona baby-talked some that made even the “Snake” wince, but it only reached down for another bunch of screams and turned them loose. “Oo Sttle pink divil,” cooed Arizona, “where do oo keep all that noise?” “It ain’t keepin’ it,” interrupted the “Snake.” “It shore ain’t,” agreed Arizona. “If silence is golden, then this here kid ain't no multi-millionaire by a whole lot” “What’ll we do now?” asked the “Snake.” Digitized by t^ooQle

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1978 The Railroad Telegrapher. “One of us will have to go for the con- ductor,” said Arizona. “Which is me,” said the “Snake.” And before the other could remonstrate against being left alone with the newly- found terror, he was on top running for dear life for the engine. Reinforced by the “captain,” an investi- gation was made of the basket and brought to light a letter, which the latter read aloud : “To you who read I make this explana- tion : Determined to rid myself of a child I can not support, I do it in this way : While you were away I placed the basket in the car, then removed my baby from its carriage to the basket. May it find a home with some one of you.” “Well, I'll be d !” comments Arizona. “Me an’ you both,” said the “Snake.” “Well, boys,” said the conductor, “the baby’s yours; it’s me to the engine, and may God have mercy on your souls.” And the “Snake” answered with a deep and fervent “Amen.” “Which,” says Arizona, “through the mis- erable cowardice of a quitter, you and I, ‘Snake,’ are shore and certainly forced into a reluctant fatherhood of a son or a daugh- ter— we don’t know which!” Here the baby, evidently feeling its neg- lect, and wishing to make its presence known as an indisputable fact, let loose another yell, and the fathers both ducked. “Snake,” said Arizona, “I’m going to be a father to that kid, yells and all, an’ you’re going to help.” “Why do you want to mix me up in it for,” wailed the “Snake.” “Because,” answered Arizona, “you ail will be a better man for becomin’ sur- rounded with the refined and softening in- fluence of a little critter like that.” “I'll talk some to it now, quiet-like, so as to sorter break the news gently, an’ if you Join there’ll be a good chance for you to do some powerful fancy side-steppin’ an’ duckin.” Arizona s presentation of elephantine baby talk seemed to be ineffectual and the tactics were changed. Threatened with great personal danger the “Snake” was forced to sing and the baby slept. “Which,” mused Arizona, “is the only way you could escape heavin' it.” Orders to meet a westbound passenger, causing a considerable delay, the parental duo held a consultation regarding the im- mediate future of their charge, the result of which was the sending of the following report to the chief dispatcher: “Acton, 8-3-05. “I. L. R. : Woman leaves small baby in large basket with a wooden bottom in the caboose this a. m. What will we do with the kid? “Arizona Smith.” The operator grinned when he sent it and openly laughed, a few minutes later, when he handed to Arizona this reply : “Burrville, 8-3-’o5- “Arizona Smith: Is baby boy or girl? Company refuses to accept responsibility in any way. Suppose you allude to basket, in speaking of wooden bottom. “J. L. R.“ Arizona groaned when he read it, but countered with this: “Acton, 8-3-'os “J. L. R. : Indications to date point to baby being a boy. How can I tell? Bot- tom of basket same material as your head. “Arizona Smith.” Thus with this answer to the hard- hearted chief, they closed the incident, ac- cepting in full the responsibilities so inop- portunely thrust upon them. Retracing their steps to the caboose, they once more viewed the cause of the disturbance of their mental equanimity. They stood in reverent silence before the sleeping baby, and as the helplessness of the little one became apparent to them a mysterious something seemed to remove that thin veneer of roughness they had always assumed, and revealed to each other the ashamed nakedness of their true and noble souls. Sheepishly they turned away, each fearful of the contempt he might read in his companion’s eyes for the weakness displayed. The next stop, making Arizona’s absence necessary, the “Snake” was left in charge. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1979 Returning later, a nameless fear assailed him as he saw the “Snake” frantically run- ning toward him over the swaying cars, who grasped his arm and almost dragged him down the ladder and into the car. “For God’s sake, what’s the matter?” gasped Arizona. But the “Snake” only points to the baby and gurgles, “Look at its little feet!” Recovering from his fright, Arizona ad- monished the “Snake,” in no gentle terms, for the fear he had caused him. “You all,” said he, “are so decidedly wooden-headed it would be a natural se- quence for a man to drive a nail in your face and hang his hat on it.” The discussion was. ended by the baby awaking hungry and mad and voicing its desires in audible expostulations which gave Arizona a clue and he guessed the trouble the first time. “We’ll try a sandwich,” suggested the “Snake.” “Which remark,” answered Arizona, “is shore an’ positive evidence of this here Darwinian theory. Did you ever hear of a baby eatin’ a railroad sandwich?” Out of consideration of the “Snake’s” feeling, however, the offering was made and as promptly refused. “There’s more’n one way to whip a cat,” said the “Snake,” “so we’ll try the pie.” This was also ineffectual, and they were almost stumped until the ex-switchman came again to the rescue with an idea whose brilliancy staggered them both. “We’ll stop at X an’ get the station agent’s wife to feed it for us,” said he. This was done, after which an armistice was declared, both sides resting on their arms. Hours went by and the terminal was reached at last. While Arizona watched the baby the “Snake” went for a hack and quietly and without mishap the transfer from the train to their boarding house was made. Explanations followed and the motherly landlady took charge. After she had ad- ministered to its comfort with a bath and other attentions, Arizona mustered courage to ask a question: “It’s a girl,” she replied, and the “thin blue line” went down and out. “It’s Fate,” soliloquized the “Snake,” “an* she’s sold us a gold hnck.” “Which conclusive fact I figgered out good an’ plenty cornin’ down in that ani- mated wood-shed you hired for a hack,” replied Arizona. After supper Burns, the engineer, came over and assisted in the care of the baby while the landlady was busy down- stairs, during which time that infantile source of trouble began again to cry. “What’s it doing now?” queried he. “Searchin’ its soul for sounds to say how scairt it is,” quotes Arizona. “Turn your back so he won’t see your face.” “Don’t get smart, you fellows,” was the reply. “We won’t,” said Arizona; “no one will accuse us of that after this.” After the departure of Burns, Arizona and the “Snake” remained awake till a late hour discussing the future of their charge. Morning, however, came at last, and with it consternation and dismay in the form of a telegram from the mother of the child. The engineer was sent for and the consul- tation which ensued only left them in a state of despairing helplessness, pitiful to behold. The mother came at noon and the en- gineer was delegated to meet her at the train. His fate was with her and he met them both at the same time. The meeting at the boarding house was a thing of pain for Arizona and the “Snake.” Explanations, however, followed, and the affair soon assumed a comprehensible state- ment of an extraordinary mistake. An unfortunate woman, sick and de- spondent, had attempted to rid herself of a child she could not support, as stated in her letter left in the basket. In her excite- ment, however, when she went to take her baby from its carriage she did not notice another one standing near and took the wrong one, to the terror of Mrs. Craig, and, for a time, the mystification of the police. The only comment on the revelations made was a “Well, I’ll be d !” from Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1980 The Railroad Telegrapher. Arizona, and a “me an* you both” from the “Snake.” “Which,” said the former, after the de- parture of Mrs. Craig and the baby, in tell- ing the story to the old-time engineer and the new brakeman in the switch shanty that night, “is shore an’ conclusive proof that me an’ the ‘Snake’ have got you all skinned a city block when it comes to gittin’ into peculiar an’ unfascinatin’ situa- tions.” Later on, Bums, the engineer, confided to Arizona the news of his approaching mar- riage with Mrs. Craig, and a few weeks after, upon their return from a honeymoon, they gave a dinner in celebration of the baby’s birthday, at which Arizona and the “Snake” were the guests of honor. The humorous endeavors of this worthy pair to do things right was ridiculously manifested in their selection of a present for the baby — a glaringly handsome silver cake basket of huge dimensions, with this inscription engraved thereon : “To the Kid, From Arizona and the ‘Snake.’ ” — By H. M. Sweezy, in Railroad Train- men's Journal. SETTLED OUT OF COURT. (Original.) yT ARRY him, madam,” said the I V/| attorney. “There’s no other way out of the difficulty.” “Marry that old rascal? Never 1 But, sup- posing I should consent to your plan, how could I marry a man with whom I have had legal quarrels for years?” “Any woman is more than a match for a man, especially for a superannuated man. Let me see. You are forty-five. Bless me, you don't look it! He is thirty years your senior. He’ll not live long.” Mrs. Peabody promised to think of the matter, and was not long in taking the at- torney’s advice. She wrote old Codman a letter, which she showed to her niece, Eliz- abeth Ward, who lived with her, but the girl told her it was too cold, matter of fact, and generally unromantic; whereupon the elder woman charged her niece to write such a letter as she would herself send to a man she admired. The result was an epistle that warmed old Ephraim Codman from the tips of his toes to the crown of his hairless head. There was no business in it. but it intended to bring about a conclusion of the lawsuit. The letter was handed with the morning’s mail to Mr. Codman by his grandson and heir, Louis, who acted as his secretary. Louis opened all letters before submitting them. Indeed, he read Mrs. Peabody’s to his grandfather, whose sight was inadequate to decipher a woman’s hand- writing. The old man, fearing that a matri- monial alliance might not please his heir, undertook to make the reply himself, but Louis intercepted the reply, and sent one that he had written himself. For reasons of his own he poured out just such words as he would write to his own ladylove. Then followed a correspondence that would warm hearts frozen for centuries. Miss Ward would write Mrs. Peabody’s letters, read them to her aunt for approval, and mail them. “The old fool,” the lady would exclaim, “to be caught by such chaff! It’s lucky, Betty, I have you to write these letters. I never could do it in the world.” Then when the replies arrived it would be : “How sickening ! I wonder if he will expect me to listen to that rubbish when we are married ? However, he will pay well for the privilege. He is sure to win his case in the end, and that will bankrupt us; whereas this mar- riage will make us rich. You’ll be well paid for your letter-writing, Betty. I shall settle $100 a year on you for dress.” “How generous you are, auntie ! You are always thinking of others, never of your- self.” And so the correspondence went on, growing warmer the while, till at last there came a proposition of marriage. In it was nothing of the business proposition Mrs. Peabody had intended to call forth, but an ardent love such as a young man would pour out to a young girl. “I shall love you,” the old man said, “in your youth and cherish you in your old age.” The lady threw down the letters, muttering: “Not in my old age, you old fool! You will be under ground twenty years before I’m an old woman !” Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1981 When Miss Ward handed her aunt the reply she had written, Mrs. Peabody com- mented on it. “If he were a young man, Bett, it would be lovely. There’s some ex- cuse for him, after all, considering how sweetly you write.” Then came the arrangements for the first meeting between the principals, who had never met except in court, where they had glared at each other. Mr. Codman wrote that he would call at n in the morning of a certain day, and, since he was subject to a temporary indisposition, his grandson would accompany him. “ ‘Temporary indisposition !’ ” exclaimed Mrs. Peabody, “He’ll bring his grandson to hold him up! Write him that owing to a superabundance of maidenly modesty I shall have my niece with me at the meeting.” The girl, laughing merrily, flew away to write the last letter of this unique corre- spondence before the engagement, and Mrs. Peabody went to her room to prepare for the ordeal. When Mr. Codman’s carriage drove up to Mrs. Peabody’s door the sun was shin- ing. the birds were singing — indeed, every- thing portended a bethrothal of a youthful pair. Louis Codman alighted, got his grand- father out of the carriage and supported him into the house. Mrs. Peabody and her niece received them in the drawing-room. The old man was trying to say something gallant when his grandson interrupted him. “Grandfather,” sgid he, “permit me. I am about to make an announcement to you and Mrs. Peabody jointly. When Mrs. Pea- body’s first' letter came I recognized in it the genuine freshness of a young girl. I answered it for its recipient in the same strain. Miss Elizabeth Peabody and I have been corresponding over the heads of our elders ; we have exchanged likenesses, and have frequently met. The proposition is to unite the separate interests now pending. I have a few days ago secured an order from the Court of Chancery placing the manage- ment of the Codman estate in my hands on account of the failing health of my grand- father. If the matter is to be settled out of court it must be settled with me. Mrs. Peabody. I have the hono* to ask the hand of your niece in marriage.” The old man cast a- feeble, inquiring glance at his grandson, and Mrs. Peabody uttered an exclamation of relief. “With all my heart,” she exclaimed. The septuagenarian cast another feeble glance at his grandson and, placing his hand on his heart, said, “Mine, too.” — Heloise Ames, in Locomotive Engineer. TURKEY, THE MESSENGER. SOMEHOW or other, as Fred White, better known to his associates and friends as “Turkey,” climbed into his car and pulled his safe in after him from the truck on which he had just transferred from train No. hi, his whole past seemed to come up before him so vividly that he rubbed his eyes to assure himself that he was not dreaming, and then, heaving a sigh, he unlocked the iron box and began to get things ready for the long run ahead of him. White’s run was from M down to Stillwater Junction, where he transferred and took the main line to L . The first part, as far as the Junction, was easy, but the balance of the route was heavy and kept the messengers busy. It was a night trip, leaving the Junction at 7:23 and arriv- ing at L in the morning at 8:15, if on time, which was seldom the case. Turkey White had been transferred to this run from an office to relieve another messenger, who was suddenly taken sick. The old fellow did not get well, and, as a result, Turkey was left in his place. Things went on nicely for a couple of years, until one night there was a wreck at the Junction. Train No. 254 was two hours late, and a freight train from the south was trying to get into the clear on No. 2 siding. When No. 254 came around the curve at the upper end of the yard, there was no time to spare. The engineer blew “brakes,” but that was the last thing that he ever did. When they found his body it was crushed beneath the shattered wreck of his engine- Turkey was standing on the station plat- form leaning against the truck on which his safe stood. He was looking up the yard and saw the whole thing. “Open tip there, Russell,” he yelled, “and we’ll run this truck inside and do what we can to help; for I Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1982 The Railroad Telegrapher. guess that there will be enough of us needed up there by the looks of things. They pushed the truck inside the office, and after • looking up, hurried with the crowd up the track in the direction of the wreck, where they found everything and everyone in an uproar. Men, women and Children were screaming, cursing, groaning and praying, as they lay there pinned down by the wreckage. Those who had hurried to the scene worked like very demons, displaying almost superhuman strength and courage, until at last, about midnight, the last helpless form was dragged from the broken and twisted mass of iron and wood. The wrecking train and crew arrived about ii, and had been hard at work ever since. Another train had been made up at Lakewood, and running as second No. 254 to the Junction, ran as the regular train from there. This train had not yet arrived, and White, having tired himself out, was about to go down to the office and take a few minutes’ sleep before starting on his trip. He was standing near the forward end of the last car in the train, and as he turned toward the station, he heard a faint call for help, which sounded as though it came from within the wrecked car. He listened for a minute and the call was repeated, and this time he was sure it had not been his imagi- nation. Climbing in through a window, Turkey began to look around as best he could with the aid of the lantern that he was carrying, and then seeing no one, he called, “Where are you?” At first there was no reply, and then a voice, which was unmistakably a woman’s, answered, “here, for God’s sake, help me — I — am — dy — ing.” Then all was silence, and White thought that she must be dead. As rapidly as he could he made his way toward the place where the sound seemed to have come from, and there, pinned dawn between a couple of broken seats, was the bloodstained form of a young girl. She was perfectly still, and the blood trickled slowly down across her pale cheek from a cut in the side of her head, made by a broken iron on one of the seats, and against which she had been thrown. After a great deal of hard tugging and pulling, Turkey succeeded in getting the broken car seats out of the way, and, lifting the girl in his arms, he clambered out of the window, then, laying her on the ground, he bent over her and listened for a heart- beat; at first he heard nothing, then there was just the faintest throb, and hearing it, he sprang to his feet and raced off like a madman. In a moment, he was back with a doctor, who, after making a hurried ex- amination, said that unless there were in- ternal injuries she would be all right, he thought, although, he said, that was an ugly cut on the head. Prying open the clenched teeth, he administered a stimulant of some kind, and in a few minutes, a pair of big, brown eyes were opened, and looked straight up into those of Turkey, who was bending over her. Then she closed them again and dropped into a deep slumber. “I guess that you had better get some help and get her to some better place than this is,” remarked the doctor. “I can carry her to the station,” said Turkey, and suiting the action to his words, he lifted her from the ground, and started toward the station, where he placed her in a carriage and drove with her to the hotel, where he left her in charge of the landlady, a good, old-fashioned soul, who thought that any- thing that “Freddie” White did, or said, was about right. She promised him that she would take the best of care of his “find/* and to meet him at the station on his return trip, and let him know how the injured girl was getting along. The screech of second No. 254’s whistle sounded as he left the hotel and made a race for the office to get his “traps” together and start on his run. When he reached there the train was just pulling into the station, and Russell and the baggageman were looking all around for him. All that night and the next day and night Turkey could think of nothing but that pair of big, brown eyes that had looked up into his, and then closed so peacefully in slum- ber. As his train drew near the Junction on the return trip, it seemed to him that they Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1983 were moving the slowest that they had ever since he had been on the road. But at last they drew up in front of the station, and, as he stood in the open door of his car, he saw something white fluttering in the front window of one of the rooms on the second floor of the hotel, and, at the same time, the voice of his old friend, the landlady, called to him, saying, “I told her you would be in the door, and she said she would wave her handkerchief. Why Fred- die. she is just the dearest little thing you ever saw in your life, and she wants to see you so badly, and get acquainted. She says she owes her life to you, and I guess she does. Now, why can you not get Mr. Wil- son to take your train through next Satur- day, and you bring his back here, then you can stay with us over Sunday, and he can spend the day at his home and bring your train out of L on Monday for you? You know that Jim Green used to do that every other Saturday. Will you do it? I prom- ised Minnie that I would ask you, and she said to make you do it. She is not yet out of her bed, but she says she will be if you will spend Sunday with her. Say yes ; there, I knew you, would.” And before White could get a chance to say a word, or even ask a question, Mjrs. Munson was gone. He had been getting out the transfer while she was talking, and now, after turning over his “reds” to Milton, who took No. 253 on to Lakewood, he jumped out the car door and transferred to the other train which was waiting on the siding, and was due to leave in ten minutes. Russell tried to joke him a little about his friend over at the hotel, but Turkey would have nothing to say. Saturday he changed off with Wilson, and, doubling back to M , dropped into the Junction about 7:30 that evening. Going directly to the hotel, he found Mrs. Munson, and had a long visit with her. He did not go up to see Miss Winstead, the injured girl, that evening, although she sent word down by her hostess that he might come up. He thought it would, perhaps, be better not to tire her out that evening, with the excitement, and he knew she would want to talk a great deal, so he waited until the next morning, when he and Mr. and Mrs. Munson took their breakfast with her in her room, and then it was that Turkey looked again into the depths of a pair of the most beautiful eyes that he had ever seen- Miss Winstead had a slight, girlish figure, dark hair, brown eyes, and her skin was very fair. The bloom had faded from her cheeks, but when her eyes met those of her rescuer, this, the second time, the color came back with a rush, which made her appear even more beautiful than before, and White caught himself thinking of how beau- tiful she was, and wondering if she could ever care anything for him, more than once during the eating of that first meal together. Well, Turkey changed off with Wilson the next two Saturdays, and the next week Miss Winstead left for New York, where she lived with her aunt, who' had come up to Stillwater Junction as soon as she was noti- fied of her niece’s accident She seemed to think that there was no one in the world except her niece and Fred White. The two young people seemed to come to some kind of an understanding before the time came for them to part ; they were both head over heels in love with each other. White promised to come to New York to spend his vacation that fall. Miss Win- stead and her aunt parted from him and from the other new-found friends, with tears in their eyes, the train rolled out of the station, and out of sight, and that was the end. That was four years previous to the night on which our story opens, and during that time Turkey White had heard not a word from Minnie Winstead, or her aunt. He was a changed man tonight from what he was that night four years ago, when he kissed her good-bye. None of his friends ever spoke of her in his presence, although the story was on the end of their tongues as soon as he was out of hearing. They all felt that he had been wronged by a heartless girl of the world. As the time rolled on his friends could see the gradual change which came over him ; he no longer laughed or joked with them, and lines of sorrow and grief made deep furrows in his hand- some face. Tonight, as he sat there, checking his money waybills, and making now a sealed Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1984 The Railroad Telegrapher. bag, and then a sealed package, the fair face of his sweetheart kept coming up before him, and several times he made a move- ment which looked as though he was brush- ing away a tear. He had just finished making a sealed package on Boston, put it in his safe, and taken up a few freight bills that had been thrown in at Meadville, the last stop, when there was a shriek of whistles, the “emer- gency” brake was thrown on, there was a crash, and that was the last that he knew anything about what had happened, until he opened his eyes and felt the cool night air on his brow. “Oh, my God !” he groaned ; there, bending over him was a slender, girl- ish form, and the tears were streaming from the same brown eyes he had dreamed of for four long years. He closed his eyes and sank again into a state of uncon- sciousness. When he again opened them with the light of reason in them, he found himself in a dainty little room, surrounded with the neat- est and daintiest of the comforts of a sick room. He tried to raise himself in bed, but, to his surprise, he found that he could not move his hand to his head, even, to say nothing about sitting up. “Where am I?” he asked, and his voice sounded faint and far away. “There, my dear, you must not talk any just yet,” said a motherly-looking old lady whom he had not observed until now, as she approached his bed. “Just lie still, and go to sleep, and when you awake we will have a fine visitor, but you must not talk now or you will be sick again. You were very ill and the danger is not all past, so please do as I have asked you to and you will not be sorry,” she said, noting the questioning look on the face of the sick man ; and, somehow or other, her words seemed to soothe and reassure him, and he closed his eyes and dropped off into a deep slumber, from which he at last awakened, feeling stronger and better. But he found that he was still too weak to move, and while he lay there wondering what it all meant, and where he was, he suddenly remembered the crash, and the face he had seen after- ward, as though in a dream, but where was he now, and how long had he been here? As if in answer to his question, Minnie Winstead appeared at his bedside, and, bending over, she tenderly kissed him. “At last, thank God,” she said, “all has come right, and I have my own again.” Tears streamed down her cheeks, as she stroked his fevered brow, and she kissed him again and again. Turkey did not un- derstand it at all, but he was happy, very happy; happier than he had been before in four long years, and, when a little later, the doctor came, he smiled, and said, “I guess he has had some medicine besides that which I left, since I have been gone, but it’s all right, and I think he will pull through if he has good care, and I guess he will get it, don’t you, Sis?” he asked, turning to Minnie, who blushed and left the room. Turkey grew stronger, and in a few days he had learned the whole of what had hap- pened. It was the same old story. Two trains late and “passing orders” mixed; each train trying to make a siding that was on the opposite side of’ the point at which they came together. There were many lives lost that night, and among them it was thought for awhile, was Turkey White, but he was finally found by a young lady who escaped from a sleeper on the rear of the “up” train. She was uninjured, except for a good shaking up, and was walking along near the express car, when she saw the un- conscious form of Turkey, lying half buried in a pile of boxes and barrels of express, in the open door of the car. She uttered a groan, and looked wildly about her, “Where am I,” she asked, turning to an old lady who stood near. Then, not waiting for an answer, she clambered into the wrecked car, regardless of the grease and dirt, and began pulling the boxes and packages from the senseless form of White. A couple of train- men, catching sight of her, came to the rec- cue, and he was soon lying on the grass, and Minnie Winstead was bending over him, while her tears fell fast. “He is dead !’’ she moaned, as she rubbed his cold brow. It was just at this moment that he opened his eyes and saw her, and then lost conscious- ness again, and when he again regained it his reason was gone, and his mind wandered in a wild delirium. So it was that the weeks dragged wearily by, while the silent watcher at his bedside Digitized by Google ‘

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1985 never left him. He had been taken to a cottage near the scene of the wreck, where lived an old widow. She was goodness per- sonified, and did everything for the comfort of the sick man and his untiring nurse. At last the climax came, and after weafy hours of watching and waiting, while Tur- key White’s life hung on the finest thread, and there was no way of telling which way the balance might tip, and that thread be broken, the old doctor turned with a smile to Minnie, and said, “He will live, now you had better get a little rest yourself, for he will not be strong enough to sit and watch by you, and someone will have to unless you get some sleep and rest before long.” But before he had finished speaking, she had fainted, a half-uttered “God bless you” dying on her lips. When she recovered the doctor had gone, and White was sleeping as sweetly as a babe. “But Minnie, you have never told me where you were, or what was the matter all those long years while you was away from me,” said Turkey, one afternoon, as they strolled through the fields, some time later, after he became strong enough to walk around, and wander through the woods and fields, always accompanied by Minnie. “Well, Fred, a part of it will always be a blank, even to me. On our way home A/unt Effie was taken suddenly ill, and only lived a few hours after we arrived in New York. I was so prostrated with grief that I did not know what to do with myself. After the funeral I was taken sick — must have been sick a very long time, for when I regained my reason I was very weak. I remembered Aunt Effie’s death, but previous to that all was a blank. I do not know how I happened to take the train that night for Masons. I do not think, in fact, that I knew or cared very much where I was go- ing. But the instant that I saw you lying there, apparently dead, the past flashed up before me, and I remembered everything. I am sure, my sweetheart, that it was just God’s way of bringing us together again. — By E. C. Pressey, in Express Gazette. Honesty brings a feeling of contentment even when it entails something in the way of loss. — Exchange. JOHN L. SULLIVAN ON BOOZE. OOZE is bad — John L. Sullivan. No temperance orator is better qualified to speak on the subject of alcoholic beverages and their effect on the human system than the former champion. He has been through the whisky mill. When he entered he was a rosy-cheeked young Irish lad. When he emerged he was a bloated, dissipated, physical wreck. If you pick up this paper with blurred brain and dulled senses, you will not be able to appreciate the full import of his words. Sports and near-sports, the sum and sub- stance of his sermonette is — “Don’t drink; let the other fellow do that.” “Booze has the greatest knockout punch in the world,” begins the sagacious Sulli- van. “It will get you if you don’t watch out. “I know a lot about ‘knockout’ punches, but there’s one which is the most effective of all. “What is it? Boys, it’s booze — drink; strong drink of all kinds. Beware; don’t let it land on you. “I fought the booze, but I lost. No man carries a swing or a hook, or a cross, or an uppercut that can make an impression on old Red Eye. “Boys, booze-fighters always take the count. No one ever put old King Alcohol down for the count of ten. “When you start battling booze you are up against the real thing. “The only way to beat it is to have will enough of your own to keep out of range of that punch. “Let it go over your head, by your ear or under your guard arm — anywhere but down your throat “Boys, the fellow who can dodge the booze is a pretty slick gazaboo. “Young man, quit the booze; and quit it for good. You older fellow, learn the same lesson. Remember, the real punch is contained in the fiery stuff. The fellow who beats it is the fellow who can dodge the punch. “Did you ever know that most of the lying in the world is caused by drink? It is. You don’t know it, maybe, but stop Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1986 The Railroad Telegrapher. and think.’ Don’t a drinking man say some awfully foolish and uncalled-for-things ? And isn’t he sorry for it when he thinks what an ass he has made of himself? “Say, take it from old John L., a cham- pion once at ring and booze-fighting, it’s the worst game ever discovered. “I see in my travels, and I am mighty glad to note it, too, that the age of suc- cessful drinkers has gone by. Employers don’t want even a man who can ‘handle it,’ if there is such a thing. “Lots of men flatter themselves by say- ing they can handle the stuff. Rot ! It wasn’t made to be handled.” — The Elevator Constructor. THE VENGEANCE OF A SONG. THEY were in Ralph’s quarters, as usual. “I see a gap,” said the doc- tor. “Where’s Dodge tonight?” “I don’t think he will be here,” said the journalist. “I dropped in on him at the bank today, and he said he was going over to the West Side tonight ; a ghost to inves- tigate. Five leases have been broken since September on a flat in an apartment house in Washington Boulevard. Footsteps are clearly heard going up the hall and walking across the bathroom tiling. Dodge wants to see what there is in it.” “Now, Professor,” said Ralph, “you have often hinted of those psychic investigations in Cambridge. Suppose you tell us about the ghost-raising in which Harvard had a finger?” The Professor sat thinking for some min- utes, as if turning over various memories and assorting them for a good selection. “I know of something better,” he said pres- ently, “than any of our sittings with Mrs. Piper and the mediums. The participant, or rather the victim, was a friend of mine, a Chicago man. Frank was a good fellow, and I saw much of him the last year at Harvard. I found him again in London during the summer, and we got into the habit of going about together, the fraternal tie growing even stronger in a strange land. Frank had previously told me about him- self, that he was engaged, and all that, the beauty of the girl — such a fine old Evanston family, a real Rembrandt in the house. He was quite proud of her, that was plain to see; he was proud of the Rembrandt, too, the family taking it all very seriously. One night Frank and I strayed into a music hall ; we had heard something of a Fay Gillette and her song about a sweetheart But we had started out that evening with no intention of hearing her; it was quite unexpectedly that we decided on the music hall. “The girl had come out, and was well on with her song before I noticed her name or the familiar ditty. It was almost with a shock that I remembered she was a celebrity in her way — she seemed like a child who was singing, and singing to me alone. In- deed, I quite forgot Frank, I forgot the hall, in the witchery of it. I seemed in my own home, and some near one was singing and singing to me. She was dressed like a child, or rather a young girl, 15, perhaps. She even wore a pink bonnet with strings, and she had a way of holding them out as she sang; not the way you see them doing now — they are only trying to imitate Fay Gillette, as if anyone could imitate her. She looked at you, it seemed, hold- ing those strings in her narrow, little hands, her upper lip lifted from her white teeth like a baby’s — you sometimes sec a suggestion of it in Raphael’s singing angels, the little winged heads he puts in clouds. It is a mouth only a child can make. But she sang that wray, Fay Gillette, looking at you, you thought then, but looking as a child would have looked. “Come back to me, sweetheart ; Be mine forever more; Come back to me, sweetheart : Leave me never more. “That’s what she sang, the refrain of it; and that’s the part they make her sing. There’s plenty more to the song, but those four lines, she had a way of wailing them out from that childish mouth, watching you with those infantile eyes, and singing right to you. They kept her at it, the refrain, over and over; the song has another title, but those who heard Fay Gillette sing it always called it ‘The Sweetheart Song.’ “ Leave me never more,’ she wailed to me, and I braced myself, feeling I would Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1987 follow her to the ends of the earth. I looked around, and the pale side of Frank’s face caught my eye; his jaw had set, his eyes were fixed — she was singing to him, too, he thought. That was my first thought. “Come back to me, sweetheart ; Be mine forever more; Come back to me, sweetheart ; Leave me never more.” she sang again, the childish mouth, the childish eyes — she was singing to Frank. There was a hard struggle, of a moment ; the delicious deception of one minute’s de- light died a little hard; a sharp pain, but it died; and I resigned her and her little wail to Frank — she might sing to him alone, for all I should care. “Frank and I walked home from the music hall. He said nothing — quite unlike him. I stopped awhile in his room; we had taken lodgings in the same house. He smoked on without a word, and with Frank silence was a ‘stunt’ I could not under- stand. An hour later I left him with the Evanston girl’s name not once spoken, the Rembrandt quite forgotten, and the fine old family a misty memory. “I don’t know how Frank met Fay Gil- lette, but I soon knew he was calling at her # home. The girl had a good reputation, considering. She lived with her mother, an actress who still played older parts. “Frank was now going every night to the music hall, and Fay Gillette sang her sweet- heart song to him openly, and it was begin- ning to be talked about. It was not like Fay to make favorites, and her reputation for the stage prude was going. About this time Frank and I separated for awhile. We had planned a trip together through Holland, but the appointed time came, and he could not get away from London. Of course, I knew it was the sweetheart song. I thought of the Evanston situation, and I urged him, a little strongly at first, almost too much. He got angered with me, said something about being of age and able to manage his own affairs. So I left them to his management. When I returned to Lon- don two months later his management quite astounded me — he had promised to marry Fay Gillette, and, still holding to the strings of her pink bonnet, still gazing serenely from her infantile eyes, in the music hall, she sang with her childish lips the sweet- heart song to Frank. There was more talk than ever. “ ‘Frank,’ I said, ‘have you broken with Ruth?’ “His face got fiery red at my question, and I knew he was playing a double game. He had the look of it in his face, the mean, comtemptuous feeling one can cherish only for one’s self. Of course, he was impudent with me about it. I found a mode of re- taliation. I would keep silent when he talked of Fay Gillette, a non-encouragement that was annoying as infatuation and desire for confidence grew stronger in him. “ ‘She has a very inocent face,’ he would say to me. “‘Who, Christy?’ I would say. Christy was the half simple Scotch chambermaid, who never did anything right. “ ‘You know I don’t mean Christy,’ Frank would snap back at me; ‘I don’t believe Christy has a face.’ “He would wait for my reply, but I would have none. Frank would smoke for a little space, but he could no longer hold in. ‘You knew right well Miss Gillette.* “ ‘Oh, Fay Gillette,’ I would say. “ ‘I wish you would learn to say Miss Gillette; just do it for practice, old man. You will have to call her Mrs. some day, and Mrs. to my name, too.’ “Frank would laugh weakly when he said this, the laugh of a man who felt he meant what he was saying, but knew he was not saying the truth. “I would shake my head, and he would take it up. ‘I have put them all in the bal- ance,’ he said to me one evening after the usual exchange of replies; ‘I put each com- bination in its respective scale; in one Ruth, the fine family, the Evanston castle, the real and authenticated Rembrandt; in the other Fay, the smile, the eyes and the sweetheart song.’ “And which was found wanting? “ ‘Not Fay’s end of it.” “I gave in a little to Fay after this. I saw Frank was a hopeless case for the present ; and I often accompanied him to the little home where Fay and her mother Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1988 The Railroad Telegrapher. lived. It was not a bad place to drop into at all. The mother was a sweet old woman, full of reminiscences, a stroller of genera- tions of strollers; and when she would tell of her experiences in out-of-the-way Aus- tralia, New Zealand and India theaters you would gladly sit up half the night to hear her. Then, too, she had a way of telling of her adventures, and her mouth had just a suggestion of the baby raise of Fay’s upper lip. “One night I was dining with them — Fay, her mother and Frank. A cablegram was brought in to Frank. He tore it open, and I saw a queer look on his face before he unfolded the sheet of paper. I felt that Fay’s scale did not weigh so heavy, after all. Of course, it was a summons to Frank to go home. His mother demanded it. I noticed as he read the message to Fay and her mother that he interluded his mother’s illness. Fay had turned very pale; but it was the pallor of pain, not of doubt, yet she was not wholly at her ease. Frank was getting ready to take his leave, and the girl came to him and laid her hands upon his shoulders. ‘You feel you can’t, you simply can’t forget me?’ she asked with a wan smile; but her eyes denied the confidence that her lips spoke. “Frank started at Fay’s question ; it came to him unexpected, as if forgetting her were something already under way. He watched her, the eyes, the mouth; he seemed trying to recall a memory; but the old light was returning to his eyes. 'Sing to me, just sing the refrain of the sweetheart song,’ he said quickly. And, with her hands still upon his shoulders, her beautiful lips raised from the little white teeth, she sang: “Come back to me, sweetheart ; Be mine forever more ; Come back to me, sweetheart ; Leave me never more. “Frank’s cheeks were pale. It was again the look I saw on his face the night he first heard Fay Gillette sing — the night I was so foolish as to think she could sing to me. “ ‘And you think I could forget you?’ he asked as to one would answer a child. “‘Yes.’ she said in half fear. “ ‘Could you lose anything,’ Frank said, ‘that you held with a steel-linked chain?’ “She was watching him with rising con- fidence. “No, I can’t forget you,’ Frank said; i am bound to you stronger than any man- acled slave to a master. That refrain from you, Fay; God be my witness, little girl, that refrain could bring me to you across a gaping cleft in a mountain ; call it to me and I’ll go.’ “The girl was strangely in earnest, paler than Frank, and trembling from head to foot. ‘Will you swear it?’ she said, and I turned from the room to leave them their few last minutes together. “ ‘Love makes a man mediaeval,’ Frank said to me when we found ourselves outside the house. ‘Old man, I took an oath to- night.’ “The next night we sailed for home. Frank was not the best sailor in the world, and he stayed in his stateroom for the first few days out ; and, none too well myself, I kept him company. We got the American papers just before sailing, and then we knew why Frank’s parents wanted him — there was a yellow sheet with a full-page illustration of Frank and Fay Gillette, she singing from the music hall stage and he a wrapt listener, and grouped in fantastic letters about them • the words of the refrain of the sweetheart song. The account was highly sensational and almost without a fragment of truth: they even fixed Frank out as a packer’s son and a millionaire, kindly giving him an immense fortune, which he was squandering on the girl. “Men are strange things to understand. After Frank saw that sensational and lying newspaper story he seemed to hate Fay Gil- lette, and once when I mentioned her name he turned on me with a growl. The topic was carefully avoided ; only once did he say something that set me thinking. It was when we had taken our seats in the train at Jersey City, en route for home, some girls from a fashionable school came aboard with their chaperon. ‘I like our ways,’ Frank- said to me ; ‘one should not get out of one’s class, old man.’ He looked toward the girls and their white-haired, aristocratic duenna. ‘Such girls are the kind for a fellow to marry,’ he said. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1989 “In a month’s time Frank was back in his old ways; the paper’s sensational story was well-nigh forgotten; he was again in favor 'at the house in Evanston; he admired al- most nightly the real Rembrandt, and he was talking of fine old families. This much I did know — Fay’s letters were unanswered. “Then from New York, with her name blazed with all the heraldry of a successful press agent, came the news that Fay Gil- lette would tour the States. If Frank gave it a thought, he said nothing to me. We never refered to the subject. But I was nervous — New York, Boston, Washington, feverishly I followed the course of Fay Gil- lette in her triumphs ; and, of course, it was the sweetheart song and the refrain of it; over and over, they made her repeat the words, just the same as they had in old England. At last Fay was to come to Chicago, and the papers left no one in ignor- ance of her advent. I waited with almost sick dread. What would be the end of it? I had a feeling that the girl was not re- signed to giving up Frank. She would sooner or later draw on what he had once called the steel-linked chain. And would he go? Could he withstand it? Would she find some way to sound the refrain in his ears? I thought of her the first night I saw her, the scorces of nights afterward, the pink poke bonnet, the strings in her nar- row white hands, the pearly teeth, the baby lips, the infantile eyes — then of the real Rembrandt, Evanston castle, a fine old family — no, no, they would not weigh if Frank was to hear the refrain. “I kept a watch over Frank in a way. But I saw he was frightened ; at least he did not intend to be. He stayed right on in Chicago as if he did not know that she was coming, and coming with her pink bonnet, her baby mouth, her eyes and the sweetheart song. “But Fay Gillette never sang in Chicago. The day she landed here she was brought from the train to the hospital in an ambu- lance, a seriously sick woman. I don’t think she came here to sing, but to die, and she knew it. Yes, she sent for Frank; and, a s her illness fastened harder upon her, she sent for him three times each day — in the morning, at noon and night. She begged without pride to see him but once before she was taken. He sent her flowers, but no answer. Then, finally, Fay sent for me. She was very humble and pleading when I saw her, a broken, wasted thing that had lived and worked for months on nerve and energy. She begged me to bring Frank to her, saying that she was dying, and he could not refuse a last request. I broke down by the little white bed in the hospital ; it was too great a change to see the butterfly turn worm, and such a poor, crushed woman. I went to Frank; I told him there was no doubt of the nearness of her death ; but he would not listen to me. He had strayed from duty once, he said, and now his follies were at an end. He was so harsh about it ; but while I hated him for his harshness of heart, I felt it Was lack of confidence in himself, his doubt of his own strength, that made him keep away from Fay Gillette. “Fay died, passing from life with a cry for Frank upon her lips. “Fay had been dead about a week when I was sitting one evening with Frank in his room. We were talking about the wedding, whether he and Ruth should be married that spring or wait until autumn. It was quite early, the windows were open and the still warm air blew in below the curtains, balmy and with the faint scent of flowers in its softness. He stretched himself out in his Morris chair. The season of sentiment,’ he said, and laughed, ‘and I think Ruth is right; we will wait until autumn; nights like this were made for wooing, not posses- sion,’ and he leaned forward, jerking up the curtain and flooding the room with the moonlight. ‘It’s awfully good, life,’ he said ; ‘a night like this — I want to live forever.’ “It was a street organ, a little hurdy- gurdy on the corner that started it, an old woman turning a crank, and floating on the still air came the notes of the song: “Come back to me, sweetheart ; Be mine forever more ; Come back to me, sweetheart : Leave me never more. “It was the refrain, over and over in the organ’s wheezing notes. Frank straightened himself in his chair. He raised his hand slowly and gripped his head and rubbed his Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1990 The Railroad Telegrapher. temples. Slowly he rose as if bent upon following something that held his fixed, hard stare. He was going forward as if the bar of a plate glass window was not before him. I sprang to reach him. It was a little wrestling trick I knew. In a moment I had Frank in my grasp. So I held him until the organ changed its tune. Then I laid him in his chair, and for a long time he sat with his eyes fixed where their stare had been. He came slowly back to himself, and then he watched me in strange wonder, wiping his wet face and forehead. “ ‘Well, old man, it was an oath and I broke it/ he said at length. “It was a week after this, and one day Frank came to see me. His haggard face frightened me anew. He had lost his old free, slouching walk, and his eyes were the eyes of a creature driven to earth. “ ‘Do you want to go away with me, old man?’ Frank said, and I was glad to hear the question. ‘I must get away from it; they are singing everywhere. People are already talking of my conduct, doubting my sanity. Last night at Ruth’s there was a terrible scene. I heard it from the street, some one passing by, singing the refrain. That instant she was before me, Fay, just as I had seen her a thousand times, the pink bonnet, the little white teeth, the smile, the “Come back to me, sweetheart.” Then she changed to sadness, and called to me in dis- tress, and I was trying to reach her, and they would not let me.’ “Two weeks later, one evening Frank and I were encamped a little back from a can- yon, a remote spot in the Rockies. The sun was just setting, and hundreds of feet below us the Gunnison ran, the whirl of the tor- rent coming up to us caged in by the sharp- cut walls of cleft rock. Our Chinese boy was cooking supper, and we lay on the chaparal-carpeted mountain side, watching the stars breaking out through the turquoise Colorado sky. I was happy in a way, yet I was perturbed — since our arrival Frank had been gay spirited ; but was he doomed to spend his life in remote haunts, away from his kind, flying from all possible reach of that song? Sam, working about the fire, said something of a party that was pitching camp on the other side of the canyon, and on the still air we could hear the blows of the mallet and the stretch of the ropes and canvas as they pulled their tents into place. Frank rose and watched him in admiration,' his strong form standing out against the mountain sky. Then it came from the camp across the canyon, a few picked notes on a mandolin, and a clear tenor voice on the evening air: “Come back to me, sweetheart ; Be mine forever more; Come back to me, sweetheart; Leave me never more. “Frank’s form stiffened. The hands rose to his head. He stepped forward staggering, and I sprang to reach him. He heard my footstep, and he turned an enraged face to me. I was too late for my Japanese trick; he landed a hard blow on my neck, felling me. As I • dropped I was still conscious. He cried out inaudibly as he ran, and then I saw him spring, and disappear over the canyon’s edge. Then I waited, and up from the cut came the horrid splash and thud from 500 feet below.” “Macbeth, Macbeth,” cried Ralph; “Till Birnam wood do come to Dunsinane.’ ” “ ‘Yes* said the professor, the fulfill- ment.* ” “ ‘God be my witness, little girl/ I had heard Frank swear; ‘that refrain could bring me to you across a gaping cleft in a mountain ; call it to me, and I’ll go/ By Elizabeth Higgins, in Chicago Record- Herald. HE FELT IT COMING. ttV ES, siree,” maundered the red- | nosed inconsequential-looking lit- tle man in the groggery. as he blew the foam off the top of an edition of “the tallest in Washington for a nickel” “there’s goin' to be a panic all right enough There sure is. I kin feel it a cornin’. All the signs p’int to it. It’s in the air. Stock market a-tumbling and all th’ rich peepul with money t’ invest a-gittin’ skeeart an’ all like that. Oh, there’s a panic due. all right. You kin take it from me.” However, none of the loungers about the groggery appeared to be in a state of any immediate alarm over the prediction. They just went right on lounging. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1991 “An* it's a-goin’ t’ be some panic, too,” went on the little red-nosed man. “Devil t’ pay an* no pitch hot — that’s what it’s a-goin’ t’ be. Tell you what, it’s good t’ be livin’ in Wash’n’n endurin’ a panic. Y’see, panics don’t much hurt this town. Old gov’ment coin keeps th’ pot a-boilin’ here. But in them commercial towns — geemeeny crickey, but w’en this panic comes — an’ it’s a-comin’, you hear me — there’ll be tough times.” The barkeep swabbed the bar off with his gummy towel, and the loungers continued to lounge, and nobody appeared to be in the least dismayed by the direful prognostica- tions of the little man with the rummiferous beak. “This yere Roosevelt feller may be all right — I ain’t sayin’ that he isn’t — but he sure is a-pokin’ it into them fyenanciers all right, all right,” the inconsequential man pushed forward, unmindful of the neglect with which his discourse was being received. “An’, after all, them’s th’ peepul that run things in this country, hain’t they? An’ if we didn’t have no fyenanciers, we’d be bum dooces in a punkerino deck, wouldn't we? An’ there’s somethin' a-comin’ t’ them, too, hain’t there, f’r runnin’ things? Well, I guess ! An’ yet they’re gettin’ it w’ere Min- nie wears th’ moose-teeth. It ain’t right, that’s what I’m a-sayin’. No-pee, it ain’t right! Hey?” And still the habitues of the groggery were quite undisturbed. They lapped up their suds with quite their usual complais- ance, and continued to gaze around them in quite their ordinary soused bovine way, and the little red-nosed man’s personally con- ducted monologue wasn’t stampeding them a little bit. But he was going just to suit himself, and so he continued: “Remember them soup-houses that they had around Chicago an’ New York an’ them big towns back in ninety-three? Well, that’s what we’re a-goin’ t’ git ag’in. Soup- houses. That’s what. Helluva note, too, w’en th’ United States gits into th’ soup- house game, ain’t it? Well, I shu’d squeak! Soup-houses! Great gag, w’en th’ best we kin do in this country is t’ start soup- houses f’r men that ain’t got no work! We ought t’ go bag our heads, that’s what! Hey?” But they wouldn’t get het up. They declined to. They were busy with their grog and their own thoughts and their own lolling, and the promise of the eco- nomic wrath to come didn’t feaze them a teenchy little bit. “You fellers may think panics is fun,” went on the little red-nosed man, “but I’m a-tellin* you that they’re not. They're th’ bad stuff sure ’nough. Homeless widows, starvin ’orphans, an’ all like that. No fun ’bout panics. An’ we’re headin’ f’r a panic just as sure as we’re standin’ or sittin’ here, you listen t’ me !” Just at this stage of it a. huge, stout, tall woman, with touseled black hair, and a hatchet face, and just an ordinary string pulled around her house wrapper to keep it down at the middle, bounded through the swinging doors of the groggery. She took one short, but extremely com- prehensive, look at the red-nosed little man, and then she was at him in about two and one-half jumps. She grabbed him by the slack of his coat collar and yanked him around in front of the bar for a little while. Then she jammed him up into a dim corner of the groggery, against the beer refrigerator, and swatted him a couple of stinging ones in the face with the palm of her large, bony hand. Then she pulled his bum-looking straw hat off his head, tossed it onto the floor, and stamped on it, all the time main- taining her clutch on his coat collar. Then she reached over with her left hand and poked him a real tidy one right in the pit of the stomach, evoking several eloquent grunts from him. Then she stood him up against the bar. and shaking her loose hand at him, she addressed him thus : “You little chopped-off. sawed-off bum, you! You zero with the rim tore off! You little ratty hunk o’ nothin’ness! You piece o’ cheese! You ornery barroom loafer, standin’ here with a crowd o’ lazy, drunken louts, an’ drinkin’ up the money that I stand over a wash-tub t’ get ! You com- mon, cheap, no-account piece of trash ! You slab-sided rabbit, that ain’t done a day’s work sence I married you ! You, you — you come along with me this minnet, you hunk o’ glue, or I’ll break ev’ry bone in Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1992 The Railroad Telegrapher. vour good-f’r-nothin’ carcass, an’ if you let out s’much as one word I’ll — ” By this time she had him through the swinging doors, and the rest of her little address, as she all but booted the little red- nosed man down the street to their peaceful shack, was lost upon the groggery loungers. But they hadn’t forgotten the little mono- logue of the red-nosed man. “That duck was there with th’ dope, all right, wasn’t he?” observed one of the loungers, with a rummy grin. “There sure was a panic all right.” — Washington Even- ing Star. SKEPTICAL PETER PETERKINS.— A CHRISTMAS STORY. OXCE on a time (all orthodox Christmas stories commence thus) there lived a little boy named Peter Peterkins. He was neither a very good child, nor a very bad child, but, from the age of three years, he had shown a disposi- tion to look at many things with an eye of doubt, so that, among his neighbors, he had the name of Skeptical Peter Peterkins. This tendency to skepticism on the part of the boy had resulted in his meeting with many accidents, for he never heeded the advice of his good papa and his lovely mamma, who were wise parents and knew exactly what was proper or improper for children to do ; what would result in pleas- ure, and what in pain. For instance, Peter was informed on several occasions that tak- ing pie and cake from the pantry and eating the same at irregular hours and in large quantities was liable to upset his stomach, for, like all small youths, when he ran across a jam jar or a jelly glass or black cake, he was apt to swallow such food hur- riedly in his anxiety to escape undetected in such a nefarious act. Sometimes he was rewarded when caught with a maternal spanking; at other periods he had colic, for which the old family physician was called to minister. Dr. Billem Pillem was a courtly gentle- man who believed in castor oil and ipecac, the latter ever given first to empty an over- loaded stomach, and the former for intes- tinal reasons — Peter could never under- stand, inasmuch as the boy was unversed in jEsculapian arts. Peter would never have needed medical services had he but heeded the advice of papa and mamma. Again, the boy had been frequently admon- ished not to pick up “Gyp,” the family tom- cat, by the tail, and on several occasions had been badly scratched by the mouse catcher. He finally learned from his cat school of experience that it is best to rub pussy on the back with its fur in the proper direction, so as to elicit low purrings of feline delight. He had been informed, too. that pulling the watch dog’s ears might re- sult in personal injury to the puller. After being bitten or] his hand two or three times. Peter discovered that patting “Tray” on the head was the proper canine cares’s. He was also told that it was highly improper to enter Dolly’s stall from the rear and tickle the animal’s hind legs with the riding whip. Having had his arm broken once by being kicked twelve feet across the barn, Peter thereafter only approached Dolly with a lump of sugar from the head of the stall. He learned, too, after warning, not to get down on all fours and attempt football con- clusions with Mike Malloney’s, the stable man’s pet billy goat. His early attempts to discover whether mamma’s and papa’s advice in regard to domestic animals was proper, taught him some little wisdom ; yet, as he grew older, he still experimented, owing to his skepti- cism on other lines. He had been warned not to go too near the bee hive ; but, hav- ing heard Mike Malloney say that every hive had a queen bee that was much larger than the other bees, he doubted the story, and one summer day, w’hen the hive work- ers were supposed to be absent in the white clover fields, he upset the hive. He never saw any queen bee, it is true, but then his eyelids were swollen so he could see nothing, while his lips were puffed out so his mother hardly recognized her Peter’s face. There was certainly a queen bee or some other kind of bee in hives, the boy concluded, and thereafter he sedulously avoided the pursuit of apiculture. Having been burnt by the premature discharge of Fourth of July firecrackers, scratched, kicked, bitten, stung, he at last came to re- gard some of his parents* advice as good. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1993 and grew cautious — even cunning — yet, strange to say, more skeptical than ever. He did not controvert the opinions of papa and mamma so openly as formerly, but kept up a deep thinking, always ending in doubt ; for he had an analytical mind, always wish- ing to see for himself the true cause and, sad enough, usually, to realize the effect. For a year before he was eight he doubted things like an old Voltaire or Tom Paine. Peter Peterkins was not so different, after all, from many children of even larger growth as to his habits of celebration. What he did not know positively, he guessed at, then believed in the guess until he was taught, occasionally, that all guesses are not right. Herein was deep heathen philosophy, mystical, and akin to esoteric Buddhism and other ancient cults modernized and vulgar- ized. Like almost all children, he had been taught early to believe in St. Nicholas.^ This, with “Now I lay me down to sleep,” constituted his creed of religious faith until his eighth year. At this period his super- natural nature underwent a radical change. One day, to the horror and consternation of his only and younger sister, he avowed his utter disbelief in the patron saint of Christ- mas. He was careful enough not to utter this profound heresy in the presence of mamma and papa, however, for two rea- sons. First, because he feared the displeas- ure of his parents; for, had not mamma and papa instilled the germ of this infantile faith into his mind? Second, he had a vague notion that perhaps his announce- ment of fall from grace might result in disaster as regarded Christmas presents, for even in his skepticisms he faintly con- victed mamma and papa as the real trans- mitters of the good gifts ostensibly be- stowed by St. Nicholas, they being the in- termediaries of proper rewards and dire punishments as time and occasion might require. How often had Peter Peterkins been warned that good little boys and girls were most kindly remembered by St. Nicholas with confections, nuts, toys and a world full of good things that the season’s festi- vals should bring about. Then the punish- ment for bad little boys and girls— only lumps of hard coal and rattans for flogging would appear in each Christmas stocking. True it was that Peter could not remem- ber the time his own stocking had not been filled to repletion with all the childish lux- uries. This led him to assume that his con- duct on this earth had ever been perfect, as he had always been annually rewarded; so. to many older souls, prosperity has ap- peared indicative of the possession of all the higher ethical virtues. It is a fine super- stition that virtue is ever rewarded and our vices punished. It lifts up humanity and is an eminently proper superstition, if super- stitions are proper. It was Fichte, the German philosopher, who once observed that “it is only superstition which restrains and controls the masses;” but this is a di- gression, for Peter Peterkins had never read Fichte, and it was a good thing for Peter that he never had. It will be seen from this that the boy had commenced to acquire wisdom, even if the sign did not yet appear in his teeth. He could look back proudly and note the time when he could not see why 12 times 12 should not be 200 instead of 144, and why 12 added to 20 be 100, just as well as 32. Time and a little rattan had strengthened Peter’s ideas in a number of directions. He learned his let- ters early and, when seven, could rsr. J the headlines of the morning’s paper with a certain degree of intelligence. The head- ings “Mobs,” “Suicide,” “Lynching,” “Bank Defalcations,” and other ornamental display lines that adorn the great American dailies, served to turn his mind to warlike and strenuous doings, and inspired him with an ambition to become notorious and violent. By that method of unconscious cerebration, intuition, instinct (if you want to call it by such names), peculiar to juvenile ctizens of the Republic, he lost faith in the true, good and beautiful of early childhood and in- dulged in rather morbid introspection, with an inherited tendency to doubt, his grand- father having been a Congregational clergy- man of Scotch descent, recanting from Gen- eva Calvinism. Peter Peterkins doubted, doubted, and finally grew almost agnostic as to whether there was ever a real St. Nicholas. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1994 The Railroad Telegrapher. One night, when his little mamma had tucked him in his bed with safety pins — for he had eaten half of a pumpkin pie at 6 o'clock dinner — she made him repeat after her the familiar “Now I lay me down to sleep” and the other pretty words of that lovely child-prayer. He suddenly stopped at the words “Pray the Lord my soul to keep.” His gentle mother, leaning over his pillow, said, softly, “Peter, finish your prayer like a good boy.” To her astonish- ment, he exclaimed, pettishly, “It is a story. Oh, mamma ! I'm too tired and sleepy to say it.” His mamma looked at him ner- vously. Peter turned over on his side and pretended to be asleep; in fact, the small hypocrite essayed a low, heavy breathing, akin to an infantile snore. She, thinking him now asleep, and yet wondering, retired to her own adjoining room, after kissing the boy on his rosy cheek. When she had departed, Peter, who was really wide awake, felt in his heart the pang of grief at his deceit. He had the feeling of compunction, yet could not have exactly defined his sin. Then he remained awake several hours, pitching and tossing. Per- haps it was his sin that made him so rest- less, but he had eaten too much pumpkin pie, too, as has been previously noted; so, keeping his eye on the window pane and trying to count the stars in the sky beyond, he at last fell asleep, his little pillow be- dewed with tears of infantile remorse. Alas! for the childhood remorse associated with pumpkin pie. It will be seen from this little episode that P^ter nad some con- science, for, next day, he asked his mamma’s forgiveness for deceiving her, and was happy for the maternal pardon. It is diffi- cult to catch the exact evolutions of the juvenile mind, but all know that the beau- tiful faith of early childhood fades all too often and imperceptibly away. Peter, later on in years, ever remembered that night of remorse when he first deceived his little mother. He never forgot how the stars, shining through the window panes, seemed like the eyes of pitying angels looking down — eyes so full of sorrow, eyes so reproach- ful that he had buried his face under the cover-lid, and so gently cried himself to sleep. II. The Peterkins family lived in the suburbs of a large city. Beside Papa and Mamma Peterkins and skeptical Peter, there was a little girl, Gabrielle. The latter was like a lovely Dresden doll, a regular princess, just such an one as are pictured in the fairy tale books. She had soft blue eyes, long flaxen hair, and a most entrancing pink-and- white complexion. She was plump and jolly, too. Above all, she had a charming disposition. She was a happy little girl, dancing around from morning until night, and often clapping her hands from sheer delight, she was so pleased with the world and everything in it. Gabrielle Peterkins was two years younger than Peter. She was a trustful little girl, ever having an abiding faith in all that mamma and papa told her; an obedient child in all things. She always said her prayers in an humble, submissive spirit, full of hope and faith for the morrow. Gabrielle had implicit confi- dence in St. Nicholas; for, was that not part of the child’s religion taught her? To her St. Nicholas was a real spirit of the Christmas-tide, who came down on earth from his toy workshop in the sky. driving in a sleigh drawn by fiery reindeer, with jingling sleigh bells as a musical accom- paniment ; for had not mamma taught her to repeat those exciting verses : “’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse ?” Gabrielle knew the infantile poem like all other little girls in the English-speaking world. St. Nicholas was as much in evi- dence in her faith as the Ten Command- ments are in the old Mosaic law. It had been a great shock to Gabrielle when skep- tical Peter Peterkins had proclaimed his apostasy to her holiday creed and had turned boy heretic. One day, a short time before Christmas. Peter had struck such a blow at her faith she was not only amazed, but stunned, at his impious remark. “Say, Gabey” (he called her “Gabey” for short), “I don’t be- lieve in that old St. Nicholas. There’s no saint ever comes down a chimney of all the Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1995 houses in the world and gives children all they ask their papas and mammas for. It's a big story, and I don't believe it — not Petey.” Gabrielle looked at her brother with eyes full of fear and wonder, while the tears gathered, more in sorrow than anger, as she replied, “I do, for papa and mamma said so.” A youthful sneer and a curl of the upper lip, and Peter retorted: "Papa and mamma are not always right, Sister Gabey. Do you know what I am going to do next Christmas Eve? Sister, can you keep a secret, and promise you will never, never breathe a breath to papa and mamma?” He stopped here and looked at her inquiringly. She, with the natural feminine curiosity, that has pervaded the sex, young and old, since Eve wondered how an Eden apple would taste, after a very short reflection nodded her flaxen head in token of assent. “Swear it !” he cried, in a melodramatic fashion. He had heard Mal- loney, the stableman, who sometimes fre- quented variety shows, make this observa- tion to the cook. “I will; I will,” she whispered, awed by the mystery of the forthcoming secret. “Sister Gabrielle,” said Peter, for the third time, “next Christmas eve I shall sneak out of bed after mamma and papa are sound asleep. Then I shall go upstairs to the back room, climb out on the top roof ladder and see if any St. Nicholas slides down our chimney flue.” Gabrielle buried her head in her hands in fright. “Oh, Petey, Petey !” she cried. “Do not be such a bad boy; St. Nicholas will be very angry, and” (here she sobbed) “if you watch him, he will certainly not leave any- thing in our stockings.” Poor Gabrielle! she was thinking of her own disappoint- ment; but that is natural, even in unselfish children. “Oh, Petey,” she continued, look- ing up and drying her eyes ; “you will catch your death of cold up on the roof there. Oh, you make me scared, too.” Peter rose to his feet proudly, in a truly heroic fashion. “Rats!” he exclaimed, having heard Mal- loney say this to the upstairs girl. Had he said “Mice!” it might have been different. “Who is scared ? Not I ! not on your life. Petey does not scare, not even at St. Nicho- las. As for the reindeer, I'll drive them myself.” Gabrielle shivered ; yet in her feminine heart of hearts, she rather ad- mired the rash bravery of her only brother. "As for the cold, never mind that. I shall slip on my sealskin overcoat and put my feet in my arctics, to keep sliding off the icy roof; and, Gabey, if I catch St. Nicholas really going down the chimney, I’ll ride in that sleigh, you bet your sweet life” — again the language of Malloney had been appro- priated by the ever-imitative admirer of the stableman. At this outburst Gabrielle placed her fingers in her ears and refused to hear more, while Peter Peterkins stalked off like the stage hero in a circus side show. Gabrielle pondered deeply. Should she tell papa and mamma? “No,” she answered to her dear little self. “If Peter is punished, and he usually is, it will be his own fault. What papa and mamma say is true.” It was at this moment that the voice of their mamma was heard on the outside stairs, calling after the skeptical brother: "Peter, go to the stable and tell Mr. Mal- loney to hitch up the horse. I must go down town this afternoon, as I have much Christmas shopping to do.” Peter Peter- kins raised his eyebrows knowingly. “Christmas shopping? Ah, ha, mamma could no longer fool me. Christmas shop- ping, indeed. She was St. Nicholas.” His keen sense of observation also led him to think that his mamma's concluding remarks, just before she drove to town, were sus- picious, for did mamma not say, in her lov- ing way, as she kissed the two children good-bye, “Gabrielle, how would you like St. Nicholas to bring you a new French doll; for last year's doll has a broken leg and arm; and a new kitchen set for the doll house, and a new trunkful of new clothes for the new dolly, and lots and lots of other nice things?” Gabrielle clapped her hands laughingly. “Tell St. Nicholas to bring everything,” she cried. “And you, Peter,” continued Mrs. Peterkins, “what do you want St. Nicholas to bring you?” Peter hung his head as Gabrielle looked at him out of Tier honest blue eyes. “Lots, mamma, lots,” he replied; and as the car- riage turned the corner of the road he shouted, “Corner lots!” He looked at the shocked Gabrielle and laughed merrily. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1996 The Railroad Telegrapher. III. It was Christmas Eve, and the Peterkins family were seated around the dinner table ; for Mr. Peterkins, who was a very active member on 'Change, took only a lunch down town in the city at the noon hour. Papa Peterkins was radiant in a Tuxedo suit and black cravat; for the family were what is known as modish. He was rather a flashy dresser, this papa, and was fond of wearing diamonds on his immaculate shirt front and manicured fingers. He was in striking con- trast with Mamma Peterkins, who was ever in good taste, and abhorred jewelry and perfumes ; yet mamma enjoyed good clothes, too, of the modish and not conspicuous kind. She was pretty as a picture, was Mamma Peterkins, and her husband was proud of her. It being Christmas Eve, the dinner was more elaborate than usual. Norah was a Hibernian jewel of the kitchen, and well knew how to cook; for was not Mamma Peterkins famed as a teacher of the culinary art, having learned the same from her Kentucky mother — and who knows better how to tickle the palate than an old Kentucky housewife? The table was a dream of beauty in its table linen, china and bright silverware. Papa Peterkins sat at one end of the table, mamma at the other, and the juvenile house of Peterkins on either hand. The merry rattle of knife and fork attested the con- sumption of several courses of the delicacies of the season. “Ha ! ha !” observed Papa Peterkins, wiping his lips with a snowy napkin. “We had a jolly time at the office this afternoon. I gave all the clerks the usual ten-dollar gold piece, and the office boys a new fiver. I gave the typewriters — you know what nice girls they are,” Mr. Peterkins looked up curiously — “each seven dollars. Ha, ha!” “Why seven dollars?” queried Mrs. Peter- kins. “Well, you see, they could buy each a dress pattern and a pair of kids. Type- writers are never happy unless they have kid gloves to match their dresses.” Mrs. Peterkins smiled. “Then,” continued Papa Peterkins, “there were the draymen and porters, the shipping clerks and entry clerks, the scrub woman and night watchman — all a fiver apiece. Ha, ha! You should see how pleased they all were.” “I wish St. Nicholas would come every Fourth of July, too,” said Peter Peterkins, with an infantile effort at sarcasm. He kicked at Gabrielle’s feet under the table as he spoke ; but his legs were not long enough to reach the small sister, who never noted the observation and went on nibbling her mince pie. “My son,” observed Papa Peterkins. “it is well Christmas comes but once a year, otherwise your father would be broken in the' holiday give-away game. The dinner in due course of time being ended, Mamma Peterkins said : “Now .dar- lings, you must go to bed very early to- night, for you know St. Nicholas has so many little children’s stockings to fill, and he always wishes to find those to whom he intends to give presents fast asleep. 'Good children always sleep soundly on the night before Christmas.” Papa Peterkins rose from the table. “Now, children, do as mamma bids you. Run upstairs and go to bed at once. Peter, I saw you eat two big slices of that rich fruit cake, and you slipped another large piece into your pocket. Ha, ha, ha! You little rascal, give up that cake.” He emptied Peter’s pocket as he spoke. “I always feel hungry Christmas Eve,” said Peter, in an abashed and grieved tone. “Yes, and you are never any other way any eve, Peter. I was once a small boy just like you, Peter.” He picked his son up and kissed him. “Ha, ha! A good ap- petite is a true inheritance of the Peterkins family. Here, Gabrielle! Come and kiss papa good night. Now both be good chil- dren, and as soon as you are in bed, snore loudly, and go sound asleep— just to give old St. Nicholas a chance — ha, ha, ha! a chance at those stockings.” Papa Peter- kins took a cigar from his pocket and lighted it. while Mamma Peterkins led the children upstairs. IV. The children were duly tucked in bed and warned to go to sleep, while Mamma Peterkins went back downstairs to join her husband, who was smoking in the library. No sooner was mamma gone than Peter • gitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1997 sat up in bed and whispered, “Gabey! Oh, Gabey! Are you asleep ?” Gabrielle, on the opposite of the room, whispered back drowsily and rather impatiently, “Go to sleep, Peter ; let me alone. I can not go to sleep when you talk.” Peter gazed across the hearth to where the stockings were hanging from the mantel, and remarked scornfully, “Go to sleep, then. You are only a stupid little girl, anyhow !” The heavy breathing of Gabrielle evidenced the fact that she was already in the Land of Nod, all unheedful of Peter’s personal re- mark. Peter, wearied at length, put his head down on the pillow, firmly resolved to do the deed of daring he had contemplated for several weeks past. The occasion was fitting, the hour had almost come when he would clearly determine whether St. Nich- olas was myth or reality. He must have been two-thirds asleep, at least, for he imagined he heard some one gently enter the room and go out again. He glanced up suddenly with half open eyes. Yes, it was mamma. He saw her white-robed form softly fade in the doorway to the adjoining room, and heard the catch lock click gently after her. He had closed the entrance be- tween the two rooms, and Peter heard his mother’s and father’s voices in a low but animated conversation in the front bed- room. Finally their conversation was stilled, and a few moments later Peter heard the old familiar snore of papa’s after he had eaten very heavy dinners. The boy had learned by observation that when papa ate much rich pastry and took several glasses of Burgundy, papa usually snored early and often. The clock on the mantel was sounding “click tock, click tock, click tock,” in its monotonous, exact, soporific manner. The movement of the pendulum as it evens up on the rachet, “click tock, click tock,” is in itself enough to lull most healthy children to sleep. Peter Peterkins had closed his eyes, to be sure, but was keeping, so he thought, an intense vigil until such time as mamma and papa would be sound asleep. Once or twice (could it have been a dream, or a reality?) he fell into a semi-doze, only to awaken again with a sudden start. He heard the regular breathing of Gabrielle, and across the dimly-lighted room could see the tiny form of his sister snugly outlned under the eider- down quilt. He sat up in his bed once or twice, and gazed at the chimney. There were no manifest signs of the presence of St. Nicholas. The stockings appeared un- usually large, however. He heard his mamma sigh once or twice, and then heard the loud snore of papa in the next room. All was quiet now, “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” “Click tock, click tock !” went the clock on the mantel. There was a little agitation in Peter’s mind now, also his stomach ; for had he not partaken hugely of fruit cake at dinner? Now, there is a strong current of connec- tion between an overloaded stomach and the brain — sometimes. It creates imagina- tion in the latter. When the inevitable con- flict between sugar, raisins, currants, turkey, lobster salad, ice cream and gastric juice arises, there is usually something doing in the upper as well as the lower stories of men’s and boys’ anatomies. Peter raised up again, or at least imagined he did. Sat up on the edge of the bed and silently and slowly put on his stockings, then all his other raiment. Taking his arctics and shoes in his hand, he slipped his sealskin cap on his head, then around his wicked little form he placed the very pride of his wardrobe, his warm sealskin overcoat. Noiselessly he stepped to the door, quietly unbolted the latch, and he was out in the hallway. Softly he closed the door and breathed a long sigh or two of relief! for, like all children on such occasions of ad- venture, Peter had held his breath until he was suffering for oxygen. The hall was not dark. A bright moonlight from without afforded sufficient illumination to see all things very plainly. Across the hall the boy went, opened another door, and closed it behind him. The rest was easy. The room from the back window opened on a lower roof, from which, by a* short ladder, easy footing to the upper roof was obtained. He was out in the open air now. It was a glorious night. There was a good-sized moon and a myriad of bright, twinkling stars that peeped out in the sky. It must have been one of those nights when the stars sang together. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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1998 The Railroad Telegrapher. Peter crept behind the shadow of the tall upper chimney. “Now,” he thought, “we will see whether there is any old St. Nicholas. Ha, ha! I’ll give mamma and papa the laugh in the morning.” (He had heard Malloney use this expression to the chambermaid, in speaking of Norah, the cook. Small boys with wealthy parents learn much from domestics. This by the way of excuse for our hero.) The night was cold, and even in his seal- skin Peter was growing a little chilly. ‘Nothing doing,” he muttered, and had half a mind to retrace his footsteps and go to bed again. He almost wished he were in Gabrielle’s place, sound asleep; but no, what was Gabrielle? Only a small, silly girl. And he? Why, he was a man. Peter gazed at the moon. Now, an English poet, known for his wicked verse, says, “There is mischief in the moon,” or words to that effect; for no one has time to consult a dictionary of quotations while indulging in Christmas story telling. Be this as it may, Peter, while looking at the silvery orb of night, rather bewildered by Luna’s rays, saw, wonderful to state, a huge shadow sud- denly sweep down like a hawk on its quarry, and before he could say “Jack Robinson" the musical twinklings of numerous sleigh bells and the patter of reindeer hoofs re- sounded on the roof. There, as plain as day, was St. Nicholas, just as described in the wonderful “Night Before Christmas,” even to the little round stomach and the pipe in his mouth. Peter smelled the aroma of the tobacco smoke, and “maybe this is no lie?” Yes, and he was “dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot. (The poet said “foot” in place of >4feet,” so as to make a rhyme with “soot.”) Peter was filled with wonder and awe as he saw the saint of Christmas jump up to the very top of the chimney like a jack in the box, and then, just as rapidly, dis- appear down the flue. He must be down in the room with Gabrielle, filling the stock- ing. Now was the chance of Peter’s life. The clock in the new church tower was sounding the hour of midnight. To think, with Peter, was to act. There stood the sleigh full of toys, with the eight tiny reindeer, just waiting for a driver. It was the greatest chance that any boy ever had to steal a ride. “He sprung to the sleigh, to the team gave a whistle.” Well, the way the team went was far faster than the down from any thistle Peter had ever seen flash in midair. Talk of flying machines or automobiles ! The speed was something frightful. Peter let go the reins and fell into the back part of the sleigh, on top of the drums, fifes, whistles, horns. “Boom, boom, boom!” went the hundreds of small drums. “Psit, psit, psit!” went the dozens of fifes. “Roar, roar, roar !” went the deep- toned whistles. “Whoo, whoo, whoo !” re- sounded the megaphonic clarion horns. “Toot, toot, toot! Tra-la, tra-la! Whee, whee, whee !” What an awful pandemonium reigned in the moonlight* night. Up, up. up! swifter and higher. Peter strove in vain to rise from the sur- rounding mass of resounding toys ; doll babies, talking and crying, flying out of the sleigh toward the glimpses of the moon ; Dresden china dolls, Paris wax dolls, Lon- don rag babies, even the dollies opened their eyes in amusement at the screaming. Jumping Jacks hopped from their boxes, monkey jacks climbed up their sticks in every possible direction, candy canes, bon- bons, chocolate drops, snaps, snap dragons, peppermint candy, sugar kisses and marsh- mallows— a shower of confections like an April shower at all angles. Noah’s ark, full of camels, elephants, lions, tigers, goats, cows, horses, sheep, cats, dogs, with a host of Noah’s, Shems, Hams and Japhets burst open and fell in the depths beneath. Sky rockets fizzled, Roman candles spluttered, pin wheels revolved, big bomb crackers and little Chinese crackers banged and cracked in an awful mixup of red light and golden stars. Onward, onward, and ever upward toward the moon flew the skeptical Peter (now convinced) and the sleigh of St. Nicholas. Green snakes, red tin alligators, clockwork mice and rats ran around Peter’s feet, while puffing little tin locomotives strove to climb up the inside of Peter’s pants, a great hard lump of gingerbread hit him in the stomach, while a huge bunch of whips and rattan cut a tattoo in Peter’s back. Oh, it was frightful. The pain in the back and stomach was unendurable ! “Help, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 1999 help, help! Mamma! Save me! Save me!’' yelled Peter. V. It was Christmas morning, and Peter suddenly awoke. The bright sun was shin- ing in at the window. “Merry Christmas! my little boy,” said the soft voice of his gentle little mother, who kissed him as only a young mother can kiss a little boy in the morning. Kisses of the kind that men, old and gray, often dream of in years long after, when the mother has passed far be- yond the eternal stars, like Dickens’ beauti- ful story of the child and the star. “Merry Christmas, Peter!” said his father, shaking him by the shoulder. “But the next time you scare us half to death with your nightmare from eating too much plum cake and mince pie — why — ” Mrs. Peterkins put her hand softly over her husband’s mouth and looked up im- ploringly, as she whispered in his ear. “Do not tell him. Don’t let him know he was so sick that we had to send for the doctor.” “Well, wrell !” retorted Mr. Peterkins ; “I will leave you and go down stairs for breakfast. Ho, ho! Ha, ha! Ipecac and castor oil ; a nice Christmas gift !” Mrs. Peterkins took her teasing husband and pushed him out of the door. Gabrielle sat on the floor, playing quietly with her dolls and other pretty presents, ever and anon casting a curious glance at Peter. Mrs. Peterkins presently lifted Peter up and placed a shawl around his neck. “There,” she remarked to Gabrielle, “you remain here with Peter and show him all the fine gifts St. Nicholas has brought him.” She left the room as she finished. Gabrielle looked at Peter inquiringly, and then ob- served, “Petey, did you see him?” Peter put his finger to his lips as a sign of silence, then replied: “I had the time of my life,’ Saw the old man slide down the chimney, got into his sleigh, and the reindeer ran off faster than Mayor Foster’s seventy-mile-an- hour automobile.” Gabrielle rose and came close to the bed, and throwing her arms around him, whis- pered : “I thought you said you did not believe in him?” Peter hung his head in a shame-faced way. and then answered in a dignified man- ner. "Yes, but seein’s believin’, you bet your sweet life.” (He had heard Malloney make this observation to the dining room girl, when the former caught the latter kiss- ing the gardener.) Gabrielle sighed deeply, and again asked, seriously : “Did you really see St. Nicholas, Petey?” “Sure as any school teacher owns a rattan.” “Then it must be true,” said Gabrielle, uneasily. Needless to add that Peter’s conversion to the St. Nicholas theory endured for sev- eral years thereafter. — By Thomas C. Minor, M. D., in Saxby’s Magazine. MAKING A RAILROAD TIME TABLE. TRAVELERS who consult the ever- handy time table as to the arrival or departure of the particular train that is to carry them either going or com- ing, probably never give a thought as to the manner in which a modern time table is made up. To the uninitiated it is a Chinese puzzle, and even those well versed in its mysteries often become confused. How are time tables made? What is the procedure in determining the speed of a train and the exact time and place it shall meet another train? The answer to those questions is to be found in the “chartroom.” The chartroom is usually in some quiet corner of the general offices of a railway company, and for weeks at a time is locked. But every now and then the word goes forth that the schedule is to be shortened or lengthened, new trains to be put on, or some change made that necessitates the revision of the time card. Then, from distant points on the system, the division superintendents gather for a conference with the heads of the passenger and freight departments in order to learn the most desirable time for trains to arrive and depart from terminals. With this information they retire to the chartroom, where there is a separate chart for each district. The charts are white boards about six feet wide and from two to five feet high. The names of the stations, accurately scaled, are printed on the board at the side, and from the top of the board many col- Digitized by LiOOQle

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2000 The Railroad Telegrapher. ored strings dangle, more suggestive of a parlor game than a tool for laying out the path of traffic and commerce. The superintendents confer regarding the time at junction points on connecting trains and then work out the schedule on interme- diate points on a chart of his division. Horizontally the chart shows twelve mid- night on the left side, and there is a line extending across the chart for each five minutes from that time until the full twen- ty-four hours have been shown. For con- venience each third line, representing a pe- riod of fifteen minutes, is in a different color. Superintendents are supplied with vari- colored silk thread, pins and a tack ham- mer. Red is used to designate a passenger train, green for a second-class or freight train, black is for a third-class or local freight train. Whenever a train is scheduled out of a terminal at a certain hour, a pin is driven at the intersection of the station line and hour line — this being the beginning — and such other times at various stations as may be desired are determined by draw- ing the thread over the board to meet the intersection of the various station and hour lines at the proper times. Where necessary tacks are driven to keep the thread on the proper schedule. Westbound trains run down and diagon- ally to the right. Eastbound trains start at the bottom, run upward and diagonally to the right. Wherever these threads cross a meeting point is indicated, and if this crossing of the threads is between station lines, it is then necessary to adjust the time on each train, so that the meeting point will be at the most convenient station. This is done by holding the lines crossed at station with a pin. Of course, on double tracks these meeting points are not necessary. After the chart has been strung, a former issue of the time card with pen and ink, is brought into use and the superintendent be- gins at original terminal, looks at the sta- tion line, and whenever any string repre- senting a train crosses this station line, he notes the time as shown on the proof of the time card. One train at a time is read from start to finish, and after they have all been checked, they are rechecked to see that all meeting points are properly made and noted on proof, after which the time table is ready for the printer. To make a successful time card a super- intendent must be perfectly familiar with the grade and track conditions, and when stringing the thread must allow more time for unfavorable grade, railroad crossing and other unusual stops, so that the run- ning time of the train will be uniform. Whenever it is desirable to make a meal stop a pin is put in at the proper station, and the string run horizontally to the line until the required number of minute lines have been passed, when it is again taken down the board at the proper degree of speed. By making the string more vertical, the speed is increased, as there are fewer minute lines crossed. By swinging thread to the right the speed is decreased, and by the use of pins this can be arranged between each station to suit conditions. SOME MATRIMONIAL ADVICE. RAILROAD men. will probably read with interest the following copy of a letter written by a prominent At- lanta man, who is too modest to permit the use of his name, to a friend on the occasion of his marriage, says the Atlanta (Ga.) Journal. “Musing about the marriage of my friend, who has so successfully deported himself as a railroader, now embarking on a trip which has its beginning in time and its con- summation in the home beyond. “My boy, you are the engineer ; the strength, the motive power is yours, but re- member that, whilst many do not know ‘who is running this train/ you know that the bell-cord controls the whole enterprise. Your bell-cord is held by your wife; it is a silken cord of love, but oh, how strong and how masterful ! And yet the bell-cord does not bind the engineer — it only strikes a note to which his every impulse beats re- sponsive. Heed its gentle monitions! Some- times it will urge you to greater exertion, and more frequently it will ‘slow down-’ Heed the gentle suggestions of her whose intuitions are as definite and earnest as are your glances at the time card. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2001 “Then, again, we must recall that every well ordered train must be prepared for ‘caution signals/ Let your wife have the ‘red lantern/ and when she waves it regard the signal. No good railroad man will ‘run by a red light/ Believe me, dear friend, your very strength will but the more fully wreck the train unless you heed the signals. “No train ever left its station better equipped nor more fully freighted with the best wishes of loving friends. Right well do I feel that the journey of life will be carefully and safely made, and when we are all at rest in the haven beyond, we will owe most of our success and crowning joy to the monitions of the bell-cord. “Accept my best wishes.” A CHANGED MAN. AFTER ten years of domesticity Pea- body still is unable to understand his wife. If there is a tie-up on the elevated road which necessitates his taking the surface line and reaching home twenty minutes late, he is invariably surprised to be welcomed by Mrs. Peabody with tears and a dispo- sition to hysterics. Peabody’s mind works slowly, and this constitutional defect makes it impossible for him to realize how many horrors a really active imagination can con- jure up in twenty minutes. Indeed, in a quarter of that time Mrs. Peabody some- times had seen him the victim of a wreck, in the hospital with a sunstroke and the prey of a holdup man. As a matter of fact, in spite of his wife’s apprehensions, nothing ever happens to Peabody. He is absolutely healthy and lucky to a degree that awakens the envy of all his. acquaintances. Naturally so nervous a wife as Mrs. Pea- body is careful not to cause anxiety to others. She never goes downtown for an afternoon’s shopping without acquainting Peabody with the fact over the telephone, and also telling him at just what hour she will be at home. Mrs. Peabody went to call on a South Side friend the other day, and was sur- prised to meet at her friend’s house an old schoolmate she had not seen for many years. Her friend declared that it was plainly foreordained that she was to stay to dinner. Mrs. Peabody was the more ready to accept this view, as it was the maid’s afternoon out. An invitation was extended to Peabody over the telephone, but, though he generously urged his wife to stay and enjoy herself, he explained that business would keep him at the office late, so he would* get his dinner downtown. Then he would go home. “That is, if you’re not afraid to come home alone,” he added, as an afterthought. “Oh, not at all, dear,” answered Mrs. Peabody, who shows her unselfish disposi- tion by reserving her apprehension for oth- ers; “I'll be home at 8:30 promptly.” It was during the dinner that the pro- posal was made to extend the festivities by going to the theater. The suggestion was tempting, but at first Mrs. Peabody refused to consider it. By this time it was too late to reach Peabody at the office. “If he expected me and I didn’t come he’d worry so,” Mrs. Peabody said. But the friends, who knew Peabody, laughed at this idea so heartily that Mrs. Peabody began to think that perhaps she was overparticular. Between the ridicule of one friend and the coaxing of the other, her scruples were lulled to rest. So the three women went to the play. Meanwhile Peabody was enjoying him- self unexpectedly. Just as he left the office he ran across an old friend, whose wife was out of town. The two men dined to- gether and then went out to the Peabody flat, where they spent an enjoyable evening over their cigars. Waite, who is old enough to be Peabody’s father, has white hair and a wrinkled face, but his spirit of boyish fun belies his appearance. When Peabody sug- gested that Waite spend the night there Waite fell in with the plan without demur. Peabody gave up his room, as is the prac- tice of flat dwellers when guests are enter- tained, and himself took the folding bed in the parlor. The silencing of Mrs. Peabody’s scruples had been only temporary. All through the play she was haunted by the thought of her husband pacing the floor and listening for steps on the stair. By the end of the second act she was hardly able to answer a ques- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2002 The Railroad Telegrapher. tion, and she seriously deliberated feigning an attack of heart trouble as an excuse to leave. Mrs. Peabody made her farewells very brief and hastily made her way to the ele- vated station. A train was just pulling out as she reached the platform, and the brief interval of waiting for another train seemed almost interminable. Now that there was nothing to distract her attention, her fancy was at liberty to frame all sorts of horrify- ing conjectures. She wondered if her hus- band had notified the police of her myster- ious absence. She felt sure that she would find him in a state of collapse. There was an ominous silence about the fiat as she climbed the stairs. A light burned in the hall, but elsewhere darkness reigned. Wavering between doubt and fear, Mrs. Peabody entered her husband’s bedroom and turned on the electric light. As it flashed up she saw a sight that struck her dumb. It was even worse than she had thought ! The white head on the pillow, the gaunt, wrinkled face, so unlike her husband’s al- most cherubic chubbiness, told a tale of suffering beyond words. “John ! John !” shrieked Mrs. Peabody. “What have I done? How you are changed! I am an unworthy wife !” Then she fell back in the hall in a gen- uine attack of hysterics. So soundly was Peaboy asleep that even then he did not come to a realizing sense of the situation till Waite had donned some clothing and shaken him into partial con- sciousness. The rest of the night was passed in reas- suring Mrs. Peabody. Strange to say, in- stead of being relieved on discovering that no evil had resulted from her absence, she felt resentment because her husband had taken her safety for granted- — Chicago Xcws. TERRAPINS AS LEGAL TENDER. ii\\J HY don’t you go to work for a railroad?” asked the man- ager of a business house of a telegraph operator who applied for work yesterday. *T worked for a railroad once,” replied the operator. “What road was it?” asked the manager. “Some little streak of rust down in Louisiana. The mosquitoes got so fierce I couldn’t stand it. So I resigned and went in to the cashier to get my money. When he figured up my time he pushed over five flour sacks, tied at the tops. “‘What are those for?’ I asked. “That’s your salary,’ he said. ‘We pay off in terrapins.’ “It stunned me for a minute, but it pays to be indifferent to surprises down South So I just took ’em and said: “ ‘Where can I cash ’em?* 44 ‘Any place,’ said the cashier. They’re good as gold.’ “I asked him if I could leave four of them there, while I went across the street. Then I opened the sack, picked out the largest one and went across to a saloon. “ Are these things legal tender ?* I asked the barkeep. 44 ‘Sure,’ he replied; 4what’U you have?’ “ ‘Give me a New Orleans ginfizz, and let the gang have what they want,’ I said, lay- ing my terrapin on his back so he couldn’t run away. “ ‘Here, Bill, dollar forty out,’ said the barkeep, handing the terrapin to the cashier. “ ‘Here’s your change,’ said the cashier, handing me two little terrapins.” “What did you do with the rest of them?'* asked the manager. “Took them over to the depot and bought a ticket to New York,” replied the operator. “I also resolved that I wouldn’t work for any more railroads.” — K. C. Times. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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Those Buttons. When I am going to bed at night, My clothes come right undone; I’m sure I can undress myself As fast as any one. But in the morning, when I dress, My things seem such a lot! It takes so long to put them on, I get all tired and hot. My stockings aren’t so very bad; I lace my boots up, too,, But oh, the buttons up my back Are dreadfully hard to do. I twist and turn, and try to feel To get them buttoned straight. But it's no use; they’re always wrong And always keep me late. Big people may like buttoned backs, But I do wish there’d be Some clothes that go on easier, For little girls like me. — Jewels. The U. & I. Ry. Hunnewell, Mo., September 26, 1907- What though between thy heart and mine, The long miles stretch, my dear, Since we have a private railway line And love is the engineer. Love drives the engine straight and true, And the trains in an instant fly Bearing sweet thoutghts from me to you Over the lines of the U. & I. The U. & I. is a wonderful road, For the stations are in our hearts, And the train is due in thine with its load The moment it departs. It runs through the land of lovers’ dreams That ever has a starry sky, And fairies welded the soft moonbeams Into rails for the U. & I. The cars are the words that we fain would say; Sweet words that all lovers prize, And the engine is lighted upon its way By the light of your fair blue eyes. The boiler is fed by the gentle tears You shed when wc said “Good-bye,” And ,our trustful hopes ami our tender fears Are the freight of the U. & L And never an accident, never a wreck, Nor washout, nor strike, nor blockade Has come to our dear little railroad to check The trains since the last rail was laid. But back and forth, ’twixt your heart and mine Each moment the trains still fly. Bearing sweet messages over the line Of the wonderful U. & I. —Cert. 1503. The Operate. He sits all alone in his office, Toiling from day to day; He never complains or gruml cs — Has never a word to say. He thinks of his home from vhich he has roamed; ’Tis years since he saw th« place; And his mother, dear, her voice he can hear. Ah, how well he remembers her face. He comes to his work in the morning, And works till the close of day; He never has time for pleasures, And never a day for play. His “call” you may hear every day in the year. He never lays off, or gets sick, For his dollars are few; he knows it won’t do. There’s no use for him to kick. Perhaps, back at home, there’s a sweetheart Fium whom he has bad to part; Perhaps his sweetheart’s been faithless. And he’s working to ease his heart. Perhaps it’s a wife; the pride of his life For whom he is toiling along: And the dear little tots, who enliven his lot. And cheer him each night with their songs. He saves a few dollars each pay day, And lays them away with his pile. He hopes for a day not far distant When he can return smile for smile. He earnestly prays for happier days. Which he knows he deserves for his work; He knows he’s a serf of the “lords of the earth,” But his conscience will not let him shirk. Shall we all, like this poor operator, Sit down at our master’s feet, And allow them to fat on our earnings While they deal out our portion to eat? Shall we always be slaves of the lordly knaves — “The mighty powers that be ?" No! We'll strive, not itt vain. For we’ll rend the chain, By the help of the Grand O. R . T. — V. R. G> ul. Cert. 671, Div. 53. Digitized by kjOOQle

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1004 The Railroad Telegrapher. Th* Child W* Had Last Christmas. This Christmas morn to clear and cool. Our home ia very tad; We are thinking of one year ago, A darling child we had; December laat, the twenty-third. Pneumonia found iti way. Upon hit lungs it tteadily worked. From then till Fatter Day. Thia Chrittmas morn one year ago. We pressed him near our hearts. And prayed to God in earnest words That the fever would depart; But he stood the pangs and paint of Death, And willfully bore the awful doom, And at the Easter lillies bloomed, We laid him in the tomb. This Christmas morn one year ago. The toys that filled the little bed, They are safe beneath the lock and key. Only relict of the dead. That vacant chair with our home No human child can fill; His horse and drum are laid away. The little harp is still. This Christmas morn one year ago. His voice was weak and low; But then we thought that God would raise The one we cherished so. No more that dear sweet voice we hear. But confident we stand. That God who blessed the little ones. Now holds him by the hand. This Christmas morn one year ago, Oh darling child beware; Your parents sit and spend the day In grief and deep despair. We think of those dear Christmas morns. When the little stockings hung, All filled with goodies pure and sweet, And our home with music rung. A Merry Christmas now to all. But to us ’tis grief, not joy; Oh, parents, you who never knew The price of a darling boy. Nor had the wakening angel. Death, To call them from your home. Oh, thank the Lord, for you are blessed This glorious Christmas morn. — C. C. Morris. Better Than Gold. Better than grandeur, better than gold. Than rank and titles a thousandfold. Is a healthy body, and mind at ease. And simple pleasures that always please, A heart that can feel for another's woe. With sympathies large enough to enfold All men as brothers, is better than gold. Better than gold is a conscience clear. Though toiling for bread in an humble sphere; Doubly blessed with content and health. Untried by the lusts and cares of wealth; Lowly living and lofty thought Adorn and ennoble a poor man's cot; For mind and morals, in nature’s plan. Arc the genuine tests of a gentleman. Better than gold is sweet repose Of the sons of toil when the labors close. Better than gold is the poor man’s sleep. And the balm that drops on his slumbers deep Bring sleeping draughts on the downy bed Where luxury pillows its aching head. The toiler simple opiate deems A shorter route to the land of dreams. Better than gold is a thinking mind. That in the realm of books can find A treasure surpassing Australian ore. And live with the great and good of yore. The sage's lore and the poet’s lay. The glories of empires passed away; The world's great dream will thus unfold And yield a pleasure better than gold. Better than gold is a peaceful home. Where all the fireside characters come — The shrine of love, the heaven of life. Hallowed by mother, or sister, or wife. However humble the home may be. Or tried by sorrow by heaven’s decree. The blessings that never were bought or sold And enter there, are better than gold. — By Father Ryan, in Houston Post. Digitized by c,ooQle

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|*PACETIOUk5*^ Had to Wait. A woman entered a photographer’s gal- lehy. “Do you take pictures of children?” she asked. “Yes,” was the reply. “How much are they, please?” “Three dollars a dozen,” said the proprie- tor. “Well,” she replied, with a sigh, “I shall have to wait and come again. I have only eleven.” — Ex. Took the Pill. A Salt Lake justice of the peace was re- cently called upon to unite a couple in mat- rimony. The name of the groom was John Pill. When the justice reached that part of the ceremony where the bride agrees to take the groom for better or worse the justice said: “Clara, do you take this Pill?” The bride was heard to respond, “Yes,” almost inaudibly, while her face was suffused with blushes. A Delicate Hint Two very cadaverous-looking tramps looked in at the window of a railway sta- tion where a telegraph operator sat at his key. “Say, pardner,” one of them said in a very husky voice, “report a couple o’ emp- ties goin’ East.” — Harper’s Weekly. Man’s Precious Rib. A young lady having asked a surgeon why a woman was made from the rib of a man in preference to another bone, he gave her the following gallant answer: “She was not taken from the head lest she should rule, nor from his feet lest he should trample upon her, but she was taken from his side that she might be his equal ; from under his arm that he might protect her; from near his heart that he might cherish and love her.”— Houston Chronicle. A Startling Motto. A traveling salesihan died very suddenly in Pittsburg. His relatives telegraphed the undertaker to make a wreath; the ribbon should be extra wide, with the inscription: “Rest in Peace” on both sides, and if there is room, “We shall meet in heaven.” The undertaker was out of town, and his new assistant handled the job. It was a startling floral piece which turned up at the funeral. The ribbon was extra wide and bore the inscription, “Rest in Peace on Both Sides, and if* there is Room We Shall Meet in Heaven.” — The Pneus. How He Told It. There is a small boy living in Spokane, Wash., whose propensity to enlarge upon ordinary happenings or even to invent wondrous tales, would have caused his pa- rents much amusement had it not been for the fear that the habit might grow with the youngster. He had been scolded many times, and warned of the terrible things that might happen to small boys who fibbed. One day his mother told him that God was always listening, and that every time even a tiny lie was told it was written in a big book by God, and stood as a black mark against his name forever. The very next day the little boy came running in and re- lated to his mother an astounding tale of a gigantic animal which he had pursued and overcome. He waited for the customary expressions of incredulity and warning admonitions, but none came. His mother, nodding gravely, began to praise his courage. This was too much. The small man’s sense of right com- pelled him to warn his mother in some manner that he was only a pretender. Sud- denly raising his hand, he exclaimed : “S-s-s-s-h! Don’t you hear God writing?” — Cert . 703. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2006 The Railroad Telegrapher. Landed. An old lady and gentleman were taking their first trip on the steam cars. She held her breath while crossing a trestle, and then, turning to her husband, exclaimed in a high voice : “Thank God, Ezra, we have lit !” — Argonaut. Angels with 8tlngers. A little Cleveland tot of three years was put to bed, her first night in New Jersey, by her mother, with the words, “Now go to sleep, darling, and remember the angels are flying about your little crib and keeping you from harm.” A few minutes later the patter of little feet was heard, and a little, white* robed figure emerged from the bed- room. “Why, darling, what’s the matter?” said the mother. “I don’t like the angels,” sobbed the little girl. “Why, dearie, why not?” “One o’ th’ angels bit me.” The Reason. The Kansas papers tell how a school teacher was giving his pupils a lesson re- garding the circulation of the blood. “If I stand on my head, by way of illustration, the blood rushes to my head, doesn’t it?” Nobody contradicted him. “Now,” he con- tinued, “when I stand on my feet, why doesn’t the blood rush into my feet?” “Be- cause,” answered a daring youth, “your feet ain’t empty.” Profitable Forgetfulness. Professor (coming from his club holding up triumphantly his umbrella to his wife) — You see, my dear Alma, how stupid are all the anecdotes about our absent-mindedness ; you see, I haven’t forgotten my umbrella. Mrs. Professor — But, my dear, you didn’t take your umbrella with you ; you left it at home. — I r change. Its Effect. “Suppose,” said a father to his little boy, “you have half an apple and I give you an- other half. How much have you?” “A whole apple,” said the boy. “Well,” continued the father “suppose you had a half dollar and I gave you an- other half dollar, what would have then?” “A fit,” promptly answered the boy. — Ex. Willie 8aw. “Be observing, my son,” said Willie's father. “Cultivate the habit of seeing, and you will be a successful man.” “Yes,” added Willie’s uncle. “Don’t g< through the world blindly. Learn to use your eyes.” “Little boys who are observing know a great deal more than those who are not.” Willie’s aunt put in. Willie took their advice to heart. A day passed, and once more he stood before the family council. “Well, Willie,” said his father, “have you been using your eyes?” The boy nodded. “Tell us what you’ve learned.” “Uncle Jim’s got a bottle of whisky hid behind his trunk,” said Willie. “Aunt Jen- nie’s got an extra set of teeth in her dresser, and pa’s got a deck of cards and a box of chips behind the books in the secretary.” “The little sneak!” exclaimed the family — Neivark Neius. English as 8poke. A cockney solicitor who was characterist- ically mixed in the use of his h’s happened to meet one of the wits of the American bar. The Englishman, commenting on the legal profession of New York, said that its members were proficient and learned, but that they were absolutely ignorant on the subject of “hentails.” “Ah !” said the American. “My dear sir, we may be ignorant of the ‘hentail,’ but our knowledge of the 'cocktail' is unsurpassed.” —Will C. Scott, Jr. Touched 8ore 8pot. “Sorry, sir,” telephoned the butcher, “but we are just out of sirloin. Why don’t your wife order you a round?” “W-what’s that?” exploded Harker at the other end of the line. “I say, why don’t your wife order you a round.” “Why don’t my wife order me around? Great Caesar, man, that is all she docs— or- der me around from morning until night If you were nearer I’d ” But the startled butcher hung up the re- ceiver and fled. — Rocky Mountain Guide. Digitized by tjOOQle

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THE AGE OF PERPLEXITI ES. , WE copy from the N. Y. Tribune , November 15th, as follows: “The Rev. Dr. W. R. Huntington, of Grace Church, asked the convention to ap- point a committee to co-operate with the international body in devising the best means to develop good citizenship by the aid of the public schools. He said he had the approval of several prominent edu- cators of the country, among them Dr. W. R. Maxwell, the superintendent of the New York public schools, and Nicholas Murray Butler, president of Columbia Uni- versity. He said all favored a movement that would inculcate theistic morality among the children of the public schools.*’ Let us remember that that happens in the most advanced nation on earth, the one which is under the best geographic and territorial conditions to develop healthy minds; the one that has, for over three centuries, including our colonial period, ex- pended more money and effort in educa- tion as the basis of power and influence and happiness. For over seventeen years as a public writer, for over thirty-two years as a mere talker and private writer, have we tried to place the cause of all human misfortunes and tears and groans on “a defective education in the essentials of our life terrestrial ” Honest, Christian citizenship has always seemed to us the most vital and indis- pensable element in all national life. And that honesty should be principally incul- cated in the bosom of the domestic group, commencing with all children early in life. The father and mother, the latter most especially — they should be educators of all fundamental morality. That implies, of course, healthy domestic groups, where at least plain comforts can be had ; where love, in its most sublime touches, can alone be inculcated. Schools, colleges, universities — it is doubtful if they will ever be worth much in the fundamental morality we need, because of the frictions and complications engendered by multitudes shut up for hours in large buildings, and because the element of dollars and cents is there inevitably en- tangled with the teaching processes that often work along selfish lines. Yes, the domestic groups and the churches ; they are the natural educators of all bottom, substantial, solid, Christian, theistic, God- like morality, the kind which applies to all our collective activities in social and national life, and that is the very morality that the educated classes of all ages have refused to learn, have refused to teach. What, then, can we expect of the working masses of nations, whom we, superior people, are always blaming for the social wrongs that vitiate and have vitiated the atmosphere of every decade and every century all over the earth? If there is anything wonderful in the humanity of all ages, it is the honesty men manage to evolve in the midst of the harsh and barbaric and dishonest conditions that each historical period has inflicted upon the 95 per cent of that humanity. Even when that 95 per cent, or even but 80 per cent or less, still, if you prefer, even when they claim for a larger share of human happiness, all they ask is but a small frag- ment of what a God of beauty sublime has decreed, is constantly ordaining ail men should have. The very orderly submission of the millions to the few, century after century of oppression, in forms crude or refined, open or hidden, that alone proves that the rank and file of nations is created for universal goodness and joy. In the latter part of October we had the opportunity of sending one of our recent economic essays to a professor of history Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2008 The Railroad Telegrapher. in New York City, one of those private professors chosen by our well-to-do people who can afford to pay high prices for private education — What should be the best education, the most natural? Education by wholesale, to multitudes in large buildings, shall always be a failure. It has been so thus far, anyhow, principally because it lacks personal contact between teacher and pupil. Then, it is subject to the demoraliz- ing effects of charities, gifts, favoritisms, public or private, social or political degen- eration, etc. The professor in question enjoyed our essay, but declined to criticise it as we requested him. He only said it was too indefinite. Everything is indefinite when we have no time or taste to understand what we are told. Then, everything is bound to be indefinite as long as we, the educators of humanity, refuse to have pre- cise and conscientious definitions of funda- mental truth and the fundamental duties the truth implies, in the life of men and nations. And humanity has never yet been taught the difference between duties in the incidentals and in the fundamentals of human growth, life and development. The essay sent to the professor happened to contain a specific analysis of the action of our modern corporations and trusts in curtailing the equal, natural rights due to all men for their natural, normal existence in the bosom of each social group. That happens to be our emphatic and localized battle today in all modern nations, ours most especially. And a fine professor of history, fresh from the best colleges of the land, at the freshest and most robust period of human life, between thirty and forty, has not seen anything about that battle, has not yet discovered that the equal, natural rights of men are trampled upon in forms the most perverse and disgraceful ever seen on the face of the planet It is utterly im- possible to .conceive of anything more needed today than to know how to at least bring a certain degree of harmony between the natural rights of every man and the artificial rights we see fit to give to some groups of men. And still the poor professor could not see that, as implied in our essay. The poor teachers and professors ! What are they, after all. but industrial slaves? Even our multimillionaires are the sordid slaves of the wealth they hold. None of us has the healthy normal rights that we are all entitled to have. The last three or four decades shall be known as “the age of perplexities/’ Other decades shall, no doubt, follow. Up to fifty years ago some men had some time to think, even if they did not properly use their time in the acquisition of sound thoughts. To- day even the time is lacking for sound thoughts. All our brain power has to go “on how to make both ends meet, on how to hold our job and our wealth Unconsciously, perhaps, most of us imag- ine that life’s meaning for each of us is to obtain more wealth, wisdom and goodness than most of the rest, and distribute some with a few of the rest, while remaining in possession of most of the total wealth, good- ness and wisdom in each nation. That is the egotistic morality which brings all per- plexities, troubles and sins. We need the Christian, altruistic morality which alone can give us an honest distribution of the wealth, goodness and wisdom to be natur- ally obtained by each national group. Every national sin or disturbance is but a mani- festation of social dishonesty embodied in human laws. Jose Guos. THE BONDING QUESTION. Reference to the bonding question men- tioned in the September journal — this is a matter which should not be dropped until wisely disposed of, and every one in the telegraph and agency profession should con- tribute an expression of their views for final consideration and settlement of the ques- tion. We are, in my opinion, absolutely at the mercy of a bonding company. If we are a bonded employe for the reason that the bonding company could ask to be relieved of responsibility on behalf of any employe without stating a reason, and you will be down and out immediately, regardless of your long, efficient, honest and faithful service. The only recourse one would have would be for his employer to take up his case, or for some influential person to be- come interested in the matter, or for the Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2009 person to take his own case into court for the expensive satisfaction he would get and gain nothing. If taken up by some influen- tial friend or the employer, it would proba- bly take some months to get the matter de- termined, and during this time the employe has lost his good position, and been com- pelled to take an inferior one, or has gone into other business, and may be, after five years, he will get back to the old position or a similar salary. During the five years away from the old position, the person has become downhearted by having to sacrifice his or her little home, the accumulation of a lifetime. On the other hand, take the case to court and you get the satisfaction of proving your honesty and the imposition imposed upon you, but you do not get the old job back, do not make any financial gain, and the bonding company will not re- new your bond, because they do not have to do so, and because you have made trou- ble in court for them. These difficulties may arise by your employer being prejudiced against you, and making a request of the bonding company to file a request for relief of responsibility on your behalf. It may be done through prejudice, personal or busi- ness of some former friend or acquaintance who desires to see your downfall, or in the hopes of advancing the opportunities of some friend or relative. After discussing the difficulties and disadvantages under which we labor it is naturally in order to discuss the ways and means of effecting a permanent remedy. Suppose we incorporate in our agreement with the railroads that in case claim is made on the bond company that the employe interested shall have fur- nished him all records bearing on the case in question; that the employe not be dis- charged (only suspended) pending an in- vestigation before proper representatives of the bond company, and if not at fault be re- instated, and paid for lost time; and in this connection we to have an agreement with the bond company that claims be not paid until a personal investigation has been made in the presence of the employe interested with what witnesses, in good standing, he may deem necessary to reach a fair and just verdict. We pay our bond premiums, from which the bond company benefits financially, and we certainly have the right to demand fair and just treatment from them, or else should, as an individual, have the right to select a reliable surety company of our own selection, or as an organized body request our employer to cancel all bonds with any unfair company, and replace elsewhere. In- deed, it is to be hoped that no employe is foolish enough to think that a dishonest or risky person will be retained by a bonding company. Make our agreement with the bond com- pany protect our bonded honor, or follow the suggestion of organizing our own bond company. I am afraid we are wasting too much time discussing the $75.00 minimum ; as all work is not equal, we can not hope that all pay will be equal ; at least I do not know of any organized labor asking equal pay for un- equal work or conditions, and if such were in force some people would be mean enough to try to get' a good person out of an easy job with hopes of getting it; at any rate such would be a feeling of hardship on the person at a busy office or agency. We might undertake to classify positions, and have equal pay for equal work, as previously out- lined. It seems to me best that we protect what we do get— $55.00 or $65.00, well pro- tected. is often better than $100.00 with partial or no protection. A few words about the student : All have at last about reached the sensible con- clusion that they have been furnishing the razor with which to shave their salary and cut their throats, and the student is becom- ing a thing of the past. Of course, there must be some students to supply the vacan- cies caused by deaths, entering more attrac- tive occupations or retiring to private life , but it appears that it would be within the bounds of wisdom to adopt a student clause, furnish a student’s card, making a nominal charge therefor, and having the ob- ligations taken. The student should make application, which should be approved by the division’s chairman and by the president of the Order. This would place the presi- dent in position to know the percentage of supply, and also bring the student up as an Order man. There should be an age limit for students. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2010 Tiie Railroad Telegrapher. In my opinion, better results can be ob- tained from the meetings on a subdivision basis; that is, the division chairman and one or two district chairmen for each divi- sion, which would give each about fifty miles, and all members will have some chance to attend a meeting more regularly. A synopsis of the discussion and result should be furnished the chairman of the districts, who would take up the question at the next meeting, if they did not pre- viously do so. A monthly synopsis be made in concentrated form referring to the dis- cussion, and results should be made up by the division’s chairman, furnished the dis- trict chairman and president or secretary; the president or secretary briefly referring to different topics through the journal, with or without recommendations, as he may deem proper, and all would be in a position to know what is being agitated, and to what extent. Let us have an expression along general lines from others. Old-Timer. SHOULD FORM BOND COMPANY. The bond question has been more or less discussed in the September, October and November issues of the journal, which is pretty good proof that some or most all of the members of the O. R. T. are deeply in- terested in this question. Indeed, it is time that we were sweeping the cobwebs from our brains and prying our organization loose from the jaws of unfair and unjust security companies. These different bond companies have it in their power at any time to cancel and make void our bonds without giving us any reason whatever. And just as long as we are tied to the apron-strings of such existing corporation, just so long will we be below the level of our fellow- workmen. We do not live in a world in which evils cure themselves ; they are cured by intelligent and well-directed efforts on the part of human beings. Now, dear reader, if we are human beings, let us com- bine our efforts and see if we can not effect a cure. As long as our employer requires us to carry bonds, which will be the case as long as the world stands, why not or- ganize a bond company that would work in harmony with our organization? This could be done very easily, and instead of swelling the dividends of security companies, we would be building to our own organization, and at the same time placing ourselves out of reach of any and all security companies. Perhaps one of the kindest things the years do for us as they pass by is to show us what things we can do. It is true that we have been held in the grasp of scandalous bond companies long enough to realize that the sooner we do away with this form of pun- ishment, the sooner we will reach the goal of justice. The writer is not going to suggest any plans in which an O. R. T. bond company could be organized, but he can not resist saying that too little time can not be wasted in arriving at some satisfactory conclusion. The Order of Railroad Telegraphers has brought in its train a number of problems which call for immediate investigation. Evi- dence of this is afforded by a number of op- erators and agents that can not get bonds. Not because they are outlaws, or criminals, but because the bond companies have the power to withhold them. And we might just as well pocket our feelings as to ask for an explanation. Now, brothers. let us put a little extra stiffening in our spinal col- umn, and by supreme power, crown our ef- forts by adding another story to our grand Order by organizing a railroad telegraphers bond company. L. L. F., Div. 76. ONE SUBJECT AT A TIME. There are about 40,000 members of the O. R. T., and there are about 40.000 ideas on any question that may arise. For some reason or other I have agreed with a good many on this idea of starting a bond coni' pany, and, judging by the interest that is taken in it, I think it will be carried through. The idea is a very good one, and I am patiently waiting for a chance to vote on it. I will now let some one else do the talking on this subject, and when it comes to putting up the “SX,” I will try to do my share, and a little more. Each one of us has some certain griev- ance that we would like to have remedied, but there are certain hardships that are imposed upon us all that are worse than others, and affect a larger number than some other grievance that can be mentioned. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2011 Take, for instance, the rate of pay. I think that question takes all of us in. Possibly working hours are next, and so on down to the least important ones — those affecting the smallest number. Now, why not have our president take one of these grievances and have the Order take united action on it. after having talked it over thoroughly and voted on it? That is, talk on that subject, and that alone. If hours are taken to be adjusted, then talk hours, write hours, and spend all your time on that until we have finished with it, and then take the next. Now that the bond question is up, let us go after it right, and do it up brown. By that time we will be right on the eight-hour law and $75.00 minimum or hourly pay question, which we expect to take action on on Mlarch ist- I have not written to President Perham, but expect him to read this, as he should surely read The Telegrapher, and any op- erator, or any one connected with the O. R. T. who doesn’t read it should get ninety days four times a year. After Bro. Perham has read this, I hope he will agree with me, and start something, and if he does not agree with me, then take some idea that is better and use it; any old thing, just so we get something started. Cert. 1452, Div. 76. SHOULD ACT ON BOND QUESTION. The plan proposed by Bro. Quick in the editorial of the September number of The Telegrapher, on the bond question, is, ac- cording to my views, a question of vital importance to all telegraphers throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. I can’t see how any telegraph operator who has to give bond in any way can pass such an important subject by without giving his opinion on it, and doing all in his power to make it a reality. I don’t think there is any doubt but what every member of the Order desires an “O. R. T. bond company,” and I think this is the proper way to go about it. I believe if Bro. Quick will pub- lish the blank in the January issue of The Telegrapher that each and every member Of the Order will vote either one way or the other. It is useless for anyone to attempt to tell through the columns of our journal the wrongs done our members by these bond and surety companies, located in different parts of the country, and I don’t think it is necessary, for everyone that knows any- thing about these companies knows too well that the most worthless loafer has sufficient influence with the bond companies to have one’s bond revoked. So far, I have been fortunate in not hav- ing to take bond with any company, as the positions I have held never required it, but if this scheme is upheld by the membership and put through, I want several shares of the stock. But, as I have said before, I think it should be an “O. R. T. institution,” owned and controlled by members of the O. R. T., and organized for the purpose of pro- tecting them from the bond companies now in existence, and members only to be bonded by this company, for if a man don’t think enough of the O. R. T. to be a mem- ber, then he should not be allowed the privilege of deriving any benefits from the labors of its members. On the other hand, if he has been a member of the O. R. T., and, for reason known to the Order, been expelled from it, I would pronounce him not a fit subject to be bonded by the organ- ization. There should be some limit as to the number of shares of stock each subscriber should be allowed to take, no one person should be allowed over forty or fifty shares of this stock. I think it would be an easy matter to get 50,000 subscribers from mem- bers of the O. R. T. in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and if this was done there would be no need for outside assist- ance. There is not a railroad in the coun- try today, or will there ever be one, that can turn down a bond from a bond company having a capital of $250,000 or $500,000, at $10 per share. We could easily raise a capital of $250,000, as that would only take about one-half of our membership at one share each, and we all know there are any number of us that want more. Let’s hear from some one else, and get busy, now is the time to do it, and, while we are at it, do it right. S. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2012 The Railroad Telegrapher. 8UGGE8TION8 REGARDING BOND COMPANY. By the October Telegrapher I note the bond question, which has so long troubled us, is practically settled, it only remaining to work out the details of the company to be organized, for, I take it, there is no such a thing as reasonable objection to the plan as outlined by Bro. Quick. As to the defails, as many suggestions will be made and all can not be used, I wish to contribute a few to the general supply from which the choice is to be made. Most of these were touched upon by different writers in the October journal, and to these I wish by this means to show my approba- tion. I would suggest to: Limit bond, if practicable, to O. R. T. members, if not, then to members of a labor union only, and if even that is not practica- ble, then to railway employes only, and see if the nous will have the consummate gall to request another favor from the or- ganization they are loaning a hand to stifle. But under no consideration bond anyone who has ever been known to scab. No bond to parties under twenty-one years of age. Bond with this company compulsory on part of members where schedules are se- cured permitting. Make all bond certifi- cates expire with current card, and place on the card the amount of bond liability. Make stock certificates transferable to O. R. T. members only. Limit the ownership of stock as follows : One share only to each member, unless not enough interested, then one additional share to each member so de- siring, in order of application, until quantity desired is exhausted; in no case, however, shall one person be allowed to vote more than ten shares; whereby a few can not gain control over that in which all are in- terested. Now that the bond question is settled, how was it accomplished? By a ballot in The Telegrapher, wasn’t it? We had a little gathering of the faithful on this divi- sion a few days ago, and a resolution was passed requesting that the eight-hour and $75 minimum be settled in the same way. And why not? I know from the contents of The Telegrapher for the past five years what your sentiments are on this pro- position. Now, suppose before you lay this magazine down you write a letter to our worthy Bro. Quick, calling for this ballot in the next journal. Then mail it. It is not necessary to make a long spiel. Bro. Quick is a busy man, just say: “Put me down as in favor of a referendum vote on the proposition of an eight consecutive hour day at thirty cents an hour, effective March 4 next, or a general walkout to en- force the demand on every road in Amer- ica.” The telegraphers were never so awakened before. “Remember the Ides of March,” and at once do your duty to yourself, your loved ones, your brother craftsmen and the general public. Act now, until the 4th of March work, and then stick; either to or from yours jobs, as may be necessary. But let me repeat, the point is act now. It can't be made too strong that our acts now de- termine the destiny of our craft. Wake up. Yours for a minimum of eight times thirty a day or nothing. “Baa.” THE BOND QUESTION APPROVED. We certainly have the ball rolling on this question, and it will be but a short time until we have something that every opera- tor can be proud of, if signs go for any- thing, and I am sure they will in this case, for it appears every operator in the country is coming forward with their approval of the operators’ bond company. Every operator should make this a cam- paign issue, and as soon as the January journal comes out should get after every operator they meet or work with on the wire, and ask them if they have voted in favor of forming this bond company, and insist on them doing so at once, and in this way we will win in a walk. We must win in this, and it’s up to every operator to see that we do by casting his vote in favor of it, and getting every one else to do the same. I think it would be best, in case this bond company is formed, to bond any one who applies if they are worthy, as no railroad would care to have dealings with a half dozen bond companies. Cert. 352, Div. 70, in the November num- ber, is certainly a good one on this ques- Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2013 tion, and, I, too, am in favor of a million- dollar company, but think $10 per share the right price. “RA,” Cert. 103, Div. 48, is a little too high in rates. The million dol- lars can be secured right from the operators without calling for outside assistance. I will take five shares at once, and more later if I can get them. Cert. 2356, Div. 93. LIMIT SALE OF STOCK TO MEMBERS. I have been studying over Bro. Quick’s proposed plan, as outlined in the September issue, in regard to the bond question, and think it is the only correct solution of the bond question. At present the bond com- panies in which we are bonded can with- draw bond at any time they desire, how- ever small the objection is, and leave the operator without a job, and we have no way of getting at them. I think this will be a big step in the right direction. Only members should be allowed to take stock in the bond company, for if outsiders should be allowed to take shares, the rail- roads might take stock in it and soon ab- sorb the company, then we would be no better off than we are now. HIS EXPERIENCE WITH BONb COM- PANY. I wish to give you a little of my ex- perience with the bond company. I was working on a Western road a few years ago and suddenly I got notice that my bond had been cancelled by the bond company. I wrote to them, but was never able to get an answer, and took the matter up with an attorney, but he failed to do anything. It made a boomer out, of me, for I would just get located on some road and here would come that same old thing: “Account the surety company refusing to longer continue as surety will have to dispense with your services.” I would receive a clearance from most of the roads reading like this : “Dis- charged on account scurety company refus- ing to longer continue as surety ; conduct and services otherwise satisfactory.” I quit railroading about five years ago and went into a store and worked there four years and a year ago came out West and thought I could furnish a record for four years that would pass the bond com- pany. I went to work and in about six weeks came the same old story. I went in and drew my time and the chief said : “Why don’t you get that fixed up ; we would like to have you work for us.” I told him if there was any way on earth to fix it up I would surely be glad to do so. He told me to write them and offer a private bond, which I did, and by getting my friends to sign with me and furnish security to the amount of $20,000 they at last notified me that my bond had been restored and I was put back to work. I am in favor of Brother Quick’s plan on the bond question and the sooner the better. I will take out a few shares myself. Cert. 1951, Div. 53. CANADIAN MEMBER ON BOND QUESTION. In regard to the bond question, as pre- sented in your article in September Teleg- rapher, I have this to say: Being out of employment, about four years ago, I secured a position as agent on one of the trunk lines of the States, filled out application papers for bond in the usual way, and everything went along smoothly for about a month, when I was relieved on account of bond being refused. I asked the railroad company why? They did not know; then asked for a position where I would not be required to give bond, and found that they only had one on that division, and it was held down by a man in like position to my- self. I was advised to take iny case up with the bond company by correspondence, and did so. The answer to my first letter to them was that they did not discuss rea- sons why bond was refused. I have since learned that one of my references had left for parts unknown, and another was dead, his business being taken over by a son with the same initials, with whom I had had differences.. This explanation was not ac- cepted by bond company, and I am still on their black list. I am certainly in favor of a bond com- pany of our own, organized as a stock com- pany doing a general bonding business, as the more business the cheaper it would be for us, or the more we would earn on each share. An investment that nets 8 per cent Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2014 The Railroad Telegrapher. on capital invested should bring anyone to the conclusion that it’s a good thing for all concerned. Aside from that it would release us from the grasp of the surety trust, and relieve us of a system of black- listing that is keeping any number of good men from advancement. It would seem al- most unnecessary to bring such an agency for the betterment of working conditions to a vote. I have never heard but the one wish since I joined the Order — that the O. R. T. would, some way, eradicate the surety evil. As the bond company will be a stock com- pany it will be independent of the O. R. T., but as all the stock will be held by the mem- bers of the O. R. T. it will amount to the same thing. Cert. 3452. EXPERIENCE WITH BOND COMPANY. I would like to say a few words relative to the bond question that has been discussed in our journal for some time and in which I find Bro. Quick strongly advocating the idea of forming a bond company of our own with all members taking shares. This can be done without any great inconven- ience, and there is a great necessity for such a move, as we all know there are a number of good men out of the service on account of the various bond companies declining to bond our men, and while I am all right with the bond company now have had some trouble with them myself. I gave bond for a number of years, but a year ago they can- celled my bond and I had to give up a good position as assistant city ticket agent in a large city, but through the assistance of Bro. Perham I finally got the matter ad- justed so I am now able to furnish bond again as station agent, but their unjust action inconvenienced me and caused me to lose about one year’s work as agent, and while I do not anticipate any further trouble in this direction I would say put me down for one or more shares, for I will help out all I possibly can and trust we can get this bond company in effect early in 1908, as it will be the best thing the Order has ever undertaken for the benefit of all members. None but members of the Order should be favored with our bond. Cert. 140, Div. 49. MORE ABOUT THE BOND QUESTION. It seems to me that this is a question that should have been brought to an issue before now, but since we now have it where we are in a position to make a bonding company of our own, we will certainly let a grand opportunity slip by us if we do not carry it through. I, for one, am greatly in favor of this proposition, so mudi so that I will desire a few shares of the stock, and I feel that there are enough brothers that will do like- wise to take up all of the stock issued. In bonding agents and operators, after our company is organized, I think that we should bond only members of our Order, as it will tend to draw some of the nons into the Order, if they are denied a bond by our company, when they would not join otherwise, and it would also make us feel as though we had a bond company that would protect us in every way, as regards a bond, and would not allow some unworthy non to slip in and get a bond and then vamoose with some of the railroad’s money, and cause us a loss that could have been avoided. I think that while we have this question up that we should also arrange with the express companies, so that we may obtain bond with our company when acting as ex- press agents, and while there may be some of the express companies that are reason- able with the charge for a bond, there are some that are not. Another thing, why should we, as an or- ganization, confine our efforts for relief from unjust conditions solely to the rail- roads, and keep our eyes shut, as it were, to the way the express companies are fleec- ing us. Let us awaken to our conditions, and in a body demand that we have this bond company, and, when we get it, do not stop at bonding alone in the railroad service, but take care of ourselves as express employes and make the express companies come over and allow us to be bonded in some bond company that is reliable. We can do it. If this is in print in our worthy journal, I may be obliged to come again. Cert. 339, Div. 74. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2015 FAVORS BOND COMPANY. Have just received my November journal and after reading it carefully and rereading Bro. Quick’s plan for organizing a bond company, will say that I am heartily in favor of this movement, and fully believe it will have the support of every member of the O. R. T., though some of the brothers may not express themselves until the final test is put to them. I am anxiously looking forward to the time when the blank will appear in the jour- nal or a final show down, and to know the result of the ballot. I am under bond for two railroad com- panies and one express company, and have never had any trouble whatever in making bond for either, yet I have no doubt but there are lots of good, honest men who can not make bonds with the bond companies. The Southern Express Company is bond- ing its employes and I see no reason why we can not organize this bond company and bond ourselves. This subject, though, has been well discussed through the journal, and I have no suggestions to make, only that we organize and do it at once. I for one am ready for four or five shares. Cert. 27, Div. 59. ORGANIZED LABOR’S PROBLEMS. Trades unionism is passing through #a critical period in its history. It will always be on the verge of a crisis, because it has to do with life, for life must mean growth, and growth means pain. But there are certain conditions in the in- dustrial world which call for most careful thought on the part of trades union leaders. No little two by four propaganda method will meet the situation. First, there is the enemy from without. Never before has there been made such a systematic effort to destroy organized labor. Employers* associations and citizens’ al- liances have largely passed their period of hysteria. They are now getting down to the job in a scientific, business-like way. They are attacking labor through the courts. They are employing expert lawyers, many of whom are absolutely unscrupulous, and who devote their entire time to the task of mapping out campaigns against the trades union, and supposedly in the interest of their employers. They have an almost unlimited amount of money at their disposal. A half million dollars a year by the National Asso- ciation, besides the millions raised by local bodies, is to be used against the “bad” type of trades unionism, which means, in most cases, the trades union which dares go out on strike. These efforts will fail to destroy organ- ized labor. They will purge it so that it will become stronger and better, just as the church was purged through the fierce oppo- sition of its oppressors. But there are cer- tain things within trades unionism which demand the attention of its truest friends. First, there is its very strength. The growth- of trades unionism in recent years has been one of the most significant things of modern times. This growth has brought with it a great mass of enthusiastic fighters, but who, at the same time, are uninformed as to the fundamental principles of their cause. These will endanger the movement if no effort is made to give their work in- telligent direction. There must be better “team-work.” Their attack must not be that of the mob, but that of trained soldiers. Clearly, then, the leaders must see to it that the recruits shall have a course of training which will enable them to “give a reason for the hope that is within them.” Second, on account of the development of organized labor there has come to be a specialization of industries even within its ranks, which has very naturally resulted in jurisdictional strife. Even mob enthusiasm is better than this, for the mob will receive sympathy from the neutral onlooker, but jurisdictional strife not only causes bitter- ness and hatred within, but disgust and ridicule without. Third, organized labor must deal not only with the ignorance of its own members, but it must educate the general public. It is la- mentable that even otherwise intelligent business and professional men are in abso- lute ignorance of the principles of organ- ized labor. If the public does not know about trades unionism, it must be admitted that it is the fault of organized labor. It is not the business of the outsider to in- form himself concerning trades unionism. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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E016 The Railroad Telegrapher. It is the trades union’s job to compel at- tention and to correctly inform the outsider. These are some of the problems which confront organized labor today. That they will be adjusted in due time, there can be no doubt. But immediate attention to them will save many a year of struggle and a great deal of suffering and heartache. Rev. Charles Stelzle. THE STUDENT EVIL. The teaching of students is undoubtedly something that has been one of the chief causes of the deplorable condition in which the telegrapher finds himself today, and while a great deal has been contributed to these columns upon this subject I believe you will all agree that the few remarks I wish to make are not untimely or mis- placed. As we all know, Congress, at its last session, enacted a law, the purpose of which is to limit the hours at which a rail- road telegrapher may be employed to nine in any consecutive twenty-four hours, and, provided this law takes effect on the fourth of next March, it will, of course, create a demand for a large number of additional telegraphers; but, to use the words of the old adage : “There’s many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip,’’ and in this case the rail- road companies are liable to furnish the slip for us by means of securing that club so often in the past used on organized la- bor: the federal injunction, or, as has al- ready been done in Mlissouri, the law may be declared unconstitutional, in the event of which what will be the result? Just this: At the rate half-baked operators are being manufactured at the present time, with the ham factories running full blast and work- ing overtime; and, worst still, some of our own members teaching students, the coun- try will, by next spring, be flooded with de- luded youths willing; yes, many even anx- ious, to work for even lower wages than we who have been at the business for years are receiving today, and God knows they are low enough now with foodstuffs of all kinds soaring to the skies, and the cost of living greatly increased. But I hear some worthy brother exclaim : “We will strike unless the eight-hour work day is granted US.” Now, let me ask of what possible use would a strike be when, as I have already said, there will be operators, or at least, “would-be” operators, as thick as blackber- ries in the summer time, waiting to take our places unless the production is stopped at once. Now, brothers, we can not prevent the so-called telegraph schools from turn- ing out their product, but we need not man- ufacture hams ourselves, as some, I am sorry to say, are now doing. Some may think that not many are learning telegraphy at this time, and that I am crying: “Wolf!” “Wolf,” when there is no wolf. But from my own observations I am convinced that there are today more students than there have been for years, and particularly is this true in the East, where one member of our organization has established, or is about to establish, a “railroad telegraph school,” and is said to have already secured fifteen pros- pective students. This alone should be sufficient to show that student teaching has not been eliminated, but, of late, is vastly increasing, and is something that must be stopped, or all our efforts to better our con- dition will have been of no avail. Cert. 394. Div. 6. SIX DAYS SHALT THOU LABOR. Commencing with March, this year, the new law for the better observance of the Sabbath became effective oyer the whole Dominion of Canada. I will ask the teleg- raphers employed by the Canadian railways how this law affected them. Were they able to spend even one Sunday of each month with their families? There need be no guessing at their answer. With few ex- ceptions, they have been performing the same duties they did jprior to March 1, 1907* Neither have the railway companies paid any attention to that clause of the act which was to compel them to allow twenty-four hours off during the week following for each Sunday worked. The Rev. Mr. Moore, Secretary of the Lord’s Day Alliance of Canada, in recent speeches, referred to the fact that the ma- jority of the agents and operators on the Canadian railways were now enjoying the blessing of Sabbath rest. Where did he get the information, the agents and operators will naturally ask. Not from the men con- Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2017 cerned. If not from the men, naturally it must be from the companies. The Rev. Mr. Moore, who had the arduous task of helping to lobby the Sabbath observance bill through the House of Commons, should be prepared to take any statements made on behalf of a railway company with the proverbial grain of salt. Seeing the utter disregard of the law by the railway companies, and the failure of the proper authorities to bring them to time, are the telegraphers of Canada going to remain inactive, and continue to slave through 365 days of the year. There is a remedy in sight. The last schedule of the C. P. Ry. operators was the means of reducing the amount of time worked on the Sabbath by nearly 50 per cent. Formerly, it was the custom for agents and their night men to meet all regular passenger trains on Sunday, regardless of whether they stopped at their stations or not. Now, the men are excused from meeting trains which do not stop at their stations, as the new schedule calls for pay for all time worked on Sunday — the former schedule calling for pay for meeting extra trains. Thus, what the Sabbath observance law failed to do for {he C. P. Ry. operators, the O. R. T. has partially succeeded in doing. The only settlement of this Sunday rest will be along this line. The C. P. Ry. trackmen are only called out on Sunday in case of necessity, such as wrecks or snow blockades, because their schedule calls for time and a half for Sunday labor. If the operators make a similar demand, we would soon see only such men working on Sunday as are actually required. Desmond. A NON-MEMBER ON THE BOND QUE8TION. I am a non, or perhaps more correctly speaking, a backslider, but if I should re- mind you of some important matter you were about to overlook, or warn you of an approaching danger, would it not be unwise in you to fail to heed such warning simply because I am a non. I became a member of the O. R. T. back in the early ’90s, when the Order was in her short dresses, so to speak. I was as enthusiastic as any of the young converts of today, was just as narrow in my views, and as uncompromising with a non-member as any who may read this letter. To me every O. R. T. man was approaching my ideals of perfect manhood, a brother in every sense of the word, you know. While the proper place for the nons was in the insane asylum or wearing stripes, according to whether he was crazy or a simple traitor to his fellowman. I looked on him as either an object of pity or a contemptible degener- ate, who was a disgrace to his country. Readers, have any of you yet reached the point where I was then. After running along a few years in this manner, I checked up the route I had been traveling, with the result that I could not locate a single spot where I had set the world on fire, not even a scorched place to mark where I had been. I did find, however, that my friend, the O. R. T., had gotten into a very deep rut, and at that time did not appear to be mak- ing any effort to get out of it. But now I notice in the September Teleg- rapher that Bro. Quick has rolled up his sleeves and come forward with a proposi- tion which, if carried out, will do more for the advancement of the Order, in the way of offering protection to its members and perfecting thorough organization than any achievement so far accomplished. What- ever efficient service Mr. Quick has rend- ered the telegraphers in the past, if his scheme to organize a bond company is suc- cessfully put in operation, it will be of more benefit to more telegraphers than all the combined acts of all the combined officials the O. R. T. has had since it was organized. That is putting it pretty strong, but I be- lieve it is the simple truth. The majority of telegraphers whose bond has been de- clined consider such an act by the guaranty company as a disgrace and a dishonor, and, consequently, keep it as a secret, and in this way it is difficult to determine to what extent the bond companies have been invad- ing our ranks. If all the operators in the country would frankly admit the facts it would demonstrate that a large number of the telegraphers in our country are unable to make bond with our present guaranty companies. A student can always make bond. The man who is generally declined Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2018 The Railroad Telegrapher. bond is the experienced station agent who understands his business as agent or opera- tor, and he is the man the railroads ap- proach with alluring promises in time of a strike, and they have always found enough half-fed, but competent men who want their bond restored, and who have families to support and children to school, to fill the important places. If the O. R. T. wishes to win strikes they must find some means to prevent these guaranty companies from blacklisting our men. Perfect organization is impossible as long as such a percentage of our profession can not give bond. You may be thoroughly organized on your road and, in case of a strike every man walk out and remain out. Operators may appear to be scarce and everything in your favor, but it will take the railroad company less than ten days to have competent men in all important places, and they will come from the ranks of those who have been declined bond. But there is a remedy, as Mr. Quick suggested in the September Telegrapher. He put it jam up to the boys, and it is with us to now say what we will do. As stated in the begin- ning, I am a non, but soon as I see that the suggested bond company proposition is go- ing to carry, my application for membership and cash will be forthcoming in time to make me eligible as a shareholder in the new bond company, and henceforth I will always be found with an up-to-date card. That is not all, I am willing to subscribe $5 per month, if necessary, for the next twelve months to that enterprise. Why not make the O. R. T. solid by having some- thing substantial, like this, to offer a man when you wish him to become a member? Why not place the O. R. T. on that protec- tive footing, that all the nons will see it is to their personal interest to gain admit- tance in the Order. You may observe that I am not such a bad non after all. Whether you are required to make bond or not in your present position, you may be in the future, and if you never are, you are interested in the O. R. T., whose suc- cess in the future much depends on the final disposition made of the pending bond company scheme. Every telegrapher in the United States should, by all means, put up the required $10, after first establishing his membership in the O. R. T. There are many who could easily subscribe $50, as it will be a paying investment. Every organized road in the country should start a man out on each division to solicit subscriptions until every telegrapher is a shareholder. This is the most important matter the O. R. T. has ever had to dispose of, and may not come up again for a generation. I have told what a non would do. How are you up-to-date boys standing. Fatty Cross. THE LABORER’S FUTURE. Among the problems and purposes of or- ganized labor not the least is educational, and the following is a few lights that have come within my vision by a short study of industrialism of the past and the present. The trades unionist unacquainted with the causes that brought trades unions into ex- istence, or their objects and aims of the present, occupies the same position in or- ganized labor as the member of a Christian church who had never heard of the Bible or was unacquainted with the Ten Com- mandments would occupy in Christianity Organized labor is the offspring of our present industrial system. Individualism in capital is fast giving away to collectivism as an economic necessity. In the hard school of experience the laborer has learned that a contract between a wealthy employer and an individual work- man has but one party to the contract “the employer/’ Capital and labor have solved the prob- lem of mutual wealth production, but will never satisfactorily solve its division. In the system of profits and wages the tendency of the former is to run to a maxi- mum, the latter to a minimum, unless coun tcr-balanced by organization. The interest of him who wishes to buy labor at the least possible cost, and him who wishes to sell it at the highest possible fig- ure, can never be identical. Ignorance of your industrial rights is always taken advantage of by your em- ployer, the greater the ignorance, the greater the advantage. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2019 Modern corporations are not charitable institutions organized for the express pur- pose of giving you employment. You are not employed in a spirit of philanthropy, “but because it pays.” He who works under conditions (all made for him and none by him), under the threat of hunger is in slavery. The lash that was applied to the back of the chattel slave is applied to the wage earner’s stom- ach in a different form. The employer of today desires intelligence in employe. Intelligence fosters thought. Thought breeds ideals. Not the least among his ideals is “he who renders his time and labor to another deserves something more than an animal existence in return.” The laborer’s standard of thought is fast reaching beyond “the full dinner pail” stage. He is a being with more than a stomach. Steady employment and sufficient to sat- isfy bodily necessities is no indication that the wage earner is receiving a fair division. The chattel slave had both. Many employers desire to remove the re- straint of organized labor by crushing it. There are a few who would like to remove the Ten Commandments. Some employers say they are favorable to organized labor, “provided it is run right,” and they be allowed to define what right is. Labor organizations are accused of de- stroying authority. Too many employers fail to discern the line where authority ends and tyranny begins. Wages, like sky-scrapers, are not built up without an effort Competitive industry is warfare in the miniature. The wage earner can not afford to let his employer choose his weapons. The present weapons of trades unions is the strike and the boycott. What will be the future weapon? Unfortunately, too many trade unionists are blind party followers first, trade union- ists second. What is the most valuable asset to the employer is the greatest bugaboo to the organized laborer, politics. There is a little leaven slowly impregnat- ing the mass that prejudice to politics as a means to an end will gradually disappear. The trade unionist and labor in general is “a noble son of toil” as long as he quietly labors. Let him make efforts to better his condition and in the eyes of some employers he immediately turns into an “ignorant, lawless striker,” an “undesirable citizen” in some cases to a red-handed Anarchist. Labor, through organization, is gradually rising off its knees and demanding a say in what the working conditions shall be, not as a privilege, but as a right. Trades unions of today are mostly a means of defense. Education of their units is making them instruments of progress. They are one link in the chain of indus- trial evolution. Brothers, make a study, and then ask yourself : “What will be labor’s condition in the future?” The clock of progress must not or will not turn back- ward. Cert. 58, Div. 109. BOND COMPANY A NECESSITY. I think we have the right iron in the fire now, “the bond question.” I am in favor also in need of this and would like very much to have some stock. About two years ago I had the best job of my life. Received a message one evening that on the next morn- ing that office would be transferred to an- other man and for me to come to the chief dispatcher’s office as soon as relieved. After the transfer I called on him to find out the trouble. He stated the bond com- pany had cancelled my bond and offered me a night job at $45.00. I accepted the job with a promise to be reinstated if I could get matters straightened out with the bond company. I wrote them and of- fered to put up the amount of the bond in cash if they would bond me, and asked them their reasons for turning me down. The answer was that I had not kept my ac- counts correct. I immediately wrote all of the officials of all the roads I had ever worked for and each wrote me that my ac- counts were all correct. I mailed these let- ters to this bond company and their an- swer was this : “We are in receipt of your letter of , and have nothing to add to our letter to you of , and do not care to become surety for you again.” If we do not need a bond company, what do we need? Let’s push this in self- defense. Cert 3236, Grand Div. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2020 The Railroad Telegrapher. LABOR TEMPLES AND LABOR LEADERS. There is nothing that develops a man quite so well as placing upon him some kind of responsibility which compels him to make good. Many workingmen know how true this is in connection with the purchase of a home, especially when they had just about enough money to pay down to bind the bargain — the remainder to be paid off in monthly installments. Somehow”, that kind of a proposition puts a man on his mettle. He is ready to deny himself many a thing which he formerly thought was a necessity. There was a real satisfaction in feeling that he lived in a home which was actually his own. It gave him a pride which can not possibly belong to him who rents. It gave him a dignity which seemed to place him away above the average man who had no such responsibility. Somehow the neigh- bors thought more of him, and duly re- spected his standing in the community as a property owner. It brought its hardships and its burdens, but these were not to be compared with the compensations which came as the result of the struggle for the making of a real home. If this is true of the individual, it also applies to an organization. The society that owns its own building'soon has an influence in town which few other things can bring to it. How true this is of the fraternal or- ders, as well as business houses. One of the most hopeful signs of the times in the labor movement is the fact that in dozens of towns in this country central labor unions are making a struggle to secure ‘‘la- bor temples” which shall be a credit to the union workingmen of their cities. There is need for such buildings in every community. One of the great disadvantages in many cities is the lack of unity and co- operation among working people. Their meeting halls are scattered all over town, and many of them put up with miserably close and dirty quarters, largely because they can not find better places which are as convenient in other directions. Working- men need social centers, such as this would give them. They should have central bu- reaus which shall be in charge of the most competent and best-informed official upon whom they can lay their hands — a man who has large ideas about the labor question and its present-day needs. He should be a labor statesman, and he should be so protected and safeguarded from petty jealousies that he can look every man in the eye and tell him whatever he thinks should be said upon that occasion. If he isn’t big enough to keep from becoming a tyrant or a czar, he isn’t the man for the job. Labor would profit immensely if it had such a man in every city, who would be honored for his work’s sake. It will not be an easy job, but it can be made so valuable a one that even the kickers will be made to see its ef- fectiveness. A labor temple in every city, worthy of its workingmen, and a strong man to guide their destinies — that’s what I’d like to see. Rev. Charles Stelzle. TO STUDY CONDITIONS. Mr. John R. Walker, former telegrapher, and late secretary of the North Carolina Pine Association, has forsaken a $5,000 in- come, quit the life of luxury, and with his wife, gone to work, sleep and eat with the poor. Mr. Walker says his motive for this ac- tion is to study the poor. He says up to this point his life has been directed by out- side forces. From now on he expects to di- rect himself, or, rather, be conscious of the forces that are directing it. He will go to New York first, with practically no re- sources to fall back on, in order that life into which he is projecting himself will not be robbed of its genuineness. In New York he says he will seek man- ual employment, which will equip him for the later and more difficult steps in his journey; will live in quarters suited to his financial situation, which will be with the people with whom he shall work. As soon as his sensibilities are adjusted to life in this new strata of society, he will sail for England in the steerage, or. preferably, as a member of the crew, as waiter or deck- hand. In England he will find employment along the same lines as in New York, and one of the grandest things of all, he will join the unions with his fellow workmen, and participate in their deliberations. He Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2021 says: “I shall know their privations, their ambitions, their beliefs, their capabilities; for I shall be one of them. And it is prob- able that out of the store of my experience I can offer them something of value, for all growth is reciprocal. * * * I am sure of finding work. Failing employment in my particular lines of manual labor, I can fall back upon my office training, and work as a stenographer, bookkeeper or the profes- sion I love so well — telegraphing/* He will journey to every country, and all of this will doubtless require four or five years, or longer, but after this journey is ended, he expects to give practical expres- sions to all his ideals. Mrs. Walker is in full sympathy with all his plans. She will work in a factory, and be with him all the time. N. G. Hines, Cert. 397, Div. 97- EMPLOYMENT BUREAU PLAN. I am going to outline a plan that I be- lieve would be of great benefit to telegra- phers if managed right. Have local chairman keep posted as to all telegraphers on his division, also all po- sitions. Let telegraphers wanting positions report to the local chairman. He could give them a list of vacancies on that division, or if a telegrapher wanted to change positions he could report to local chairman and local chairman could arrange this through his di- vision superintendent. Local chairmen could report to their gen- eral chairman and keep him posted as to vacancies and extra men that were wanting employment. For instance, one local chair- man on a certain division might report to general chairman that he had three extra men on his list that wanted positions ; another local chairman might report to his general chairman that he had three vacan- cies on his list and no men to fill them. Gen- eral chairman could fill the three vacancies with the three extra men. Of course this would have to be done with the consent of the officials that had charge of these posi- tions. The general chairman of each road could report to the grand secretary, and the grand secretary could keep posted as to conditions existing on each road, in fact, we could have an employment agency through this method, and this would make the Order stronger, as nons could see still another advantage gained through our Order, and would feel under obligations to us. W. Welty, Cert. 1170, Div. 32. FUNDAMENTAL LAW. The fundamental law of true unionism is that each man should, in deed, and not merely in word, be treated strictly on his worth as a man; that each shall do full jus- tice to his fellow, and in return shall exact full justice from him. This is an O. R. T. solution for dealing with railroad com- panies. Each group of men has its special inter- ests, and yet the higher, the broader and deeper interests of those which apply to all men alike, for the spirit of brotherhood in American citizenship, when rightly under- stood and rightly applied, is more important than aught else. Let us scrupulously guard the special in- terest of the employer, as well as the em- ploye, giving to each man his due and see- ing, also, that he does not wrong his fel- lows, but let us keep ever clearly before our minds the great fact that where the deepest chords are touched the interest of all are alike, and must be guarded alike. Before us, at times, loom gigantic prob- lems; vast in their importance and their complexity, but by selecting level-headed, conservative committeemen, and the rail- road companies meeting us with a square issue, all grievances can be settled harmo- niously, and there will be no need of strikes and discord in our ranks. It is not given to the wisest of us to see into the future with absolute clearness. No man can be certain that he has found the entire solution of infinitely great and intri- cate problems, and yet each man of us, if he would do his duty, must strive manfully so far as in him lies, to help bring about a solution. We can build up the standard of individ- ual citizenship and individual well-being. We can raise the national standard and make it what it can and shall be made, only by each of us steadfastly keeping in mind Digitized by VjOOQle

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2022 The Railroad Telegrapher. that there can be no substitute for the world-old humdrum, commonplace qualities of truth, justice and courage; thrift, indus- try, commonsense, and genuine sympathy with others. The nation is the aggregate of the individuals composing it, and each indi- vidual American ever raises the nation higher when he so conducts himself as to wrong no man, as to suffer no wrong from others, and to show both sturdy capacity for self-help and his readiness to extend a help- ing hand to his neighbor sinking under a burden too heavy for him to bear. These are the tenets of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. So, let each of us strive to make the conditions of life such that, as nearly as possible, each man shall receive the share to which he is honestly entitled, and no more; and let us remember at the same time our efforts must be to build up, rather than strike down, and that we can best help ourselves, not at the expense of others, but by heartily working with them for the common good of each and all, and then, after having conscientiously per- formed our duty, and when a strike is in- evitable, I say let it come March 4, 1908. Is a railroad life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me “eight hours telegraphing or my old gray mule and plow.” “Ichabod,” Div. 125. BUY UNION GOODS. Brothers, I am not going to say anything about the eight-hour day and $75.00 mini- mum. I am as much interested in these two things as any of you, but there has been so much said along these lines already that I don’t see where I can add anything to it. I can only wait and see how the boys are going to stick next March, but there is one thing I would like to mention and which I think is of the greatest importance. Let’s get wise for the sake of unionism, and learn what to buy ; that is, when buying clothes or any of the necessaries of life let us know which are on the fair list and which are on the unfair list. I must con- fess my eyes have just been opened along these lines and I see now that there is very, very little attention paid to this. Every time we buy non-union goods we are em- ploying non-union labor, so to speak, and if you reason with yourself a little you will see how absolutely unreasonable it is for a union man to employ non-union labor, so let’s wake up and get wise. I would sug- gest that every one of us get a list of the things that are on the unfair list and those that are made by union labor, and do with- out (if necessary) rather than buy any non- union goods, but don’t fear, it will never be necessary for us to do without if we know which is which, for there are union goods of every kind. This is the principal feature of unionism and if we would all adopt it you would see a big change in short order. I have asked our local chairman to get me a list of these things and hope all the brothers who have not already done so will lose no time in doing likewise. Cert. 131s PRESIDENT SHOULD FIX MINIMUM. I read with untiring avidity articles writ- ten in regard to a $75 minimum. That all looks good enough to me now, as a $75 minimum would be a great help, as I am in the East, where living rates are less than in the West. Not many weeks ago I was working in the West (no heavier work than I am doing here), and drawing $75 per month for it. And you can guess what the rates of living were there when I found that I could do better in the East, where we have a $55 minimum and overtime. Fur- ther words on that subject are unnecessary, as you can easily see what a $75 minimum would do for the brothers out there. The minimum should be fixed by officers of the Order, who are in a position to know what would be a good living rate for us all. Therefore, I say to Bro. Perham : Fix the minimum and say when. Do not think that I do not know what I am talking about when I say that I will walk out and stay out, for I know exactly what a strike means, having indulged in two of those luxuries (?). And I say now that I will walk out, and will face Satan, backed up against the smuttiest walls of hades before I will return to the key with- out first having gained our demands. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2023 I have talked with many in the past few weeks, and find none that are not in favor of striking, if it be necessary. Will we Stick? You might well ask, can a duck swim? America is noted for her brave soldiers, and if this is not a fight for home and country then I have mistaken an Indian war dance for a family reunion. Let’s hear from some other brother. Cert. 202, Div. 138. MEANS BUSINESS. I observe in the last two or three journals that the boys are beginning to talk like they meant business. As long as I have belonged to the Order there has always been more or less talk about the $75 minimum and eight- hour day, but there is something about the recent write-ups that sounds like we were going to act, and talk less. I wish to state that I am one more who (although I have a wife and babies to look out for, and noth- ing in the bank) am ready and willing to walk out on the 1st of March if the rail- roads refuse our demands. While I think (as one brother in California said) thirty cents per hour may be all right for our Northern and Eastern brothers, but for the boys in the Southern and Western States forty or forty-five cents per hour would not be too much, owing to the fact that it costs more to live, and the climate is not so agree- able. Now, if the time comes when we are asked to strike, there is no doubt that there will be some who will say, “I have a family to look out for, and simply can not afford to go out.” Now, brothers, that excuse won’t do. There is plenty of other work. I have already talked the matter over with my wife, and admit that it may go kind of hard with us for awhile, but, if necessary, I will go and “flunky” in a restaurant, and my wife says she can take the babies and go pick strawberries for awhile, if it comes to that. But there is any amount of work you can get to do which will be equally as good as telegraphing under the present con- ditions. So I say if it becomes necessary to strike go out and stay out until your demands are granted. I would also suggest that each brother, when he gets through reading his journal, either place it in the hands of a non, or hand it to some good citizen of his town, and request him to read it. It is bound to set them to thinking. “Discontented,” Cert. 1525. SHOULD GET TOGETHER. How many of you would like to have your pay check handed to you next April, 1908, reading $75.00 instead of $50.00, $55.00, or probably $55.75, and at the same time commence sleeping twelve hours, and then have four hours to get outside the house and see if your neighbors or relatives are still alive, or to read a daily newspaper to see what is going on in neighboring towns? Do you think this is unreasonable? Are any of you getting rich on your present sal- aries, or are any of you having money to throw away? The millers have raised the price on flour, the grocers have raised the price on groceries; yet we are working for the same salary we always did. Working twelve long hours each day. Do we intend to slave all our lives and barely keep enough ahead to keep alive. Suppose some of us would meet with a disaster. What would we do? Brothers and sisters, let us all get to- gether, make a demand upon our employers for an eight-hour day, a $75.00 minimum and a general increase to all, to take effect March 4, 1908. We would present this de- mand to each and every employer on Feb- ruary 4, 1908, and if they do not grant our demands, let every member of this organi- zation walk out, and not return to work un- til they do grant them. The public sentiment will win it for us alone, and in a hurry too. The railroads could not move traffic, even if they should try. Did you ever compare our wages with those of enginemen or trainmen ? Do we not have just as much responsibility and liabil- ities as they do? Our positions require us to have the best of an education, and yet we get paid about the same as foreign laborers, and in some instances not as much. It is time we were getting down to business, and now is a good time to start at it. Cert. 1597, Div. 31. Digitized by CjOOQle

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2024 The Railroad Telegrapher. DISCUSSIONS IN LODGE ROOMS. Reading our journal has been a great pleasure, pastime and profit. No doubt, notes from different divisions are read with pleasure and where a division has no notes the members arc very much disappointed. I am in hearty accord with notes from divisions, but must say that I think some of the questions discussed are too important to be open for general reading of the pub- lic. Discussions that devise ways and means concerning Mail, W. U. Bonds, Meal Hours, Overtime, and what we are going to do for a raise, are questions for lodge room, and if we give away our intentions in the journal don’t be surprised if the railroad officials are as well posted as we are. Who of us have picked up any journal published by the railroad officials? Do we ever see their schemes to overcome de- mands of more pay and how they are fixing to reduce salaries? There are plenty of real news we could devote to the use of our readers. Let us confine our resolution, plans, etc., to the members themselves in meeting, or send our requests to the Order at conventions, but don’t make a diary of our troubles in the journal for every one to see. If we ever get anything better than we have the bitter attacks on corporations and our employers in public journals must stop. No organization can depend alone upon just writing to accomplish anything. It takes united effort with a good leader. Mont Fulton, Div. 55. EIGHT-HOUR DAY AND HIGHER PAY. There were several good articles in the November journal on the eight-hour and $75 question, and it is high time every teleg- rapher was getting busy, for March 4 will roll around in a very short time, and it should not catch any one in the hay. I am in favor of putting this question to a vote at the earliest possible date, and have everything arranged to send a committee in on every railroad in the United State, Can- ada and Mexico, on the first of next month with a personal letter from every telegra- pher they represent, to the effect that they will accept nothing but an eight-hour day, $75 minimum salary, double time for Sun- days, and one hour for dinner, or one hour overtime and overtime to be fifty cents per hour; also ten cents per sack, pouch or article of U. S. mail handled, whether from or to the postoffice, and the postmaster to verify the number of pieces handled each day for computing pay, or the care of U. S. mail to be taken out of the telegraphers’ hands altogether. This is a big item to the agents and operators at smaller stations, and is not too much for handling same. While this is not the best plan submitted, it is the view of one operator, and will probably inspire some one else to think of something better. I, for one, request Bro. Quick to put this to a vote in an early issue of. the journal, and be ready for action by March 1, 1908. Come forward, brothers, with your views, and help get the ball rolling before it is too late. Cert. 2356, Div. 93. WHAT 18 DESIRED. First, each committee in future presenting a schedule to a railway company have it embodied in said schedule that telegraphers handling commercial business receive not less than 20 per cent commission not only on cash receipts, but checks against other offices. Nothing less than this to be satis- factory, and if not obtained, cut out com- mercial business altogether. I would urge each member to stand for this, see that each committeeman is so instructed, and absolutely nothing less be accepted. This is of vital importance. It is only a matter of time until we will have to fight the commer- cial telegraph companies openly, as they arc now fighting us secretly. Second, a discontinuance of those $75°° and eight-hour articles in The Telegra- pher. A better minimum is in effect now west of the Mississippi. The eight-hour part is all right. I want to see each office placed on an equitable basis, then our com- mittee demand a substantial increase which will give all offices fair wages and eight hours. Third, a discontinuance of salary com- parisons in our journal. It is doing the Order harm. The engineers, trainmen, trackmen, etc., get no more than they de- serve. I would like to see them get more. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2X5 Their present rate was obtained only by thorough organization and having the nerve to stand up for their rights. Fourth, too much publicity is given our plans in The Telegrapher. It weakens us in attack or defense. This does not look consistent in view of the foregoing, but I hope each member will take up immediately the first clause of this communication and have each committee so instructed. It can only reach all by being published now. Cert. 476. SHOULD VOTE ON PROPOSITION. In reading over the November issue of The Telegrapher I find the good boys still talking about the $75.00 minimum and eight- hour day. I think the best plan for us would be to ask for a 25 per cent raise, as that would benefit us all, where, if we asked for a $75.00 minimum, it would not increase the salaries of some of the boys, and they would not give it as much support as if they were interested in it themselves. I think we should quit this talking about $75.00 mini- mum and eight-hour day, and have the pres- ident issue a ballot to all telegraphers so that we can have a vote on it, and make one united effort all over the United States and Canada for these things which we want, and we will have to get “25” if we want this to take effect the 4th of March ; and if we will do our part, I do not see why we shall not win, and I for one, am ready to stand pat until we get it. Cert. 1046, Div. 93. SHOULD BE UP AND DOING. Have been reading the many suggestions in our journal about the eight-hour day and $75.00 minimum. There are a few good ones that would be well for us to consider, especially those that suggest hourly wage scale. I believe this is the only plan where- by the opertors and agents can be justly dealt with. Under the national nine-hour law recently passed, if I understand it cor- rectly, the railroad companies can hold us operators who are agents and where offices are only operated during the day time thir- teen hours. This being the case I believe we had better demand an hourly wage scale of not less than 30 cents per hour and not over nine hours for a day. If the company sees fit to hold us longer than the nine hours we would be getting something for our services and not be donating the time that we might be spending with our families. I, for one, urge you to put it up to our president to send out slips to each and every member asking if he wants hourly pay, and if he wants an eight or nine-hour day and in case a strike is called if he will come out and stay out until ordered back, if the railroad companies refuse to grant our demands, and how much per hour they would be willing to accept. We do qpt want any cowards in our ranks. We are only demanding what we should have had long ago. Now our organization is strong and we want it. I would suggest that this plan be started at once and that every member who fails to make reply within ten days be fined not less than $1000. Time is money, and we must be up and doing. There is one other thing I want to speak of and that is how the railway companies make pack mules out of us by compelling us to carry the mails to and from the post- office. I have only 240 mails to handle per month and carry them 650 feet and about that many empty sacks or more. These empty sacks are sacks that the traction line brings in full of mail and then won’t handle the empties back. We are compelled to go get these empty sacks and return them on the railroad. Our compensation is nothing. I think the time is ripe for us to call a halt on such treatment and the small wages we have been obliged to work for. If there is to be a strike before we can get it, I say come on strike. I can and will if it comes to a show down stay out until we get our demands and if we never get it never go back to railroading. I pity the man that has not enough nerve to stick, but sneaks around and gets back. I am in hopes we have no go backs or weaklings in our ranks. The time could not be of long duration if men will be brave men. Now, brothers, I urge you to make some move in this direction immediately, as by reading the opinions of our brothers in the journal I believe every one is waiting for that start to come. Cert. 24008. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2026 The Railroad Telegrapher. SHOULD BE PER CENT INCREASE. The agitation on the topic of hourly pay is, to my thinking, the .most important sub- ject next to the eight-hour law to be taken in hand. We are far behind the times in the matter of schedules governing our sal- aries. We should get busy at once before it is too late and get ready for the coming March. My solution of this problem is something like the following: The hourly rate of pay to be rated accord- ing to the class of offices affected, for in- stance : Class A— present salary $90 to $100. Un- der eight-hour plan and 44 cents per hour, would be $102.60. Class B — $80 to $90, at 42 cents; $100.80. Class C — $70 to $80, at 38 cents; $91-20. Class D — $60 to $70, at 33 1/2 cents ; $80.80. Class E— $50 to $60, at 29^ cents ; $70.80. Class F— $40 to $50, at 25 cents ; $60. This will about average 15 per cent raise of salary with an eight-hour work day. All offices could not be rated at one rate per hour, but under this plan all would share equally. This subject should be given prompt at- tention, and be made universal, and be handled in the same manner as the train- men or switchmen do theirs; that is, all roads in a certain territory must sign the agreement, otherwise we can not expect to win. Cert. 2344. BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS AND MORE WAGES. I have read my October Telegrapher through carefully, and like many of the other brothers I find the same thought run- ning through every article — more pay and shorter working hours. That’s the cry from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from Canada to Mexico. We are the poorest paid class of men in the railroad service, and there are none more essential. We are the middle men for every branch of the service, from accounting dpartment down to section men, and must be thoroughly versed in every branch. Have you not often received a message in regard to some bad order car, set out at your station, wanting to know exactly what is broken and what car repairers will need to put the car in good shape. Now did you ever hear of a train man or car repairer being instructed to go into a station and see what was needed there, in case something was wrong? No, indeed, you have not; they are expected to know what is to be done in their own line of work, and no more. Also just glance through the “Employes Magazine” and see how the merit marks run. Out of a total of 56 you will find that two operators and two agents are given merit marks “for doing more than duty.” Now doesn’t that cheer you up? Did you ever know before that there -was anything on the map that was not our duty? Boys, we have been chumps long enough. We simply must wake up and get busy. Let every man on every line go after the nons as if your life depended on it. Get every one that is susceptible, and then what few that will be on the outside will do us no harm and we will make it so warm for them that they will eventually disappear. Only a few days ago I was talking with a brakeman, and he told me he worked three weeks in the month of October and that he would draw $112.00. Also look at the en- gineers making over $200.00 every month while we hang around twelve long hours every day and draw the pitiful sum of $57-50 per month. We work the whole month and the engineer works from half to two-thirds of the month. We must not leave the office without permission, neither must w'e leave town during our hours off duty without first notifying every one on the division where we are going and just where they can find us any hour of the time we are away. Now, we have the nine-hour law enacted and is to take effect March 4, 1908. Don’t any of you ever think for a minute that the railroad companies are going to tamely sub- mit to this. They are going to fight it as hard as they ever fought any measure which was not absolutely in their favor. Just as sure as you live they are going to try to prove it unconstitutional. That’s what they are doing with the eight-hour law in Missouri and that is what they will try to do with the national law. Now the question is are we going to let them pull the Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2027 wool over our eyes and go on working twelve hours. Let them prove it unconsti- tutional if they can, but let us show them that we are men, and regardless of whether it’s a law or not we will work eight hours and no more unless we are paid double overtime for it. Like many others I am in favor of a committee from every road in the United States, Canada and Mexico meeting their respective managements separately, or all in one body, but in any event all meeting them at exactly the same time (and that before March 4th) to arrange a scale of wages based on the eight-hour day, either hourly or monthly, but in no case to figure less than $75.00. If a job is worth keeping a man on, it’s worth at least that much per month to stay there, if he doesn’t turn his hand. If we were not an intelligent class of men we could not do the work we are do- ing. Then if the railroads prefer to turn us down on our proposition, we can every one walk out and get another job, and they can then have an opportunity to try running a railroad without telegraphers. I know where I can get other work at any time I want to quit the service and I don’t believe there is a man working but what is in the same position. We have been gradually getting out of the rut for many years, but we have not moved fast enough. With one mighty effort we must now settle it for all time to come. We are barely getting a living and we must remember that we are growing old and must be laying by for the future, when no railroad company will need our services. A man who works twelve hours every day and 365 days in a year and in a mental strain throughout the entire time will be- come prematurely aged. Then after you have given the best part of your life to the company for whom you are working and you are worn out in body and mind, if you should overlook delivering a train order, no matter what the extenuating circum- stances, you are given the limit in demerit marks so they can soon get rid of you, or you are summarily dismissed, with the curt remark that “you are getting too old and forgetful.” Brothers, how many of you, on the salary you are now getting, can lay up a bank account in anticipation of this time. If your station is running over with busi- ness and the country is on a boom, as has been the case in the Western country for some time, you will probably be given a $15.00 helper, but just let there be one crop failure and business slack off ever so little, and sec how quick they begin to howl about reducing the force, on account of decrease in business. They pay high salaries to a few men to watch the poor agents and oper- ators, to see that they are doing every ounce of work that a human being can stand up under, and they do not intend for one min- ute of our twelve hours on duty to not be doubly occupied. To the nons who are holding out of the Order, in the vain hope that they will be considered a “company man,” and at the first opportunity will be boosted into a nice easy job with a big salary and a title fas- tened to their name, I would like to say that your opportunity will never come. You will be thought just as much of in the Order as out of it by your company, and a great deal more thought of by your fellow workmen, and your chances of pro- motion will be just as good. Your only re- demption is to join the big crowd, which you will find following the O. R. T. banner, and let us each and every one push and pull with all our strength until we have reached the goal of better working condi- tions and living wages. Cert. 295, Div. 126. ONE WEEK WOULD SETTLE IT. A short time ago, in talking to a non, try- ing to induce him to join the Order, he said: “Yes, it is all very well for you young fellows who are not married to talk of strikes, but us fellows that are married could not afford to strike and stay out long enough to do any good.” “Friend,” I said, “A short time ago you asked for a lay-off of a week, did you not?” “Yes,” he replied. “Well,” I said, “you got your week’s lay-off and came back at the end of the week, rested up, and thinking of the good time you had. But when yon entered the office you stepped into the old rut, with a Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2028 The Railroad Telegrapher. sigh, and said, ‘Well, I had a good time while I was away, but now I have to dig into it all the harder to get things straight- ened around again, and the hours from 7 to 7 are most awfully long, and the pay, too, is not as large as it might be.’ ” “Now,” I said, “suppose there should be a strike called for an eight-hour day and a $75.00 minimum? Could you not afford to lay off another week at least if, at the end of that time you could come back and 'only have to work eight hours per day, and re- ceive as compensation $75.00 per month?” “Yes,” he said, “I could, and would be glad to, but the trouble is would every one do this?” “Yes,” I replied, “I think that they would. I dont think there is an operator in the United States, Mexico or Canada that would not be willing to quit work for at least a week’s time (and many of them could afford to stay out longer), if. at the end of that time, he knew that on his return he would only have to work eight hours per day and receive $75.00 per month for his services.” And now, brothers, let us all take the same view of this subject. Show this arti- cle to your neighbor, and to the nons, and induce them to stay out one week at least, if it becomes necessary to call a strike. And do you think that we would have to stay out one week? ,No, we would be recalled before the week was fairly started. The $75 00 minimum and eight-hour day is ours. Cert. 1271, Div. 126. OUR FUTURE. I wish to say a few words to you in con- nection with our future welfare. Tell me what you are going to do on March 4, 1908? Are you going to continue to drag along in the old twelve-hour rut or are you going to demand your rights as a free citizen of the United States, and work only eight hours per day? This is the question of the hour, and can not be put off for one minute ; one that must have your earnest considera- tion, and one that must be acted upon with- out hesitation. I want to say to you, brothers and sisters, before I would work twelve hours at a telegraph station, where two or more oper- ators are employed now, I would either join the Dagoes in their honest toil on the sec- tion, or some other manual labor. I may be a little too enthusiastic to suit some, but I wish to say right now that I am one with backbone enough to hold up for my rights. The railroad by which I am employed has put out a form this month, with numerous questions on it, requesting information rela- tive to the duties of a telegraph operator. This is merely a blind on the part of the railroad company. They intend to use this information to fight the nine-hour law when, or before it takes effect, and they also in- tend to use it to argue with our committee- men when they go before the management again. Think twice before you write a word on it, and be very careful that you do yourself justice in putting it down. It is an easy matter for an official of a rail- road to balk a committeeman by saying, “Why, what are you talking about? Here I have that man’s own statement of what he has to do,” and then refer to his state- ment made on the above-mentioned blank. If any of you will take the trouble to look, you will notice that each and every question asked by the company is for their own personal benefit. There is not a single one asked but what they know already. This question, for instance: “Total number of hours on duty?” As if any railroad does not know the number of hours their opera- tors are on duty. Why did they not put on the blank, “Do you handle U. S. mail?” “Do you handle W. U. or Postal business?” “If so, do you get any compensation from them for it?” or “Do you get your meal hours regular?” or, better still, “Don’t you think it better for all concerned if you were only worked eight hours per day, instead of twelve, as at present?” But if you wait for them to do this, with- out assisting them in any way in the matter, you will wait until you are called home by the Master above, and then you would not have the pleasure of seeing or hearing of them putting on eight-hour tricks of their own accord. I am a strong opposer of a strike, but I believe there is a time for all things, and I believe right now is the time for the operators throughout the United States to Digitized by e>o Me

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The Railroad Telegrapher. •029 give the railroad companies to distinctly understand that they will not work but ei^ht hours per day after March 4, 1908. Our Congressmen gave it to us and we are en- titled to it, and, furthermore, we would have kicked big and hard if our Congress- men had turned the bill down. Would you have voted for him again? I can answer that for you. I say no No, you would not, and, more than that, you would have used your influence to have gotten others to vote against him. Now, since they have done their part, and put such a law into effect, won’t you do your part, and see that there is no extension on the time set. The rail- road company has made no effort to secure operators, but, instead, they are making all preparations possible to fight the nine-hour law, and fight it to a finish. Are you going to stand for this? Are you going to toil your life away at the rate of thirteen and sixteen hours per day- for the miserable pittance of $45 and $50 per month. Brothers! Sisters! Stop for a moment and think, think hard, think long and think loud. What is $50 to you compared with the happi- ness that other people enjoy, and don’t work half the time you do? What is $45 to you when you have to work nearly day and night, too, in order to get it? Don’t it look big on a payday to have $45? Just think! Forty-five precious, almighty dollars! Don’t you like to caress them? Don’t you like to hold them in your hand, and think how fortunate you are to have that much money? It might have once looked that way, but that time has passed and gone, and at the present time the telegraph operators should be paid $75 for eight-hours’ work on the line of road, and $100 for eight hours in relay points. Do you think we will ever get it? You answer, “I don’t know.” If you don’t, who does? And why don’t you know? It is a very interesting study, and you should know something about it. As you all know, we have been crushed under foot long enough ; in this case, like all others, it’s a long road' that has no turns, and there is an end to all things. The rail- road companies have had their day and profited by it, and it is up to us, brothers, to get ours. How many of you remember hearing of a brother tell about having to do work that a negro would not do for the same money. Having to walk sixty miles a month and look after two switchlights for the magnifi- cent sum of $2 per month. That there was not a negro in that county who would do it for that amount, but he, a telegraph opera- tor, was not as good as one of the black sons of Africa, and was compelled to do this after his day’s toil (twelve hours, re- member) was over. We hear operators on one side of us say, “I don’t believe we could get that if we were to ask for it, and I don’t see any use of asking for it.” Now, let me tell you, brothers, there is one thing dead certain, and that is, if you never ask for a thing you will never get it, and you may put that in your pipe and smoke it for a fact. I noticed a piece in the March issue of The Telegrapher, reprinted in the Train Dispatchers' Bulletin under the head, “No Grievance.” I was very much pleased to read the editor’s comment on the subject. How many of you today are like the person pictured in that piece, and when you are approached by a brother member, and asked to awaken from your long sleep, and take an active part in your Order’s welfare, an- swer, “I have no grievance.” I, too, am of the same opinion as “Texas.” You might as well say that you have no heart, no soul, and no interest in your own and your fam- ily’s welfare. We have had worthy articles from dif- ferent brothers regarding the $75 minimum and eight hours per day, so I will not say anything about it here. What we want now is something about the enforcement of the law, that was made especially for us; the law that our Representatives put up for our welfare, and for the protection of the traveling public. I am informed from a very reliable source that the railroad com- panies are preparing to fight the national law in States that have not already adopted the eight-hour law, on the grounds that the average telegraph operator does not do nine hours actual work during the day or night. There is no doubt but what there will be numerous excuses put up by different com- panies as to why this law should not be put into effect. I know personally that our Digitized by L^OOQle

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2030 The Railroad Telegrapher. committee tried to get our general superin- tendent to make some provisions in our last schedule covering the new law, but he would not talk about it at that time, claim- ing that there would be time enough when the law became effective. That may be true, but I know further, that there has been no time or energy spent in trying to secure more operators than are at present em- ployed by the company. Also, that it is quite a task for an operator to secure a few days’ leave of absence, on account of the company’s being unable to furnish relief. There is not an extra operator on the divi- sion at present. This is not caused by scarcity of operators, for there is anywhere from four to eight applications received daily from operators in different parts of the country, seeking positions. These are filed away and not one out of a dozen ever heard of again. It does not seem reasona- ble to a sound-minded person that the rail- roads would attempt to fight a nine-hour law covering the telegraph operators. I think the article appearing in the May issue of The Telegrapher, under the heading of “The Man in the Tower,” covers this point to a T. Y. Any person reading that and then remaining under the impression that a telegraph operator has nothing to do is a fit subject for the Home for the Incurable Insane. I hope that every operator in the United States of America will do his part in up- holding and maintaining this law which we have secured, and which should have justly been ours from the first. I hope to see something from other brothers on this sub- ject, and if Bro. Quick will grant me space for the above I will ring off by saying, let us all get busy, keep in adjustment, and see that all trouble is located promptly. J. R. Sandifer. MORE ABOUT THAT $75.00 MINIMUM. I know we all are getting tired of so much talk about that $75.00 minimum. There is something we all want, and is what we ought to have, and that is pay by the hour. Let us have 30 cents per hour, and 60 cents per hour for Sunday work, and one hour off for dinner — trains or no trains — between the hours of 11:30 and 1 o’clock. It is a shame to have to work every hour of the dJy, every day in the week, and Sundays, too. Let us have one day to eat dinner at home so we won’t forget how to eat dinner with the folks. Don’t let us wait for the other one- Let every one send Bro. Perham a little blank filled out of what we want, and tell him we must have it, or we will go back to grub- bing, or something else that pays better than working twelve hours a day at about 1 7 cents an hour. We can get 30 cents an hour, and if we don’t get it it will be our own fault. We have the sympathy of every- body on our side. People have begun to see what a responsible position the telegrapher holds, and realize we are not paid as we should be. When we get 30 cents an hour we will have plenty of men. There are plenty of good telegraphers doing some- thing else because they can’t make a living at telegraphing. We do not need a national eight-hour law, brothers, we need an eight- hour day, but we want the good old O. R. T. to get it, and then if we have to work longer than eight-hours, let us be paid over- time rates. The way things are now a man can never look forward to anything or make an en- gagement of any kind. Rambler. SHOULD HAVE $100.00 MINIMUM. After reviewing my Telegrapher I find that the $75.00 minimum has been discussed for several years, and we are still striving for it, so I thought I would get in the game and raise the edge a bit. Do you think if you were getting $75.00 per month that you would be satisfied? I don't. I think I am worth more money than that, although I am not getting that much; however, I ex- pect to be getting more than $75.00 in the near future. How many of you agents have taken a glance at your daily balance sheet about the sixth or seventh day of the month and no- ticed that you have remitted to the company $1 500, or somewhere thereabouts; enough to pay your salary for over two years? And do you think $75.00 per month is a just compensation for your services, taking the above figures into consideration? Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2031 Did you ever take a peep at your compar- ative statement, and reflect a moment, and notice that you had shown an increase of $2,000.00 over the same month's business of the year previous? Has your salary ad- vanced in proportion? Well I should say noodles. Have you ever had the sensation of the superintendent or some other official patting you on the back and saying : “That’s a good showing. Now see if you can make it $4,000.00 next year.” And did you ever hear him warble that your salary had been raised on account of your showing of big increase in earnings? Not so’s you could notice it. Again, have you ever noticed and thought seriously at the freight charges on one of your grain or stock way bills, and surmised that the charges thereon was enough to nearly pay your salary for a month, and sometimes enough to pay it for two months; and then do you think that you would be satisfied with a measly $75.00 minimum? Let’s cut out this $7500 minimum talk. It’s getting stale. We wouldn’t be satisfied with it if we had it, and would have trou- ble in getting it, and why not get enough in the first place, and we won’t have to come back at them so soon for another increase. As a great many have suggested that March 4. 1908, would be a good date to make a demand, let’s make it $100.00 per month and eight hours’ work, or go to shucking corn. After the $75 00 minimum has been on the board a while we would want some- thing better, and would have the same old grinding in The Telegrapher for a year or two before we would be able to get busy again, and then have all our trouble of drawing up schedules to do over, and an- other hard fight to contend with ; therefore, I suggest we make it reasonable to start with, or, in other words, something that we would be satisfied with for a while. I suppose when some of you read this (if it gets through), will gasp for your breath, and say: “That fellow must want the rail- road,” but, on the contrary, I am not put- ting the minimum too high. Brakemen are getting that, and don’t you think your duties as important as a brakeman’s? All you have to have is a strong back to be a brakeman, but you have to go through the mill before you can be an operator. People don’t inherit that these days. * I take it for granted that the majority of the operators who are advocating the $75.00 minimum are those located in the Eastern and Southern States, where the minimums are much lower at present than those in the West. Seventy-five dollars is a mere pittance in the West, as a majority of the telegraphers west of the Missouri are draw- ing from $70.00 to $85.00 salary, and the $75.00 minimum would mean nothing to them. Of course, there are two sides to every story. The railroad companies are at a big expense in maintaining their equipment, and their pay roll is not at all trifling. How- ever the freight charges on two cars of merchandise will pay every employe’s salary for one day that it passes in going over a division, also the train crew hauling it. And they have the balance of the tonnage almost clear profit. Railroad monopolists have made a study of railroading for years, and unless they found it profitable they would have quit business long ago, and discontinue planting rails. I don’t care how small a station a man is working at his services are worth $100.00 a month to the railroad company, even if his receipts amount to but $50.00. How- ever, stations of this degree are few and far between. And it’s worth $100.00 of any man’s money for a man to sit up all night twelve hours, if he don’t know a thing. I served three years of it, and I sincerely hope I have went my limit — a whole week of this white hay is nothing to compare with one good eight hours’ black sleep. Aside from the $100.00 minimum, there are several other subjects I would like to dwell upon for a moment. Furthering the subject (national nine-hour law), I wish to voice the sentiments of some of the writers on this subject. The railroad companies are certainly going to fight this law. Many of the railroads have a form which the op- erators and agents are to fill out daily, showing time involved in performing the different duties pertaining to telegraphing. Now, brothers, they think they are going to Digitized by L^OOQle

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2032 The Railroad Telegrapher. do a big smear with these reports to show up against us. They are having us fill these reports out'to cut our own throats with, but here’s one Indian that’s not going to work more than eight hours for less than $75.00 per after March 4, 1908. The different rail- road companies will more than likely se- lect a few of the easy stations or pick out the lightest days from all the stations and attach them to a petition to have the law revoked; or, in other words, try and get around this obstacle in some way. Now, if in any way they get around this law, let’s establish a law of our own, and tell the railroad companies that we don’t work for less than $75.00 per or more than eight hours on and after March 4, 1908. I’m gone on the aforesaid date unless there is things doing. How many are following your old pal? Do I hear a noise like I-I-I? Now let’s drop this old $75.00 minimum gag. There isn’t a man working in a relay office but what receives this amount ; and there are lots of good old O. R. T. boys working in relay offices. The $75.00 minimum isn’t what we want. It isn’t enough. Many of the boys are get- ting more at present. The majority of the heavy train order jobs in the West pay $77.50, and relay men run from $7500 to $84.50, not including wire chiefs and chief operators. Now, here is a solution to the disputes in regard to the compensation an operator should receive: Let a man, or more than one man, start a petition over his division, or over the line reached by wire direct from his office. Some man on the different branch lines volunteer to solicit their re- spective branches with a petition through the United States mail, and attaching a sheet for each man to vote on. Have space provided for name and station, and have the squares headed $75.00 minimum, eight hours, 35 per cent increase, etc. A man can then vote for what he thinks he would be satisfied with, and when all the men on the division have registered, the last man mail to Bro. Quick. He will soon see that we are stayers, and I am sure he will have busi- ness picking up in a short time. Now, don’t all jump at this at once, and don’t all stand back and let your neighbor do it for you. If this passes the bridge of gold over Bro. Quick’s bottomless pit, and the type sticker don’t give out before he gets it set, will come again. Here’s to $75.00 per or more, and eight hours, or blow. Ed., Cert. 725, Div. 130. ABOUT GENERAL TELEGRAPH OFFICE. Much has been said in our journal about the $75.00 minimum, hourly pay, U. S. mail, etc., but I have never noticed anything from the general telegraph offices, where many of the most efficient telegraphers are em- ployed and where the hours are not as short as they should be, and where the drill in those hours is constant and the overtime is almost a daily occurrence, and let me say right here that it is overtime pro rata, which is not right. It should be either time and a half or double time, but it will always be this way until the telegraphers in the general offices wake up to the fact that they will always work these hours as long as they stay in the half organized condition they are on certain railroads at the present time. I would like to urge the telegraphers of the general offices to thoroughly organize and prepare to demand good wages and better conditions. There is no use working for $75.00 per month with overtime at pro rata and working nine hours per day when we might as well be getting $90.00 or $95.00 with eight hours and time and a half for overtime and Sunday work. Two-thirds of the message work on Sundays could be cut out and mailed if the telegraphers would see to it that it was done, thereby cutting the Sunday work down to the minimum. Most all other men in general offices have every Sunday off, also every Saturday after- noon off, which is an item that should not be overlooked. If you will look at the stenographers in these general offices you will find that they are furnished with typewriters, and it should be the same with the operators, as they should not be required to furnish type- writers to do the company’s business with. If the railroad company would furnish these machines for telegraphers in general offices Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2033 it would only require about half the ma- chines that the operators now have to fur- nish. On a quad wh*e one machine on each side would be all that is necessary, but now there are four machines used, as each man is required to furnish his own typewriter. It has been the custom, the railroads say, for operators to furnish these mills, and it al- ways will be the custom as long as the men submit to it, as it is very certain that no railroad company will ever offer to furnish machines of their own accord, and the only remedy we can apply is thorough organiza- tion. I would like to say a word about this over time before mentioned. It is one of the worst evils we have to contend with in the general offices today. A man works a trick from io a. m. until 8 p. m. He works two hours from io until 12, then is off from 12 until 1 for dinner, comes back at I and works from 1 until 8; then is stuck an hour overtime, making it 9 p. m., which is eight hours* work without anything to eat. Now, brothers, does that strike you as being right in any sense of the word. The idea of working eight straight hours without lunch is preposterous when eight is a good day’s work by itself. I woud like to hear from some other brother on this subject of the general offices and urge upon all the possible future of a thoroughly organized general office. Cert. 107, Div. 126. PLAN FOR THOROUGH ORGANI- ZATION. Have been reading the columns of the journal, and especially do I note the dis- content among the telegraphers, and I am very glad to see this, for I think that it means a general move for better conditions. Every reform must necessarily cost some- thing, and if the telegraphers are sincere in this we will soon have better times. I have a plan to submit to the Order, and I think it will prove much better than our present way of doing things. Let each subdivision, or freight division, on each road elect a special organizer, and let him organize that division, under the direction of the local chairman. Let him cover the entire division, visiting all the desirable nons and if possible secure their application, and weed out the ham factories along his division. Then make a report to the local chairman of the conditions on his division, and the local chairman make one to the general secretary of that division, he in turn to make a report to the President, of the conditions on his entire road, and then the President can see what we want, and determine how it can be secured. I think that it would be useless for Bro. Perham to endeavor to do anything as a whole until he is thoroughly familiar with the conditions on the different roads throughout the country, and by this means I think he can secure the necessary informa- tion, and it would be reliable and trust- worthy. To carry out this plan there will be neces- sary expenses to be met and paid, and the members will have to bear them. If an as- sessment be placed on them of one dollar per month I think that this work can be carried out very quickly and thoroughly, provided that a competent man is selected. We have got to do something and that very soon or lose what we have already won by our hard struggle with the con- trollers of the railways, and I think from what I understand of the conditions pre- vailing throughout the South that this plan would bring quick results. As March 4th is the recognized turning point in the career of the railroad telegra- pher, we have not the time to discuss this plan through the columns of the journal many times, and I would like to see every local chairman take this matter up within the council chambers and if possible put it into execution at an early date, writing us all through the columns of the journal what they have done about the matter, and if they will put it through, provided, of course, the members are willing, and will report to the President of the O. R. T. their opinion on the subject. This means thorough organization, better conditions, and work. If we are to accom- plish anything, now is the time to get busy, not wait for the other fellow, for the rail- roads are not waiting for you, nor will they give you anything but more work and less pay at every opportunity, and if that na- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2034 The Railroad Telegrapher. tional nine-hour law is to become a reality, instead of a “dream,” we have got to make it so, with hard work and hustling men. Now, brother local chairman, we have no use for “dead men” in this world, so they are buried to give the live ones a chance. We need good, reliable live men. Are you one? If so, do your duty, show the world that the men in the “working harness” of the O. R. T. are live men, and know what they want and are going to leave no stone unturned to secure them. The “rank and file” will back you up with the money. You supply the brains and direct the campaign on your division. It is up to you whether we rise or fall, for the middle ground is not worth considering now. Cert. 91, Div. 59. SHOULD MAKE REASONABLE DE- MANDS. Some of the most gifted writers in our ranks have for some time been freely dis- cussing the $75.00 minimum and eight-hour day, conveying the idea that onr entire membership should by all means make a stand for a $75.00 minimum, to take effect March 4, 1908, with the national nine-hour law. Brothers and sisters, on roads where a $70.00 to $75.00 minimum has been se- cured through years of united effort, the proposed stand for a $7500 minimum in connection with the eight-hour day would not seem out of reason, and could no doubt be secured without serious difficulty, but could this consistently be applied to all sys- tems? Take, for example, partially organ- ized roads, or newly organized roads work- ing under the first or second agreement or contract, $50.00 or $55.00 minimum, over- time, meal hour, seniority rights, etc., as compared with a $20.00 to $45.00 rate of pay a few years ago. Would not a demand for such an increase, together with four hours per day less work than before be en- tirely out of reason? Would it mean any- thing less than a resort to arms (a general strike, something that should never occur except as a very last resort to force just demands and fair treatment) ? T realize and appreciate fully the splendid strength of our organization, but even though we held the strength of the world, let us by all means take a conservative view, a business view of things before going too far. The world was not made in one day. Our immense organization did not accomplish all in one day, but through years of united effort it has in a straight- forward business-like manner accomplished much, and is not yet through. Let’s be sure we are right, then go ahead. Let the general committees of the various systems, backed or governed by reason, the present existing circumstances on their respective roads, and the sentiment of their member- ship at large, meet the management as usual, hoping and expecting a fair and just deal, then by all means stand up for it. It is believed that some systems will even sug- gest a reduction in salaries by reason of the eight-hour day, but it is not reasonable to suppose that a reduction would be stood for by the boys of any system. Ninety-nine per cent or more of the mem- bership may fail to look upon this impor- tant matter in the same light as myself. However, I have made an effort to express myself, and all I ask of the dear brothers and sisters is that they do not brand me a tenderfoot or one who does not need the money. C. E. Moss, Local Chairman Div. 59. SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER QUESTION. I have just been reading in The Teleg- rapher. and as I read the $75.00 minimum and eight-hour day, I wonder if half that write those topics really think what they are writing or, rather, urging. I am as strong an O. R. T. as the world affords, but, boys, would we stay out, if we were called out, until we won? I, of course, would stay out until the strike was settled, for, as I learned to gee old Beck, I think I could yet follow my old plow. But so many who can do nothing but telegraph, I fear, would really not stick. So let us all stop and think of this more seriously before starting out. I. for one, would have more faith in asking for an eight-hour day and $60.00 or $65.00 scale. While I do hope we will come out successfully, and win the eight-hour day and $75.00 minimum, I feel we should take the whole world over in consideration and Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2035 not one individual man as to whether he would stick or not. I would be glad to have a suggestion from Bro. Quick or Bro. Perham as to what to do oi? this subject. Hoping we will all consider as a whole and then, when called out, if such be the case, stay out until we accomplish our vic- tory. Cert. 1092. UNREASONABLE DEMANDS. In the various letters advocating a $75.00 minimum, one can not but be surprised at the means advocated to obtain it. The greatest gains that we can make will be by acting conservatively. A few years ago when the $75.00 minimum was first advo- cated, it was meant for a twelve-hour day. Now that the eight-hour day is in sight to ask for a $75 00 minimum is, we think, ask- ing too much. The eight-hour day is the greatest concession we have ever gained. To gain an increase of from $20.00 to $35.00 per month in salary, together with putting on the third man, thus increasing the oper- ating expenses of the railroads from $25.00 to $100.00 per month at each office, with the adverse legislation that has been passed by the State Legislatures in reducing the pas- senger fares from 3 cents to 2 cents, is more than the companies can stand. The method of practically holding up the rail- roads, as advocated by the various letters in the September journal, certainly can not be sanctioned by our grand officers. We have, we believe, a level-headed set of men, and they certainly do not believe in a hold- up in order to secure all, at one time. The past grand chief of the B. of L. E., Mr. Ar- thur, and the present chief of the United Mine Workers’ Union, Mr. John Mitchell, have been careful at all times to keep their men from plunging into a strike, and have in this way won the admiration of the pub- lic as well as their employers. We can not think the public will sanction this method of securing the $75.00 minimum. That we are far behind the other labor organizations in our rates of pay can not be denied, but we have made rapid strides in the last few years. If we can succeed in getting a uni- versal eight-hour day we can then begin to work for a yearly increase and make the minimum $100.00, which we should be get- ting now. We must recollect that “Rome was not built in a day." We believe we should make a determined stand for the eight-hour day, as we have the public and the law on our side in this. We should have double pay for all Sunday work, and should demand it. This, with a yearly in- crease, will soon make the $75.00 minimum. We do not wish to create the impression that we are not in favor of the $75.00 mini- mum nor the $100.00 minimum. Far from that ; we heartily endorse it. but we are un- equivocally opposed to a hold-up, or of try- ing to coerce the railroads into unjust de- mands. They have their side of the ques- tion. They are expected to make as good a showing as they can to their stockholders, and to try to keep on a paying basis. The labor unions are frequently spoken of now as tyrannical (by the enemies of organized labor, of course), but to attempt a universal tie-up would stamp the O. R. T. as deserv- ing the name of being tyrannical. Cert. 231, Div. 14. WHAT CONSTITUTES A UNION MAN. Are you a union man, though you have a card? This assertion may seem somewhat queer and out of place, but it is neither queer nor out of place when given due con- sideration. There are a great many of 11s that do not really know the meaning of unionism. There are a lot of us that never give the matter one minute of serious con- sideration, and to explain the workings and that which takes to make a true and upright union man would be too exalted a subject for us to attempt to unravel. In the first place some of us cling to the idea that a card is the only salvation for the laboring man. This is wrong in the extreme. A card is all right as far as it goes, and only performs the functions which was intended for it to perform. It does not make you a bet- ter man to be the proud possessor of a card, but it will show you up to the tens of thou- sands of toilers to be one of the most despi- cable, contemptible types of humanity that ever expelled the air from a set of lungs if you are not also the possessor of the pure awl unadulterated spirit of unionism. If you are not a union man at heart, then stay Digitized by VjOOQle

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2036 The Railroad Telegrapher. out of the union, or your card might get in its work and brand you as a coward and a traitor, as they have done for the Western Union telegraphers that were not union men, though they had a card. No man or woman has, nor ever will scab that has or ever possessed at heart the true spirit of unionism. It is, indeed, no uncommon cccurr rence to see a card toter scabbing, but a union man, never. These professional card toters join the union for two distinct rea- sons. First, they join the union in time of peace in order that they may be enabled to enjoy the hospitality of the union while there is no trouble brewing. Second, they join for the purpose of having their poor little pale-faced wife and children protected by the brotherhood’s insurance in case he (an ungrateful cuss) should make his de- parture to climes unknown. He really joins in order that his wife shall reap the benefits of the union in case he should die. When a strike is called, then he scabs that he may also protect his wife and enjoy the big bonus which all companies pay during a strike period. Now, a man that would do a thing like this is no union man, nor has he ever been. A character of this type will no more prove loyal to his company than he did to his union. A man that will de- liberately lie will steal ; a true union man (not card toters), will not do either. Re- member the world loves a brave, true, cour- ageous gentleman. If you are a Methodist, say so; if you are a Catholic, say so; if you are a union man, say so. It will never lower you in the estimation of those that are honest and honorable. Of course, unionism is abhored by those that rob us of the fruits of our toil ; rob us of neces- saries of life, rob us of simple and com- mon luxuries of life; make our wives* face pale, our children ignorant. But people in a class of this kind are neither gentlemen nor our friends. Take the Western Union officers today; if they could lay aside preju- dice and self-interest they would tell you that those that remained true and loyal to their obligations, fought the things which they deemed were detrimental to themselves according to their own convictions were to be more admired than those that had proven to be cowards. We all read with much laughter the declaration of Mr. Mackay. He gave out a statement that the D. O. C. was going to have a sick benefit in their com- pany from now on, whereby their telegra- phers would be provided for in case of sick- ness or death. Now this benovolent gentle- man did not give the outlines of this pro- posed scheme, but he naturally wishes to convey the idea that the dear old company is going to set aside a fund for the protec- tion of their telegraphers in case that they should become disabled for duty. Now, I hope none of you will hold your breath un- til the dear old company sets aside a fund for your protection, for the idea is ridicu- lous, and you would meet with sore disap- pointment. Of course, the company may es- tablish this sick benefit, but not a dollar will they contribute to maintain its welfare and existence. The telegrapher alone will have the honor of maintaining a proposition of this kind. You would only be entitled to its benefits during your service with them. If you lost out with them today and get sick tomorrow, of course, you would also lose out in the benefit, and not a dollar would you receive, although you had, per- haps, paid your monthly assessments of $2.00 or $2.50 for years. A proposition of this character would only be the means whereby you could deposit the sweat of your brow, permit the company to reap the honor and two-thirds of the profit. When- ever a man of Mr. Mackay's caliber comes out and makes a proposition purporting to elevate the down-trodden toilers, make the lights in our homes shine brighter, put more school books in the hands of our children that they may possess the true knowledge of his country, the duty he owes to himself and home, graft manhood and honorable principles upon each pulsation of the heart, he has an ax to grind, and if you don’t get busy with due consideration you will have to do the turning. You may put that in your pipe and smoke it. Why not the union get busy and form a sick benefit department of their own? If you lose out where you are, and hold an up-to-date card, become disabled for duty, you would reap the benefits of the sick ben- efit department, just as though you held a position. If a man ever needed the assist- Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2037 ance of any one, it is while he is sick and without a position. You know that there is one failing of the human family that deserves no little com- ment. A man never becomes great until after he dies. The most of us only make preparations for our families in case we should be called away. We never, for one minute, think of the consequences that would be brought about should we fall a victim of a long and protracted illness. A lot of good brothers have fallen by the wayside on account of going up against hard luck. We should arrange to help those that hit hard luck. It is nothing but our duty to do it. If we are true broth- erhood men, we will do it. If we are broth- ers, then let us join hands and be ever ready and willing to see that not a brother in this great family of ours shall suffer or his rights be infringed upon. Will you be with us? If you are not with us in trying to elevate the financial and moral standing of the telegrapher, then you are not a union man, though you have a card. The chaff has flown. Would you feel justified in demanding the honor of being a true union man at heart and principle when the fact is clearly demonstrated that you are daily routing freight via L. & N., while you could route via other lines equally as satisfactory to the shipper? Do you ever stop and think what the L. & N. is to the telegrapher? Does the manner in which they treated our organizers while try- ing to organize their road ever appeal to you? Does it not still the pulsations of your heart to read the details of the strife and abuse heaped upon our organizers by the L. & N.’s so-called private detectives while trying to organize that road? Could our men ever been so tyrannically treated by barbarians as they were at the hands of the L. & N.’s cowardly detectives? Does not the L. & N. tell you openly and above board that you will have to discard all your earthly possessions in the way of O. R. T. credentials before entering their service? Certainly they do. Do they not compel the telegrapher to keep students in their office, teach these students your profession that they may be enabled to keep the telegra- pher’s salary at its lowest ebb? Certainly they do. You are compelled to admit all of these charges to be facts undisputed, yet you will not question your ticket purchaser as to whether or not he hadn’t as soon go via other routes than the L. & N. When freight is tendered you for shipment des- tined to a point beyond your line, do you give this business to the L. & N. when you could put this shipment over another line? Do you manifest self-interest by keeping all your business out of the hands of the L. & N. ? When routing your business, do you call to mind the roads that are fair and those that are unfair to the telegrapher? If you do not, then you are not a union man, though you have a card. I can call to mind one telegrapher on this road that kept the L. & N. from handling sixty-five car loads of stuff this year, although the L. & N. commercial agent was constantly in this agent’s town trying to solicit the busi- ness from the people, but there was nothing doing, the agent was up against the L. & N., and he didn’t forget to give them a frosty look when the opportunity presented itself. Now, this agent appreciated his own road, as well as the other roads that had granted the telegrapher recognition and a schedule. He showed these roads his ap- preciation by putting all his business over their line. Now, do as this agent did. Never tire of keeping the unfair roads be- fore your eyes when it comes to routing freight and selling tickets to points beyond your line. To make our union a success in every sense of the word, it will necessarily take zealous and untiring workers in the field. Card and paid-up dues alone will never do it. When you contemplate subscribing or buying a magazine or daily paper do you question whether or not this literature is fair or unfair to organized labor? If not then you make a grave error and can only be accounted for in one way, and that is you do not possess the true spirit of union- ism. The principal papers of this and other States are owned and controlled by the corporations and they never forget to give organized labor a black eye and a frosty look on every possible occasion. Now do you feel quite at home reading papers and magazines that stand ever ready to hold Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2038 The Railroad Telegrapher. up union labor at the point of their pen, which is mightier than the sword? I should think not. When are you going to lay aside these papers that are unair to us? When are you going to patronize only those papers that are fair to our cause or at least publish the real facts as they really exist matters not who it hurts? Take in the commercial telegraphers’ strike, for exam- ple. They simply printed nothing that would be of interest or encouragement to organized labor, but, on the other hand, if one poor weak-kneed individual that had no regard for the truth, returned to work, they came out with head lines as large as a circus announcement and declared "the strike was all over, the men have all re- turned to the dear old company and ask that their same old job be given back to them, but the company had turned a deaf car to the majority of them, as their places had been filled.” Funny, isn’t rt; be careful a thing of this nature is liable to explode and the probability is that it would jar your anatomy. Yet we will continue to drop our coin into these contemptible pest coffers by subscribing and buying these fellows’ papers. We can get papers that are just as good, and better, for they give us fair play. Why not show these papers that are fair to union labor cur appreciations by giving them our subscription? Every time we purchase an unfair paper we say by our actions that we fully appreciate the unkind manner in which union labor is treated at their hands. Why not rally to the support of those that gave us their support? It is indeed a poor rule that does not work both ways. If we ever expect to have our stock in the O. R. T. market at a never declining point, we will necessarily be compelled to adopt the “no card, no favor, no label, no trade” rule. When we adopt this rule and live up to it to the letter, such things as strikes will only be a matter of history. I wish to call your attention to another fact. Do you read your journal every month? Why, I asked a good brother the other day what he thought of a certain article in the September journal, written by Bro. Quick, in reference to the bond ques- tion. He was truly ignorant as to what Bro. Quick had written. Now I hope that there are not many of our brothers quite so negligent as this brother was. If they have been I would thank each of you to dig this September journal up and look that article up and read it until thoroughly understood The bond question is of vital importance to the telegrapher. It is a subject that should never be dropped until we have landed a bond company in our organization. The benefits it would afford the telegrapher would be too numerous to mention, and the railroads would soon recognize it to be one of the greatest helps to them that had ever existed. For example, if you were to go to a superintendent and apply for a position as agent-telegrapher, the superintendent would of course have to run a certain amount of risk in employing you, as it would take you about thirty days to secure bond, and perhaps the general wind up would be that you could not make bond at all. The company would then have to put in a new man, of course. But if you car- ried an up-to-date card this would guaran- tee the railroad that they would run no risk whatever in employing you. Cert. 26, Div. 56 HOURLY PAY. After just reading an article in October number of The Railroad Teegrapher from Cert. 1629, Div. 33, I would like to add a few words on the subject. I, loo, am more in favor of putting the rate of wages on an hourly basis of 25 or 30 cents per hour for week days and 50 or 60 cents for Sundays, with one hour off for dinner or one hour overtime, instead of a $75.00 minimum. I also think operators who have to work overtime, especially the men who have to work thirteen hours for a day, should be paid say, 50 per cent extra in addition to regular overtime rates, and if called before or after regular hours telegraphers should be paid 50 cents for each call. Let us get busy and every one tell Bro. Perham our desires on this subject, then ask him to call a vote if necessary to decide the matter. Hoping to hear from several others next month on this subject and later from every one, I will cut out. Cert. 252, Div. £ Digitized by t^ooole

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2039 SHOULD BE CONSERVATIVE. I have, from time to time, read the differ- ent letters from members, and am impressed with the suggestions relative to how the telegraphers and agents should be paid. Oc- casionally a brother appears who is quite moderate in his demands, but usually it is a $75.00 minimum for eight hours, etc., or, may be, it will be a scale of from 25 cents to 75 cents per hour, and usually ends with a call to arms, something like this: “And if the railroads do not accept this schedule, then let every one of us go out, and stay out until our demands are conceded,” etc. This last is the finale to nearly all these let- ters. It seems to ease the pangs of “op- pression” to render this “plea in abatement.” My ideas may be different from others as to what our organization was called into existence for, but I do not feel like crying strike as a remedy for our meager salaries and unfair treatment. What I conscien- tiously believe we should do is to have our representatives make demand of the rail- road officials for a reasonable recompense for our services as compared with other classes of employes in the railroad service, endeavoring to show where we are under- paid. We must get our reasonable demands by having them presented by men qualified for such business, and who have tact in handling such matters; men who are diplo- mats in carrying on negotiations of this character, and the strike should be a last resort. My opinion of the secret of success in getting a square deal from any great corporation is the complete organization of that class of employes with men at the head of such organizations who have the quali- fications requisite to accomplish the pur- pose for which such organization was cre- ated. Now, as to the amount of wages each man should receive, and the length of time each of us should work without rest, I am hardly able to say, and I do not believe there can be an equitable arrangement made which could be successfully applied under all conditions, and I perceive that in the different suggestions offered by the broth- ers not two agree on every point, and the matter appears to be a pleasant morsel to roll under the tongue, and I am inclined to look upon the way it is discussed as rather unnecessary in many cases, since false ideas are created, and the real object of the or- ganization overlooked. In concluding these remarks I would offer one suggestion in regard to a scale of wages- It is this: Let every brother make a statement of what he believes the position he then occupies is worth per day of eight hours, or per hour, sending it to the president of the Order. Then allow him to draw an average from the lot, and have the matter presented to the officials of the railroads by our representatives, and if handled diplomatically we will, without doubt, receive our demands, if within the bounds of reason. Strikes are dear reme- dies. and not a “specific.” Many times, when the demand is justly fotmded, the strike is a boomerang, and it is rarely timely. Yours for the good of the Order, Cert. 1633, Div. 126. FAVORS HOURLY PAY. Please allow me a little space in our good old journal to register a kick on this $75.00 minimum and eight hours we read so much about. I am bitterly opposed to it. Take, for example, the Texas eight-hour law. Some of the roads not organized work their men eight hours, but it’s four hours on, four hours off and four on, making twelve hours. We would just as soon work twelve hours straight and be done with it. I know of several jobs on a Texas road. The telegra- pher goes on at 7 p. m., works till 11 p. m., then is relieved by dispatcher, and is off till 3 a. m., and then on till 7 a. m. Now, how much rest does that man get between 11 p. m. and 3 a. m.? After 11 p. m. he has about six hours clerical work to do, and has three hours to do it in. I favor the 30 cents or more, per hour plan, with eight hours as a minimum. That wrould pay in a thirty-day month $72.00; thirty-one days $7440. I don’t mean that we should sign up for a 30 cent schedule, but it should not be less than that. Then if, after our eight hours’ work is over at the keys, if there is any clerical work to do we can send in time for it. Whatever we do let’s get busy and do it. Time is precious, and we should act at once. So here’s best wishes for our success. Cert. 1330, Div. 32. Digitized by Google

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FRATERNAL St Louis Div., No. 2. As announced in the November Telegrapher, the commercial telegraphers’ strike has been de- clared at an end. This strike will be a memorable one in the world of labor because of its wide scope, and the un- pi ecedented fidelity of the strikers. The St. Louis telegraphers were loth to call the conflict off, but being convinced that the Western Union had resolved to suffer complete annihila- tion rather than grant the demands of the union, they acceded to the advice of the Executive Com- mittee. A large number of the strikers have been given their former positions and more were promised employment as soon as the business had recovered from the severe set-back which it had received. The Western Union appears to be doing what it can to take care of its former employes, b\it the Postal is resorting to antagonistic methods, and has shown itself hardly deserving of the friendship and support accorded to it by the tele- graphic fraternity before the late unpleasantness. Bro. J. W. Hart, of Binghamton, N. Y., has been with us for some time. Bro. Chas. E. Duncan has been appointed chief clerk, succeeding Bro. W. H. Bull, resigned. Bro. Bull contemplates emigration to Mexico for his health. Bro. J. W. La Fever has been appointed assist- ant to Bro. Duncan. Bro. P. P. Molloy has resigned from the general offices and has embarked in the tree business, as a representative of a prominent New York nursery. Bro. Ernest Aher has also resigned to return to Pennsylvania, his former home. We wish the retiring brothers much success in their new vocations. Bro. H. A. Berry has returned from a visit to Kentucky and Indiana. Bro. Walter Burch has returned from Colorado, where he has been looking over farming land. Bro. Burch has purchased eighty acres near Cor- tez, Colo., and will soon be numbered among the famous potato and fruit producers of that State. Bro. Robey Overby resigned from the general of- fices to engage in the chicken industry in Illinois. Mrs. C. E. Hosier, wife of Bro. Hosier, local chairman of Division No. 33, at Grafton, W. Va., who has been visiting Bro. A. C. Lindenmuth, of St. Louis, has returned to West Virginia, after spending a pleasant two weeks in this city. Assessment slips in the Mutual Benefit Depart- ment are now being sent out. Do not forget your dues in Division No. 2 when remitting for insur- Thomas Aquinas, Div. Cor. Harrisburg Div., No. 3. Our meeting Thursday, the 7th, was a good one. The boys from the west end were present to bear the report of our L. B. of A. chairman, who had just returned from the Philadelphia meeting of the General Committee very much delighted with conditions now pending for adjustment, to be com- pleted in the very near future. Quite a few have become delinquent in their M. B. D. assessments, but, receiving an urgent re- quest, mean to comply so as to retain membership in the O. R. T„ in view of the fact that the new General Committee are working very hard for the welfare of the craft and our entire support is pledged. Since last writing, “BI,” Steelton; *‘H,” station master’s office, Harrisburg, and “FQ,” Lucknow, Harrisburg yard, have been put on eight hours. If these conditions were traced, organization would be the foundation. Five years ago you were receiving from $40 to $50 per and now from $60.50 up. Are you not able to spend $8 yearly to carry an up-to-date card, and thus aid in bettering your brothers’ con- dition, and at the same time taking care of the insurance situation, so if any mishap should befall you your family would not be left penniless. Messrs. Stiver, Skinner and Williams were elected to membership at the meeting. Bro. Henry, working “RL” days, and a member of Division No. 9 visited* our meeting Thursday, and dropped some timely suggestions. Bro. J. Albert, leverman at Rockville, after a long illness, has resumed duty, and was in attend- ance at the meeting. Bro. W. E. Burkholder, of the Tyrone branch, has written for more blanks, as he expects to secure some applications. The P. & N. W. is strongly represented in recruiting. It won’t be long until Harrisburg Division, No. 3, will be as the mighty oak, spreading its branches until solid. United we stand. Bro. W. B. Hall, of the Branch, is keeping in touch with the doings of the local, thus keeping the brothers posted on the branch, which is ap- preciated, for it is difficult for these members to attend meetings. We missed our brother, Chief J. S. Leyder, at the meeting. A. E. Lehmer, our chairman L. B. of A., aside from his arduous duties, has also been engaged enticing nons into the Order. Five dollars raise per month in the last year or $60 a year and semi-annual dues, insurance and miscellaneous about $15, or a balance in your indi- vidual treasury of $45. This, my-brothers, is a good ized by Google ancc.

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2041 paying investment, and it does not appear what it shall be. Can you afford to join the Craft? Come with us and we will do thee good. Blank applications can be secured from the secretary. P. and N. W. Division — Following are a few of the changes that have taken place on this division since the last writings: Bro. Weaver, agent at Rossiter Junction, re- turned November i from a ten days’ leave of ab- sence. His place was filled by Bro. Hall, extra agent. Bro. Davis enjoyed a ten-day vacation during October. His position as agent and operator at Hillman was also filled by Bro. Hall, as was also the agency at Lloydvillc during the ten days Bro. A. E. List was rusticating in the national capital. Relief operator, Bro. Ifert, was off duty nine days during October, taking in the Jamestown Exposition. He reports everything up-todate, and seems well pleased with his trip. He spent the following Sunday in Irvona, in company with Bro. A. McQuown. Bro. Uber left the service some time ago and his place is filled by Mr. Flickinger, while the night position at “HY” is filled by Mr. Kettern. Neither of these hold up-to-date cards, but Mr. Flickinger promises to come with us about Janu- ary i, 1908. Bro. A. J. List, night operator at Glasgow, and Bro. McCartney, days at Glasgow, are both ex- pecting a few days off during November. Bro. Strunk, nights at Figart, is talking of going into business for himself. Bro. McHugh bid in nights at “DR” tower. “D” tower nights was bid in by J. O. Peterson, who does not hold an up-to-date card. We are glad to tell you that “VO,” “DR,” and “PX” have been made eight hours, and so adver- tised. “VO,” north end Bellwood yard, and “DR” are both interlocking towers. “PX,” Punxsutawney, is a terminal, having five freight crews and two passenger crews stationed there, also heavy Postal telegraph business. This change ought to be an inducement to all the boys that are in arrears to pay up at once. We “13” there are some who have not paid for this term. Don’t let yourselves be branded as delinquents. Show that you are just as willing to keep an up- to-date union card in your pocket as you are to reap the benefits. Fred Albert, day man at “MG” tower. McGee’s has only two students now, and says he positively will not teach the whole five. He says the other three must learn elsewhere. There will likely be a good many changes on this division during the next month, and of which we will tell you in a later issue. Now, boys, let us all come up with the cash. If we are in arrears we know it and some others know it, too. So don’t be the one to be pointed at as backslider. No card no favors. Old Pal. Lancaster Div., No. 9. By the time this reaches the eyes of our readers and friends this division will have cele- brated the first anniversary of its birth. One year ago a little band of telegraphers, possessed with a spirit of doing good, arose from their inactivity and proclaimed their freedom by in- stituting this important local under the most trying difficulties and circumstances. These dif- ficulties however were short-lived, and nothing •but encouragement was ours when as many as thirty applicants applied for admission in a single month. This success however can not be accredited to a few individuals, but there were many who had the interest of the organization at heart and did yeoman service. With the increase in membership the attendance at meetings also rose with great rapidity. 4 The November meeting was called to order at the usual time, with many new faces among those present. An unusual amount of business was on hand, some of which had to be left over for the December meeting. We are still keeping up our record for receiving applicants by transfer. This month we had the pleasure of extending the glad hand to one hail- ing from the City of Brotherly Love, and we have assurances of more to come to the “Garden Spot of the World.” Agents and operators were also among the aggregation of new-comers, and we can not help but congratulate ourselves on taking in our ranks such strong material. Bro. W. F. Parthemer, middle trick at “ES,” spent some time sightseeing with his family at Cleveland, Ohio, last month. Bro. A. W. Connor, nights at “SN” Heaton, is now temporarily filling in on the 11 to 7 trick at “BI” Steelton. That office was put on the eight- hour basis several weeks ago. Bro. J. M. Tshudy, middle trick at “DX,” was off duty for some time the latter part of No- vember, on account of sickness. Bro. Tshudy manipulates one of the most important interlock- ing towers on the Penna. R. R., and is keeping our boys solid for No. 9 on the “Trenton Cut- off” in great shape. Bro. Walter Reneker, middle trick at “MQ” Enola, is filling in temporarily on one of the first tricks at “H” Station Master’s office, Harrris- burg depot. Bro. J. J. Ryan, of “UD” Superintendent's office, is confined to the house by a severe spell of sickness. The grand prize drawing of a Yeatman Trans- mitting Typewriter, for the benefit of Bro. Ed. Kauffman, who left the service of the P. R. R. a few months ago, took place on Thursday even- ing, November si, at Lancaster, and was in charge of Mr. Percy Carpenter, editor of The Labor Leader, in that city. The ticket which drew the prize was number 243, and was held by Mr. C. J. McLaughlin, agent at Elizabethtown. Digitized by LiOOQle

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2042 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Harry McNeal, of “UD” Superintendent’s office, has just recovered from a severe attack of vertigo. Bro. L. W. Jones, of middle trick “DE” office, Harrisburg roundhouse, filled Bro. McNeal’s position. Our prospects at this time could not look more encouraging, for notwithstanding the great money depression which has struck this country, at least a dozen members here have already settled with the Secretary for the next term’s dues. Div. Cor. Baltimore Div., No. 17. Another year has closed, and as we take a retrospective view over 1907, we can easily see where Division No. 17 has proven a great help to many, but by each member becoming a little more aggressive and doing more personal work in enrolling the nons, our sphere of usefulness and the concessions granted the telegraph operators would become more numerous, and our salaries would keep pace with that of other railroad em- ployes. A certain operator on the N. C. R. R , whose name recently appeared in the correspondence of this division as one who was teaching a student, has been making inquiry as to who did it. To this party we would say: come to Division Xo. 17 — you can see farther from the inside, and then you will know all about it. You should cease at once to be like so many others who are con- stantly reaping the benefits of increased pay which has been brought about through the O. R. T., and yet are unwilling to support said organization to the extent of $9 per year. It is said that during a great battle between Xapoleon Bonaparte and General Wellington, that General Wellington sent out a spy to ascertain the strength of the enemy’s army, and when the spy returned, he said: “We are about equal; we each have about three thousand men.’’ “But,” says General Wel- lington, “Xapoleon alone equals three thousand men.’’ So, in all conflicts, the O. R. T. alone equals any combating army that may assail its membership. Brothers, the national nine-hour law will soon become effective, and it becomes the personal duty of each brother to do everything possible to enlist every non. Persuade them, so that we will present a solid front by the 4th of March, 1908. We will be stronger than any railroad corporation that may endeavor to inaugurate a reduction in salaries, etc. Brothers, if we get one hundred per cent, our organization will do like a certain drummer boy who was asked to play the retreat, and addressing the captain, said: “Captain, I’ve never learned the retreat; all I know is the for- ward march.’’ And with a solid organization we will continue to move forward, gaining better conditions in every instance. Magnolia “M“ block tower was reopened last month, after being closed since May, 1906, with Mr. A. Bowman working first trick, Mr. H. C. McCommons second trick, and Mr. J. O. Herbert third trick. The third trick at Edgewood, and the second trick at Bush River and Chase have not been filled as yet, although they have been advertised for some time. Bro. Vitek, a commercial brother, has bid for the third trick at Stemmer*s Run. The Maryland Division of the P. B. & W. has discontinued issuing form “B” caution cards for freight trains to follow a passenger train in the block. We are pleased to note that Bro. Joseph M. Rollins, of Edgwood, is able to be out of doors again, though he has not resumed duty as yet. Through the kindness of Bro. L. H. Nelson, Bro. E. VV. Talbott is working the first trick at White Hall. We understand new towers arre being erected at Corbett, Shrewsbury, Qlatfelter and Wago Junction. Bro. H. R. McCubbins is again on the relief, this being the first for at least six months, for which the boys are grateful. Bro. G. C. Herbst has again resumed duty. Bros. Bailey and Lowe arre returning from their vacation tour, extending largely over the Penna. lines. The Legislative Committee is on the alert and will watch every legal point relating to the bet- terment of the telegraphers in Maryland closely. Bro. Q. A. Geise, one of the first members of Division Xo. 17, is now holding down the first trick on the train wire, during the absence of Mr. Joseph Gesford, who is running trains. Election time for another year is about here, and we earnestly hope that the membership will be present and aid in electing the very best men for the offices of trust and responsibility. Montebello. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has been the will of Divine Provi- dence to remove from our midst Brother John G Burns; therefore, in token of esteem and respect for our brother telegrapher, be it Resolved, That Baltimore Division, No. 17, of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, extend to the bereaved family our most heartfelt sympathy; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be placed upon the records of our Division, a copy sent to the deceased brother’s family and one to The Railroad Telegrapher. W. S. Hutchison, W. B. Brenize, D. L. Roller, Committee. New York Div.t No. 26. We are in a prosperous condition, both finan- cially and numerically, and as the end of the year approaches, we can justly be proud of our stand- ing. By the time this issue of The Telegrapher is read, the dues for the next term will be coming in, and we hope the boys will not put off payment Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2043 of same, but will pay - early and get the new card early. The members of Division No. 26, who attended the reception of the Telegraphers* Social Club of New York on Wednesday evening, November 6, at Majestic Hall, were treated to a fine time, and we were disappointed in not having Bro. Tom Pierson with us. Bro. Pierson has not much time to indulge in social pleasures, but is working hard getting better conditions, etc., for us, and he has our allegiance and good will. Notwith- standing the very disagreeable weather on the night of the 6th, the large attendance proved the reputation of the club for sociability and fraternal good will. Assemblyman Fred Northrup (a mem- ber of Typographical Union of Poughkeepsie), the introducer and defender of the successfully passed eight-hour telegraphers* bill of New York, and J. B. West, Chairman of Harlem Line, N. Y. Central Ry., accompanied by their wives and a number of friends from Poughkeepsie, attended the reception. Bro. Northrup is held in such high esteem by his friends in Poughkeepsie that he was re-elected to the Assembly by the largest vote ever allotted to a candidate in his district. Men of his caliber should receive the hearty support of the laboring classes, regardless of political affiliations, and the sooner we throw aside the old-fashioned, in- grained political ideas and vote for the man who does for the workingmen, then we will be more successful in securing better conditions for the craft. Bro. Northrup and Bro. West, coming from such a distance, with their wives and friends, show the interest they take in the telegraphers and their social ideas. The great pleasure and enjoyment depicted on the faces of all attending the affair reflects great credit on the officers and members of the club, and accounts for the success of same. We regret the suspension of the commercial telegraphers* strike under the present conditions, but while they have not won all they aspired for, they reap certain results through the strike. There is a position on the railroads for every telegrapher who fails to obtain re-employment by the com- mercial companies. The union and its principles are right, if lived up to, and the suspension of the strike should cause, not discouragement, but a greater determination to supporrt their union. Division No. 26 can be proud of the fact that, after all that its members have gone through, they are still staunch in their support of the Order. Sceibb. Hooster Dlv.y No. 27. Bro. Perham has notified us that the recult of the vote for a change from a local to a system division was unanimous in favor of the system di- vision. Please read your constitution under sys- tem division statutes and be governed accordingly. I believe the change will be beneficial if each and every one will take an interest in the Order and work in harmony with each other. A grand union meeting was held in Indianapolis Sunday afternoon, November 24th, and an execu- tive session was called for in the evening. A large number were present at both meetings. , Represen- tatives were present from all the different railroad brotherhoods and fraternities, and their grand offi- cers were there to speak a few words. In the evening at the executive session, the different or- ders were called on to stand up and be vouched for their representative. When they called for the Order of Railroad Telegraphers, all three of us (for there were as many as three present), stood up and were vouched for by our popular fourth vice-president, Bro. J. J. Dermody. The object in holding these meetings is to bring the different brotherhoods together and impress on them the need for co-operation and working in harmony with each other from the grand master down to the trackmen (if you don’t happen to count the telegrapher at the bottom). We want to impress on our officials that it is not our intention to be antagonistic. All we want is recognition and our rights, and a man that won’t stand up for his rights is no man at all. Brothers, if you have the opportunity again to attend one of these combined union meetings, do so. Our own meeting was held in the Hotel Eng- lish, November 26th. About ten members from the St. Louis Division were present, and four vis- iting brothers. r The meeting was called to order, with Bro. Geo. Stevens, of “GN,** Greencastle, in the chair. All other offices filled, and a few left as an “audience.” We were sorry our chief telegrapher could not be with us, as we “13** he is on the sick list, but Bro. Stevens did fine for the first time. Regular order of business was taken up. A few communi- cations were read, and one bill allowed. While talks for the good of the Order were in progress, the porter interrupted us by bringing in a big bowl of oyster soup, which we were all sur- prised (?) to see. Bro. Harrold, of “J,” Limedale, failed to show up until all w*ere seated. Brothers, we ought to have had a better attend- ance at this meeting. If an oyster supper will not bring you out, what will? With all the traveling facilities we have there is no excuse for you to stay away, and you know it. How do you expect an Order to do business with only a very few at- tending these meetings? Get busy. If you want to play “hookey,” you ought to send in your ex- cuse, not written by some one else, either. Do not forget your dues are due. A great many have already paid up, and a great many have not. I wish to call your attention to the voluntary con- tribution I asked for. Out of those who have re- mitted their dues, only $1.50 extra has been re- ceived. As you know, we have no assessment lev- ied on us, but if money does not come in better than it has, we will have to levy an assessment, for it takes money to run a division. I again implore you to pay your dues (those that have not), and add what extra amount you can spare, and save the rest. Do not spend it foolishly. Digitized by Google

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2044 The Railroad Telegrapher. About $25 has been forwarded to me for Bro. Clark, at Covington, La. I have forwarded same to him and he is very grateful to you for our gen- erous contributions. If all other divisions do as well as the St. Louis Division, he ought to feel proud of our Order, and the support rendered him in the time of his trouble. E. C. Thompson. New Haven Div., No. 29. The division has been doing business just the same. Meetings have been held, new members elected and initiated, and the regular routine dis- charged with formal exactness. The attendance at the meetings is the barome ter of individual interest, as well as the thermom- eter of the members’ enthusiasm, and, judging by the last mee.ing, a physic will have to he admin istered to keep the attendance to the standard. Seme one might propose the adoption cf a motion to hold a smoker or hand-out reunion; maybe this will start a movement division-room way(?). A ciowdcd meeting is the greatest incentive to us all. The spur of criticism bas been tried to arouse the indolent ones to the realization that the burden of individual responsibility for the governing of their affairs never shifts. It remains upon the individual, and should he decry the inferiority of the judg- ment or laxity of the efforts of those who now handle the affairs, he is but condemning himself, for he should be at the meetings and oppose any move to retain the power in inefficient hands. When the lash of disapproval is raised there should be no occasion to apologize after it is wielded — too often the unthinking ones strike fir-t, and apologize afterwards. Because those members elected to office and those who are regular in at- tendance take an active part, and conscientiously perform their duties, this is no proof that there is a clique or combination to deprive others of their rights. The only guarantee of permanence for any organized state is democracy of principles The only safeguard against disintegration is the practice of that virtue. The petition for a new division at New London for the Shore Line members, which had been cir- culated over that division of the road for signers, was disposed of at a special meeting held at New London. When they met and talked it over, it ap- peared that the benefits accruing would not offset the expenses necessary to maintain the division. The special committee elected to ascertain the sentiment towards the increase of dues and the maintaining of a paid general chairman and general secretary have rendered their report with their rec- ommendations, and a referendum vote wdll be taken to determine its practicability. The sixth annual ball is to be held in Harmonic Ilall, No. 9 Elm street. New Haven, Conn., Thurs- day evening, January 23, 1908. Music by Stan- ford’s orchestra. Price of the tickets, admitting ladies and gentlemen, 50 cents. This hall, without doubt, is the best in the city. It is reached by cars running from the depot up Meadow street to State street without change. Other cars running from the depot, transfer at the comer of Church and Chapel streets, or Chapel and State. Tickets have been mailed to all members, with th? hopes that they will dispose of as many as they can. Those not sold should be returned to Bro. F. A. Brown, care being taken to sign the name of the returner so as to assist in giving the member ere lit. The signing of the name of the member returning the tickets helps the committee to locate him quicker, as it saves looking up the numbers whi h each ticket bears. Each member should endeavor to make this ball the premier of all other, and sell all the tickets he can, and, above all things, come yourself, and bring all the lady friends that you can. One member has already sold forty tickets. He deserves a prize, for he has demonstrated his hustling abili- ties in many instances heretofore. Bro. E. J. Manion, our general chairman, has returned to his former position as agent at Cedar Hill Station. He traversed and retraversed the road from terminal to terminal, and branch to branch, and reduced the “O. R. S. A.” to a frag mentary state. The educational propaganda which he disseminated sufficed to set their members think- ing, and they now agree that it is a waste of money to put it into an order that can not benefit them. Our worthy second vice-president, Bro. T. M- Pierson, passed through here. recently on his way to Bangor, Me., to meet the general committee of the Maine Central at that place. He reports con ditions on the roads in his territory are better than ever before. The Central New England general committer (which road is an allied part of the N. Y\, N. H. & II.), secured a revision of their former schedule with a substantial increase in wages, and other emoluments. S'otes From Highland Division — Bro. Webb, from New Britain, has returned from four weeks’ vacation spent in Baker, N. Y.. and other places in New York State; relieved by Mr. Mullen, from the B. & M. Bro. Ellison, “NB,” days, has been on a vaca- tion. Hartford Division wires have been put in the Highland Division office at Newington, “NG. More work for Bro. Rees. Bro. J. J. Burke, “G,” nights, taking a short vacation before returning to New York for h*8 grand vacation. Bro. Steede is now located at Yonkers, on t be N. Y. C. Bro. Virkles, “JN,” days, bas returned from * visit at his home in New York State. On return- ing he gave his job at “JN” to Sister Cullen, wh° was on the extra list on account of “WA" being closed. Bro. Virkles on the extra list at present. Bro. House, at Plainville, has been away for a month; relieved by Bro. Markham. Bro. Umphrey is laid up on account of some cy* trouble. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2045 Bro. Costello has returned to “P." He has been on a three weeks' vacation, syeni in Meriden. Bridgeport, and other places. Brothers, let’s hear from you all. Don’t go to sleep in the Woods. Wake up, and let us know where you are. Write some stuff for this column of The Telegrapher. It will serve to keep us all posted. We “13” Bro. Kellog has given up the chicken business and has bid in the “owl” trick at South- ford. Bro. Eustace is holding down the day trick at Wheatons. Bro. Nutting, of Sandy Hook, is off on a month’s vacation. Bro. Bennett doing the day trick. Bro. Page, new man, doing the “owl” trick at “G.” Bro. J. J. Burke has gone back to his retreat for the winter. Sister Cullen bid in the day trick at “JN.” Bro. Markham on the night job. Bro. Odium, of Tcrryville, recently worked so much overtime that he had to lay off a few days to spend the “mon.” Mr. Dowd and Mr. Fitzgerald holding down th? two tricks at Summitt. They both carry a C. T. U. of A. card. Hartford Division Notes — Bro. Sugenhiem, of East Berlin, acting as chief clerk at Berlin freight house while the agent at Berlin is away on a vacation. Bro. Saunders, from Dublin street, Waterbury. relieving Bro. Sugenhiem at East Berlin. Dublin street has been closed temporarily on account of the shortage in operators. Night man at “B” office, Springfield, resigned, and a Mr. Whalen, who holds an up-to-date com- mercial card, is at present holding down the night trick. At our November meeting in New Haven nearly half of the boys present came from the Hartford Division. Not a bad showing at all. New man at present filling in at Windsor Locks, nights. Have been unable to find out if he carries a card or not. Bro. Holliday, from tower 3, Hartford, has bid in dispatcher’s office, nights, vice Bro. Archer re- signed. Bro. Wanamaker, at “AD,” dispatcher’s effice. reported to have resigned to go into business in New Jersey. The boys all wish him success. Bro. Newkirk filling in at “AD,” nights, at present, with Bro. Holliday working days. Bro. LcGendre, from Berlin, nights, working sec- ond trick at tower 3, in Hartford, at present. A Mr. Larson, at present working at “MU,” Middletown freight house, days. Mr. Driscoll, third trick dispatcher, was taken suddenly ill, and Mr. Griggs, from Avon street tower. filled in third trick November 7th. Central X'ciu England Notes— Bro. S. H. Flint, of Salisbury, has resigned. Un- derstand he is working in Bridgeport. V. M. Coe is on his vacation. Mr. Joyce is re- lieving him. Mr. J. T. Angel is agent at La Grange. A. J. Whitman transferred. Mr. G. S. Wells is the new agent at Moores Mills. E. C. Murdock is the new man at Simsbury. C. R. Simonson is the new man at Clinton Cor- ners. The following assigned on bid: Day operator at Maybrook, “XC” office, Chas, Reinhart; night oper- ator at Mabrook, “CK” office, T. P. McCoy. Night operator and clerk at Boston Corners, L. V. McCoy. Day operator and clerk at “JC” office, Hopewell, H. Hart. Agent at Copake, A. P. Nivers. Agent at West Suffield, J. S. Murphy. Agent at Collinsville, F. M. Mills. All these new changes mean new buttons; so get after the new man next to you, and see if you can not send in his name. Our old friend, Geo. Milley, has the second trick now. Twin Lakes closed November 1st, and Bro. Kane has gone to Pittsburg, Pa., for a while. We now see the smiling faces of the dispatchers once in a while as they go over the road once a month to learn it. They say that knowing an op- erator helps a whole lot. The C. N. E. ought to do well, for we are getting so we know all of the boys in “DS.” The committee goes in this month (October), so let us hope for something better than we now have. Boys, you want to limber up for the O. R. T. ball in January, and turn out and surprise these brothers of ours on the “N. H.,” and you will never regret it. G. S. H. Providence Div., No. 35. Share Line Notes — That the boys on the Shore Line are taking an interest was evident at the last meeting, nine of the boys being present. There is always room for more, boys, and there is always something of in- terest coming up. Keep up the good work by attending the meetings. One night a month is not a very large sacrifice, and will be a great help to you when important questions come up. Among the old faces present were Bros. Reming- ton, from Stonington Junction, and Jonsson, from Westerly. Bro. Cutler enjoyed two weeks’ vacation; reports a fine time. Bro. McCarthy, C. T. U. of A., filling in meantime. Worcester Division and Providence Terminal — Bro. Frank Gardiner, of Adamsdale Junction, was the successful bidder on the position of helper at Northup avenue tower, on second trick, and by lo doing he succeeded in remaining with his old love, the Wore. Division. Bro. Brannigan, of Whitins, bid in job at South Worcester nights. Digitized by c,ooQle

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2046 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Bishop, of Manville, has returned to the key once more. Bros. Wood and Griffin report another enjoyable hunting trip. They avoided wearing fur coats and returned home with a whole skin. Bro. Allen is enjoying a thirty-day leave of absence, and is doing the continent, as he has taken in everything on this hemisphere that was worth seeing. Bro. F. P. Brady reports another enjoyable trip to Virginia. Bro. J. F. Brady bid in second trick at Auburn tower. Bro. Sid. Boardman has taken a nice new bull- dog along with him on his hunting trip to the wilds of Connecticut. Our brother. Secretary R. A. Brown, is improv- ing in health, and is off for a short stay on the coast. WilHmantic Branch, Notes — . The office at South Windham gravel pit has been closed. Bro. Dupois goes on spare list again. Bro Davis, of Centerville, is away for two weeks’ vacation; relieved by Mr. Balcolm, who was later relieved by Mr. Bird. Can not say if either of these men carry cards. Bro. Benoit, of Natick, has bid in the position of operator and clerk at Millville; relieved by Mr. Balcolm. P. V . Branch Notes — Bro. Conant, of Pontiac, is off duty at present on account of sickness; relieved by Bro. Kennedy, spare agent. Bro. Cuthbertson, from Blackstone, has bid in the position of agent at Howard. Mr. Schofield, who was acting agent, has gone on the spare list. G. E. J. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to re- move from their jrarthly labors our worthy broth- ers, Frank R. Chadwick and E. F. Powers, and while bowing to the Divine will, yet we realize our loss; therefore, be it Resolved, That we, as an organization, tender our sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives; and be it further Resolved, That this resolution be entered upon the minutes of Providence Division, No. 35, our Charter draped for thirty days, a copy sent to the families, and a copy sent to The Telegrapher for publication. John Wood, J. R. Maxwell, G. W. Burtt, Committee. Boston Div., No. 41. The strike of the commercial telegraphers being a matter of history, there is now a good oppor- tunity for the members of the O. R. T. to care- fully consider the situation from all its stand- points, and to profit by the experience of our commercial brothers and sisters in the grand strug- gle which they have made against such overwhelm- ing odds. The fact that their organization stands firmer and stronger than ever, cemented J>y the bonds which have held them so closely in this memorable battle for justice, and that the companies have paid so dearly for their apparent victory that they may well be compared to the famous Roman gen- eral, who, after a hard-fought battle, remarked, “Another such victory and we are lost,*' and also that the “stickum” which has been displayed will undoubtedly be the cause of better conditions in the near future, all tends to convince us that whatever support we have rendered has been well merited, and I am glad to say that Boston Divi- sion, No. 41, has a record of which we may all feel proud. The joint meeting of the two Boston unions, at our hall in September, the appropriation of $150 for the Boston local at that time, and the referen- dum vote to levy a voluntary assessment of $1 per week upon each of our members, shows very clearly our stand in the matter. For future reference of the members, and to record those who were willing to render financial, as well as moral support, I am giving below, as promised, a list of those whose contributions amounted to $3 or more each. Bro. D. A. Burns disposed of the largest number of benefit base- ball tickets, and Bros. W. H. Dakers and E. B. Dennison remitted the largest individual contribu- tions. Several members who were sick or out of em- ployment, and notified me to that effect, are prop- erly shown upon the division books, but their names do not appear below. In addition to the local contributions, most ot our members had previously responded to the calls for aid from Grand Secretary Quick, by remitting direct to St. Louis. LIST OF HONOR, DIVISION NO. 41. Bode, J. B. Freitas, J. M. Bond, H. M. Fougere, A. F. Brown, C. N. Freeze, A. F. Beaudet, E. H. Fitts, W. D. Brigham, E. A. Gerrish, W. H. Bossardt, R. Godding, I. L. Chase, B. C. Haynes, Guy. Cardinal, R. C. Hammond, C. W. Cunningham, H. F. Hogeboom, H. K. Clifton, L. P. Johnson, L. N. Charnock, Jr., E. G. Landsberg, A. W. Curry, M. E. Moore, C. L. Chute, W. E. McDougall, D. Colleton, G. A. McEvoy, M. J. Colgate, E. F. Murray, P. J. Derby, J. M. McGrath, F. C. Davis, F. L. McDonald, D. J. Dakers, W. H. Miller, J. C. Dowdell, C. D. Maxwell, F. L. Dennison, E. B. McNaught, J. G. Dugan, J. J. Murphy, C J. Dodge, F. H. Morrill, G. E. Eccleston, J. H. Nihcn, D. L. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 2047 Norris, G. A. Newman, C. J. O’Neil, J. E. O’Brien, P. H. Pfeiffer, R. C. Parker, H. Rockingham, J. H. Reeves, C. A. Ready, E. J. Read, H. C. (Div. 95). Savage, A. L. Sanborn, H. M. Smith, C. A. Tuck, J. A. Tuck, B. G. Trask, R. H. True, W. C. Vincent, N. E. Walcott, C. N. White, J. J. Wheeler, A. O. Woodbury, W. S. Whipple, A. T. Young, A. M. Haggerty, J. In addition to the above, the following mem- bers contributed sums of varying amounts,* which entitles them to mention in these columns: Bailey, H. M. Bradstreet, E. P. Blake, W. L. Brill, Paul. Collins, J. D. Coolidge, J. E. Carter, A. F. Dunn, W. F. Deshaies, A. B. Fogarty, T. J. Field, F. E. Graham, J. E. Hoyt, B. M. Hollahan, T. J. Hunt, C. W. Howe, A. B. Knowlton, A. H. King, F. E. Leith, L. P. Longley, J. A. Lewis, W. E. Largie, F. J. Morgan, W. E. Morse, F. P. Murphy, J. M. McDermott, J. H. Pousland, F. W. Packard, G. A. Quilty, T. F. Robinson, E. G. Rankin, H. W. Sweetland, H. S. Snow, E. N. Staples, W. H. Seery, J. P. Turner, A., Jr. Wilson, J. A. Watts, J. M. Woolley, S. B. The following assisted by purchasing benefit tickets to the extent of $1 and upwards: Bailey, II. M. Bossardt, R. Bradcem, A. D. Burns, D. A. Cardinal, R. C. Cole, E. W. Farwell, Mr. (non) McGrath, F. C. Moore, C. L. Murphy, J. M. Nims, R. H. O’Connor, P. J. Pike, R. M. Quilty, T. F. Tuck, J. A. I desire to convey to the members of this divi- sion the expressions of gratitude which the officers of the C. T. U. of A., Boston Local, No. 4, have expressed to me in behalf of the strikers, and their appreciation of our support. Yours in S. O. and D., John A. Tuck, Secretary. New York Div., No. 44. Notes of the Meeting. — All officers present. One new member rode the goat. Six applications acted upon favorably. Reports of several com- mittees read and approved. A Mr. Hayden, of the Grand Division, was tried, convicted and ex- pelled for scabbing. No. 44 makes short work of a known scab. Ten minutes recess taken to raffle a typewriter. Mr. A. M. Fowler, of Speonk, L. I., won the machine. After this the usual order of business was resumed and important routine work received attention. Register showed about fifty-two members present. The great strike is over, but the effects of the struggle are still with us. The telegraph business, from a commercial standpoint is, to say the least, very poor — not more than half the usual number of commercial messages are handled as compared with this season a year ago. This information, while not official, is, nevertheless, true, if reports from the various operators and managers can be believed. About thirty commercial men are working on Long Island, and many of them are making good as railroad men. They will probably remain in the railroad service for some time, as the com- mercial companies have no work for them to do. This strike ought to be a lesson to narrow- minded, pin-head officials who want to rule or ruin. With very few exceptions, the employes are as well off today as before the strike, and many of them are in as good or better positions, and their working conditions are better. This can not be said for the commercial com- panies. The vast amount of money they have lost they will never get back, and it will be many a day before they will receive the same patron- age that they did before the labor trouble. Eventually these two companies will have to submit to union conditions, and it would not be surprising to see all commercial work done in a closed shop. Right will overpower might in the long run. It may take a year; it may take two, or it may be ten years, but right will surely win in the end. A fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work, under fair and reasonable working conditions — equal pay for equal work is right — and these con- ditions will prevail in the end. The same may be said in regard to the railroad telegraphers on Long Island. Much has been done in the past, but there is a whole lot to be done in the future. The commercial brothers and sisters put up a good game fight and they are to be congratulated. Bro. Albright, who has been working in place of Bro. Brennan, who is on the sick list, has re- signed, and for the present Bro. E. F. Wells is in charge of two stations, St. James and Smith- town. Bro. G. A. Wagner, of Lynbrook, has left the service and will go into other business. Mr. Car- man, of Edgemere takes Lynbrook. Edgemere is closed for the winter. However, Thompson, of Far Rockaway, will keep an eye on whatever business there is to be transacted at Edgemere during the winter months. Bro. A. D. Johnson came all the way from West Hampton to attend the meeting. Our chief, Bro. Van Nostrand, has been ap pointed regular relief agent. At present he is at Garden City, relieving Bro. J. F. Wylie, who has gone to his old home in Canada, to spend a two weeks’ vacation. Van. relieved Bro. Lynch, of Jamaica, and Bro. O'Laughlin, of Flatbush avenue, Brooklyn, for Digitized by CjOOQle

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2048 The Railroad Telegrapher. ten days each. Both of these brothers took a much-needed rest. Bro. Dahlbendcr has resigned as agent at Springfield. His place is filled by John F. Mel- vin. Bro. Tom White has left Glenhead. Bro. Pe- troske is now agent at that station. Margaret Webster, daughter of Bro. J. D. Web- ster, is improving in health and will soon report for duty. Miss Webster has been on the sick list for many months. Coa. Pittsburg Div., No. 52. Second meeting in October held October a6th, opened at 8:25 p. m., with Bro. John Kiger in the chair. Roll call found all officers present, with the exception of the Marshal and Past Chief Telegrapher. Three petitions for member- ship were balloted on and applicants elected to membership in this division. These three peti- tions were contributed by the various divisions, a9 follows: One from the Allegheny Division, P. R. R. ; one from the Monongahela Division, P. R. R., and one from the P. & L. E. R. R. General Chairman Page, of the Pennsylvania Lines cast of Pittsburg and Erie, also Local Chairmen Young, Kiger, Courtney and Roberts, gave the members present an outline of business transacted by the General Committee, which con- vened recently at Philadelphia, Pa. It developed from their remarks that the General Committee was kept in session three times longer than it should have been, owing to the fact that the Marr clique had misrepresented themselves to the Super- intendent of Telegraph. However, the day of reckoning is almost here. Second Vice-President T. M. Pierson, who dropped in upon us quite unexpectedly, gave one of his usual interesting talks, also some good ad- vice upon several subjects. General Chairman Van Atta, who was also present, gave us an outline of the situation on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. The only bill presented was one sick claim, amounting to $10, which was ordered paid. Good of the Order brought out quite a lively discussion on several subjects. Meeting closed at 11:45 P- m. Number of members present, 50; visitors, 6. First meeting in November held November 9. Opened with Bro. J. J. Standley in the chair. Three petitions for membership, one from the Conemaugh Division and two from the Pittsburg Division, P. R. R., read and balloted upon, the petitioners being elected to membership. Bills amounting to $71.90 ordered paid. Bro. D. B. Nye reported on the sick list. Meeting adjourned at 11:10 p. m. Number members pres- ent, 26. Second meeting in November held November 23. Opened at 8:25 p. m., with Bro. Standley in the chair, Bro. Kiger being on his vacation. One lone petition for membership presented and favorably acted upon, same being from the P. & L. E. R. R. Bills amounting to $ii read and ordered paid. Bros. H. M. Fertig and M. H. Curran reported on the sick list. Meeting closed at 11:20 p. m. Members pres- ent, 18. Let this be a reminder that your dues are now due and payable. If you have not already done so, please remit promptly to Bro. C. C. Camp- bell, Treasurer, 605 Arlington avenue, Pittsburg, Pa. Statement of dues was mailed each member the first week in December. This statement also included an extra special assessment of one dol- lar, levied by the P. R. R. General Committee, and i9 charged to the account of each member employed on the Pennsylvania Lines east of Pittsbutg and Eric. Please be prompt with your remittance. If you can not remit the whole amount at one time, you may remit in install- ments of any amount, and same will be properly credited to your account. I regret the necessity of again calling the at- tention of the Local Chairmen of the various divisions of railroad under the jurisdiction of this division that they are, with one exception, very, very tardy in sending to the Secretary each month notes for The Telegrapher. Do not wait to be asked. Organize! Organize 1 Stand by your guns and watch for squalls. Don’t accept a reduction in salary or an increase in hours. Please notify the Secretary of any change in your address. Kling. Camden Div., No. 84. NOTICE. Some time ago there were distributed to the membership of this division blanks for informa- tion necessary for the representation before em- ploying officers; some responded promptly with their blanks properly filled out; some others, we regret to say, showed indifference in the matter, and did not supply the information asked for, thinking, perhaps, that this was an exceptional case of local committee efforts to know something, and, consequently, was of no importance. For the information of those laboring under such a delu- sion we would say, that these information blanks were distributed over the entire system, and we are advised that the U. R. R. of N. J. territory showed a lower percentage of papers turned in than any other division on the Pennsylvania Rail- road, east of Pittsburg and Erie. To readers of this notice, situated in the above-named territory, this lack of self-interest is inexcusabe. If yoar conditions are unsatisfactory your lack of interest is not helping, but a hindranpe to yourself, and others as well, who are your co-workers. Of course, there are a few satisfied ones in every section. Do we understand from those that did not supply the information that they are satisfied, and do not need any better conditions? If w’e do not re- ceive from you between now and January 1, 1908. information blanks filled out (and you can obtain them from your local committee), we will under- stand that your conditions are all you wish them to be. Think this over; this information is desired Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2049 from all members and non-members as well. Help is given to those that help themselves. You may be asleep; we can not yet believe that you are entirely dead. Wake up! Com. Boston Div., No. 89. Plymouth Division — Mr. B. Lyons is filling in as spare man at “S” office. He will be Bro. Lyons next month. Bro. F. Riley, split trick man at South Bay Junction tower, bid in second trick at Atlantic tower. Mr. Rex, spare man, at South Bay Junction. Bro. Obrion has resigned third trick at Harr Square tower to accept “city” job. Bro. McDonald, Neponset nights, is off on a month’s vacation to the West. Bro. Erixson, North Abington, is off on his honeymoon; relieved by Bro. J. Thomas. Four more applications from the Plymouth Di- vision last meeting. Almost solid, except for the few on the “Cape.” Bro. W. Silva bid in Tremont station. Miss E. N. Murphy, at Mattapoisett, is relieving Miss Scisson. Miss E. M. Smith, at Hyannis, is covering Mr. Snow’s job. Bro. Fisher is covering Marion. Bro. W. Riley bid in third trick, Harrison Square tower. Bro. Page is covering Middleboro station, days, vice Bro. DeSantos, transferred to spare list. Mr. J. Crowley is covering Neponset tower nights. Bro. Drummond, from Allerton to East Bridge- water, vice Bro. Dealtry, resigned. Bro. Al. Smith, South Braintree Junction tower, is away on a week’s vacation to his old home at Warren, “RI;” relieved by Bro. Petrie. Bro. Whitney is back to Campear tower after his illness. Correspondent. CARD OF THANKS. I wish to thank the brothers of Boston Divi- sion, No. 89, one and all, for their expression of sympathy, and the beautiful floral tribute given me in my recent loss. S. P. Prince, Cert. 19a. Chicago Div., No. 91. I have had the pleasure of attending two meet- ings of the division since I have been in Chicago, on September 24 and October 2. Although not very well attended, these meetings were certainly not lacking in interest. Besides the able workers that we have in our own division, we have Bro. Stewart, of I. C. Terminal, Division No. 93, and Bro. Nelson, of C., R. I. & P., Division No. 126. These brothers favored us with very able talks on the good of the Order, and also took an active part in the discussion of the subjects that came before the division. I am sure there are many of our brothers that do not know what they are missing by not attending these meetings. There are quite a number of them that are so situated that they could get into the the city after their day’s work is done, and could be present at nearly every meeting without much effort on their part. If any of the brothers that have never met with us will come to Liberty Hall, 70 Adams street, Chicago, 111., the fourth Tuesday of the month at 8 p. m., they will surely be extended a w’el- come that will bring them back again. On Saturday evening, November 16, C., R. T. & P. Division, No. 126, Chicago Terminal, held a meeting at McCoy’s Hotel, corner Clark and Van Buren streets, Chicago, 111. The object of this meeting was the installation of officers, as the Chicago Terminal has been recently organized, and officers were elected at a previous meeting. Our worthy chief telegrapher had charge of the in- stallation, and, therefore, it is not necessary to state that the Terminal Division is started right. They certainly have a bunch of able workers in the Terminal, and with the assistance they will no doubt have from the boys on the line and from the other divisions in the city, there is no reason why this division should not be a success. Their meetings will be held regularly, the second Satur- day evening of each month, at the above address, and they extend a welcome to all the boys of No. 91 that can arrange to meet with them. Two of our worthy brothers have recently re- ceived their commissions as national organizers, with territory on all lines running into Chicago. To say that the nons will soon be a scarcity in this vicinity is putting it mildly, for the toys are hustlers, and have the reputation of being “stick- ers.” If either one of them ever gets hold of a non he might as well come across with the goods, for Mr. Organizer will camp with him until he digs up the coin. This is a good. thing for No. 91, as well as the system divisions on roads running into Chicago, as it is surprising to see how many nons there are now in and around this city. A great many have become members recently, but there are still a great many that will have to oe persuaded that it is to their interest to join with their fellow workmen for the betterment of their condition. Men of this description are to be found on the trunk lines covered by system divi- sions, as well as the smaller roads and belt lines, and we hope our brothers will be able to make a material reduction in their number. It is a source of gratification to note that most of the roads in this vicinity are putting on eight- hour tricks, where day and night offices are main- tained. This, however, does not prove that they arc going to comply with the new nine-hour law when it goes into effect next March. The com- panies realize that it is to their interest to have the men available, so that they can comply with the law if it becomes necessary, but you can rest assured they arc going to side step it if such a thing is possible. Should .they be successful in getting an extension of time, which they will no doubt attempt to do, they can very easily get rid of their surplus of men that they have accumu- lated by putting on eight-hour tricks at their most important offices. It is up to us to be prepared to fight any proposition they may put up to pre- Digitized by t^ooQle

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2050 The Railroad Telegrapher. vent this law being put into effect. Thorough organization is the most efficient means that I know of in the way of fighting them in this, as wclj as all other propositions we have to meet them on. While our division has taken in more members in the past few months than it has at any previous time of the same length, there are still a great many nons on the several roads over which this division has jurisdiction. Let every member get busy. Get the nons on your road lined up, and help get in position to defend the rights that have been given us by the last session of our natioanl legislative body. Cert. 196. Elmira Div., No. 100. The regular meeting of Elmira Division, No. 100, was a banner one in point of attendance. Thirty- one members were present, which included nearly every day man on the two divisions. Twelve applications were turned in, showing that the boys are up and doing. Guess a non stands a poor show on this pike now. Understand the telephone operator* are all anx- ious to come to us just as soon as they have the necessary length of time in the service, and we will be glad to extend them the hand of welcome. Bro. Ghent, of Wallington, made the grade to this meeting. Being his first trip in, he had to be introduced to most of the boys, who did their best to make things interesting for him. The south end was well represented this month, and only one man was obliged to leave on train 54- The balance stuck to the end. Enthusiasm is above par in this division, and rising rapidly. No watered stock in Division 100. Last month’s journal contained a note saying that Mr. C. C. Lee had been paid off, and left for parts unknown. This was incorrect, and the divi- sion correspondent takes pleasure in squaring him- self with Mr. Lee. A new tower at Glenora has been put in opera- tion, with Mr. Hovey in charge, days, and Mr. Ross nights. Mr. Ross’ papers are in, and we shall be pleased to call him “brother” as soon as the lo- cal organizers gets him fixed up. Bro. Cayward, now at Bellona, assisting agent at that point. Bro. Maynard on third trick at Ralston now. During the session of our general committee in Philadelphia, the members were made the recipients of a basketful of Wire and Signal, which was con- veyed surreptitiously to their room. As no self- respecting member of the O. R. T. would, under any circumstances, read a copy of that publication, the misdirected efforts on this occasion came to naught. Their effort to “put up a front” would be laughable, were it not pitiable. Members of that clique also annoyed our general committee with post cards of an insinuating or suggestive nature, which action on their part is contemptible, though in accordance with their general plan of doing business. n- jng to a “holler” by the trainmen that they - overworked, everything on the Canan- -ion, with the exception of trains 9, 3 and 68, were annulled on the day tricks. This gave the day men a show to get out early. Train 54 was the only thing up to midnight Sunday, so the owls got a chance to make a little “hay.” Mr. C. M. Brown now has the day trick at Coal Switch tower. Mr. Ludwig is working nights at Penn Yan dur- ing Bro. Cayward’s absence. Owing to Bro. Dunnings’s failure to get the south end notes to me in time, the write-up for that end is omitted. Div. C reason Div., No. 109. The regular monthly meetings of Division No. 109 were held during the month of November as follows: First meeting held on Saturday evening the 2d inst., at Crcsson, Pa. The attendance at this meeting was good, it having been previously announced among the boys that our local chair- man, Bro. John Kiger, and other members from Division No. 52 expected to be present, there be- ing some important matters to be brought before the meeting for consideration by the General Griev- ance Committee, who had lately returned from Philadelphia, Pa. Bros. Kiger and Steinmyer, of Division No. 52, were present, and entrusted with placing the report of the above committee before the meeting. Its purport was of such a nature that all were deeply concerned, hence great interest was manifested by all, and the consensus of opin- ion among the boys was that, under the circum- stances which confronted the General Grievance Committee, they had faithfully discharged their duty so far as was practicable at the present time, but they hoped to accomplish the purpose they bai in view on their return to the metropolis with cer- tain information they were lacking on the first trip, and which was absolutely necessary in the premises. We had two applications presented at this meet- ing, which were passed on favorably, thereby add- ing two more to our membership, which is conclu- sive evidence that the boys are slowly but surely coming into the fold. Who will be next to assert their manhood ? Let us all pull together now, and each and every one do all he can to advance the best interests of our collective body. Our organiza- tion has already borne fruit in the good feeling that exists among our members, to say nothing of concessions which have been granted recently, of which the nons, in many instances, are enjoying the benefits. Let’s get busy, and make the divi- sion solid, for in “unity there is strength.” Our second meeting was held at Conemaugh. Pa., Saturday evening, the ^6th inst. The attend- ance was reasonably fair, and the business trans- acted was along the same lines as that at our Cres- son meeting, i. e.t the evening being principally spent in hearing the report of our local grievance committee, who had recently been in conference with the division superintendent and his assistants on the various questions embodied in the general grievance, which had already been taken up with the general manager’s assistants, but owing to some minor technicalities, they had been returned for Digitized by kjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2051 correction. Whilst our local committee was very cor- dially received by our division superintendent, yet existing conditions, due principally to the disturbed monetary affairs now sweeping over our country in general, and which made it a very inopportune time to discuss any questions where increase in wages were involved, or the readjustment of same, yet the committee were given to understand they would receive every consideration consistent with equity, when existing conditions would warrant it; pro- vided, if within the province of the officials to act. It was generally conceded by those present that the committee had discharged their duty with fidel- ity and the questions of so vital importance to all concerned would have to be reconsidered when the general business and financial affairs of our coun- try resumed their normal conditions. Cor. Renovo Div., No. 110. The regular November meeting was held in Odd Fellows' Hall, Emporium, November 20th, with a good attendance. Chief Shea in the chair. Bro. Peters, of Division 135, and Bro. H. C. Boyd, of Division 129, were transferred to our division. This meeting came near being what we have long hoped for, and it is to be hoped that this kind of attendance will continue. Bro. C. M. Lee has resigned at “JN,” Empor- ium, and is holding one of the tricks on the B. & A. V. Division, at Olean now. Bro. Price, the long-lost boy, is once again in the harness at “RM,” Emporium. We are sorry to announce that Bro. Perry, of “CT,” Keating, is very ill. The members of Division no herewith extend deepest sympathy to the bereaved friends and rel- atives of Bros. Casper Fey, O. R. C., Thomas Welsh and John Curry, B. R. T., who were killed in the wreck at Howards November 1 6th. They were of our best fellow workers, and were held in the highest esteem by all who knew them, and their sudden and tragic deaths have cast a gloom over us all. Bro. McMackin, of St. Marys, returns to the key much refreshed and benefited after his vacation. Operator E. S. Randolph has returned to the key, and is at present holding position at “JN” tower. Emporium, recently vacated by Bro. Lee. Bro. James Bechtold, of Wistar, who is in very poor health, is taking a much needed rest. As a reminder to the brothers and sisters, I would say that we wish to have 100 members by January ist, and hope all will exert themselves to attain this worthy object. Remember, we have 88 already, and 12 more new members will make the three figures. Relief Operator Cupp has been promoted to one of the tricks in the superintendent’s office, Renovo. No relief operator yet appointed for this district. Bro. Griskey, of Kane, is filling temporary va- cancy at Renovo. Operator Mann, of Shintown, is off on vacation. Bro. Blackwell, of “OD,” Erie, is in very poor health, but continues to work. Div. Cor. * North Adams Div., No. 139. Everything is moving along smoothly on the western section of Fitch Division, B. & M. Over one thousand cars each way pass through the Hoosac Tunnel daily. There are over twenty-five hundred cars handled on this division daily. This is moving along some. The boys are enjoying the eight hours in New York State. There arc some changes made at some stations to avoid this eight-hour law, and the same conditions exist as before. It looks very much as though the agents that are working now will be bidding on the eight- hour jobs, their only salvation. Eight hours, $1.90 to $2.25, is traveling some from $1.25 to $1.50 in four years. If any one should ask how this catne about just tell them the men got busy and old Tom Pierson guided the ship through the rough waters. Shall we anchor here? I guess not; the ship will sail when the conditions will permit. A lot of new members soon on account of the third man. Boys, don’t let the grass get green. Get after them. C. K. Pottrr. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to remove the beloved wife of our highly-es- teemed brother, F. H. Gee, and while submitting to the will of Him who knoweth and doeth all things best, be it Resolved, That in her death Bro. Gee has suf- fered an irreparable loss, his family has lost the devoted care of a tender and loving mother; and be it further Resolved, That this division extend to the be- reaved family its deepest sympathy in this their great sorrow, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent the bereaved family, and a copy to The Tei.egraprer for publication. J. W, Haley, C. K. Potter, H. G. Cook, Committee. Shamokin Div., No. 117. At our September meeting there was a pretty fair attendance, but there is no reason why there should not have been more brothers present. Now, brothers, brace up and try to get to the meetings. You do not know what you are miss- ing, as there is a great deal of important matter coming up at each meeting which requires atten- tion. Do not leave it to just a few, but come and take a hand. We can make it interesting for you, and you will be kicking yourself because you had not attended the previous meetings. We had no one to ride the bucking broncho at our last meeting, but we balloted on several that will come into the “lime-light” at our next meeting. Bro. Farrel, days at Tamaqua “DS,” has re- turned from a couple of weeks’ vacation. Mr. McLaughlin worked at Tamaqua “DS” during Bro. Farrel’s absence. Digitized by C.ooole

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2052 The Railroad Telegraphed. Bro. Fisher, nights at Catawissa “CY,” has been transferred to Grovania days, and Mr. Run- yan, formerly days at Grovania, to Catawissa “CY,” nights. Bro. Cain, who worked nights at Alaska, I am sorry to say, has left the P. & R., and is now working for the Pennsylvania R. R. Mr. R. E. Hosier, formerly days at Beaver Valley, has left the road and gone into business for himself. Mr. Hosier, who worked nights at Beaver Valley, is now working the day trick, and Mr. Houck is doing the owl trick. Bro. Gable, days at Gordon, spent his two days’ relief over the mountains at Catawissa. New man working nights at Alaska. .Unable to learn if he holds card or not. Bro. Michael, agent at McAully, is off duty on account of the death of his brother. He is re- lieved by Mr. Fry, regular night man. Mr. Ber- wick is working nights. Bro. Sheets, days at Rupert, has resigned and gone west. Mr. Dougherty has his application in and ex- pects to ride the billy goat shortly. We still have a few nons among us, and also ham factories. They are all jubilant over the nine-hour law and can hardly wait until it goes into effect. It is pretty near time they sat up and took notice. But no; they will lay on their oars and grab everything that comes their way because they get it for nothing. Would like all brothers who can possibly do so to attend our next meeting, as there will be twelve or fifteen applications to act upon. Will give line-up of nons and professors in next write-up. Would like you brothers to send me a few notes for next time to help along. Cert. 15. I. & G. N. Ry. San Antonio Division — Bro. H. P. Williams, formerly at Jewett nights, has left the service, being relieved by Bro. E. L. Joyce, of Valley Jet. Bro. N. E. Powell has been working at Taylor as second trick operator, but understand is now working as second trick operator at Valley Jet. Mr. H. P. Holzmann, formerly third trick dis- patcher at San Antonio, is now chief dispatcher at Taylor. Messrs. J. E. Tilley, E. W. Hungate and Thos. Greadey are working as first, second and third trick dispatchers at Taylor. Messrs. Parker, Long and Sledge are working as first, second and third trick operators there. Bro. T. H. Barnes, agent Round Rock, has been bumped by Mr. Davis, of Gulf Division. Under- stand Tom gets Thorndale agency; don’t know where Sledge goes yet. Bro. Carroll, formerly at Georgetown as oper- ator, is now agent at McNeil, relieving Mr. Werner, who has left the division. Messrs. Buford, Hacley and Memon are work- ing as first, second and third trick operators at Colorado Bridge (Austin). Bro. Memon is from the II. & T. and is, of course, up to-date. Mr. M. A. Johnson, at Kyle, is laying off, being relieved by Mr. C. B. Holzmann as agent and Bro. Hurley as operator. Bro. Hurley is from H. & T. C. and is up-to-date. Mr. J. B. Evans is back as third trick operator at New Braunfels, after an attack of dengue fever. “Buck” has asked for the blanks and says he is coming in this pay-day sure. Mr. A. P. Wilson, who is working second trick at New Braunfels, is also coming in this pay-day. A steam shovel has been located at Little Daven- port Hill, north of Bracken, and an office cut in. Mr. D. D. Hungate is slinging the lightning there. He is coming in as soon as he has worked the nccesary year. The steam shovel will be in operation there about five months. Mr. Harry Barnitz, formerly with the Mex. Natl, as dispatcher at San Luis Potosi, Mex., is back at “MS” nights. Mr. W. E. Miller is again chief at San Antonio. Messrs. Otis, Walsh and Thomas are working as first, second and third trick dispatchers there. Bro. Garland, of Lytle, is back from his trip to Tennessee. Mr. W. Nippert relieved Bro. Powell as agent at Artesia. Understand “N” is coming in this pay-day. Have had letters from several of the old-timers who are now with other roads, commending our last write-up, among them Bro. P. Wyatt, now with Mex. Natl, at Saltillo, Mex. Cert. 35. C. B. & Q. Ry. The year has marked a great epoch in our advancement towards complete organization. We rejoice to know that so many have paid their current term dues. On a whole, everything has been very satisfactory, still, there are a few old men who insist on taking the cream from every movement made, and will steadfastly refuse to help us in any manner. They prefer to reap but decline to sow; grapple for all that comes their way and howl for more. One man is no better than another if he is respectable. It matters not whether he is king, potentate or ruler, he is no better than the man who earns his living by the sweat of his brow; therefore, it seems that men who are reaping benefits without at least giving their financial as well as moral support, must certainly have some particular reason why they will not take hold and help the cause which has been so beneficial to them. Some of the men in particular will not give you an answer when you furnish them with a self-addressed stamped envelope. No man has his time so taken up that lie can not give a few moments to the cause which supports him in his work, and has put his wages where they are today. If the organization is not a good thing we want to know why it is not. Any man who will not reply to a letter written him with reference to the matters at issue seems to hold a grudge against the organization or against some of its members. However, it is always the case that a man spites Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2053 no one but himself when he kicks his own shins. Those who prefer not to join us have a reason. If a man has a reason why he does not want to do a thing, it is certainly honorable in him to give his reason. This very man may be wrong in his way of thinking; he may have been wrongly informed, his grievance may have been a myth. How do we know unless we are informed? If these few old men are correct in their way of thinking, it must be a fact that we have a great majority working on the system who know nothing. Did you ever stop and think of this? A few have no use for our Order, so they say, but they have a good place to put away all we get for them, and never even offer their thanks. I do not know how they feel, but if I was in place of some of them I would want to get under cover some place. Every man has a right to his belief; we do not deny any one this, but we do ask that he give an expression of his ideas and not a slap. Things that are not worth working for, not worth striving fbr, are surely not worth having; hence, if a man can not lend his support to a cause which has proven beneficial to him and has paid him well during the year, he should' be man enough to refuse to accept it; but did you ever hear of one who refuses to accept? If you have, kindly give me his name. I am pleased to say that during the past few months I have been able to attend quite a number of meetings of Burlington boys, and every one has been well attended and enthusiastic. Nothing can do more good than to get the boys together every month; they come in contact with one an- other, get different ideas, get posted on the differ- ent modes of railroading, and are thus better fitted to perform their work. There is no class of men who are required to keep so close to their work all the time as the telegrapher. The com- pany expects the men to be on hand at all times, year in and year out; hence, the only plan we can follow is to call meetings on each division of the system. There is not a divison but what arrangements can be made to hold a meeting now and then. The telegrapher is nearer a slave than any other class of workmen. It is, seven days in the week, every week in the year, but what does the rail- road official care?. Did you ever hear one say your work is confining, you had better get a lot of the boys together and have a good time now and then? The official is so situated that he can take in almost anything that comes along, but the poor telegrapher is supposed to do his work and say nothing, and then if he, by mistake, hap- pens to do something that does not suit the par- ticular fancy of some one, he is pulled upon the carpet and perhaps fired. It seems to be a fact that no consideration is given. Can it.be wondered at that men do not stay in one place when all these things arc considered? Small wages, high living, everything the poor telegrapher has to buy has alvanccd 50 per cent in the last few years, and wages have not in- creased one-fourth this amount. Is it any wonder that men are dissatisfied? I have often stated that I believe in every man doing his work and doing it well, but, on the other hand, I believe in the men who do the work being paid for doing it. Wages paid the teleg- rapher are much lower in comparison than any other class of railroad employes. The brakeman without experience is making over one hundred dollars per month; the fireman who has not been on an engine but a few trips is making the same or better; the conductor is making from $125 to $175 per month; the engineer from $175 to $240 per month, and the telegrapher makes from $45 up to about $80 per month on the road jobs. Can you see any consistency in this? I can not. The standard of education among the teleg- raphers is higher than among the men in the train service. If they were all required to pass an educational test you would find the telegrapher equipped with a 50 per cent better education than the men in the train service. Is there any reason why the telegrapher should be paid less than half as much as the man in the train service? I hope the time is not far distant when the telegrapher will be paid for his services. You can not tell me there is so nfuch difference in the work performed, that one class should be paid twice as much as the other. The telegrapher and the station agent has been kept down too long now; it is time he was getting what is justly his due. I know of one unorganized road that touches the line of the Burlington, where the men are paid from $27 up to $75. Those men can get better if they only try. It seems that when a man once gets in a rut he stays there until he dies. This is an age of advancement; one must get out of the rut upon the higher plane and push forward to greater things. Life is too short to lay in a rut waiting to be helped out. Get out of it your- self, put your shoulder to the wheel and help to make this life one worth living. If you do not demand better conditions, you must not expect to get them. I wish to again call the attention of the brothers to the matter of paying their dues in the Mutual Benefit Department. I would earnestly request each of you when paying your O. R. T. dues to get a money order and send to Bro. Quick for your insurance covering the same period. I notice a great many brothers are paying only for two and three months at a time, hence, before the term is up they become delinquent, and it causes both Bro. Quick and Bro. Henry a great deal of work that can very easily be avoided. I am pleased to note that Burlington System Division is in a flourishing condition, but there is a world of work to be done yet. The end of the year is close at hand, therefore, 1 hope that every brother will lend a helping hand and bring in a few applications before the last of the year. This year so far has eclipse 1 all previous years in every way. You can get an application if you will try; so many forget to try. I find some brothers who work with men and do not know whether or not they hold cards; others are working with nons and have never asked them Digitized by t^ooQle

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2054 The Railroad Telegrapher. to join the craft. Looks as though a good old- style revival meeting was necessary. When you find a member from another road who is now working on the Burlington, have him transfer to our division at once. If he is working with us he belongs to our division, and should pay his dues to our division. Do not let this slip you. I am heartily in sympathy with the bond move- ment now being discussed through The Teleg- raph ek, and hope the plan outlined will be carried through. I believe this one of the best movements made for a long time, and hope that every brother will lend his assistance to the movement. It has come to my notice that a great many brothers do not understand how grievances should be handled. All grievances should be taken up promptly and should be filed with your local chairman, giving him full particulars. If he fails to get a satisfactory adjustment, the case is then referred to the General Chairman. Unless these matters are handled in this runner, it is liable to cause friction with your superintendent I notice some divisions have failed for some time to have a write-up in The Telegrapher. Why not have a write-up from each division every month? It seems that some of the brothers should be able to furnish a write-up. Your Local Chairman has a copy of the seniority list for your division, and will be glad to furnish your standing with that of others on request. Every Local Chairman is to be congratulated for the good work he is doing. It is to be hoped that the good work will be pushed very hard from now on. We have a full quota of Local Chair- men and assistants; it is not always that we are able to have every office filled. Bro. A. F. Ritter, of Hunnewell, Mo., is now Local Chairman of the Brookfield Division. He is filling the vacancy of Bro. Allen. Bro. Allen is attending college at Kidder, Mo. It is with regret that we have to announce the resignation of Bro. Herman Miller, Local Chair- man of the La Crosse Division. Bro. J. H. Rogers, Jr., Victory, Wis., the man of switchlight fame, will act as Local Chairman until Bro. Miller’s successor is elected. Bro. Rogers was informed that any man should be glad to carry the switchlights just for exercise. Bro. E. F. Todd, of the Aurora Division, and his assistants, are making a creditable showing. Bro. J. P. Meehan, of the Sheridan Division, has made the best showing of any Local Chairman on that division since there has been a division. His assistant, Bro. Kesinger, must also not be forgotten as one of the real kind. I also desire to mention our new Local Chair- man on the Galesburg Division, Bro. John Foster and his assistants. They are doing fine work, and also Bro. E. G. Carter, of the McCook Division, and his assistants. They have their division in good shape. The other Local Chairmen have been in the service a long time, and we all know that they have accomplished wonders. Last, but by no means least, let me mention the name of our worthy General Secretary and Treasurer, Bro. W. A. Henry. There is not a member but who knows him and is familiar with his unceasing efforts to build up our Order and make Burlington System Division one of the best in the country. Too few realize what sacrifices he has made for us all. It is to be hoped that every brother will do his utmost to swell our membership between now and the last day of December. Do not let one non -member escape; let us all work on them to- gether. The time for payment of dues is close at hand. Let us start in early and all pay up earlier than usual; pay our M. B. D. as well as our dues. Who will be first? I wish you all success, a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. M. J. Johnson. Crcston Division — Bro. W. M. Flemming, Assistant Local Chair- man and operator at Nodaway, is confined to the house with diphtheria. He was relieved by extra agent C. E. Reynolds. Bro. E. M. Cunningham is relieving E. C. Ad- kins nights at Nodaway. Mr. Adkins* father is seriously ill with Bright’s disease. Bro. R. M. Moulton is doing the owl stunt at Prescott now. Glad to have these up-to-date boys move onto our division. Bro. Moulton came from Santa Fe. Bro. H. H. Ennis. Prescott days, relieved Mr. Shuck at Villisca for a few nights. Shortage of men on our division makes it bad for our day men and for the agents. Mr. Shuck is relieving Bro. Gleason at Red Oak; Dick, we understand, is sick. Bro. Roberts (up-to-date), from Ottumwa Divi- sion, was at McPherson for a few nights, but was relieved by Bro. Gurwell. Bro. G. M. Clarke is back at Emerson. Bro. Bollman, nights Stanton, spent couple days in Omaha lately. Operator Church, who, we understand, sent in his application last month, has resigned. Quite a few of the nons have promised to fill ’em out this pay-day. Wish they would all make good and try to make this division solid. The majority are up-to-date and a little work on our part would go a long way toward solidifying the division. Let us all chip in this coming month and work harder than ever, and get as much as we can done by the first of the year, and then try to hold it that way throughout the entire year. Boys, when you read these short notes this month, set right down and write up all the news you have and send to Assistant Local Chairman. Last two months our division has been blank- Let’s all try and not let this occur again. Each and every one pitch in now and write up a few items and mail to Mr. Fleming so he can get them in time for next Telegrapher. We can not expect him to have a write-up unless we furnish the dope. This is a good division and we should have a good write-up every month. Cert. 1,636. Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 1138

The Railroad Telegrapher. 2055 Sterling Division — Don't forget to take out a new card and begin the new year with your face to the front, and help to make it the best year the Order has ever known. Bro. Del. Banister has resumed duties as agent at Haxturn. Bro. H. L. Martin is now doing the relief act at Mitchell in the absence of agent Armitage, who is off on short leave of absence. If hoarding the coin of the realm caused this so- called “panic," it is consoling to know we are innocent. Bro. J. D. Newton, formerly Curtis nights, is now doing the night trick at Sidney. Bro. B. O. Jorden is relieving Bro. Walleck at Dalton while Brod. Walleck looks after the farm for a few weeks. Bro. Winger, agent Loomis, recently gave us a few interesting lines anent the $75 minimum and nine-hour law, all of which is surely coming to pass. Bro. Delahoyd, who recently laid off, is again at Sterling days. Bro. Cuddy has been promoted from Sidney days to Scott’s Bluff cashier. There have been some few changes on the division that are overlooked account of the lack of particulars. Did you send in any news this time? Bro. B. I. Johnson, from the Creston Division, is now holding forth nights at Guensey, while Bro. F. S. Walker signs the pay-rolls as agent. Bro. J. £. Starns resigned as cashier and oper- ator at Scott's Bluff to accept a position with the bank there. Let us hope that shorter hours and better wages will make the position of a telegrapher more attractive. Are you all doing your part to im- prove the conditions? Make yourself a present of an up-to-date card. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. J. T. Maddox. McCook Divison — Bro. Ketler, Bloomington agency to Minden, cashier, relieved by E. E. White, extra. Mr. Pervis Bartley off couple weeks on vaca- tion; relieved by Bro. C. R. Bauer, extra. Bro. Harris, Republican nights, assumes agency during a thirty-day absence of W. L. Washburn, visiting relatives in East. Mr. E. S. Davidson, Norton, on week’s lay-off; relieved by Bro. W. K. Sheridan, extra. J. A. Kinsey, extra agency to Palisade, regular. Bro. C. R. Bauer, Bartley, extra to Blooming- ton agency regular, relieving E. E. White, who goes to Edison nights. F. F. Tomblin. Arapahoe agency resigns to take position in freight office Denver. Arapahoe is now bulletined.* H. F. Beavens, Oronoque, has just filed his ap- plication. Bro. A. . J. Young, Yuma agency, resigns to go into bank as bookkeeper, and understand in- tends soon to go in to biu > ess ffer himself. Bro. Young served the Burlington for thirty-two years, which speaks highly of his integrity. He promises to carry an up-to-date card. Div. Coe. LaCrosse Division — The familiar fist of Bro. “W" Holmes is heard once more at “CU," Savanna yards nights. Bro. Holmes had a tough siege of it, but he pulled through all right. Mr. James Donahue with a C. T. U. A. card, has resigned Marmus days, and is visiting at home in Dubuque. “13" he is thinking of going to “CH.” Mr. “Gub" Cummings holds Rutledge days after a long sick spell. He bumped Mr. Cullen; can’t say where Cullen goes. Bro. H. Miller has resigned the Local Chairman- ship, which goes temporarily to Bro. J. H. Rogers, Jr., who has been the assistant in the past. We are very sorry indeed to lose Bro. Miller, as he always did his best; this may be easily said of a man, but it is absolute facts in this case. To back this up look at our schedule; we have the best paying division on the system and almost solid. However, Bro. Miller, who is agent at Fountain City, has too much to do at that place to hold both places, hence his resignation. How- ever, he states he will be a booster the same as ever. Every one do all they can to help Bro. Rogers out. Whenever a new man hits the pike drop Bro. Rogers a line at Victory, Wis., and let him know if he is right, or if he is of a different divison and all the little details. Here’s wishing Bro. Rogers success. Bro. W. E. Garber transferred from agency East Winona to Prescott nights. Bro. E. A. Smith, from “Skidoo Division," was given the agency at East Winona, and Mr. L. H. Wehrman nights. Agents at Fountain City and Cochrane have been given helpers at the big sum of $20 per for circus money. It takes an extra man to turn the cranks on the new block system. Bro. Dodge, from North Yards nights to Galena Junction nights. S. A. Fleming resigned as agent Bay City, which is now on bulletin; don’t know who will get this as yet. Bro. Schultz, nights Bay City, back again after his vacation. Some hard work could be done on those between Maiden Rock and Alma, and can not “13" why these boys stand in their own light, but always ready to take their share of the money derived from hard work of others. J. W. Cooper, nights South Jet., goes to Cass- ville nights. Krueger from Cassville nights to South Jet. nights. Bro. Rogers, agent Victory, waiting for the votes to be counted so he will know of his ma- jority in being elected a member of the Advisory Board of the Burlington Relief. Bro. Dyer, nights Lynxville to Alma nights. “Pn" Smith, agent Ferryville, has a new stu- dent; the other one is filling the place of night operator at Victory. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2056 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Creel, from Ferryville nights to DeSoto nights. Bro. Crawford holding down Crawford days. Your correspondent has the grippe, presto, the short write-up. Bro. “HWK's" write-up of the Stormy Route in last month’s Telegrapher was appreciated. “HlGIirOCKETS.” St. Joseph Division — Following brothers transferred to this division during November: F. H. Perrin, of Division 31; A. L. Challis and A. J. Novey, of Division 32, and F. L. Stewart, of Division 72. New members for the same month, Wm. Winslow, at Ford City, Mo.; J. A. Mon- tague, at Nodaway nights; H. E. Campbell, at Albany, and R. Haley, at Curzons. Making a total increase of eight during this month. The efforts put forth by the membership the past year has resulted in considerable gain in membership. About two years ago our membership was but about 30 per cent, while today it is between 75 and 80 per cent. We still have a few hard shells with us that have proven hard cases to land, but if we will all go after them proper we believe they can be shown yet. The members all know where they stay, it’s not worth while to name them; make it your business to land some of them; don’t wait for some one else to do it. By the time this is in print your dues for the next term will be due, and we hope to see every member prompt with his payment and not hang back, as a few have done the present term. How- ever, we are glad to say they have, with the exception of one or two, come through with the necessary and are all up-to-date. We have hopes of the one or two yet behind. If there is a member on this division working with a non, please do all in your power to get his application, and when a foreign member shows up get his certificate and division number and mail to Local Chairman at once. This is just as much to us as a new member. Watch this closely. Bro. F. H. Perrine relieved Bro. Lips nights at Langdon a few nights, then to Nodaway, and now at Rushville nights, Bro. Lips relieving Bro. Ledger wood days at Langdon. Bro. A. J. Novey, from Divison 32, doing owl act at McPaul, relieving operator Dunlap. Bro. H. E. Millen, nights Neb. City Jet., went to Rushville for few nights, H. A. Dunlap relieving him. He is now located at Napier nights. Bro. A. L. Challis, at Corning nights, off Frisco Ry., Division 3 2. Bro. J. T. Birmingham, formerly agent Napier, now agent at Forest City, Bro. Fredericks having accepted a position at the Frisco at Enid, Okla. Bro. Ledgerwood will soon be peeping through the ticket sellers’ window at Leavenworth pas- senger station, wanting to know where the travel- ing public wishes a ticket for. J. E. Scott, formerly nights at Corning, now doing the agent’s work at Napier. Sam Clark now doing the agent’s work at Mait- land. Bro. Potter, nights at “BR,” and Bro. Hood, agent at “AU,” made a trip to Omaha 16th inst. We have the last three on the north end in the notion of going in the Order about January 1 st. This certainly looks good. Every one work on the nons. Get ’em lined up, then we’ll have no griefs. Bro. D. D. Huartson, nights at “SF,” took a trip to Ashland, Neb. Bro. Thompson, who relieved Bro. Hayes at “CO,” is now on the Lincoln Division. Bro. G. G. Robison, nights at Island Park, has resigned, going home for a few days, then he expects to go to work for the Rock Island lines. Mr. A. E. Finck relieving Bro. Robison at Island Park. Say, lest ye forget, do it now. This is Novem- ber and almost the very last. Next month is December. Now’s the time to look forward for that new card. Don’t wait until the last minute to remit. Re- mit promptly and let this be your motto. “No card no favors.” Be loyal at all times to your sacred word of honor, which you have pledged yourselves, before God and man. Do not delay. Do it now. Lest ye forget. The C., B. & Q. have opened several new offices as block stations on the St. Joseph Division between St. Joseph and Kansas City, and are installing the electric block system where the single track is yet in use. Bro. Henry, formerly night man at Weston, Mo., has landed the day job at block 31, one of the newly opened offices just north of Weston, Mo. Have not learned who landed the other new jobs. Cor. Lincoln Division — I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Bro. W. T. Starkey, agent Utica, transferred to Louisville, and Bro. W. J. Rau, of Louisville, to Utica. Bro. Earl Purinton, days Aurora, Sundayed at Utica, the guest of his parents. Bro. Smith, of Seward nights, off duty two nights, relieved by Mr. Fletcher, of Seward com- mission house. Brothers, we all want a $67.50 minimum on this road with a nine hours’ work a day. Write your Local Chairman and tell him what you want. Do it quick. Mr. W. G. Weaver, a former employe of the road, also an old member of the Order, is relieving at Sutton until a regular man is secured. Mr. J. M. Combs is lined up for Archer station. Bro. Ilgen goes to Sutton nights. Mr. W. G. Weaver transferred to Denton sta- tion as agent, relieving Bro. Earl Denton, who, we “13,” will go East for his health. Bro. Red Miles, of Germantown nights, off couple days visiting friends at Omaha and Gretna. Relieved by Mr. McLeese. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2057 Bro. Outlaw, of Malcolm nights, off duty two days account of being sick; relieved by Mr. Stevens, of Berks. Bro. Sheldon, cashier Aurora, visited with friends at Havilock over Sunday. Bro. Case now at Hampton nights in place of Mr. Woods, who goes to Phillips. Mr. Pope, of “KY,” Lincoln, has resigned from service; relieved by Mr. Liggs an old-timer on this road. Night office at Bradshaw closed temporarily. Bro. Case, of Hampton, took in the Lincoln- Denver football game at Lincoln. Trains will soon be running over the new line via Milford, but the officials think they will retain the helper engine at Germantown and Seward. Bro. P. H. Miller, of Seward nights, spent a couple of days with friends at Gretna; relieved by Bro. Fletcher, of commission house, Seward. Business is light on road now on account of financial situation. Bro. Murphy, agent Aurora, visited with friends at Bradshaw over Sunday. Owing to dull times helpers have been taken off at all stations, and where two operators are employed one has to do the work now. Bro. G. H. Vant, agent Berks, visited with Bro. C. E. Rogers, of Dorchester, one day this week. Bro. E. H. Yerkes, agent Phillips, had a ten- days’ vacation last month; relieved by Bro. Case. Bro. H. R. Atkinson, from Hampton nights to Bellwood, relieving Bro. Spayers, who goes to Bunceton, Mo., on Mo. Pac. Bro. Havil, David City days, to Garrison for thirty days; when relieved gets Bellwood perma- nent on bulletin. Mr. T. C. Sykora relieved Bro. Havel at David City. Brothers, don’t forget where the Division Cor- respondent lives. Mail those items regular. Bro. Carrier is filling two positions these busy times, acting brakeman on work train and oper- ator at Denton Junction, where new track connects with main. Bro. F. Ford now braking out of Lincoln; re- lieved Sister Hicks during her vacation. Chief dispatcher Grisingcr is away on a two weeks' vacation; will take in Portland and sunny Cali- fornia ere his return. A Mr. Keifer is acting chief during his absence. Correspondent. IVymore Diinsion — The Grand Secretary and Treasurer advises us that there are a number of members on the sys- tem suspended, although their dues are paid up to December 31, because they have neglected to pay their assessments in the insurance department. You all certainly understand that you must keep up payments on insurance in order to remain in good standing, so why allow this matter to run along unattended to? Most of you are carrying the minimum amount of insurance, which costs but twenty cents per month, or one dollar and twenty cents semi- annually. Now, in order to prevent overlooking this important matter, would it not be a good idea to remit the amount to Bro. L. W. Quick the same time you remit Bro. Henry for your card? Attend to this matter, brothers, and see if yon are one of the delinquents. If you find you are, remit immediately to prevent being dropped. Now is the time that it is certainly necessary for all to stick. Our write-up last month cohtaitied the ati- nouncemcnt of the marriage Of Bro. “Paddy” Balance, days at Pawnee, and Bro. A. B. Millet, agent at Firth, but evidently gdt lost. All of the old back-sliders should compare pres- ent conditions with those of a few years ago and consider the reason for the change, get their shoulders to the wheel again and encourage our committee to greater things than have yet been accomplished. Why these old fellows who worked under the old order of things do not appreciate the new is more than we can understand, and they seem to be the very ones who want some one else to stand their share of the expense. Wc arc advised that there is a man on this di- vision who wears an O. R. T. button as large as the face of a clock, although he is a year behind with his dues, and refuses to make good. Will make him known if not cut out at once. Bro. Hazle.t, agent at Reynolds, was recently on vacation. Relieved by Mr. McNew. “SN” office Wymore has been given a shaking up. Two men out and several set back; among them our old friend, Clements, who gets west end. Wc wish to thank all who furnished items for this month, and trust more will come next month. We can get them no other way. L. G. Antram, agent at Armour, will be wear- ing the wreath and sounder before this appears. The ‘‘company men” (?), nons, keep leaving the service on account of their pay being stopped. Wonder why it is they do not get wise? The Order men are evidently more able to hit the "ball. *‘13” Bro. C. D. Wyatt gets Edgar days. Our old friend. Lew Kirk, has been visiting old friends in this part of the country. The Wymore Division has the honor of having the first man to remit for a new card. Bro. A. W. Denton, agent at Odell, was the man who pro- duced the coin. Ncxtl * H. N. Harper, a new man, landed the position as day telegrapher at Wilcox. E. H. Price, one that has been but refuses to be, recently awray spending accumulated increase. Bro. Harvey Grimes was recently laid up at his home, Sterling, suffering from a severe cold. Have you secured your new card? If not, remit at once and start the New Year right. No card no favor. Bro. C. M. Devitt, agent at Filley, recently on 30-day leave of absence. Relieved by Bro. Jack Ilartzell. Bro. Graves, recently agent at Salem, gets Wil- cox, and a Mr. J. F. Weybright, nights at Pawnee, and a comparatively new man, goes to Salem as agent. Bro. Henderson is at present holding down Fortesque, w’ith the old reliable, Jack White, doing the owl act. Digitized by Google

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2058 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Frank Royse, an old “Q" boy, now of the Northern Pacific, has been enjoying a thirty-day leave of absence, visiting his mother at Sterling. Bro. Frank Tyler, agent at Smartville, has been enjoying a two weeks’ vacation. Relieved by Extra Agent Haworth. Bro. Graves is with us again; at present doing the night stunt at Rulo. Bro. Hamm, we “13,” left the service. Chas. Fuller, of Division , No. 126, nights at Humboldt. It is rumored that a certain brother has a student. We would advise him to cut this kind of business out before he finds his name on the expelled list. No card no favor. Div. Cor. Galesburg Division — Bro. Frank Seward, Seventeenth street days, is doing the extra dispatching at Twenty-third street office, Rock Island. Bro. W. T. McMillan, Seventeenth street nights, was called to his home at Neponset, 111., recently by the serious illness of his mother, who later succumbed to the call of the grim reaper, Death. Bro. L. T. Burford, nights at Terminal Junction, is laying off on account of the serious illness of his father, at Colchester, 111. Mr. O. J. Ericson is relieving him. Three operators doing the stunt days at Moline: Messrs. True, Lundin and Hearnes. Bro. G. W. Lougue, at Hillsdale nights, has re- signed and departed for the wild and woolly West. Mr. McIntyre, a commercial operator, is re- lieving. Joslyn recently opened nights, with Bro. H. C. Lane, from the Pennsylvania, doing the owl trick. Mr. C. S. Bowman, recently nights at Barstow, has resigned, to resume his course in medicine at St. Louis, Mo. Bro. Echelbarger, formerly agent at Denrock, has resigned from the service. Mr. F. P. Maberry has recently been appointed agent at Denrock. Q. Why is a lamb nearly? A. Because it is all butt. Q. Why is a non? A. . H. W. K. Beardstown Division — The Beardstown Division is coming to the front - has gained sixty per cent in organization this summer. Boys, help complete organizing your division by sending the names of nons to your Local Chairmen, and do a little talking on your own part. If you wish to see a good write-up in the jour- nal each month, supply your correspondent with items. We understand there will be an office opened in Ccntralia yards — supposed to be bulletined. I notice we have a few of the W. U. boys with us now. Glad to know there were some of the U . U. boys that were willing to go elsewhere; give them the glad hand. Bro. Jno. Ax, formerly of Beardstown dis- patcher’s office, is now situated in a good position with the railroad lines at Haileyville, I. T. Bro. A. W. Cole, night owl at “KY,” is on the sick list, C. I. Grierson, of Woodlawn, doing that stunt. Bro. T. T. Brayfield, of Christopher, leaves us to enter school for an indefinite time. Bro. C. F. Danford secured the agency at Christopher on bulletin. J. V. Livesey, agent at Boulder, has just re- turned from Payett, Idaho, where he spent a few weeks visiting friends. Mr. R. E. Willett re- lieved Mr. Livesey. Bro. R. D. Elridge, formerly nights at Jack- sonville, transferred to the day position at Wav- erly. Bro. Howard, of Virden nights, has accepted Jacksonville nights. Bro. Hamline has accepted Virden nights. Bro. C. E. Morrell is doing the stunt days at Virden. We “13” the old Jack line. Concord to Herrin, is almost solid O. R. T. What is the matter with the St. Louis line? Boys, get in line and help do the right thing. Don’t forget our nine-hour law; we will need another committee soon. Mr. J. T. Brooks, of Centralia, formerly our local conductor, has been appointed trainmaster of Beardstown Division, with jurisdiction over the line from Concord to Herrin. Cert. 58^ Alliance Division — Operator Claybaugh is back at “HY” again, after being absent for a short time, visiting his mother who, we understand, has been ill. He was relieved by Operator Winchester, from the C. & N. W. Bro. Calender, lately from Merna, has left the service. Operator Gordon, of Mason, and Eviston, of Whitman, exchanged positions lately. There seems to be a great deal of changing going on. Bro. “JN” is back at Mason, after working the day tricks at Crawford and Broken Bow for the past few months. “Z,” of Mullen, has left the service. Can not say who relieved him. Bro. Jones has at last got his transfer from Whitman to Litchfield. Bro. C. C. Campbell transferred from Thed- ford agency to Hill City, relieving Bro. Tom Donegan, who went to Spearfish as agent, reliev- ing Crary, who drew the Dead wood agency. Terry station opened up again by Bro. Vincent- Sister Richards is back at Hemingford, after enjoying a leave of absence of about a month. She was relieved by Operator Cutler, one of the striking C. T. U. operators. L. C. Hayes, another Western Union operator, checked in at Marsland as agent. Bro. Perrin, lately from the C. & N. W., at Ashby .the past month, relieving Bro. Broich, who was off on his annual vacation. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2059 Adams, “MD,” was at Rockford for a day, until they could get a man to relieve the agent, Bro. Moulton, whose wife was on the sick list. Bro. Triplett is holding down Custer until they can get a regular man there. Bro. Helpbringer, from Minnekahta, now dis- patching in Alliance. Bro. B. O. Jordan, night operator at Broken Bow, has left the service, being relieved by Operator Rich who, in turn, was relieved by Win- chester, Rich going to Seneca as day operator. Bro. Hancock is now regular night operator at Lakeside. He says that he can hold it down and prove up on his homestead. Dispatcher Welsh, “JO.” is back on his old trick again, after working the first on the west end for the past month. He was relieved by Marvin while there. Chief Gavin was in Lincoln last week, working on the new time-table, which is to go into effect November 10. Bro. Powell is back at his old stand at Broken Bow days, after visiting the East for some time. Maverick. Galesburg Division, Quincy Branch — Bro. Wiseheart, Colmar nights, has resigned. Relieved by Bro. Chapman. The boys are getting in lots of overtime slips now on account of being held on duty during the meal hour to attend the new block machines. Bro. W. R. Miner relieved Bro. Chapman at Tennessee nights. Bro. Deacon Chapman, who returned from the West recently, is working off some of his sur- plus flesh on a sawmill at Plymouth. Bro. E. W. Wrancut, from the Grand Trunk, relieved Mr. Sample, at Saluda nights. Mr. Sample is relieving Mr. Jolly at Graham Tower a few days while Mr. Jolly is laying off. Night office has been opened at Oak Hill, Peoria Branch, with Bro. G. E. McLeary, formerly of the T. P. & W. Ry., as operator. C. T. U. of A. Operator* Osborn relieved at Yates City nights, October 19, by Operator John- son, another C. T. U. of A. man, formerly of New Mexico. Mr. R. L. Story, nights at Galesburg yards, off from October 17 to October 24. Relieved by Mr. McLeave. Mr. Kirkland, formerly days at Barstow, is now at Rock Island days. Relieved by Bro. Flynn. Night office opened at Pottstown November 1, with Bro. T. W. Beatty as operator, formerly of the C., R. I. & P., Division No. 126. Bro. Wrancut, who relieved Mr. Sample at Saluda a few nights, has left the service of the Burlington and gone to Chicago. Mr. R. Mercer, days at Galesburg Yards, is off a few days. Relieved by Mr. McLeave. Mr. McLeave is camping on the trail of a day job that is to be opened shortly in Galesburg, on Seminary street, on the Peoria Branch, a block station. Who the new night man there will be we have not learned yet. Mr. Murray, who was nights at Prospect street in Galesburg, has left the service. Mr. Murray’s successor, we understand, is a foreign operator. Have not learned his name yet. We never hear of the changes on the Gales- burg Division until we find a new man at the key. This looks bad toward the compliance with Article IV of our last schedule. “R. N.” Quincy Branch — I wish to thank the brothers on this branch for the promptness and gencrousness with which they have answered to the subscription which is being sent along, and also to ask that it be rushed to Quincy as quickly as possible, so that it can be returned to me from there, as I wish to get it out on the North End as soon as possible. We still have quite a few nons along here and I want to ask you if you are all after them? Each one of you who has a line on a non, write to him. Tell him what you know, and some things you don’t know, if that will help matters any, and try to get them in line. We will need a good solid front next spring, if we expect to accom- plish anything, and if these nons don’t want to have their pay cut down, they had better get in line as quickly as possible, and help us to keep the pay up to the present standard, at least# if it is not possible to gain a little advance over the present rate. There is going to be quite a little doing in the near future, and we need all the help we can possibly get from all the telegraphers on this division. L C. Chicago and Aurora Divisions — Our meeting at Mendota, November 16, sur- passed all previous meetings in attendance, the amount of business transacted and socially. There were fifty-four smiling telegraphers pres- ent when Bro. Johnson, our General Chairman, assisted by Local Chairman Bro. E. F. Todd, opened the meeting. Among other important issues taken into con- sideration at this meeting, was that of placing Bro. W. A. Henry, our General Secretary, on a salary that will enable him to handle the business of the Order exclusively; which was declared in favor of by a unanimous vote. We are confident that this proposition will be as heartily endorsed by the other divisions, as our division is now so large that nothing short of the services of two men will begin to handle the business, and Bro. Henry is surely the man. The meeting adjourned about midnight. If you had the misfortune to be absent, just ask the fellow next door what you missed. Saturday, November 16, the agents at Rock- form, Rock Falls, Sterling, Ottawa, Sandwich, Kewanee, Streator, Aurora and other stations of the foregoing class, were called to Aurora to attend a meeting for the consideration of the proposition of reducing the station forces. This, in spite of the fact that the past year has been Digitized by LjOOQle

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2060 The Railroad Telegrapher. the high water mark in business over all pre- ceding years. Application for membership has been received from Operator Robert Mades, owl at Daggets. Bro. Landt, of Rochelle nights, has recently enjoyed a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. Rabournc, formerly days at Riverside, is at present working the day trick at Shabbona. •Bro. Stauffer, who held down the night trick at Oregon for several years, has gone to Cali- fornia, where he expects to engage in his past vocation. Bro. Erdman, of Big Cut nights, visited at his home, at Mearle, Wis., since the last write-up. “Ex”-Bro. Simpson, days at Oregon, appointed to the agency at Steward, by bulletin, and has given his promise to renew the “Ex” by the first of the year. Mr. Wilson, former agent at Stewart, is now at Ohio, by bulletin. Bro. Hemingway, of LaCrosse Division, form- erly of Savanna yards days, is working nights at Steward. Applications of Messrs. Cross, Chana, Eckard, Hazclhurst, Flowers and Chadwick, all night men, are under pen now, and have promises for im- mediate action by enough others, so that very few are to remain in the cold. Bro. McDowell, agent at Flag Center, has been quite sick for some time. He was relieved by Night Operator Duck, who was relieved by Bro. Hanson, who has lately been working at Oregon and Hinckley nights. Extra Agent Long took up Bro. McDowell’s duties later, and Bro. Hanson was called to Aurora* and up to date has not been located.. Operator Miner, who relieved Bro. Landt, at Rochelle, after a short stay with the Eola night trick, was placed on the Aurora-Galesburg end. Bro. Sexton, agent at Leland, visited Sandwich November 14th. Bro. Pratt, agent at Sandwich, visited Shab- bona November 9th. Bro. Noack, night operator at Sandwich, was calling on friends at Hinckley November 16th. Local Chairman. Central of Georgia Ry. Savannah Division — Just in receipt of November journal, and fail to locate anything from our other divisions of the Central of Georgia. Seems they have lost all in- terest, or care not whether they keep our division posted as to the business, or changes on their di- vision. It looks strange that some worthy brother couldn’t take time enough to let the sister divi- sions know they are still doing business. We will soon begin to think there is nothing doing on the Central of Georgia but old Savannah Division, as she seems to be the only thing in print. Mr. D. F. Jones was appointed agent at Starrs- ville, vice Mr. O. L. Jones. Mr. W. E. Hodge was appointed agent at Oco- nee, vice Bro. Thigpen. Bro. Bennett, working days at Meldrim, vice Bro. Newton and Bro. Howe nights. Do not know who he relieved, but both these brothers are of the right material. Both come from old Divi- sion 132, and keep the card of the proper color. Bro. J. H. Burke, who has been clerk at Mid- ville for quite a while, has accepted the agency, vice Mr. Crawford. A certain “non” on this division was heard on the wire a few days ago. He called up one of the brothers and asked him: “Say, would you mind doing me a little favor?” The brother replied: “If you have got a card of the proper color I will.” He replied: “What if I haven't any card at all, then what?” He was told nothing doing, old friend. The boys on this pike arc strictly: No cards, no favors. It is hoped every member will adopt this method of treatment towards nons. If they have got nerve enough to ask a union man for a favor, we certainly should have nerve enough to fling the "No cards, no favors ” in front of him. Perhaps, some day, he will see the necessity of having a little piece of pasteboard hung around him somewhere. Another instance of where a non got left: He was one of the old boys, O. K., but didn’t “see nothing in the O. R. T.,” or couldn’t see where it would help him, as he was getting all the favors, etc., they were. See what they are ready to throw at you. He gave the porter on a passenger train an important message, wiring his wife ahead to meet the train, as he wanted her to accompany him on a trip, unknown to her. The porter was promptly advised to tell the sender that it would either take a “card” or the silver to move the message, as time was limited. He didn't have time to make the change, and as he was known not to be in possession of a card, his message is still on- sent, or was at last accounts I heard from it. To those of you who haven’t adopted this method it is nothing but fair to see it lived up to. Try it, and see if you won’t have a clearer conscience on the matter. Will see you again when more news is handy. Wishing all a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year. Don’t forget to get that card for a New Year’s present. Cert. 3. Chattanooga Division , North of Cedartozvn — Members of Division 46, North of Cedartown, on Chattanooga Division of the Central of Geor- gia Railway, had their regular meeting at Ross- ville on the third Sunday, with pretty good attend- ance. As Bro. G. C. Stephenson, our general chair- man, was not with us on account of leaving the service, Bro. D. C. Gruson acted as our host, tak- ing us up to the Quillian House after the morning session, where we all had a sumptuous dinner, and then went to the hall for the evening session. We tried to decide on a regular place and date for meeting, but it was not decided, and the matter was tabled until next meeting, which will be tbe third Sunday in December, at Chickamauga, when it will be decided. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2061 I am in favor of having a regular time and place for each month’s meeting, and think it will strengthen the Order, and insure better attendance at the meetings, as every member will know what date and place the meeting will be held each month. Bro. G. C. Stephenson resigned at Rossville. Bro. D. C. Gruson, of Fort Oglethorpe, taking his place. Bro. Stephenson has accepted a position with a contracting company at Short Creek, Alabama. Bro. W. A. King, of Durham, has resigned. Bro. G. C. Merritt, of Sharpsboro, relieving him. “13” Bro. Merritt has resigned, but not yet relieved. Sister Clara E. Brown is back at work at Lin* dale. Don’t know where Mr. Riggs went to. Mr. C. W. Bolton, Chattanooga yards, has ac- cepted a place in the superintendent’s office. Bro. Bill Bailey, of Chickamauga, is our day operator there now. Sister Nannie Davis, of Turin, resigned. Bro. W. A. King, late of Durham, has been ap- pointed agent in her place. Bro. A. C. Powell, of Lyerly, is off sick; Bro. Bledsoe relieving him. Cert. 268. Wabash Ry. Third District , Detroit Division — Bro. F. Jones, Delray, days, has resumed work. He had been relieved by regular night man, Bro. J. H. Pennington. Bro. Pennington spending a few days at his home in Pennsylvania; relieved by Bro. Floyd Smith. Bro. J. H. Mahoney, who has been at Delray, nights, temporarily, hast left the service. Bro. Bailey, Rouge River nights, off for a few days. Left for Niagara Falls November 25th. Bro. W. H. Sellers, Romulus days, is in the northern part of the State on his annual hunting expedition; relieved by regular night man, Bro. W. C. Curry, while Bro. H. P. Harrington is doing the night trick. Bro. W. J. Clark, agent at Britton, was off a couple of weeks sick; relieved by day operator, Bro. G. W. Clark, while night man, Bro. Roty Vannest, worked days. Bro. Vannest relieved by Mr. Nye, who, a few days afterward, left the serv- ice. He was relieved by Bro. D. G. Wilkins. Bro. Wilkins has just returned to the Wabash, and is at present holding down the roast at “NG,” Mont- pelier, nights. Bro. V. A. Wood, our local chairman, at Willis, is laying off. While away he will go over the di- vision preparatory to going to St. Louis after the new schedule. He is being relieved by Bro. F. W. Beatty. Bro. A. F. Klages, Willis, nights, is spending a few weeks hunting; relieved by Mr. R. F. Deck- ross, a new man on the Wabash, formerly with the Western Union at Adrain. Bro. Fred Livesay, Sand Creek nights, has re- signed; relieved by Bro. C. I. Thompson, a new man on the Wabash, who comes from the M. C. Bro. John Bloom, Holloway, nights, gets Sand Creek, nights, on bulletin. Sister E. M. Jackel, Adrain, nights, and myself spent November 16th at Hand, where he formerly worked. Bro. C. L. Iliff, Romulus, days, spent a day at Wolcott ville recently. On the night of November 21st trains 69, 5 and 90 experienced some trouble in making headway between Britton and Cone. They found obstruc- tions on the track consisting of “T” rails, ties and a couple of cattle guards that had been torn up. The next day two young men, each about 17 years old, living near Britton, confessed to placing the obstructions on the track, but said it was done just for the fun they would have in watching the train- men remove them, and that they had no thoughts of wrecking the trains. It is not supposed that the company will see it in this light. Fourth District — Bro. C. W. Hagans, formerly with the Wabash, but for some time past on the Lake Shore, is back with us again; at present doing the night trick at Crocker. Bro. E. A. Pillman, formerly on the Wabash, but who went West early last summer, is back again and working on the Lake Shore. Bro. C. A. Sutton, who has been spending a thirty-day vacation at Wekanee, 111., and Whittager, Mich., has returned to the agency at Kingsbury. Bro. C. J. Marsh, who relieved him, has resumed night work at that place. Miss Mack, who was there nights, has returned to her home. Bro. E. W. Flegel has resumed work at Aetna. Bro. L. L. Strausberger, New Paris, days, and Bro. O. O. Miller, same place, nights, back from a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. Strausberger was re- lieved three days by Mr. E. A. Farnham, who was relieved by Bro. Floyd Smith. Mr. Farnham is at Belleville, nights, at present. Bro. Miller was re- lieved by Mr. O. J. Walley, who has returned to his home at Arctic, Ind. Mr. P. F. Charpie, Foraker, nights, spent a few days in Chicago recently visiting friends. Bro. C. S. Smith, Gary, days, has been called home on account of the sickness of his mother; re- lieved by Mr. Coates. Bro. L. J. Miller, Westville, nights, spending a few weeks at his home at Defiance, O. Relieved by Miss George. Mr. Earl Howard has resumed work at Pine after a few days off on account of sickness. Mr. Kimple, formerly at Pine, has left the service. Bro. Floyd Smith spent a couple of days in Chi- cago recently. Div. Cor. St. Louis Division — At the time of sending in our last write-up to the journal, we stated that by the time same reached you, the committee would be in St. Louis working on a revision of the present schedule. At that time we had started negotiations with the company and had requested that they meet the committee on or about November 15, for the pur- pose as stated above, but at the time of mailing the article no reply had been received. A few Digitized by CjOOQle

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2062 The Railroad Telegrapher. clays later a communication was received from the general superintendent in which he said that owing to the schedules of all the train men expiring on November i and December i, his time would be taken up with them, and that he could not pos- sibly meet our committee until on or about De- cember 15. It will be seen that while the plans we had outlined miscarried, it was no fault of ours, as we had “sent up our card" and were waiting to be ushered in. As our schedule does not expire until January 1, we still have some time to go on, but it was our intention to go in a little earlier this year so as to have all the nego- tiations completed and the new book in the hands of all by January 1, instead of receiving it some time in February, as has been the case the last two years. That much interest is being taken in the coming negotiations by the membership and others is manifest by the prompt return of in- formation blanks which were sent out; also several unsolicited applications for membership and the renewal of a few delinquents who, through neg- ligence, had allowed themselves to become in arrears. I expect to put in about two weeks, be- ginning about December 1, in going over the line for the purpose of putting on a few finishing touches, getting acquainted with some new-comers and having a talk with as many of you as my time will permit, regarding some things that are most needed. While making my trip over the line last fall and discussing conditions with various men, some new and good ideas were brought out which proved valuable, and were embodied in the schedule. As might be expected, we still find an occasional non, but they are so insignificant, both from a numerical and influential standpoint, that no mention of them should be made. The few who remain out now are doing so for selfish pur- poses. Not possessing brains, they naturally have been in obscurity all their lives, and having met with reverses in every thing they undertook, where a little energy is required, they had given up all hopes of ever coming to the front in the world on their own merits where the “square deal” rule is in force. They now imagine they see an oppor- tunity to break into prominence and distinguish themselves at our expense. One of these poor, frail simpletons has the “official bee” so bad that lie can taste it. In every mail that comes, he ex- pects to find a circular announcing his appoint- ment. So deeply is he imbued with this delusion that he is unaware that he is the object of derision among the entire railroad fraternity, it being a case with him of “Where ignorance is bliss.” There are enough of us lined up to see that these empty-noodled gentlemen “hit the ball” and get only what is coming to them. It should be our duty to see that they get nothing at our ex- pense. •Bro. A. Begird, days at Ferguson, reports a continuous vaudeville and an entire change of program weekly, and sometimes oftener, in the night force at that place. Bro. F. Kroine, days at Bridgeton, says he has resigned several times the last month, but no more attention has been paid to it than would be givec a request for an increase in salary. Shortly after the depot at O’Fallon burned Bro. Wooly resigned. Life in a box-car without a fire these chilly mornings was too strenuous for iiim. Mr. T. S. Cleveland, of Thompson, Mo. takes the agency at O’Fallon. A Mr. Powell, recently of Wentzvillc, takes the agency at Thompson. Several stations are now vacant amd bulletin* are out announcing the fact, and all are given a chance at them. Pretty nice, isn’t it, to receive a notice telling you there is a vacancy at a certain station and what the place pays and asking yon if you desire the position? Do you know where the idea originated? If you are a non, write the undersigned, asking for blanks and any information you may need as to how you may become a member of a live and progressive organization that “does things.” Every little bit added to what you already bare makes just a little bit more. Paste that in your hat and watch us grow*. Let’s all rise and sing. W. Murphy, Local Chairman. Springfield Division — It is about time for a revision of our schedule, and most of the boys seem to be anxious about it, too. Some are anxious as to the appearance of our next revised schedule. All want an in- crease in pay and better conditions than now prevail. Even the nons seem to be getting anxious. Now, you nons, who are for ever giving us that old worn-out story about being hard up for money, if you really expect the O. R. T. to get some benefits for you why don’t you line up and get where you belong? If you have confidence and know that the O. R. T. can get better pay and better conditions, why then don’t you fill out the papers, get in the Order and help us get these concessions? Surely, you don’t mean to sit back and take all you can get through our efforts and put us off with some of your excuses about going to quit, etc. Operators seem to be rather scarce now. Se? eral of the boys want vacations, but have a hard time getting away. Agent Frank Pennington is back at his old stand at Maysville, after a few weeks’ vacation on account of sickness. Extra Telegrapher Arnold is at East Hannibal, recently doing relief work. Bro. Anderson, “CT” Shops, off a few day*. Relieved by Mr. Roberts, of Curran. Understand the trainmen get a ten per cent in- crease, effective December 1. Don’t you brothers think the telegraphers should have something of this kind dished out to them? Just think of it! Some of the telegraphers arc making as much as $50 per, or practically >5 cents per hour, and others making the princely sum of $55, or sixteen and two-thirds cents per hour, after making allowance for meal hour. Digitized by u,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2063 Section men are making 15 cents per hour, and bridge carpenters 2 5 cents per hour. Is there not more skill called into play in our department, to say nothing of the responsibility? Some might argue that the bridge men must pay board away from home, etc. All right. Allow a bridge man $1 per day board off of $2.50 per day wages, and then compare to the telegraphers* salary. We notice in the October number, Wabash items, under Detroit Division, that there seems to be some friction on that end of the road on account of the Superintendent’s action in the assignment of the agency at Hand, putting a member of our Order out of this position and placing a lady there who does not seem to be entitled to it. Cases of this kind will bear in- vestigation, and the more incidents of this kind that pass unnoticed, the more may be expected, and the less effective we may expect our schedule to be. On the other hand, if wc insist on the terms of our schedule being lived up to, it is only natural to expect few deviations from it. Rule 156 of telegraphers’ schedule bears upon this subject. Ham factories located at Baylis, Maysville, Markham and Naples, the latter having turned out something like twelve or fifteen students in eleven years. How’s that for business? Prof. McCarthy ought not to squeal if he believes in flooding the market, and although the above-men- tioned professor lias the reputation of being one of the best, it is singular how and why he should be so short-sighted as to the future welfare of the craft, unless a philanthropic nature predominates over his better judgment, as surely a man with the talents and ability to become a good teleg- rapher can not be blind to the laws of supply and demand. Bro. H. C. Savage, agent at New Salem, is back at his old stamping ground, after a brief visit with relatives in Pueblo and Buena Vista, Colorado. Local Chairman. Decatur Division — Your committee is now hard at work on the 1908 schedule, and will soon meet with the man- agement. Give them your hearty support; they need it. In their task it is not always smooth sailing. Don't fail in case anything interesting occurs in your locality, to pass it along to the new corre- spondent. Each one should assist us in gathering the news. Mr. H. A. Culmer, operator at “R,” division freight agent's office, Chicago, is on a thirty-days’ leave of absence, visiting relatives in Southern Illinois and Indiana. Mr. C. is not enjoying the best of health. E. E. Elridge, of Landers, is acting operator at “R" office, Chicago, during Mr. Culmer’s absence. Bro. Vance has been installed as agent at Chi- cago Ridge instead of Mansfield. Bro.. McElroy, of Chicago Ridge, has accepted the agency at Saunemin. Mr. F. A. Rock, who was agent at Effingham until the Wabash closed that station recently, is now the company’s representative at Mansfield. Operator Morford transferred from Cerro Gordo to Blue Ridge, remaining at that point but a few nights, when “called in.” Further develop- ments not accessible to us. Bro. J. V. Neatherington has been appointed agent (joint) at Mitchell, 111., vice Dobbins, re- signed, to enter other employment. “Si" Walton, as he is familiarly known among his many friends, has gone back to “DZ" office. “Si," who had worked a trick some time since, was temporarily holding down “H" office nights, awaiting a boom in business, that he might again resume his old-time title of dispatcher. We can not say that the boom has exactly materialized, nevertheless, “Si" is quite in evidence. The change leaves “H" office open to those who aspire to that place. On the night of November 3, Conductor Van- ness and crew of train No. 6 2 were arrested and held on charges of criminal neglect by the War- den, 111., authorities, for obstructing the public highways in that city. They were lodged in jail. The charge was for blocking two crossings, delay- ing chemical apparatus and fire extinguisher en- route and responding to a fire alarm. The build- ing burned. Later on the crew were released, but Vanness suffered twenty-four hours* detention, when he finally was given his freedom, on pay- ment of fine and costs. Bro. Byrd, from the Big Four, held forth tem- porarily at “JO" Decatur a few nights. Bro. Hecox is filling Edwardsville Junction days temporarily, with new man on nights; name un- known to us. Bro. A. L. Darner drifted back to the Big Four, and is now filling third trick on eight-hour shift at Carpenter. Bro. J. H. Curtis, of Raymond, enjoyed ten days off, visiting his parents at Bloomfield, Ind., the latter part of October, Bros. Moore and Hen- dricks doubling. Miller, of Oakley, is now at Harvell nights. Bro. Stone, of Litchfield, also Bro. Seiler, at Warden, contemplate a new place of abode. “Q" longs for an eight-hour trick and incidentally more money. Mr. Curtis, a new man, from Staunton, and employed a few nights as operator at Catlin, is relieving Yard Clerk Abbott, of Bement, while the latter is on his honeymoon. A new forty-five-strap plug switchboard has been placed in Bement office, doing away with the two old boards and the necessity of being compelled to make complicated patches, etc. Bro. A. A. Childers is now holding down “DN" Bement nights, vice Yount, transferred to “BX" Taylorville tower. This makes “DN** solid. We understand that Yount, who went to Tay- lorville tower with the expectation that overtime made in addition to regular salary, would about balance difference of pay between Bement and present position, is meeting with some trouble in obtaining that much-coveted overtime which, of Digitized by Google

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2064 The Railroad Telegrapher. course, the operators at large on the Wabash, especially those who “were in,” were instrumental in obtaining, at a sacrifice. Bro. Curtis, who has been the owl at Oakley, has recently left the service. Relieved by Bro. R. J. Morrow, of Staunton. Bro. Lanier has been made joint agent for the Illinois Central and Wabash at Lodge. There are quite a number of C. T. U. men em- ployed on this division. Quite a serious accident occurred at Forrest, 111., Chicago Division, train 64, October 28, leav- ing the rails at point of siding, derailing ten loads and one empty, all more or less scrapped, and a considerable loss to contents. Cause — sharp flange or switch lever springing up. We understand the Big Four and Vandalia people are taking time by the forelock and putting on the third man at different points of their re- spective roads. By so doing they show a dispo- sition to abide by the new law which becomes effective March 4 next. Mr. Stewart, who has been agent at Forrest for years, has been transferred to ether duties at Chicago. This leaves Forrest, one of the im- portant stations on the Chicago Division, open. Being an exclusive agency, and one of responsi- bility, a sub-terminal, as well as joint agency with the T., P. & W. R. R., will naturally require a person of some executive ability to handle it successfully. At this writing we have not heard who will succeed Mr. Stewart. At present Bro. Litchenberger, day operator at that point, is and has been acting as agent for some two or three months. The members of the Decatur Division of the Wabash owe a vote of thanks to Bro. Hendricks, who has been acting as Division Correspondent for some time past. We think he fulfilled his duties as a scribe with credit to himself and the Order. We are glad to know that in severing his connection with the Wabash, he enters upon his new field of work — that of ticket agent at Hills- boro, 111., — at a substantial increase of salary, and also has a pleasant city to reside in. Bro. Renner, ”H” office, Decatur, III., who held down the day trick, out of service a few days the latter part of October on account of sick- ness. “M,” of “JO” office relieved him. We arc told that one or two of our members on the Seventh District, Chicago Division, have lost sight of what benefits they have already en- joyed through the schedule that they are now work- ing under, and what may be in store for them in the future. It is not always possible that they will have their wishes, as far as the Order, sched- ule or Wabash is concerned. Promotion does not necessarily carry seniority alone. Schedule or no schedule, we must not lose sight of the other side as well. Are you the man best fitted to fill the position you aspire to? Everything equal, then seniority should govern. But I do not think it good policy because one fails to gain one par- ticular point, to throw up the sponge, become dis- couraged, find fault and say the world is wrong and all that’s in it. ’Tis true, we, as operators. who have affiliated with one another, elected a spokesman — so to speak — to represent us and take action when possible during troublous times in our behalf; but you must bear in mind that this action, whether favorable to your cause or not, takes time, and why condemn before you have cause. Haven’t you oftentimes heard the train men — conductors, engineers and brakemen — again and again bewail their bad luck; accuse their committee of this and that. Do they, the ones who seem to think, and may, justly, have grievances, in all cases receive satisfaction? No. They do not, for various reasons. It is simply impossible to deal out satisfaction to all. We try to deal justice, or, rather, have justice done all. Isolated cases arise where spe- cial attention is necessary. In these cases it take time for action, and when we fail to acquire favorable action in any particular case, kindly be considerate and charitable enough not to con- demn your representative because he failed in your behalf, and lose sight of all other benefits that you are enjoying that the committee or their predecessors were instrumental in procuring for you and me. We have been in position to note the working of the schedules; have heard occasionally the rumblings of discontent here and there — that is natural. Look at any phase of life and you will find it. But, as a whole, I do not think that we have near the “kick” coming that some of our sister orders have, judging from the noise made. The brokerage firm at Bement, known as Comer- ford & Byrne, has been dissolved, Mr. Byrne withdrawing. Mr. Comerford continues the busi- ness. Not being an operator himself, Mr. Will Taylor, of Cerro Gordo, an old-time Wabash man. is chalking the board for Mr. Comerford. Mr. Byrne, the retiring partner, also an ex-Wabash man, is now residing in Decatur. We understand he is connected with some brokerage firm at that point.. We are unable to keep pace w*ith the numerous changes taking place at various points on the division. This, of course, applies more especially to temporary transfers and changes. We pre- sume the readers of Wabash local notes feel more or less interested, especially ex-Wabash men, who are now employed elsewhere. J. J. Johnson, a Chicago C. T. U. A. man, who has been holding the night job at Philo, resigned November 15. He returns to Chicago. During the absence of our Local Chairman, Bro. Heffner, of Oakley, on committee work, R. J. Marrow, a C. T. U. A. man, is acting as agent. Bro. Frank Carter is holding down “GM” St. Louis temporarily. Bros. Johnson and Byrd are now located at Brooklyn. Bro. Koehler, who was regular night man at Forrest, but more recently holding down the day trick, relieving Bro. Litchenberger, who is acting agent at that point, has resigned, we understand, and gone west. F. E. Smith, a C. T. U. A. man Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2065 is relieving him. V. Marr, another C. T. U. A. man is working the night trick. Bro. Heffner made us a very pleasant call re- cently. He was making a trip over the road, lining things up and gathering information that would be useful in the making up of the 1908 schedule. I have the pleasure of advising all those who contributed toward the Clark fund, that on the Seventh, Eighth and Ninth Districts there was col- lected, through the kindness of local conductors, and turned over to me, $14.25, which in turn was sent to Bro. LaFever, at St. Louis on November 16. This does not include $5 handed direct to Bro. LaFever, contributed by Bros. Heffner, Hedden, Kearney and LaFever. In behalf of Bro. Clark 1 thank you all very, very much. Your generosity surely will be greatly appreciated by Bro. Clark. I wish to add that among those who contributed were several C. T. U. A men. Bro. Sona, Sulu nights, off duty November 18, for two or three weeks. Relieved by Bro. Nance. Bro. Berry, who recently resigned at Philo, has again, after three weeks visiting at home, entered the service. Harte. To All Wabash Members — Through the columns of The Telegrapher I wish to express my thanks to those who assisted me during my term as division correspondent for their energy and contributions submitted. I sincerely regret leaving you, but duty calls me elsewhere. I ask that you assist Bro. W. H. Harte, Jr., of Bement, 111., the newly elected cor- respondent, as faithfully as you assisted me. Wishing you all a prosperous and successful life, and that you may always hold the Order in the highest esteem, I am, with the best brotherly feel- ing and wishes, Yours fraternally, E. Hendricks. Peru Division — Bro. E. D. Williams, Arctic, days, has accepted Defiance, nights, and will be transferred in a few days. Bro. Williams leaves Arctic on account of being unable to obtain suitable living quarters. Bro. L. T. Agnew, Butler, nights, called to Chi- cago on November 20th on account of the ser ous illness of his sister. Operator Lannen working nights at Butler dur- ing the absence of Bro. Agnew. Bro. E. A. Tablcr, formerly of West Peru, nights, writes us that he is located at Cypress. Tex., on the H. & T. C., and expresses himself as being well pleased with the job and country. Operator C. A. Breyton, who went out with the commercial telegraphers at Dallas, Tex., is now with the Wabash, and working nights at Prairie Switch. Bro. Ezra Facklcr, the regular man, we are sorry to learn, was compelled to go to the hospital for an operation. Bro. Kennington back at Lafayette, days, after having been off on leave of absence for some time. Bro. Hellwig now doing the heavy trick at Wil- liamsport with Bro. Pemberton, a new brother, do- ing the night stunt. A nice addition to our membership during the past month, which puts Peru Division in good shape. Give the following the glad hand: J. A. Cavanaugh and L. J. Craig, West Lebanon; F. NT. Jones and Wm. Marsteller, State Line; F. A. Weckerly, Burrows; H. O. Eviston, “GR,” Peru; J. E. Smith, Gould; L. J. Etnire, Danville; A. Stocksteil, Toledo yard; W. S. Bandy and Mrs. E. A. Bandy, Andrews yard; R. O. Zentmeyer, At- tica; W. H. Pemberton, Williamsport; Ezra Fack- lcr, Prairie Switch; G. C. Miller, Colburn; W. C. Theek, West Unity, and O. C. Hunt, Danville Junction. Bro. Zentmeyer, of Attica, resigned to take a position at Bloomington, 111., with the Big Four, but is back again. Bro. Horn, formerly at Williamsport, resigned and left for parts unknown. Bro. II. S. Sanders, formerly agent at Riverside, hss bid in Logansport, days, on bulletin. Bro. J. D. Milliman, from the Detroit Division, is the new man at Riverside. We are sorry to note that our worthy Bro. A. E. Dunderman, days at Clymcrs, is seriously ill with stomach trouble, and is in a hospital at Chi- cago. Bro. N. Hinkle, formerly agent at Burrows, working days at Clymers. A Mr. Bcubaker takes the agency at Burrows. Haven’t heard how Mr. Brubaker stands, as he is a new man with us. Bro. C. F. Brey acted as agent at Liberty Cen- ter for a couple of weeks in October while the regular agent, Mr. O. E. Wilson, was off on a vacation. Bro. W. A. Safely bid in one of the tricks at “Z,” Peru, on bulletin. Mr. R. W. Peters, former agent at Attica, is at present filling Attica, days; Bro. Roy Zentmeyer, nights. The above items are the contribution of Bro. Shutt. While working on the job I have at present, it is impossible for me to get next to what is doing among the brothers and sisters along the line, therefore am going to call for help. Have you noticed how the fraternal section of our jour- nal has grown and how interesting it is? Let us keep our friends on other roads posted on what is happening on the Peru Division. Div. Cor. Western Division — We are all patiently (?) waiting for March, 1908, to come with its nine-hour law, since we have received no benefit whatever from the eight-hour law, which was passed in the Missouri Legislature last fall. As the time is drawing near for payment of semi annual dues, we hope that every one will be prompt in remitting their dues and securing a new card, especially those on this division. Several of us have received a letter of an end- less chain asking if we will support in case of a walk-out, if a demand is made for a $75 °° mini- mum, an increase to all, and an eight-hour day, ef- fective March 4, 1908. All that receive these let- ters should be prompt in answering, and in making Digitized by CjOOQle

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2066 The Railroad Telegrapher. other copies and distributing them, as explained in the letter. Mr. J. F. Purdy has been working nights at Dal- ton for the past few weeks. Mr. A. N. Conselver has been working nights at Dalton, but was recently transferred to Keytesville nights. Bro. D. L. Giffin, recently from the Middle Di- vision, has been agent at Dalton for several days, relieving the regular man. He has promised to help us out in the way of news when possible. Dispatcher F. L. Conrad, who has been working, third trick west, for past few weeks, is spending a few days vacation in St. Louis. Bro. Whitley left Sunday, November 24th, for an extended trip West. His wife and two children will stay with her parents at Rea, Mo., during his absence. Mr. R. G. Brotherton, from Excelsior Springs Junction, relieves Bro. Whitley. Bro. M. W. Hehl goes to Excelsior Springs Junc- tion to relieve Mr. Brotherton. Bros. M. W. Hehl and J. D. Carpenter passed examinations at Moberly, November 23d, for posi- tions on this road. They both came from the West. The pile-driver outfit went to Bedford, Novem- ber 7th, to open a bridge to allow a government dredge boat to pass through our tracks at that point. Superintendent Stumpf’s private car, No. 7, went to Bedford also, where he will have wires cut into his car until this work is completed. Bro. C. R. Brown returned November 10th from a few weeks’ visit to his parents at Elk City, Okla. He says that everything down there is O. R. T. and “no cards, no favors.” Miss M. L. Meeker, who has been working as agent and operator at Lovilla, Iowa, went to Council Bluffs November 13th to visit her brother, who is day operator at East Switch. She was checked in as agent at Bingham November 29th. Bro. C. F. Deppe, from Shenandoah, went to Oklahoma City November 14th. He has been in Moberly hospital six weeks. A. N. Consolver went to Lexington Junction, nights, November 18th. Bro. R. L. Gleason, from Maxwell, Neb., on the U. P., passed through here to Moberly November 19th, for examination. Bro. J. D. Carpenter relieved Bro. Gleason at Lexington Junction November 24th. Bro. C. R. Smith, of Evona, and Bro. W. B. Magruder, of Jameson, returned November 21st from an extended tour of the West. Bro. D. L. Giffin went to Keytesville November 30th to be checked in as agent December 2d. Un- derstand present agent at Keytesville has been pro- moted to dispatcher at Moberly. I was appointed division correspondent by Local Chairman J. F. Knox, and as this is my first at- tempt, I hope that every one that can will help me out by sending me any news that they may know. I am pretty well rushed this time, as I am act- ing as agent at Brunswick in place of my father, Mr. H. O. Benton, who is very ill, and am two days late getting these few notes into St. Lotus. I am in hopes that I may be able to give a better write-up next time, and the co-operation of any one who will send me any news will be greatly ap- preciated. J. E. Benton, Division Correspondent . Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Ry. First District — Our regular correspondent. Bra F. T. Johann son, having left the service, it devolves on some one to volunteer to fill the position. Bro. Geo. Bateman has returned to the W. U in Chicago after a couple months’ “vacation" during the strike. His place at Savanna tover is filled by Mr. C. N. Nicholson, who has just returned to the business after an absence of several years. Bro. O. R. Tyrell, extra dispatcher “A” office, Savanna, is enjoying a short vacation, at the end of which he goes to Dubuque to accept a per- manent position as dispatcher. Bro. J. F. Keating, late of “SY,” Savanna, nights, is now holding down the moonlight trick at Genoa; a C. T. U. brother at “SY” in his stead. At Hickory Grove Bro. Adams off several days in November account death of a relative. Relieved by Bro. Switzer, regular night man, whose place was filled by Bro. Woodworth. Lanark interlocking now in service, the position being filled by Bros. Cook and Siler, formerly of the depot at that point. Bro. Horigan being left alone as agent Bro. Gleason, of Forreston, has severed his connections with this road, his place being filled by Bro. Brant Bro. Thos. Shanahan, of Fairdale, enjoyed a short vacation in the early part of November; re- lieved by an operator (?) named Shrake, of whom more later. Bro. C. H. Kuntz, Elgin days, has been made ticket agent during the absence of agent J- B. Hop kins. Bro. Voltz, regular owl at that place, advanced to day position and Bro. Westphal installed as night operator. The vacancy at Franklin Park nights, caused by the resignation of Bro. Johannson, is filled by a C. T. U. brother, whose name I have not learned. Bro. J. A. Hoye relieving operator Sloan at Leaf River. The latter is a telegrapher of the “non” variety, i. e., “blood-sucker,” who has long been enjoying the benefits— overtime galore, in creased pay, etc. — that the O. R. T. has secured for him, and refused to join. Outside of this man (and two others, whose names will be printed next month), our nons — there are but two or three — are of the aged gentleman type, who believe that to join at this late day would be but evidence of the approach of their second childhood. Of ex-relief agent Shrake, the Cassvillc, Wis., Record speaks as “has been and is yet a very successful railroad employe.” After several years’ service on scheduled roads this party is still not a member of the Order, and he is more successful Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2067 in .grabbing the fruits of our labors than in pro- moting the interests of his employer. As you have been previously notified, our Gen- eral Committee, also eight or nine others, will soon be convened to meet the management to revise our schedule to conform with the nine-hour law. Each and every true Order man wishes and hopes that this may be accomplished quickly, and that there be no interruption of the pleasant relations the telegraphers and officials of the road have enjoyed. Should, however, this be impossi- ble, we have many advantages over our commercial brothers in the way of a trustworthy leader, length of time to prepare for our struggle, and a national law to back us. “Ex-Scmisa, No. i.” Third District — A Mr. Graves, at Pac. Jet., first trick tempo- rary until Bro. Hattendorf gets relief at Glen- view so he can take this job. Bro. Hoganson, of Forest Glen, is on the jury and is being relieved by Bro. Ed. Taylor. Bro. Woda, of Rondout third trick, won a goose on a raffle. Ed. Carroll working nights at Fox Lake for the present. Bro. Moore working nights at Warrenton since Glenview and Shermerville have been closed as night offices. Bro. Wynhoff back on duty at tower A 68. It is Bro. Miller now at Lake, he having taken out card not long since. Bro. Reed is at Rondout depot temporarily. He is a new man on the road; belongs to Hoosier Divison, No. 27. Bro. Frank Lumber, who has been at Rondout for quite a while, secured the agency at Ingleside on bulletin. Dispatcher Larsen secured the agency at Fox Lake on bulletin, his health being so poor in Chicago that he' feels that he needs the “simple life.’* Hope to see him take out card in the near future. Dispatchers have received as much benefit from the O. R. T. as any one else; indeed, increase of salary to chief dispatcher and trainmaster can be directly traced to the influence of the Order, telegraphers, agents and levermen having secured increases through it; something had to be done to keep the dispatchers a respectable distance ahead of us as to wages, then, of course, the chief dispatcher had to be raised a notch, as also did the trainmaster. It’s like a house of four stories, when you raise the first story the second, third and fourth had to go also. I don’t think this can be successfully disputed, and still we find the very men who are enjoying this increase knocking the Order at every chance, not in the open but in an underhanded way. Think the General Com- mittee would- do well to let some of the higher officials know of some of the tactics being used by the small fry officials in this vicinity; the fore- going is not meant to apply to any of the trick men in any way. Extra dispatcher Welsh gets the trick made vacant by Larsen and Geo. Carroll secured the day job on bulletin at dispatcher’s office side wire. A Mr. Spreenan is on the side wire nights temporarily. Tower A 2, at West Ave., put into service; C. & N. W. men placed as directors and Bros. Bliehmel, Lary and Stimpson, all St. Paul boys, as levermen; some grievances about this job to be adjusted by General Committee, as the General Superintendent’s ruling about this job seems to be unjust. Bro. Voltz, of Avalon, was off a few days account sickness; have not learned who was the relief. The father of the wife of Bro. Adams, agent at Gray’s Lake, died recently. One thing quite a few of the brothers should be more careful of is not to talk so freely with trainmen and engineers of what is being done and what we expect to do as an Order. Being situated where quite a few trainmen come, they tell me as a matter of common conversation of what this one and that have told them, most of which is nobody’s business but our own, and which, if gotten hold of by officials, would be a very welcome addition to their stock of knowledge. Boys, guard your tongues and let us not suffer because of this lack of caution. As the new year approaches the time draws near for the meeting of our General Committee, and let us see to it that not a desirable non is left outside the Order to retard its success. We must stand shoulder to shoulder and give the committee undivided backing; this is no time for discord of any kind, and any personal feeling Should be dropped and all stand together for principle. It would be a good plan to respectfully answer any official who seeks to discredit any of our representatives “that the committee at Chi- cago represent us.” It will do no good to discuss the subject with him in any way, and would advise that we all respectfully decline to do so. The operators of the United States are re- sponsible for the national nine-hour law; now let us also be responsible for schedules covering this point and not trust to “luck and some court” to say whether this is constitutional or not; it is nothing more than justice to the traveling public in the first place, and the same to us in the second, and in the third place, let's have it. As Bro. Renshaw’s letter stated, “We can’t secure this on a bluff;” now, let’s get ready for business. If it comes to a show-down let’s look for something else instead of the chance to go back to the same old job at the same old hours and pay; be men. A business man said in my presence yesterday that it was all nonsense for any man who had brains enough to learn teleg- raphy and do the necessary work connected with it to say that he could not do something else and make a success of it; named a railway man who got out of a job and went as a salesman, and in less than a year carried off all the prizes put up by the house to the man who sold the most in several different lines of goods. This man worked in a part of the country where they have winter near half the year, too. Of course, not all have Digitized by t^ooQle

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2068 The Railroad Telegrapher. the gift of selling things, but there are hundreds of different things we can do with more chance of laying by something besides regrets for old age, and if the hours and pay of our craft are not bettered we certainly will have very little else for the evening of lift. In conclusion, want to urge the “hobby” of our Local Chairman, and that is for every one to give the very best of service that you arc capable of so we can have this for an argument. If we don’t do this you may rest assured the company will use “poor service” as a big gun against us. We have repeatedly said that all we want is justice as to pay, hours of work and conditions of service. Now, we are near a time when you can stand up and be counted for or against your own and your families* welfare; which will you do? Czbt. nag. C. & C. B. ( Iowa ) Division — Telegrapher Martin and wife, of Templeton, were called to Sioux Falls, S. D., last of October account the sudden death of his brother-in-law. Telegrapher Crowe relieved him and Bro. Mullis, of Persia, relieved Crowe, Bro. Madson relieving Bro. Mullis. Bro. Reel, of Persia, spent two or three days in Perry; relieved by Bro. C. M. Peasley, extra of Weston, Bro. House, nights of Defiance, getting Weston on bulletin; relieved at Defiance by teleg- rapher Blakeslee. Bro. Berends, of Division 23, high class Dutch comedian, traveling with the Hugh A. Nickels Co., played to a full house one week at Aspinwall and Templeton later part of October. He is "ace high.” Bro. Wright, of Dedham, on sick list couple days; relieved by Bro. Elder, his night man. Bro. Peasley to Neola nights after relieving Bro. Reel as agent Persia. Bro. Minahan, who has been working nights at Neola, has left the road. Bro. Stahl, regular night man Neola, to Max- well; was relieved by Bro. Minahan. Telegrapher Martin back to agency Templeton, telegrapher Crowe going back to work nights Tem- pleton. Bro. Mullis to Herndon days for short time after Crowe went to work. Telegrapher Rose left Aspinwall to accept a better job on C. & N. W. ; relieved by young Blakeslee, who was transferred to Defiance nights; relieved at Aspinwall by young Ka'ssel, of Collins; neither Kassel or Blakeslee old enough to join. Kassel ordered to Capron nights; relieved by Bro. C. M. Peasley. Business on the Middle Division has quieted down since our last write-up. Bro. Soystcr back to the brass-works after stir- ring up the nons and delinquents; he wras relieved by Bro. Swenning during his absence. Bro. Kruse, agent Van Horne, took a six weeks’ vacation; relieved by Bro. Buckman, who in turn was relieved by Bro. Swenning. Bro. Ryan, formerly of Haverhill, to Panama ^hort time after relieving Bro. Gamelin at Huxley, then Panama to Manning nights, relieving Bro. Zadnicheck, who went to Madrid to work. Bro. Fullerton, agent Panama, took a vacahot trip to Illinois, being relieved by Bro. Ryan. Bro. Renbarger, of Collins nights, was off few days the early part of November on account oi sickness. Bro. Cook, agent Collins, starts for New Mex ico in a few days to spend the winter months. Bro. Cook will be relieved by Bro. Posten, oi Capron, who will be relieved by Bro. Hall, of Capron nights. Bro. Foster, of Dunbar station, took a nine days’ vacation and spent the time visiting his father in Nebraska; relieved by Bro. Swenning. Bro. Huyck, of Slater tower days, is relieving Bro. Hansen at Newhall. A. A. Hottle taken froa Huxley nights to fill Bro. Huyck*s place. Huxley closed nights for the present. , Bro. Nichols, agent Aspinwall, took a flying trip to Chicago a couple days this month to meet his wife and baby, who have been in Wisconsin the past three months. Bro. Dick Copeland, one of the old time boys, is at present attending college in Omaha, taking tourscs in stenography, bookkeeping, etc. Bro. Jones, nights Coon Rapids, took a two weeks’ vacation, being relieved by Bro. Mullis, who went to Perry yard to relieve Bro. Black on the return of Bro. Jones, Bro. Black relieving Bro. Loscy at the side-table Perry dispatcher's office. Bro. Loscy relieving dispatcher O. C. Ander son, third trick man, who is taking his vacation. Understand there are some students on the branches. Be careful, boys, or you will find charges filed against you and your name in The Telegrapher as being expelled from the Order. Besides, there is not a job on the branch but what one man can handle, and why some men will violate their obligation is hard to understand. Bro. Bethurum, who left this division some time ago, is now located at Osage City, Kansas, with t!ic Mo. Pac. Bro. Stinglcy, formerly with this pike, is now located in Kansas with the C., B. & Q. He *n<* his better half were visiting in this part of the country last month. Bro. Ramsey, of Eldridge Jet., has been laying off past month and enjoying a trip through the South. Mr. Bell has been running the station and looking after the “tater” biz., which has kept him busy. Mr. Bright lias landed El wood station nights. Bro. Dove secured Hale nights on bulletin. Bro. Dove is a new addition to the fold. Business on the branches has been very heavy this fall, and crews had so much work they fre- quently tied up after sixteen hours. General Secretary and Treasurer, Bro. Soyster. was in Chicago the forepart of November attend ing a meeting of General Chairmen and Secretaries and Treasurers. “13” our General Committee will be in Chicago by the time this appears in print. “Nick." Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2069 Mineral Point and Prairie Du Chien Divisions — Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. As we look back on the fast-closing year, we note the many changes that have taken place, and we can not help but ponder on what will the year 1908 bring forth. In summing up the work for the year 1907 , wc have nine new members to our credit, which is not so bad considering the limited number of nons to work on, and great credit should be given the workers who have assisted in bringing in these new members into the fold. They have never ceased for one moment in their tireless work. Every member should become active, and if they will but co-operate with the workers during the year 1908, we will not have a non in the Ninth District at the close of the year, remembering that the individual workers getting interested in their neighbors arc the ones that count. The success of the engineers and trainmen’s or- ganizations are attributed to the fact that they can congregate together and discuss their conditions, hold meetings, and more attend than telegraphers. We can obviate this by each and every one of us becoming personally interested in the work, and why shouldn’t we? We should remember that we are working for our own interest as well as that of our brothers and sisters. We were greatly surprised to hear of the retire- ment of our superintendent, Mr. E. D. Wright. Mr. Wright has only been with us a short time as superintendent, and we regret his departure. He rose to his position from our ranks, and we feel a personal friend has left us. One who could realize our position more fully than some one from another department. We should give Mr. L. R. Clausen, his successor, a hearty welcome, and as he has had no experience as a telegraph operator, we trust that he will realize the importance of our positions; that it is the station agents and telegra- phers who are the real representatives of the rail- road companies, and that they are the least paid of any of the employes. The meeting held at Madison, October 26th, was very well attended, considering the busy season. A great many of the boys were unable to get excused. There were, in all, about eighteen members present. The meeting was called to order by Local Chair- man Bro. T. L. Pagel, who stated the object of the meeting was that of getting the sentiment of the members in reference to the eight-hour law. Gen- eral chairman, Bro. O. W. Renshaw, being present, gave us an outline of the practicability of applying the new law in our schedules, after which Bros. J. J. Connell and local chairman from the C. & M. Division, Bro. F. J. Alleman, and others gave us some very interesting talks. Word had been passed along to our C. & N. W. brothers of our expected meeting, and we were agreeably surprised when their local chairman, Bro. Schneider, knocked for admittance with ten or twelve members from the Madison Division. A royal welcome was given them, after which the meeting progressed with an exchange of remarks from both sides. While no decided action was taken, I trust that every one present received sbire new ideas and valuable information. You should encourage more of these meetings by favoring th£m with your presence. A motion was presented to create a local fund for the purpose of defraying the expenses of the local chairman in going over the district, and fer other incidental expenses that might come up. Bro. G. W. Parker was elected secretary and treasurer, and instructed to mail notices to all the members that an assessment of 50 cents would be made at once. I trust that every member will see the im- portance of this, and send their remittances to Bro. Parker without delay. A beautiful O. R. T. floral design was contrib- uted by the members and friends at the funeral of Bro. J. E. McDonnell. Bro. E. W. Voss has departed to the “tall tim- ber.” He is being relieved by Mr. A. H. Kading. Telegrapher F. L. Thatcher, who has been out ( f the service for a number of years, has returned to the old standby, and now he is on the jump all the time. While he was relieving Bro. Murray at Cal- amine, lie got into too close proximity of our lccal chairman, and he made a brother out of him in short order. Bro. J. H. Valentine has returned to his old position at Janesville, nights. Bro. F. L. Thatcher relieved Bro. W. P. Mc- Donald at Browntown while he attended h!s broth- er’s funeral at Wauzeka. Telegrapher F. W. Spratler claims he was lone- some while out of the Order. He has tried both sides of the fence, but says it does not pay to be a non, and hereafter we can call him brother. By the time this reaches you negotiations will be in progress for a new wage scale and hours of service schedule. It is to be hoped that every member will give his hearty support to the gen- eral committee in their efforts to secure better working conditions and living wages. Bro. F. L. Thatcher relieved Bridgeport station while Bro. H. Lathrop visits his former home at Monroe for a few days. We notice that while we lose occasionally a man by death or removal, others are coming back into the service who have been following other lines. Given fair wages and good working conditions, t. e., a reasonable number of hours, and there will be plenty of men to man the jobs, and they will be O. R. T. men, too, not grad- uates (?) from the Janesville school. Bro. R. J. Symons, of Edgerton, nights, has an indefinite leave of absence, and has taken a trip to Denver on account of poor health. Bro. W. J. Symons relieving him. Bro. B. Allen is at Miller Junction, temporarily. Bro. Frank O. Levy is relieving Bro. W. J. Sy- mons at McFarland, nights. Bro. A. J. Taylor received Madison, nights, on bulletin. Bro. E. C. Fraser is working at Lone Rock, nights, temporarily. Bro. C. L. Howard takes Arena station on bul- letin. Digitized by v.ooQle

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2070 The Railroad Telegrapher. New members recently initiated on the P. D. C. Division: C. S. Owens, Tom Lawless, W. R. Dcyo. One of our members who is earning good wages by working overtime, says that he is opposed to the long day. He claims that money earned by working overtime is “blood money.” He works from thirteen to sixteen hours daily, with only a few hours off on Sundays. This gives him no time for anything else in life except work and sleep. No time for any social duties or privileges. No time for family or friends. No time for recreation. Bet- ter be a station man in England, where, while wages are lower, three times as much help is fur- nished, and the employes have a chance to enjoy life as they go along. Your correspondent thinks that we should expect the Wisconsin eight-hour law to be carried out to the letter, and stand as a man for its enforce- ment. Don’t get the idea that pay for overtime will compensate the telegrapher at the one-man station for his loss of privileges which are the birthright of every man. Ceet. 726. S. M. Division — Changes have been very numerous lately, and I will try and not miss any of them. Bro. E. J. Whalen promoted from side wire to third trick. S. A. Whitford on Pacific extension. O. H. Berg second trick, and F. D. Campbell first trick. Bro. T. P. Horton, from Ramsey* days, to side wire at La Crosse. Bro. Steres, at Houston, was married quite re- cently, but did not learn young lady’s name. Bro. J. E. Clayton, formerly day operator at Al- bert Lea, landed Ramsey on bulletin. Bro. A. J. Farley relieved at Ramsey for a cou- ple of weeks, and was assigned to Albert Lea as day operator. Bro. E. H. Langen, regular night man at Wells, is relief agent at Welcome during the sickness of his brother, O. A. Langen. H. M. Berg worked nights at Wells for a while, but was called away on account of the death of his wife. Knudtson is working nights for the present, and bids fair to be a good and worthy brother. There was quite a scare about taking off opera- tors at Winnebago, Fairmont and Pipestone, but they all seem to be working, so I guess it has blown over. Bro. O. A. Langen, at Welcome, was taken sick, and the station had to be closed until relief came. He is still confined to his bed, but the doctors ex- pect to operate on him in the near future. We all wish for his speedy recovery. We are pleased to call Bro. J. B. Malone, of Jackson, one of the boys, but also we are sorry to say he was on the sick list for several days, be- ing relieved by Bro. A. J. Farley. Bro. Alcott, at Lakefield, had a vacation for a few days; relieved by Brq. Gunderson. Bro. Griffin assigned to Bradley station. Bro. Gunderson taking charge of Chandler temporarily. Chandler has now been assigned to Bro. G. H. Brown, an old-timer, for many years agent at Lily, on the M. & B. Line. Bro. Kellogg, of Colman, at present laying off with an attack of his old enemy, rheumatism. Bro. Gunderson as relief agent in his place. The petition for the benefit of H. Rubel Clark was quite liberally responded to, and quite a sum was collected to assist in this worthy cause. Now, brothers, you will have to excuse my write-up this month, as I have just been trans- planted, and you know how it is. Cot. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom has taken from us our highly esteemed Bro. James E. Mc- Donnell, and while humbly submitting to the will of Him who knoweth and doeth all things best, be it Resolved, That we regret exceedingly his un- timely end, and that through bis death the Order of Railroad Telegraphers has lost a staunch and faithful member; one who in every way possible sought to promulgate and exemplify the teachings of the Order, although not employed so as to reap the full benefits of the Order, he retained his mem- bership that he might help us, and to support to the utmost the high principles which our obliga- tion implies. Resolved, That C., M. & St. P. Division, No. 13, of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers extend to the bereaved family and friends their fullest sym- pathy, that a copy of these resolutions be for- warded to the bereaved family, and a copy sent to The Telegrapher for publication. Thos. L. Pagel, H. E. Wxchmakx. P. S. Thurber, E. W. Voss, Committee. Baltimore & Ohio Ry. Chicago Division, East — Bro. Walters, who has been doing the extra copying stunt at “DS” nights, took Republic nights, relieving Bro. Collis. Bro. Collis, who has been filling vacancy at Republic nights, has been appointed relief agent Bro. Eiler, from Defiance, now at Fostonia days; Bro. Whiting holding down Defiance nights during Bro. Eiler’s absence. Mr. Billington, at Midway nights, during Bro. Whiting’s stay at Defiance. Mr. W. G. Marine, who has been holding down “G,” Garrett, nights, was taken to the hospital at Garrett to have an abscess of the hip treated. We are pleased to say he is much improved at this time. At Garrett dispatcher’s office, we find all the trick men with the necessary goods except Mr. C. D. Comparrette, who couldn't see his way clear to be one of the boys. Bro. G. W. Smith, at Holgate nights; to say where Mr. Spurgeon is. We notice that a few of our men on fids division have been subject to reprimands for violations of rules or seemingly careless work. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2071 We are sorry for them, but, at the same time, every O. R. T. member should make their work of as high-class as it is possible to do. On Friday night November 15th about twenty brothers attended the monthly meeting held in the Firemen’s Hall at Garrett. The writer was unable to attend on account of sickness. The meeting will be held each month at the same place, and since Nos. 11 and 12 have been run through to Garrett on the winter card, there should be a good attendance each month. Every- body get busy now and attend. Cert. 1400. Chicago Division , West — Bro. J. C. Shoults secured the night job at Syracuse by application. Bro. T. W. Gary, of McCools, bid in the night job at Hamler on the Eastern District. The position of night copying operator at Gar- rett was bid in by Bro. W. G. Smith. Bro. E. M. Pierce went to Wheeling recently to work, but only stayed one night. Several exclusive agents have announced their intentions of resigning to go into the telegraph service when the hours are shortened. We are told that three men will be placed in every office as soon after January 1st as the men can be secured. The East and West District of the Chicago Division have arranged to hold their meetings at Garrett on the third Friday of each month. These meetings will be held in the Firemen's Hall. Now that the new time card has gone into effect and the boys from both ends of the Chicago Divi- sion have every convenience to get to the meeting point, we are anticipating great times at each meeting, and request each and every one of you to make requisition for passes at least one week beforehand, so as to give our division operator a chance to request this transportation from the superintendent’s office, and now it’s up to you to get there and we are not going to take any petty excuses for non appearance. Friday night, November 15th, there was a meet- ing at Garrett and about twenty of the brothers from both districts were present, and there was great interest manifested by all present. After the meeting was adjourned, all went to a nearby restaurant, where we had a good feed on oysters. This was quite an item, too, as all the boys from the east end (?) were hungry. Of course, it don’t take much to keep the boys going on the west end. Bro. A. P. Webster, of Kimmell, relieved the block operators on the west end this month, he being relieved by operator Boomershine. Several of Mr. Shultz’s graduates are drawing operators’ pay, but the service they render makes the dispatchers tear their hair. No doubt you will all be grad to learn that all our dispatchers, with the exception of one, now have up-to-date cards, so you can see how things are progressing on the B. & O. Former division operator, Mr. J. M. Trimble, has been appointed assistant trainmaster. Night chief F. N. Shultz takes his place, and Mr. T. M. Rogers is acting night chief for the present. Mr. Trimble has the good will of all the oper- ators, and we are sorry to have him leave us. We see no reason to complain of Mr. Shultz as his successor. Brothers, let’s do our best to give satisfactory service, and show the company that we are loyal to their interests and not trying to draw more money than we earn. Bro. C. I. Beery, day operator at Syracuse, has been absent from duty for the past week account of the death of his father, who resided at Scott, Ohio. Before closing, let me remind you once more not to forget where and when our meetings are to be held, and, above all, do not forget to attend the very next one if you can possibly do so. Div. Cor. Connellsville Division — The regular monthly meeting was held in Mar- kell’s Hall, on Pittsburg Street, Connellsville, in- stead of Trades Union Hall, where we had been holding them previously. We have a very elab- orate, convenient, spacious and cheerful place to transact business in now, and at a very reasonable rent per night, and that alone should inspire the boys to make a greater effort to get down to these meetings. Our popular, efficient and energetic Local Chairman, Bro. W. J. Currie, always has something good to tell of interest to the boys. I believe this was our banner meeting; it was very interesting all through; much enthusiasm was shown and the meeting was one long to be remem- bered. New appointments were made and all chairs were properly filled by those whom it was most probable could be present at all meetings hereafter. Since we are comfortably located in new quarters, let’s all get busy, put our shoulder to the wheel, and strive to attend each and every meeting pos- sible, and thereby make them all a grand success. The meetings will be held until further notice in the above hall on the fourth Saturday of each month. Don’t forget the day. Come early and avoid the rush. All the boys are looking anxiously for the es- tablishment of the eight hours on this division. They say, “All things come to those who wait.” Wait, every dog has his day; ours is coming slow but sure. Bro. C. C. DcHaven, McSpadden “owl,’’ re- sumed duty November 5th after doing two weeks. He spent the time very pleasantly in hunting and other sporting stunts. Bro. W. A. DeCorse, “RW,” who was enjoying a two weeks’ vacation, is back pounding the “Wogglebug” again. Brc. J. W. Riffle, McSpadden days, spent his two days’ block relief at Ursina, accompanied by his wife. Bro. R. M. Lynch, B. L. operator, re- lieved him. Bro. J. L. Baxter, who has been working Rock- wood nights since Bro. R. C. Hall was taken to the hospital, was given his block relief Thursday and Friday aist and sad November, and spent Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2072 The Railroad Telegrapher. them very agreeably with his family at McKees- port, Pa. Bro. R. C. Hall, who had been working at the above point for some time as extra man, contracted typhoid fever and was taken to the Memorial Hospital at Johnstown, Pa. Last accounts he was progressing very nicely, and expected to be re- leased therefrom ere this gets into print. Bro. S. M. DeHuff bid in the day copying job at Connellsville, and has been assigned thereto. Bro. DeHuff formerly held down *‘D” office. Bro. W. S. Burns bid in "RX” office nights, succeeding Bro. J. A. Dion, who left for his native heath, Quebec. We note the following changes on the pike in the way of bids lately: Bro. M. E. Rowan bid in Bidwell days. L. A. Phcncie, Gassellman nights. Bro. W. J. Emmerick, “FO” days. Mr. O. Null, "FO” nights. Mr. F. M. Oldham, Morgantown nights. Bro. P. R. Rhody bid in Montana, Pa., as agent and operator. Bro. Bartholomew, who bid in Markleton, tcok charge there November ist. Bro. R. W. Hoover laid off a short time ago to attend the funeral of his father at Hyndman. Pa. Bro. W. II. Iiabel, of “NA” tower, enjoyei his block relief, which was given him on November 21st and 22 d. Bro. J. T. Reynolds, of Casscllman, Pa., has resumed duty again after spending two weeks’ vacation with his wife and children near Balti- more. Bro. B. C. Bowers, extra train dispatcher S. & C. Branch, Rockwood, was called home recently account of his mother being seriously ill at or near Bedford, Pa. Bro. T. A. Adams, regular third trick dispatcher S. & C. Branch, Rockwood, has been working various tricks at Connellsville for some time past in order that the dispatchers there might enjoy their annual vacations. Bro. R. E. Cook, extra oj»erator, who has been filling the copiers' side at Rockwood for some time past, left on his annual vacation November 24th, to spend same with his parents in the West. Bro. C. H. Walters, extra dispatcher, is relieving him. A. J. Stein, an old-timer on this division, was visiting his sister, Bro. and Mrs. J. W. Ryan, second trick dispatcher of Rockwood, last month. A man from the “Katy” said to be working “NA” days; unable to learn his name. Have you mailed your information blank to Bro. W. J. Currie? If not, get busy. Nons, also get busy and make application to Bro. Currie. The first snow fell on November 24th, and it played particular havoc with the wires between Cumberland and Connellsville. It took all day Sunday and part of Monday to restore the wires to active service. H. B. Pigman, our popular, efficient and ener- getic division operator, is kept busy looking after the interests of the boys in his territory. Let us assist in lightening his burdens by giving lain the best service possible, thereby showing our appreciation of his efforts in our behalf. Every station should be represented at the next meeting. Our chief dispatcher should be given the best of service, as he is doing his best to accommodate us, and I assure you if we stick by iiim and give him a square deal he will do the same for us on meeting night. We have the majority of the dispatchers on this division lined up and carrying an up to-date card. Would be glad to see all present at the next meeting that can come. Cf.kt. 75. Wheeling Division — A Merry Xmas and Happy New Year to you all. The year of our Lord, 1907, has been a very prosperous year for the O. R. T. Wheeling Divi- sion has done wonders to swell the list of new members in the last twelve months, and promises to do even better the coming year. Let us make an united effort to make the Wheeling Division a banner division. There arc a few on this divi- sion who can not or will not see the light, whose names will appear in the February, 1508, journal unless they do the right thing in the meantime. If you are working with him do not let him rest until you have his wherewithal in your hand. This is a duty you owe yourself and the n:>b!c Or- der. There arc several agents who have been wan- ing for the new year to make its appearance in order to get in, so let us put it up to them the first of the year. There are a few of the boys on this division, who, I am ashamed to say, are delinquent in the 1 dues since last June. Boys, what do you mcar : Have you been unable to save $4.50 out of six month’s pay? W'hat do you expect your General Committee to work on while in Balti- more? Do you want them to live at the expense of the Salvation Army while getting you an increase in wages? Pay up. Let us see who will be the first to get his or her new card for 1908. which will be out by the time this appears in print. Our general chairman promises us the best schedule east of the Mississippi. Let us help him get it. Bro. Garrison is back with us again, working nights at Roseby Rock. Glad to see you back. “KO." Bro. A. S. Rush ford, relief block operator on the east end, makes his rounds regular, and is al- ways a welcome visitor. Bro. N. C. Little, third trick at Narrows, has been off duty for several days on account of sick- ness in his family. Bro. R. A. Fitzgerald, who has been making ex- pense bills ant) hustling freight at Denver agency, has bid in Roseby Rock, days. Sister Anna McGuire, of Glen Easton, days, spent several days in McMechen visiting friends and relatives. Bro. Russell Nichols is back at his old stand. Benton Ferry, after working the relief turn for two months. Mr. Poindexter now working *'DX/# Benwood, days, extra, has moved his family to >!oundsvil!e from Charleston. \V. Vj» Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2073 Bro. E. A. Wilson worked a few nights at Bridgeport, but was transferred to Schick, nights, on account of Bro. Mullett resigning. Bro. L. R. Sigler at present holding yard office at Holloway, days. Mr. A. P. Tillet went back to the Western Union after the strike was settled; his place being filled by Mr. A. B. Livingood, one of the strikers who decided to stay with the B. & O. in Wheeling office. Bro. W. C. Decgan, dispatcher, has just returned from his vacation, but not alone. Extra Dispatcher Bro. M. B. Rickey relieved Bro. Deegan. Bro. Lovejoy, relief dispatcher, is busy giving the dispatchers their two days in which to go over the road. Bros. E. E. Holloway, C. W. Jackson and H. A. Schultz made a raid on the rabbits the other day, and met with very good success. Bro. Frank Ingram, Jr., of Maynard, was off duty several days last month on account of sick- ness. Bro. C. H. Mitchell, of Bridgeport, days, and tih mother spent several days in Cambridge this month; he being relieved by Relief Operator Bro. Schultz. Bro. T. F. Corcoran, our division operator, has his hands full these days trying to keep the boom- ers to stay more than one day or night, which is no easy task, as the average boomer is hard to please. Cert. 729- To Bro. Woodward — I saw our brother stand. Gazing out upon the land; O’er the yellow corn, And the waving trees, And the black smoke whirling in the breeze. Oh, beautiful seem the earth and sky; Why doth he heave that bitter sigh? His heart is heavy, his eyes are dim; The beautiful day seem as naught to him. O’er the silent rest of his dear wife’s grave. The slender weeping willows wave. He starts and brushes away a tear, For the childish prattle comes to his ear Of the bright-haired angels his dear wife left To comfort him, lonely and bereft; With a gush of sorrow he turns to press Their little white hands with a fond cares-. They will never forget that mother’s love, The tenderness of that meek-eyed dove; The voice that rose on the evening air To bid them kneel to God in prayer. A precious friend from them ha9 gone; A voice they loved is stilled, A place is vacant in their home Which never can be filled. God, in His wisdom, has recalled The boon His love had given, And though the body moulders here. Her soul is safe in heaven. Courage, brother! Do not stumble, Though your path seems dark a9 night, You have three little stars to guide you, brother: Trust in God, and do the right. — H. A. S. C. and N. Division — Brothers, we are again nearing the last half of the current year, and should feel proud of our at tainments on this division. We, indeed, have ac- complished a great deal. There is much to feel thankful for. Many new members have been added to our ranks, seven applications received this month, and no desertions recorded, so far as I know of. No deaths, and the membership in a good, healthy and enthusiastic condition. But there is still some work for us to do in the way of friendly conversion, there being several non-mem- bers on the division that should be within our ranks. I know we could do them good, and sure they could do us more. Brothers, do not lose sight of the fact that the latch-string is always out for all that ar^ eligible and would be desirable mem- bers for our grand old Order. Bro. Concemeyer, of “BW” tower, was called to “VA” tower to work third trick a few days during the illness of Bro. Page. I am glad to announce that the brother has returned. Bro. Weaver Leverman, of “BW” tower, has been temporarily transferred to “VA” tower to work first trick during the absence of Bro. Fry. Bro. Watsqn is block relief on this division. The enthusiasm and attendance at our inter- mediate division meetings docs not seem to di- minish in the least. I am glad to announce, but would like to see more of the brothers in attend- ance. There arc plenty of accommodations and a good, warm, comfortable hall, and I know if you once attend you will be pleased, and want to come back again. Now, brothers, turn out at our next meeting en masse. I am sure we will be well repaid for the evening spent at these meetings. Cor. Baltimore Division— I “13” the third trick man at “GM” was bruised up considerably a short time ago by a student in his office. If this young man had one of our little cards in his vest pocket it would have saved all this trouble. The B. & O. is putting in the Hall system be- tween Washington and Germantown, which will be completed about March, and then several offices will be cut out. From what I can learn some of the boys on this line living in other States expect to fly with the blue birds next spring, when the nine-hour law goes int > effect unless the company pays them proper wages to meet all their expenses, etc., to justify them in remaining. They claim board is so very high — paying $20 and $22 per month, and besides wash- ing, etc., they claim they can not remain unaer $70 or $75 per month. This looks reasonable, and the only way for the companies to hold their men is to give them what they demand. Now we will only have a short while to wait before our new Digitized by u.ooQle

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2074 The Railroad Telegrapher. schedule, and we know our local chairman and the committee are going to demand just treatment for the hard-worked telegraphers, and I request all members to keep awake and give our dispatchers first-class service from now on. I heard our chief say some time ago while addressing a bunch of telegraphers that he wished to thank his men for the good service they had been giving; that it had been one whole week without finding one of his operators asleep and delaying his trains. He seemed to be very much pleased that one week had passed without finding a man asleep on duty. Now let's see if we can not keep awake two weeks, any way, if not longer, and I am sure our chief will more than appreciate our good service. Here's to eight hours and $75 for all U. S. A. boys, taking effect March 4, 1908. Ceet. 1546. Newark Division — Charlie Graham, the big chief of the Cambridge “Big Four,” has obtained a six months’ furlough, and has entered the service of the American Tin Plate Mill Company, at Cambridge. Hope of an eight-hour railroad job deferred made Charlie's heart sick, and impelled him to join the swelling ranks of B. & O. deserters. If the eight-hour idea prevails on the B. & O., he may return to the rail- road service after March 4, 1908. An enthusiastic and successful meeting was held at Zanesville on the evening of October 22d. The principal themes of discussion were the federal eight-hour law and the rigors of the single track block system. General Chairman Van Atta was un- avoidably absent, but Local Chairman Faust, of the Western District, was present and presided. R. R. Perry, of Salesville, who has been seri- ously ill of typhoid fever for several weeks, is again able to be out, but has not yet resumed duty. W. A. Linton grew tired of the incessant change of bed and board incident to the relief service, and returned to his father’s house within the classic precincts of Salesville. T. J. Ladd, formerly in the service of the B. & O. as relief operator, and later a victim of the commercial strike, is again in the railroad service, and is at present located at Cambridge. Our general committee will convene at Balti- more on December 9th. It will prepare and submit to the railroad management a revised contract based upon the federal eight-hour law. It will assume that the railroad company intends to obey the law, and will, therefore, make no premature effort to induce the company to discharge an obli- gation that it has not yet repudiated. Bro. Carr, of West Alexander, and Bro. Bell, of New Concord, made a pilgrimage to Glover Gap a few days ago to consult the sage of Kickapoo Lake. Carl Price, who has worked at Belmont for sev- eral years, has been awarded the night position at Sundale, and will probably remove his family to that place. T. S. Briggle, who was employed in the tele- graph department some years ago, and resigned to enter the machinery department as a fireman, is again in the telegraph service. He is now night relief telegrapher on the west end. The recent modification of the block rules has provoked a storm of protest in the telegraph de- partment It is claimed that the changes add ma- terially to the labor of the telegraphers, and do not add to safety. The target-holding device has been eliminated from the offices of the block system, also, and another burden thereby imposed upon the telegraphers. These changes have doubtless been suggested by a desire to promote safety, and the instructions concerning them should be rigidly obeyed. If the new rules arc found, after an hon- est test, to be impracticable, they will be abrogated. If they are found to be practicable, they may be effectively utilized as arguments for increased com- pensation and shorter hours. Meetings will be held at regular intervals here- after at Zanesville. All members will be duly no- tified of the dates of meetings, and I trust that they will cultivate the habit of attending when- ever possible. Nearly every one has a grievance, and the best place to air a grievance is the lodge- room. Some of our ablest and most stable mem- bers have never seen the interior of an O. R. T. meeting house, yet they are prolific in suggestion and criticism — at long range. Come into the lime- light, boys, and if those whom you have elected to serve you are, in your opinion, too radical or too conservative, or too lazy, or too ignorant, de- nounce them in the pillory of publicity, and, if no satisfactory defense is forthcoming, complete arrangements for their decapitation then and there. Kkko. New Castle Division — Telegraphers, do you realize that other roads in this territory are paying $10 per month more for soft “OS” jobs than we are getting for twelve- hour roasts, and who is to blame for conditions as they are with us at present? You, Mr. Non, who lay back and suck the good out of what little the committee has been able to secure in the past, wake up and be a man. If every telegrapher on this system would come out with an up-to-date card and be a man, we would not have to be ashamed of our jobs, as one brother expressed it in his information form. Do not be fooled into showing favors to these parasites who say “I have my papers,” but treat them as nons until they cash in. One case of this kind has been brought to our attention lately. You all know who this sorehead is and will treat him as he has treated the Order. For a liberal stock of pure, unadulterated nerve, R. B. Hammond, night man at West Farmington, seems to be overloaded. He only asks the com- mittee to secure him a raise of at least $12.50 per month, and would prefer an increase of $i7-5°* and at the same time he is endeavoring to impart his limited knowledge of telegraphy to a student who, to use his own words, he “don't show much.” And no wonder. Any one who ever heard him Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2075 try to work on the wire will agree that he “don’t show him much.” There seems to be a decided shortage of agents and clerks on this division. Bro. Reid, agent at Monroe Falls, has had his resignation in for six- weeks, to take a better position in Cleveland, but unable to get away. Mr. Post, clerk at Warren, has been trying to get a divorce from the B. & O. for the last two months, but the company is unable to relieve him. Now, the superintendent comes at these men with “If you leave before we send a man to relieve you, we will hold your bond for it.” Is this decent treatment these men are getting? Is there any more reason that an agent or operator be required to work ten days or ten weeks’ notice than there would be in the company giving a man ten days’ notice before discharging him? There are several places on this division where the eight-hour day could be put in effect with little or no expense to this company, but it would not be expected. Have they ever given the teleg- raphers anything that the committee has not squeezed out of them? It is reported that the B. & O. will double-track Chardon to Painesville this winter, to be ready for the opening of navigation in the spring. This will facilitate business. Navigation is about closed and business is be- ginning to shrink on the Lake branch, though Bros. Milburn and Kchres seem to have an un- limited message business. Bro. Maynard, Chardon, days, hopes to become a man of leisure and means through a patent device for cutting in temporary offices, which the Pennsylvania Co. is now testing. John Hennesy, who has been working nights at East Claridon the past summer, will work nights at Chardon, his home, this winter. Bro. C. H. Waldron, assistant yardmaster at Painesville, is taking a vacation last of November. He will likely be night yardmaster this winter. Bro. Browning, agent at Middlefield, has been trying since July to get off to visit his old home “way down in Old Virginia,” but they claim no relief agent. Here is a vchance for a job. Telegraph office at Summit Siding will likely be closed December i, which wil give Bro. Brown- ing more telegraphing to do. Bro. Byron, days, and Bro. Barr, recently from Erie, at Summit. Night office at State Road closed recently, on account unable to get a telegrapher to go there. Bro. Clewell still holding the day job. They would likely abandon the office entirely if Ollie should quit. Bro. M. F. Leahy, assigned to Newcastle side wires nights. Newcastle Junction being advertised nights. Un- derstand Bro. Wilson, who has been holding the job for some time, has resigned. Bro. Haun, at “KN” tower, off on vacation for a couple of weeks; relieved by Mr. Wallace, from Pennsylvania. Mr. T. C. Cahill has been assigned to Ohio Junction nights, vice Bro. Prinn, resigned. Bro. Jones, Newton Falls days, is still on the sick list, though it is reported that he is improv- ing. Bro. D. F. Seaman is working days at Deforest Junction, pending Bro. Howey’s appeal. Bro. Byron Gray assigned to east end block relief. We are glad to see a brother on the job once more. Now we can depend on being re- lieved on time. Bro. Devinney, Lodi days, is enjoying a ten days’ vacation lately; relieved by Bro. Trussell. We are sorry to report that Bro. Cecil’s wife did not improve in health by their Western trip, but died soon after they left Lodi. Uncle Tom. C., T. and V. District — Merry Christmas and a happy New Year I Spread the feast and invite your brothers less fortunately situated to gather around your festive board; then give the toast, “Long live the O. R. T., and the eight-hour day.” Hurrah for the wreath and sounder. Our Order man (?) at East Akron has been trying that old game of stringing, by trying to get us to believe he is as good an Order man at heart as any man on the road, card or no card, but when he tried all means of getting him a card and made a rank failure, came to the con- clusion it was best, as those two or three students there do not show the “Professor ‘CG,’ ” up as well as he would like. “No card, no favors.” That's commandment No. i. Will “think”’ of another some other time. Massillon meeting well attended. Bros. McCoy and Blank in the saddle. Several of the older members in attendance, and much spoken and done for the good of the Order. Bro. McCoy made a flying trip to points on the Valley last week one day. Few loose joints on the south end of C., T. & V. Same reported on the north end. Special over Cleveland Division, as second No. 6, with our division officers and Baltimore officials inspecting buildings and bridges. Our genial di- vision operator, Mr. E. M. Heaton, with a smile on his face and a word to all his “boys,” on board. Superintendent J. T. Johnson accompanied the train, Cleveland to Canton, and returned to Cleveland on No. 13. Sunday, November 2 4, made quite a change around Krumroy. Bro. Lang was checked out by Relief Agent C. D. Seeley. I do not know where Bro. Lang transferred. This leaves Krumroy, “MY,” a non-telegraph and agency point. Bro. Boyer is still on the sick list. Bro. F. S. Hoover returned to Botzum, “BO,” after helping out Mr. Seeley, relief agent, for a couple of months. Telegrapher T. A. Martin, Botzum to Strongs- ville, on C, L. & W. Bro. F. P. Darland is back to work at Canton Scales, after a few weeks off with typhoid fever. Relieved while on sick list by Telegrapher R. N. Mong. Digitized by CjOOQle

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2076 The Railroad Telegrapher. Telegrapher Jackson, of “CS,” Cleveland, is helping out the past ten days on the west end, C., L. & W., dispatcher’s office. Telegrapher F. J. Duey relieved Mr. Jackson in "CS.” Mr. Duey, from Western Union at "II,” Cleveland, and carries the necessary in C. T. U. of A. Bro. W. D. Rose, formerly of Canton Scales, is again heard of on the P., Ft. W. & C., at va- rious points between Allegheny and Crestline. Since leaving Canton Scales Bro. Rose worked in the wild and wooly West. We made a mistake in October Telegrapher, and take this opportunity to correct it. We re- ported second trick dispatcher at “CD,” Cleveland, as Bro. Dishlcr. However, we hope to be able to call Mr. Dishlcr brother soon. We would like to caution those "nons,” “semi- n ons” and “non sensical,” also “common nons” about getting in out of this chilly, wintry winds and get a card. Remember, our committee is not going up for fun when they convene at Baltimore soon. “Get a card or get thee hence.” A good fisherman uses only the best bait, the best hook, the best line. Our line is out for your order for papers, instructions, etc., and we want that “nib- ble.” Get busy! Bro. F. X. Lengs, of North Industry, has gone hunting again. Brothers, don’t forget to write a line or two of items and get them to me by the 24th. Bro. Curtis the only one shown up. Bro. Blank keep at it. “Adam Roarer." Philadelphia Division — We have all been anxiously looking for a meet- ing on the Philadelphia Division before the Gen- eral Committee goes before the management of the road, which takes place on the 9th of Decem- ber. The nons should all get in line and support the O. R. T., for the national nine-hour law that goes into effect next March will require the united support of all. It is noted that a correspondent from the Penn- sylvania Railroad mentions the Marr affair, in November Telegrapher. It is pleasing to know that the boys in Pennsylvania arc at last finding out this man. It has long ago been decided in O. R. T. circles, in this community, never to mention the unpleasantness that led up to the expulsion of Marr and Dolphin, but this brother mentioning the subject brings to mind one important fact that the brothers everywhere should know and not lo<c sight of, that it was Bros. Se-Bastian and Sullivan that brought the serious charges against Marr, and instead of Marr and Dolphin bringing action against them in the courts, as they were invited to do if they thought that they had been wronged or their character injured in any way, they brought all the power they could muster against our president and grand secretary and treasurer, who only acted as prosecutors in the case. Was there an object in this? Yes. They knew that if they took Sullivan and SeBastian before the courts they (Marr and Dolphin) would be publicly shown up in their true light, and then they tried to break up the organization by attacking the heads of our Order. They have done their worst and the outlaw organization is not in evidence. Cert. 421. River District, Pittsburg Division — November meeting held at Hotel Wilson, Pitts- burg, and was well attended. Chairman Carr ofti ciating. Ere this is in print our committee will be in Baltimore for the purpose of securing a new agree- ment. Several offices closed recently. Several train crews laid off. Work has commenced on the new’ tower and electric-pneumatic plant to replace the old inter- locking machine now in use at Wheeling Junction. Similar improvements are to be made at Dcmmler and McKeesport. We are pleased to add to our membership roll the names of Messrs. P. J. McCauley and M. S. Buck, of “DS,” Pittsburg. Three others of this office, we regret to note, have failed to make good for the past six months. Bro. Chas. Brady, formerly local chairman of Connellsville Division, has been added to the force in "I)S.” We hope he will not allow Bro. Mason to attend meetings alone hereafter. Bro. J. J. Lanning, local chairman of P. & W. District, was called home last evening on account of the death of his mother. Few changes on the “River.” Bro. Yeager has resumed his trick at Wheeling Junction, after a living trip through the West. Bro. Dickenson, of Wheeling Junction, on va- cation; relieved by Mr. Clark, extra man. Sister Bellman, of “KS,” McKeesport, off for a rest. Bro. Willings and Mr. Shciry, at Dcmmler, arc having their grief since the opening of the four tracks. It requires both hands and feet to keep ’em moving there. Bro. A. J. Stahl, our popular relief operator of the east end, contemplates leaving us at an early date for a change of climate, owing to failing health. The social event referred to in last letter ha5 not yet been pulled off, nor the plan abandoned. We hope to be able to announce the date ere many days. Div. Cor* Xoticc — Wheeling W. Va., October 21, 19 °7- Mrs. Catherine Jane Ingram and family want to thank all members of the O. R. T. who so kindly expressed their sympathy, and also for the beauti- ful floral offering. Mrs. Catherine J. Ingram. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom ha5 deemed it wise to remove from this life and strife, to His home beyond the blue, the wife of our es- teemed and loved brother, H. G. Woodward, and Digitized by u.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2077 while we must all humbly submit to Him who doith all things well, be it Resolved, That in her untimely death Bro. Wood- ward has suffered an irreparable loss, his children have lost the devoted care of a gentle, kind and loving mother; and be it further Resolved, That the Wheeling Division extend to the bereaved family its deepest sympathy in this their great sorrow’, and consign them to the care of the Maker of the universe for consolation, and that a copy of these resolutions be sent to the be- reaved family and a copy sent to the journal for publication. R. A. Murphy, M. B. Rickey, H. A. Schultz, Committee. Chicago & North Western Ry. Galena Division — - A very nice meeting was held at Dixon, Novem- ber 1 6th. Would have been larger attendance, but the Peoria Line boys could not attend. It was decided to hold the next meeting at Ster- ling for their benefit, and I hope there will be a large crowd. Date December aist. We are glad to see our old-time brother W. H. King, from Dekalb, tack in line again at this meet- ing. Bro. W. W. Troutman laying off a few days. Bro. L. D. Agnew is relieving him. Bro. II. E. Aye, of the grand division, is trans- ferred to Division 76, also Bro. R. E. Young, of Division 6. Tw’O more applicants just received. Let’s keep 76 up to the work, both in membership and attend- ance of meetings. “13” Bro. Breining, of “SJ,” has taken Horace Grecly’s advice and gone West. Bro. Wilcox is trying his hand at tower So. 1 Bro. Fries promoted to di rector tower No. 1. Bro. Blair has resigned position as director at tower No. 1, and is relieving agent at B.Vavia. Bro. G. W. Robeson, who holds cards in the (\ T. l.\ of A., as well as the O. R. T., is working night clip wire in “U,” Chicago. Bros. Dcitz and Price arc doing the clip stunt in “U,” days. Ilahnamann, as a telegraph office, has been dis- continued. and also the office at Morse, Ills. We failed last month to make mention of the purse of $100 given to Bro. T. Sheller to enable him to go southwest for his health, which has be.n poor for some time. This sum was contributed by the O. R. T. boys and by the office force in “CD,” Chicago office. At the Novemtcr 16th meeting a nice letter was read from Bro. Sheller thanking the brothers for the $100. Bro. L. L. Goff got “II M” tower, Elmhurst, on bid. Bro. O. H. Schultz took “HI.” Elmhurst, on bid. Bro. L. D. Agnew, Bro. Blair and Bro. Win- chester working extra. Bro. W. W. Tmntman took a run to Chicago for a few days. Money so scarce there he hurried back for fear some banker would hold him up for his cash. Bro. Lambert is an elevator man now, we un- derstand. Bro. Robinson, of Herbert, has bid in Shabbona Grove. Did you notice that all the unorganized em- ployes got a cut and you did not? Can the nons sec anything in that? We hold our own in case of hard times. It means stick with the O. R. T. When you attend the next meeting, which is. held at Sterling, for the benefit of the Peoria Line brothers, Bro. Daly will tell you where the ball is located. No saloon halls for ours. We have cut it out. If all union men would cut out us'ng the wares in which the saloon deals we are sure our cause would be much advanced. Understand Bro. J. Hiliker, who resigned from East Elgin, days, about a year ago, is back on the Galena Division again, and is working nights at Marengo. Bro. II. Wilson bid in “JN” tower, nights, but is working at “HD,” Western avenue, nights, now. Can’t some one create a noise loud enough to wake un the Fox River Line? We w’ant to make the meeting at Sterling, De- cember 21st. a record-breaker. Each member should make every effort possible to get there. If you can’t come, work for some one else so he can come. If you don’t come and cast your vote, don’t find fault with what is done. Cert. 820. Eastern District — Bro. Bates, of Dodge, got Pierce on bid. Mr. Mosher, of Leigh, to David City agency. Bro. E. L. Kcmpster, to Mo. Valley shops. McDonald, of West Point, and E. L. Kcmpster arc now brothers, having taken out their cards the latter part of October. Bro. Foote got Verdigre on bid. Helpers taken off at the following stations: Bristow, Fairfax, Gregory, Leigh, Harvard and Seward. Bro. Goodcll, of Spencer, has accepted a good position in Southern California, and there is a rumor that two or three more brothers will join him soon. Bro. Bcesen, of Anoka, has resigned and ac- cepted a position with the Wabash. Bro. Sharp, of Bonestcel, worked a day or so at Burke. Bro. Vestal, of Burke, is on the sick list. * Bro. Funk, of St. Charles, has been on the sick list. Telegrapher Fowler is doing the relief act at Burke during Bro. Vestal's absence. Roy Edens, of Petersburg, has accepted the posi- tion of day operator at Gregory. Bro. Hicks is now located with Bro. Day at Albion. Bro. Anderson has been assigned to Petersburg. Bro. J. Grecnawalt, formerly of Bee, relieving at Humphrey. Bro. Foster, once one of the boys of this divi- sion, now with the Milwaukee, is visiting his Digitized by c,ooQle

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2078 The Railroad Telegrapher, parents at Scribner. Bro. Foster is now married and has a fine O. R. T. baby girl. The old “scab,” Busch, formerly an O. R. T. man, was home at Scribner trying to kiss and make up. Bro. Saures got the day job at Hooper on bulletin. Bro. Popelar, days at Scribner, spent Sunday at Dodge. Bro. Brown, night owl, doubled. Bro. Dolista is back at his old position at West Point nights. He was favored by a letter from Scab Busch, asking for last September and Oc- tober journal to see what kind of a write-up the boys had for him, but Bro. Dolista wrote in large red letters, “No Card, No Favors!” Bro. Brown got Lynch agency by bid. Dispatcher Larson was visiting old friends at Scribner between trains November nth. Telegrapher W. L. Nichols is working at New- port nights. Bro. E. Nelson working days at Atkinson. Cutting expenses is causing some of the broth- ers to work sixteen to eighteen hours per day, as their helpers have been taken away. Operator Nichols is relieving at Leigh. Mr. Flick, agent at Humphrey, is spending his vacation in Ohio. “13” that there are quite a number of night offices that have recently been closed, but am un- able to say where they are. W. J. Chapman, who has been night operator at Irving, bid in Sawyer and has been checked in. Bro. Weist, agent at Irvington to day operator at Oakdale. Bro. Willard, days at “FN” office, Fremont, to day operator at Arlington. Bro. Nivison, from Black Hills Division, work- ing nights at Arlington. Bro. Brome to Bristow; transfer made the 22d. Bro. J. A. Boyles, formerly at Lynch and trans- ferred to ticket agent at Dead wood, is now freight agent at that place. Mrs. Rightcr, wife of Bro. Righter, of Stock- ham, has been very sick, but is now out of danger and improving slowly. Bro. Righter was away on his vacation when she was taken sick. Bro. Burwell, of Inland, drew Foster. Motor car on Hastings line has been taken off and put on Bonesteel line. Meeting called for November 29th at Fremont, and we hope for a large attendance. Don’t forget to get items to me by 25th of each month. Through a misunderstanding on the part of the correspondent, we caused an item to be published in November journal reflecting on the character of Bro. Sherman at Gregory. Bro. Sherman is a member in good standing, and we are very, very sorry indeed that this appeared against him, and most humbly beg his pardon. Bro. Hilke, of Atkinson, resigned to go to California. Night men have been taken off at the following stations: Meadow Grove, Ewing and Stuart; also day man at O’Neill and helpers at thirteen sta- tions. Div. Cor. AN OFFICIAL DREAMS. Come, boys, to order, let’s get started. We’ve assembled here both great and small. To discuss the problem on the C. & N. W. Of expense — listen — I’ll start the ball. The force is large — we’re losing ground. In matters of economy, I would say chiefly. And along those lines we wish to talk; With your permission. I’ll state it briefly: The section bosses mostly have had a snap In cutting the weeds this summer. There’s one place to cut it down, By putting their men on the hummer. The bridges are in fair condition. The bridge-gangs have been at play. We'll have to cut their forces down, And hire them again next May. The round-house isn’t doing much. Those men have had it easy, We could take off a dozen men By letting the engines go greasy. The conductors always have had their way. At “US” they’ve seemed to “scoff;” We’ll now show them whose running things » By taking their swing-men off. The money-joke, too, is getting bad. Some few trains we must suspend. Those “flaggics,” too, are not much use. The road gives employment to too many men. The agents also must play their part. We’ve helped them out with shelter. While biz is dull — our expenses high, I think they can run things minus the helper. Head -office forces are now closely cut down. But in these times of most serious matters, We’ll have to try and run the road. With less of those sleepy dispatchers. The baggagemen, too, we won’t forget. This is a bad one — let’s think it over, I believe one man could do the work. If not, put it in charge of “the man on the motor.” Now, I’d like to hear some other views, I thank you all for your kind attention; If I’ve slighted some in this reducing, It’s lack of thought, not of intention. CwtT. 1830. Dako'.a Division — Our committee is due in Chicago January 8, 1908. Get busy and remit dues, also get after any nons who might be located in your neighbor- hood. It is certainly discouraging to have complaints coming in about the carelessness of some of the boys. Perhaps most of this is thoughtlessness on the part of the boys; try and do better. I f you want to get off for an hour or so to go to a sjiow, ask, and if there is any show it will Digitized by CjOOQle

Page 1162

The Railroad Telegrapher. 2079 be granted. You are paid for twelve hours* work, with one hour off for meals. There is nothing in the present schedule which gives you a right to jump up and leave the office whenever you desire, without first getting permission from the train dispatcher. We all have our faults, but let us reduce the mistakes to a minimum. The class of work put out by the agents and operators deter- mines a greal deal whether we get an increase in wages or shorter hours. A source of much trouble on this division this fall was the number of night operators who had it in their nuts that they were hired to do nothing but telegraph, and that the more work they could get out of the better off they were. These fellows, sooner or later, get their rewards in the shape of relief. Do not get discouraged by the outcome of the commercial telegraphers’ strike, look at the North- ern Pacific and Great Northern Railways, for in- stance. The Northern Pacific went home with a nice schedule. It was thought that the O. R. T. had died on those roads, but it was like a cat sleeping with one eye open. G. R. Raabe, one of the striking C. T. U. of A. boys, worked at Tyler nights, a short time, and was called to Chicago to attend a lawsuit. Operator Abbs transferred from Tyler nights to Sioux Valley Junction nights. Bro. P. E. Long, who relieved Bro. Finnerty at Centerville, worked at Brookings a few nights, and was later sent to Tyler nights. Bro. O. P. Walters is back to Brookings nights again after taking Kendall’s place while “K” was on a little booming expedition. Bro. A. F. Daugaard took Soo Valley Junction days when that office was opened. Operator Anderson, who relieved Bro. Stow at Hetland, returned to Fond du Lac to get his fam- ily; Bro. Watschke relieved him. Trainmaster Eicholtz did the telegraphing at the Tyler wreck, thus relieving a regular operator of a forty-hour trick. This wreck telegraphing is no snap, as far as hours are concerned. Bro. A. D. Lortschcr, of Aberdeen days, took a few days off and took a trip to Elkton. Bro. F. Austin took the Lake Benton night job, after the Blunt Pit was closed. C. Steward is the new night man at Balaton. Operator Schnaur, of Fond du Lac, is in charge of Burchard. It is rumored that a number of offices are to be opened nights that have not been 'night offices before. The more the merrier and there is cer- tainly need ol more offices, the way trains are getting tied up every night at the closed offices. Bro. Abbs, from Balaton nights, went to Gar- vin and relieved Bro. B. Laity. Balaton closed nights. Bro. Geo. Stow is again back at Tyler, this time in the shape of a day operator, relieving Bro. C. H. Watschke. Mr. John Schnur went to Elkton nights, when Burchard closed. Mr. Geo. Schaffer, the old-time railroad man, broker and race-track man, worked twenty-six days at Elkton in October, but the game was too slow for him and he departed to the land of milk and honey (Kansas City). There are several night operators scattered along the line who could be likened unto the hind leg of a hog after being cured and smoked. Bro. E. A. Nelgreen, of Monroe, was off a few days on account of injuries received to his hand. He was relieved by that all around man, Bro. J. C. Peterson, from Elkton nights. Bro. Depue, agent at Volin, took his hike for the Soo City Division. Bro. Odell, fat and jolly, fresh from Ivanhoe, a small hamlet on the McNally streak of rust, drew Wakonda on the Bull. Bro. Geo. Olson, who held Arco for some time past, but late of Wakenda, goes to the M. & St. L. Norm. Cass, agent at Miller, was off on health- ful recreation for a few weeks. Before he re- turned to Miller he made a call at Yankton. Mr. J. J. Gahagan, formerly C. T. D. at Huron, but now of the Galena Division at Chicago, was on this pike a few days ago. We should have a meeting in Huron some Sun- day in December. Bro. F. R. Lowe took charge of Balaton agency, relieving Bro. Holbrook. Bro. Lowe was relieved at Columbia by Bro. J. C. Peterson, who gets Columbia on bulletin. Bro. Holbrook relieved at Cavour by Bro. Dixon, a new man on this division. Bro. Brown was relieved at Cavour by Bro. Holbrook. Bro. O. P. Walters is now nights at Brookings. Bro. G. Johnson relieved Bro. M. Pay, agent at Volga. Bro. Pay will go South for his health. Bro. A. Dugaard days at Brookings. Bro. W. L. Ford, of Lake Preston, called to at- tend court at De Smet; relieved by Bro. Stimson, Jr., of Dc Smet. Bro. Ford was compelled to work at De Smet nights, though. Bro. Meyer, days at Redfield. Bro. Carpenter takes the side t wire days at Huron from Bro. Nutter, who takes a train wire. Mr. Davenport, night chief at Huron. Mr. G. L. Hazen, resigned night chief at Huron, takes second trick for N. P. at Missoula. Mr. C. H. Kelly, first trick; Mr. E. L. Stewart, second trick train detainer, with “Swifty” Jones third trick. The panic cut down the number of trains, also night offices and extra gangs on this division, but do not notice any decrease in our work here. No notes received from the P., R., C. & N. W. this month. Wish the correspondent there would get busy. Please send us some notes before the 20th of each month. If you arc left out of this it is not my fault. Mr. W. G. Waldweilcr went from Elkton to Salem nights. Walter is from Chicago. Helper M. A. Page went from Elkton to Miller and took helper job at that station. Digitized by c,ooQle

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2080 The Railroad Telegrapher. Marshall Field, Jr., son of the late Marshall Field, relieved Helper Page at Elkton. Field says he wants to learn the railroad business from the ground up. Good opportunity. Div. Cor. Minnesota Division — It would seem that there is some misunderstand- ing regarding this “bumping” business. Bro. T. F. Carroll having been bumped at Winona nights by an older man, owing to the fact that one of the tricks out of Winona was abolished. Bro. Carroll, in turn, goes after Waseca days, relieving Bro. Mahoney. I do not know what Bro. Ma- honey will do. L, F. Carroll, a new man from Chicago W. U. office, working nights at Winona for a short time. M. F. Gudmondson worked nights at Rochester, while T. C. Ferris handled the day stunt. Bro. Grey is acting agent. M. F. Gudmondson got Essig by bulletin, but could not get a boarding place there. Understand the position was given to A. L. Taylor, and Gud- mondson was told that he could have any other position his rights called for. G. W. Pfefferlee is still at Byron nights, during the rush. J. P. Banks is back at Evan again, relieving B. H. Nixon, Nixon going to Owatonna nights. New man at Mankato Junction nights. Have been unable to learn who he is. L. V. Smith re- signed, and has left for greener fields. G. E. Black left the service, being relieved by a man from “CH,” Chicago. A. Koolhouse, at Sleepy Eye nights. He is from the W. U., Butte, Mont. M. L. Manchester, agent at Plainvicw, counted scores at Carlislc-Minnesota game at Minne- apolis, Saturday, being relieved by Extra Teleg- rapher McDonald. W. A. Wagner drew Utica agency by bulletin. Dispatcher A. G. Bosshard spent a day and a half near Meriden, hunting. II. T. Smith, agent at Eagle Lake, was off for a few days, being relieved by E. W. Iliffcrnan, day telegrapher from Janesville, who, in turn, was relieved by F. C. Whittlesy, agent same place. F. W. Mosher off for a few days. Extra Teleg- rapher McDonald doing the relief act. J. Daskoskic drew Milroy agency by bulletin. Extra Telegrapher F. J. Thompson relieved G. W. Cotton at Essig, then he was relieved by A. L. Taylor, who gets this station by assignment. F. J. T. is taking a few days’ rest at this time. H. Sorenson is working days at Rochester now, with T. C. Ferris back in the night man’s chair. G. P. Skeels gets Courtland by bulletin, and J. G. Johnson gets Kasson the same way. It was thought that Bro. Johnson had left the service, but, after a little investigation, we find that he only took a short lay-off. Our local chairman took a short trip over the division last month, and reports everything in good shape, but finds a lot of nuns with the bunch. That’s our own fault, so let’s see what we can show him next trip. The following positions have been filled by bul- letin since the last Telegrapher: Night telegra pher, Lewiston, L. M. Carroll; night telegrapher. Owatonna, B. H. Nixon; agent and telegrapher. Meriden, G. W. Cotton; night telegrapher, Wa- tertown, H. Olson; night telegrapher. New Ulm, C. W. Bacon. Acting Div Cor. Chicago Division — Bro. Ray Stanford, who has been working nights at Waukegan the past year and a half, has been assigned to Hunting avenue nights, being relieved at Waukegan by Bro. Dempsey from Kanasha. Think the change will do Stanford good. Mr. Avery is now working at Evanston nights. Understand Bro. Pierce, from “SJ” office, has gone to the wild and wooly West. Cert. i7t0- Sioux City Division — Regular meeting held at the West Hotel, Sioux City, with the average attendance. Called to order by Local Chairman Bro. Haymond. Several im- portant questions were discussed. Among other things, the names of the brothers who have their dues all paid up were read, so if your name wasn’t on the list you will know the reason why. Bro. Tracy Noe gets Mondomin on bulletin. Bro. Dick taking Galva. Bro. Garnet, who has been laying off for a few days, is back at Wall Lake. He was relieved by Bros. French and Dick. Bro. Roy Brown, who used to do relief work on this division* and who lately has been on the G. N. at Willmar and Garretson, is laying off and visiting at his home in Mapleton. Bro. Swanstrom, agent at Dayton, took a week > vacation, and took a trip to Illinois; relieved by Mr. Woodruff. Bro. Marble is out in the wild and wooly West for a trip. Haven’t heard who relieves him. Bro. R. L.. Holm, who used to tickle the w>re on this division, and is now agent at Paulhoa, took a couple of days off, and visited relatives m Odcbolt. Operator Haasch got Onawa nights. Bro. Lambert has been working at Turin a few days. Understand our committee is going in atfain January 6. It is to be hoped every member "'ill have his dues all paid for the next six months, so they can present a solid front in their negotiations. Am indebted to Bro. Fuller for assistance this month. I asked several other brothers for spn,c suggestions, but my request was entirely ignored. Mr. B. I. Fenn gets the agency at Onawa. Cn- derstand Mr. Armstrong is dispatching on Great Northern. Hope to see you all out at the next meeiing. which will be held at the West Hotel, Sioux City. January 5. Be sure and come. Cert. Digitized by U,ooole

Page 1164

Tiie Railroad Telegrapher. 2081 Madison Dixdsion — Each day brings us nearer to the time when the telegraphers’ nine-hour law will go into effect. Occasionally we hear some say that railroads w**l pay no attention to this law. Such men must have a poor opinion of our officials and railroad manage- ment in general, because, should they do so, they would soon bankrupt the companies, as the penalty for each and every violation of this law is from $1,000 to $5,000. Furthermore, it is the duty of the railroad commission to see that it is obeyed. Let it be understood that we should not be re- quired to work longer than nine hours after the 4th of March. We have no doubt but what the railroads will comply with the law when the time comes. At the present time, with the unsettled state of affairs, do you think the law going into effect at this time will affect the telegraphers? we are asked. There is no question but what many got caught, or, rather, bet on the wrong side ini the Wall street gamble, and lost lots of money, and the failing of several banks has made people more cautious. But it is hard for us to understand how, when the railroads are handling about all the business they can, it should affect us. As long as the laboring class, those working for wages, and the small business men, have confidence in the banks, and do not withdraw their savings, we need not worry because it is their few hundred millions of dollars that can really affect the coun- try at large one way or the other. The large sums held by banks in reserve to meet their demands is making money scarce, but I think you will find the earnings of this and other rail- roads in Wisconsin will come up to last year’s, and will probably average considerably more. We may safely leave it to men who have been for years figuring to meet demands as they arise; that they can figure every one of us has discovered. They have figured how they could take away the helpers at stations, how they could make agent-telegraphers do four times as much work as they did fifteen years ago without more pay. They figured out as long as helpers were not learning telegraphy their salary was a poor investment, so cut it out. Year by year they figured and figured, and their figuring brought about conditions that left no al- ternative for the telegraphers, as well as other classes of employes, but to organize and join their respective unions; we simply have no other way to protect ourselves. For a long time officials could see no good in unions, and refused to have anything to do with them, but as unions have grown day by day, and year by year, as they arc bound to keep on grow- ing, the officials changed their views, and when our committee appeared before them a few years ago they -were willing to recognize the O. R. T., and treated with them as representatives of a union, and entered into an agreement with them. Our committee has been in twice since, and each time the officials met them, because they saw our Order had good points, knew that an agreement made with our representatives was lived up to, and that they received better service. This is along the right line, because whatever prbblems that confront us telegraphers we must solve ourselves. Officials will not solve them. They can, by working with us, aid us, but we must take up our own burdens, and try to make them lighter; for that purpose we join the O. R. T. As I have said, on a former occasion, the con- servative actions of our committee gained the con- fidence of the nons, and they have become mem- bers. We see clearly that our committee has acted wisely. This getting a little at a time, although it has not met the expectations of some, has turned out for the best. In this way we have gradually become stronger, and the principles of our organi- zation are better understood, and we are thereby able to hold whatever concessions we have gained. It has not been without a contest, because some subordinate officials have tried to misconstrue, and take advantage wherever they thought they saw a chance, such as putting switch-lamps onto the telegrapher to take care of; and on some divisions on this system agent-telegraphers are told they must teach helpers telegraphy if they want help- ers. These things are a direct violation of our schedule. We have every reason to believe that our managing officials meant us to have all the con- cessions they agreed to, and whatever points we have fought for and gained, we want. The griev- ances which have arisen has shown us the necessity of being thoroughly organized, and “eternal vig- ilance’’ must be our motto, for only by that will we retain what we have gained. We have been compelled to be satisfied with nib- bles, but the time has come when we want a bite. In the near future we will be called upon, and if we are found worthy, we will get a bite. It is up to all of us to realize this. The time for talking is passed; now we must act, or go way back and sit down. The sentiment of this division is O. K. There is no fooling or bluff in the stand they want taken to gain a shorter workday and living wages. We have added to our membership S. S. Webf ster, A. F. Retzloff, J. L. Berschens, J. M. Miller, L. B. Blann, Anton B. Steinhoff. Bro. H. D. Adams is off enjoying a vacation at Mason City, Iowa. Bro. A. H. Richards is re- lieving him. Bro. Richards worked in “SJ” office until about a year ago, when his health began to fail. He tried the W. & N. W. Railway for a while before coming here. His home is at Foot- villc, where all our great railroad men come from (general superintendent, superintendent, conduc- tors, etc.) Bro. A. G. Thomas is back at tower “EA,” days, after being away all summer doing extra agent’s work. Bro. T. A. Corcoran, who has been reliev- ing him, resumes his duties there nights. Tower “EA” seems to be hoodooed, as it was burned down the other day — the second or third time within a few years. Now a box-car caboose is used for an office. Bro. J. A. Richardson is holding down Caledo- nia, nights, while same is bulletined. Digitized by c,ooQle

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2082 The Railroad Telegrapher. At tower *‘DO” we have had several changes. Bro. M. M. Zeches relieved Bro. T. A. Tesky a few nights, then went to Beloit, nights, to relieve Bro. J. C. Van Auger, who is holding down Beloit, days, until bulletin is up. Bro. Hannum is at present holding down tower “DO,” nights, and Bro. W. P. Joyce, Beloit, nights. Bro. Zeches went to Kendalls, nights, for a couple of weeks, when Bro. J. L. Berschens re- lieved him. Bro. Berschens held down Elroy, nights, for a while. Bro. Teskey relieved Bro. S. L. Fast, at Sparta, days. Have not heard where Bro. Fast went Bro. E. L. Gross, the hard-working day man at Caledonia, is enjoying a short vacation. Bro. A. G. Thomas is relieving him, and Teleg- rapher John Meiers, from Waunakec, is at tower “EA,” days. Bro. A. Anderson, N. T. S. T. G., at Monona yard, “M,” enjoyed a few nights off, visiting friends at Leyden; Bro. L. G. Abts relieved him. Bro. Abts also relieved Bro. Jordan, nights, at Recdsburg. Bro. A. B. Steinhoff is relieving Bro. F. H. Main at Merrimac, “Z,” nights, for a month. Bro. Main went to Kansas to visit relatives. Telegrapher Mitchell is holding down Leyden, nights, until Mr. Edwards, who got it on bulletin, takes charge. Bro. M. H. Keefe got Evansville, nights, on last bulletin — No. 20. Bids on bulletin No. 21 not checked up yet. Bro. Luedtke is relieving Bro. Rice at Wilton, nights. Bro. Rice is taking an extended vacation, and we “13” he is going to take in the sights of several large cities. Bro. P. F. Ebert, who got Summit, nights, on the last bulletin, is taking a needed rest, and is going to Huron, S. D., and, maybe, to the coast to see some of the country. Bro. Hendrickson is relieving Bro. Eberts at Summit, nights. Before leaving Bro. Eberts relieved Bro. Evans at Sparta, nights, for a short time. Mr. M. E. Patterson, first trick man on the south end, is off enjoying a couple of weeks well- earned rest. Mr. A. F. Reiner, assistant superintendent, has left us again; this time to be superintendent on the Northern Wisconsin Division, with headquarters at North Fond Du Lac. Mr. A. W. Towsley, his successor, comes from Chicago, and has assumed his duties. Bro. M. H. Hansen, day man at Evansville, has been enjoying a two weeks’ vacation with his pa- rents at Camp Douglass; Bro. Johnson relieved him for a while, when he went to Helcnville to relieve Bro. Westphal as agent. Bro. E. P. Colton, agent at Evansville, was taken sick and unable to work. Bro. W. H. Hansen, cashier, is relieving him, assisted by Mr. Edwards, with Bro. Abts at the key. The east and west end failed to send me any items this month. Things are kind of dull around the mines on the west end; most all shut down, s.i the company will change the switch crews out there. E. P. Wright, of the dispatcher's force, ha* been enjoying his two weeks’ vacation recently, putting in part of the time hunting and a part in visiting around amongst his friends and relatives. Chief Dispatcher H. D. Schooff has also had a few days off, which he has certainly earned. A. R. Pelnar was acting day chief, and J. H. Hull. Jr., night chief during the absence of Mr. Schooff, with Bro. E. F. Boehm third man on the south end, and E. P. Wright, Bro. H. R. Koch and G. A. Cole on the north end, while Bro. C. B. Adams take* care of the troubles on the cross line. Owing to the present epidemic of laying off everybody that can, by any possibility be laid off, the company has dispensed with the services of the night man on the cross line, also the night opera- tor, and the tracer man has a good trick from 12, midnight, till 12, noon. We all appreciate the fact that there is no work at this office, so that these men are not needed (?). Let us hope that the business will soon be such that they may be reinstated in their respective posi- tions. By the looks of the movement of ca*-s on this division, and the movement of stock, etc., there has been no appreciable falling off in bust ness, so we presume the reductions are on account of Wall street having spent all our money. Dtrt you get your check in pieces of $10 or $20 this time, like the rest of us? R. B. Wood, who worked a few days on the cross line job in the dispatcher’s office, and a few nights on the operator’s job, was one of the un- lucky to fall under the ban of the “lay-off" man, as was also Bro. C. C. Hinners. Bro. Hinners is enjoying a few days’ vacation meanwhile, taking in the sights in Milwaukee and Platteville. Bro. V. R. Harding was off duty a couple of days. Bro. F. E. Warner was off duty a couple of weeks owing to the illness and death of bis grand mother, who died at Baraboo October 18th. On account of the reduction of forces at “SJ office, in Chicago, we lose two of the boys who worked the wires on our end, Bros. Brein- ing and Pearce, who have gone to the U. P. H*'1 way. To those who so kindly and willingly contributed to the cause for which wc recently circulated » petition, we wish, on behalf of those most inter- ested to tender sincere thanks, more especially 10 those not of the O. R. T., of whom there were many who replied very liberally. Our worthy brother will fully appreciate this timely assistance. Thank you. Bro. C. C. Hinners worked the quad job during the absence of Bro. Warner, and Bro. A. G. Elsnrt took Bro. Hinner’s place on the job, nights, for a few nights, and then R. B. Wood took up the night troubles till the night job was pulled off- Bro. Eisner has returned to his regular job as o» at Madison, relieving Bro. Durkopp, who goes 10 Digitized by t^ooQle

Page 1166

The Railroad Telegrapher. 2083 “FR” office, Monona yards, nights, vice C. O. But- ler, who resigned to enter the switching service at Madison, the life of a telegrapher being too stren- uous for him. The construction of the telephone line, Evans- ville to Baraboo, has been abandoned for the pres- ent, and the men engaged in its construction laid off. Bro. Nick Charlson got Footville station on bul- letin, and has taken charge of the same. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Div. Cor. Peninsula Division — Peninsula Division meeting called to order by Chief Telegrapher Little at 10:20 p. m. Four applicants were initiated, and taking into consid- eration that this was our initial attempt at initia- tory work, will say it was a success far be- yond the expectations of all. There are more to be initiated at the next meeting, brothers, and it will bring your heart good cheer to be present and witness the ceremonies, which are very im- pressive and instructive, and it’s a duty we all owe our Order to attend meeting when it is at all possible to do so. Don’t let some trivial matter hinder your attending; it’s only once a month, brothers, and surely any man can stand a little inconvenience for a good cause. Bro. Moran addressed the meeting on O. R. T. matters. Bro. Crickelair was appointed to ad- dress the next meeting. It is the intention to appoint at each meeting a member to carry on this work of furthering our cause by discussion. A word to all the brothers on this non question. You all received our General Chairman’s circular and act accordingly. Don’t lay such a valuable appeal and instructions aside after reading it. Every brother sit down and write an intelligent letter to every non on the divison, and make an urgent request for him to get in line. I think this would work results. Everybody is well pleased to see Bro. Raymile with us again. His affected leg is mending as rapidly as can be expected. Bro. Phillips’ cup of grief is certainly overflowing of late, it being necessary for him to take his wife to the hospital at Escanaba and his little girl Gladys being seriously ill at home. Gladstone days is on bulletin; no one placed as yet. Bro. Clark and Moran went hunting again, with the usual results. Stephenson agency taken by Bro. Lanthier on bulletin. Bro. Sullivan drew Oconto nights on bulletin. Bro. Mooney is just recovering from an attack of pneumonia. This is the reason he was not with us at last meeting. Bro. Grier relieving Bro. Peets at Hermansville, Bro. Peets taking his much-needed vacation. Scribe. Northern Wisconsin Division — Bro. Kohler is back at Watertown again after a six months’ leave of absence, which time he has been putting in at the city ticket office in Milwaukee. Bro. Hierlihy, I “13,” will go back to Milton Jet. nights, after relieving Bro. Kohler during his absence. Bro. Remmell off a few days deer hunting with Bro. Himmler. Bro. Jno. Sund relieving him. At the present writing the position of day teleg- rapher and leverman at tower “CF” is up for bids. You are all, no doubt, aware that our committee is to meet our officials in Chicago in the near future for the purpose of revising our present schedule. They are going up against a hard proposition, much harder than ever before account of the recently enacted eight and nine-hour laws. We must give them our heartiest support to a man, and must pay our dues promptly, which will save a lot of unnecessary work and will show them that they have our support. If there is anything comes up on the division while our committee is in Chicago, just write our Local Chairman, Bro. Hackbert, regarding it. Address him in care of the Kaiserhof Hotel. Div. Cor. Ashland Division — You have no doubt been advised that our com- mittee convenes in Chicago January 6th for the pur- pose of revising our schedule on the eight-hour basis and making other changes in same for our interests. We request that you do your utmost from now until the committee convenes to persuade the nons to come into the Order. If you have asked them before to join, don’t be discouraged, but ask them a few more times; reason with them and put the subject squarely before them. Say to them that if it were not for the fact that we were organized solidly at the present time, we would certainly have our wages reduced as a result of the recent financial flurry, as has been the case with other branches of service on thi3 system of railroad. For example, the section men and members of the engineering department and clerical forces. Members of these other branches of service have come to me and said that we could thank our stars that we were organized under the protecting wing of the O. R. T. The advantages of thorough organization were never more evident than at the present time, and never more forcibly brought to our notice. Therefore, I say, brothers, keep eternally after the nons until you at last succeed. Support your committee with the best backing you can give them and encourage them at all times. Their success is your success. Bro. W. R. Jones, of Whitcomb, spent a few days in Milwaukee la9t month, being relieved by Bro. H. E. Jame9. Split Rock, Elmhurst and Whitcomb have been closed nights. Kimberly days has also been closed and Bro. Kilsdonk transferred to Pelican days. The clip job at Antigo dispatcher’s office has also been taken off for the present, and Bro. B. E. Reson transferred to Antigo yard days. Operator R. L. Vore taking a month’s vacation to visit at St. Paul and out West. 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2084 The Railroad Telegrapher. J- L. Burger, agent Mercer, can now be called brother. Bro. M. J. Johnson is at present working at Saxon nights. Several of the boys have been laid off recently as the result of closing a few night offices. Business will undoubtedly pick up the first of year; if not, the eight-hour law will make jobs for all of them. L. C. Coal & Coke Railway. Bro. Cutright, of Frenchton, has returned from a twenty-day vacation. On account of illness of his wife “CU” did not enjoy his time as well as lie would have done had conditions been other- wise. He was relieved by Mr. R. L. Moore. Bro. Shawner is now enjoying a vacation, he also being relieved by Mr. Moore. Bro. Bays, at Burnsville, having tendered his resignation; has been relieved by Mr. Martin, who hails from the K. & M. Ry. Can not say as to whether he carries the proper colors. Bro. Simmons has been transferred from Sago to Bower, Bro. Gross having resigned. The schedule which was drafted some time ago has not as yet been presented, but will be looked after as soon as our General Chairman returns from vacation. We should get this schedule through as early as possible. All see the necessity of an agree- ment with the company and are in favor of prompt action. Wc should ask for what we want and justly deserve and make them come to it. If it is possible that we experience any trouble in securing our rights, I am sure we could do no worse elsewhere, and there is a possibility of doing better. Wc hear lots of talk about the eight-hour day and $75-oo minimum. Let’s make this talk a reality and there will be some pleasure in life for the man handling the key. Railroads can not do without our services. If necessary we could tie up the entire “U. S. A.” by simply stepping down and out. There would be nothing left for them but to come to our terms. Mr. E. L. Bryant, agent “P,” has resigned. Bro. L). lien sell has accepted a position on M. & K. Ry. Cert. 3443. Southern Railway. Memphis Division — How about that non next to you? Have you asked him lately if he was going to line up. if not, why not ? (jet after him and see what he is made of, and get him to show his colors by getting an up to date. Now is the time for all of us to get busy and land every new man we can. It is not long until the nine-hour law comes into effect, and we want every available man to get him an up-to-date. Several jobs on bulletin now, viz., Florence agency, Scottsboro agency, Lim Rock agency and ticket agency at Sheffield. Think have two or three applicants for Lim Rock, but none seem to be wanting Scottsboro, as that is a big roast for the money. Don't know who wants the other places. , Understand our chief, Mr. Cameron, is going to the N. A. Ry. as trainmaster. Don’t know who his successor will be. Bro. Hathcock bid in Huntsville nights and relieved Bro. Whitfield on the 20th, who in turn w-as going to the I. C. for regular job. Bro. Jones, of Fackler, has resumed work after an extended visit out West. He reports a nice trip. Bro. Gossett, at Steveson, has been sick for last few months, but reports that he is better. Bro. J. N. Enoch, agent at Stevenson, has re- turned to work after several months of sickness. Boys, watch your office closely and try and give good service. If we give that we can expect in return good treatment, and must have it, and wc won’t be ashamed to call on them for it. Let’s show the company that the boys with an up-to date in his pocket is the ones they get good service from, and not the man who has no card. Cert. 9 10. Asheville Division — Let’s all attend the joint meetings at Asheville every first Sunday, beginning Sunday, December 1st, and continuing every first Sunday thereafter. These meetings will be held in the Odd Fellows’ Hall at eight p. m. All members of Asheville Division and adjacent divisions are invited to at- tend. Invitation is also extended to nons. Miss Emanuel’s School of Stenography and Typewriting has added a “Telegraph Department’’ at Asheville. Wonder how many she can turn out in time to take an eight-hour job next March. It is reported that there is another “ham factory” at Black Mountain, N. C., conducted by the night operator, C. J. Abemethy. This is a disgrace to our division. Shame on the “Professor!” Bro. S. C. Yates, of Spartanburg, is now holding days at Black Mountain. Bro. McAuley, former agent, goes to Swannanoa as agent, vice Bro. Davidson, who takes the day telegraphing same place, and Bro. Moss goes to Azalea as agent. A. H. Spencer has been appointed agent at Black Mountain. He is not an operator. Our two sisters, Miss Dunne and Miss Medlock, at Morganton, are stickers. They declare their intentions to remain “railroad men,” and have in their applications accordingly. They will not re- turn tp the commercial service. We are glad to keep them with us. Bro. Alexander’s little child is rapidly recover- ing from a serious illness brought about by swal- lowing a coin, and we hope will soon be all right again. * Bro. E. F. Southerland has been transferred from Oyama days to Facil nights in order to be nearer home. Bro. C. E. Abemethy takes third at West Hick ory, vice C. E. Puette transferred to Bridgewater. Our young friend, Kerr Allison, has been ap- pointed night operator at Barber. Business is a little off on this divison. “It," Div. Cor. Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2085 Bro. S. O. Johnson, after being out of the telegraph service for about a year, has returned to work again and is nights at Melrose. Bro. Floid Johnston resigned ticket agency at Hendersonville and accepted third trick telegraph job at same place. We know of several cases where the operators have been done an injustice. Boys, it is simply up to you. If you sit idle and allow these things to be done, you are not living up to your con- tract, and will make it harder on your committee when they go to Washington again. The general manager says he expects us to live up to our agreement. So do not sit idle when you have been treated wrong, but take it up with your Local Chairman, and he will investigate the matter and you will get what is coming to you. “IT.” Atlanta Division — I desire to again thank those of my division who arc ready to assist in the work of more thoroughly organizing our division, bringing about a closer relation between the operators and agent- operators, between employer and employe. We should all strive for thorough organization and should keep very busy until every competent telegrapher with whom we work shall have become a member of our grand organization, the Order of Railroad Telegraphers. We have a splendid membership and are sailing smoothly, yet we are very much pleased to see our membership grow. Aided by our worthy brothers I have succeeded in securing a number of applications during the present year and hope to handle many more ere the dawn of 1908. I have much confidence in my brother telegraphers, and believe they are going to continue to give me their assistance, that we may place Atlanta Division on an equality with the very best divisions in the organization. Any member feeling that an injustice has been done him should, without delay, submit his case to the proper officer, and if unable to secure a satisfactory adjustment, place the matter in the hands of their Local Chairman for further hand- ling. In as mild and friendly manner as possible I desire to say a few words to our few non- members, those who could easily become members of our Order, but for some reason, unknown to us and probably unknown to them, they remain on the non list. I do not like the idea of drag- ging or attempting to drag any person into any- thing. I have never practiced such a method, and, in fact, do not believe a member gained in this manner is of much service to any organiza- tion. I do believe, however, in keeping the merits of our Order constantly before those few who seemingly have no desire to become members. Poor fellows, probably they do- not realize that they are receiving from one hundred to two hun- dred and fifty dollars per annum increase in salary, to say nothing of the many privileges, by reason of our united efforts, and, therefore, do not feel disposed to pay ten to fifteen dollars a year into the organization. Brothers, lose no opportunity to explain these things to non-mem- bers you know. This is a matter that concerns us all alike. Boys, let’s not neglect to send our dues in promptly. You know we all want those 1908 cards on time. C. E. Moss, Local Chairman. 14 ' ashington Division — News is as' scarce as the eight-hour jobs on the Southern at the present time. Therefore, do not he disappointed at the shortness of this missive from the northern end of the Southern System, which extends from the Southern cotton fields to points north of the Potomac, where the chilly breezes are raging and overcoats galore. The Southern and all other roads are now pat- ronizing the new union depot in Washington, which, it is understood, will be the finest railroad station in the world when completed. The acci- dent that happened near the entrance of the tun- nel hetween tw’o of our trains several days ago, resulting in injury to a number of passengers and trainmen, was not due to any negligence on the part of the Southern, but was caused by the mis- placement of a switch by some one not known. Charlottesville was put on the eight-hour basis November 15. Bro. McConchie bid in the third trick. Bro. Lockett has returned to Monroe to work, he having Lcen absent on his honeymoon for sev- eral weeks. Rockfish h?s been opened up as a day block office, which makes it much safer for the local freights, and the short-cut getting in clear at that point for superior trains. An enjoyable evening was spent at the meeting Saturday night, many being present and much enthusiasm displayed. Two candidates rode the goat. Important questions were decided. After we leave Bristow the air is rather bad until we reach Cameron Run, except one or two night owls. Div. Cor. Between Knoxville and Bristol — Our meeting in Knoxville, October 26, was not well attended. These meetings should be attended, as the committee will meet the management the first of next year, and it is up to us to help them out. x It seems that some of us are not doing our part towards getting a new schedule. President Roosevelt passed over this part of the road to Bristol and was picked up at Bristol by the N. & W. One of our honorable “students,” working at Vance, stopped the train which the President was on, and was relieved at once. Un- derstand he went to the L. & N. Afton has turned out another student. Mr. Rader, agent and operator at Whitesburg, off a fewr days, went to Jamestown. Relieved by Bro. Dyer, Bro. Teagg working nights in Bro. Dyer's place. Sunshine. Digitized by c,ooQle

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2086 The Railroad Telegrapher. Charlotte Division — We want one man from each station to be pres- ent at the meeting at Charlotte, Sunday, December 22, promptly at 8 p. m. Let us make arrangements in time and attend this meeting. You, who haven’t attended a single meeting this year, will you try to attend this one? Are you up-to-date? If not, why? Your dues and insur- ance should always come first, because if it were not for the Order you would not be getting enough to meet your other bills under present con- ditions. Our Order, then, should be protected first of all, because if it should pass out of exis- tence in a fortnight a large chunk of your salar- ies would pass along with it, so smoothly you would not know how it all happened. Quit making excuses. Pay your dues promptly and be with the majority. Do you realize that the 4th of March is drawing near? Let us attend every meeting from now on. We understand the day man at Duncan, Mr. Rowell, has four students, and says he wants to have them O. K. by the time the eight-hour law takes effect. Bro. Troutman, day man at China Grove, has taken the agency at Landis. Bro. Ebird, former night man, working the day trick. Neither the day or night positions at China Grove have been bulletined since the change was made. Bro. Burns, of Roselle, made a flying trip last week to Duncan, S. C.; relieved by Bro. Graham, of Charlotte. Be sure and be at Charlotte meeting, December 22. How do you expect your superintendent to show proper respect for your union when you yourself ignore everything that it takes to make it strong? Show him that you are interested by asking your chief for passes to attend the meet- ings. Are you ashamed of your organization? Do you feel a delicacy in requesting a pass to at- tend meetings? Do you fear being discharged? Well, now, don’t let that worry you any longer, for if there was any foundation for such a feeling the faithful few would have, long ago, got it in the neck. J. B. West End, Knoxville Division — I regret very much to note the lack of attend- ance at the regular monthly meetings in Knox- ville. There has been regular monthly meetings in Knoxville, Tenn., every fourth Saturday night for some time, and they will continue to be held monthly if the members will attend, but if not you may not have a chance to attend. It is only a short while now until the General Committee will meet the management for revision of schedule, and unless you attend the meetings the members of the General Committee, who represent you, will not know what you want in the schedule next year. Right now is the time when you should be awake to your interests. Today is the most important time in the history of the telegraphers, and you should come to the meetings and lend a helping hand towards the upbuilding of the organization. If the General Committee don’t get what you think they should get, who will you blame? Why, the committee, of course, but really the burden will fall upon you because you did not attend meetings. You took no interest in the matter, hence the committee had no backing, and it will be up to you. How much better the committee could work if you would only attend meetings and make your wants known, exchange ideas, etc. How many more concessions you would find in your next schedule if you would only wake up and get in the push? Have you any reason for failure to take a hand? If so, let’s have it. Your local chairman, your assistant local chairman, and one or two others are working for you, but remember they can’t do it all. You must lend a helping hand or your interests will not be well taken care of. Do you know that the superintendents are or- ganizing the station agents, yard masters, and others for the purpose of exchanging ideas, etc., and have already had meetings in Knoxville, Tenn. Are you going to sit still and let things drift on carelessly? Have you not the same right to or- ganize and attend your meeting? To be sure, and passes will be furnished you if you will only take the trouble to ask for them. I heard of an operator, a friend of mine, who died a few days ago. He had a wife and two children, and the last thing he said before he left this life, was that he had nothing to regret, so far as the O. R. T. was concerned. An operator, a union man, who was with him when he died, and he said: “Brother, I have worked hard for my wife and babies; have done all I could to build up the organization and bring the standard of wages up to where they belong, so that my family would have sufficient to purchase the com- forts of this life and the hours reduced so that I could spend a few moments at home with my loved ones, and,” he added, “while I have never realized my wishes, yet I will always feel a better man for having done my duty to my union and to my Wife and babies.” He said, “Thank God, my wife and children can not say that I was not a union .telegrapher or that I failed to do any- thing that would make their lot easier.” This should be a lesson to some of our members. Look at the women who belong to the Commercial Telegraphers Union. How bravely they have fought in the recent battle for better conditions. It is said that they never gave. up, and that they pointed the finger of scorn at men who seemed to weaken. It would be a good idea if some of our members were women, then, probably, we would have a good turnout at the next meeting. Why not all come to the meetings? Are you afraid you will lose your lofty position if you ask for a pass to attend an O. R. T. meeting? Or are you afraid that you won’t be in line for promotion, or that you won’t hold a hand with the officials if seen going to a meeting? I hope we have no members like this. If we have, I would rather see them take their card and burn it up. Let’s hear from you regarding the eight-hour day and better salaries, etc. No one can attend Digitized by t^ooQle

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- The Railroad Telegrapher. 2087 to this for you, and wc will expect you out next time. Remember, every fourth Saturday night at Knoxville, Tenn. There are about fifty-five operators between Chattanooga and Knoxville, Tenn., half of whom are day operators, and there could easily be fif- teen or twenty of these men attend every meeting. Some within ten, fifteen, and twenty miles of Knoxville, and could make it nicely by going up on No. 4 and back on No. 35 or No. 3 next day, and the chief would grant pass and permission. Div. Cor. Knoxville Ditdsion, East End — Another month has passed and gone, also another good old O. R. T. meeting. I understand there was small attendance on account of rain. Hope we can all attend next time. As our committee is' due in Washington, D. C. on or near January 1, 1908, to revise our schedule, the $75 minimum and eight-hour day, also the eight-hour day and thirty cents per hour, was thoroughly discussed at the last meeting. Jobs on bulletin are as follows: Millers, days; Caswell nights; Ooltewah Junction nights, Citico nights. Have not learned who bid them in. Bro. Shoemaker, at “BS, for a few nights. Telegrapher Ramsey is holding down Caswell nights for a short time. Telegrapher Rader is working nights at Embree- ville Junction at present. Bro. Hendrix is working a few days at Watauga for Telegrapher Webster. Telegrapher W. E. Jones, at New Market, is away on ten days’ vacation; relieved by Bro. De- Armond. Telegrapher Reams, at Talbott, is off for a few days; relieved by Bro. Trauthern. Telegrapher Self, of Telford, is away on a fif- teen days’ vacation; relieved by Telegrapher Keeb- ler. # Bro. C. E. Teague, of Embreeville Junction, is off for two weeks. Have not been able to learn who his relief is. Bro. Line, of Morristown, is away on fifteen days’ vacation, visiting Eastern cities. Dispatcher Morris, Engineers Hoskins, Coffman and Sievers, Conductors Coil and Crain, were in our vicinity last week on a hunting expedition. Div. Cor. Canadian Northern Railway. Third District — Well, we have got our new schedule, and it is all right. Our committee didn’t make much noise, but they got there with both feet. Now,%I for one, think that it is about time that some of these persistent nons got in line. There are more than one would think there could be, but, nevertheless, we have them among us, and, say, the way they talk about the new schedule and tell you what a nice thing it is, is a corker, but mention O. R. T. to them, and they have the same old excuse about not coming in line, but how glad they are to get the benefits, and they are the very first to make a big kick if they don’t get something. Now, I think that it would be a good plan if these nons had to work for the same old pay, and not allow them to come in and share the fruits of the faithful. They do not deserve this consideration, and if this step was taken it would surprise one to see the way they would fall over each other to get in line. It would keep a printing press working overtime to supply the demand for application forms. I was considerably surprised to see the number of first-class men that were unable to show up a card, yet, at the same time, they would tell you just how the committee should make. the schedule to satisfy the various wants. Now for the next spasm. Brothers, always be willing and ready to help a brother operator along, and if you, at any time, see a chance to get an O. R. T. man on the work- ing list, stick in an oar for him. There are too many who do not pay any attention to this im- portant matter, and I know of some who will make a big display of the fact that they are O. R. T. men, yet at the same time I have known of cases where an O. R. T. man would be given the go-by and a non would be given assistance in preference. Is this right? Not if we are going to live up to the obligations of our Order. Since line-ups are strictly prohibited, and the various brothers do not send in any news to the division correspondent, it’s hard work to have a few lines ready for each month’s journal, and I would again ask the various members to send me items of interest. They are always welcome, and will go a long ways to give us representation in the pages of our journal each month. Just a reminder: It will soon be time to pay up our current term dues again, and it would be a grand idea if each member would make it a point to have his dues remitted early. Don’t leave them until some time next spring, but remit now, and have your new card at the commencement of the new term; also, why not remit our first month’s increase to the treasurer? Our committee has been under heavy expense, and this would be a good way to even things up. Div. Cor. Fourth District — A meeting of the Kamsack, Humbolt and Battle- ford Divisions was held at Humbolt on Sunday, November 16th, and although I have received no particulars of the meeting, it was evidently very successful in every respect, as our local chair- man called another meeting to represent the boys from the Vermilion and Edmonton sections. Of this latter meeting I can speak more fully, as I happened to be there. There were fifteen congre- gated at Vermilion; this being three-fourths the number which our obliging chief, H. J. Parkhill, arranged to let off. Bro. W. Gibbons, from C. P. R., was a visitor. During the afternoon Bro. Hinsberger took the boys out to the heights north of town, where some innocent sport was indulged in. The meeting was called to order at 7 p m., with Bro. Lister in the chair. Bro. Hinsberger, seerc- Digitized by c^ooQle

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2088 The Railroad Telegrapher. tary. Bro. Lister went through the new schedule which has just been signed, taking up every clause and explaining the fine points to the satisfaction of all. On the whole, our new schedule, taking effect November ist, is a decided improvement on the old one, which fact was evident by the unanimous vote of thanks to our local chairman and the com- mittee for their good work. The meeting broke up about 21 K, and the boys took their different trains home, well satisfied with their day’s out- ing, and the first meeting held on these divisions. It is to be hoped that the members will turn out in full force at our next meeting, which will be called by the chairman. As regards our new schedule our committee speak highly of the courteous manner in which they were treated by the officials. We have received a substantial increase, and that without arbitration. Let every member put forth his best' efforts in serving the company’s interests, thereby demon- strating to them the appreciation of these conces- sions. Bro. Matthews, of Vegreville, is away on a month’s vacation. Co*. Union Pacific Ry. Colorado Division, Northern District — The membership on Colorado Division is increas- ing and the division is getting in excellent con- dition. Bros. W. S. Moscrip and M. C. Brehch have been appointed on the local board to assist Bro. Shoults. Bro. D. Cashmore, manager “UD,” Denver, is on the sick list; Bro. Myers relieving him. Bro. J. W. Hanna, from Pullman, bid in the vacant job at “UD,” Denver. Bro. A. L. Johnson, from Union nights, drew Pullman days on the last bulletin. Mr. Owens, frofh the C. & S., is doing the extra stunt nights at Pullman. Bro. J. R. Bolte, agent Weskan, drew the agency at Lupton, Colo. Bro. C. S. Crisp, agent Lucerne, Colo., bid in the agency at Aroya, Colo. Bro. E. Lockman, of Eric, bid in Lucerne. Bro. II. L. Inlow, extra man at Aroya, fills the vacancy at Erie, Colo., bidding same on last bulletin. Bro. McCown, day telegrapher at Brighton, Colo., is taking a few days* rest, being relieved by Mr. Lundin. Bro. Eldredge, day telegrapher and clerk at Eaton, Colo., bid in the agency at Kersey, Colo., on the Julesburg Division. Bros. W. C. Sale and W. K. Hays are holding down Athol day and night jobs. Mr. Caddigan is doing the extra work at Pierce. Mr. Caddigan comes from the C. & S. and is recommended by Bro. Ford, of the Kansas Divi- sion. Mr. R. P. Johnson, new arrival from the I. M. S., went to work last night, and requested a set of blanks the first thing. Eastern District , West End — Bro. Miller, agent Byers, is taking his vacation, being relieved by Mr. Ridgeway. Bro. Latham is doing the owl act at Byers. H. M. Cockrum, extra night telegrapher at Agate, holds an up-to-date C. T. U. A. card. Bro. Coffin is doing the extra work at Kit Carson, while Bro. Charles Scott is taking his vacation. Crockett. Colorado Divison, Eastern District , East End — Very few changes on this divison past month. Superintendent A. F. Vickroy passed over the d - vision the nth and 12th, accompanied by our new trainmaster, Mr. E. S. Van Tassel, whose head- quarters are at Cheyenne Wells. Our chief dispatcher, Mr. H. E. Flavin, is en- joying a month’s vacation. Mr. EL S. Stebbens, from Ellis, is -dping the relief work. Bro. J. E. Frittz, at Winona, enjoyed a month’s vacation and is back to work. He was relieved by Bro. C. A. Dougherty, who comes from the Mo. Pac. with a card of good standing. Bro. Dougherty went to Orchard Cole as relief agent. Bro. H. A. Whitten drew Cheyene Wells agency on bulletin. Mr. J. C. Kock, from Grinnell, re- lieved Bro. Whitten at Morland. Bro. F. C. Parker, from the Burlington, now days at Oakley, while Mr. W. E. Burton docs the night work. Did you ever realize the fact that we were 95 per cent solid on this end? Why not get real busy for a week and run the stray gentlemen in? Every little bit helps, and a word from you, brother, might do the act. Get busy and never fail to be up-to-date yourself. What have you done for the good of the Order for the past month? Don’t think, however, that after you have been admitted to the Order that you are “it;” that you have a job and do as you please about the work. Always aim to give the best possible services; be pleasant and courteous to the public and prove to your employer that you do appreciate your position, and if the pay is too scant for the services you are rendering, let him know about it; he may have a better pay- ing position for you. But, regardless of your position, do your work well and work to the in terest of your employer. Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well. “An." Nebraska Division, Western District — New bulletin out today — November 19th — first day operator, first night operator, “GE,” Grand Island; night operators. Elm Creek, Brady Island, Overton and Maxwell; too early to give the suc- cessful applicants this writing. Last previous bulletin: Kearney, days; «na°' ager “GE,” Grand Island, and day operator, Shelton. Kearney, days, bid in by Bro. F. A. Thorn- brugh, of Maxwell nights, who was relieving Bro. T. D. Grimes at Oconto, K. & B. H. branch, while the latter took a few weeks’ vacation visiting Chicago and Eastern points. Bro. T. J. Brown, of Callaway, relieved Thombrugh at Oconto. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2089 J. P. Feeney bid in manager “GE” office, leav- ing first day operator position in that office open now. Bro. F. E. Rice, of Lexington, bid in Shelton days. Boys shifting around too much at present to chronicle all their movements, but we hope to see them settled for the winter soon. Plenty of men on this district now, which looks encouraging to those wanting Xmas vacations (and we know of several). We arc hoping the present conditions hold out till then. Considerable speculation just now as to what the company has up their sleeve. They are playing a quiet game, but the most open they have ever attempted. If we will only wake up, too, and see that now is our time. They have opened a telegraph school in Omaha, as well as other places where they can, and are following the old prin- ciples and carry an ad. in the Omaha dailies. They have also issued instructions to their as- sistant superintendent and chief something like this: “Students will be kept in these schools until they acquire a little knowledge (say three months), and when able to do anything will be placed along the line ‘wherever possible,' starting them at $20.00 per month and increasing that stipend $5.00 per month, until they get $35.00 per, at which figure they will be maintained until qualified for a position.” * We all see, at least partially, where we come in, and I assure you it behooves us all to keep our eyes open. The greatest general as well as the most successful one always recognizes the force of the opposing side, and so we must not just say, “It will come out right in the end,” but be ready to hinder it, for they do not leave it all to us. Oh, no, they have tried that before. They have established the office of “Student Inspector,” whose duty it is to make a monthly visit to all the “students,” giving them instructions not only in telegraphy, but in the rules, operations of trains and anything they may want to know — provided he knows it (that remains to be seen). Mr. Korty and his honor called on the officials in Grand Island one day last week, and incident- ally made a visit to the president of the G. I. Business College. The nature of this visit or its outcome I am unable to state, but presume it was to see if he could establish a similar school here. We will have to wait for further developments before we are prepared to say what is in the wind, or what we may be called on to do. Our officers are looking after this matter for us, and all we can do is keep our front solid. Pay up now, for we have to some time, any way, and it will not only save our secretary a rush of work during the latter part of December, which is a busy month, any way, but so we can all get a copy of the January Telegrapher, which will contain the vote on the bond question, which is so vital to many of us, and I am sure it will also contain some important articles which we should all sec. There are four or five men on the road who are not up to-date. It is not necessary to name them, for if you are working by them you know the one whom it is your duty to sec after. Ask them to come through. Tell them we not only need them but they need us, especially* in the few months immediately in front of us. A great many nons I have talked to stand ready to help in the work before us, but how much more help they could be if members, and they would then have the protection the Order gives, which is more than they can expect by themselves, for they have had a taste of what it means for them to stand alone. Bro. Stump passed through here the other day on his return from the meeting of General Chair- men and Secretaries held in Chicago. The financial trouble hit the whole road hard. They laid off quite a few work trains, extra gangs, and stopped lots of construction wor*:- but, as usual, hit the telegraphers also. Abandoned night office at Alda, Bro. Newso i going to Gothenburg nights to relieve Bro. Ford, who is spending three weeks in Chicago and a!: his home in Iowa. Second day operator at Lexington abolished, Bro. F. E. Rice going to Shelton days. Bro. Jordan, nights at Lexington, resigned, re- lieved by Bro. Pogenpohl, while operator Prescott is working days temporarily. One operator in Grand Island, “GE,” laid off, but as business fell off considerably in the “clip” line we arc still doing the work the best we can with a reduced force. Bro. C. W. Nicholson spent a few days at his home in Buda, resting. Relieved by Bro. Gard, relief agent. Bro. Jas. Nagel, relieved days at Kearney by Bro. Foltz and later by Bro. Thornbrugh, while he spent a week or two visiting a sick sister in Colorado Springs. Has now returned and accepted a position in “GE,” Grand Island. They have recently divided the district at Lex- ington and put on two sets of dispatchers, setting up C. V. McNutt, formerly manager in “GE.” They are still short a dispatcher at present writ- ing. Am indebted to several of the boys for items this month, and I appreciate it, as I took the work upon myself in the first place, and if your news is not in here it is your own fault, for I try to keep a list of all the items given me. Bro. W. W. Gallup, formerly of this division, now of the N. P. in Montana, is making his old friends a visit. Will give you a parting word: If not right, get right, for the union of strength and prestige is not the one that strikes every other day, but the silent, solid, honest organization, which makes contracts and keeps them, and which is regarded as safe as any bank. They are the ones which the corporations have to treat with, and the public, which is a factor never to be disregarded in these matters, sympathizes with. If you are out of the fold you are defeating the telegraphers to the extent of your help and influence, and thus hindering yourself. Cor. Xchmska Division, Lines Xortlt of Grand Island — - Business rather light at this time on account of very little stock or grain moving; due to the finan- Digitized by c,ooQle

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2090 The Railroad Telegrapher. cial flurry. This gives us a chance to get rid of some of ouf accumulated business, and get ready for annual reports. Mr. F. R. Frick, agent at Ord, called to Otis, Ind., on account of the serious illness of his mother; Bro. G. G. Gard relieving him. Mr. F. E. Starkey, agent at Boelus, called to Hastings on account of an accident to his father- in-law; Mr. B. C. Prescott, from the main line, relieving him. Mr. Prescott promises to make good as soon as he is eligible, having only been telegraphing since March. Mrs. T. A. Clark and Jack, of St. Paul, leave in a few days for Long Island, Kan., to spend the winter. Bro. Clark will occupy bachelor apart- ments this winter, and make the best of the situ- ation. Bro. G. W. Collipriest. agent at Loup City, is enjoying a visit from his brother-in-law, W. J. Whiteker, of Pryor Creek, Okla. Bro. Collipriest’s baby has been quite sick for some time, but is some better at present writing. Bro. T. G. Cook, of Scotia, is soon to start on an extended trip through the South and East. Bro. R. W. Hurd, who has been visiting his father, Bro. L. L. Hurd, and family, of Cotcsfield, for several weeks, expects to start for Chicago in a few days to resume work. Poole siding to be opened up as a reporting station soon. Understand there will be a neat sta- tion built, with living rooms. This will relieve Bro. Joe Mahoney, our agent at South Ravenna, of lots of work. He is now running three stations. News about as scarce as business this month. I wish to ask all members once more to watch the new arrivals. If nons, go after them, and if mem- bers of other divisions, notify your local chairman, so we can get them transferred to our division. This is important. Div. Cor. Kansas Division, Eastern District — Merry Christmas. It’s time for that new card. Start the new year right. Get out of the old rut. Bro. M. L. Chandley is back in “Z” office, Kan- sas City. Bro. Geary having left for parts un- known. Bro. Hendrix bid in R. I. Junction, nights. Mr. Stepp from Muncie to Delia. Mr. F. L. Heathman relieved Bro. Johnson, days, at Bonner Springs, who, in turn, relieved Bro. Stout. Bro. Mierotta bid in Linwood, nights, regular. Bro. Perky back after his vacation and trip; be- ing relieved by Bro. Leger. Bro. Cosgrove resigned; accepting employment with the Western Union at Lawrence; Bro. Cad- well relieving. Mr. Kendall, from Plainville branch, bid in St. Mary’s, nights. Bro. J. O. Ross bid in Wamego, days. Mr. Sharitt, nights. Bro. Leger bid in Manhattan, nights. Mr. F. Harl relieved Bro. Hughey while he and Bro. Stump attended the conference in Chicago. G. W. Seiver, ex-agent at Lincoln, now “educa- tional inspector telegraph department,” passed through Manhattan and visited several brothers with the object in view of placing a few students. Steady, boys. Don’t let the student business get the best of you. You are not compelled, or even requested, to teach the art to any one. Verbal in- structions from Mr. Seiver don’t go. Poor busi- ness for an ex-operator. Mr. F. R. Hook relieved Bro. Kaatz at Holmes- ville a few weeks. Bro. Klasse relieved Bro. Owens at Morganville while Bro. Owens visited the home folks. Bro. Klasse relieved Bro. Stepp, Clifton. Bro. Stepp to Ellsworth. Before this is in print you will have received notice of extension of time on payment of special assessment, owing to the fact that printed circu- lars very soon become public property. The circu- lar is not as explanatory as it might be. To those of you who wish to know more of the future movement relative to the revision of schedule, you have only to ask. The lines west of Green River, comprising some 250 miles, were turned over to the U. P. manage- ment November 15th. Bro. Stump was there look- ing after the transfer to this division of all brothers. There has been for the past six months or longer, a certain party, and, I regret to say, a brother telegrapher, going over the road “knock- ing” Bro. Stump. I have before me a copy of the timebook of U. D. office, Denver, at which place Bro. Stump holds his rights, and which is the only office in which he is authorized to work, and I will be glad to give you a copy of the same if you so desire. The time shown in this timebook corresponds to the amount of time shown on the financial state- ment furnished you at the close of the year. Dur- ing the period covered by this report it was nec- essary for Bro. Stump to work in the office part of the time in order to keep within the limits of the Interstate Commerce Commission requirements pertaining to employes holding annual passes. Such time as was allowed him for service was deducted from his vouchers. I have not the space here to give you a full explanation. Every effort has been made to explain matters satisfactorily to this brother. If you have heard these tales, and wish to know the facts in regard to them, I will be glad to give you all the information possible. Bear in mind that the men who fight the battles of labof. who make enemies of corporations by what they do and say, have trials enough to encounter with- out feeling that they must be on their guard against enemies in the very ranks who ought to be their friends and supporters. While it is discouraging to know that there are creatures so despicable as to seek to blight the good work of loyal men, it must not be forgotten that the sound sense and good judgment of the majority can be relied upon to scorn the work of gossips, and render futile the efforts of the falsifier who would willingly wreck every hope of labor’s future, that in the ruins they might find some petty hate or malice gratified. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2091 The (?ct that the general committee unanimously re-elected Bro. Stump as chairman, after his urg- ing them to consider some one else, shows that your committee has entire confidence in Bro. Stump, and has endorsed all that he has done. We venture to predict that some history will be made in our organization in the first few months of 1908. Come on, brothers; get your shoulder to the wheel, know what’s going on, and then push it along. Help your committee along by paying your dues and assessment promptly, and back them up in all they do. Work for thorough organiza- tion. Don’t forget that we have a few nons left, and, above all else, cut out the students. Fight this as you would an epidemic. Now that we are about to reach the goal of our ambition, are you going back to the old order of things? Fill your office up with students — girl students (God bless ’em), and then go stand the butcher and the baker off for another month, and wonder how high the ne- cessities of life are going, and how small your pay check is going to get. We have them with us. Don’t imagine we have no students with us. Only last week I heard one brother and one non (one of our rankest), ask permission to leave their hams in charge to clear trains and O. S. while he, in one case, run into Kansas City to see the sights and get a shave. And in the other case, we pre- sume to take that necessary rest and recreation so needful to his health. And this man wants an op- erator, an eight-hour job and more money. How long is it going to take him to get it? Take it home to yourself, William, and figure it out — how long will it take you? Bro. Shannon, after undergoing an operation at Kansas City, is back at work at Perry, days. Bro. Thos. Dehoney, from Perry to Leaven- worth; being relieved by Mr. Farrell. Bro. S. E. Miller has again left us. Mr. Harl doing the extra stunt at R. I. Junction. Muncie agency closed. Ho. Utah Division — I have it on very reliable authority that one of the members on this division, one supposed to be one of the strongest members at that, has entered into a term of professorship, with one pupil as a starter. Can not say as to whether he is getting a consideration or not, that is not part of the ques- tion. If this member will remember the obliga- tion he took when he became a member, I am of the opinion that he will cut this business out, right at the post. If, however, he docs not, will publish full particulars in the next edition, giving full names and location. Owing to a misunderstanding with the brother who was to furnish the news from the west end, 1 am unable to say just exactly who are members and who are not. So am at a loss just how to refer to the west end brothers and sisters. Was unable to learn anything in regard to “OG” and “YD” offices, Ogden. Devil’s Slide hancMed by Bro. Fitch, who was transferred to that f >int from Church Buttes. Changes are so fast at Evanston that I am un- able to keep track of what is going on at that point. Bro. V. D. Richards, recently from the N. P., nights at Knight. Bro. Giddings, who found the strenuous train- man’s life just a little too strenuous in this cli- mate, is officiating at night at Altamont, succeed- ing E. V. Marrigan. New man to West Portal Aspen tunnel yesterday. Unable to say who. Bro. I. M. Rathburn, recently from the Rock Island, is doing the owl stunt at Spring Valley. Sister Gathercoal to Church Buttes, from Hampton, relieving Mrs. L. Lym*n, who has re- turned to her home in the East. Changes too many for me at Granger. Bro. Schemerhom t« Bryan days, from Peru days. Mr. F. J. Gore, C. T. U. of A., working nights at Peru. Bro. Percy Barber, west portal Aspen tunnel, to parts unknown. Cbrt. 1297. Nebraska Division , Eastern District — Bro. D. D. Lawton has been appointed regular day operator at Council Bluffs. Bro. F. A. Roach transferred from Brainard to agency at Elkhorn Station. Bro. M. M. Kerr to Valley, days, by bid. Bro. W. O. Clark covered Columbus, days, for a week, during the absence of Bro. T. A. Costello, who was called to Central City on account of a death in family. Bro. J. L. Stuart, Columbus nights, temporarily. Bro. R. B. Hatcher, of Valley, is off for a few days, visiting friends at Silver Creek. Bro. Hans Jensen transferred from Sanberg to Schuyler nights. Bro. Jensen is from the C. & N. W. Bro. R. A. Combs returned to Benton nights, after six weeks’ absence. Bro. W. W. Ladd was the successful applicant for Humphrey Station. Bro. O. H.. Carter transferred from Duncan to North Bend station. Bro. R. B. Beer, from Genoa station, taking a much-needed vacation. Would be pleased to see a communication in our journal from some one else on the Eastern Dis- trict. Cert. 155. Denver & Rio Grande Ry. South End, Pueblo to Trinidad, LaVela and Branches— I have been over most of the division during the last few days, and what part of it I was un- able to visit I wrote the boys, and each and every one of them came back at me with a speedy an- swer. It seems as if we are going to have a little more interest taken in the welfare of the Order. We have a good, solid division now, and want to keep it so, or, that is, we want every one to get busy and do all he can for “49.” Digitized by CjOC e

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2092 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Aiken has been sick for about six weeks, and has been finable to get around and look after the work, but is now well and has commenced with his usual vim. Wc want everyone to take hold and help him all they can. When a new man is sent to work at your place of business, get right down after him, find out if he is a member, to what division he belongs; if not a member, why not. Write Bro. Aiken, he will do the rest. Bro. D. C. Kennedy is back at work, days at Verde. He had a very enjoyable trip through the South, and after this he went in the mountains and bagged some very large game, such as deer and mountain sheep. Bro. Kennedy was accom- panied by Geo. Burg, from Old Missouri. Bro. L. A. Strange, who was at Larimer nights, since the ist of August, has resigned and departed for parts unknown. Think he has gone on his farm, which is near Pueblo. Bro. Strange was relieved by Mr. N. O. Acker. Mr. Acker was only at Larimer three nights when Bro. Roy Duf- fenbaugh, accompanied by his wife and son, ac- cepted the position. Mr. Acker was transferred to Castle Rock. Bro. C. L. Helber, of Huerfano nights, has at last secured a leave of absence, and has gone to the coast to spend the winter. Bro. Helber was relieved by Bro. Kemp, from Verde nights. Bro. S. Collins is now at Verde nights. Bro. N. E. Jenkins, Apache, is making an ex- tended visit with friends and relatives in old Nebraska. Bro. “Jinks” will be back with us about the first of the year, and will take the night job at Graneros. Bro. Jenkins was relieved by Bro. H. V. Evans. Bro. J. O. Aldridge is now at Barnes as agent, having secured it on the late bulletin. A C. T. U. of A. man was there while the place was busy advertised. He departed for parts unknown to me. We are thinking of having another O. R. T. ball in Pueblo, some time in the near future, and if we do I want every one to come, and make it a paying proposition. We will, of course, have a meeting before we pull this big ball off, and when it shows up. let every one of us get out and see if we can’t have a record-breaking crowd, for once. Bill. Second District — Frinta to Helper , Inclusive — - At Helper wc find Mr. L. A. Parkhurst, our new chief, who, I understand, came from the D. & R. G., at Pueblo. Former chief, Mr. T. J. Flynn, after spending a few weeks among friends in Frisco, is now working first trick, while W. J. Morrison, better known as “Bill,” works second, and T. S. Everett endeavors to keep the boys awake from midnight until 8 a. m. I am very sorry to admit it, but some of our owls are pretty good sleepers, and it takes considerable calling to awake them. I trust that there will be an improvement in the service now, as the weather is cool and they can sleep better days. Three new men in telegraph office at “RA.” I failed to learn if they are brothers or not. Agent and night operator at Mounds, both new comers; think they are brothers, if not, we hope to call them that soon. Am informed that both day and night men at Green River are up-to-date. They make so many changes there that I can hardly keep track of them. Little Grande, “RD,” being closed days, Bro. Mahoney is doing the owl stunt at Thompson’s. Bro. R. B. Marks, agent, has returned from Den- ver, and is doing business as of old. Both day and night men at Mack came recently, so I can not say who they are. Surely, they arc good O. R. T. men, for none other come to this division, and nons are a scarce article out here in the sage brush. Ceet. 367. First District, Denver to Pueblo — Wc should have a write-up from every division each month, for it helps each of us to know what others arc doing, where they are, etc., and is enjoyed by all. First of all, brothers and sisters, I wish to say. if you have not already done so, don’t forget to remit for the special assessment. It is for your good. Do it now. Bro. Aiken, our general secretary and treasurer, was on the sick list for awhile, but is at work again. He has lots to do and needs our help in every way. Bro. Moore, of “DC,’ has gone to Alamosa, to try his luck at dispatching for a short time. Bro. Newman is helping Bros. Hawkins, Had derman, Leaman and Ege handle the business at “DC,” Denver, while “MO” is away. Bro. Stout, at Burnham, tried to get away from that place, but could not get relief, so he has set- tled down and is going to stay with us. •Bro. Brcselow drew Littleton agency, and with Bro. Cuthbert, day operator, and Bro. Lively, night operator, keeps things moving there. Bro. Lively drew the day job at Canon City, and will move there about the ist of December. Littleton folks feel quite cityfied now, with street cars running on their streets, connecting Lit- tleton with Denver, with an electric line. Bro. Dye, regular night man at Sedalia, is act ing agent while Bro. Bobbitt is away on account of sickness and death in his family. Bro. Roudc- bush is doing the night act in Bro. Dye’s place. Bro. Jess Campbell, at “XN,” was on sick list a couple of days last week, but is O. K. now. Bro. Acker, nights at Castle Rock, while Bro Rosenbaum, regular night man, is on sick list. Bro. Stone, Palmer Lake, has disappeared like the earth had opened up and swallowed him. Have not learned who is relieving him. Bro. Ald- redge, regular night man, drew agency at Barnes, and is taking a vacation, and getting ready to move there. Bro. Wilson, Monument, is back from his va- cation, and is hard at work again. Bro. Cooke, Pike View, from the P.ock Island. El Paso Division, is acting agent until the regular man, who we “13” is Bro. Stroup, from Canon Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2093 City, relieves him. Bro. Cooke goes to Parkdale nights regular from Pike View. At Colorado Springs, Bro. Drannon, regular night man, is laying off; relieved by Bro. Vaughan of S. A. L., Division No. 97. New man at Kelker nights. Bro. Rogers, at Eden, is back from his vaca- tion. Bro. Reed, night man, we understand, is in a hospital; relieved by Bro. Snyder. YVe learn Bro. Ewing, our local chairman, at “SB,” Pueblo, drew Palmer Lake agency. Bro. Lutz, at “SB,” is taking a vacation and has gone to Seattle. Bro. Moore, “SB,” is filling the place of Wire Chief Morse, who is working a trick in “RG,” dispatching. We are glad to learn that our old friend and dispatcher, L. P. Houseman, has been promoted to trainmaster on the south end. We learn that Bro. Bobbitt has given up the agency at Sedalia, and gone to Burnham as clerk there. Bro. Ogilvy, formerly of Buttes, has been in the hospital at Denver with typhoid fever the past month, but is out now, and will be able to work soon. “CU.” New York, Ontario & Western Ry. Southern Division — Bro. B. H. Stowe, first trick at Walton, has been on the sick list, but is back at the old stand as we write. Bro. Schoonmaker covered the vacant trick in his absence. Bro. C. E. Downie has commenced his duties as second trick man at Summitville. Mr. McCarter, formerly with the Postal, has been assigned to the position at Fallsburgh. In our last items we referred to Bro. N. Fran- cisco as “Mr.” This was an error. “N.” is a brother, and strictly up-to-date. Bro. A. B. Fish, agent at Franklin, is away on a leave of absence visiting friends in New York and other places. It is rumored that Bro. Fish has accepted a position in the city, and will not return to “brass-pounding” again. Bro. Al’.en, of Mountaindalc, is on the job at Franklin. Bro. A. R. King, days at Maywood, has been taking a few days’ vacation seeing the sights in the city, also visiting his parents. A Mr. Peck relieved him. Bro. H. L. Borland, relief operator, was at “WA” office, Middletown, a few days. Mr. Hal- stead taking a few days’ vacation. Our train dispatchers are all taking a two weeks’ vacation. Mr. Terwilliger is relieving them each in turn. Mr. Black, who has been at Centerville as helper for some time, has been assigned the agency at Horton’s. Bro. Van Benschoten, Bloomingburgh tower, days, has been taking a few days’ vacation. Bro. Seh»>onmaker relieved him. Bro. W. M. Brock, ticket agent at Liberty, has been taking a two weeks’ vacation. Bro. Harry Borland, relief operator, peddled the paste-boards in his absence. Mr. F. C. Pierce, who was formerly with this company, has again entered the service, and has been relieving Bro. Misner at Apex for a few days. Bro. J. Foote, agent at Trout Brook, made a call on friends along the line recently. Mr. Swalm, third trick signalman at Main street tower, Middletown, has left the service. Bro. N. Francisco is filling the position until it is assigned. Bro. H. E. Smith, agent at Summitville, has been off for two weeks. Bro. Holley covered the job during his absence. Bro. Farley, Cadosia, days (Scranton Division side), is taking a few days’ vacation. Bro. Schoon- maker is relieving him. Bro. Van Zandt, of Port Jervis, now carries an up-to-date card. Bro. M. E. Eccleston, local chairman of the Southern Division, called on your correspondent while on his way to see his father, who is sick. Many of the Northern Division boys will be pleased to learn of the marriage of Bro. Arthur S. Peck, agent at Oneida, which took place at Syra- cuse a short time ago. Congratulations. Cor. C., St. P., M. & O. Ry. Wisconsin Division, Eastern District — - Our general committee convenes early in Janu- ary. Information blanks have been distributed to all employes in the telegraph and station depart- ments, and when they are filled out and returned the committee will have the full sentiment of the Omaha men. If any one has been missed, let Bro. Liddane know so a blank can be sent. A meeting will be held at Eau Claire, probably, before the committee convenes, when the final instructions will be given the committee. One thing is sure, the men on the Omaha a_e unanimous in their demand for the shorter work- day. They feel that if the working hours are not reduced they had better seek other means of gain- ing a living where they will not have to grind twelve hours a day, 365 days in the year. Every effort must be made to bring the few re- maining nons into the fold. The last month has been a good one, and the membership is now at the highest point. There arc only a few left, and they must be brought in. Let every one get busy. A meeting of all the general chairmen in this territory was held in Chicago November 5th and 6th. The action taken is at present a secret, though the result will probably appear in this territory by the time this is in print. It must be evident to you all that in the coming year our strength is going to be given a hard test. The coming meeting is to be one of the greatest importance to the teleg- raphers on this line, and every one that can pos- sibly get there must do so. Do not let anything keep you from being there. Do not feel that you don’t count, but. rather, feel that unless you are there the meeting is going to be a dead one. It is your duty to be there, and duty must come first. Digitized by c,ooQle

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2094 The Railroad Telegrapher. Now, boys, do not allow anything to keep you from going. The meeting is for your own personal good. Bro. Liddane was off for two weeks this month, during which he attended the chairmen’s meeting at Chicago. He was relieved by Bro. Nichols, night man, who was relieved by Bro. A. Burwell. Bro. Burwell is a member of N. P. Division 54. He is working extra, and is being transferred to Divi- sion 76. Also Bro. K. H. Gilbert, of Division 54. is working nights at Valley Junction, and is being transferred to Division 76. Bro. J. A. E. Ray, of Eau Claire, dispatcher’s office, resigned early in November to try his luck in the West. Jakey was gone just two weeks, and is now back relieving Bro. Goss at Altoona, days. Bro. A. D. Wood is off on a vacation at his father’s, near “BR.” Bro. Peterson now at “AG,” nights. Bro. Donohey is now at “SYV’ Bro. Johnson, at “XN,” has bought a farm near there, and is erecting a house. Bro. O. H. Allen drew Fairchild, nights, ar.d is now located at that point. List of new members: A. Burwell, East St. Paul. D. C. Fahey, B. R. Falls. E. W. Quinn, Neillsville. Herewith is the result of new bulletins: Stowell, “NI,” no applicants. Valley Junction, “NT,” A. W. Cook. Warren, “NI,” A. W. Hoffman. Sheppard, “NI,” J. J. Gaffney. Neillsville, “NI,” E. B. Jacobson. Altoona, “NI,” A. C. Dimack. Woodville, “DI,” C. O. Mauske. Northline, “NI,” C. M. Strieker. East St. Paul, “NI,” J. A. E. Ray. Duluth, “DI,” L. W. Kircher. Chetek, “DI,” A. H. Tislin. Norma, “NT,” O. E. Bradley. Krell, “NI,” L. Gray. Eau Claire, second trick, “DI,” J. A. Devine. Eau Claire, third trick, “DI,” V. E. Anderson. Cert. 1405. Wisconsin Division , Northern District — Another month has rolled around, and finds a few of us still at work, notwithstanding the fact that retrenchment seems to be the order of the day. The switch train service has been curtailed, and now comes the news that Nos. 17 and 18 are on their last legs, and will be discontinued on December 1st. The main topic of conversation now among th? telegraphers is the eight-hour day and $75 mini- mum questions, and from every indication it seems to be a foregone conclusion that something definite will be accomplished on these questions within the next few months. There arc a few, and a very few, happily, on this division who might read the following from the last month’s journal, and truthfully remark: “This means me.” “If you arc a union man at heart, you will never say that you are going to quit the union because you have a grievance against sonic member, or because you do not like the action of the union on some particular matter.” The eight-hour law is being complied with in the East and South. Why, then, should the rail- roads in the West and Northwest consider them- selves exempt from living up to the laws? Did any of you doubt the finish? The Shell Lake ham factory went out of business in short order. “Truth, crushed to earth, will rise again.” Did you notice that the N. P. telegraphers have spin come to the front, and have secured a new sche dule. The G. N. committee will soon be received by their officials. It is drawing close to the time when another meeting will be called at some point on the line, and as these meetings are few and far between, and of great importance to the membership, i: should be the aim of every member on the divi- sion to be present, or in some manner help another brother to get there. We are not all conveniently situated to attend meetings, it is true, but there are members who have never attended a meeting, and it savors some of carelessness and lack of in- terest in all that we are hoping for in our craft to find that members do not make a real effort to attend. A large number of assignments were made on the November bulletin, mostly on the main line. Those who were lucky on the North are L W. Kircher, Turtle Lake to Duluth freight; A. H. Fisher, Chetek; O. E. Bradley, Norma, N. T.; L Gray, Koll, N. T. ; C. M. Strieker, Northlinc, N. T. Bro. P. M. Olson is taking a turn at Turtle Lake in place of Bro. Applequist, who has gone to work for the Soo. Bro. Fred Sinclear is tack to work at Trego, nights. Bro. Fred Wickenburg, who left us some time ago, and is now located at Fort Worth, Tex., »-* working third trick for the T. & H. C. Says the eight hours is fine business. Bro. A. W. Nordholm is sojourning, nights, at Solon Springs, for the present. Mr. A. E. Cantley, Shell Lake, is off for 3 couple of weeks; relieved by Bro. Hart. Bro. A. L. Stouffer is spending a month of nights at Shell Lake, keeping the lights burning. Bro. L. C.^ Bergc has returned to Lampson. nights. Understand that T. A. Bergb, agent at Deer Park, has secured a helper to handle baggage etc* Bro. I*. M. Olson relieved non, A. 0. Olson, a few days at Rice Lake early in the month. We still have the four or five hardshell non* among us. I suppose they will remain true to that nature, and lay low waiting for a few more 0. R- T. concessions and March developments. 'Ve do not envy them the notoriety they are obtain °g as the black sheep of the flock. DIV* Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2095 Nebraska Division Notes — Business a little lighter for some time past, but there is still enough to keep things moving along in fair shape. Picking up every day now, and will soon be at its normal stage again. Bro. F. O. Heyer, days at Hartington, has bid in the night side wire in Omaha dispatcher’s office. Bro. Shellington has been appointed “car man’’ in same office at good salary. Bro. Hayes takes the side wire days. Bro. I. W. Marr, formerly agent at Fordyce, has bid in agency at Florence, and has entered upon his duties. Bro. Roy Jones, who was reliev- ing here, went to Fordyce until that position can be bulletined. Bro. Coyle is nicely located at Craig now, his old home. Bro. E. W. Johnson, days at Oakland, is taking a vacation of a month, and is being relieved by Bro. Hinman, regular night man, who in turn is relieved by Bro. Terry, night man from Coburn, which position is temporarily closed, owing to slack business. Bro. Cooper bid in telegrapher’s job at Lyons, and later bid in the day telegrapher job at stock yards, Sioux City, which brings him back to his home, he having lived in Sioux City prior to the commercial strike. Bro. Slinger, day telegrapher at Pender, had to go to West Point a couple of days recently on a law case for the railroad company. Relieved by Bro. C. E. Hedges, formerly an employe of this line, but who resigned from Blair some time ago. Bro. Wallahan, agent Thurston, bid in the day telegrapher position at Wayne, and will transfer soon. Bro. C. E. Frost is telegrapher days at Emerson now. Bro. Flias, C. T. U. A., is working nights at Emerson at present. Bro. Twiss, C. T. U. A., days at Wakefield, writes that he will soon send in his application papers. Ex-Bro. F. E. Strauss is installed as agent at Concord now. Bro. Wilson, agent Coleridge, reports them tak- ing his helper away, which leaves him with added duties. Bro. E. C. Crandall, of the Grand, is working days at Hartington at present. Operator H. I. Smith, days at Wayne, has re- signed, but do not know where he intends to go. Has not been relieved yet. Bro. Schrumpf, agent at Winside, is taking a vacation of a few weeks, being relieved by Bro. Heyer, from Hartington. He went to Hiland, 111., his old home, and expects to visit in Ohio before returning to work. Bro. R. R. Larson accepted agency at Nacora on October bulletin, and Bro. Buchanan, former agent there, resigned to accompany his father to California in search of better health. Mr. C. A. Whitaker accepted agency at New Castle on last bulletin. Mr. Carl Ferber bid in agency at Maskell, one of the new agencies on New Castle line. Mr. P. A. Pinion bid in agency at Wynot, the end of the new extension. Bro. Barge, agent Hoskins, took a vacation latter part of September, and with his wife visited friends at Hartington. Relieved by Mr. Whitaker. Div. Co*. Minnesota & Iowa Division — Bro. H. G. Stumm, who spent a couple months in the dispatcher’s office at St. James, is again doing his laps at the old stand at Heron Lake days. Bro. C. W. Hartley, who was relieving him there days, feels that he has earned a vaca- tion and is laying off. Bro. I. J. Mock, of Sioux Falls days, took a short lay-off the first of the month and took in the meeting at Windom the third. Was relieved by Bro. Schneiderhan. Bro. Wm. Byers relieved Bro. D. Fiock at Mitchell days the first of the month, and then went to Merriam nights, vice Bro. Crane. Bro. Tabbcrt relieved Bro. Griffith at Sheldon freight office the first of the month, later going to Madelia as agent, relieving Bro. Burdick, who was absent account of his health. Upon Bro. Burdick’s return Bro. Tabbcrt went to Magnolia as agent, vice Bro. Ayers. Have not learned where Bro. Ayers went. Bro. F. E. Anderson is now located at his as- signed position, Luverne nights. Bro. Artz is doing sentinel duty at Blakely nights. Bro. Geo. McGinty, who relieved Bro. Stumm at St. James during latter’s illness, returned to Western Ave. nights the first of the month, and Bro. M. J. Roberts, who was there, went to his old bivouac at Kasota nights. Bro. J. H. Johnson is now at Jordan nights, his assigned position. Bro. J. H. Brennen, who was formerly em- ployed at St. James as side wire man, is again shaking hands with his old friends on the Omaha. He is now located at Colorado Springs on the Rio Grande, and reports himself as doing nicely. All who attended the meeting at Windom on the third, vote it one of the best they have ever attended. The wives of the brothers increased the interest, and all desire to make it a standing invitation for the ladies every time. All the bach- elors present made a vow to do their best to bring a wife to the next meeting, and we sincerely hope they will be able to do so. Bro. Riddell, of Ottawa, was absent the first of the month on account of sickness. Pleased to say he is again well and at work. Bro. A. J. Axt, day telegrapher at LeSueur, doubled his work the past few days to allow Mr. S. B. Swiningson, the agent, to attend a wedding of his brother at Prestigo, Wis. The following ruling made by the General Super- intendent will prove of vital interest to all teleg- raphers: “Any agent or telegrapher who accepts a non-schedule position, will retain his seniority rights for three months, and if at the end of that time he does not return to a scheduled position, his name will be removed from the seniority list Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2096 The Railroad Telegrapher. and he will have to reenter the service as a new man. This same rule to apply to men who take leave of absence.” This ruling will make it im- possible for any but those listed on the seniority list to accept schedule positions when same are bulletined. Bro. E. L. Klingelboffcr is now agent at Blake- ley. We understand that the General Committee will soon convene at St. Paul for the purpose of making another schedule to conform with the nine-hour law, which goes into effect the first of March, 1908. Do you want your salary reduced in pro- portion, or do you wish to work the nine hours and draw the same pay you now do, if not better? To do this it will be necessary to present a solid front to the management when our committee goes in, and it is up to you all to see that no nons are left upon the division. There are but few left, and if one of those is working with you, make him understand the importance of his mem- bership. We should discourage any courtesy to men who are not members of the Order. Get a list of nons from some one and then do all you can to lead the erring ones into the fold. Don’t sit back now and trust that some one will do this, but feel that it depends upon you to do it. Mr. E. E. Stolte is relieving Bro. Morris, at Storden. We are glad to report the fact that J. J. Long, a former member of this division, was expelled from the O. R. T. at the meeting at Windom November 3d. He was convicted of being a strike- breaker for the Western Union at St. Paul 4*Z” office during the commercial telegraphers’ strike, and it was unanimously voted by all members present to expcll him from the Order. The fact that Windom is a place where he once worked and was well known made the work more im- pressive, and, we dare say, that the name of J. J. Long will never meet with approval in that city again. It should prove a lesson to all who would lose their manhood for a few paltry dollars. Let us hope that the end is not yet, bpt that this man Long may live to seriously regret the day when* his former brothers, in duty to mankind, scratched his name from their membership roll, tore all regard for him from their hearts and heartily wished it were as easy to remove all trace of him from memory. It would have been a lesson to all to have heard the expressions of disgust that were muttered in that lodge room at that time, and we believe that could that bunch had their hands on the subject of their hate, it would have fared ill with him. Upon the very floor where he was elected to membership, and by many of the same who welcomed him as a brother, his name was a by-word and men regretted that they had ever grasped the hand that was so soon to prove a traitor to the cause. Bro. Backer, of Bingham Lake days, is taking a vacation; relieved by Bro. Hyde. Among those who were called to Windom for court duty regarding the death of section foreman ' 1 ■ ’meling, of Westbrook, which occurred at Bing- ham Lake a year ago, were Bro. W. C. Warner, of Henderson, and Bro. Backer, of Bingham Lake. The meeting at Windom Sunday, November 3d, was celebrated in the best of style, and proved a day long to be remembered by all those who were fortunate enough to be present. Nos. 3 and 4, by good fortune, met at Windom, and as the telegraphers and their wives stepped from tbeir trains they were greeted and heartily welcomed by Bros. W. M. Hale and H. B. Levering acd their charming wives, assisted by Mrs. Mann and Mrs. Baxter, who, we wish to say, are equally as charming. After a short meeting at the home of Bro. Hale, where the ladies were made acquainted with one another, we took our wives and with the sorry bachelors straggling in the rear, pro ceeded to make a tour of inspection of the town. After we had pointed out to the fair ones the landmarks of this beautiful city we returned ta Bro. Hale’s home, where we were grouped for the photographer to make a photo of us, after which we bade our wives adieu and made oir way to the lodge room for a smoke and to listen to a story from Bro. Dad Byers before going to supper. Words can not express our appreciation of that supper, but we will say that many a wife was made ashamed of the manner in which her better half surrounded the good things, and we all hated to undergo the walk necessary to take us back to the lodge room. Eight p. m. found all members in their places in the hall for the transaction of business, and we were kept busy until after eleven, when we were informed by ’phone that our wives had formed the “Ladies' Auxiliary,” with Mrs. J. E. Smith, of Bingham Lake, as president, and Mrs. C. B. Fairfield, of St. James, as vice-president, and thought it time to open our lodge for them. After their arrival we listened to an eloquent talk from Bro. J. A. Newman, first vice-president of the O. R. T., who was present at considerable inconvenience to himself. He gave us some interesting facts concerning the infancy of the O. R. T., and outlined the aims and desires of the future. His talk ended all too soon to suit those present, but we prepared to listen to a continuation of eloquence when our Local Chairman, Bro. Tenney, called upon Bro. Liddanc, of East St. Paul, for a few remarks. Bro. Ud dane failed us for the first time since we have known him, but offered as bis excuse that he was afraid to launch forth in his usual style with the critical eyes of his wife upon him. Most of us being similarly afflicted, we excused him and listened to an interesting talk by Sister Smith, who informed us, with becoming modesty, that the “Ladies’ Auxiliary” had been formed for the pur pose of bringing our sons up with a due respect for all things O. R. T., and to impress upon their youthful minds the importance of unionized labor. We must not forget the talk by Bro. Tenney. Local Chairman, nor the music furnished us by Bro. Wagner, of Garden City, who is certainly an artist at the piano, nor to those soothing words of song by Bros. Glick and Eustis, which lulled us into peaceful slumbers. We were awakened by that saur-kraut song of “Dad,” and infortnel Digitized by c,ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2097 that Bro. Hale and wife again desired our presence at their home. There we were given more refresh- ments and an opportunity to view the artistic efforts of our wives in the shape of numerous paper objects, which we were informed were “paper animals," and for which Mrs. J. E. Smith had drawn first prize and Mrs. J. B. Head second. Declaring we could do better we were invited to try, and after laboring for some time presented our work for inspection, and were promptly in- formed that it was much below par, Bro. C. B. Fairfield’s being so awful bad that he was granted a “booby" prize, which he says he shall always keep in memory of the never-to-be-forgotten day and the hospitality of Bro. Hale and wife. We had a pleasant time, and fate, kind to the last, again allowed our trains to meet at Windom. Many present had driven across country to be with us, and others were losing lots of sleep, but none regretted the efforts they haul put forth, and all left voting that day one of the happiest they had ever spent, and treasuring in their hearts the kind- ness with which we had been treated by our brothers and sisters at Windom. They will always find our latch-string on the outside and a hearty welcome awaiting them should they ever make a visit to our homes. It was a banner day. Correspondent. Illinois Central Ry. Tennessee Division, Jackson District — A business meeting was held in the Depot Hotel at Holly Springs on November 9, with an attend- ance of seventeen members from the Jackson Dis- trict, which was very good, considering the loca- tion, etc. The meeting was conducted by Local Chairman Bro. W. M. Merwin and Local Secretary Bro. E. Cosgrove, from Fulton, Ky. A considerable amount of business was transacted in the shape of grievances, which were discussed and turned over to the local chairman to be presented to the division superintendent for adjustment. In checking up the Jackson District we found it solid from Jackson, Tenn , to Water Valley, M iss., with but one exception. This good showing is due, mainly, to the indefatigable efforts of the assistant local chairman, Bro. G. W. Faucctt, at Toone, Tenn., whom it is said is very frequently found burning midnight oil in his efforts to pro- mote something for the good of our Order. It is intended that a meeting be held every three months at some point on the Jackson District, ad- vice to be issued by the local chairman a few days prior to each meeting. The regular monthly meeting of the telegra- phers of the Tennessee Division was held in the K. of P. Hall in Fulton, Ky., November 16, with a fair attendance. The meeting was called to order by the assistant local chairman, Bro. E. Cosgrove, in the absence of the local chairman, Bro. W. M. Merwin. The only officers answering roll call were: Past Chief Telegrapher O. I>. Allen, hirst Vice-Chief W. B. Homing, Second Vice-Chief C. K. Collins. and Secretary E. Cosgrove, the missing officers’ positions being filled by visiting members. In the absence of Chief Telegrapher Bro. W. M. Merwin, Past Chief Telegrapher Bro. W. B. Ro- uting was appointed chief telegrapher pro tem, as per our Ritual, and he conducted the meeting. A number of new applications were handed in by Bro. Maloan, who has been taking a very ac- tive interest in the welfare of the Order on the district south of Dyersberg, Tenn., and who has been bringing in some "good money" during the last month or two. A great deal of important business was trans- acted at the meeting, and matters of great im- portance were discussed, adopted and forwarded to the general chairman to be acted upon. The gathering broke up about midnight to meet again December 21, in K. of P. Hall, Fulton, Ky. A number of very important articles are to be voted on at our next meeting. The secretary will mail notices to every member on the division a few days in advance, so do not fail to arrange relief, secure transportation and be on hand for the meeting, and let us have an “overflow" house on December 21. Let us all get bu9y. Latent or unused power is a mere assumption that no one heeds or takes into account until it manifests itself, while the man of actions, the man who does things, attracts attention and wins admira- tion. There is a fascination about the man of action, just as there is a fascination about ma- chinery in motion, that can not be resisted. Everyone deplores and despises stagnation, and no one is satisfied in this busy, bustling world un- less there is “something doing." E. Cosgrove, Local Secretary. Chicago Division — The regular meeting, held at Champaign, No- vember 9, was quite a success numerically at least, as there were just forty members present. This is the largest crowd we have had for some time and hope large attendance will continue. We were very much disappointed in not having Bros. Mulhall and Shannon with us, as expected, but they were unavoidably detained. However, we have the assurance that they will both be able to visit us in the near future. Bro. I). M. Graham being the only candidate for initiation present, he was duly instructed in the secret work of the Order. The goat was some- what out of practice and rather fractious, but, not- withstanding this fact, Bro. Graham displayed qualities which, if properly matured, and with plenty of practice, will make an operator of him. The Rantoul Line was well represented at this meeting, eight or ten of the boys being present. Hope they will attend regularly hereafter. Bro. Glens, from Pcnfield, treated us to about four yards and a half of genuine "speel," touch- ing on the general conditions on the Rantoul Line. The most serious complaint they seemed to have over there was the Sunday work. The haversack was voted a howling success as a breicpin, or cravat, and the U. S. mail simply a pleasant form of exercise, which the company Digitized by Y,OOQle

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2098 The Railroad Telegrapher. had, some time away back in the dark ages, adopted for the agents’ benefit, probably as a pre- ventative against indigestion and bad tempers. A communication was read from Bro. Kelly, local chairman of the Freeport Division, extending a cordial invitation to Chicago Division members to attend a meeting and “spread” at Freeport. November 16. The next meeting will be held at Kankakee, in the old stand on Court street, December 13. Let us have a good crowd. There have been few changes since last month. Bro. G. E. Ricketts has returned to the agency at Monec, relieving the extra agent, Bro. C. E. Baugh, who went to Merna for a few days, being relieved there by Bro. Pcndergast, who has re- turned from doing some extra stunts on the Terminal. Bro. Baugh, at this 'writing, is at Pestone, re- lieving Bro. Morrison, who, I understand, is off on committee work. Bro. McCauley, a new man from the L. E. & \V\. is now working at “KY,” Otto, nights. Bro. J. G. Brown, from Ridgeville, is now lo- cated on the O. S. L , at Monida, Mont., salary $70, and says he likes it fine, and has a good chance of a station soon, with more money. Bro. Brown’s heart is in the right spot, and we wish him every success in his new work. Understand Bro. Phelps, from Anchor, has bid in Ridgeville, on bulletin, but do not know, at present, who will take Anchor. This is all of the changes which I am aware of now. Remember the next meeting at Kankakee on December 13. Div. Cor. Gilman Line — Bro. O. E. Tunc is back as agent at Guthrie, after a three weeks’ visit in Egypt. Bro. New- man relieved him. Bro. D. J. O’Connell is holding down Harpster, after working as extra agent on the division for more than a year. Bro. T. R. Rose is at Bellcflowcr nights, again, after doing the lever act at Odin for sixty days. Bro. E. J. Coss, formerly agent at Birkbcck, was successful in landing Cullom on bulletin, and was transferred several days ago. Bro. E. O. Carring- ton now regular man at Birkbcck. The Gilman line, at this writing, is solid O. R. T. to the man. Div. Cor. Freeport Division — - The following is a clipping from the Freeport Daily Bulletin, November 22, 1907, and it certainly does us justice, so it will not be necessary for me to form the minutes of the meeting, but will make a copy of this fine write-up: “An enthusiastic meeting of the Freeport Divi- sion of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers of the Illinois Central Railroad was held in this city last evening in the Council Hall of the organization. Over i*ne hundred members were in attendance. This was the regular monthly meeting of the r'ers of the Freeport Division, but as Fourth Vice-President J. J. Dermody, General Chairman Mulhall, Local Chairman J. James, of Chicago, and General Secretary Shannon were present, it was also made an occasion of festivity. “The meeting at the hall was presided over by the local chairman of the Order, Walter Kelly, of Rutland, 111., who introduced the visiting officers. “The members of the Order from all over the Fceport Division, which includes the Madison an 1 Dodgeville lines, the Amboy District as far south as Clinton, and the district between this city and Chicago, were well represented. Local Chairman Kelly said that out of 138 positions oa the division 132 telegraphers belong to the Order. “The most important business that came before the meeting was the discussion of the nine-hour law, which will become operative as a Federal legislative enactment next March. Inasmuch as this provision will necessitate the hiring of three men on the same job that was formerly attended to by two, the roads have been discussing the fea- sibility of reducing the pay of the telegraphers, as the expense of the roads in this branch of the operating department will be correspondingly in- creased by the addition of another man on the same job. “The question of the reduction of pay in con- nection with the enforcement of the eight-hour law was threshed over in detail, and animated speeches were made by the visiting officers. Reso- lutions for the nine-hour day, without reduction in the wage scale, went through with a whoop, and notice of the action will be forwarded to the officers of the Illinois Central. “Various grievances were heard, and action was recommended in each case. “At 11:30 o’clock the members of the Order repaired to the Troy Cafe, where they stretched their feet under the festal board. “After the banquet the members returned to their hall, where they drafted other resolutions. “There is a feeling of apprehension among the members of the Order that the pending bill before the Illinois Legislature, requiring the inspection of watches, contains provisions that arc decidedly objectionable, and resolutions were drafted oppos- ing the passage of the bill. The main objections arc based on the fact that its passage and rigid enforcement will require all telegraphers to buy watches of the same make, which would place the members under an unwarranted expense.” We will stop here and say three cheers for the Freeport Daily Bulletin, and three more for the O. R. T. The above clipping fills the bill if any- thing ever did, so it will not be necessary to nuke any more statements in regard to the “0. R- T- banquet of November 21, 190 7.” “BK, BK.” Well, that’s just like me, but bet- ter late than never. We wish to thank the Chi- cago Terminal for their very strong turnout, rep- resented by Bros. Thomas, Schneider and Auld. Among the recent bulletins wc have Bloomington nights, LaSalle nights, El Paso nights, B°wcS nights and Blanchardville agency. Digitized by c,ooQle

Page 1182

The Railroad Telegrapher. 2099 The following new members have been initiated in the past thirty days: Bros. Whitney, Haynes, Steele, Halloway and Peterson. Bro. H. Granger was successful applicant for the position as day telegrapher at Freeport yard office. Bro. O. R. Sherbert was a successful applicant for the position as night telegrapher at Burlington. Mr. P. H. Morrison was a successful applicant for Coleman agency. Bro. J. F. Barber was a successful applicant for position as day telegrapher in dispatcher’s office, Freeport. Salary, $70 per month. Mr. S. H. Davis was successful applicant for position as day telegrapher in dispatcher’s office, Freeport. Salary, $65 per month. Mr. C. G. Price was successful applicant for Plato Center agency. Bro. J. E. Wolfe relieved Bro. I. R. Crawford at Colvin Park nights. Bro. I. R. Crawford relieved Mr. C. G. Price at Hart nights. Mr. Price, from Hart, went to Irene, and worked a few nights, and from there took his regular position at Plato Center. El Paso was opened for a few nights, W. T. Jones filling the bill, but on account of the scar- city of $55 telegraphers it has been closed again. Bro. Whitney has taken his wife to California for her health. Bro. Goodrich, who relieved Bro. Haynes, of Wenona, is relieving Bro. Whitney at El Paso. C. J. Halloway, at present doing the agency at Sublette, while Telegrapher Ilehir is trying the brakeman’s stunt. Bro. A. B. Fretze, formerly at Bowes nights, was successful applicant for Bloomington nights. Bro. Hayes, who has been doing the extra stunt at Freeport yard office, was relieved by Bro. H. Granger, who was successful applicant for the same. Bro. Collins was successful applicant for the day telegrapher and ticket clerk position at Mon- roe. Bro. Miler, who formerly worked on this divi- sion, is appointed ticket agent at Normal. Mr. S. H. Davis, formerly at LaSalle nights, now in “DR” office, Freeport. Telegrapher Renfro was successful applicant for LaSalle nights. Bro. McGinty, a true blue C. T. U. of A. boy, has been doing the extra stunt at LaSalle while the same was on' bulletin. Bro. Madden worked the branch wire for a few days, while Bro. Barber was off. Mr. P. Lundberg relieved Bro. Fretze at Bowes nights. Brothers, when sending in your overtime to C. O. R., be sure and show trains met, and time trains by your station, so that they can O. K. them without any delay. Should watch inspection, House Bill No. 918, pass, it will not be because the telegraphers on the Freeport Division did not do all they could to down it, as nearly every telegrapher sent a message to Bro. Mulhall for him to use his in- fluence to defeat this bill, which every telegrapher knows is a serious detriment to the telegraphers, and is a get-rich-quick scheme for the watch com- panies. We can now boast of having the banner division on the I. C., when it comes to a show down, in both percentage and actual fount. Cutting down of salaries on the branches is pretty small business, but nothing that will be hard to stop. They must be looking out for the eight- hdur law. By the time this is in print it will be time for the semi-annual dues to be sent to the general secretary. Get your money in early and avoid the rush. Don’t be a day without an up-to-date card this coming year, for it’s the year of doings in the telegraphic world. Bro. F. H. Kochsmieir, and Bro. R. J. Steele were the two that rode the goat at the meeting, and they stuck to his back very well, although they did not like the idea of being branded for life (?). The dope that went through at the meeting was fit for some of the Minneapolis mills, rather fine. Mr. W. T. Jones is at present doing the extra stunt at Rockford days, while Miss Walthon is taking a rest. Mr. Sweeney, who worked here first, has accepted the position at “BY” office, Freeport days. Did any of you ever hear the rattle of the coin while the teller at the bank was cashing your pay check? Well, it seems to me I heard a rattle of that order down ai^und the depot at Heyworth about pay-day. I thought I was mistaken, but some brother says “yep, your right.” It was Hon. Mr. Delano counting the proceeds of his non- membership in the O. R. T. They say the figures were of large denominations. Well, let it be so. We all hope that he will soon be able to start a bank in the near future, for he is fast accumulat- ing a fortune won by deadbeating. Some say, when they go by there on a train, they have to look back a long while to see what such a man looks like, and still there’s Jno. Gartman at Corbin, I can hear his rattle the splash (?), can’t say where they go? You may now call W. H. Fredrichs brother. Well, here comes that block manipulator, West- brook, so I will look and see if everything is in apple-pie order or something might happen. Wishing you one and all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. “Shorty." Cherokee Division — Wear union-made goods. Eat union products. Smoke union cigars. Drink union coffee. Mr. N. W. Akeson went from “SB” to “DO,” temporarily. Bro. L. J. Mooney is working as extra dispatcher at Cherokee. Bro. F. J. Spinharney is back at Sulphur Springs, after several weeks’ work as relief. Bro. F. W. Grending, of Gaza, received a tele- gram stating that his brother was accidentally Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2100 The Railroad Telegrapher. killed in Illinois. Bro. Warner, of Pringhar, is relieving him. Bro. W. J. Kearney, formerly agent at Meriden, has accepted Remsen agency. Bro. C. H. Ponra is relief at Oto during Bro. Smith’s absence. Bro. Harry Hoskins is working extra at “SB” office while Bro. L. L. Jones is working double at LeMars ticket and telegraph office. Clerk J. Zeigler, of George, has filled out hfs application, to take effect January i, 1908. He starts the new year right. A “scab” from Sioux City worked a few days at “SB,” but partook of fire-water too freely, and got “canned.” They don’t even want scabs in hell. A good, lively meeting was held at LeMars, Iowa, November 17, 1907, in M. W. A. Hall. A large number of members were present, also Line- man Bro. Wilson and Division Agent Bro. C. G. Hoskin. Next meeting to be held at LeMars, Iowa, December 15th. Brothers, turn out to these meetings. Lay aside your work for one day. It will do you good. Get out and Shake the dust off of yourselves, and get acquainted. These meetings are for your own good, and we want to show an increased attend- ance at each meeting. A meeting will be held regularly each month on the third Sunday. Don’t forget the date, and give your superintendent plenty of time to get transportation. Mr. J. B. Shoemaker has %accepted the agency at Smithland. Bro. Dodge is chief bill clerk at Sioux Falls. Bro. D. F. Gale, of the M. & St. L., goes to “SB” permanently. Did you know that the linemen were 90 per cent strong? Contributed by our lineman : We see nothing from the linemen. Wonder what they intend to do? Now is the time to show their colors, and stick to the O. R. T. true. Now is the time for you all together to stick, for ycu know all will make it milch stronger than one. Let’s stay by the good old wagon, and run her through on schedule. Cert. 144. Wheeling & Lake Erie Ry. Toledo Division — - Bro. D. L. Ames off on ten days’ vacation, which was spent at Catawba Islands, near Port Clinton. Mr. O. A. Houck working nights at Clyde in Bro. Ames’ place. Bro. W. W. Dunn, nights at Bellevue, off one night. Bro. Rinebolt, from depot, made the double. Bro. Ream, Monroeville, was on a vacation, which was spent at Fremont. Mr. U. T. Seler relieving. We have his promise. Bro. Doyle, formerly of Ilartland, resigned; re- lieved by a Pennsylvania man, who refuses me his name. Do not know where Bro. Doyle went. Bro. O. E. Allen, who has been at Clarksfield, nights, has left the service; relieved by Bro. C. P. Feelmeyer, who says this is his third time on this road, hut he has come to stay this time. Bro. A. 1C. Mullcnkop, for some time agent at Clarksfield, has left the service, and Bro. E. A. Weirick, from Limestone, bid it in on bulletin. Mr. B. W. Tuttle, from Rock Island, working nights at Pawnee. There is a rumor afloat that there will be about five new eight-hour jobs opened up the first of December. That will make the boys smile. What is the trouble with the owls? I don’t hear them (hollow) “two-bits for me,” any more? Do you all carry your lunch now? Guess that we will have to get busy and have that schedule fixed up a little different. Bro. Bill Bligh, who was working nights at Clarksfield, has left the W. & L. E.. and has ac- cepted a position with the Big Four. He is now enjoying an eight-hour job. Hartland, nights, is advertised. Bro. C. D. Hull, formerly relief agent, bid in “HU,” Huron, days. Bros. Fry and Van Nest, at Huron Junction, have secured the service of a detective to find a man to take the third' trick. A Mr. C. D. Wright as agent at Limestone. “13” we have a lady operator at Wellington, “WG” office. The only one on the west end. Mr. Aldrich, third trick dispatcher at Ironville, have been off on a vacation; relieved by Mr. Plants, relief dispatcher. Mr. H. P. Smithhiser, Fremont, nights, was off duty for a few days on account of the death of h s son. Did not learn the operator’s name relieving. Cot. Pittsburg Division , West End — Meeting at Massillon Saturday evening, Novem- ber 1 6th, fairly well attended, five brothers from Pittsburg Division, two from Cleveland Division and two from Toledo Division. More should come to these meetings. Remember they are on third Saturday evening of each month in Trades and Labor Assembly Hall, Massillon, Ohio. There are quite a number of O. R. T. boys on this road belonging to other divisions. Get after them and get them transferred into Division 5S- Send their card and address to Bro. C. R. Guthrie. General Secretary and Treasurer, Jewett, Ohio. He will transfer them to our division. Bro. F. C. Hull was successful bidder for the East End yard off at Columbia. Bro. G. W. Lucas, formerly of Pennsylvania line west of Pittsburg, has accepted position with the W. & L. E. R. R. He is now relieving J. H. Atwell, agent at Martin’s Ferry, for about a week. Mr. B. E. Dainty, day operator Pittsburg Jet., laid off a few days account sickness, being re- lieved by Bro. N. Harring, night man, who in turn was relieved by W. C. Utzler, formerly from B. & O. All news for journal should be sent to Local Chairmen on 25th of each month. Dues for the new term, January 1st to June 30th, arc $4.00, and are payable at any time. Cest. 8. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2101 Pittsburg Division. East End — Bro. Albaugh, of Mingo yard, off sick couple days last month; relieved by Mr. R. J. Madell, who resigned shortly after being relieved at Mingo yard. Bro. Thomason, at Reck days, has resigned to accept a better position in Pittsburg. We are sorry to lo3e this brother, as he was an efficient operator and a good brother. Mr. McIntyre, an old-timer from the Pennsyl- vania lines, relieved Bro. Thomason days at Rook. On account of Bro. Todd, night man Rook, off sick, Mr. McIntyre has worked three or four days and nights in succession. There are several operators on Toledo Division members of the O. R. T. and in good standing, but belong to other divisions. Operator Beck, night man at Mingo “WI,” took a trip west last week. “13” he did not get farther than Canton, though. Mr. Weiblcr, a commercial brother, held “WI” down a few nights during Beck's absence; unable to say where Weibler is at present, but “13” he went to Canton. The new time table looks good for overtime on this division, especially where there are no night men, but for my part twelve hours is enough. Overtime made after twelve hours is hard-earned money. When our committee meets the management again, why not do as the machinists did on the C. G. W. ? Make schedule plain that “nons” reap no further benefits from the efforts of our organi- zation. The few remaining “nons” have been asked time and again to join with us, and yet they make no move toward becoming members. If we can’t coax or hire them, can’t we cut them out entirely? I would like to hear from others on this subject. We all look forward with pleasure to the eight- hour day, March 4, 1908. "Nons,” as well as brothers, but nons evidently don’t understand who introduced the bill in Congress, and who were responsible for getting it through. Really, if I were one 'of this class, I would be ashamed to mention eight-hour day, overtime, or anything else. When you meet a telegrapher always insist on looking at his card. If up-to-date, give him the glad hand and treat him right. If no card, don’t be backward about telling him “No card, no favors.” Brothers, don’t forget regular meetings third Saturday night each month at Massillon, Ohio. It will not be convenient for East End boys to attend. Since new schedule went into effect it will be impossible to get back Sunday morning. We will all do the best we can to get there. Cert. 93. Columbia to Hopedale — Bro. Breymaicr was relieved for a few days’ hunting trip by Bro. F. C. Feelemyer, who was transferred to Clarlcsfield nights on the return of Bro. Breymaier. Columbia, our former relief agent, Bro. F. C. Hull is doing the owl act; he relieved a C. T. U. A. man, G. A. Wider, was ordered to head- quarters at Canton. I have lost track of him from there. Sherrodsville, “HD,” Bro. Roy Burns, regular, days; relieved by Bro. V. J. Beaumont, from Cleveland “H” W. U. office. Mr. Baughman, superintendent telegraph, prom- ises to start in on the eight-hour basis on the first of December, but this certainly looks all to the bad just now. He’s not hiring an extra man, and I think that we are compelled, or else will be compelled, to wait 'till the very last minute. Cert. 99. Ann Arbor Ry. Bro. If. J. Tobin, our former general chairman, who left the service of the Ann Arbor, is now with the Pennsylvania Company, at Toledo. Bro. Berwick, second trick at Boulevard, tower *‘AH,” has resigned and gone to the Pennsylvania Company with Bro. Tobin. Bro. Suydam, formerly second trick at Hallet, but who resigned on account of poor health, has been assigned to the Toledo, “A” office, and as soon as this position is ready for him he will help Bro. White with the yards and car reports. A number of the brothers attended a meeting in the Foresters’ Hall, Owosso, on Sunday, Octo- ber 27th, and discussed several points of interest, appointed several committees and elected officers of a local lodge. All present enjoyed the meeting, and all are anxious to have another meeting in fhe near future. I have not, as yet, heard from Bro. Weast in regard to the election of a local chairman, which was held some time ago, and am therefore unable to say who is elected to succeed Bro. Adams. There are several members of this division who have neglected to keep up to date. Now, brothers, do not allow this to continue. Pay up, and keep in line, and if you did not receive any benefit from the first schedule, remember we are going after a revision, and expect benefits to all. There was a call made at the meeting held in Owosso for the first month’s increase to help pay the grievance committee for their work in ob- taining the present schedule. Hamburg has been closed as a telegraph station, Bro. Grant having been transferred to Yuma. Bro. Reynolds, formerly agent at Yuma, has bid in Ithaca, days, Bro. Renwick, formerly of that place, having left the service. Boulevard, “AX” office, is to be closed as a telegraph office as soon as Bro. Adams receives a cable for which he has been waiting for some time. Levcrmen are to be put in, and the opera- tors are to be moved to the yardmaster’s office. Quite a number of the brothers attended the Michigan-Pennsylvania football game at Ann Ar- bor, November 16th, and most of them feel sore on the referee. Bro. Ide, formerly of Whitmore Lake, is now doing the dark hours at “MA,” An Arbor. The “DI,” dispatcher’s operator position at Owosso has not been assigned yet, and has been open for three months. This is a grievance for the Digitized by t^ooQle

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2102 The Railroad Telegrapher. man who is entitled to it, and he should take it up as such. Tliompsonville agency is another of the positions that has been bulletined for a long time, and has not been assigned. Bro. Battin, formerly agent at McBain, has been assigned the agency at Manistique. Mr. L. E. Vorce, formerly at Frankfort, has been compelled to resign on account of poor health. Mr. A. C. McDaniels, for a long time his cashier, was appointed to fill his place. Bro. H. G. Car- land, formerly day operator, taking the p’ace of cashier. This is one of the appointive agencies, and, therefore, will not be bulletined. Div. Cor. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased our Almighty God to remove from our midst our most worthy brother, J. F. HefFcrnan, an esteemed member of System Division No. 48; and. Whereas, In view of the loss we have sustained by those who were nearest and dearest to him; therefore, be it Resolved, That D. T. I. System Division, No. 48, O. R. T., in the death of Bro. J. F. Heffeman, has lost a devoted and worthy member, his family a kind and loving husband and father; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be for- warded to the family of Bro. Heffernan; that a copy be submitted to The Telegrapher for publi- cation, and that the same be spread upon the min- utes of the division. G. W. Wright, W. H. Terrell, H. G. Carland, Committee. Frankfort, Mich., October 31, 1907. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, By the death of Bro. F. F. Bailey, of Division No. 48, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, the fraternity has lost a trusted and loved member; one who was ever kindly and considerate in his actions. Be it Resolved, That this division mourn with the be- reaved family and extend to them our sincere sym- pathy. It is our dearest wish that if, at any time, we can render assistance to this family we be al- lowed to render tribute in this way to his memory. G. W. Wright, W. H. Terrell, II. G. Carland, Committee. Owosso, Mich., October 31, 1907. Norfolk 6. Western Ry. Scioto Division — Since our appearance in November few events of importance have come to notice of your corre- spondent. We feel very thankful for the kindness of those who assisted us. Without their assistance we would have been very short, indeed. A number of Western Union men who were taken into the N. & W. service recently, have re- turned to situations open to them by the Western Union and Postal Companies. Jos. Forbin, a C. T. U. of A. man, who has been extra in “KM” for some time, has resigned to accept a position with the Western Union at Pittsburg, Pa. On account of recent changes Mr. W. A. Pin- son, agent at Dunlon, W. Va., has been assigned to the extra list. Mr. J. M. Marcum succeeding to the agency. Mr. J. D. Bayles, extra at Kenova freight house, and a C. T. U. of A. man, has resigned for a Western Union job at Columbus, Ohio. Bro. A. J. Marcum, third trick at Kennit, W. Va., landed Duvalls, Ohio, nights. Bro. Frank Mader succeeds Bro. Cailey at Val- ley Crossing, first trick. Bro. Wm. Kessee, recently promoted to dis- patcher, is off duty with a broken thumb. He has gone to Old Virginia, and will remain until he fully recovers. E. G. Painter, agent at Idlcwild, is off duty in definitely; relieved by Relief Agent Jaynes. Bro. Rader moves from Valley Crossing to Joyce avenue. Bro. Eckfelt, first trick dispatcher at North, on the sick list for several days. Mr. Bushman has been doing extra work at Park. Dispatchers Bailey, Bridges, Hughes and Mulli- gan have been making trips over their divisions al- ternately, acquainting themselves with the road and the boys along the line. They will find us a pretty easy bunch to get acquainted with, and just as anxious to improve the service as they are. Mr. Harry Me Elroy off duty several days sick; relieved by Bro. Hendrie. Bro. R. S. Kyle, first trick dispatcher East, is off on a vacation, taking a hunt in Virginia. Bro. Daily has been placed at Sargent, nights. J. S. Hayden, a C. T. U. of A. man, extra at Kenova freight house, now fills third trick at Kenova tower. Bro. Pancake, extra in “KM/' off on fifteen days’ vacation, takes third trick at Daty upon his return. Bro. Charles Selly is handling trains on second trick dispatcher, East, with the skill of an old head. We herewith extend best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, which we hope will find all in line for good principle and service. Cert. 750- Poca Division — We have as many members as any road. Why not show them that we are right in line, and press- ing to the front, and as willing to do something for our union and ourselves as they are? You know the old proverb: “If we want anything done right, do it ourselves,” and “if you want help, first help yourself.” All can say a word of encour- agement to our brothers who are working so faith- t Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2103 fully for the advancement of our union. They must have our support, and if we never open our mouths, how are they to know what we want? Or they will think we are contented with out present condition. We must take more interest in our future welfare and help ourselves. We could have as easily secured the eight-hour law as the State of West Virginia did, if we would only wake up and quit depending on some one else. “United we stand; divided we fall.” Dispatcher Moss is on the sick list at present, but is recovering. He has a two weeks’ old daugh- ter to brighten his home now. Bro. Lawson, from “BF” office, is relieving Dispatcher Moss while sick. Bro. Marnsey, promoted to dispatcher, still car- ries an up-to-date card. Bro. Briggs, from “HO,” bid in the new job at “BF,” and Bro. Morrison, from “OA,” relieved him. Bro. Snowley, from “SU,” has obtained two months’ leave of absence, and is going down on the farm and spend the time with his mother. Bro. White, from “BK,” has resigned, and ac- cepted a position as traveling salesman. Bro. Williams bid in first trick; relieving Bro. White, and Telegrapher Blow second trick. Bro. R. H. Miller has just returned from a thirty-days’ vacation, which he spent visiting rela- tives in Virginia and at Jamestown. He was re- lieved by Bro. J. J. Cox. Bro. Huff, first trick at “HI,” has just returned from a thirty-days’ vacation. “Big Head.” Radford Division — The boys on all of the divisions seem to be tak- ing a great deal of interest in our journal. This is certainly gratifying to your system correspond- ent, and I assure you very much appreciated. Now just keep the thing up. Send notes to your divi- sion correspondent of everything that happens in your district that would be of interest to the mem- bership on other divisions or other roads. I am very sorry that it is impossible to give you the splendid speeches delivered at our meeting of October 19 by Bros.. Caboncss and Atkins, but the journal’s space is too limited to reproduce them here. However, both of these brothers will be at our banquet at Roanoke, and you will have an opportunity to hear them. Everything moving along nicely on the Radford Division, the block system having, recently, been installed on Bristol line, and quite a number of desirable positions opened up for applicants. Have not heard who were the lucky ones on many of them. The boys on this end will now have to keep on the lookout for “37,” and it is hoped that they will see positively that they always get “3 7” before allowing a train to go west, as negligence on this particular part of the work is apt to result seriously. The Bluefield meeting was a success in every sense of the word. Quite a lot of important busi- ness was transacted, and a great many matters to be taken up in the next agreement were discussed, among which was the matter of handling U. S. mail. All of the men are bitterly opposed to handling U. S. mail, regardless of what they arc paid for the work. They are not looking for civil service positions and don’t want them shoved on them. The one-sided way of handling W. U. commissions were also shown to be unsatisfactory, and the General Committee will be urged to pay special attention to these matters when they con- vene again, which will be on the first Saturday night in January, 1908. One of the most important things to look after on the eve of the assembly of the General Com- mittee is the non list. Last month our minutes were held by Bro. Layman, awaiting some corre- spondence from Bro. Quick, until it was too late to get a revised non list, therefore, it was omitted, but it will be up-to-date next month, and I under- stand the secretary of the Bluefield meeting has “curtailed” his minutes to allow plenty of room for this list, therefore, when you get your next minutes, showing the nons, go after all who are worthy, good and strong. We need them right now, yet don’t overlook the fact that it is those who are worthy that we are after. We must draw our lines a little closer, and it is hoped that mem- bership in our organization on the N. & W. will be a guarantee of efficiency, and will also guaran- tee the company that the owner of one of our cards is a thoroughly reliable man, worthy of trust in any position, and capable of holding any posi- tion in their line. When we, as an organization, fail to render first-class service, we can not expect further recognition. Our yearly banquet will be held at Roanoke, Va., the first Saturday night in January, 1908. We will, of course, have the usual good attend- ance. This is always a great time with us. All of the boys look forward to this banquet with a great deal of pleasure, and all who can possibly make arrangements to leave their work are always there, and to those who can not come we can only say we are sorry for them, for they certainly are deprived of a great pleasure. Meeting all of the boys who come to these banquets is one of our greatest pleasures. We become better acquainted with each other, our business relations in this way are more pleasant, we work harder for each other’s interest, and this is especially true with the dispatchers. If all of the men who have been elevated to the position of train dispatcher will come out to the meetings and the yearly banquet, and get to know the men better, they will find that they will always be ready and glad to give all information they possibly can that will assist them in handling their trick successfully. You may say they are paid to do this anyway. Now, that’s all true enough, but there is nothing like knowing a fellow. You feel more at home with him, and results from such social relations will be better train movement, and dollars for the com- pany. One of the most enjoyable features of our meet- ings now is the address we have the pleasure of hearing from some brother who is appointed each meeting for the next. Those who do not attend Digitized by t^ooQle

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2104 The Railroad Telegrapher, the meetings do not know what they are missing. Be on hand next time and get all that’s coming to you. Another important matter, at this time, is your dues for next term. Surely, none are so indifferent as to have not paid up the last term dues. See that your money goes in and you have the new card by the first of the year. You will feel better after you have it. We regret very much to announce t lie death of Bro. Chis. Wilson’s fa her. who recently pas«< d to the (ircat Beyond. All of the brothers extend to Bro. Wilson their heartfelt sympathy. We are glad to announce that we have with us now Bro. J. W. Harman, who has recently come to the N. & W. from the Beaver Dam Ry. and is at present working as extra relief agent. I am sorry that the boys are not giving the assistant correspondents what assistance they can by sending them notes each month. I understand that Bro. Wilson, who is assistant on this division, was unable to get any one to send in notes this month. I hope this will not be the case again. We have this part of the work going nicely now, and the men taking a great interest in this work on almost all of the divisions except ours. Now, let’s don’t be behind with anything. Get busy and send Bro. Wilson notes of what is going on, so he will be in a position to properly represent your division. I know, from experience, that the cor- respondent’s path is not always strewn with roses, but his work can be made much lighter by a hearty co-operation on the part of the membership. Now, see that every man does his duty in this respect, so that it will not be necessary to call your atten- tion to it again. Bro. C. M. Asbury, better known as “Kildec,” is off on a few days’ vacation, being relieved by Operator Allison. M. G. Harper. Shenandoah Division There was quite an enthusiastic meeting held in Roanoke, Va., October 19, there being several subjects discussed which mean much to our suc- cess if we abide by them, and there is no reason why we should not live up to them to the letter. The first subject being “Service.” There can not be too much stress laid upon this word. Stop a minute and think what this one word means to us in connection with the new eight hour law, which is to take effect March 4, 1908. If we give the best service possible our officials will have no kick coming, and why shouldn’t this be done. I notice the boys on this division answer their calls promptly, but a good thing can always be made better, so let’s give our whole attention to the work, as the better the conditions are t he better the service should and will be. The new subject, “Telegraphers’ Responsibility,” which is to be taken up, will he one of great interest to all. One thing more which is of the greatest importance to us is, the “non list.” Now that we have the smallest list on the system, let’s try and cut it out entirely by the first of the year, and start in with a clear sheet. The daily report of telegraphic business, which we are required to furnish, U an injustice to us, as it does not show one-fourth of the work we are required to do. It docs not show the time we are responsible for orders on the table, and other things of a similar character, which are too nu- merous to mention. We do not mean to criticise or dictate, but we simply want justice. There have been very few changes on the divi- sion this month. The telegraph office at Shenandoah Junction hi* l.ccn moved to the Junction switch, which will It a great help to all concerned. Bro. Spedden, at Shepherdstown, was off on th. sick list for about ten days a short time ago, being relieved by Bro. Wise. iBro. Bender is doing the relief act on second trick. Bro. Bender is now on third trick at Shenan- doah, while Bro. Davis is taking a vacation. I’n ders-tand Bro. Fix is working second trick. Bro. Myers, at St. James, was off a short tune ago a few days, being relieved by a man named Shank. There were several jobs on the bulletin a short time ago. Don’t know who the lucky ones will be. We hear Bros. Melton and Painter answering the call in “UD” office now. We have a fine set of boys in the dispatcher's office now. Bro. Waddy, first trick; Bro. Kyle, second, and Bro. Bickers, third. Well, guess space is getting short, so I had bet ter ring off. J. M. \V. X or folk Division — - I had hoped to give this end of the division a good write up this month, news among the boys, etc., but having my hands full of work, have not had the time to get any local information. It » gratifying to note that the most of our men are coming up with their “dough” for their present term; however, a good many are yet in arrears, which should not be the case. Would you let your house rent or grocery bill run for three to fivc months? I dare say not. Yet you’ll allow your dues in the organization to go to the last “pinch, although this is the source from which your better working conditions, better salary, pleasant vacation, etc., comes. Brothers, let’s be manly and come up with our dues, which is the most vital part of our organization. We still have some nons on this end; in fact, more than we have had for some time. Remember, personal effort is the only remedy at a reduction. Don’t sit back and think, “Well, the other fellow will look after this,” but get “interested” and say. “I’ll get to work myself,” and get all in that are worthy to become members, and I want to add here that too much stress can not be laid on the word “worthy,” for we want the standard to be raised so that being a member of the Order of Railroad Telegraphers will mean competent men, able to do the work assigned to them at any point. We are much pleased to see the new signals being installed, which does away with “climbing Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2105 the pole.” We now have the new train order signal in all offices west of Lynchburg, and I un- derstand also a good many, if not all, east of Lynchburg. We also have two towers with auto- matic signals at Bonsack and Ironville, which are three trick positions; the automatic block signals are also in operation between Roanoke and a point one mile east of Irving. We understand this form of block signal will be pushed through to Forest as quickly as possible. We have not heard from the Bluefield meetine. but know it was well attended, and that Bro. Atkins was on hand to deliver his address, “Teleg- raphers’ Responsibility.” Bro. Nesbitt, who has been doing the relief act for last few months, bid in third trick Barke- ville, relieving Bro. Thomason, who in turn took the day trick at Scott, Bro. Williams, from the P. & R., working nights Scott. Bro. Roberts on sick list; relieved by Bro. White, from Scioto Division. Bro. Powers, of Tuggle, has left the service; relieved by Mr. Dooley. R. E. M. The following committee was appointed on reso- lutions by Bro. Lane recently: W. A. Nesbitt, T. C. Woodson and J. W. Graham, and the fol- lowing drafted and adopted: IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, God, in His infinite wisdom has re- moved from our midst our esteemed brother, Goode Clay, and while submitting humbly to the will of Him who docth all things well, and through love; be it Resolved, That in the death of Bro. Clay Divi- sion 14 has lost one of its most loyal members, the family an affectionate son and brother, and the community a good citizen; be it further Resolved, That Division 14 extend to the be- reaved family its deepest sympathy in this their great sorrow; that a copy of these resolutions be sent the family, and a copy sent to The Teleg- rapher for publication. W. A. Nesbitt, T. C. Woodson, J. W. Graham, Committee. Mo. Pac. Ry. L. & S. N. & M. and Interstate Divison — Bro. Willard Pullins, formerly of Butler nights, has landed the night job at “X,” Nevada. Bro. W. F. Lyle, of Foster, is a new member in October. Bro. R. I. Malone took a short lay-off, being relieved by Mr. Tiffany. Bro. Roy Chistel, Chetopa days, also took a short vacation; relieved by Mr. Frank Schneider, lately from the C. ft A. Our boys have been donating liberally to the petition of Bro. H. Ruble Clark, whose appeal was printed in the September Telegrapher. Bro. Harry Strohl, of Mile, took a short lay-off, being relieved by Bro. or Mr. Sherpy, we could not say which, as transfer is being made at this writing. With the first gust of the eight-hour breeze that swept over the State of Missouri last summer came the “Lamar School of Telegraphy.” That the project was a howling success is at- tested to by the astonishing fact that the “Pro- fessor” got thirteen “victims” to start with. Now the number has dwindled down to three. Where the other ten “polished artists” went to, we do not know; we have never heard of them since. One brother has suggested that their presence might announce itself were we to drive along some of our country roads some day and listen to the ears of corn falling into the wagons. That would be the next thing to the click of the tele- graph instrument. One of- the newspapers now announces that the “Professor” has purchased a poolroom outfit, and will move it over and run it in connection with his “ham factory.” Correspondent. Northern Kansas Division — TO MY BROTHER MEMBERS: I regret to announce that I am being compelled to give up my office as Local Chairman on this territory, and have placed my resignation in the hands* of General Chairman, Bro. Nance, to take effect with the expiration of the first year of my two-year term, for which I was chosen. I have enjoyed the work, and have only one regret to express and that is. that the boys have seem- ingly been loathe to place grievances. When you have a kick coming, put it in your Local Chair- man’s hands. That is what he is for. The av- erage Local Chairman enjoys this grievance work, and I claim to have been no exception. I am glad of the chance to start them into the mill, and be of service to the boys so far as my author- ity goes. I want to thank all for the support you have given me, but in the matter of news items I want to bespeak for my successor more good fortune than has been mine. Some few come across every month, but the greater number have yet to be heard from. The Local Chairman is just like any other agent or operator; has his regular duties to perform, and his O. R. T. work is crowded in edgeways. Let every one of us contribute an item or two that we think would interest, and let my successor have the banner write-up, not only for old 31 but for the whole of the journal. In the matter of donations and petitions that I have started out for the relief of unfortunate members, I have only words of praise. As for the first month's increase which our General Com- mittee has asked us to donate to the heavy ex- penses they were compelled to incur, only part of you have responded. Let all of us get our names on the roll by January ist, to which time the committee has extended it. By the time this is in print my successor will, no doubt, have been appointed, and whoever he is I trust he will receive the same loyal support that has been accorded me. Thanking you all, I am, Fraternally, C. V. Rowe, Digitized by L^OOQle

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2106 The Railroad Telegrapher. Central Kansas Division — * G. W. McGuire, recently from Indiana, is agent at Wagstaff, Kansas, now. G. S. Regin old, from Marquette, recently changed places with Bro. F. S. Bethurem, from Osage City. E. W. Arnold, a C. T. U. A. man, working nights at Herington. Bro. C. R. Bowman, recently “bumped” from Ottawa, is the night man at Gypsum City. Bro. H. A. Miller is acting as agent and oper- ator at Kipp. Mrs. Miller is away on a visit. A man by name of Adams is the day man at Salina. Bro. J. Swayne is working days at Hoisington. Bro. Swayne came from Gypsum City recently. Bro. Aletts resigned; think he is going on the Rock Island. Bro. F. W. Van Wie is acting as agent and operator at Bucyrus. Correspondent. Sedalia District — Bro. J. J. Glynn is back at his old stand, Kirkwood nights, after being off about two months, having just recovered from a severe illness. Two new positions opened on this division the past month, a day operator at Valley Park and a night office opened at Eureka. Bro. G. E. Cromer, formerly of Pacific, gets the day job at Valley Park, and Bro. J. J. Glynn, Jr., who has been at Kirkwood during his father's absence, is holding down the night job at Eureka. Bro. Cromer was relieved at Pacific by Bro. Corzine, new man on the line. The boys at Webster Groves are delighted with the new passenger depot, which is nearing com- pletion. It is a handsome structure of red brick with white stone trimmings, and all modern. The old depot is to be used for freight exclusively, and we understand the wires are to be cut in the freight office, so that Bro. Percy Harrison will not become rusty. Bro. Dickerson, days at Pacific, has purchased a Vibroplex, and will no doubt make the boys shake their feet under the table when he gets on. Bro. Cole, agent Boles, has returned after a thirty-days’ leave of absence. Bro. Kramer, agent Osage, laying off; relieved by a Mr. Smith. I have not learned yet which one of the Smiths. Mr. Dornan, formerly at Bunceton, secured agency Labadie, relieving Bro. Brewington, who goes to Morrison nights. Bro. Voss, day operator New Haven, is reliev- ing Mr. Callicott as agent, and in turn is relieved by Bro. Joe Ford as operator. Bro. Frillman, nights at Berger, is taking leave of absence, and is being relieved by a man named Hunt. Have not got a line on Hunt yet. Bro. Joe Ford is being relieved as night oper- ator at New Haven by Bro. Taflinger. Wm. McClellan, an old Order man, is now working nights at Dundee. Bro. Morris, day man at Lee’s Summit, and Bro. Hoban, night man at Pleasant Hill, have swapped jobs. Bro. Clawson, agent Strasburg, was off a few days account death of his mother. He was re- lieved by Bro. Eberhardt. Bro. Logan, nights at Warrensburg, has re- signed, and we understand he has secured em- ployment with the Union Pacific. Bro. Barnett, day man at Tipton, was off a few days, being relieved by night man, Bro. Wil- liams, who was relieved by Bro. Eberhardt Bro. I. D. Kretser and wife, of Leal, N. D. visited relatives and friends in Kingsville and Holden in October. Bro. J. K. Hobbs has secured the night position at Warrensburg on bulletin. Bro. C. E. Stemons, agent Houstonia, taking thirty days, being relieved by Bro. W. H. Hadwin, formerly at Kingsville. Bro. C. C. Bair is working days at the yard office, Sedalia. Bro. C. A. Weitzel, days at Pleasant Hill, was off few days, being relieved by G. C. Greenup. Bro. Morris, nights at Pleasant Hill, was off few days account sickness, and was relieved by Bro. Gunn. Bro. C. DeMier, agent Arcadia, Mo., visited relatives in Holden first week in November. Bro. W. F. Thomas, night chief at “DA/' Sedalia, is taking a few weeks off, and is being relieved by Bro. Jim Butler, Bro. Lampkin taking Jim’s trick days, and Bro. Pelstring, of Lee’s Summit, working the split trick. Bro. Popplewell is relieving Bro. Pelstring at Lee’s Summit. Bro. D. L. Duden, agent Centretown, is taking a few days off; relieved by night operator, R. O. Herndon, who is relieved by Bro. I. A. Eber- hardt. Bro. W. T. Clifford is working nights at Little Blue, but understand Bro. Homan has bid in the place. Also learn that Bro. Hadwin has secured the agency at Strasburg. Bro. I. A. Davis, regular agent Little Blue, and who has been in the hospital for several months, is still unable to resume duty. New man at Lupus nights, Bro. S. H. Boosh, of Division 6. Bro. Crockett, day operator Boonville, was off two weeks in November; relieved by Bro. J. E. Farrell, regular night man. Unable to secure much news from River Divi- sion this month, as the boys kept their movements very quiet, and business has been so heavy that 1 have not had time to even try and get the news. Bro. W. H. Davis is working in dispatcher’s office Jefferson City, they having put on another man account heavy business. Bro. Daniel Haley working extra at Bonnot’s Mill. Bro. Lessell is holding down the agency at St. Aubert. Bro. Snoody, of the Frisco, worked as agent Bonnot’s Mill few weeks. W. L. W. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2107 St. L., I. M. & 8. Ry. L. and A. Division — J. E. Back, days at “GR,” Bro. A. J. Davis, a C. T. U. of A. man, i9 hold- ing the night job at “GR.” He holds an up-to- date O. R. T. card also. New office opened at Urania, and Tullas closed. Henderson transferred to Urania. Georgetown will be open for bids as agent and operator. J. M. Pace, the present incumbent, re- signing. O. K. Mayo holding days at “BD.” L. & A. Railway has a new agent at Georgetown now. Can’t say how long he will stay. All boys on this division looking forward to the $75.00 minimum and eight-hour day. Cert. 1739. Northern Pacific Ry. First District, Pasco Division — Now that we again have a schedule, things have started to move along the proper channel. Our first meeting, held at Pasco, November ax, was very successful, there being twenty members in at- tendance. This is a very good showing for the first time, and, considering the good feeling and benefit received, there is no question but that the attendance will be increased at each succeeding 'meeting. Bro. Sam Johnson, General Chairman, was with us, and gave us a very interesting talk on Good of the Order, which was appreciated by all present. After a few interesting remarks by Bros. Sharpe, Davis, Larabee, DuBois and Burfield, the discus- sion became general. The members decided to hold meetings the first and third Thursdays of each month. If it wasn’t beyond expression, I would tell you more of the pleasures in store for you, but as it is, you will have to attend and see for yourself. The following are the changes, as I have them, since the last write-up: Bros. DuBois and Wheeler have traded posi- tions, and will change in a few days. Bro. Wheeler wishes to get the light job at Kline on account of poor health. Mr. King has been transferred from Ritzville to some place on the W. & C. R. Bro. O’Neil now Ritzville, nights. Mr. Gardner transferred from Beatrice to Che- ney, nights, temporarily, until position is filled by bulletin. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have returned from their vacation, and are at work at Concord again. Bro. Shoemaker transferred to North Yakima, days. Mr. Lipton has been elected to fill the vacancy at Essigg, nights. Bro. Fanning took day job at Lind, relieving Mr. Langlois, who is on a lay-off. Bro. Wright took a business trip to Pasco the first of the month; being relieved by Mr. Gardner. Bro. J. W. Hoffman off two weeks on account of sickness, but is now back at the old stand. Bro. Roush, recently from the O., R. & N., has taken the night job at Emery. Mr. Nance, former agent and operator at Mesa, has been transferred to Connel as day operator. While Bro. Eaton, former day operator at Connel, has taken the agency at Mesa. Mr. Hamilton has returned to his old job at Cunningham as agent “13” he tried to get his son in at Cunningham as day operator over older heads, but the chief could not see it that way. And still they wonder what the Order is good for. Bro. Webber, from the St. Paul Division, at Mesa, nights. We are glad to note that Bro. Kelley is over the small-pox, and back at his old place, Eltopia. Mr. Pence, who was relieving there during Kel- ley’s illness, is now sick with the same disease. Business was at a standstill at Eltopia for two or three days on account of quarantine of the office. Bro. Gagnon, of North Yakima, now at “PA” office, Pasco. Mr. Crooks, chief dispatcher, has been on the sick list for a couple of weeks, but is back at work again. Mr. Kase, night chief, was holding down the day job during Mr. Crooks’ illness. Bro. O’Conner says business is pretty heavy nowadays; changing of operators being the cause. Bro. Larabee takes Toppenish, days. Mr. Simonton, who has been in the East visit- ing relatives, has returned to his old job, days at Mabton, and Bro. Freeman, who has been relieving him, went to Wins, nights. Bro. Henry, of North Yakima, is leaving this division. Second District, Pasco Division — Kennewick, Mr. J. L. Hawthorne, days, recently from Wapato, and Mr. Cha9. M. Bryan, from the B. & O. Mr. and Mrs. Duggan, of Erie, have been on a vacation for five weeks, and Mrs. Duggan has not resumed work yet. Mr. O. R. Miller, who was relieving Mr. Duggan, has gone to the W. C. Railway. Bro. Lawrence, of Kiona, has had a severe sick spell, and was at the Tacoma hospital, but is get- ting fat now. Mabton, Mr. W. W. Simonton, days, who has been away for six weeks, back in Michigan, visiting the old home and friends. Bro. W. W. Beatty is back on the night shift again after relieving the agent for a month. I am very thankful for the assistance received from the boys, and hope they keep it up, and let me know what is doing on their division. Address C. C. Bricher, Cunningham, Wash. Div. Cos. Pacific Division — The meeting at Tacoma, Sunday, November 17th, was not quite as well attended as was ex- pected on account of train No. 15 being late mak- ing it hard for several members to get back in time for their work. One consolation which everybody Digitized by Google

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2108 The Railroad Telegrapher. can have, is the nine-hour law will soon be in effect, and we will not have to stick our one part- ner for twenty- four hours every time we wish to attend a meeting. All those present at the Tacoma meeting enjoyed the day, the four-hour meeting, a chicken dinner, the evening shows; everything ending up with an O. R. T. special taking the at- tendants from Kanaskat to Lemolo on account of No. 16 being blocked by wreck of Nos. 2 and 5. We are expecting a better attendance at the meeting Sunday, November 24th, at Lester. Complaints are constantly heard from each night operator at Ravensdale. There being too much station work. Reckon everybody on the Pacific Division know how it is. Agent Goodhue, at this place, being too busy teaching telegraphy to his helper, to share the overflowing station work with the night operators. Bro. F. C. Rockway, at Auburn, is still looking for the “V” he loaned to E. P. Newton, the noto- rious non who worked at Lester. Why not stick to your motto: “No card, no favors?” The raffle for the benefit of the C. T. U. of A. strikers was delayed by out-standing tickets un- til the strike was almost called off. The amount remitted was $30. The total receipts for tickets sold being $48; $18 being paid for the gun. Win- ner of same being Mrs. E. J. Bassett, of Weston. Not very many changes have been made this month. Mr. Hall being transferred from Kennedy to Lemolo, nights. His vacancy being filled by Mr. Mounce. W. T. Lewis and R. B. Graham now working at Hot Springs and Borup, both holding up-to-date C. T. U. of A. cards. They have promised to trans- fer into the O. R. T. within a short t-ime. Bro. Shiels laying off for a couple of weeks. His place at Lester being filled by Mr. W. H. Ashton. F. W. Brown has returned to our division after some months' work in sawmills at Seattle. With the exception of the branches we will have the Pacific Division almost solid by February 1, 1908. Bro. E. C. Hannan, from Division 76, worked on our division for a short time, leaving for the South on account of very poor health. E. A. Crooks, chief dispatcher Pasco Division, spent a few weeks with the Pacific Division boys, going home with a nice deer. The agents at Eagle Gorge and Covington have been assigned to do the telegraphing with the reg- ular agent's work, cutting out day operator and making it agent-operator jobs. The nine-hour law will provide these places with the third man before very long. Things are beginning to look quite bright on this division. The hard workers are exerting them- selves and getting things in good shape for the January meeting, which is to be chiefly confined to shorter hours in our schedule. Sum. Ysllowstong Division — Information blanks are being sent out by the general secretary regarding the nine-hour law, for the use of the General Committee in January. These should be answered promptly and fully, and the membership should make up their mind to back the committee to the fullest extent. The settle- ment will all depend on the men. If you are willing to take a decrease in salary at the time the hours are shortened, well and good. On the other hand, if you don’t want it and will stand by your committee, you will not get any reduction in pay. It is time to remit for the next term’s dues. This should be given immediate attention. If you pay up promptly it will save every one extra work, and you should be anxious to have the new card as soon as possible. Four new members since last write-up. Have met with a non or two who told me, “Because we did not get them a 10 per cent increase in Sep- tember” they would not join. The nerve of some people is enough to take your breath, want $10 for $1 and want to get the $10 first. It is possible that the telegrapher on the North- ern Pacific would be receiving a decrease in pay at this time, along with the laying off of extra gangs, helpers, and the reducing of pay of section men, if we did not have a schedule. Four months ago this could have been done, and we could have done nothing but stand for it or quit, now our conditions can not be changed without thirty days' notice, and our being a party to the change. Before another write-up will appear the General' Committee will be in session, and, possibly, will have settled up. There is no need of anyone be- ing afraid of trouble, unless they themselves care to make it. Every member should give the com- mittee their loyal support, and no criticism against the settlement when it is made. To those on the Yellowstone who have not yet remitted for the special assessment, please do so. Do not let the secretary call upon you again for it, remit for the next term’s dues now, and have your new card by the New Year. With best wishes for a Merry Christmas, M. A. Smoot, Local Chairman. Montana Division — Gee, it’s great to be craxy. Two of the gentle- men that were crazy enough to scab during oar last strike have been fired bodily off of this divi- sion since our last write-up. No tears were shed. If they had only been good Order men we could have, at least, felt sorry for them. May the good work continue until we have a solid line-up. Then, instead of a few offices getting a raise occasionally, we could all get a lift and get it regularly. Wish I could get a line-up of the "BG” office. Am sure there are some up-to-dates in that office, as their work shows they are good men and a good, all-round man generally has a sufficient amount of energy to get in the fight Foster is now opened up. Understand Farns- worth, from Livingston, is doing the day work. Unable to learn name of night man H. W. Minning has returned to his old love. Laurel. Bro. J. A. Cook returns to the old battlefield at Columbus. Bro. Cook was one of the faithful Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2109 that stepped down and out, a few years ago, in order to help along the noble Order. But for such men aa Cook we would be working for $40 per. If we had thousands like him we would pull down $100 per twelve times a year. Bro. Anderson has been on the sick list for a short time, but will soon be pounding the brass again. Two good jobs have lately opened up in “N,” Livingston yard office. Was glad to hear Bro. R. R. Skinners there for a few nights. Unable to say who relieved him. Understand Bro. Little is now doing the big flourish at Chestnut days. We were all glad to see Bro. Jeffers land the agency at Lombard. Wake up, brothers, and give me the news. Other roads think we are in the dark. Let's get a good, big write-up each month, and show them that we mean business. H. F. Edwards goes from Laurel nights to M. U. Transfer nights. P. A. Huntley, recently nights at Park City, is now visiting his sister in Townsend. J. F. Ogle, from cashier at Bozeman to Man- hattan nights. Everly, from Columbus nights to Welch nights. In closing, would like to impress jupon all the importance of thorough organization. It was very tiresome to hear some of the nons chewing the rag in regard to the last settlement made with the management. Did you ever stop to think who paid the expenses and kept the committee up while they were in St. Paul the last time. Just the few faithful members that met their special assess- ments promptly. I have yet to hear a single brother complain. They, one and all, think the committee did exceedingly well. Get in line and push. You can’t saw wood with a hammer. Take the scrip, pull the sugar beets, boost the Order and lasso the nons. Now, boys, for the sake of us all get busy. Fall in line. Hand over the cash. Give the committee some encouragement, so they can talk an eight- hour day and $75 minimum, and realize that they have an army of good, true soldiers back of them. Bro. Holmes, requests me to allow my name to be used as a candidate for local chairman of this division. I rather object to this, as there are plenty of men on the line that have five times as much time and ten times as many brains, and I would rather they would handle it. Yet, if it comes to a showdown, I will not shirk my duty. With the best wishes for you, one and all, Yours fraternally, E. C. Skinner. Minnesota Division— Bro. J. D. Porter transferred from Gregory nights to Becker. Mr. G. W. Staples, from Becker nights to Greg- ory nights. T. C. Hampson, days at Royalton, resigned to go elsewhere; relieved by E. McKinzie, from Rice’s, nights. Telegrapher Hultgrcn, from Royalton nights to Rice’s nights. A. E. Caryl, from Gregory nights to Swanville, as helper; from there to Elk River nights, reliev- ing Operator Bailey, who goes home. Agent Brown, at Philbrook, has a girl student who is paying him $5 per month. She knows as much as he does now. The man at Randall who scabbed has a helper in charge of the office most of the time. Remem- ber this when either “RD” or “PO” calls you, brothers. Most of the helpers have been laid off to cut down expenses. Mr. Taylor, former agent at Lincoln, at one time a member, now at Glenwood nights for the Soo Line. I think if we had a few meetings we could make things more solid. Eastern Crossing has been changed to Coon Creek, and Coon Creek abandoned. Our committee will soon meet the management to consider a new schedule, and we want a good one, with the nine-hour law. Tie a board to your back to make it stiff and stick, that we won’t stand for any cut in our pay the 4th of March. Think of it, brothers, the section foremen draw $60 per month, and the railroad company wants to cut us down two-elevenths per day. I’d rather do something else before I’d stand for it. Talk it over with your next door neighbor. Don’t be weak-kneed. Cert. 467. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, The Almighty God has deemed it wise to remove from our midst Bro. I. E. Etling, there- fore, in memory to our brother, who has been taken from us, and in sympathy to the bereaved family, be it Resolved, By the members of the Yellowstone Division, Northern Pacific Railroad, Division No. 54, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, that we extend to the members of the family of the deceased brother our heartfelt sympathy, and commend them to Him who doeth all things well, and who will comfort them in this, their dark hour of sorrow; be it further Resolved, That in the death of Bro. I. E. Et- ling, Yellowstone Division of the Northern Pacific Railroad, Division No. 54, of the Order of Rail- road Telegraphers, loses a true and faithful mem- ber, and the wife a loving husband; be it also Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent the family of the deceased brother, a copy spread upon the minutes of this division, and a copy forwarded to The Telegrapher for publica- tion. M. A. Smoot, H. E. Milder, H. C. Webster, Committee. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2110 The Railroad Telegrapher. Pore Marquette Ry. Canadian Division — In all successful moves there must be agitators and enthusiasts. Why the lack of interest in the Order of late by the members of the System Di- vision 39, so perceptibly noticed since the inau- guration of our last schedule? During the pending of the schedule every one seemed fired with en- thusiasm, but since it has become effective, not a sound is heard. We received a very good sche- dule. Our committee did the best they could un- der the circumstances, and headed us toward our goal* — the $75'°o minimum. On account of the lack of interest shown by the members, the pro- visions of the schedule are not enforced. There is also a spirit of satisfaction prevalent among the boys, who, after they have joined themselves, do not realize that it is necessary to secure new mem- bers. We hope the boys will now realize that it is essential that vacancies made by resigning opera- tors must be filled by members, or we can not ex- pect to secure any advance in our working condi- tions. Some of the boys are actually working with nons, and seem to be making no effort whatever to secure their membership. It is sincerely hoped that before our next schedule is in effect that each one will make it theif particular business to get after the nons on the division and secure a 100 per cent membership as a Xmas present for the general manager. Bro. A. L. Wees has resigned his position on the system, and is holding down Streetsville Junction agency on the C. P. R. When last heard from he was wearing a pleasant smile over the 14 per cent increase. Bro. J.» E. Marshall, formerly of London, nights, is holding down Streetsville Junction, nights, with Bro. A. L Wees. W. H. Stephenson, agent at Blenheim, has re- turned from his vacation. Operator L. Livingston is back on , day trick again. Bro. J. Dowling back nights. Bro. C. Mitchell, of Leamington, has returned from his two weeks’ vacation in Cincinnati and other cities. Bro. M. Maher is bolding down Rodney during Bro. Young’s vacation. Bro. W. Krahlling, of Sarnia, was at Wallace- burg Saturday and Sunday attending his brother’s wedding. Telegrapher W. J. Hall is back at his old job at “LE” station again. Telegrapher W. Peacock is now working nights at West Lome, relieving Telegrapher B. Smith, who is going to relieve Telegrapher Casey at the new yards. Casey has accepted a position with the Metropolitan Insurance Company. Bro. Young has returned from a two weeks’ va- cation in Detroit, Port Huron and at home. Bro. S. R. Begg spent two or three enjoyable days in Buffalo last week. Bro. Geo. Demare, Sarnia branch dispatcher, spent a week’s vacation in Buffalo and other East- ern cities. The G. T. R. have placed two college students at Chatham Junction. Their average is fifteen words an hour, so you had better mail your tele- grams to Chatham in the future. S. Tillson, formerly day telegrapher at Junction, is learning station work with Bro. Maher at Rodney. Bro. H. Plastow has been appointed extra dis- patcher at “RA.” Bro. G. Purcell, of Walkerville Junction, was in St. Thomas for a few days* visit. Conductor S. F. Pierce, the veteran conductor on No. 12 and 13, has again returned to work. We have a couple more in view. They will have to dig up cash right away, as we need them. Yours until next month, . Pat and Min. Petoskey Division — Telegrapher D. E. Bird, nights at White Cloud, has been off sick for about ten days. He is now back at work. Agent H. E. Keehne goes to Henry to relieve Bro. D. R. Rensberger for a short time. Agent J. R. Delray has been checked in at Dub- lin. Bro. Raymond Burr, agent at Central Lake, called home on account of the death of his father; relieved by Bro. M. E. Dennison. Bro. Hutchinson, Kaleva, off a few days digging potatoes on his farm. Operator Cunningham, formerly nights at Board- man, dispatcher's office, accepted the agency at In- terlochen, and is now unable to get relief on ac- count of the scarcity of men. Agent H. B. Green, Stratford, resigned. B. M. Foote takes his place. Chicago Division — Bro. B. J. Sherlock is back from the West, after an absence of several months. He is now at Wa- verly, nights. Telegrapher Fairclothes, of the C. T. U. of A, who has been working at Waverly, nights, for the past two months, has returned to his old job on the board of trade, Chicago. Bro. J. Rea, McDonald, has gone to the big woods to hunt deer; relieved by Relief Agent Frank Townsend. Agent J. J. Olney, Holton, off on a short vaca- tion; relieved by Bro. C. L. Carpenter, of Dublin. Agent R. V. Becker, White Hall, back at work, after two weeks off. Bro. Booth, Wellsboro, called to Bay City on account of the sickness of his father. Bro. J. H. Maxam, East Saugatuck, nights, off a few days on account of sickness; relieved by Mr. Stockwood, a student from Hartford. Agent C. B. Tucker, Mears, off two weeks; re- lieved by Relief Agent Hendricks. Telegrapher V. C. Snyder, who worked in Grand Rapids, “GR” office, nights, for the past eight months, accepted position with the A. P. at St Joseph, Mo., during the recent trouble. Mr. Sny- der was not an O. R. T. man. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2111 Bro. O. R. Ackerman, now at “GR,” nights. “GR” office now solid O. R. T., with one excep- tion. I regret to say that Bro. Gamble, formerly lo- cated at St. Joseph, days, as telegrapher and ticket clerk, and Telegrapher Etchason, day man at Ben- ton Harbor, have started a “ham factory” at Ben- ton Harbor. They have issued cards, and expect to land enough suckers so that they can retire from railroad work. Mr. Gamble was recently dis- charged from St. Joe on account of ticket ac- counts not straight, and we all felt sorry for him, but he can not expect any sympathy in this new venture. We can not understand why these men do this, but we assure them that we will not forget them. With the editor’s permission I would like to call the brothers’ attention to our present schedule. We are not living up to this schedule as we should. I notice that there are several offices on the Chicago and Petoskey Divisions which are not shown in the schedule as stations at which “all day service is required on Sunday,” who are not putting in overtime for Sunday work. Do you not know that some of your neighbors are drawing from forty-eight to sixty hours per month more than you are, and not doing any more work for it? Can it be that some of you do not need the money? Or arc you trying to kill our chances of a better schedule next time, as that is just what you are doing. If your station is not shown under this list and you are com- pelled to work Sundays, you can draw overtime for every hour worked. This applies to night men as well as to day men, and not only day men, as some of the brothers seem to think. Another thing is the rule which says, “When permanent vacancies occur, or new positions are created, they shall be bulletined and the oldest man applying shall be given preference.” Some of the brothers complain that this rule is not lived up to by the company, which is true. If you know of a posi- tion that is vacant and it is not bulletined ac- cording to our agreement, then take the matter up at once and ask to have them bulletined. It is your duty to see that this schedule is lived up to, and you should insist that the company does live up to it. If we have a rule that is not lived up to, then we had better enforce it or have it struck out altogether. We can hardly expect the management to give us a better schedule if we do not take advantage of the one we have. Help yourself, your brother telegrapher and your committee by living up to your schedule. Respectfully dedicated to the former friends who have started in business at Benton Harbor: Say, you guy, git off de walk, Shut up, doan gib me no back talk; Wat’ t’ell I care if you run a school, You look to me lak a crazy fool. Benton Harbor, that whar yer from, Yer a blot on de town, worse dan a bum; Skiddoo fer you, you homely mug, You oto be canned up in a jug. Yer pards named Gamble, wot from Grand Ledge, Well, wouldn’t dat make a hedge-hog hedge; And your teachin’ guys to telegraf, Wouldn’t dat make de debil laff? Well, you two guys sure take de cake, If yer wasn’t so small yer face I’d break; You couple of frozen-up, hungry stiffs, Doan ever give me none of yer lip. If I owned a dog as mean as dat, I'd lose de ting shootin’ crap; Shoot the thing, I should say not, Won’t have the nerve to waste the shot. On such a measly cur as that. And so you guys used to telegraf; Well, even the debil gets his due. And you’ll get all dat’s cornin’ to you. Why, up in de Rapids you guys dayd lynch, Deyd do it sure, it’s a dead game cinch; Your carcass they’d hang from de nearest tree, And “Don’t touch it. just leave it be.” "It’s a guy from de Harbor, that’s turned right down, A bunch of fellows in every town;” Dey won’t even take them down. The thing would be too rotten to put in dc ground. You fellers are great, you are, by gee! Yer nearly a gud as a yallah Chinee; Why, you homely, blue- faced, pig-eyed skunk, Yer too cussed mean to trow in de dump. Never had no use for a white-livered guy, Dey don’t belong under our blue sky; Dey oto be sunk in de sea of ink, And left to rot and stink, stink, stink. Div. Cor. Saginaw Division — Bro. Louis Walter, who has been working for Western Union in Detroit up to the strike, is now doing the owl trick at Pine River, “V,” on Detroit & Mackinac Ry. Cert. 297. N. Y. C. & St. L. Ry. To Members of the N. Y. C. & St. L. Div. No. j8: Brothers — Our superintendent of telegraph ad- vises that the rule covering the advertising of po- sitions will be continued in force indefinitely. The principal objection to granting this rule in the past, is the amount of work it throws on the chief dispatcher. Now, that we have the rule, it behooves us, while insisting that the provisions of same be carried out, to make the work as light as possible for the chief dispatcher. Before this reaches you, a notice will have been sent out by the officers of your division, calling upon all members to send a report of conditions at his office, and other information, to local chair- man of the district on the last day of each month. Digitized by CjOOQle

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2112 The Railroad Telegrapher. so that the Genera] Committee will be in close touch with the work at all times. Please devote ten or fifteen minutes to this write-up each month. Our division is a banner one, and your committee is determined to keep it in the front ranks. With your assistance it will be an easy matter to do this. Continue to do your work well, brothers, so that complaints will not obstruct our progress. We want shorter hours and more compensation for our services, and we are going to get both. The surest way, however, to get these things is to pave the way by giving good service to the company, and adhere strictly to the principles of our or- ganization. In filing petitions for membership with the gen- eral secretary and treasurer, please refer the peti- tion, for approval, to at least one member of the Local Board of Adjustment for the district on which the petitioner is located, in accordance with Section 82, page 86, System Division Statutes. Our local boards are composed of the following members: First District — E. M. Mulcahy, chairman, 33 E. Courtney street, Dunkirk, N. Y. ; H. W. Hazen, Silver Creek, N. Y.; C. W. Carlson, 56 Walter street, Buffalo, N. Y. Second District — C. F. Mayer, chairman, 6816 Lawn avenue, Cleveland, Ohio; G. E. Brasington, 275 Slater avenue, Cleveland, Ohio; H. R. Kist, 2190 E. 84th street, Cleveland, Ohio. Third District — C. W. Hudon, chairman, Payne, Ohio; F. F. Cowley, Mortimer, Ohio; J. E. Baker, 338 High street, Bellevue, Ohio. Fourth District — O. S. Smith, chairman, Argos, Ind. ; H. C. Wise, Knox, Ind. ; D. L. Bunner, Ham- mond, Ind. Yours fraternally, E. M. Mulcahy, General Chairman. First District — Your correspondent is glad to be able to an- nounce that since our last month’s write-up the few non-members on this district are taking a deep interest in our organization, and the majority of them have already filed their applications. Some of the neighboring lines are preparing for the March eight-hour regulation, and the work of installing the third man in several offices goes merrily on. To our knowledge, only one road in this territory has made a cut in wages. If they get men to take these jobs at reduced salary they will be very fortunate, indeed. I don’t know of a man who can live on less salary than he received for the twelve hours’ work, even if he works but six hours per day in the future. Let every brother put his shoulder to the wheel at this critical time, and work for the organization as he never worked before, pay assessments and dues promptly, get the newcomers lined-up, and do everything possible to build up the Order. At the election, held November 5, at Conneaut, Ohio, Bro. E. J. Parrish was elected mayor of the city by a rousing majority. Bro. Parrish has been twice elected to that office, which speaks well for his popularity with his townspeople. He has been a member of Division 18 for many years, and was chairman of our first General Committee, who was succeasful in getting the first schedule agreement with the company. Bro. A. R. Mulkins is confined to the house with an injured leg, and on account of sickness in his family this misfortune strikes him doubly hand at this time. Bro. J. J. Morrissey is relieving Bro. Mnlkins at Silver Creek. M. S. Dupernell has returned to the service. He is working at Northeast nights. Bro. M. L. Russell was away for a short time, but is now back to work at Westfield. Bro. E. H. Randell, agent at Springfield, has gone to California to spend the winter; relieved by his daughter, Mrs. Edna Chapman. Bro. S. S. Brown left for his home in Georgia, about a month ago. We expect him back in the spring. Cxar. 6. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Almighty God has deemed it wise to remove from this world Agnes Wiser, wife of Bro. Henry Wiser, a member of N. Y. C. 4 St L. Division, No. 18, Order of Railroad Telegraph- ers, in sympathy with our brothers and the bereaved family, be it Resolved, By the members of Nickel Plate Divi- sion, No. 18, that we extend our heartfelt sym- pathy to Bro. Wiser and his family, and we com- mend them to Him who doeth all things well, and who will comfort them in this dark hour of sor- row; be it further Resolved, That in the death of Mrs. Wiser, our brother loses a true and faithful companion and a loving wife; and be it Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to Bro. Wiser, also placed on the record of the division, and a copy sent to The Telegrafheb for publication. E. C. Clark, J. T. Maloney, E. M. Mulcahy, Committee. C., R. I* & P* Ry. Arkansas Division — Bro. L. R. Cotney, formerly employed as “brick presser” at Grays, is now at DeVall's Bluff, regu- lar, days. Mr. James Roy, agent, Cotton Plant, was al- lowed an operator, effective November 1. Mr. L N. Collier is filling the position. Understand Mr. Collier formerly worked at Alicia, Ark., on tbe Iron Mountain, and had filed his application for membership in the Order before leaving that road, and will be “jam up’’ as soon as he makes a pay- day. Mr. James Roy, for several years agent at Cot- ton Plant, is going to leave the service of this company, to accept a position with the M., K- & T. Ry. of Texas. I do not feel that I am exagger- ating by saying that every man on this (W. 4 B.) branch will be sorry to hear of Mr. Roy's leaving Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2113 us, as he was a “dady” to all of us, and when- ever we needed anything we always got it. In his new field it is our sincere wish that his every effort will be crowned with success, and if the should ever decide to return to us he will find that our latch-string is always hanging on the outside for him. Bro. J. C. Brooks, formerly of Boonville and Little Rock, is now working days at Brinkley. I respectfully ask our local chairman, Bro. Pace, to appoint some one on the east end of the main line, from Little Rock to Memphis, to act as as- sistant correspondent for that part of the division. I know there are happenings over there that we never get, and, no doubt, the boys would like to see something in the journal about themselves. If any one will volunteer to give me the news from over there it will give me pleasure to send it to the journal for publication, along with the other news. Address all matter in the way of news to P. J. Kelly, Howell, Ark. Hot Springs Branch — Bro. D. H. Nelms, from the Louisiana Divi- sion, is working at Germania. Mr. Hart, former agent at Haskell, is relieving Bro. Nelms at Harrell. Sister Bertha Shipp has resigned her position at "RK.” Do not know where Sister Shipp in- tends to locate. Mr. W. S. Gaunt, agent at Benton, has not sent for his card yet, but promises to get one in De- cember. Bro. Bragg is agent at Bauxite, relieving “ Stu- dent” A. E. Jarvis. I was in Little Rock Tuesday and visited the Keys’ telegraph school, known now as the R. I. & I. M. Telegraph College. They have an Iron Mountain wire running in the office. While I was there the following conversation took place be- tween the professor and myself: “Where is H. L. Ward now?” I asked. “We put him out to work on the Rock Island at Searcy,” replied the pro- fessor. “About how long does it take to learn this business?” I asked. “Oh, ordinarily, about three months, but some get out at two months. Ward went to work at two months. We put him on the Rock Island at $85 per month.” Brothers, I know all about H. L. Ward going to work at $85 per month. When the company put on a night man here they sent Ward out here, and he told me that it was the first night’s work he had ever done in the telegraph business. I had been on duty about forty hours, so I went home and left it with Mr. Ward. The dispatcher tried three hours before he could give Ward an order, and, finally, he got the order, but the dis- patcher sent a message to the “light” engine that was to meet the train for which Ward took the order to be ready to unload at any time. Next night the dispatcher would not send him the order, and sent a message from Benton by a train crew to call the day man. I came down and the dis- patcher asked me to stay the rest of the night. They sent another man out the next night. This place only pays $55. I had a letter from Ward the other day stating that he was only receiving $52.50 at Searcy. Ward is all right, though, and will get a card as soon as he learns to telegraph. He refused to scab at the Western Union or Postal. They both tried to get him. West End— Bro. Kisner has gone from Lonoke to Dodson, La. Hope to see him back soon. Mr. J. J. Williams, agent at Magazine, reported ill; relieved by Bro. L. C. Allen, who will go to Perry as soon as relieved. Don’t know where Mr. Dulin is going. New night owl at Blue Mountain. Don’t know whether he is up-to-date. New night owl at Danville, N. H., Sommerville, from the I. C.; application filed. New owl at Ola; unknown. Mr. W. W. Infield is still holding down Ola days. We will get him to see the light and come in with us soon. Bro. R. R. Wright, Casa, is thinking of leaving us. Understand he is going where it is high, dry and cold, Colorado. Hope he will not freeze. Bro. J. R. Jones is holding down the Adona agency. He says he don’t care to hang out there very long. Bro. J. W. Simms is still at Houston. Bro. R. P. Jones at Bigelow, “VN.” He is a little behind with dues, but promises to line-up pay-day. Bro. J. W. Golden is back at Roland after ill- ness. Glad to see him back again. Mr. M. P. Bargion and H. S. Smith arc flag- ging trains at “MU.” They don’t pass any of ’em up. A new office is going to be opened up at Galo- way. Instruments cut in. Think they are waiting until they can fool a brass-pounder out there. Day and night offices opened at Mesa. Bro. T. J. Kane, days; Bro. W. D. Stanley, nights. Applications received from C. N. Mabie, Lonoka; L. B. Allen, DeValls Bluff; M. J. Fitzgerald, and N. H. Sommerville, Danville, Ark. We have a few nons left. Watch the list every time they are issued, you will see the nons getting scarce, and the other list (members) will have to be put on two pages. Brothers, work on them, send some non your journal every month, just as soon as you are through with it. There is good reading in it, they will see what they are missing, and send in their applications. P. J. Kelly, Div. Cor. Chicago Terminal and Illinois Divisions — The newly organized lodge at Chicago, Room 638, McCoy’s Hotel, was very well attended at both meetings held, November 9th and 16th. Officers elected and installed for the current term were: Chief Telegrapher, L. C. Harrison. First Vice-Chief Telegrapher, W. E. Washburn. Second Vice-Chief Telegrapher, D. H. Andrews. Secretary and Treasurer, W. F. Kay. Marshall, C. E. Mardiss. Inside Sentinel, E. E. Quigley. Digitized by Google

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2114 The Railroad Telegrapher. Outside Sentinel, Walter Hood. Past Chief Telegrapher, C. A. Calkins. Bro. Dal Jones, Chief Telegrapher Division 91, was with us and aided us very greatly in the installation ceremonies, and was awarded a vote of thanks from all present. Bro. W. F. McDonald, Secretary and Treasurer of Divison 91, also as- sisted; Bro. W. T. Brown, General Chairman Division No. 126, was also with us. All brothers who were not present would regret not being there if they knew the good it does to attend one of these meetings. Everybody en- thusiastic, and in a few more meetings our lodge rooms will likely be filled to the rcof. Our lodge room is very conveniently located for brothers located on the line and wishing to make quick time from the meeting to the train. Bro. Brown gave the Illinois Division great praise on our line-up. We stand at present the Banner Division of 126, Iowa Division next. To tell the facts, only three nons on the division to my knowledge. With the assistance of the rest of the brothers on the division we ought to make it solid, as all who are not up-to-date will get in line with the proper amount of coaching, so all put your shoulder to the wheel and work for the good of the Order. Since our last write-up, the following have sent in their applications, and are now up-to-date good O. R. T. men : L. F. Perry, day operator, Blue Island. Robert Campbell, day operator, Stockdale. E. R. Butterfield, night operator, Seneca. W. J. Maloney, agent, Utica. M. Klimick, day operator, Spring Valley. D. E. Wilson, day operator, Peoria. E. G. Roberts, day operator, Galva. R. L. Rice, Geneseo, night operator. Hugh Durdin, now day operator Washington Heights, relieved Bro. C. E. Mardiss, transferred to South Chicago days. Bro. E. R. Butterfield now working nights Seneca, account Bro. E. J. Koretz resigned. Bro. Knapp, night operator Ottawa, got it on a bid. Bro. Rice transferred to Geneseo nights. Bro. Diefendorf now boarding at Peru. All honor is due Bro. Cooper for his heroic work while the depot at De Pue was burning. He rescued a barrel of pretzels, that’s all. Wyanet night telegraph office closed account electric block going in effect between Bureau & ^Sheffield. Am unable to say where Bro. Thomas has been transferred to. Ross McGowan, second trick Silvis; Bro. Hill transferred to “RK” nights. Ross is an ex- member and will be with us soon. Bro. C. R. Olson, agent Cambridge, off on vacation. I would recommend that every O. R. T. man refer to pag:r 1683 and read the paragraph en- titled, “A Train Dispatcher,” and be governed accordingly. I think it will bring results and our services would be more appreciated. F. G. Weeks, our former chief, is now train- master on the Missouri Division. I also want to say a word or two about meetings. I consider it the duty of each member to attend these meetings when in his power to do so. Don’t shirk; you are hurting the good cause to some extent when you stay away. Also, when you know of any change in oper- ators drop your Local Chairman a note, and say if up-to-date or not. Any job that should be bulletined advise him, and in case any of you are entitled to overtime and don’t get it, advise him, so that he may take it up and adjust. What- ever you do, don’t be backward on keeping your Local Chairman posted as to what is doing, as he has as many duties as any other operator on the division and can not find out everything with- out assistance. In any event it is a thankless position. We are still waiting patiently for the eight-hour law, to take effect March 4th, 1908, possibly be- fore, if the companies see fit. I understand sev- eral of the roads are putting men on eight hours a day now in order to have a supply of men when it goes into effect. Every one knows we need more money. Cost of living has actually gone up 25 to 40 per cent in the last year. Notices of semi-annual dues are now out, and I would suggest that every member remit sewn as possible, so as to be strictly up-to-date when the new cards are due. It also saves time, etc., if sent in now. CntT. 209. Dcs Moines Valley Division — Several changes have taken place within the past month. Bro. Workman goes from Ware to Leighton, and is relieved at Ware by Mr. Parkins. Bro. Copp, of Royal, is off on a vacation. He expects to return the last of this month, and is being relieved by Mr. F. M. Fitzgerald. O. B. McNammie is now the agent at Keokuk, and is putting in his time fighting the Wabash, Rock Island, Interstate Commerce Commission and other things too numerous to mention. The first cold snap of the season caught many of the north end boys out of coal, and the way they boarded the passing freights for that neces- sity of life wasn’t slow. Bro. Ramsey made a hurry-up trip to Fort Dodge November 7th, on account of being subpoenaed by the M. & St. L. in a law suit Had to leave his station in charge of a non-telegrapher on account of no operators available. Although members of our sister Order, the C T. U. of A., have returned to work without securing any of the concessions asked for, they have, in a way, won a victory. They have gained the admi- ration of all the labor organizations, and go back to work practically as strong as they went out. And in the future should they decide to again strike for their rights and liberties it is very doubtful if the big telegraph companies would al- low it, but, instead, will treat with them as they should have done in this case, because the past strike has been a very disastrous one for them in Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2115 more ways than one. It is one that will be felt by them for years. A meeting of the Des Moines Valley Division telegraphers was held at the K. P. Hall, in Sibley, Saturday evening, November 23d. The meeting was presided over by Local Chairman Brokaw. General Chairman Brown was present, and gave much information in regard to O. R. T. matters in general. Everything running in fine shape, and everybody satisfied. Bros. Gaunt and Stevenson represented the Da- kota Division. By the time these items appear in print we ex- pect to be holding regular meetings at Sibley, and have all officers elected and installed. These meet- ings are always intensely interesting, and the boys on the Sibley Line always favor us with their pres- ence, if possible to do so. Wonder why we do not see any notes from the Dakota Division in these columns? Surely there is plenty of good O. R. T. material up that way. Get busy. Cert. 695. St. Louis Division — Bro. H. G. Chalfant, agent at Versailles, has re- turned to his work after a vacation. Bro. I. B. Lakin is again in the saddle at Free- burg. Bro. Louis Middleton has been assigned the agency at Hadsell. Bro. F. A. Schroeder has bid in the agency at Nay. Bro. W. L. Bonnett has been assigned to the agency at Denton. Bro. F. Kendall has left the line to accept em- ployment with the Missouri Pacific. K. A. Harris has returned to his work at Bran- don, after a vacation of thirty days. F. Slaughter was sent to Clayton to relieve Agent W. A. Melton for a few weeks. J. M. Campbell assigned the agency at Bowen, did not settle down there. New man at Bowen named Pendervill. Announcement has been made that Mr. G. L. Rowe is appointed chief dispatcher and division op- erator, effective November 24, 1907, vice Mr. K. F. Jaynes, assigned to other duties. Bro. C. G. R ussier is back at the old stand at Beaufort after a short vacation. Bro. Emmett Smith, who relieved him, accompanied Mrs. Smith home to Trenton on account of sickness. Bro. C. N. Mennell, agent at Greenwood, is away on a vacation visiting friends in Cincinnati, Ohio, and the State of Washington. He expects to return about December 8th. Bro. J. J. Gunn, from Pleasant Hill, is relieving at Greenwood. A brother named Davis from the East is reliev- ing Bro. Gunn at Pleasant Hill. Bro. Emmett Smith is relieving at South Lee. Bro. H. H. Brooks is relieving at Leslie. Bro. J. W. Oram, agent at Leslie, is away on a vacation. Bro. R. G. Watkins, agent for the Frisco at Portageville, Mo, accompanied by his bride, paid Bro. A. Slagle and family a flying visit of five days last week, then took in Denver. Bro. Wat- kins is one of the hard-worked agents of Southeast Missouri, and we arc glad to see him have the privileges he now enjoys. “Discovered” Pat Garvin quietly holding down Chesterfield. Div. Cor. Oklahoma Division — Hail to the great new State of Oklahoma, and to the Oklahoma Division of the C., R. I. & P. Rail- way, the banner division of the System in the Southwest, and the operators on this division. With the exception of six operators on the entire division, we are solid O. R. T., and a few members of the commercial union who have come to work on this division since the Western Union strike. We consider them on the same footing with the regular members of our Order. The Oklahoma Division, at our regular meeting at El Reno, November 9th, had a very enthusiastic meeting, a good attendance, and have started a movement for a petition to the State Legislature of Oklahoma to pass an eight-hour law for the benefit of railroad telegraphers in the new State, and every one is working for the same, and hope to get a petition • in shape to be presented to the first meeting of the Legislature, which will meet in Guthrie on December 2d, and are preparing to get the petitions before the public through our members and the members of other unions over the State, and hope to give the fraternity news that will be encouraging for operators of the whole country. The second Saturday night of each month is regular meeting night of the Oklahoma Division at El Reno, and all members and visiting brothers are cordially invited to be present, and for the next two or three months lend us their aid in getting our eight-hour law through in the new State. Brothers, be present at every meeting that you can, and when you receive the petitions to present to the public for the above-named law, do not let them get in the pigeon-hole, but see that they are promptly circulated, and get every one in your vicinity to sign them, and when they arc com- pleted, get them to committee as soon as possible, so that all may get to the Legislature as early as possible. Bro. Lee Boyd, who has been off sick for three months, will soon return and resume work at Enid. Bro. Smith, at Waukomis, is off on leave of ab- sence, and is being relieved by Mr. C. E. Cornell. Brothers, keep after the few nons on this divi- sion so that we may show a solid, front to all op- position to the eight-hour law. Do not forget the meeting night, and be present when possible. Cert. 1749. General Offices — I think it is about time the “general offices” of the Rock Island are having a little write-up, as they surely deserve space in the journal in order that others may know as well as themselves, what we are doing. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2116 The Railroad Telegrapher. I fully expected to see them represented last month, but it seems as though our correspondent failed to get the news items in in time to be printed, but I hope to see them this month. Each and every man should furnish him with any items of interest early enough to get to the editor before going to press. Of course, we all know, and the officials of the Rock Island .are aware of the fact that the tele- graph service since Mr. Jennings has reorganized the telegraph department is second to none. Since this reorganization we now have thirteen general offices, instead of three, with three wire chiefs at each of them. Tfi^ majority of them work eight hours; or, if business is such, each one works two additional hours, while the managers, in many cases, have worked eighteen to twenty hours without any extra compensation, merely for the benefit of the telegraph service. In addition to these wide-awake wire chiefs you will find a class of the most wide-awake and pro- gressive telegraphers in the country, exerting every effort for the benefit of the service, until you will find as fast circuits in these offices as the bonus circuits of the commercial companies. The result of the reorganization of these offices and the continued effort of these men, has placed the telegraph service of the Rock Island today sec- ond to none. The majority of these offices will average 100 per cent up-to-date O. R. T. men, while a few will not reach the average, we have a general average of 96 per cent From the general outlook at pres- ent, and the continual bulldog effort of the up-to- date men, we intend to reach 100 per cent in all not later than January 1, 1908. Let each and every one of us continue to put forth the same effort, and keep our telegraph service second to none, and we will soon be re- paid, for we are convincing them each and every day by our work that we are worth considerable more than we are getting. Yours fraternally, C. P. Varney, L. C. Iowa Division — Here is a few items for this month's journal: Bro. H. R. Thayer, night operator at Wabash crossing, block tower, Des Moines, is visiting with his parents at Grand Junction, Iowa. Bro. N. P. Skunberg is relieving Bro. Thayer at Wabash cross- ing, Des Moines. He has an up-to-date C. T. U. of A. card, but is going to stay at railroad work, and says he will be in the O. R. T. soon as he is acceptable. Bro. W. J. Stevens, night operator at Christy Mines, block tower, is in South Dakota looking after his farm. He is being relieved by Bro. Keer- gan, who comes from the Illinois Central. Bro. Thos. Stebbens, day operator at Christy Mines, block tower, has returned from South Da- kota, where he has been the past month looking after business of his ranch, which is west of Pierre, South Dakota. Bro. C. B. Hibbs returned to work at Iowa City, Burlington street station, November aist, after a vacation of two months, during which he visited through the West, Portland, San Francisco and at Corvallis, Oregon. Bro. F. A. Bump, who has been working at Iowa City, No. 2, relieving Bro. Hibbs, has been sent to Newton to work nights. Bro. Bump came to us from the Iron Mountain. Bro. C. F. Ingle, agent at Tiffin, Iowa, is con- templating a vacation of five or six weeks as soon as he can be relieved. Bro. W. P. Master, Iowa City, nights, went to Ames to root for Iowa football game, and also lost $5 he had bet on the Iowa team. Bro. E. L. Rhoadarmer, agent at Milan, Ills., on the Illinois Division, has been visiting friends in Iowa City the past few days. He says the Illi- nois Division are all in for most any old stand March 4, 1908. G. F. M. Vandalia Ry. St. Louis Division, East End — Bro. J. W. McCullough, "HN,” Harmony, nights, is enjoying a few days off visiting rela- tives in Scottsburg, Indiana. Bro. O. O. Scanlon, of Terre Haute, doing the night stunt at “HN” during his absence. Bro. H. S. Miller, nights at MWA,” Watson, was sent to the West End to work a few nights at “NI,” Altamont, Illinois. The night work was handled during his absence by Bro. J. W. Garnet, at "WA.M Bro. J. T. Colburn, of “HN,” Harmony, days, took the civil service examination for railway mail service, and carried off the highest honors out of a class of fifty. Bro. J. T. Hill, night owl at “GA,” Eagles, is off for a few nights, Bro. J. E. McCracken doing the night stunt. Bro. F. I. Stanberry, of “HK,” Hamrick, nights, was called to his home the other day account of the sickness of a relative. He is being relieved by extra telegrapher R. R. Hod sen, of Coatesville. We wish to apologize to Bro. C. Hall for refer- ring to him in last month's write-up as Mr. in- stead of Bro. Our mistake; it will not occur again. Some talk of the eight-hour shifts; up to this time they have failed to materialize. We are liv- ing in hopes, however. Unofficial reports from the Big Four say they have three men on some of their jobs. Bro. F. P. Sebree, of “BR,” Brazil, days, was off a few days the middle of the month taking in the sights at the capitol; being relieved by Bro. C. N. Jones, of “KV,” KnightsviUe. Bro. O. O. Scanlon relieving Bro. Jones at “KV.” Bro. C. Hall, who has been relieving Bro. F. R. Parker at “AO,” Amo, days, has been called to Terre Haute to report for work, Bro. Parker having resumed. Bro. R. H. Yates worked for a short time at “WA,” Watson, nights, but was relieved by Brow Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2117 H. S. Miller, who bid it in regular, Bro. Yates going to some point on the West End. Mr. J. R Hallinin and Mr. T. J. Dickerson have been changing off at “DS,” Terre Haute, days; Bro. H. C. Barnes on nights at “DS.” Bro. Thos. Buck, of “MD,” Almeda, days, was nff for a short time; relieved by the night man. Bro. Fred Farris. Bro. W. L. Darner, of “FN,” Farrington, Illi* nois nights, Middle Division, spent one Sunday not long ago with relatives at Limedale. Bro. W. A. Vaughn, of “NE,” Greencastle, days, who has been relieving the agent at “MN,” Martinsville, Illinois, has returned to Greencastle. Bro. V. A. Woodard was on days at “NE” during Bro. Vaughn's absence at “NE.” Mr. A. Mason, agent “SY,” Seeiyville, was off for a few days, Bro. E. Colbert, days at “SV,” Seeiyville, acting as agent during his absence; Bro. N. E. Browing on days and extra telegrapher D. V. Carter doing the owl act at “SV.” One of the “two” nons on this end is reported as having left for parts unknown, leaving his wife and children. The new interlocking tower at “KV,” Knignts- ville, is almost complete, and we understand will be in operation in a few days. No. 91 was wrecked at Almeda one night not long ago account of a broken truck, delaying traffic for a few hours. Nos. 24, 26 and n were detoured between Limedale and Indianapolis via Monon and Big Four. Bro. C. C. Chcsterson, who has been shaking hands with friend* and relatives at Crawfords- ville, has reported for duty and been assigned “RY,” Rose Lake, nights, on the West End. Brothers, do not delay sending in your dues. Let every one have a new card by January 1st, 1908, if not before. Appoint yourself as a com- mittee of one to see that any non who might come into our midst has a special invitation to become one of us. Everybody get busy. Youa Uncle Fuller. West Sub. Division — We are very sorry to hear of Bro. W. D. Parks, extra man at Willows, and Bro. H. E. Weaver, day man at Rose Lake, being down with typhoid fever. Bro. R. D. Elliot, regular night man at Rose Lake, is working days during the illness of Bro. Weaver. Bro. T. J. Lynch is working nights at Rose Lake. E. E. P. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, The Almighty has deemed it wise to remove from our midst Bro. C. H. Dalton, in memory to our departed brother and in sympathy to the bereaved family, be it Resolved, By the members of Division No. 27, Order of Railroad Telegraphers, that we extend to the family of the deceased brother our heart- felt sympathy, and we commend them to Him who doeth all things well, and who will comfort them in this dark hour of sorrow; be it further Resolved, That in the death of Bro. C. H. Dalton, Peoria Division, Vandalia Railroad, Divi- sion No. 27, of the Order of Railroad Teleg- raphers, loses a true and faithful member, the wife a devoted husband, and the child a loving father; and be it Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family of our deceased brother, a copy sent to The Telegrapher for publication, and a copy spread upon the minutes of this division. (Signed) E. B. Neeley, J. P. Alfter, * E. C. Thompson, Committee. Frisco Ry. Red River District — We are pretty busy just now. Cotton is coming in fast, and we have about all we can say grace over. I would like to Bee some good man take it upon himself to give the Red River District a good write-up, just once. Are we all doing our part, looking after the nons? I notice we have in our midst many C. T. U. of A. boys, most of them working our best (?) jobs. Are our old heads wise enough to keep away from the BO-called best jobs? I, for one, am fighting shy of them. I had rather do a little clerical work than have one of those roasts like Madill or Francis. There have been so many changes that it is im- possible to keep track of them, so I will not under- take to give a line up. Let's all try and give our division a write-up for January. All that possibly can should send in their dues now, and get all the new members possible, for there is going to be something doing next March. Let's work for our interest while we are laboring these twelve hours per day for the railroad. “73.” Cert. 327. Chicago & Eastern Illinois Ry. Chicago Division — Bro. Wood, days at W. A. Tower, Watseka, is enjoying a month's vacation; relieved by Bro. Priest, who has been working days at Hoopeston. Bro. Highland, ticket agent Watseka, has re- turned from a two weeks' vacation; was relieved by a non, F. M. Brockaway, an old head on this road, but a hard-shell, who thinks he derives no benefit from our Order. Bro. H. D. McCarty, formerly from the United DeForest Wireless Telegraph Co., New Orleans, La., working nights at “CO,” Coaler, relieving Bro. Niekum. Bro. Lanquest, who has been working nights at “PO” tower, Pittwood, has resigned; can not say who is relieving him at this writing. Bro. Bilbo, formerly nights at Hoopeston, now working days at that place. Bro. Bilbo relieved by Bro. Hanold, who has been working days at “CA,” Chicago Heights. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2116 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Fitz Henry, days “CA,” Chicago Heights, returned from a month’s vacation in the West Bro. Paddock, who left the service about two months ago, has returned and is now working nights at “NE” tower, Crete. Quite a number of the boys from this road have resigned to accept a position with the Big Four. Let’s manage to send in items every month, for if we expect to get that eight-hour day and seventy-ftve per, we got to let them know we are not sleeping. We haven't had a write-up for two months, am sorry to say, for no one person can get all that happens that is of interest to us, but let each one send few items each month and in that way we will be represented. Every one doing nicely, but will have to charge up few nons that still remain on the Villa Grove District Now, make up your mind to have the road solid by March 4th, 1908, then we can get what is justly due us. Merry Christmas to all. I remain — looking for a pay-day after March 4th. Div. Cor. Big Four Ry. Michigan Division — Michigan Division now figures up about 92 per cent, with good chances for three or four this month. To the surprise of all, most of the third-trick positions have been bid on by old heads, mostly station agents. This looks rather odd, as most any agency should be preferred to the third-trick posi- tions. Bro. Anmermon, late of Knightstown, is now working third trick at Westport, relieving a man by the name of Noonan, who couldn’t possibly take a ‘V Bro. King is working second trick at North Ver- non; Bro. E. P. Defort, third trick, while Bro. C. M. Baker is on first. The following places have been advertised the last month: Third tricks at North Vernon, West- port, Knightstown, Marion, Warsaw, Goshen and Elkhorn; agencies at Jonesboro, LaFontaine, Mar- klcville and Sodus. Mrs. J. U. Tilman, of Jonesboro, goes to Elk- hart, third trick. Bro. H. S. Walters goes to Marion, third trick. Bro. Carl Thomas, of Sodus, takes LaFontaine agency. Up to the piesent time have not learned who takes Sodus, as it is still open. Mr. Rudical, operator and bill clerk at Marion freight depot, takes Markleville, relieved by Bro. Ed. Middlekauf. A scab from Indianapolis W. U. office, who did dirty scabbing in the late fight of commercial boys, is going to take Jonesboro agency. Remember, “No card, no favors.” Bro. Miles, a brother commercial man from Chi- cago W. U., is working third trick at Elkhart, and, when relieved there, will take third trick at Knightstown. We are pleased to learn that Bro. Pepper, of Carthage, after a lingering illness of some three or four weeks, is again on duty. Wishing all members a Merry Xmas and a pros- perous year for 1908, I am yours for a $75 mini- mum and eight hours per day. E. M. Sandusky Division — Were you at the meeting at Carey on the night of November 13. If not, you lose, because you missed something that you should know. The boys began to arrive during the afternoon, the last ones coming in on the 8:20 train, and then, our number having reached the dozen mark, we proceeded to the hall and I assure you there was some warm discussion. The chair was filled by General Chair- man Justice, and he gave us an interesting talk. After threj hours of warm debating the meeting was adjourned, and we had supper and cigars. We then started for our widely-separated homes, feeling the night had been well spent. November 1 the boys on the Big Four began to realize the value of the eight-hour day, the com- pany beginning to place on the third man on that date, and the way they poured in from all quarters certainly shows there are plenty of men to fill every railroad in the country, and then have some for extra work, if the price and hours are right. Only a short time now until Sandusky Division will have a complete block system. The carpenters are now at work making a few new coops for us, which will be necessary when the block system goes into effect. One is being erected at East Urbana and Lippincotts, and one to be built at Belief ontaine and Carey; all but one will be in good towns, so they won’t have much trouble to find occupants for them. The following places are now using the third trick man: Urbana, Huntsville, Silver Creek, Carey and Wharton. Mr. Jones, agent at Huntsville, is off a few days visiting at Plattsburg, on the Cincinnati Division. Extra Operator Myers held down the agency dur- ing his absence. There is a rumor that some of the brothers are not living up to our Constitution in regard to student teaching. A word to the wise should be sufficient, and any that may feel guilty we trust will stop this kind of practice at once. You know you are cutting your own throat when you are doing it. If you have a brother whom you wish to teach, take the question up in the right manner, explaining details fully and get an order from our headquarters in St. Louis, permitting you to aid the one you would like to. I would like to call the attention of the brothers to the necessity of being present at our meetings. Matters that are under discussion will interest you and we want your views on these questions. Now. with the three tricks, each office should, at least, have one and, possibly, two men present. We know it was difficult to get away when you were compelled to be on duty for twelve hours. Next meeting at Dayton, on the 18th. Let every- one turn out. Drv. Cot. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2119 Indianapolis Division — The interest in the Order is growing every day. New members every week, and something doing all the time. Now, this is what I call the proper spirit, especially at this time when new men are coming here for the eight-hour tricks. We don’t want a solid office broken up by a “non.” It is for your interests, and the committee will need your backing next month. Orders were received from the superintendent last month to begin putting on eight-hour men at once. Quite a few offices were filled with good men, and the boys were quite jubilant over it; some can hardly wait. But different orders must have been received later, as Chief Dispatcher Buch- anan has not placed any in the last week, but think they will resume shortly, as they have found out they can get the men, and good ones, too, and will not have to draw on any incubators for them. The first meeting ever held in BcllcfonTaine by the O. R. T. was held October 24th in Machinists’ club room. While the attendance was small owing to the inability of the boys to get there on account of poor train service, the enthusiasm was there all right, and Bro. Justice, general chairman, gave us a good talk and some pointers regarding the new schedule. Some dissatisfaction among the boys on account of the new men being given regular eight-hour tricks, and the old men, especially the old extra men, being left out in the cold. I don't know of anything for them to do but make application for these positions wanted, and I don’t think they drill be refused. Why they are not advertised I can not Bay. I wish you brothers who want to see this divi- sion written up in the journal every month would help out a little. It only takes a few minutes for you to write the changes in your territory, mail them to me at Degraff, Ohio, and I will do the rest. You fellows on the east end, between Galion and Bellefontaine, send me some news. We know you are in good shape up there. Line-up those new men. We hope by the time our next letter appears the committee will be in Cincinnati, and we .will be expecting great things from them. Eight hours, $75.00. “Oh, splash!” Here’s a few movements: Bro. Foster relieved at Degraff by Agent Vance, has accepted Harrisville, nights. Operator New- former returning home. Bro. Harvey has resumed work at Taft. Bro. Ray Miller spent a few days near Degraff on a farm last week. He has returned to Ansonia. Bro. Spcece, Gretna, days, laying off on account of sickness in the family. Bro. King relieving him. Bro. Miller, Gretna, also off fixing up his bung- alow. Skinny Thatcher relieving him. Bro. Ritter, Harper, representing the cast end, attended the meeting at Bellefontaine. Operator Huffman, dispatcher’s office, also Opera- tor Dunham, same office, have returned from their vacations. The following eight-hour tricks have been estab- lished to date: Massachusetts avenue, Indianapolis. “DX” tower, Indianapolis. “C” office, Brightwood. Belt Junction. Fortville. Wain wright. Anderson depot. Gridley. Muncie depot “MU.” Winchester. Elroy. Versailles. “BU.” Quincy. “BN” yards, Bellefontaine. Bro. Geo. Clegg, “BN” yards, laying off. Ask Chairman Hess, at Sidney, for application blanks, you fellows who are going after those prizes. “A gold ring for mine.” “Bob,” Div. 138. St. Louis Division, East — Long before this appears in print, all the im- portant offices will be worked by three men, in- stead of two. Eight hours to work, eight hours to sleep and eight hours to devote to the interests of our families and loved ones. This begins to look like business, but still some arc holding hack, and ready to give an old out-of-date excuse for not carrying an up-to-date card. You can always hear them on the wire about meal time asking: S. F. T. Same old story; going to leave here soon; going to quit the business, etc. Bro. Lumple, at Sunny Side, has left the serv- ice. He was relieved by Bro. Magee, who was relieved by Mr. Dawson. Bro. M. O. Denny, at Danville, has left the service to accept a position in Union Station at Indianapolis. He was relieved by Bro. Setty. Bro. Setty was relieved by Bro. Clark. Bro. Mackninch, of Reno, has left the service. Bro. Geo. Gray, at Fontanet, had quite a close call on October 15th, when the powder mills at that place blew up, wrecking every house in the town. The daily press gave quite an interesting report of Bro. Gray’s position. He was working at the key when . the explosion came, and was badly cut, and put in a semi-senscless condition, but he was the first to regain his senses and get busy. It is stated he sat at his key a full hour sending messages for relief, while his hands and face were covered with blood, and the blood streaming from his face. Next day he was checked in as agent. Regular Agent Overholtz being so badly injured he was taken to the hospital. Bro. E. C. Bales has been appointed agent at Hadley. Bro. J. G. Beck leaving the service of the company. Bro. L. C. Adams, of “JR,” Terre Haute depot, is now copying in the dispatcher’s office. Cbht. 258. Digitized by c,ooQle

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2120 The Railroad Telegrapher. Cincinnati Dixnsion — A very enthusiastic meeting was held at Dayton, Ohio, Monday evening, October aist, in Hollen- camp Hall, which was well attended. Thirty-one members being present. The Sandusky Division being represented also, and the spirit manifested shows that the brothers are taking an interest in the welfare of the Order, which is necessary to ob- tain results. Quite a number of important sub- jects were passed upon. Owing to the late hour in getting started several of the brothers off the San- dusky Division were compelled to leave early to catch No. 2, but we trust that they, as well as those of the Cincinnati Division brothers, will continue to turn out and make these meetings a success. Every brother felt well repaid for his trouble in being present at this meeting Our next meeting will occur on Monday even- ing, November 18th # The brothers were pleased to have with them Bro. Droege, who addressed the meeting upon one of the important questions of the evening. The following places have put on three tricks, and we “13” the remaining ones will be made three tricks', in series, at the first of each 'month until all are filled out: South Siding, Sharon, Ivorydale, Dayton yard. West End, Simms, “GM,” “YK,” “Cl,” “CK.” Brooks, Plattsburg, London, “SO,” Lilly Chapel, Galloways, “WA,” and “CD.” Mr. J. L. Slogue, who was a graduate of an In- dianapolis telegraph school, and has been working nights at “MX” for the past two months, failed to deliver an order to No. 96 recently, and is now looking for a position. The nons will have to employ the four hours ex- tra time each day they now have in studying up some suitable excuse for the sponging they are now doing off the Order. It has been arranged that the meal hour will not be allowed at points having the third man, and where lamp-tenders were formerly employed. The operators now have them to attend to. Our com- mittee will take care of all grievances in the near future. Brothers, have you ever figured out the differ- ence between an eight and twelve-hour day? The eight-hour day is 1,460 hours less work a year, 120 days, or, four months, counting twelve hours as a day’s work. Bro. C. Nixon bid in the third trick at Denni- son avenue. R. H. Harrison, third trick at Galloways. Bro. Sheflon, third trick at Lilly Chapel. Mr. Fast, third trick at London. M. F. Franklin, third trick at Plattsburg. Mr. Ray Ashen felter, third trick at Brooks. Mr. Fitzsimmons, third trick at “AK.” Bro. Johnson, third trick at “YK.” Mr. Merry, third trick at “WD.” Bert Grosvonor, third trick at “WD.” Mr. Harry Peck, of Irwin, has resigned, but have not learned who relieved him. Great effort should be made by the brother* in landing the third trick men, and the new-comers, to show proper respect to the Order; should not wait to be asked the second time to contribute towards the cause, as they are plucking the fruit off the vines in the vineyard of O. R. T.’ism. Share, and share alike with us. L. D. Stable*. Wisconsin Central Ry. Third District — Quite a number of changes have taken place on this district during the last month, and as it is pretty hard to keep track of all of the changes with the help of only one or two brothers, we will doubtless miss quite a few of them. At Abbotsford we find no change as yet, but it is said that Bro. Hunt will go into the dis- patcher’s office as soon as he returns to work after about a month’s vacation. Bro. Hunt formerly worked in the yard office at Abbotsford. Haven’t been able to find who gets Abbotsford yard days. Bro. Roen, formerly located as agent at Fifield on the Fourth District, got Owen days on bulletin. Bro. Kliske sent to do the owl act at Owen, relieving a “factory-made” article, who failed to do the biz. Mr. Goodrich, who was at Owen, is going West for the winter on account of his health, having been advised by his doctor to get out in the mountains. Bro. Donias, from Stanley, appointed agent at Fifield on the Fourth District. Bro. Hoffman has been doing the biz there until bid in. “13” Bro. Rindt, from Bessemer, has got it cinched. At Eau Claire nights, we find Bro. Skog again, after an extended trip in the West. Bro. Hoff- man also relieved there during Bro. Skog’s ab- sence. At Albertville we find Bro. Cox laying off and Bro. Lake doing the biz in his place after having been at Gladstone for a couple months relieving. Mr. Smith and Bro. Smith, agent and owl at Colfax, laid off for a few days and went hunting. Mrs. Smith acting as agent, and Bro. Johnston, having been bumped at Gladstone, acting as owl. It is said that Bro. Smith doesn’t intend to return to the W. C. Bro. Brunelle, who has been at Glenwood as agent for about four years, applied for the position of cashier at St. Paul, which he landed all right. Bro. Mathews, regular agent at Emerald, ex- pected back soon after a long vacation, which he spent with relatives in the East. Glenwood days on bulletin. Have been unable to learn who gets it; “13” there were quite a number of applications received. Mr. Elwell, who has been relieving at Prentice on the Fourth Dis- trict for some time, is located at Glenwood tempo- rarily until regular man is appointed. At Jewett we noticed Bro. Ramberg, formerly agent at Somerset, was doing the business for few days, and “13” that Campbell, regular agent, was laying off. Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 2121 Bro. Finnegan, who was located at Duluth Jet. days, is now agent at Somerset. Don’t know where Bro. Ramberg has gone. Duluth Jet., after being open about a month, is again closed on account of slack business. Don’t know what became of Mr. Oden, the night man, who was there during the brief time it was open. Bro. Nelson, agent at Gladstone, who has been away on a vacation for about two months, is again at his old stand doing business. Bro. Lake held his job down during his absence. Bro. Johnston got bumped at Gladstone nights by Bro. Mordant, late of Boom Island nights, who was bumped at that point by Frank Leibold. Chas. Simpson, who was at the freight office at Minneapolis, took Leibold's place at Mr. Whit- comb’s office. Have been unable to learn who is at Minneapolis freight office now, or who the men in the St. Paul offices are. This is about the limit of my string as to what changes have oc- curred. We had a letter from ‘Bro. Beebe, who used to be agent at Owen some time ago. He is working for the N. P. out in Spokane, Wash., not as a telegrapher, but says he is thinking seriously of taking it up again. He reports the lawns all green and -flowers in bloom, with nice, warm weather, only cooling a trifle at night. The W. C. has closed several of the telegraph jobs and taken off some of the helpers, also one local freight train on this district since the money tie-up, but from what I hear we are not hit near as bad as some other roads. I wish to thank Bro. Johnston for what items I received from him this month. Let us know when you change positions and we can get out a much better write-up. C. E. Andre. Fourth District — Bro. Minchell has been laying off for a few days, Bro. Orrick relieving him at Abbotsford. Bro. Semerau, of Phillips nights, is reported as being on the sick list. Bro. Carlson, also formerly of Phillips, is acting the nimrod. Mr. Oden holding down Phillips nights at present. At Fifleld there is a new man; have been unable to get his name, but understand it has a prefix Bro. He relieved Bro. Roehn, who is now located at Owens as agent. We are sorry to say that Bro. Temby’s wife is confined to the hospital at Ashland. At Mellen there has been several changes. Bro. Ensinger, who has held this position for several years, has accepted Marengo agency on bulletin, Bro. Cheever going to Prentice as agent. Bro. Rindt, of Bessemer, which office has been closed, relieves Bro. Ensinger at Mellen, who in turn is relieved by Bro. Orrick, Bro. Rindt then taking a few days’ vacation to visit old friends, and understand he is now going to Stanley days. Several offices have been closed during the past few weeks. These are day operator position at Bessemer and Hurley, also Hoyt and Ore Yard have been closed for the season. If there has been changes that I have omitted, it is simply because they have not been brought to my attention, and to avoid recurrence, wish to ask every member to write his Local Chairman before the 24th of each month what changes have takyn place. By so doing we would have a good write-up each month. Before I close wish to say a word or two about the Southern Division. We receive very few items from that part of the road. We are just as anxious to see items of that division as our own. Now, why don’t one or two members act as correspondents and get out a neat little write- up? Let these two correspondents have the co- operation of all the other members, and see what a change of feeling it will bring to the boys. You may not be a fluent writer, but I feel certain that you all can help out on this subject. Ceet. 108. Southern Division — Bro. F. H. Wright, formerly nights at Alten- heim, recently promoted to days at Kolzc. Bro. R. A. Helton, nights at Altenheim, formerly with the I. C. Nights at Bridge Junction we find Bro. W. G. Gerke, formerly from the L C. and C. & N. W. Bro. Compton was dismissed from the service, days at Kolze, on account of refusing to handle W. U. biz., just two days previous to the strike being declared off by the C. T. U. Does this appeal to you as being just? How about the Grievance Committee? C. T. U. Bro. Burkhardt received the vacancy nights, caused by the promotion of Bro. Wright to days. Bro. B. says “N. M.” W. U. for mine. Recent arrivals, C. T. U., Wach (Armour’s), “F.W.;” Bro. Smith, regular night act at **JD,” Chicago. •Bro. N. C. Frost, formerly Lake Villa, year ago, and most recently Spencer, was fortunate in get- ting Wilmot Pit. Bro. Henry Schoback, Postal, relieved Bro. C. O. Schaefer, who has taken up his former studies at Racine. Hank was, in turn, relieved by Bro. C. L. Prefontaine, Postal, Fond du Lac. All these changes at Vernon. It is reported that River Forest, Franklin Park, Des Plaines, and Camp Lake are to be made non- telegraphic stations, and the 1st of January, 1908, there may be more. Lake Villa day operator has been taken off, also Bro. Kuhaupt, at Antioch, has lost his helper, both on account of the company’s cutting down ex- penses. Bro. W. A. Buchen fills the vacancy at Trevor. Bro. Lamorcaux, formerly days at Lake Villa, transferred to Waupaca days. Bro. Paddock, who worked several weeks nights at Trevor, has returned to the C. & E. I., where he was formerly employed. Bro. Dagnaugh, Silver Lake night hawk, visited papa and mamma some time ago, at Stevens Point. Bro L. A. Uvoss visited his mother at Neenah. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2122 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. J. J. McDonald, after relieving Bro. Barber two months at Allenton, has taken the agency at Valders. Bro. Treleven, agent at Colgate, is now being relieved by Bro. Patterson for a few days, after relieving Bro. Baker, agent at Endeavor, who took a ten days’ deer hunt up in the northern part of the State. Bro. Bluen, nights at Schleisingerville, and wife, were absent from here on a pleasure trip up north for a few days, being relieved by Bro. L. P. King, formerly from Rockefeller nights, now at Byron. Bro. Watts is now agent at Lomira. Bro. M. S. Butler returned to his work October 28, being relieved by a non-member. Bro. King relieved Bro. Barber one day, while he took a flying trip to Chicago. Bro. Paul Buchen, nights at Theresa, is enjoying a few days’ vacation at present. Bro. E. E. Clemons, the night operator at Fond du Lac, enjoyed a two weeks’ outing at Boyd. Bro. Baglcy, North Fond du Lac, has been trans- ferred to other duties. Telegraphing cut out at that place. Bro. C. E. Johnson, Nccnah, has been sick since August 23, but we are pleased to report him on the road to recovery. He had inflammation of the nerves. Hope next month to hear from others who have contributed nothing so far. Send in some- thing, be it ever so little, and assist in keeping the wheel rolling. How about your overtime and meal hours? Are you getting your just dues? Any overtime dis- allowed? If you have any grievances and the committee isn’t informed about it, then you are at fault, to the extent of not reporting, as you should. The committee is ready and willing to do all in its power to rectify any impositions, where there is a real grievance. We understand that some of the C. T. U. boys who came over on our line have not been treated as brothers should treat brothers of the same pro- fession. Treat a C. T. U. brother the same as you would an O. R. T. brother, and assist them in every way you can. If you know of any nons, try and get them on the right road, and don’t fail to send in their names and addresses as soon as known. How about your dues? Are you in good stand- ing, up-to-date? If not, get in line, boys. The committee will be in poor condition to represent you unless your dues are all paid, and you carry an up-to-date card. Cor. Bessemer & Lake Erie Ry. On being approached by a non, a few days ago, I had the pleasure of talking O. R. T. to him, and he broke me in the middle of my lecture and asked me to please read a letter that he had re- ceived from some unknown person, as there was no name signed to it. I read the letter very care- fully and felt ashamed of the way I had ap- proached the man, for I myself would not feel like joining until I better understood the cause for receiving such a letter. It was certainly a very insulting letter. The man then asked me if it was any reason that he did not belong to the Order, and, of course, I had to acknowledge the corn, that I would not, under such circumstances. Neverthe- less, I won the man's loyalty, and he said if I would put up a line in the journal he would present me with his application. We can never expect a thorough line-up if this kind of work is carried on. I would not have undertaken this write-up on this subject if I did not know what I was talking about, but from what little experience I have had while on com- mittee work, I find that you can "lead a horse to water, but you can not make him drink," and I did not have but one man that turned me down, and that was not on account of this letter business, but the man thought he had a good excuse, which he has carried out. My motto was always a little line of talk, and plenty of time for the brother to think it over. I have had good brothers come to me and say that if it had been any one else that approached them they would have been out of the Order yet. Now, I will leave the rest for the brothers* good judgment, trusting that they will think twice be- fore they proceed to write any of these letters. E. G. Reisincer. Delaware & Hudson Ry. Bro. A. R. Wager, at present working at “D,” general office, Albany, N. Y. He was relieved at "FD,” Green Island yard, by a commercial man, but at present can not give his name. Geo. Manion has drawn the night position at "FD," Green Island yard. E. J. Crounse has filled out papers again, and is now a brother. Mr. F. Patrick, at present working the night trick at Green Island depot Bro. Fitzgerald is now working the third trick at McVillc depot. Bro. Roach, who owns second trick at “WY” tower, McVille, at present working second at “J.V* tower, Waterford. Mr. Coin, of McVille, is on the third trick. Bros. Gallico, Carr on and Potter are now enjoy- ing eight hours. Another time card on the 24th. Very few changes though. Locals on the belt line about the same as the last card. Several N. Y. C trains, to and from New Y'ork, are now using the D. & H. track on the west side of the river between Albany and Troy. Bro. Rice, at present on third trick at "RX,” Albany depot. Bro. McMurray working the first and Bro. Johnson the second. We would have some large meetings if the brothers within thirty miles of Albany would only wake up. No excuse for them now that most of them have eight hours. Understand the new division is coming slow. Would be very glad to see this division estab- lished by the first of the year, as the boys on the upper end of the road are most certainly entitled Digitized by u.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2123 to it. Even though it is necessary to lose half a day when they attend meetings at Albany, there is seldom a month passes but that the north end of the road is represented. Bros. Keeley and Mooney were with us last month. Bro. Mooney gave us a very interesting talk on matters of interest to all brothers, and I wish more of you could have heard him. You do not realize what you miss by not attending these meet- ings. Get busy, now, and attend every month. Bro. J. D. Sullivan, of “CK,” Comstock, is en- joying a. two weeks’ vacation. Relief Agent Wy- man is relieving. Dispatcher Lente, of “Z,” Fort Edward, has re- turned, after two weeks’ vacation. Work on the branch was handled at “SO” during his absence. Some of our eight-hour positions are not being filled as per agreement. Fort Edward and White- hall still doing twelve-hour tricks. The men work- ing these tricks are receiving four hours’ over- time daily. Understand the company has appointed some new agents to cover each division, to oversee freight and ticket work. Mr. Bates, of Corinth, has received the appointment for this end, and Mr. Vosburg, of Voorheesville, will look out for the A. & S. Division. Bro. Burke, formerly chief clerk at Corinth, has been appointed agent at Corinth. Mr. O. H. Ramsdell is working “SA,” Sandy Hill, while Mr. Spencer on vacation. Miss K. Sleight, who has been working at “CW,” Lake George, the past season, has accepted a posi- tion with the W. U. at “A” office, Albany, N. Y. Bro. Boyle has left the hilly country, and has taken up his residence at Albany for the winter, at least. He bid in and is working the second trick at “OW,” Watervliet. Understand he is taking a law course at the Albany Law School. •Bro. Welsh, first trick at “JA” tower, Water- ford, had a very painful accident about the 10th of the month. He fell down the stairs and cut a big gash in his head, just above the eye. We are informed that Bro. Disney’s mother is ill at her home, and extend our sympathy to Bro. Disney’s family. Understand Mr. Broderick, formerly Bro. Brod- erick, has accepted a position with the B. & M. at Hoosick Junction. The B. & M. R. R. have placed three men at “GO,” Troy. Mr. Monahan should be placed on the eight-hour trick also. Bro. O’Neil is working the night trick at “UN,” Troy. Mr. Monahan on days. Understand Bro. R. O. Wager is working the second trick at "KN,” Kenwood Junction, A. & S. Division. “RO” is extra on the A. & S. Bro. Weatherwax has been off for some time, journeying in the West on account of his health. Bro. Stevens spent Sunday, November 24, with his mother in Watervliet, and also inspected the tower at the junction. Would be glad to see the brothers from Saratoga at the meetings. If the towermen from the McVille District would attend meetings, and get the nons there into the fold, I think there would be a different tune com- ing from that quarter. First snow storm of the year in this vicinity on November 24. We are informed that Conductor Jo. Powers is improving. Fireman C. J. Weller, who was injured at White- hall, some time ago, is again around, and will re- sume his duties soon. Bro. Weller is ex-secretary and treasurer of the firemen. Work on the new bridge at Cohoes for the dou- ble track is progressing nicely. Bro. Golden is at present working at the shops in Green Island. Brov Golden is from the N. Y. C. and at one time worked at “UN,” Troy. Those telegraphers on the R. & S. who persist in using wire No. 7 for all but what it is intended for will wake up some time and realize that they are not getting pay from the railroad companies for this kind of work. Fooling on the wire should be stopped. There is no excuse now for any train, whether it be regular or extra, to be stopped. Most of us are eight-hour men and should keep awake. The company has inaugurated a new system of payment, $10 and $5 checks, and desire the em- ployes to use these at their places of trading, in- stead of cashing them at the bank. I thank you, one and all, for your kindness and trouble during my recent confinement at home with a broken limb. I appreciate all that was done for me by members of the Order at that time, and am very glad to be with you again and back to work. I also wish to say that the D. & H. Co. were very considerate at that time, and helped me considerably. C. H. Kemp. M. & O. Ry. Meridian to Okolona District — Bro. Naylor, of Marion nights, was on the sick list for two or three nights, causing Bro. Powe to have to double, as extra operators are almost a thing of the past. Bro. Gladden, of Lauderdale nights, has re- signed, and understand he has accepted a day job with the Southern. He was relieved by operator Gore, who was in turn relieved by operator Glad- ney, who, on account of being sick, was relieved by operator J. A. Ratliff, from Birmingham. Bro. Mims, of Lauderdale days, who relieved Bro. Rawls from his position as agent, has re- sumed his old position as day operator. Bro. Rawls has accepted position as day operator at Union Station, Mobile. Operator Moore, formerly, agent at Porterville, has been installed as agent at Lauderdale. Bro. Gibbons, who relieved Bro. Mims as day operator at Lauderdale, has accepted Porterville agency, relieving agent Moore at that place. Operator Weaver is doing the night stunt at Scooba for the present. Bro. Neal, at Wahalak, who had to attend Cir- court Court, was off one day, being relieved by Bro. Gibbons. Digitized by c.ooQle

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2124 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Leech, formerly agent at Brooksville, has resigned his position at that place, and was re- lieved by Mr. W. H. Hairston, from N. O. & N. E. Bro. Shirley, day operator at Brooksville, has been relieved by operator Gore. Understand he has accepted the day job at Shubuta, that being only five miles from his home. Operator Pearce, from Macon nights, is working as second trick operator at Artesia, the regular man, Bro. Coleman, being off on the sick list. Operator Bright is doing the night stunt at Egypt. Bro. T. W. Carter, from L. & N., is second trick operator at Okolona, while operator Drake is doing the night stunt. Operator Downing, of Porterville nights, will be Bro. Downing by the time this is in print. Operator Downing is an old C. T. U. of A. man. The boys of this division are not taking enough interest in the Order. Go after the nons; there are plenty of good men who would join if only asked to and furnished with application blanks. I think I have called some of the brothers oper- ators instead of brothers, and any of those that I have down as operators who have cards, will confer a favor upon me by giving Bro. Howell, of Mobile, your division and certificate number, as this will enable me to give every member his just title. Cbkt. 163. We thank Certificate 163 for his write-up. What is the matter with the boys south of Meridian and on the Montgomery Division ? Why don't you all write something for Thb Telegrapher? R. L. Howell. S. & T. Atlantic Coast Line Ry. Notes Savannah District — Another large “shortage" in information from the various members of the L. B. of A. Out of five requests I drew a blank, so you will have to excuse the brevity of this effort. No new applications reported this month. Guess we have about all the good timber in, with a few exceptions. Those few exceptions should get in the wagon and help with the music. It will sound much better if we all blow a horn. Bro. S. M. Howard has taken Race Pond on seniority, until something better offers, in order to start right with a day job; Bro. Currie going to Hilliards. Bro. J. W. Leroy, of Hilliards, taking Ways agency on bulletin, vice Bro. A. E. Huffman, who has resigned the agency. Have not been able to learn where Bro. Huffman expects to locate. Bro. J. D. Bennett, of Folkston, has left us to accept a position with the C. of Ga. at Meldrim, Ga. Bro. J. E. Harvey has accepted the position of night operator at Hortense, made vacant by Bro. Howard. We understand that Bro. E. R. Yarbrough, of Coffee, Ga., will come to the A. C. L. in the pear future, and unless present plans fail, will relieve Bro. Highsmith, of Ludowici, for thirty days. Bro. Williams is hot after us on this term de- linquents. If you have not paid this term's dues, please do so at once. Cracker Joe. Fayetteville District — Bro. H. McNeill, who has for the past two or three months been in the hospital with fever, is at home trying to regain some of his lost strength. Nashville agency open and bid in by Bro. B. F. Hardy, Wade agency getting bid in by Mr. J. L. Bethea. Smithfield and Hope Mills clerk telegrapher job is at present writing open. Bro. C. H. Schuller was transferred from Beard tower days to “JF" office, Rocky Mount, and Bro. T. G. Wade, from “JF" office to Beard days. Bro. Wade exchanged places with Bro. Schuller on account of his wife being slightly ill, and he would be at home at Beard. Our chief dispatcher, Mr. E. Dodge, is having a good deal of trouble on account of the boys keeping the block wire (No. 32) cut through most of the time, disregarding previous order. This won't do; good O. R. T. men do not tamper with the wires; it is a sure sign that there is a “ham" around. Cut it out. Mr. G. Y. Jones, agent at Nashville, resigned and has gone into the mercantile business there. I understand that there will be a good deal of changing about done before long among the agents. Let us hope that there will be none who will be any the worse for wear after it is over. The double track from Contentnea to Selma will be put in operation in a short while. I hear that this will mean an additional seventy-five levers for the boys at Selma to pull. . The second and third trick dispatchers, McLain and Williamson, and I hear first trick, too, have resigned and gone to “pastures new." Dispatcher McLain went back to Georgia and dispatcher .ril- liamson out West Have not heard where the first trick man went. If we all would get together and demand a universal eight-hour law and seventy-five dollars, we would get it; that is, if the officials were convinced that we would have it or walk out A good many of the boys attended the Cumber- land County Fair at Fayetteville, and reported a fine time. Some of our night men are sleeping too much and thereby cause the dispatchers much trouble in moving trains over the road. The scabs in Norfolk, “N," have a very bad habit of sending about nine times as fast as they can possibly take, and if you shoot it back to them at the same rate you will stand a good chance of being cussed. There was a meeting in Rocky Mount on the 26th of October, but as I was one of the un- fortunates who had to stay at home and work my twelve hours, I do not know the happenings. Some one else will probably write them up. Cert. 793- Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2125 Cincinnati, Hamilton & Oayton Ry. Indianapolis Division — Have several new men on the road from differ* ent roads and a new third trick dispatcher from L. & N. New man at McGonigle from L. & N. New man at Cottage Grove from the North- western holds an up-to-date. New man at State Street from the Big Four. While talking to one of the men tonight, some one butted in and said I was going to get us all in trouble by talking on the wire. Also said that if we did go out that there were enough men just laying for the chance to fill our places in twenty-four hours. Guess our poor “friend” was having a brain-storm, or was afraid some one in “DI" would hear us and fire us for belonging to the Order! Let’s wake up and have something from this division every month in the journal, and make it look like we were still working. Cut. 225. Erie Ry. Mahoning Division — On October 24th Bro. W. S. Lawrie received notice from our general chairman, Frank N. Hall, saying he had succeeded in getting “SN” tower placed on an eight-hour basis, and the same was put into effect Monday, October 28th. The boys feel highly elated over this, as it is the first posi- tion of the kind on the Mahoning Division, and hereby extend their thanks to Bro. Hall for the interest he has taken in this matter. This puts R. N. Babcock first trick, G. W. Taylor second trick, and A. J. Klinite third trick. The Wilson avenue office has been moved to Tad street, and manned by J. T. Tincker and J. B. Pulaski. R. G. Burdett, of “G” tower, is back at work, after being off sick. John King, of Mantua, is back at work, and is all O. K. again, after having passed through the hands of the bonesetter of Youngstown, who re- placed a dislocated muscle in his back. John had been doctoring the last two years for rheumatism. R. A. Stroup, of Phalanx, nights, off on account of the death of his father. Stroup relieved by Andrew Eggleston. A. J. Klinite gives up third trick at “SN” tower, and returns to Literary street yard office, nights. C. R. Musgrove, of DeForest tower, nights, goes to third trick, “SN” tower. R. E. Hempel, at DeForest, nights, temporarily. DeForest, nights, and Sharpsville, nights, adver- tised. W. E. Black bid in Youngstown, nights. This is the position J. W. Terry left when he went to California. C. G. Perry is back at Hubbard, nights, after a trip West. R. A. Kistler, of “NK” office, off sick; relieved by the night man, Kearns, and Kearns relieved by W. J. Hawey, a former B. & O. man. Don’t forget the joint meeting held at Warren on the last Saturday night in each and every month, K. of G. E. Hall, corner of Park avenue and Market street,- over Union National Bank. Div. Cos. Cincinnati Division — Our last regular meeting at Marion was well at- tended. Some of the brothers from the H. V. and other roads running into Marion were present. Bro. Tynan filled the chair. Bro. Husted being called away on account of death. Brothers, we should all make special effort to attend these meetings. It does not give our com- mittee very much encouragement to call a meeting and only have a few of the brothers present. There is very little news from the Cincinnati Division. All the brothers seem to be looking for- ward to the eight-hour day and an increase in salary, which we expect our committee to get for us when they meet the officials in the near future. Professor Garner, at Ashland, Ohio, has quite a number of lady students, who, we understand, have been promised the first trick, or daylight po- sition by some of our officials. Who of us are going to give up our rights which we have gained through long years of hard service? We are sorry to note the outcome of our brother commercial telegraphers’ trouble. They surely de- serve what little compensation they ask and the eight-hour day. They all have the heartfelt sym- pathy of the brothers on the Cincinnati Division. No card, no favors. Let that be our motto in the future, for those that are not with us are against us. At this writing I understand our general com- mittee has been called East to adjust the wage scale in New York State, where the eight-hour law is in effect. I understand the company expects to reduce the wages on all the eight-hour positions; which means we will get the same kind of medi- cine after March 4, 1908, if we stand for the re- duction in New York. How many of the brothers can live on less com- pensation than we now receive? I am Bure we are not overpaid, and should be worth as much to the company as the section foremen, who get $60 per for a nine-hour day, and does not have to work Sundays or holidays, and if they are off a few days any other time, their time goes on just the same. Don’t you think it is high time we were coming out of the trance we have been in for years? I don’t see how a telegrapher at this stage of the game, when everything means so much to our future, can hang back and not join our noble Order, and help the brothers in their hard-fought battles for a decent work day an<J living wages. One of our now ex-brothers from “Q” tower, Marion, on getting a little sore at the Order simply because they could not compel the company to drill him a well, and as he thought he would gain the good will of the boys along the road by run- Digitized by Google

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2126 The Railroad Telegrapher. ning a ham factory, tendered our .worthy chairman the following resignation: Marion, Ohio, June 20 , 1907. To Mr. W. H. Husted, Richwood, Ohio : I hereby hand to you my resignation from the O. R. T., effective at once. Yours respectfully, J. L. Richardson. 198 Jefferson street. Cert. 50. N. Y., S. & W. and W., B. & E. Lines— We again remind you that the N. Y., S. & W meets jointly with N. Y. Division of the^Erie al Munzer’s Hall, Market street, Paterson, N. J., the fourth Saturday evening of each month, at 8:30 p. m. Several changes on the pike, and a number of jobs advertised. Three brothers behind with dues. This tickles the company. Pay up and contribute to our ammu- nition. Bro. Wilkinson went hunting. Don't forget that the non season is open 365 days a year, and that you will need buckshot to land some of them. Three new members since last month. We are still on the move. We are very short of news again this month, not having heard from the “bunch,” as usual. It will be greatly appreciated if the brothers will send any items to the local chairman on or before the 20th of each month. Brothers should handle Bro. H. R. Clark’s ap- peal quickly, that it may be returned as early as possible. Cert. 273. Jefferson Division — We are about 80 per cent strong on this end now, and am informed by two or three nons that they are coming to the front and apply for a card directly, and this will fetch us up nearly to the 100 per cent mark. Understand Carbondale, “CD” office, is shortly to be placed on three eight-hour tricks. Have not heard of the positions being advertised by a “33” yet, and this should be done. We boys who have been on this road for years certainly have a right over the fellows who are being placed in that office, as they have never worked on the division before. This position is a new one created when the dis- patchers were removed to Susquehanna, and we are justly deservirfg of having a bid at the place, at least. I hope some of the boys on that end will stand up for their rights, and remember I am with you to help secure them, and dare say if the mat- ter was laid before the proper people and ex- plained to them in the right light, we would soon have the matter adjusted. Mr. C. A. Ford, trainmaster of the Delaware and Jefferson Divisions, has resigned to accept a posi- tion with the United States Steel Company at Steelton, Pa. Mr. F. M. Hawley has been ap- pointed trainmaster in Mr. Ford’s place. Mr. W. A. Terry has been appointed relief agent of the Delaware and Jefferson Divisions, with headquarters at Susquehanna. This will be good news to all the agents on this division, for, owing to the shortage of men on this division, the agents are never able to secure- any time off. The same can also be said of the brothers who handle the key and blocks, as operators are at a premium, and very scarce. Do not forget when that extra man comes, to go for him, and ascertain his colors. Talk to him; plead with him, and do all in your power to make him one of us if he does not already happen to carry a card. There are very few nons on this division, and from what I can learn, we will have them all landed soon, but owing to so many changes, we often find those who we can not call “brother,” and these are the ones for us to get after. Let us hope that the time is not far off when every worthy telegrapher will be a strong O. R. T. man. Bro. B. B. Lyden, agent at Herrick Center, has resigned, and will attend school this year, and pre- pare for college. Bro. J. E. Fitzgerald, who has been working in “JN” tower for some time past, has been as- signed the day trick at “FC,” Forest City. Ararat Summit yard is again the scene of rnucb activity. A crew and engine has been placed there, and all coal from Forest City, Carbondale and points south is classified there. We arc glad to learn that a yardmaster has also been placed there, and that Bro. Bechtlofft does not have it quite so hard as formerly. Now, next month let me hear from you. Any- thing addressed to me at Brandt will catch me. Cert. 864. The Pennsylvania Ry. Sunbury and Lewistoxvn Division — Bro. A. G. Jarrett, of Gifford nights, relieved Mr. D. L. Gemberling, day yardmaster’s clerk at Selmgrove, during the latter’s vacation. He, in turn, was relieved by Telephone Signalman Wm. Meckley, of Kreamer. Sister B. H. Seid spent Saturday visiting her parents in Williamsport and friends in Renovo. Bros. Joe Otto, of Rogers Summit, end Cal- houn, of McClure, are working the vacation tricks in superintendent’s office, “SB,” Sunbury. Bro. Engle, of Beaver Springs nights, is off on a two weeks’ vacation; relieved by Bro. Malick. A new telephone block office opened at Raubs Mills, with Miss Diemer occupying the chair days, and a Mr. Baker, of McClure, nights; call “B.” Hope the management will see fit to continue the suspension of trains over Sunday. It certainly seems more like living, and, by the kindness of our dispatchers, we were allowed to enjoy the day with our families and friends. I am sure it was appre- ciated by the trainmen, as well as we brass pound- ers. No more O. R. T. posters allowed in the offices, but we wear the button just the same. Cert. 15. Digitized by c.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2127 Shamokin Division , Branch — We are pleased to note the increasing attendance at our monthly meetings. There seems to be quite a number of new men coming on our division. Get after them and if they have not got a blue card get their application for one. The time is drawing near when our new law, giving us eight hours as a day’s work, takes effect. Quite a number of operators will be required for our divisions alone. Now, brothers, it is up to us, not only to hold what we have, but to gain more, or in a few years, through these schools, we may encounter serious trouble. If any of the brothers have any news kindly forward it to Box 13, Nescopeck, or our secretary and treasurer, W. D. Grant, 22s Fairmount, who will look after it. There are still a few nons who persist in staying out of our Order. It is time these narrow-minded gentlemen realized the good results that have been obtained on our division in the last year, compared with the preceding years. Cert. 46. Shamokin Division — We were pleased to meet Bro. Ellis, a national organizer from Ohio, last week. He made every- thing solid on the P. & R. from Newberry to Port Clinton. That the membership is increasing heavily can not be disputed. He said he might stop at two offices on the Branch. Well, the last meeting was a dandy, what a crowd. I favor placing a fine on the Branch men if they can not do better, with no board, convenient trains and passes, what more is needed? A few have made a start and I hope more will follow. Do you ever think how much extra work and annoyance this block system has given you? Your work has doubled in the last year. Has your sal- ary? Did the 10 per cent increase last winter do you any good? Study over the big increase in your living and you are about as badly off as be- fore. Sixteen cents per hour is a nice sum to raise a family on. To the brother who is violating his obligation by student teaching, I say you are the cause of this. Why don’t you leave the Order and sail under your proper colors? Don’t carry water on both shoulders, you know what happened to others. It may happen to you. The eight-hour jobs are coming, but keep your eye on Congress. If an attempt is made to repeal it, storm the members with protests. We did it before. There are a few to reach on this division, go for them. •Bros. Showver and Yeager have resigned. Branch men are requested to attend meetings; no board. Cert. 132, Div. 12. Allegheny Division — The meeting held at Kittanning was a grand success, one of the best we have yet held. A short session was held in the hotel before dinner, for the benefit of those who wished to leave on No. 65. Matters pertaining to the welfare of the operators were discussed by those present, and it was the unanimous opinion of all that a vigorous fight should be made against any reduction when offices are placed on an eight-hour basis. The meeting at Oil City was also well attended, and the manner of advertising the eight-hour posi- tions was thoroughly discussed, everybody seeming of the opinion that the third trick only should be put up for bid, the day and night operators to be given first and second trick, respectively. This has not been done, but we believe, now that the matter has been placed before the officials by the local committee, such a ruling will be made. The local committee met the superintendent and division operator on November 14, and at this writing there is nothing to report, only that the committee was cordially received and given ample time to present the operators side of all questions. There is no doubt but that we have fair and liberal-minded officers on this division, and while they may make rulings at times that don’t look right, we must remember that they are human and liable to err. There is no doubt but what if they are shown to be wrong the matter will be ad- justed. Sister Levers came down from Mayport to at- tend the Kittanning meeting. She and Sister Cui- neen were the only ladies in attendance. They claim that they had a good time, and we wish to assure them and all of our sister members that they are always welcome. Bro. J. V. Schilling has resigned and gone back into the oil business. He says when the $75 min- imum is a fact, he will come back. Bros. O. J. Williams and O. J. Ritchey, of “BN” office, Pittsburg, spent Sunday at their respective homes recently. Bro. Shakely, of “BN,” Pittsburg, made a fly- ing trip to Emlenton, the other Sunday. Bro. W. F. Reiner has taken the agency at Tyler, relieving Bro. Wilson, who resigned to go else- where. Bro. C. J. Rimer passed through Pittsburg re- cently, on his way to visit his brother in Kansas City. Bro. J. L. Cassidy, late of the B. & 0, is doing the night stunt at St. Charles. Bro. H. T. Marsh is kept on the jump doing the relief work on the Low Grade. Bros. Flynn and Bruebaker were the successful candidates for Oak Ridge and Mayport, respec- tively. Nons are becoming so scarce on the Low Grade that they are considered quite a curiosity. Bro. John T. McNaughton was awarded first trick at Kenerdell, Bro. Ray having been given the third trick at “VS” tower. Changes are coming so fast just now that it is almost impossible to keep track of them. Former brother, I. L. Green, who for many years was a faithful member of Division No. 52, lies at his home in Kittanning, in a precarious condition, suffering from a paralytic stroke. At this writing little hope is entertained for his re- covery. Digitized by c,ooQle

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2128 The Railroad Telegrapher. By the time this reaches print, nearly, if not all, the offices will have been placed on an eight-hour basis. The company will attempt to reduce the es- tablished minimum in a number of cases, and abolish the monthly relief day at all offices. It is a rank injustice and the company will gain noth- ing by attempting such an unjust move, and if salaries are not restored at an early date a large number of the operators will seek employment else- where. My advice to you all is to do nothing hasty, give your committee a chance to make a good fight in your behalf, and if they fail then it is time to figure on the next move. It is my opinion that the whole matter will, finally, adjust itself to our entire satisfaction, for the simple reason that we have right and justice as a basis for our claims and the company knows it, they are merely try- ing a bluff, and if it works they are that much to the good. Don’t get impatient, but aid your com- mittee and yourselves by performing your duties to the best of your ability. Don’t trade off with- out permission, stay awake at night, answer your call promptly and watch the company’s interest as you would your own. Remember, our organiza- tion stands for a square deal, a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay. True, we do not always get the fair day’s pay, but is it not also true that we do not always give a fair day’s work? Next month I will take a “fall” out of the nons, so if any read this they better take warning and get under cover. Brigham. Hocking Valley Ry. Toledo Division — It will not be long before our committee goes up for a revision of our present schedule, then we want to be solid. If we can not show a solid front we need expect nothing, as you all know that the company will give nothing unless they are almost forced to do so. We are getting better hours now, why not try to get better wages? Have a good many brothers on this line that can not find their way to our meetings. It would do them a great deal of good to come out and get acquainted with the boys. It is only once a month; they should be able to get out that often at least. All three trick jobs ought to furnish two men at all meetings, but it seems as if these jobs are the least represented. The men that have the hardest time to get out are the ones that show up, and we always have a good time. We want to see you all turn out that can possibly do so, and get next to what is going on along the road. Cert. 256. New York Central Ry. Hudson Division — Bro. Nagy, “BS 9 7,” has gone on the Pennsyl- vania. Bro. Patten has bid in “9 7,” still keeping it solid. Mr. Henderson, at “93” in place of Bro. Patten. Bro. McManus, of “BS 88,” has gone on another road. Mr. Huddleston and Mr. Johnson again at “88.” H. A. Kilmer again with us on the extra list. Kirkbright, from “BS 88,” is now baggage man at Stockport station. Understand a new arrival on this line is run- ning a ham factory, and would take this oppor- tunity to inform him that it don’t go here. Per- haps he could make more money in that line than by wearing a union button, but it seems to us that now, when he is on a union road, he should strive to uphold the principles we have so long been working for, even though he is not a union man. It is enough to reap what we have sown without trying to destroy our harvest entirely. The N. Y. C. men have been known far and wide to welcome all new men, but they would rather welcome them as possible brothers than as a ham professor. Mr. J. Robinson, third trick at “38,” has sought other fields. New “BS” about completed, “BS 36A.” This will control storage yards at Fleichmann’s. Bros. Mooney, Paterson and Collins are loop- ing them at “BS 40A.” Quite a few telegraph B. stations are being filled by non-telegraph men, account not sufficient operators to go round. When the monetary con- sideration is sufficient to make these positions an inducement for men to seek them, and the re- muneration is in equity with the responsibility involved, there will be no scarcity of operators. Bro. Hetzel, from “BS 58,” has returned to the Erie. Bro. Burns has been assigned to first trick “BS 59.” Bro. O’Neil, second trick “BS 59,” has left the service. Understand his nerves were shattered by an over-dose of quinine. Brothers, it is your duty to do your small part towards making your organization one that will be second to none. Don’t sit idly by and let the few do all the hustling. If you have a suggestion or any criticism to make, come to the meeting and discuss it; if you can not get to the meeting, write your Local Chairman. Also make your jour- nal interesting each month by sending a few notes that will be of interest to the boys out on the line. Before you have perused these notes you no doubt know the result of the conference of the General Committee with the management. I trust the efforts of the committee will be satisfactory to all, and that each of you will be inspired to give the best possible service, and in so doing command the respect of the company. I wish to say a few words to the delinquent reliefs, those that make it a practice of always relieving their men a few minutes late. This practice has been the cause of no little discord among men at block stations. This can all be eliminated by each of us getting there on time, not five or ten minutes late. Those few minutes ofttimes means the missing a train or breaking an important engagement Harmony in our ranks is essential to our success. Cert. 356. Digitized by CjOOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2129 Harlem Division — We ought to be up and doing for a division as large as this, with very near every one carrying an up-to-date card. Why should we not have things as they ought to be? How many agents or assistant agents on other lines (some not as solid as this) are walking over half a mile in each direction every day, lighting switch lamps, as most of us are doing? How many lines are letting new men (mostly scabs) come in and take positions that should go to men who have been on the road years holding down jobs that don’t begin to compare with some of the positions that are given to these outsiders? And who is at fault, no one but ourselves, just because they are not put up for bid, as all positions are everywhere else. We can’t expect things to come to us that we don’t go after, so why stay down in the ditch, brothers, when it would take no time to get up on the level, where we should have been long ago. Boys, why net get together and talk this thing over, then do something. If there is not a move made we surely will never get anywhere, that is sure. Just stop and think how it would seem if you did not have to go out and count ties every day lighting switch lamps, and then make up your mind there should be something done, then, if we all get that feeling, there would be no trouble getting our wishes granted. The eight-hour law that took effect October ist put a few eight-hour tricks on the single track. Bro. Wooding is on third trick at “BA” tower, his late positioi}, nights at Philmont, going to Mr. Grovesteen. Bro. Nickerson is handling the second trick at Pawling. Bro. Day is pounding the brass on third trick at “X” tower, with Mr. Tuttle doing second. There is a man off the main line at Copake as assistant agent; can not say if he has a card or not. H. R. G. Electric Division — The ball of the Electric Division was held on November nth at Murray Hill Lyceum, New York City. Bro. O. Berghorn and Miss Evans led the Grand March, assisted by Bro. A. Hunt and wife. Bro. M. J. Geoghegen, as Chairman of the Re- ception Committee, was a very busy man welcom- ing our guests and friends. Bro. J. H. West, Local Chairman Hudson Divi- sion, came down from Poughkeepsie to attend the ball, also Bro. John Shields and wife, Assistant General Chairman Long Island R. R. Music was furnished by Prof. E. F. Higgins. The Arrangement Committee were present from the opening of the doors to the end of the danc- ing, and saw that every one present enjoyed them- selves. At 10:30 p. m. the third trick men left the hall and sent the second trick men. All members present voted the affair a success, and it is the intention of our member to have a ball annually. The proceeds go into a local fund for the expenses of making our meetings at- tractive during the winter. Those who attend the meetings in the future are sure of having an instructive and enjoyable evening. Bro. Frank Lester sold fifty tickets; Bro. T. F. Noon sold thirty tickets. The General Committee are now in session, but have no news from our Local Chairman. We hope that at this session the taking up of the Grand Central Yard and Electric Divison as one division will be disposed of. Paragraph five of rules of 1906 should be amended, as the time of filling vacancies in the signal department is too long. Bro. Henry David Stringham, of Mo. Jet., has a book of poems, “Flowers of Thought.” Any brother wishing to purchase a copy can get same at Rice’s Book Store, 1031 Park Avenue, New York City. Seventeen special trains were run out of Grand Central station for the Yale and Princeton foot- ball game. Everything worked fine. Changes are so numerous on the Electric Divi- sion it is impossible at present to keep track of them. Bro. Frank McCarthy, of 56th street, bumped Tom Smith off the machine at that point. Bro. Dave Malone, of Mo. Jet., is off on thirty days’ leave of absence on account of illness of his wife. He may not return. Jack Rowe, of 125th street station, was made agent there in place of Denike, resigned. Don’t forget to remit your dues to Bro. A. E. Blim, Chili Station. N. Y. T. F. Noon. Telegraphers’ Social Club — The Telegraphers’ Social Club, of New York, on Wednesday evening, November 6th, held their ball at Majestic Hall, on 125th Street, New York. While the affair was a success financially, the attendance was not up to expectations, probably due to a very fierce rain-storm all day and evening. The music was by James Pierce, which was very good. Prominent among the attendance was Assembly- man Northrop and wife, J. B. West, Local Chair- man on the Hudson Division, and wife; S. L. Rugman, Assistant Local Chairman, and wife. The officers are as follows: M. G. Woolley, President; A. L. MacBain, First Vice-President; F. J. Ryan, Second Vice-President; E. Neumueller, Secretary and Treasurer, who were all present, including their wives and many friends. From all appearances all enjoyed a pleasant and sociable evening. Hoping for better conditions next year, trust- ing you will again give your support and lend your presence, with best wishes for success, E. Neumueller, S. & T. Canadian Pacific Ry. A meeting was held at North Bend, September 20th. A large attendance reported as being pres- ent. We fully expected to have Bro. Goulet with us, but somehow he did not arrive in time. We arc enjoying our new schedule, which seems to satisfy all. Digitized ed by CjOCK^Ic

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2130 The Railroad Telegrapher. Bro. Thom still relieving at North Bend. Bro. Pallen relieving at Hammond while Bro. Ogle is looking for birds. Bro. Puffer relieving Bro. Freer at Spences bridge. Bro. Shea relieving Bro. Bray at Port Moody. Bro. Maxwell is shooting out the 31’s from Van- couver now. Understand Bro. Pallen is feeding two instead of one. Bro. Young, at Barnet, expects to get holidays in December, when he will visit his old home back in Maine. I see there are a number of new men on the divi- sion. Don't know their names so far. Yours truly, Cert. 1741. First District, Central Division — Monthly meeting held in our hall on Saturday, November 9th, at which about twenty-eight or thirty were present. All very enthusiastic over our 14 per cent increase, which, I understand, we get with this month's check, or a supplementary pay- roll, and I suppose by the time the journal gets around, it will be all in the bank. We got it by good, hard work, and a good bunch of committee boys. In fact, a good loyal crowd all around. Keep right at it, and when we get it in that way it is like the cider, “all the sweeter,” because “it*s right from the bunghole, b’gosh!” The boys all had a look at the new schedule, and I do not think that there was a one of them that was not satisfied with it. Now that the work is over, of course, we are going to get such an amount of money every payday that some of the boys thought we shoud arrange to find a way to spend it, so a committee was appointed to arrange for a ball, which is to be an annual affair, to be held on De- cember 20th in Kenora, for the members of the local and their friends, and by the way the boys are going into it, it can not help but be the same as all things that the Division 7 boys undertake — a howling success. So, boys, buck up, and if you can’t come, let your night man come, and you come to the next meeting, which is sure to be a rouser. There have been considerable changes lately; in fact, I have lost track of some of the boys, so if I get some of them mixed, just put me wise. Night Chief R. C. Wilton has taken the day trick on Kenora section again. A. H. M. going to night chief. G. Gilbert, first trick; F. Ball, second trick; C. L. Galloway, third trick on “Q” section. M. E. McIntosh, first trick; R. Douglas, second trick; G. F. Thompson, third trick; A. McMurphy, fourth trick on “GN” section. R. C. Wilton, first trick; J. H. Packertham, sec- ond trick; L. F. Shores, third trick. All brothers. Where can you find a crowd to beat it? with G. Robinson, a C. T. U. of A. sticker, Stannard in “DA.” “RS,” yard office, now straight eight hours. Looks as if everybody was satisfied except “KRO,” ■ ’io has to leave the feathers about 7 K. Bro. Bothwell, “NF,” nights, transferred to Gilbert, days. Williams, a new man, in his place. Mr. Gillette transferred “D,” nights, to “OD," nights. Succeeded by Mr. Ball, who must be all right, if he is like his brother. Now, boys, as this is my starter, and I am not very well acquainted with the east end, don't be afraid to send in your news, and I will take care of the “RS” section, and I can’t see why that First District of Division 7 can not be represented every month. Cert. 1886. Lake 8hore A Michigan 8outhem Ry. Michigan Division — It is about time we were appointing a set of live division correspondents. We have a good one on the east end, and what we need is a few like him on the other divisions, so that our line will monopolize as much space in the fraternal depart- ment as the B. & O. and several other of our sister roads. In last month’s issue we referred to Mr. M. I. Pancake as brother. This was a mistake, as be was dropped when he went braking, as he ex- pected to stay at that work. The eight-hour movement seems to have struck this neck of the woods, and the company is plac- ing most of the heavy offices on an eight-hoar basis. The only thing about it we don’t like is the cut of from $2.50 to $5 made in some of the boys' salaries. With living expenses so high the boys can hardly stand a cut and still make both ends meet. Work on the new interlocking plant at Elkhart is being pushed as fast as possible. The new brick office is up and the tracks are now being put in shape, and probably will be completed about the first of the year. Bro. Nelson is the new third man at “WG" tower. I haven’t heard the names of any of the other new men that caught the third trick in the other eight-hour offices, but hope they carry an up-to-date card. Mr. Stotts, a C. T. U. of A. lad, is braking on this division. He was an associated press man at Kansas City before the strike. Business is very slack at present, caused by too much Wall street. The shops at Elkhart are only working eight hours, while a big cut was made in the working force. A good many of the road men, when they find themselves still six or eight times out after a nice restr take their fishing tackle and go down to old St. Joe, near Elkhart Lump, to try their luck fishing, and they generally catch a nice big mess. No card, no favors. Hoosier. Western Division — A new move was inaugurated by the members on Western Division by holding a rousing meeting at Laporte, on the evening of October 24, at the home of Bfo. J. T. Bachman. The evening trains brought in the brothers from all points, both east and west, and when the roll was called such a Digitized by L^OOQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2131 gathering of the “craft” was never seen before in the history of the city. The meeting was called to order promptly at 8 p. m., with Bro. Graham in the chair. Various matters of vital importance for the future welfare of the fraternity on this division were discussed and disposed of. After light refreshments and cigars, served by “Mein Host” Bachman, the so- cial part of the meeting developed. A great amount of oratorical and musical talent was evoked among the members and their enter- taining stunts were a pleasant feature of the evening. Bros. Berens, Lowe, Dawson and War- ner made heavy speeches. Bros. Shaffer and Pratt sang a duet, while Bros. Tyler and Huff rendered some choice piano selections. So many changes taking place every few days that it's hard to keep cases on them. Bro. C. R. Ocker is regular owl at Mishawaka, relieving Mr. R. M. Kyle, who was accidentally killed at Goshen. Bro. Sweeney, of South Bend, “Q” office, has resumed work after a six weeks' vacation. He was relieved by Bro. Graham, of South Bend, “HF” office. Bro. Steele is doing the day stunt at “HF,” and Mr. Wall the dark side. Bro. Reid has been working nights at Terre Coupee, while Bro. Tyler relieved agent at New Carlyle. Bro. F. W. Eichelbaum, the genial agent, and, by the way, now first trick man at Rolling Prairie, has returned to work after six months* vacation, touring the Western States as far as the Golden Gate and other Pacific slope points of interest. Bro. C. A. Pillman, from some Western road, is a neV arrival, and is holding down Walls nights. Bro. C. O. Bachman, nights at Otis, is enjoying his vacation, deferred from early last summer, when men were at a premium. Bros. Irwin and Savage went to Chicago via Laporte, the other evening, while Bro. Pillman watched the box at Chesterton. Bro. J. B. Hubbard is working nights at Grand Crossing. Bro. H. Sabin is relieving Mr. C. A. Kyle nights at South Chicago. Mr. Kyle was called home on account of the death of his brother. Bro. Parker, of Burdick days, has resigned; re- lieved by Bro. Norton, a veteran in the service. Mr. Cain transferred from Walls nights to Bur- dick nights. Bro. H. J. Thomas, of Division No. 18, N. Y. C. & St. L , is holding down Whiting freight house days. Bros. A. G. Berens and F. Lovett are the heavy weights at “CW,” ioist street, Chicago. Bro. F. J. Scroggins, of Local No. 2, St. Louis, is doing the step-lively act days at Indiana Harbor. Like all the other roads, we have a few sore- head nons, with their numerous grievances, and a thousand and one other excuses. But I haven’t noticed a single one of them who allows a chance to slip whereby he can get a peep at the journal every month, can hardly wait until the good brother lays it down. Fine business that, you know, don’t cost anything. Nor have I noticed any of them refusing to take the nine-hour trick that the O. R. T. spent its dollars to secure for them. We have one or two severe chronic cases, worse even than deadheads. I shall probably have something further to say about them later on, but do not wish to if they will show the right spirit in this matter, and come in and help the cause along. Jack, Div. Cor. Franklin Division — We are not all dead on this pike, even if we do not get into print. Mr. L. F. Lynn, new agent appointed at Ray- milton. Bro. McClure, at Sandy Lake, the second oldest operator on the division, thirty-three years in the service, can now show the proper kind of paste- board. Bro. Jackson, at Clark's Mills, just returned to duty after spending his vacation hunting. The ham factory at Hadley seems to be still in a flourishing condition, although the production does not equal Armour’s. Bro. F. H. Myers is now located at Osgood. Dorset Junction was, recently, made a three- trick job. Three good brothers there. On account of so many changes on the west end and low grade, it is impossible to keep track of them, however there are several nons among them. Brothers, do not wait on your local chair- man to do it all. You are in closer touch with them. A word from you will go a long way toward showing them where they are at I hope to sec 90 or 95 per cent membership on this division before January 1. We can do it if we all pull together, but not by laying back and waiting on some one else to do it. The new nine-hour law, which takes effect March 4 next, will, no doubt, make some radical changes on our division. We all want this law to be ef- fective. It is surely to our interest to have a solid membership, or as nearly solid as possible, with this end in view, let us all pull together and see if we cannot make greater strides in the right direc- tion. I sincerely hope some brother will give a write-up each month, as we all look for it. Your General Committee will, no doubt, meet the officials in Cleveland in the near future. Now, brothers, the Order is just what you make it. If you do not send your committee up with the proper backing, what can you expect of them. A solid backing is the best remedy. Local Chairman. Queen A Crescent Ry., South. Chattanooga Division — The meeting held at Dayton, Saturday evening, the 16th, was a success, and although the attend- ance was small, many points of interest were brought up and discussed. At this meeting “ye humble scribe” was elected division correspondent, and promises to try and give the Chattanooga Di- vision a write-up monthly, if possible, and will look to the boys for their assistance in this. Boys, Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2132 The Railroad Telegrapher. call tip “KJ” every Sunday morning, when you are not **25/' and tell me something as to what is going on. We are 90 per cent strong and should have a word or two in Th* Telegrapher every month. Only one man from the north end at our meet- ing. Wonder why it was that one or two of the broth- ers that started for the meeting were lost, strayed or stolen in transit. Among the things brought out at the meeting was the unanimous decision of the brothers of this division in favor of Bro. Quick's plan for a bond company, and all were heartily in favor that one be organized. The express question was brought up and discussed, and a conclusion reached that a committee be appointed to meet the super- intendents of the express companies and ask for a 12 per cent commission on all business handled, and not less than a $5 minimum. Several other important questions were brought up and discussed, which we have omitted, believing it to be advisa- ble, as a detailed report of the meeting would take up too much space, and some brothers would lose interest in the meetings, and wait for the journal. Brothers, you ought to attend and help get what is coming to you. Passes are free for the asking, and a good time is assured at the meetings. If the boys that attend pass a measure you do not like they are not to blame. You should be there and fight it, like the railroad companies do in our Legislature. Division No. 62, being in the hole, and the boys wishing to see her once more on the main, decided to get out of the hole, and a motion was passed unanimously to raise the dues to $5 semi-annually. We all were sorry that it was impossible for our chairman, Bro. Hines, to be with us, but we did the best we could, and came away feeling better for the meeting, and that we had accomplished some good. We are very grateful to the orders owning the building in which our meeting at Day- ton was held, for allowing us to use the same gratis. The time is near at hand when we will want a new eight-hour schedule, and our committee will have to know what we want or else they can not get it for us. So come to the next meeting and give us your views. A motion was made at our Dayton meeting that each and every operator write his Representative and Senator a letter asking that he use his influ- ence in favoring the retention of the nine-hour law, in case a move be made to repeal the same. So let us get busy, as there are others that will be busy to try and have it repealed. That the companies aim to make a fight and have the law repealed is very plainly evident, or else why the blank statement of work performed by telegraph operators, and why are they not sending these blanks to the towermen and train directors, as well a9 the operators. Let us think about these points, and be prepared to say something on them at the next meeting, as nearly all of them ought to be given to our com- mittee to work on, and try and get them in our schedule. First, a clause similar to the one out- lined by Cert 80, page 1687, October Telegrapher. Second, To provide a clause for a separate con- tract with the commercial telegraph companies operating over the lines we are employed on. Third, A separate contract with the express com- panies. Fourth, A clause making an up-to-date O. R. T. card the same as a pass. Fifth, The clause referring to doubling to mean "time in ex- cess of the first day or period of regular hours on duty;" this to cover the full period, and, if re- quired to stay during the meal hour, it would be at meal-hour rates, and, in addition to doubling rate. We have the promise of three nons, to come in pay-day. Let us try and make it 100 per cent strong by January 1, if possible. "CX." Buffalo, Rochester A Pittsburg Ry. Buffalo Division — I will try and give a few items this month, and let the brothers on the Middle and Rochester Divi- sions know that we have a few live ones left, al- though a good many dead ones, and a few that might as well be dead as for the good they are doing any one except themselves. This class, of course, is the nons, and they are the worsts kickers every time there is a change made or a job bulle- tined. They never do anything for the fraternity themselves, but are always knocking on those that are trying to do something that will be of benefit to the profession. Although we have a contract here with the company, and as far as the rules are concerned they are $s liberal as any road in the country, the only reason that the salaries are not what they should be, is that there are too many that never pay any dues, but never fail to partake of everything that is obtained by the O. R. T. One of these gentlemen works nights, and has one of the best-paying positions on the road. The day man at the place in question laid off indefinitely, and our chief dispatcher, who treats every one fair, sent an extra man there to relieve him. The night man made a terrible holler to some of the boys because he did not get the day work, and let the extra man work nights. The company furnishes each telegrapher a copy of the schedule, and this party should familiarize himself with its contents. I wonder if he thinks that the extra men are here for their health, and that they would stand for anything like that. And, by the way, they are there with the goods (the O. R. T. goods, I mean.) These chronic kickers should get into line and help those that are trying to benefit the profession. They can't claim it is on account of not having the money, for the majority of them have been here for over a year, and are men without families. There is one thing being done here that should be stopped. That is, so much kicking about what is, and is not being done to parties on the outside, that are not interested in our Order, and in some cases to parties that are not telegraphers at all. This should be stopped. The place to air your troubles and tell of your grievances is in the lodge room. Digitized by t^ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2133 The other railroad orders hold regular meetings, and we can plainly see the benefit derived there- from by the difference in salaries and conditions in comparison with the telegraphers. I would sug- gest that we hold regular monthly meetings at Sal- amanca, and every member that can possibly get away attend. This would give the Rochester Di- vision members a chance to attend, and we should have a goodly attendance. At places where there are two telegraphers, one should make it his busi- ness to attend, by all means. There is simply no excuse for us not having regular meetings. If we don’t take an interest in our own welfare we can't expect any one to take it for us. Simply because you carry -an up-to-date card does not release you from the responsibilities that you have taken upon yourself. Bro. Murray, one of the committee, has collected something over $50 for the benefit of the striking C. T. U. of A. brothers. We understand that Mr. McNally, day operator at "BY” tower, has resigned to enter other busi- ness. Several of the brothers and a few of the nons have been taking their free vacation, which was not obtained by the latter, but, of course, they have to partake of all good things that are given away at the O. R. T. free lunch counter, and, of course, they have to have theirs. Bros. Dorsey, LeBarren and Herrick are new arrivals, and have been doing the extra work. Bro. Herrick is a C. T. U. of A. members. Bro. Le- Barron a member of Olean Division, No. 135, has been working at "BY” tower, relieving Mr. Mc- Nally for the past three weeks. He found a posi- tion close to his home, on the P. R. R., and re- signed to accept the same. Bro. Dorsey, a member of Bessemer Division, No. 51, relieved Bro. Kells and Mr. Reynolds, who have been taking their vacations. Now, brothers, get after the nons red-hot, so we can show a solid front when we present our new schedule to the management, and we will be sure to get our reward. Bro. Costello, of "BC” tower, is about to lose his housekeeper, Bro. O’Hern, who contemplates going in business for himself at "BY” tower in the near future. Bro. Ledden, of Orchard Park, is erecting a new house, which he intends to occupy soon. Bro. Duhan, of Jewettville, is negotiating for the transfer of his railway interests into brick building property. Bro. Rhodes, of West Falls, has opened up a gymnasium for the instruction of his subscribers in the line of manly art. Bro. F. Watson, of Springville, entertained St Johns regiment band, of Syracuse, recently. Bro Wightman relieved him for the day. Bro. Felton and wife of Hoyts, have adopted a male infant from the Go wanda Orphanage. Bros. Domes and Fenton have located in their bran new dwelling, which replaces the one of their fire last spring It is reported the company intends closing "SI,” at the north yards, at Sala, on account of the business there being so light This will probably send Bros Abbott and Murray to "NC” and “GW,” where the work is too much for one man. Boomer. Western Maryland Ry. Maryland Dhnsion — Will some one kindly tell us why we are not having larger attendance at our meetings? Is it possible that our good brothers are so little inter- ested in them? It would seem that every member of Division 8 2 should strain a point to get to there meetings and hear of the good that is being done for them, and the progress made since the insti- tution of this division. And, too, it would bring us in closer touch with each other, and teach us to appreciate the work being done by our various committees. We know it is very hard to secure the necessary transportation (only one pars per month being allowed), but I sincerely believe this could be overcome if the boys were to make a di- rect demand upon our chief for transportation to attend these meetings. However, this is a point that should not be overlooked by our general com- mittee at its next meeting. The great $75 minimum and eight-hour day has become quite interesting, and we firmly believe it will come. All that is needed is for the brothers to stick, and it is bound to come. In view of the fact that wc are all strongly ad- vocating the $75 minimum we should not forget that we should give good service. Stay awake, and be ever ready to attend to business. How about those few nons on the east end of the First District? Can’t some brother land them? Surely they can if they but try. We understand Mr. "Non” Peddicord, at Hillen, has, or is, about to open a ham factory at his home. If this is true, we do not think it will be much of a success, but should he succeed in getting any of them to understand his stud, I should judge they would be capable of holding down most any old office. Boys, get busy; this must not be while he is employed on the W. M. If he wants to do that kind of business it is up to us to see that the proper move it made to place the man in that posi- tion that it belongs to. We wish to call the attention of all members to the general secretary and treasurer of Division 8a, Mr. C E. Marker, Chewsville, Washington County, Maryland, has been appointed, vice Mr. E. H. Koons, resigned on account of being transferred to the second trick, and unable to attend the meet- ings. Bro. Chas. S. Gardner is taking a ten days* va- cation. Bro. W. F. Harbaugh is relieving at Blue Ridge. Bro. M. Flickinger has been transferred from Porters, nights, to Hanover, nights, and Bro. W. C. Dubs is doing the owl at Porters. Bro. C C. Hamm, formerly owl at Hanover, is doing the same stunt at Hampstead. Cert. x. Digitized by Google

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2134 The Railroad Telegrapher. Mexican National Ry. To begin with, there are very few of the up-to- date boys in this part of Mexico, but understand there are quite a number on the I. M. and C. & P. Railroads. Nevertheless, we are working for the grand old Order, and trying to pull every good man in that we can. Bro. Wyatt, promoted to manager, “ND,” Sal- tillo. Bro. Richter, assistant operator, having relieved Mr. Chase, he (Mr. Chase) going to San Luis, dispatcher's office, where he is jumping around over the repeaters there, and trying to burn the wire up with bis fast sending. He will be a dis- patcher in three months (?). Mr. M. M. Martinez is doing the owl act at Saltillo. Bro. Jose R. Martinez, nights at “KN,” Monter- rey. Bro. F. Perez is with the C. & P. here, first trick dispatcher. Bro. Padillo, who, some time ago, was reported dead, is second trick dispatcher on the C. & P. Ry. He was very much surprised to see a notice of his death. Bro. Padillo doesn’t look anything like a dead man, and the way he goes after a non shows that he is very much alive. He says he thinks he will live quite awhile yet, and we trust he will. I am glad to see the write-up from the I. & G. N. Ry., Division No. 25. Now, the boys are going at it in the right way, and they are sure to succeed. I hope to see that road solid in a few months. Wish we had some good workers down here, like Bro. Lyon and Bro. Adams of Division No. 25, to help line-up these roads. But we are after 'em with our little “stick,” just the same. Boys, what do you think of the proposition to have a certain number of the telegraph journal printed in Spanish, so the operators in this coun- try can see just what the boys are doing in thc- States? I believe it would be a grand thing, and the means of organizing every road in Mexico. I have talked to a number of boys on this subject, and they all say that it would be fine business. Some of them say that the journal does them practically no good at all, as they can not read it. I would like to hear from some of the other boys on this question. Several of the boys have promised to send in some news in time for next month’s journal. “73.” Ckrt. 4314, Grand Div. Michigan Central Ry. Remittance slips to cover the first half year's dues for 1908 have been mailed our members, which will serve as a gentle reminder to the brothers to make the necessary arrangements for the appropriation. In order that you may have a new card at the expiration of the old one you should remit at least two weeks in advance of the expiration of the term, as reports are made to the Grand Secretary and Treasurer weekly, viz., 7th, 14th, 2 1 st and last of each month. Therefore, if your remittance does not reach your Secretary before the 21st of December, you will not get your new card on time. Prompt payment of dues and assessments in the M. B. D. is essential to the well being of an organization. The financial con- dition of an institution can be readily gauged by the result of their business transactions, so that a good cash balance in your treasury must necessarily * bring forth good fruit. We are ap- proaching a very important epoch in the history of our Order, and the success of the telegraphers will largely depend upon their intelligence, ability of their organization to meet and master the rapid changing conditions. Every brother who is at all conversant with passing events can not but help discern the handwriting on the wall; that we must put forth every effort to make our organization impregnable. In doing this we are safe-guarding the interests of our members. I believe there is a great deal of philosophy in the statement by one of our famous generals, viz., “In time of peace prepare for war.” I do not wish to convey the idea that we should be pessimistic, but we should at all times be prepared for any emergency that might arise. The telegraphers over the entire country are on trial, and in a few short months we shall be able to determine those who are only ducs-paying members and those who are active, energetic and true to their obligation. We hope that every brother will strive to maintain the traditions of old Division 16. I had a rather peculiar experience recently, which shows the caliber of some of our teleg- raphers. I wrote an individual up the line, ex- tending him an invitation to join us, as I thought he had reaped benefits from our efforts long enough, and he came back at me with what protection or inducement had the O. R. T. to offer in exchange for his membership. Well, 1 replied to this lump of inflation attaching the handle “ESQ,” telling him this organization was not in the “hock shop” business; that when we did engage in such traffic I would be pleased to furnish him with a list of “wares.” For the present I advised him to get in communication with Mr. Farley, president of the “Union-Busters’ Union,” the only nickel-in-slot and get-rich-quick scheme I knew of. Needless to say be never replied. I have been advised by good authority that Mr. Daniel S. Bale, agent Waterford, has become a full-fledged professor of telegraphy, and has had instruments placed in his office. He has taken the contract of furnishing the Canada Division with operators. Past experiences of professors of telegraphy have been somewhat checkered. We also have a member of our division who has been engaged in teaching telegraphy for the past year, and I learn he is doing it because be finds it very profitable business. For information of this brother. I wish to warn him that unless be desists from such practice I shall prefer charges against him for violation of his obligation. Several complaints have come to our officers that some of our members are giving very poor and indifferent service, the night men being the particular offenders. Now, brothers, you are not Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2135 doing your duty to men who pay you, nor yet to your organization. When your committee was in conference with the management, one of our arguments why we should be given increased com- pensation was, it would encourage the telegraphers to render better service. If those promises are not fulfilled, what can we say to the officials at the revision of our agreement next year? I am afraid that your services will have to answer the question. I hope to see an improvement in the work of our members, which will be a valuable asset to your committee when negotiating with the management for improved conditions. The officials have sprung a new scheme on a number of our members by hiring novices as clerks with salary at $20.00 per month, with under- standing that they are to learn telegraphy, and I understand they have gone so far as to issue instructions to some of the agents to devote three hours per day to teaching these poor fellows tbe art of telegraphy. It shows pretty clearly that the working condition of the operators and agents on the M. C. R. R. are undesirable, and many have gone to other roads, where the working conditions are more favorable. The M. C. R. R. has been the recruiting line for every road in' the country; you can find M. C. telegraphers on every system of road in the country, but I will bet * cookey you can not find telegraphers from other roads working on the M. C. If there are, jt is but recently, and they did not remain long at that. There is something wrong and I ' would like to be enlightened on the subject. I do not believe we should engage in the manufacture of students to gratify the desire of those who want to create a surplus of telegraphers. I think we should at least receive the same rate per hour as is given a lot of ignorant foreigners that heave coal and work on the section. These men are paid fifteen cents per hour, yet our men are expected to possess superior ability and to associate with bankers and business men to secure business for the company on the gigantic salary of $45.00 and $50.00 per month for twelve hours per day. What an immense influence we must have with the business men. I believe in doing anything that is reasonable and fair, and am willing to meet an employer half way every time, but I will not go an inch farther. Our regular monthly meetings in Detroit are being well attended by the members in and around Detroit, the November meeting being a bumper. Many matters of importance were discussed, chiefly the proposition of the commercial telegrapherp for federation with the O. R. T. It was unanimously decided to give our sister organization l all the assistance possible, but the opportune time for federation had not yet arrived. There was a general discussion on the national nine-hour law, but nothing definite was decided on. Before that law becomes effective I believe we should call together at the different division points all the brothers that could attend, and every member of the General Committee should be present to map out a well-defined policy as to what our attitude shall be in case there are any violations of the law. There are quite a number of our members in arrears in the M. B. D., which also cancels their membership in the Order until all arrears have been paid, and they have been so- notified by the Grand Secretary and Treasurer. Our Secretary will also have to spend considerable postage and stationery to duplicate the notices before they will consent to pay up. I don't think it should be necessary to keep harping about paying your dues and assessments in M. B. D. You all understand the requirements and should endeavor to square yourselves. I am sure you will never miss a paltry dollar per month; you have spent many a dollar and had nothing to show for it the next day but a tired feeling and a bad taste in your mouth. Pay up, brothers; I am sure the organi- zation has and will repay you good interest on your investment. Wishing you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. "Dooley." Saginaw and Mackinaw Divisions — Bro. M. K. Campbell, night operator at Mason, bid in Laingsburg agency on bulletin. This is Bro. Campbell’s old stand, and he is glad to get back. Bro. W. A. Coomer goes from Laingsburg to South Bay City as freight agent. Bro. Towns bid in Rives Jet. nights and Bro. Louks days; Bro. Towns taking a few days off account of a slight accident while on a hunting trip; a few bird -shot in his leg was the extent of the damage, and he is shaking hands with him- self to think he got off so easy. Mr. Fitch, of Mattawan, is relieving Bro. Towns. Bro. Darrow is the new man at Laingsburg nights. Bro. C. E. Roe is new man at St. Charles days. Mr. Miller, who has been relieving Bro. McGee at Frederic while Bro. McGee was sick, is back at Saginaw, "NA,” relieving Sister Butterfield for her semi-annual vacation. W. J. Bernard, new night man at Saginaw, is new man on the road and not known. Bro. Honey, Standish, sick nearly a week be- fore it was possible to get relief. Bro. F. Brown relieved Bro. Robinson at Bay City, "WS,” during his vacation. Bro. Bourassa, days at West Branch, fell down cellar at his home a week ago and sprained his ankle and bruised up pretty bad, but impossible to get relief, so had to do best he could on crutches. Bro. E. G. Shaw, of Grayling nights, shot a fine 2oo-pound buck a few days ago, and was only gone from town a few hours, which is much better than many do who go to the upper Penin- sula for the whole season. One of the boys has been discharged for general poor service, and more will follow if an improve- ment is not made in the service at some places. The service is generally first-class, but there are a few who don't seem to take any interest in the way things move. And it is best for all con- cerned to weed those out. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2136 The Railroad Telegrapher. This division is in the best of shape; every man who has been in the service on this line a year is a member, and many who have been here much less, and if the financial condition of the country clears up we will have a fine schedule next year. Cert. 89. Southern Pacific Ry. Salt Lake Division— In the last Telegrapher there was a write-up from some brother on the First District, as most of the happenings spoken of were on the cast end. Here is one from the Second District. Now let us have one from the Third District next month, followed by one from the Fourth District. The happenings will be brought. to the attention of the members in this way. The local chairman or sec- retary should get enough news from the members for a write-up every month. You look for this news, and do not always find it. Do your little mite in this direction, and there will be plenty of interesting news for all. Do not hold back think- ing some other member is going to make a few notes. Bro. M. J. Cullen makes a much closer move to Ogden, answering “WB” again will be a great satisfaction. How about the night position? If a regular appointee does not work at his appoint- ment for six months or more, it should be bulle- tined, and others given a chance. Bro. C. E. Kalb, just back from a vacation. He moves to Midlake to get the full benefit of the lake breezes. Bro. R. A. Carroll goes to Tecoma, days, to help with the increasing business. Bro. P. W. Merrill, agent, will be in new quarters as soon as the carpenters pay him a visit. With the exception of Bro. E. A. Leahy, a home- made dispatcher, there has been so many changes at Montello I have not been able to keep track of them. Miss Murphy leaves Fenelon for Lemay, where more trains stop. Bro. F. Woodruff comes from the west end to Moor, nights. Bros. J. O. Becker and C. A. Finck will take care of the business at Wells, days and nights, re- spectively. Mr. T. N. Collins, at Ryndon a short time; a “non/* a knocker of the O. R. T., says he can get along without the Order. The Katy or the Santa Fe are looking for men of his caliber. He did not fail to use the extra privileges granted in our schedule. He is old and big enough to know and do better. Members beware of him. He left here without meeting his obligations. Bro. Cline, presiding at Elko, expects to leave the service. An outside man would be a big help, and avoid the many changes at the passenger depot. Carlin was the center of attraction on the last bulletin, with four positions filled. Agency, day operator and two night men. The Third and Fourth Districts nor the branches were represented on the last bulletin. A settle down and stay at home policy must reign. The operators were called to the different di vision points for examination and instruction in a traveling car fitted up for this purpose. There was some query along the line as to whether the operators were entitled to overtime or not while away. The schedule says very plainly that time will be allowed when away on the company’s call None of the time-slips have been returned. We should get the overtime. One lame excuse was that we were benefited by the instruction. No doubt about that. Every one in attendance was. From the following it looks as if the articles in contention brought up by our arbitration board for a revision of the schedule, is going to be worn threadbare through the Court of Appeals. Sharp practice on the part of A. A. Moore, at- torney for the S. P. Railroad Company, was al- leged by Herman G. Walker, attorney for the O. R. T. in the United States Circuit Court of Ap peals, in making a motion to dismiss the appeal be cause the records had not been docketed. The records were the proceeding before the board of ar- bitration and those before Judge Van Fleet in the Circuit Court. Attorney Walker based his motion on a letter from Moore stating that he had not filed the record with the Appellate Court, and he was of the opin- ion that there was no record on file. An investigation showed that the record of the Circuit Court was not completed until the last day for filing it with the higher court. There was little time, and the obliging clerk of the lower court filed the record himself. The court found that it was true that Moore had not filed the let- ter personally, but the case was properly docketed and the motion denied. The appeal goes over un- til the February term. Cebt. 410. Richmond, Fredericksburg A Potomac Ry. It behooves me to call your attention to a cer- tain animal that is wandering promiscuously around among the inhabitants of this, our terrestial abode, and who is usually found around a telegraph office, and this animal pertains to a specimen of humanity which is fittingly termed a “scab.” The strike of the C T. U. A. caused these freaks of nature to spring up in localities unexpected. The name of this particular specimen is odious, the sight of one of these creatures gives one the qualms; for you know all animals have a distinct odor of its kind, and the effluvium from one of these reprobates is very offensive to the nostrils of a sensitive and refined being, and we, to a cer- tain extent, have to endure them; but there is a way to make these despicable characters fed our contempt and resentment, and that is to treat them with utter scorn. “God created all things for a purpose,'* and created man pure and * undefiled, but I don't believe he knows or cares anything of these freaks of nature, called the scab. They are the self-molded character of Satan, and their hearts are blacker than a plot hatched in hades by the imp of perdition. There was wandering promiscu- ously around this town a she scab, and there Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2137 came unto her an unknown voice, saying, “Scabby, how art thou," and the scab made answer, “Fixed financially, but socially dead as bell.” There is but one way to get even with these hyenas, ostra- cize them from the society of honest people, and this I believe to be our plain duty, and should be dealt out as justice to them, for this they right- fully deserve. Little did I think there could be found in our midst such depraved characters, who would sell their birthright for a mess of pottage. When man becomes so debased as to be unworthy of respect, they should be sent on down to fry below. Let us brand these depraved characters with the mark of Cain, that all may know them, and if we can't enjoy the consolation of seeing them hanged higher than Haman, we can, at least, make them see a turbulent time by making things unpleasant for them, and consign them to the company of their own ilk. When man sinks so low as to be unworthy of the respect of his fellow- beings he deserves to be ostracized from decent society, and should be made a pariah, that honest men might know him no longer, and should be forced to reside on some isolated isle, among the reptiles, away from the haunts of man, and then this would be doing the reptiles an injustice, for I fear the morals of the hissing viper would be contaminated by coming in contact with this self- polluted creature. Such characters are only fit for serfdom, and if they ever rise above the feudal state it will not be through honest methods. They, having served their purpose, become an eye-sore, and are looked upon with contempt, both by honest men and their employer, and are a contamination to society. The November meeting was called to order by our chief, Bro. Pennypacker, with twelve members present. Those absent will never know what they missed, and I am not going to take space in order to give details, though I would like to do so for the benefit of those who were unable to attend. The same old regulars were present, and some very interesting talks were made by different ones, which I consider good, sound logic, and if carried out will redound to the interest of all concerned, and will, I hope, infuse new life into some of the inert members. I think it a shame that so many of the brothers who can attend the meetings, if they would, leave the whole burden upon the shoulders of a few, and then if they don’t see everything moving their way — well, they know what they have done in the past. If one has the welfare of anything at heart he is apt to look after it, and if he wants anything he will come very near going for same; so I draw the inference that those who do not attend the meetings, or take any interest therein, are perfectly satisfied with their present conditions; if they were not, they would be on hand every meeting night to see if they could not find a few more rocks to use in their business, and to look after the eight-hour tricks. How about it? Do you need any more chicken feed, and do you want the eight-hour day? I feel it a duty I owe, not only to you, but unto myself as well, if possible, to arouse you from that state of lassitude, that we may brush the cob- webs from our eyes and awaken to the realization of facts pertaining to our environments. If you be wise you can read between the lines. When your eyes rest upon these few expressions the year will have neared its close, and nothing can be added or detracted therefrom, and as we close the book of the old year to lay it aside, and the pages of the new year are being unfolded to us, let us try and write something therein worthy of note, so that others scanning its yellow pages, in after years, may, at least, say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant" Div. Cob. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, It has pleased almighty God to take from our midst our brother, E. C. Bullock, and while we bow in submission to the Divine will, and realize that our brother has received an in- estimable promotion, each member of our organ- ization can but feel a deep sense of personal loss; and Whereas, We desire to show our respect for, and appreciation of, the high character and prin- ciples of the departed; be it, therefore. Resolved, That as an organization we tender to the bereaved relatives our sincere sympathy in this, their sorrow, which is also our own; and be it further Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this division, printed in The Telegrapher, and a copy sent to the relatives of the deceased. S. R. Gentry, H. C. Jones, H. B. Rowlett, Committee. Seaboard Air Line Ry. C. and K. Division — Everything seems to be getting better and every- body ought to feel better, as we have just been notified of our new schedule being in effect No- vember i st, which should make all O. R. T.'s feel good. We have some new men on this line who have just sent in their applications, and we certainly are growing and getting stronger. Wherever there is unity there is power. Let's make it solid on Division 97. You all know C. W. has a telegraph school, and is trying to send out a few hams. Everybody wants a $75 minimum; and how can we get anywhere if we don't pull together? Look around and see what you can find. Those who haven't an up-to-date card get in line and make the thing solid on 97. No other way to get there. The man who does the quickest and best work is the winner. Let us be up and doing. Cert. 17,215. Fifth Division — Our meeting, held at Helena on the night of No- vember ad, was better attended than any meeting Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2138 The Railroad Telegrapher. held on the Fifth Division, which was very grati- fying. It was certainly gratifying to all the brothers to see our sisters present at our meeting, and they should be complimented for attending. I want to see every sister on the Fifth Division attend our meetings regular. Local Chairman Bro. D. C. Smith notified us that he had resigned the chairmanship for our divi- sion. We all regretted very much to hear of this, as Bro. Smith has served us as local chairman for nearly five years. Some of the brothers on this division do not attend our meeting. How do you expect us to turn the wheel of prosperity* without your help? Are you not willing to assist in bettering our condi- tions? Are you satisfied with your present salary, your long hours? If you are not, how do you ex- pect to better your condition by staying at home? Suppose we all were to stay at home, and not at- tend our meeting. Why, the good old O. R. T. would soon be like it was some years ago. Don’t think because you have an up-to-date card (of course, they are a mighty fine thing to have), th&t it is all that is required of you. You must attend our meeting and display some interest for our welfare. Show your officials that you are inter- ested in your Order, and that you want to attend every meeting that is held on your division. Ask for relief, and pass from your superintendent in ample time. Don't wait until the last moment, and then wire him for it. Bro. Griffith back at Ellabelle, after an extended vacation. A. W. S., Cert. 137. Chicago & Alton Ry. Very few changes to report, but understand that telegraph operators are at a premium on this road at this time. You brothers must get the sleep out of your eyes. Here you are, still in the same old rut, and if you do not do something pretty quick you will be an “also ran.” Have you noticed that the wages of railway baggagemen, conductors, flagmen and brakemen are to be increased 10 per cent at once? And most important are the new rules, governing promotion, hours of rest and facilities for comfort, and other things in which trainmen are concerned. Brothers and fellow telegraphers, what is the cause of this? Is it because the company is get- ting kind? Oh, no; I hasten to assure 'you that it is not — not a bit of it. It is because the trainmen have the grit and courage to present their demands, and get recognition, but with us, my dear fellows, we, who are the main factor in the handling of trains, and also in handling of money, who are under bond. What do we get? The standard is about $40 to $57.50 per month, and, I am sorry to say, we clutch at it as if it were a million. Do you always expect to do this? We are an intelligent class of employes. We should know better than this, and the only solution of the ques- tion is to break away from your bonds of servitude, and say “we want an increase of from 10 to ao per cent, and if we don’t get it, go and see if y6u can secure skilled help to take our places." Don’t you understand? Join our noble Order, and help the good cause along. Don’t drudge along in the same old way. Work quick. Line your next office up. It means as much to you as it does to him. Disgusted. The Minneapolis A 8t. Louis Ry. I have failed to notice, for a long time, any suggestions from Division 123. I do not mean by this that the boys are not taking any interest in the work, for I know they are. But an earnest endeavor on the part of every member of this division should be made to get together, and with a united action, the coming ninety days, try to convert as many as possible of our “nons." I fear we are not up with the average in strength. I would suggest that an organizer be put on this division, and I think if each one of us do- nated, say, a dollar or two, toward this cause, it could be successfully carried out, and I feel safe in saying that no one would hesitate a mo- ment to do his part financially to that end. I be- lieve some such action ought to be commenced at once, for, in my estimation, never before was the time for action so ripe as it is now, and what is more, it’s not going to last forever. I also sug- gest that we make a universal demand for eight hours at 30 cents per, and if we are called to bat- tle, may we all march as one, with an unshaken determination to win. Brothers, do you realize that there are a thou- sand other ways to make a livelihood while we are adjusting our differences with the railroads? Let us all send in our suggestions now, whether it be one way or another, and I feel confident that Bro. Pcrham will do the proper thing in the proper time. Cert. 109. Weit Shore Ry. River Division — Brothers, on account of general committee at Buffalo, can not give you any news until next month. Very few changes on this division during the past month. Several Western Union men resigned to go back to 195. Roseton at last has the new station started. All are anxious to learn of the action taken at Buffalo. Come to the meeting and learn the facts yourself. 1 Cert. 376. IN MEMORIAM. - Whereas, God in His infinite wisdom has called to the great beyond our worthy brother, R. B. Bar- ger, removing from our midst a cherished brother, and from his wife and mother a devoted husband and son; therefore be it Resolved, That although we bow in humble sub- mission to Him who doeth all things well, we feel the loss this death has been to his family, as it has removed from our midst a worthy brother. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2139 and one who was liked by all who knew him; be it further Resolved, That we extend to the bereaved family our heartfelt sympathy in this their deep afflic- tion, commending them to the All-wise God, whose words alone can give comfort and hope, and, be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family, a copy spread upon the min- utes and a copy sent to Thk Telegrapher for publication. V. Marcknkowski, A. W. Klothi, J. T. Wallace, G. R. Atkins, Committee River Division N. Y. C. System, No. 8. B. A O. 8. W. Ry. Indiana Division — O. R. T. joint meeting at Cincinnati, Ohio, and Indiana Divisions Wednesday, October 23d. Have not learned what they did. Only one or two nons left on this division. I think they will hand in their applications soon. Only a few nona means only a few hams. Some of the night men are running ham factories; hav- ing three or four flunkies all the time. Union men, too. This must be stopped. Bros. L. V. Williams and J. L. Williams are looking after the company's interests at Mont- gomery. "13” Bro. Gorman, of Georgia, is taking ten days’ vacation. New arrival working days at Georgia. Unable to learn if he has a card or not. Bro. Gallagher has been taking a vacation for the last two weeks, is back at the key. Understand R. J. Sanders has bid in Rivervale, nights. Agent Cogswell, of Deputy, resigned. Unable to hear who relieved him. Culloms, nights, on bulletin. Understand D. F. Cavanaugh has been the lucky man. North Bend agency has been bulletined, Hop- ping having resigned. Unable to say where he went. G. W. Landon appointed agent at North Bend, temporarily. Acting Coa. C. G. W. Ry. Northwest Division — Bro. Van Antwerp, an old-timer on this divi- sion, who has been working with us a short time, was recently called to the bedside of his little son, who met with a serious accident. Bro. A. Whitcraft, Taopi, nights, who has been absent some time on account of sickness, is again heard on the wire. Bro. J. Hurley is again at Randolph, after an extended absence. Bro. Peterson, a new man off the I. C., has Rich Valley nights at present. Operator P. May, a C. T. U. of A. man, is holding the night job at Hampton. He expects to return to commercial work soon. How do you like the new time card? *‘13** Bro. Smith, agent at Coates, intends to go West to spend the winter. Our Grievance Committee, after conferring with the railroad officials at St Paul, have returned to. their respective homes. Have not heard what the results were, but '*13” they were asked to “call again." A new agency has been created since the new time card took effect. It was at Mantorville, and was given to Chas. McCloud. This office has been troubling us for some time. The agent had the pleasure of two positions, as engineer on the pas- senger train and as agent. Mr. W. J. Boyle, formerly relief agent, has se- cured New Hampton days, and Operator Right- linger goes back to night work there. Bro. Latimer, Mclntire nights, has taken a few days off; relieved by Operator Marquette. Mr. A. L. Wilhelm, formerly first trick dis- patcher at "X," is back on the C., G. W., now working the third trick. One more man has entered the fold in the per- son of Mr. A. Farnum, night man at “VA." Let the good work keep on. Night Operator Condgon, of Sumner, is taking a lay-off, being relieved by a Mr. Frost, of the N. P. Cut. 194, North End. Cut. 273, South End. Chesapeake A Ohio Ry. Allegheny and Greenbrier Districts — "Merry Christmas, prosperous New Year." About the time that Thk Telegrapher reaches you, the above will be on the lips of the millions who celebrate the birth of our Savior, and to the readers of Thk Telkgrafhkr I extend it I hope the year that has passed has been one of prosperity and advancement to you, what the year to come brings to you is largely a matter of what you do towards making it. It is in your power to make it prosperous for yourself and your brother teleg- raphers, and you can do it if you will stick by the tenets of your Order. See that you do your duty towards it, see that all desirable non-members are worked on, attend meetings whenever you can, pay your dues promptly, give the companies good service, refrain from strife, and do not knock your officers for any little grievance you may have, be it well founded or imaginary. If you think you can run the business of your lodge or division better than the officers, get active, go in and show the membership your worth, and they will put you up as their leader if you show abil- ity. Do not sulk, it does no good. Throw away your hammer, and every man work for the best interests of all. If this is done the year of 1908 will be the best in our history. To the boys on Division 40 I want to say, wake up. In two months your General Committee will meet the management for a new agreement. Have you done your part toward putting them in good shape for the meeting? Have you given the company good service? Have you paid your dues, so we can feel like we can make a long, strong Digitized by G.ooole

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2140 The Railroad Telegrapher. fight? Have you been after the nons and the C. T. U. of A. boys who are working on the road to get in the wagon? If not, you had better get busy. Your committee represents you to the best of their ability, they are the generals in the bat- tle, but no matter how skillful they a^e, what arguments they put up, they can not win unless the rank and file are with them, so it is up to you. I am glad to say that the majority, yes, a large majority, of the men on our road are good, loyal O. R. T. men, still, we have some who are not; we have some few members who have to be jogged up month after month for their dues; we have some who never come near a lodge or let their voice be heard in any matter, and then we have a few who will not become members, no matter what is said to them or what is done. It is to these three classes of men that I want to say a few words. Did you ever stop to think that no matter what you do towards helping the Order, or towards tearing it down, that you have got to live under the agreement made by the O. R. T., if you work on the C. & O. We legislate for all offices, no matter who works them. Why, then, will you per- sist in not doing your duty, and if you are a mem- ber be a live one, and if a non, get in the Order quick; the stronger we are the better chance of getting a good agreement Think of these things during the glad Christmas times, and let the New Year find you with a firm determination to do your full duty to your Order, and let your com- mittee be backed by a solid line of loyal O. R. T. men from Old Point Comfort to Cincinnati. Times are rather flush on the Allegheny Dis- trict, or at least Bro. Perry, at Big Bend must think so, anyway he has money to burn. He laid his month’s salary of some six or seven $10 “wil- liams” down where his little son got his hands on them and proceeded to throw them in the fire. Fortunately, Bro. Perry rescued enough of each “willie” to have our Uncle Samuel make him new ones, so he is in the clear. Sister and Brother Sweet have taken the day and night offices at “WR,“ which is a new office at west end Ronceverte yards. Bro. A. B. Dickson, of Jerry’s Run, is off with his brother, who is traveling for his health. Bro. H. D. Vass, of Whitcomb, is off on ac- count of the sickness of his mother. Bro. Fleshman, of Pence Springs, had a fine time on his hunting trip. Again wishing every reader the compliments of the season, Fraternally yours, A. W. Holmes, Chairman. Lexington Division — Our regular meeting, held at Huntington on Saturday night, October 26th, was not so well at- tended as it should have been. Boys, we must turn out, talk O. R. T. to each other, attend the meetings and listen to the good things said. Where two men are working, one should go to the meeting, and both if possible. There are still ten or twelve on this division who are behind with their dues for the term end- ing December 31, 1907* Brothers, deposit your money, for it is going to come back to you before long. We have very few nons on this division, and what few there are say they are coming to the front pay-day. Our new local chairman, Bro. H. O. Irwin, is locating the nons fast, and is starting them on the right road. Brothers, we should assist our local chairman in every way we can, for he has stood the test when our army was small, and it took a good man be- hind the gun. Now is the time for us to show our appreciation of his good work done then. Bro. Berry, Midland, days, has been off for a few days. Bro. Stewart, night owl in his place. Bro. Green doing the night act. Bro. Rucker, Aden, days, has resumed work after a few days' vacation. Bro. Sewell, Olive Hill, days, just returned from a visit to relatives down near Richmond, Va. Bro. Roberts doing the day work during his ab- sence. Our chief dispatcher, Mr. E. H. Edsall, has been taking a vacation for about ten days; relieved by the first trick dispatcher, Mr. Fischer. Bro. Burns, of Ashland Junction, is working third trick at Netherlands. I notice the second and third tricks at Nether- lands and Winchester, days and nights, have been advertised, but can not say yet who will get them. I “13” there are several new men coming on this division. Glad to say we have found no nons lately. This speaks well of our division. Boys, keep the ball rolling, and don't fail to impress upon the nons that we are expecting a $75 minimum, and, of course, they need the money, as we are all only millionaires in our dreams. Cebt. 469. IN MEMORIAM. Whereas, Almighty God in His wisdom has deemed it best to remove from the family of our brother, W. H. Taylor, his beloved mother. In manifestation of our grief and fraternal sympathy for our brother, be it Resolved, By the members of R. F. & P. System Division, No. 125, the members of S. A. L. Sys- tem Division, No. 97, and the members of C & O. System Division, No. 40, in meeting assembled, that we extend to the bereaved brother and his family our heartfelt sympathy in this their hour of affliction; and be it further Resolved, That a suitable floral design be sent to Bro. Taylor as an evidence of our sympathy; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the bereaved brother, a copy be spread on die minutes of the division, and a copy furnished Thb Telegrapher for publication. J. I. Harrison, Division 125. N. P. Bullare, Division 9 7. L. G. Bentley, Division 40* Committoo* Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2141 Minneapolis, St Paul A Sault Ste. Marie Railway. Sorry to say, but the brothers seem bashful in sending me news items, with the exception of Bros. Paine, Crandell and Danielson. Bro. J. H. Olson, who has been nights at “D,” has quit the Soo. Bro. Chapman, agent there, is all alone at the present time. This puts him on the “a 5” list. Bro. Snyder, agent at Loma, has also quit; re- lieved by Mr. A. D. Morris, recently from the C. ft N. W., at Litchbridge, Sask. Bro. Bengle, agent at Tolley, has also left us, and gone South; relieved by Bro. W. F. Ver- jowe, of Medford. Have not heard who has been assigned Medford, as time is not up until Novem- ber aoth. Bro. Classen, agent at Rolette, has resigned, and gone to Milwaukee, Wis. Bro. Castle is tem- porarily in charge of Rolette. Grano is filled by an old-timer of that place, who is also in the hardware business. Bro. Crandell, of Bisbee, was off three days; be- ing relieved by Bro. M. C. Chaffee, owl at Over- ley. Crandell made a flying trip to Minneapolis. Grano, Rolette, Medford, Ogema and Mahero- men agencies are bulletined. Forest River is filled temporarily by Mr. W. J. Dalton, recently from the N. P., at Hawley, Minn. The men on the wheat line will all appreciate the late fall we are having. Last year at this time there was about steen feets of snow on the ground, and we only saw a train occasionally during the remainder of the winter. Bros. Lewis, of “US;” Ferguson, of “RN;” Allison, of “B;” Dalton, of “HA,” and Hennicke, of “NF,” are planning on making Bro. Lathrup, of “CN,” a call Saturday night, November 23d. Will be a night session, but guess can talk O. R. T. in the night. E. G. D. Pennsylvania Lines West of Pittsburg. Louisville Division — Slowly the eight-hour tricks are being estab- lished on this division. Columbus and “NA,” New Albany, started with third man November 1st, and on November 18th, North Tower, Jeff Junction, “BO,” end of double track, and “RA,” dispatcher’s office, were given the third man. We are looking for the good work to extend on the road in the near future. Seven extra men, and our chief turning applicants down almost daily. Do not think any road in the country is going to ex- perience any difficulty in securing men to fill the ranks. Although we are not solid on this division, things look very encouraging to become solid in the near future, with the possible exception of about four men, whom all the boys along the line know are sore-heads, and are always wanting something for nothing. I hope the time will soon come when such fellows will have to step down and out, and a brother take his place. Mr. Geo. Hudson, Seymour, nights, off two nights and made a trip to Memphis, Ind.; relieved by extra man, Mr. C. E. Hudson, formerly with the Southern Indiana Railway. Mr. Grant Sweet, Caney, nights, off one night He went to Jeffersonville to get a deed for some real estate he has been purchasing; relieved by Mr. C. E. Hudson. Mr. V. C. King, Whiteland, days, off three days on a hunting trip; relieved by extra man, Mr. F. L. Montgomery. Mr. R. C. Spangler, extra man, became sick while relieving Mr. C. E. Huckleberry at Harland, nights, and extra man, Mr. E. L. Wade, was called upon to fill the vacancy. Mr. U. D. Casey, Christie, days, was off about a week, and understand he made a visit in Illi- nois with some of his friends along the Wabash Railroad, for which road he used to work. Mr. C. E. Hudson relieved him. Mr. J. F. Hyde, Amity, days, resigned to ac- cept a position as clerk under the agent at Edin- burg. Boys, whatever you do, do not allow our chief to talk you out of the Order. It is none of his business whether we belong to the Order or not, and we should tell him so. Let us attend strictly to our duties to the company, and give him no ex- cuse for complaint, then we will have nothing to fear; for no one is going to be discharged for the simple reason that he belongs to a labor organi- zation. These few notes were picked up on short notice, and may not interest, but, on the receipt of my No- vember journal, I was disappointed when I found no items from this division, and thought I would send in a few for the next issue. Cert, an, Div. 36. Boston A Maine Ry. Central Massachusetts Division — Things are coming pretty fast just now on the old pike, and we are all kept pretty busy catching the hot ones that are handed out to us by our iron-fisted dispatcher, C. J. M. I notice that the boys are not doing much sleep- ing, though, and that the boss generally gets them when he wants them, and that is the way it should be, too. “13” that the officials won’t do anything on re- vision of the schedule until the nine-hour law goes into effect, and it is just as well, for if an agree- ment was reached now, it would have to be gone over again next March, entailing unnecessary ex- pense to the division and loss of time to the com- mittee. I hear that, beginning with January, we are going to get division passes. If this is so, we will have a right long withheld, and should take care and not abuse it, for if we do, it won’t be long before they will be called in. If you get them, keep them to yourself, and don’t let other people ride on them, and don’t do any unnecessary riding yourself, especially us night men. Use them con- scientiously, and I think that you will enjoy the benefits all the year round. We will be about the only road in New England that will have the Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2142 The Railroad Telegrapher. ptwes, and by setting a good example to the rest, our brothers on the other roads may get them, too. I “13” that freight is piling up to beat the band in Hamp. There have been many changes on the line, and any one that wanted a change could get it, and if he didn’t, he has no kick coming. Bro. Brown, agent at New Braintree, is going to leave the service to go braking. Bro. Boulais is at present roaming in the wilds of the Canadian Northwest. “13** that he had a leave of absence for six months. Bro. Provost, who had his innings out West, has returned to the fold. He came back to his old job at “RX,” but didn't stay there long; bidding in Waltham, nights, and is now keeping house there, but "13" he has bid on New Braintree. Mr. Moran, erstwhile lamplighter at Clinton Junction, relieved Bro. Provost at "RX," but was not heavy enough for the job, so is back bucking the oil can while Bro. Stone is holding "RX" down. I "13" that Dispatcher McDononer (C. J. M.), has bid off Greenland Village. I have noticed that Bro. Ramsey (C. P. R.), has been working the third trick on the C. M. Di- vision quite often lately. North Cambridge Junction up for bid again. Bro. Carney, a C. T. U. of A. man, is at present work- ing there relief man. Don’t know who will bid it in. They seem to have a hard time to get a man to take that job and hold it. Same with the day job there. Before I close, I would like to ask the boys if they ever think of the possibility of having their wages cut when the nine-hour law goes into effect? Have you* thought about it, and what you would do if this should happen? Think it over. I don’t want to pose as an agitator, but, at the same time, it is worth thinking about. What, with the cost of living where it is at the present time, we can not afford to work for less than we are now get- ting. I hope that we won’t have to provide against this, but just thought I would refer to it in case it did happen. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and many of them. Eight hours and be drawing a minimum of $*.25 a day. A Central Massachusetts Boy. Georgia Southern & Florida Railway. There are just a few of you that do not attend your meetings at Tifton on the third Sunday of each month. There are some that have never at- tended a meeting since we have been organized. If you do not attend your meetings, some of us may put you down as a card-toter. Don’t get it in your head that because you have a schedule and a card that things will always move along smoothly whether you manifest any interest in the welfare of your union or not. It would jar you to see just how soon you would be put back at your old salary and working conditions should all the mem- bers lose interest in their union. Some of the boys have been ascribing the cause of non-attendance to our chief dispatcher, but, upon investigation, we find that the cause of non-attendance for a great many was the lack of diligence on their part in asking to get off. We had some boys with us Sun- day (20th of October), that had never been with us before in our meetings, and they assured us that they realized now that they had missed a great deal by non-attendance in the past, and that we might count on them in the future. This will be your verdict if we can ever get you to attend once. A brother gave as his excuse for not attending his meetings that he could not get a man in the town that he could risk to sell tickets. I told him that if there was not a man in my town that I could not risk to sell a few tickets on Sunday, I would move, as I had no desire to live in a town of that caliber. There have been a great many changes made on the line since our last write-up, but am unable to give them. It would only take a few minutes to give me the changes that you know of. You don’t know how much this information would help your correspondent. I am going to take the liberty of asking you again to give me all the changes, and anything that might be of interest to us for these write-ups for the journal. Red. Twin City Telegraphers' Club. The club held its regular meeting November 9th, at its hall, Prior and University avenues, with all officers present, except Sergeant-at-arms Barrett, and a fair crowd was in attendance in spite of the chilly weather. President Bearaer in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, and other matters gone over. For the good of the club First Vice-President Newman, who is in the city with the Great North- ern General Committee, was called on, and gave a fine talk on his recent travels, which included Denver, Colo., and Chicago, 111. His review of the T. Kegg case at Denver was very welcome to us, as it gave us an idea of how such matters are handled, also gave us an idea of what we may expect when the nine-hour law goes into effect the first of the year. His review of the C. T. U. of A. strike showed us the boys of our sister organi- zation have made a grand fight, and although they have not won, in many ways it has served its pur- pose. Not many of the boys in this section of the country are asking for their old places back. Bro. Abbott, of the G. N. committee, spoke a few minutes on the Great Northern topics, and was followed by Bro. Lester, of the C., M. ft St. P. He gave the line-up of the C. T. U. of A. trou- ble in Minneapolis. I was sorry to see there were no commercial boys at the meeting. Bro. Foulkes is sepnding a few days in the woods near Duluth, looking for the bear that Bro. Lapham chased a couple of years ago. Bro. Lentsch, of the N. P., "DY" office, and formerly of the G. N. Railway, was at the meeting. 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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2143 We miss Bro. Renshaw, of the C., M. ft St. P., but understand he is kept busy out of the city a good deal of the time. We are glad to hear of the good schedule given the boys on the C. P. Understand it is the finest in existence, and includes two weeks per year va- cation. We had our first snow of the season about noon of November 9th. It looked, for a time, as if we could have sleighing for the meeting. Bro. W. J. Liddane made a trip to Chicago Sun- day evening, the third, and stopped off for a meeting at Windom. There are a few boys living in the cities that some one should talk some good, honest sense to about coming out to the meetings. The C. G. W., M. ft St. L. and C., B. & Q. have no members out. Better come over and get acquainted. Notices of meetings are in the division directory in the back of journal. Coa. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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CRAND DIVISION NOTICE D. M. Hamilton, Cert. 522, Div. 97, has been expelled from the Order for conduct unbecoming a member. W. G. Bauman, Cert. 732, Div. 33; H. M. Miller, Cert. 1562, Div. 33; C. V. Hayden, Jr., Cert. 745, Grand Division; C. C. McMurchy, Cert. 626, Div. 93; C. W. Dieffenbach, Cert. 90, Div. 12; D. D. Walters, Cert. 146, Grand Division, and J. J. Long, Cert. 1654, Div. 76, have been expelled from the Order for scabbing during the C. T. U. of A. strike. MUTUAL BENEFIT DEPARTMENT. liwiineit No. 106 is due DECEMBER 1. 1907. Tine for payment expires JANUARY 81, 1908. AMOUNT OP ASSESSMENTS. On $ 300 00 (Series A) 20 cents each On 500 00 (Series B) 30 cents each On 1,000 00 (Series C) 60 cents each Claim No. BENEFITS PAID DURING NOVEMBER, 1907. CZRT. Naxi. Gauss. Div. No. S: 638 . . David Fitzgerald Chronic Nephritis— Uraemic Eclampsia 33 . . 24800 . . A . 640.. C. H. McConnell... Meningitis 93. .18950. .C. 641.. W. H. Yell Empyemia following an attack of Ma- laria Grand . . 200%. . C . 647.. H. M. Killian Cerebral Spinal Meningitis Grand .. 18645 .. C . 648. .W. G. Preston Run over by engine 42. .15606. .C. 650.. Jas. H. Mead Cardiac Hypertrophy 55. .17641.. A. 651.. Paul L. Hobson.... Typhoid Fever 132.. 17944.. C. 652.. J. T. Hal vorson ... .Typhoid Fever 54.. 20050. .C. 653. . T.M. Grant Typhoid Fever 59. .25823. .A. 654. . Ralph Raymer Acute Leptomeningitis 8.. 6862.. A. 655 . . Robert J. Fleming . . Acute Pulmonary Tuberculosis 2 . . 12187 . . B . 657.. Chas. J. Steckel Organic Heart Lesion 6.. 8819.. C. 659.. G. C. Mathews Pleurisy 31.. 18542., C. 660.. C. F. Bright Drowning 130. .24019. .A. 661 . . O . J . Mardiss Tuberculosis Grand . . 23032 . . A . 662.. Herbert S. Brace. ..Suicide 32.. 10501.. B. 663.. W. E. Zimmerman. Typhoid Fever 132.. 16429.. A. 665.. Willie A. Wallace .. Chronic Endocarditis 62.. 14549.. C. 666 . . Ross Cortright Pneumonia 42 . . 5807 . . C . 667 . .John S. Ausborn . . . Nephritis with Peritonitis 97 . . 15488. . C . 668. .John E. O’hara . . . .Choleric Diarrhea 16.. 17594. .A. ▲mt. $ 300 00 1,000 00 1,000 00 1,000 oo 1,000 00 300 00 1,000 00 1,000 00 300 00 300 OO 500 OO 1,000 00 1,000 00 300 00 300 00 500 00 300 00 1,000 00 1,000 00 1,000 00 300 00 FINANCIAL STATEMENT— MORTUARY FUND. RECEIPTS. Received on Assessment Account to October 31, 1907 $575,809 83 Received on Assessment Account November, 1907 4,699 64 1580,509 47 DISBURSEMENTS . Death Claims paid to October 31, 1907 $376,281 47 Death Claims paid in November 14,400 00 Assessments refunded, account rejected applications 992 51 Assessments transferred to dues 159 13 Cash on hand to credit Mortuary Fund, November 30, 1907 188,676 36 $580,509 47 L. W. QUICK, Grand Secretary and Treasurer . Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2145 OFFICIAL directory. General Offices, St* Louis, Mo* GRAND OFFICERS. H. B. PERHAM President. St Louis, Mo. J. A. NEWMAN First Vice-President. St Louis, Mo. D. CAMPBELL Third Vice-President S64 Rusholme Road, Toronto, Ont. BOARD OF C. E. Layman, Chairman, Troutville, Va. Geo. O. Forbes, Secretary, Spring Hill Junction, N. S. L. W. QUICK. . .Grand Secretary and Treasurer. St Louis, Mo. T. M. PIERSON Second Vice-President. St Louis, Mo. J. J. DERMODY Fourth Vice-President. St Louis, Mo. DIRECTORS. A. O. Sinks, Jefferson Street Depot, Portland, Ore. C. G. Kelso, 5 22 E. Pacific St Springfield, Me. Geo. E. Joslin, Lock Box ix, Centerdale, R. L ADVERTISING. All correspondence pertaining to advertising should be addressed to W. N. Gates, Advertising Manager, Garfield Building, Cleveland, Ohio. DIVISION DIRECTORY. GRAND DIVISION— Attached membership not confined to any particular railroad or territory. H. B. Perharo, President, St Louis, Mo.; L. W. Quick, Grand Secretary and Treasurer, St. Louis, Mo. NO. 1.— Division covers the Grand Trunk Railway System. Meets subject to call of chairman. J. Willoughby, Gen’l Chairman, Bracebridge, Ont; D. L. Shaw, Gen’l S. & T., 769 King st, London, Ont NO. a, ST. LOUIS, MO.— Meets 1st and 3d Mondays each month at 8 p. m., Small Hall South Side, 3d floor Masonic Temple (Odeon Building), Grand and Finney aves., St. Louis, Mo. L. W. Quick, Chief Telegrapher, 7th floor Star Building, St Louis, Mo.; J. W. La Fever, S. & T., 373a N. nth st, St Louis, Mo. NO. 3, HARRISBURG, PA.— Meets 1st Thursday each month in Mauk’s Hall, corner 6th ft Kel- ler sts., Harrisburg, Pa., and at some point on Middle Division, P. R. R., 3d Thursday evening each month, 7 p. m. J. S. Leyder, Chief TeL, Thompson town, Pa.; B. H. Saltsman, S. ft T., 1711 Market st, Harrisburg, Pa. NO. 5. — Division covers the Kansas City Southern Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. R. L. Caldwell, Gen’l Chairman, Lisle, Mo. J. V. Thornbrugh, G. S. ft T., Merwin, Mo. NO. 6. — Division covers the Union Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. E. L. Stump, Gen’l Chairman, Box 40, Denver, Colo. John H. Hughey, Jr., Gen’l S. ft T., Box S94, Junction City, Kan. NO. 7. — Division covers the Canadian Pacific Rail- road System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. Ed. Goulet Gen’l Chairman, Westminster, B. C.; John Wagner, Gen’l S. ft T., Sudbury, Ont NO. 8. — Division covers New York Central Ry. M. G. Woolley, Gen'l Chairman, 155th st. and Eighth ave., New York; A. E. Blim, Gen'l S. ft T., Chili Station, N. Y. Hudson Div.— Meets subject to call of Local Chairman; J. B. West Local Chairman, 11 Thompson st., Pough- keepsie, N. Y. Western Div. — Meets 3d Sat- urday evening in July, Oct, Jan. and April, at North Tona wanda, N. Y.; March, June, September and December, at Rochester, N. Y. ; February, May, August and November, at Syr- acuse, N. Y. Mohawk Div. — Meets on 3d Wednesday each month, at 8 o’clock p. m., in the Court House, at Fonda, N. Y. Harlem Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman. Fall Brook Div. — Meets 3d Tuesday . evening each month, 8 p. m., Rettig’s Hall, West Market st., Corning, N. Y. R. R. Mclnroy, Local Chair- man, Middlebury Center, Pa. Electric Zone — Between tower 7, King's Bridge, and “VO” tower, Mt Vernon to 56th st. — Meets 3d Wednesday of each month at 8:30 p. m., Colonial Building, Rooms 54, 67 and 69, West xs$th st. New York City. Every third meeting a day meeting at xo a. m. F. von Hatten, Local Chairman, 3x17 Park ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, Assistant Local Chairman, “FH” to “MJ,” 136 W. 167th st., New York City. H. R. Vernon, Assistant Local Chairman, representing G. C. Terminal. Chas. Armitage, in charge of Station Agents, issth st Station, New York City. September meeting will be a day meeting at xo a. m., and every third meeting thereafter will be a day meeting. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2146 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 9, LANCASTER, PA. — Meets 3d Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., in Central Labor Union Hall, ad floor, No. aa South Queen st., Lancaster, Pa. Chas. E. Kacy, Chief Telegra- pher, 11954 North Charlotte st., Lancaster, Pa.; A. B. Hambright, S. ft T., Landisville, Pa. NO. 11, OLD TOWN, ME. — Meets 4th Sunday each month, 1 :3o p. m., Royal Arcanum Hall, 1 16 Main st., Bangor, Me. Burton A. Brackett, Chief Tel., 3a Coombs st., Bangor, Me.; E. E. McPheters, S. ft T., Great Works, Me. NO, ia, SUNBURY, PA. — Meets 2d Thursday evening of each month, I. O. O. F. Hall S. W. corner Market and 3d sts. F. J. Reigel, Chief Tel., 314 Fairmount ave., Sunbury, Pa; W. D. Grant, S. ft T., 225 Fairmount ave., Sun- bury, Pa NO. 1 a — Division covers the Norfolk ft Western Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. C. E. Layman, Gen*] Chairman, Trout- ville, Va; T. H. Lankford, Gen’l S. ft T., P. O. Box 11, Cloverdale, Va NO. 15, OTTAWA, ONT. — Meets subject to call of Chief Telegrapher at Ottawa, Ont.; G. W. Shepherd, Chief Tel., Alexandria, Ont.; D. Robertson, S. ft T., Glen Robertson, Ont.; D. Robertson and G. W. Shepherd, Legislative Representatives. NO. 16. — Division covers the Michigan Central Railroad. Meets 3d Monday each month at 7:30 p. m.. Prismatic Hall, 140 First st., Detroit, Mich. J. C. Culkins, Gen’l Chairman, Albion, Mich.; J. H. Staley, Gen’l ?. ft T., Falls View, Ont. NO. 17, BALTIMORE, MD. — Meets 1st and 3d Wednesday of each month at Old Town Bank Building, 3d floor, Baltimore, Md. Wm. M. Skinner, Chief Tel., 2224 E- Oliver st., Balti- more, Md.; Daniel L. Roller, S. ft T., Hartford road and West Erdman ave., Baltimore, Md. NO. 18. — Division covers the New York, Chicago ft St Louis Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. M. Mulcahy, Gen'l Chairman, 33 Courtney st, Dunkirk, N. Y.; O. S. Smith, Gen’l S. ft T., Argos, Ind. NO. 20. — Division covers the New York, Ontario ft Western Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Guy Cochran, Gen’l Chairman, Kings- ton, N. Y.; H. D. Pfoor, Gen’l S. ft T., P. O. Box 1 14, Jermyn, Pa. NO. 21. — Division covers the Cincinnati, Hamilton ft Dayton Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. F. Stenger, Gen’l Chair- man, R. F. D. No. 3, Miamisburg, Ohio; A. C Buahwaw, Gen’l S. ft T., 35 Samuel st, Dayton, Ohio. NO. as. — Division covers the Missouri, Kansas ft Texas Railroad System, R. J. dark, Gen’l S. ft T., 3748a Olive st ry*‘. Louis, Mo. NO. 23. — Division covers Chicago, Milwaukee ft St. Paul Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Milwaukee Terminal meetings held subject to call of Local Chairman. O. W. Ren- ahaw, Gen’l Chairman, 2 West 14th st., Minne- apolis, Minn.; G. E. Soyster, Gen’l S. ft T.. Covington, Iowa. NO. 24, WILLIAMSPORT, PA.— Meets 1st Thursday evening of each month in K. of C Hall, N. E. Cor. Fourth and Pine sts., Williams- port, Pa. Thos. R. Hepler, Chief Tel., 423 Park ave., Williamsport Pa.; J. N. Sponsler, S. ft T., 935 Erie ave., Williamsport Pa. NO. 25. — Division covers the International ft Great Northern Railway System. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. F. W. Lyon, Gen’l Chairman, Bracken, Texas; R. B. Adams, Gen'l S. ft T., Jewett Texas. NO. 26, NEW YORK, N. Y.— Meets 2d Sunday each month at 3 p. m., 265 W. 144th st, New York City. F. J. Ryan, Chief Tel., 228 W. 141st st, New York; A. L. McBain, S. ft T., 265 W. 144th st., New York City. NO. 27, INDIANAPOLIS, IND.— W. W. Culmer, Chief Tel., Martinsville, Ind.; E. C. Thomp- son, S. ft T., 26 N. Holmes ave., Indianapolis, Ind. NO. 28. — Division covers the Mexican Interna- tional Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. F. Fernandez, Gen’l Chairman, Reata, Coah., Mex.; L. Hernendez, Gen’l S. ft T. , Valardena, Dgo, Mex. NO. 29, NEW HAVEN, CONN.— Meets 1st Fri- day of each month at 8 p. m., in Red Men’s Hall, 48 Church st, cor. Crown, New Haven, Conn. L. H. Dowd, Chief TeL, 47 Division st, Danbury; Conn.; G. F. McCormack, S. ft T., 93 Main st, West Haven, Conn. NO. 31. — Division covers the Missouri Pacific Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. L. M. Nance, Gen’l Chairman, 4563 Cook ave., St Louis, Mo. W. M. Holman, Gen’l S. ft T., 7210 Pennsylvania ave., St Louis, Mo. NO. 32. — Division covers the St Louis ft San Francisco Railroad System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. C. G. Kelso, Gen’l Chair- man, 522 E. Pacific st, Springfield, Mo.; J. E. McQuade, Gen’l S. ft T., 522 E, Pacific st, Springfield, Mo. NO. 33. — Division covers the Baltimore ft Ohio Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. E. N. Van Attn, Gen’l Chairman, Box 36, Newark, O.; W. Edgar Fraaher, Gen’l S. ft T., 814 W. 9th st, Wilmington, Del Pike Division meets on ad Saturday night of each month at Hotel Wilson, No. 10 Smithfield st, Pfttstmrg, Pa. Will Garr, Local Chairman, West Alexander, Pfc. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2147 NO. 34. — Division covers the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railway System. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. V. Phillips, Gen’l Chair- man, Wellington, 111.; S. M. Rittenhouse, Gen’l S. & T., Sidell, 111. NO. 35, PROVIDENCE, R. I.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month in Swarts Lodge, Odd Fel- lows* Hall, 96 Westminster st.. Providence, R. I. J. F. Brady, Chief Tel., 1 Pond st.. Provi- dence R. I.; Rob’t. A. Brown, S. ft T., 36 Cora ave.. East Providence, R. I. NO. 36. — Division covers the Pennsylvania Lines west of Pittsburg. Meets subject to call of the Chairman. J. W. Burch, Gcn’l S. & T., 319 Atalanta ave., Tuxedo Park, St.* Louis, Mo. NO. 37, NEW ROCHELLE, N. Y.— Meets ad Friday evening each month, 8 p. m., Bank's Hall, over Post Office, New Rochelle, N. Y. Daniel Kenney, Chief Tel., 3a Madison ave.. Port Chester, N. Y.; Jos. A. Hannan, S. ft T., P. O. Box 140, Rye, N. Y. NO. 38, SPRINGFIELD, MASS— Meets 3d Sat- urday each month, 8 p. m., at 33 Lyman st., Springfield, Mass. Art. O. Betters, Chief Tel., ai6 Summer st., Springfield, Mass.; John R. Cardinal, S. ft T., Box 1417, Springfield, Mass. NO. 39. — Division covers the Pere Marquette Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman* John Heusted, Gen'l Chairman, Mt. Morris, Mich.; Charles I. Mead, Gen'l S. ft T., Smyrna, Mioh. NO. 40. — Division covers Chesapeake ft Ohio Rail- way System. L. G. Bentley, Gen’l Chairman, 25 S. Adams st., Richmond, Va.; C. D. McGehee, Chairman Peninsula and Piedmont Districts, 2803 East Clay st., Richmond, Va. ; L. G. White, Chairman Rivanna District, Warren, Va. Meets fourth Thursday night of each month in Fra- ternity Hall, 215 West Broad st., Richmond, Va. L. E. Hicks, Chairman Mountain District, Craigsville, Va.; D. H. Scott, Chairman James River District, Big Island, Va. Meets third Sat- urday night of each month in Eagles’ Hall, Clif- ton Forge, Va. A. W. Holmes, Chairman Alle- gheny and Greenbrier Districts, Lowell, West Va.; G. N. Hancock, Chairman New River Dis- trict, Montgomery, West Va. Meets third Tues- day night of each month in Manhattan Hall, Hinton West Va. J. W. Mathewson, Chairman Cincinnati District, Vanceburg, Ky.; H. O. Ir- win, Chairman Lexington and Big Sandy Districts, Olympia, Ky.; J. W. Kiser, Gen'l Secretary and Treasurer and Chairman Hunting- ton Division, 824 27th st., Huntington, West Va. Meets fourth Saturday night of each month in Broh Hall, Huntington, West Va. NO. 41, BOSTON, MASS.— Meets 2d Saturday night each month, Engineer’s Hall, 164 Cana) st., Boston, Maas. Ben C. Chase, Chief Tel., Wen ham Depot, Mass.; John A. Tuck, S. ft T., upper station, Wakefield, Mass. NO. 42. — Division covers the Erie Railroad Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Frank N. Hall, Gen’l Chairman, 35 Clinton st., Sala- manca, N. Y. ; C. L. Bridge, Gen’l S. ft T., De- posit, N. Y. NO. 43. — Division covers Canadian Northern Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chair- ' man. A. E. J. Willis, Gen’l Chairman, Roland, Man.; E. G. Skelding, Gen’l S. ft T., 531 Victor st., Winnipeg, Man. NO. 44, NEW YORK, N. Y.— Meets 2d Saturday eaoh month at 8 p. m., in Fraternity Hall, 22-24 Harriman ave., Jamaica, N. Y.; C. B. Van Nostrand, Chief Tel., 31 Aberdeen st., Brook- lyn, N. Y.; A. F. Heller, S. ft T., 1441 Bush- wick ave., Brooklyn, N. Y. NO. 45. WOODVILLE, N. H.— Meets 3d Satur- day of each month at 8 p. m., K. of P. Hall, Woodville, N. H. B. C. Berry, Chief Tel., South Barton, Vt; F. P. Learned, S. ft T., Plymouth, N. H. NO. 46. — Division coves the Central of Georgia Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. T. F. Hemminger, Gen’l Chairman, Guy- ton, Ga. ; O. S. Travis, Gen’l S. ft T., Route 68, Atlanta, Ga. NO. 47. CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. I.— Meets 3d Thursday of each month at 8 p. m., at B. I. S. Hall, Charlottetown, P. E. I.; A. D. Lawson, Chief Tel., Hunters River, P. E. I.; J. J. Trainor, S. & T., Bedford Station, P. E. I. NO. 48. — Division covers the Detroit, Toledo ft Ironton and Ann Arbor Railways. Meets sub- ject to call of Chairman. H. J. Tobin, Gen’l Chairman, 315 E. Exchange st., Owosso, Mich.; A. F. Weast, Gen'l S. & T., Bainbridge, Ohio. NO. 49. — Division covers the Denver ft Rio Grande Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. A. H. Wasson, Gen'l Chairman, Amethyst, Colo.; F. W. Aiken, Gen’l S. ft T., Parkdale, Colo. NO. 50. — Division covers the Georgia Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. John S. Stovall, Gen’l Chairman, Milledgeville, Ga.; W. P. Hubert, Gen’l S. ft T., Crawfords- ville, Ga. NO. 51. — Division covers Bessemer & Lake Erie Railway System. Meets ist Friday evening after 1 6th, each month, in Eagles’ Hall, Greenville, Pa., after the arrival of trains 2 and 13. C. V. Patton, General Chairman, Kaylor, Pa.; W. B. Risley, Gen'l S. ft T., 96 Marshall st.. Con- neaut, Ohio. NO. 52, PITTSBURG. PA.— Meets 2d and 4th Saturday evening each month at 8 p. m., at 204 Fifth ave., 3d floor, Pittsburg, Pa. John Kiger, Chief Tel., 6348 Marchand st, Pittsburg, Pa.; H. K. Klingensmith, Secretary, 243 Grand- view ave., Pittsburg, Pa.; C. C. Campbell, Treas- urer. 6o$ Arlington ave., Pittsburg, Pa. Digitized by t^ooQle

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2148 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. S3. — Division covers the Southern Pacific Railway Lines. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. H. Lester, Gen’l Chairman, Weimar, Tex.; D. W. Koppikus, Gen’l S. ft T., 1220 12th ave., East Oakland, Cal. NO. 54. — Division covers the Northern Pacific Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chair man. Sam Johnson, Gen'l Chairman, North Branch, Minn. I. N. Holmes, Gen’l S. ft T.t 1015 10th st, Olympia, Wash. NO. 55. — Division covers the Wheeling, Lake Erie Railway, Wabash, Pittsburg Terminal and West Side Belt Railway Systems. Meets third Satur- day evening of each month at 8 p. m., in Trades and Labor Assembly Hall, Massillon, Ohio. J. O. Peoples, Gen’l Chairman, Bolivar, Ohio; C. R. Guthrie, Gen’l S. ft T., Box 71, Jewett, Ohio. NO. 56. — Division covers the Georgia Southern ft Florida Railway Systems. L. D. Hamilton, Gen’l Chairman, Tifton, Ga. O. H. Watson, Gen’l S. ft T., Tobesofkee, Ga. NO. 57. — Division covers the Houston & Texas Central Railway System. Meets every third Sat- urday at 8:30 p. m. in Labor Temple, over 401 Main st., Dallas, Tex. W. J. Burke, Gen’l Chair- man, H. ft T. C. yard office, Dallas, Tex.; J. A. McKey, Gen’l S. ft T., 43 N. Benge st., Mc- Kinney, Texas. NO. 58, WILMINGTON, DEL.— Meets third Wednesday evening, 8 o’clock, Red Men’s Hall, 517 Shipley st., Wilmington, Del. H. W. Ken- nedy, Chief Telegrapher, 305 N. Van Buren at., Wilmington, Del.; F. C. Melvin, S. ft T., New- port, Del. NO. 59. — Division covers Southern Railway Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. W. J. Gregory, Gen’l Chairman, Chase City, Va. A. L. McDaniel, Gen’l S. ft T., Forest City, N. C. NO. 60. WASHINGTON, D. C.— Meets 3d Fri- day of eaoh month at 8 p. m., at Typographical Temple, 4*3 "G” st., N. W., Washington, D. C. J. E. Vander grift, Chief Tel., 1116 Va. ave., S. W., Washington, D. C.; H. L. Simcox, S. ft T., 638 “B” st, S. W., Washington, D. C. NO. 61, CAMPBELLTON, N. B.— Meets 4th Tuesday evening of each month in Engineers' Hall, Campbellton, N. B. J. W. Morton, Chief Tel., Campbellton, N. B. ; R. A. McMillan, S. ft T., Charlo Station, N. B. NO. 62. — Division covers Queen & Crescent (North). A. B. Willison, Gen’l Chairman, Sci- ence Hill, Ky. K. C. Gardner, Gen’l S. ft T., 365 S. Broadway Park, Lexington, Ky. NO. 63, MONCTON, N. B. — Meets 3d Saturday of each month, alternately at Moncton, N. B., and St John, N. B. F. T. Atkinson, Chief Tel., Bloomfield, N. B., Can.; T. A. Scribner, S. ft T., Moncton, N. B. NO. 64, LEVIS. QUE.— Meets 4th Friday of eack month at 1 p. m., at Victoria Hotel, Levis, Que. A. Dion, Chief Tel., Levis, Que.; Joseph Remil. lard, S. ft T., St. Charles, Bellechasae Co., Que. NO. 65, ROCHESTER, N. H.— Meets at 8 p. m., 2d Saturday each month in G. A. R. Hall, Roch- ester, N. H. E. J. Scott, Chief Tel., West Ossipee, N. H.; G. F. Berry, S. ft T., 453 Main st., Biddeford, Me. NO. 66, TRURO, N. S. — Meets 3d Wednesday each month, McKay's Hall (B. R. T. room), Inglis st., Truro, N. S. W. A. Harris, Chief Tel., Windsor Junction, N. S. ; Geo. O. Forbes, S. ft. T., Spring Hill Junction, N. S. NO. 67. WILKESBARRE, PA.— Meets on the 3d Friday each month at 8 p. m., at O. U. A. M. Hall, No. 31 W. Market st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. E. O. Sherman, Chief Tel., 331 S. River st., Wilkesbarre, Pa!; J. Nelligan, S. ft T., 30 New- port st., Wilkesbarre, Pa. NO. 68. — Division covers Washington County Rail- way System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. James F. Desmond, Gen’l Chairman, Eastport, Maine; Wm. C My rick, Gen’l S. ft T., East Machias, Maine. NO. 69. — Division covers Queen ft Crescent Route (South). Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. A. Shields, Gen’l Chairman, Morton, Miss.; J. C. Talley, Jr., Gen’l S. ft T., Box 283, Jack- son, Miss. NO. 70. — Division covers Great Northern Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. P. M. Abbott, Gen’l S. ft T., Logan, Mont. NO. 7*. OSKALOOSA. IOWA.— Meets ad Satur- day in each month at 8:45 p. m., in Trainmen's Hall, over Pike’s Drug Store, Oskaloosa, Iowa. H. W. Landfear, Chief Tel.. Wright, Iowa; O. L. Davis, S. ft T., Richland, Iowa. NO. 7*. ST. JOSEPH, MO.— Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., 623 Mt. Mora Road, St. Joseph, Mo. C. P. Cahill, Chief Tel., 1615 S. nth st., St. Joseph, Mo.; W. E. Reese, S. ft. T., Box 682, St Joseph, Mo. NO. 73, MAUCH CHUNK, PA.— Meets ad Wednesday of each month at 8 p. m., on the 4th floor Odd Fellows' Hall, Broadway, Mauch Chunk, Pa. John F. Boyle, Chief TeL, Penn Haven, mail, Mauch Chunk, Pa.; William M. Butler, S. ft T., Room 11, Court House, Wilkes- barre, Pa. NO. 74. — Division covers B. ft O. S. W. R. R. J. M. Peck, Genl Chairman, Farmingdale, 111.; A. W. Morrow, Gen'l S. ft T., 425 Jefferson st, Greenfield, Ohio. NO. 75. — Division covers Chicago, Cincinnati ft Louisville Ry. System. G. W. Johnson, Gen'l Chairman, Losantville, Ind. ; F. K. Harter, Gen’l S. ft T., Jonesboro, Ind. NO. 76. — Division covers the Chicago ft North- western Railroad System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. Jas. Troy, Gen’l Chairman, Jew- ell Junction, Iowa; W. J. Liddane, Ass't Gen’l Chairman, 386 Grove st, St Paul, Minn.; Ira R. Kempkes, Gen'l S. ft T., Nevada, Iowa. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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The Railroad Telegrapher. 2149 NO. 77, DENVER, COLO.— Meet* ist Tueiday evening in each month, 620 14th st., Denver, Colo.; C. M. Worth, Chief Tel., rooms 38-40, 14*7 Stout st., Denver, Colo.; C. L. Cheney, S. & T., 935 17th st., Denver, Colo. NO. 78, ALBANY, N. Y.— Meets 3d Saturday each month at 7:30 p. m., A. O. U. W. Hall, 8a S. Pearl st., Albany, N. Y. James Disney, Chief Tel., 46 Franklin st., Albany, N. Y. ; B. M. Nichols, S. ft T., Altamont, N. Y. NO. 79. — Covers G. & S. I. Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Gen’l Chairman. J. O. Bolton, Gen’l Chairman, McHenry, Miss.; W. L. Yeates, Gen’l Sec. & Treas., Box 60, Maxie, Miss.; E. W. Wooten, Ass’t Gen’l S. & T., Maxie, Miss. NO. 80. — Division covers the M. J. ft K. C. Ry. System. T. E. Cooper, Gen’l Chairman, Bay Springs, Miss.; J. L. Lester, Gen'l Sec ft Treas., Union, Miss. NO. 81. — Division covers the Colorado Midland Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of Chairman. Guy Sailing, Gen’l S. & T., Floris- sant, Colo. NO. 8a. — Division covers Western Maryland Rail- way System. H. C. McCubbin, Gen’l Chairman, Hagerstown, Md.; C. E. Marker, Gen’l S. & T., Smithsburg, Md. W. Va. Div. — Meets subject to call of Local Chairman. Md. Div. — Meets ad and 4th Thursdays of each month at 8:30 p. m., in G. A. R. Hall, corner Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 83. — Division covers the Bangor ft Aroostook Railroad System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. A. W. Sherburne, Gen’l Chair- man, New Sweden Station, Me.; F. J. Crozier, Gen’l Sec. & Treas., Norcross, Maine. NO. 84, CAMDEN, N. J.— Meets 2d Friday at 8 p. m., at Morgan’s Hall, Fourth and Market sts., Camden, N. J. F. S. Pheasant, Chief Tel., Mer- chantville, N. J. ; I. W. Newkirk, Sec’y, Pit- man Grove, N. J.; T. J. McCabe, Treas., 1014 Spruce at., Camden, N. J. NO. 85, TRENTON, N. J.— Meets 3d Friday at 8 p. m., at Concordia Hall, 33 West State st., Trenton, N. J. Chas. R. Carty, Chief Tel., 9 22 Pond st., Bristol, Pa.; Chas. Parker, S. ft T., 204 West Hanover st., Trenton, N. J. NO. 86, ALTOONA, PA.— Meets 2d Wednesday at 10:15 a. m., and 4th Wednesday at 7:30 p. m., in Lee Building, E. 12th st., between 8th and 9th aves., Altoona, Pa. J. W. McCoy, Chief Tel., Juniata, Blair Co., Pa.; J. L. Franks, S. ft T., 325 Beech ave., Altoona, Pa. NO. 87, SCRANTON, PA.— Meets ist Monday evening of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, Main st, Archibald, Pa. J. W. Sampson, Chief Tel., Dickson City, Pa.; M. G. Grennell, S. & T. , Carbondale, Pa. NO. 88. — Division covers the Texas ft Pacific Rail- way System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. W. E. Sledge, Gen’l Chairman, Keithville, La.; J. E. De Souza, Gen’l S. ft T., Chamberlin, La. NO. 89, BOSTON, MASS. — Meets xst Saturday each month at 8 p. m., in Rathbone Hall, 3d floor, elevator service, 694 Washington st., Bos- ton, Mass. W. A. Fenwick, Chief Tel., Fram- ingham, Mass.; J. W. Finn, S. ft T., aa Milton ave., Dorchester, Ctr., Boston, Mass. NO. 90. — Division covers Coal ft Coke Ry. of W. Va. Meets subject to call of Chairman. J. J. Shawver, Gen’l Chairman, Walkersville, W. Va.; J. A. Arthur, Gen’l S. & T., Blue Creek, W. Va. NO. 91, CHICAGO, ILI Meets 4th Tuesday of each month at 8 p. m., at Liberty Hall, 70 Adams st., Chicago, 111. G. Dal. Jones, Chief Tel., 1760 North Lawndale ave., Chicago, 111.; Wm. F. McDonald, S. ft T., Room 550, 263 La Salle st., Chicago, 111. NO. 92. — Division covers the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg Railway System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. H. R. Childs, Gen'l Chairman, Warsaw, N. Y.; J. T. Simmons, Gen’l S. ft T., 901 W. Long ave., DuBois, Pa. NO. 93. — Division covers the Illinois Central Rail- road System. Meets subject to the call of the Chairman. C. A. Mulhall, Gen’l Chairman, Clarkson, Ky.; G. E, Chance, Ass’t Gen’l Chair- man, Mounds, 111.; W. P. Moore, Gen’l Chair- man, Y. & M. V. Lines, Lulu, Miss.; R. L. Shannon, Gen’l S. & T., Anna, 111. Chicago Terminal hold regular meetings on 3d Saturday each month at 8 p. m., sharp, in Vicinity Hall (3d floor), N. E. cor. 35th and Cottage Grove ave., Chicago, 111. NO. 94, MERIDIAN, MISS. — Meets 4th Wednes- day night at 8 p. m., in Young Men’s Benevo- lent Association Hall, S. E. cor. Dauphin and Jackson sts., Mobile, Ala. J. E. Jones, Chief Tel., Oak Grove, Ala.; R. L. Howell, S. ft T., 18 South Catherin st., Mobile, Ala. NO. 95. PORTLAND, Mg.— Meets 3d Thursday each month at 546# Congress st., Portland, Me. H. G. Adams, Chief Tel., R. F. D. 2, Cumber- land Center, Me.; C. A. Ford, S. & T., West- brook, Me. NO. 96. — Division covers the Chicago Great West- ern Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. W. L. Albrecht, Gen’l Chairman, Fred- ericksburg, la.; W. H. Scott, G. S. & T., Eliza- beth, 111. NO. 97- — Division covers the Seaboard Air Line Ry. System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. D. May, Gen’l Chairman, Carlton, Ga.; F. O. Cumming, Gen’l S. ft T., Seaboard, N. C. NO. 98. — Division covers G. V. G. ft N. Ry. Sys- tem. Meets subject to call of Chairman. R. W. Smith, Gen’l Chairman, Thatcher, Ariz.; B. R. Marks, Gen’l S. ft T., Pima, Ariz. Digitized by ^.ooQle

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2150 The Railroad Telegrapher. NO. 99, COBALT, ONT. — Geo. A. Dufour, Chief • Tel., Cobalt, Tim North Bay, Ont. Arnold C. Moir, S. ft T., Uno Park, Ont NO. 100, ELMIRA, N. Y. — Meets third Friday each month at 9 p. m. sharp. Red Men's Hall, 164 Lake at, Elmira, N. Y. C. M. Weeks, Chief TeL. Stanley, N. Y.; C. R. Elliott, Sec. ft Trees., 381 South Main st, Elmira, N. Y. NO. xox. — Division covers Northwestern Pacific Ry. John A. Bondeson, Gen’l Chairman, Port Reyes Sta., CaL; W. E. Hicks, Gen'l S. ft T., Geyserville, CaL NO. xoa, PHILADELPHIA, PA. — Meeting place subject to notice from Secretary and Treasurer. Harold O. Mennig, Chief Tel., Conshohocken, Pa.; Arthur C Malstrom, S. ft T., West Con- shohocken, Pa. NO. 103, STELLARTON, N. S.— John T. Mc- Queen, Chief Tel., New Glasgow, N. S.; N. G. Munro, S. ft T., Box 15s, Stellar ton, N. S. NO. 104, AYER, MASS. — Meets 3d Sunday of each month at 9:30 a. m., in the ante-rooms of Pierce Hall, 3d floor, Clinton, Mass. F. H. Willard, Chief Tel., Lancaster, Mass.; John F. Mullen, S. ft T., 153 Lunenburg st., Fitchburg, Mass. NO. xos, CONCORD, N. H.— W. H. Meserve, Chief Tel., Penacook, N. H.; T. M. Casey, S. & T., 40 Church st.. Concord, N. H. NO. 106, HAGERSTOWN, MD.— Meets 1st and 3d Thursdays of each month at 8 p. m., in G. A. R. Hall, over Market House, cor. Potomac and Franklin sts., Hagerstown, Md. C. V. Lar- rick, Chief Tel., Mason-Dixon, Pa.; J. K. Sny- der, Sec., Box 46, Hagerstown, Md.; G. F. Hoo- ver, Trees., 354 South Potomac st., Hagerstown, Md. NO. 107. — Division covers Toledo, Peoria ft West- ern Ry. C. M. Finch, Gen’l Chairman, Watseka, 111.; O. L. Lang, Gen’l S. ft T., El Paso, 111. NO. 108, ADDISON, N. Y.— Meets ad Sunday each month at 11 a. m., in C. M. B. A. Hall, Addison, N. Y. F. J. Taylor, Chief Tel., Cross Fork, Pa.; L. D. Jacobs, S. ft T., Elkland, Pa. NO. 109, CRESSON, PA.— Henry D. Border, Chief Tel., Portage, Pa.; Louis Biter, S. ft T., Wilmore, Pa. NO. no, RENOVO, PA. — Meets 3d Wednesday of each month in I. O. O. F. Hall, 4th st., Emporium, Pa. D. J. Shea, Chief Tel., Water- ford, Pa.; A. L. Goodwin, S. ft T., Box 375, Emporium, Pa. NO. in. — Division covers San Pedro, Los Angeles ft Salt Lake Railway System. Meets subject to call of Chairman. E. C. Mangrum, Gen’l Chair- man, 10 Delmar ave., Salt Lake City, Utah. Lester Rouse, Gen’l S. ft T., Kelso, Cal. NO. 11 2. — Division covers the Columbia, Newberry & Laurens Ry. Meets subject to call of Chair- man. David W. Boland, Gen’l Chairman, Pros- perity, S. C.; James P. Wilson, Gen’l S. ft T., Newberry, S. C. NO. X13. — Division covers the Ulster ft Delaware Systems. Meets subject to call of Chairman. T. W. Bishop, Gen’l Chairman, Arkville, N. Y.; H. Krom, Gen’l S. ft T., Hunter, N. Y. NO. 1 14, ANNAPOLIS ROYAL, N. S..— H. A. Jaques, Chief Tel., Middleton, N. S.; W. W. Clark, S. ft T., Annapolis Royal, N. S. NO. 1 16. — Division covers the Duluth, South Shore ft Atlantic Railway System. Meets ad Sunday of February, April, June, August, October and December in places designated by General Chair- man. J. H. McLean, Gen'l Chairman, L’Anse, Mich.; C. Reif, Gen’l S. ft T., Lake Linden, Mich. NO. xx7, SHAMOKIN, PA. — Meets 3d Saturday months of January, March, May, July, Septem- ber and November, at 7 p. m., in L O. O. F. Hall, Mahon oy City, Pa., and on 3d Saturday, at 8 p. m., months of February, April, June, August, October and December, in P. O. S. of A. Hall, Shamokin, Pa. A. F. Wallaner, Chief Tel., Quakake, Pa.; H. M. Michael, S. ft T., Quakake, Pa. NO. xx8.— Division covers Toledo ft Ohio Cen- tral Railway System. H. E. Arnold, Gen'l Chair- man, Nelsonville, Ohio; R. M. Henderson, Gen’l S. ft T., Marysville, Ohio. NO. 1 19. — Division covers the Minneapolis, St. Paul ft Sault Ste. Marie Railway System. G. W. Lewis, Gen'l Chairman, Orleans, Minn.; F. C. Paine, Gen'l S. ft T., Erskine, Minn. NO. iso. — Division covers Lake Erie ft Western Railway System. V. E. Trittipo, G. S. ft T., Fisher's Switch, Ind. NO. iai. — Division covers Wisconsin Central Ry. System. G. A. Harsh, Gen'l Chairman, Dorches- ter, Wis. O. V. Soderstrom, Gen'l S. ft T., Medford, Wis. NO. 1J3. — Division covers Minneapolis ft St Louis Railway System. H. S. Vogler, Gen'l Chairman, Young America, Minn.; Robert Ham- ilton, Gen’l S. ft T., Belview, Minn. NO. 1 as. — Division covers Richmond, Fredericks- burg ft Potomac Railway System. Meets sd Friday night each month at K. of P. Hall, 3d floor, 825 Main st. (opposite postoffice), Frede- ricksburg, Va. C. H. Boschen, Gen'l Chairman Ashland, Va.; S. R. Gentry, Gen'l S. ft T., Fredericksburg, Va. NO. 126. — Division covers Chicago, Rock Island ft Pacific Railway System. Meets Maccabee Hall, Rock Island, 111., 4th Saturday evening of each month at F. O. E. Hall, El Reno, Okla. Meets second Saturday of each month at 8 p. m., in room 638 McCoy's Hotel, Chicago, III. W. T. Brown, Gen’l Chairman, Whiting, Kans.; M. E. Schooler, Gen’l S. ft T., Whiting, Kans. Digitized by Google

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The Railroad Telegrapher, 2151 NO. 127, VIRGINIA, MINN.— C. J. Keenan, Chief Tel., Kelsey, Minn.; J. F. Kenney, S. ft T., Alborn, Minn. NO. 129. — Division covers Lake Shore ft Michi- gan Southern Railway System. G. E. Kipp, Gen'l Chairman, Blasdell, N. Y.; C. D. Hull, G. S. ft T., 1029 Central ave., Sandusky, Ohio. NO. 130. — Division covers Chicago, Burlington ft Quincy Railroad System. M. J. Johnson, Gen’l Chairman, Anselmo, Neb.; W. A. Henry, Gen’l S. ft T., Ericson, Neb. NO. 132. — Division covers Atlantic Coast Line Railway System. Meetings, Florence, S. C., 4th Saturday night each month. Rocky Mount, N. C., bi-monthly, February, April, June, August, October and December, on 2d Saturday night. B. F. Wheeler, Gen’l Chairman, Oviedo, Fla.; J. H. Williams, Gen’l S. ft T., Wilson, N. C. NO. 133. SYDNEY, N. S.— G. B. Anslow, Chief Tel., North Sydney Junction, C. B.; Archie B. McDougall, S. ft T., Grand Narrows, Cape Bre- ton, N. S. NO. 134, JACKSONVILLE, FLA.— Meets 3d Sun- day each month, at 136 East Bay at., Herkimer Building, Jacksonville, Fla. L. R. Funderburk, Chief Tel., care Jacksonville Terminal Company, Jacksonville, Fla.; N. C. Hall, S. ft T., New Smyrna, Fla. NO. 135, OLEAN, N. Y. — Meets 3d Tuesday even- ing each month at Rafferty’s Hall, 2d floor, Tower Building, Olean, N. Y. A. D. Mathew- son, Chief Tel., Ischua, N. Y.; E. C. Stevens, S. ft T., Ischua, N. Y. NO. 136, READING, PA.— Meets 3d Friday of each month. Geo. P. Riggleman, Chief Tel., Mt Holly Springs, • Pa. ; C. F. Petree, S. ft T., 932 Pear st., Reading, Pa. NO. 137. — Division covers El Paso ft Northeastern Railway System. J. C. McNairy, Acting Gen’l S. ft T., 1425 Angelica st, St Louis, Mo. NO. 138. — Division covers C., C., C. ft St. L. Railway System. J. F. Justice, Gen'l Chair- man, 366 North Grant ave., Columbus, Ohio; C. A. Burton, Gen'l S. & T., 4056a Laclede ave., St. Louis, Mo. System meetings held at Eng- lish Hotel, Indianapolis, Ind., subject to call of General Chairman. Geveland Division meets Trades’ Council Hall, Galion, O., third Tues- day night of each month. Otto Krichbaum, 5902 W. Pilsen av., Cleveland, O., Local Chairman. Cincinnati-Sandusky Division meets third Mon- day night in each month at B. of L. E. Hall, Hollencamp bldg., Jefferson st., Dayton, O. J. F. Justice, Local Chairman. St. Louis Division — Meets at Paris, 111., every two weeks, subject to call ef Chairman. Edw. Whalen, Local Chair- man. Indianapolis Division meets at Anderson, Sidney and Bellefontaine, subject to call of Chairman. H. G. Hess, Local Chairman. Chi- cago Division West meets subject to call of Chairman. O. J. Repschlager, Local Chairman. Chicago Division East, meets subject to call of Chairman. W. M. Williams, Local Chairman. Michigan Division meets subject to call of Chair- man. Geo. Lavengood, Local Chairman. P. ft E. Division meets subject to call of Chairman. L. V. Peckenpaugh, Local Chairman. NO. 139. NORTH ADAMS, MASS.— Meets on the 2d Saturday of each month in Odd Fellows’ Hall, North Adams, Mass. T. E. Powers, Chief Tel., W. Valley Falls, N. Y.; H. F. Cook, S. ft T., Shelburn Falls, Mass. TWIN CITY TELEGRAPHERS’ CLUB.— Meets 2d Saturday night each month at Columbia Hall, Prior and University aves., St. Paul, Minn. L. D. Beamer, Pres., 360 Selby ave., St Paul, Minn.; T. H. Line, Sec’y ft Treas., 2365 Dos- well ave., St Paul, Minn. TELEGRAPHERS’ SOCIAL CLUB OF N. Y.— Meets subject to call of President at “The Plasa,” 141st st and Edgecombe ave., New York City; M. G. Woolley, President, 155th st. and 8th ave., New York City; E. Neumuller, S. ft T., 126 Union st, High Bridge, New York City. Digitized by t^ooQle

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Rebuilt Typewriters REMINGTON No. 6. For 25 years the Remington has been the Standard Writing Machine of the world. Small, compact Keyboard, light action, high speed, noiseless, good manifolder. We offer the late model machines, with automatic ribbon reverser, speed dog and platen release, rebuilt new at $50.00 instead of $100.00. SMITH PREMIER No. 2. The Smith Premier is one of the leading Writing Machines on the market. Every key represents the character it prints. No con- fusing shifts. Easy to learn, high speed, noiseless, ball-bearing Carriage. Late model machines with extended carriage improvement, platen release and Morse finger for automatic paper feeding, rebuilt new at $40.00 instead of $100.00. OLIVER TYPEWRITER No. 3. More than 100.000 machines in constant use, testify to the popu- larity of the No. 3 Oliver Typewriter. That class of operators who appreciate Visible writing will make no mistake in buying a No. 3 Oliver. Work in plain sight, high speed, superior alignment, good manifolding and ease of operation are some of the advantages of the Oliver Typewriter. Rebuilt new in our own factory at $50.00 instead of $100.00. (P. O. Box 612) ST. LOUIS, MO. Rebuilt Typewriter Co. (a MISSOURI CORPORATION) Underwood, Monarch, L. C. Smith & Bros., Welling- ton, Densmore, Century, Hammond, Caligraph and Chicago Typewriters, $15.00 to $50.00 We do not handle second-hand Typewriters. Every machine we sell is dismantled, all worn parts replaced with new ones, bright parts renickeled, etc., making machine as good, if not betterthanever. Terms cash. Transportation charges prepaid to any part of the United States if full amount of purchase price accompanies order. Digitized by Google 800 Olive St

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. THE YOUTH S COMPANION B^S^BFor 1908 The Best Christmas Present for $1.75 The Only Paper that Interests All the Family The fifty -two issues for 1908 will give as much reading for $1 .75 as twenty 400-Page hooks of fiction, history, etc., ordinarily costing $1 .50 each. 250 Capital Stories; 350 Articles and Sketches; 2000 One-Minute Stories ; 1 000 Notes on Nature and Science; Weekly Medical Article, etc. CHRISTMAS PRESENT COUPON. Cut out at once and tend this slip (or mention this publication) with $1.75 for the 52 issues of 1908 and you will receive C* I FT 1 All the issues of the paper for the remaining weeks of 1907, * * • including the Beautiful Holiday Numbers. CIFT 2 The Companion's 4-Leaf Hanging Calendar for 1908 in “ • Full Color — exclusively for Companion subscribers. Then The Companion for the fifty -two issues of 1908 — a library in itself. .1 19 Send for Sample Copies of the Paper and Illustrated Announcement for 1908. THE YOUTH’S COMPANION, BOSTON, MASS. Digitized by LiOOQle

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ELECTRIC NOVELTIES We have just received from the press a booklet treating on Electric Novelties and Special- ties. Some rare holiday offers are shown* Yours for the asking. EUREKA TELEGRAPH INSTRUMENT A moderate priced combination set, recommended as a learner’s apparatus, being low in price, /durable ana effi- cient. Copy of Phil- osophy and Practice of Morse Telegra- phy free with each instrument. Wound, 5 ohms, $1.15; Wound, 20 ohms, $1.95, IMPROVED GIANT SOUNDER Quick acting and gives a loud, clear sound. Pol- ished hard- rubber cov- ered coil 8, brass or aluminum lever, pol- ished brass base plate, mounted on highly polished mahogany base. Used by the largest railroad and telegraph companies. Standard size and design. Wound 5 ohms. Price, $1.40. BATTERY CALL TELEPHONE For lines from 100 to 1600 feet long. A practical working tele- Shone for outdoor or in- oor lines. Especially recommended for connect- ing office or store with house, house with stable, manager’s office with any part of building or grounds, etc. Every instrument tested and guaranteed to work satisfactorily. Will give as good serv- ice on short lines as any phone made. Price, each, $8.60. BURGLAR ALARM TRAP You can make your house or office burglar- proof by use of this trap ana a fewminutes ; \ work. Simply stretch the string across a doorway and any dis- turbance of string draws the needle to the right, ringing the bell; if the string be broken, spring draws needle to left, giving the alarm. Makes good fire alarm, as burning of string gives alarm. Two traps for 86 cents. IMPROVED MAIN LINE SOUNDER Gives three times the volume of sound given by the very best box relays. Made with full size re- lay magnets, 150 ohms resistance. Very sensitive to weak currents, giving a clear working sound on circuits where, without it. a relay with local sounder and battery would be absolutely necessary. With key, price, $4.60. Without key, price, $3.76. STANDARD PONY RELAY Made of selected material and hand- somely finished, mounted on ma- hogany base with metallic s urbane. Will work with Berfect ease on nes up to twenty miles, where main line sounders fail to give satisfaction, and requires much less battery power than a main line sounder of similar resistance. Wound 20 ohms. Price, $1.60. EARLY RISER’S OUTFIT The clock that gets you up in time. A high- grade clock movement. Will ring for a week if not shut off. Every railroad man realizes the importance of being on time — this timepiece will get you there if anything will. The clock is attached to battery box, so that the outfit may be car- ried by the top ring. Price, complete, $9.00. ANTI-DOC MEDICAL APPARATUS Accomplishes results as quickly as any high-priced battery. No home should bewithoutone. Unfailing re- lief for rheu- matism, opera- tors’paraiysis, etc. Costs less than one ap- plication b y your doctor. Price, com- plete with 96- page guide, only $2.00, CATALOG 0-22 ofJNSom^ SENT FREE Manhattan Electrical Supply Co. 17 Park Place — NEW YORK— 14 Murray St. 188 Fifth Ave., CHICAGO Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. inPR.SUPPLIES im w -i -v* m :m t. * i :u *i j .m :: EVERYTHING FOR THE OPERATOR. rfT T]HiM=B=:— R R. Spl . No. ft], Genuine German Agate Point, Gold Ferrule, Ebony CA, Handle . . No. 46 Stylu- Rubber C/Y Handle, large rough grip, best agate point . A 1 1 Agate (moss cornelian) Stylus, extra high grade, d* 1 AO Most beautiful Stylus made ...... S' 1 A LX THREE ABOVE IN NEAT CASE. $1.85. T.W. Ribbons. 50, 75. $1. Oil 15c or.. "Perfect” Oil Cans 25c. Erasers 5 and 10c. Noiseless T.W. Cush- ions 60c. Oversleeves 15 and 25c. Eyeshades 15c. “Mephisto” Imptd. Cy. Pencils dor. 65c, % doz. 35c. Touch Method (best self-instructor) 50c. Easy Les- ions in Shorthand. Manual, 25c. Phillips Code $1. Diagrams 334 p. $1 50. g Cards with O.R.T.emblemg. ij | r II III telegraph key. sounder or re- ■ 1 1 M ^ - lay. or all, and flue leather- |il>i | ette or aluminum case, post- F 1 1 1 I VffVTT fry PR,d- 60c* Excellent quality 1 »■ deep lined cuts and new type used. (If printed In two colors, 15c extra. THE FAMOUS COEY ATTACHMENTS There is Beauty in a Litholin Collar comtort and economy. Being water- proofed linen thev look like linen — and when soiled, a damp cloth will wipe them as clean and white as when new. are well known everywhere. No.2 Is especially designed for uneven roads and sharp curves. No, 3 will work with great success on the roughest road In America. Spl. Concession & Prom. Certificates with Every Order Litholin Collars and Cuffs make An Ideal Christmas Gift Collars 25c. Cuffs 50c. For traveling and daily use they add comfort. Do not crack, wilt, nor fray. If n*>t at dealers, send style, size, numlt prices we make *.'» or S10 do the F Wwl n II work that S50 does In a cash store. Don’t make the mistake of buying something cheap or I / JJ trashy, when the same money would make the first payment on a beautiful diamond ring, fear a yy stud, brooch, locket, scarf pin, a pair of cuff buttons, ear rings, a fine watch chain, w&tch \V flip! fob or any other article of high-grade Jewelry from our enormous stock. i MakeYour Christmas Selections Now— Pay Later— At Your Convenience iXvnll MM Send for a copy or our beautifully Illustrated Christinas catalog, and In the privacy of your own vD V \Ih home select the articles you desire, and we w ill send them to your home, place of bus ness or expre.vs office, for your Inspection. If you like them, If they are all and more than we claim them to be. pay — on«- fifth on delivery and the bal-inco In eight equal monthly amounts. We given signed guarantee of value and quality with every diamond, also the privilege of exchange for full value at any time for any other article of Jewelry from our tl.00n.000 stock. W e take all risks and pay all express charges ’ You have absolutely nothing to lose and a great deal to gain. [ Suitable Gift v v\\l / // > CmViJ t^aVcatalog \V|// “Diamonds Win For a Gentleman \Vu*^y containing 1.000 be. u- \\ /// Ramonas win ror a oenueman tiful illustrations. You v'*! Heart*” Gentleman s fancy. will find it a veritable N, ^ < n.' raved solid gold ✓ ti ' AX gold mine of Xmas gift " Ladles’ Handsome8olld Belcher ring (like il- J \ sugirestlonsnuitablcfor Gold Tiffany Rlng( like lustration), set with if / w\ \ friends, relatives and Illustration), Solitaire • a brilliant Stone. 1^ loved ones, all at a low ^ Diamond, a brilliant special for^ Christ- f J mas trade $65. vUljjii! aid you can quickly Christmas trade— $25 Other Styles from ^ solve the vexing fchrlst- ^ Belchers sud Other *25 upward. 865.00 S.,... .rom ,2. 00 Up $13 Down — Balance $6.50 a Month ®H- Write for our Christ- $5 Down— Balance $2.50 a Month S “Diamond* Win Heart.” Ladles' HnndsomeSolld Gold Tiffany King (like Illustration), Solitaire Diamond, a brilliant stone, special for the (.'hrlstmas trade — $25 Bclchsrs aud Other 425.00 Styles from $25.00 Up $5 Down— Balance $2.50 a Month hlTBJTir ^ : t Mi ' I '3 -r; 1

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. IfOVBLTIBS FOR TBlrBORAPHBRS MOER MW. BE UP-TO-DATE. 0. R. T. WATCH FOB Batton In Oold and Bine gAr SAMPLE FOB Batton la Oold and Blue £[ A _ SAMPLE FOB 10c. Extra lor 5 tamping Name. In Lots tf 25 ar Mora, 40c. uch. Stamping Name, 10c. Extra. No. 1035 PASS CASE. Grain leather, secret pocket for bills, two celluloid front pockets, with your name stamped £ 1 Qfl on in gold, our special, W ■ •was NO. 5.— An elegant Pass Case, with one trans- parent pass pocket and two side pockets, together with bill pocket, your name W1 RQ stamped on in gold- — " * ,vw Polo Pipe with reversible push bit and nickel ring, Z inches square folded, each.. Vest Pocket Auto Shaped Briar Pipe with solid reversible rubber push bit, nickel ring; each pipe packed in a paper box, inches square folded, each Auto Pipe in vest pocket leather case, each \ POCKET TOILET SETS. 416 — Neceaaaire, put up in leatherette case, has word “Toilet” , in silvered letters on outside, contains three pieces in celluloid, pocket comb, toothpick and nail cleaner, bev- eled glass; measures 2 J(x3% in. Each, postpaid 25c. No. Aie 420 — Red bordered calf leather, with gilt L'Art Nouveau metal ornaments on cover, heavy beveled mirror under cover, satin lined with white celluloid fittings in part stitched com- partments, size 2%x3% inches, each pestpall.SOe. 422— Two-fold red Russia Leather, with strap and button fastener inside moire silk, with extra No. 420 leaf Qf divided pockets, fitted with transparent celluloid comb, ear spoon, manicure fitting, heavy beveled mirror, size 2J£x3% in., each, postpaid 75c. 423 — Side and end folds, fancy mottled Persian and fancy leather, plain and ‘with gold stamding, 3 fittings, assorted in celluloid, shell and bnckhorn, size 2%x3% in., each postpaid $1.00 N0, 422 100 ENVELOPES, | 250 ENVELOPES. AA 100 LETTER HEADS, V * 250 LETTER HEADS, Printed with your Name, Address, Etc., F. 0. B. St. Louis, U. 8. A. WRITE FOR SAMPLES. ftTVT VTA vta Hard Rubber Handle. Chased, Agate Point, gA ^ OX I LUw IN O. 6% in. Long, sent by mail postpaid for 3vC. ADDRESS ALL COMMUNICATIONS TO SPECIALTY DEPARTMENT McLEAN PRINTING CO., STATIONERS, 1115.1117 CHESTNUT ST. # ST. LOUIS, MO., U. S. A. WRITE FOR HOLIDAY XMAS CATALOGUE. Digitized by "

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention Th« kail road Telegrapher. Is, 20% Down, 10% a Month The few Christmas gift suggestions illus- trated on this page will serve to show how really low our prices are. You can buy all your Christmas presents from us on credit and have nearly a year to pay for them. Our 64-year reputation for reliability is your guarantee of quality. Choose by number from the illustrations on this page, or send for large illustrated catalog number 78. We send all articles prepaid, with privilege of examination. If your home jeweler can duplicate any diamond or piece of jewelry at the same price, we will take it back and re- turn your money. Send for catalog number 78 to-day. J. M. LYON & CO. 71-73 NASSAU STREET NEW YORK Established 1843 12 Art Panels 50c Superb Reproductions of Famous Paintings — Studies of tbe Human Form Divine These pictures are real gemt —the most exquisite por- trayals of “Woman Beautiful'* evershown in one collection. We send a full set of 12 full-sized panels, in a hand- some art portfolio, complete, prepaid, together with 80 minia- ture illustrations of otherbeauti- ful art pictures for only 50c coin, money order or U.S. stamps. Or 26 panels (different) for 81.00. Send at once. Money back if not satisfied. Gordon Art Co. 1209 Foster Ave., Dept C 34, Chicago The largest exclusive mail order , picture house in ths United States rnrr Order at once and we will include an extra f Keiu full-length picture in colors, free.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. THE VAILOGRAPH la an improved vibrator weighing only 2%, ounces and is the only sending machine in the World which is applied directly to and worked by the old Morse Key. OPERATORS IS THIS NOT WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR? Side Motion Machines Will Soon Be a Thing of the Past. it was thought at first the side motion was necessary for the operator who had lost his “grip,” but this has all been proven wrong by the use of the “Vailograph.” It is the making of the dots that gets an operator so afflicted. THE VAILOGRAPH IS INTENDED FOR ALL OPERATORS no matter how expert. It not only saves your arm 60 per cent of the work, preventing you from ever losing your “grip,” but it turns out the most perfect Morse you ever heard. It is adjustable to slow and fast sending, works on short or long circuits; it even worked perfectly in a test on a long circuit through two sets of repeaters on a rainy day. The Vailograph is attached to the regular Morse key in such a way that the ordinary contact makes the dashes while one motion of the key upward will make the dots. The key lever is normally held in an intermediate position by means of the ten- sion of spring in the Vail ograph si ightly overcoming the ten- sion of spring in key. Don't Bay a new sending ma- chine before you in- vestigate the V allo- graph.” The Vallofiraph attached to key. Outfit Complete, $10.00. Cash with order or sent by express C. O. D., on receipt of $1.00 as a guarantee of express charges. United States Vailograph Mfg. Co. (INCORPORATED) Guaranty Building MINNEAPOLIS, MINN. CABLE ADDRESS: VAILOGRAPH. Digitized :ed by Goc e

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n When addressing our advertisers, pleaae mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ; * - i'.5* - ~*r> * x\t 1/4, ''ll 3'/*'' /,\V- //l\\ >,* // • i|V^ i. It r // 'J_' * ^ " — — — /^. i - * £H?!52114? ha&nt ^ f ON Cf’ AC To YOU at Cash Prices Don't wait until yon get the money before yon buy a diamond— we’il trust you for one on term* that will surprise yon. Buy a diamond now— when you want it and par us for 1 1 as you earn. one, whether she be sweetheart, wife, mother, sister or daughter, should be handsomely remem* l>ered with somo subtantial and lasting gift. Giya Her abiimond— You Can Afford to on Our Terms There is nothing that would bo more appro- Firiate or that would bring greater ioy to herlov- ng eyes. Think what a surprise it would be to her and how happy it would make her. for our diamonds are all gems of the first water, puro white stones of marvelous brilliancy that increase in value from year to year. Or— increase in value from year to year. Or— Why Not Boy a Diamond and Wear It Yourself? Think of the dignity, distinction and air of prosperity it would give you. Moreover, buying a diamond ia a saving's investment— better than a diamond ia a saving s investment— better than nutting monev in the bank, for it's a well- known fact that for years the increase in dia- mond values has been greater than savings bonk No. 7 9. Gypsy Rina, Diamond and Two Rubies, Sapphires or Emeralds, as ordwsd, $62M interest. It is a I wavs a valuable item of pos- hes* ion, and in case of misfortune can bo turned into cash at a moment's notice, anywhere. Just Drop Us a Lina and Say *'l Want a Diamond" We’ll send you oar Free Catalog— select any diamond you like. We will send it at once at our own expense, von having nothing to pay until fou have seen the stone. When you have exam- nod it carefully and made up your mind that it is n bargain and you wunt it. send us. say, one- fifth of its price and arrange to pay the balance in small payments that will be convenient for you, then the stone is yours, to give away or wear ns you prefer. Write now while fresh in mind for Free Catalog Diamonds, Watches, etc. Our prices save money for you on every purchase, and our liberal terms will please you. The Diamonds shown in accompany! □( cut are pure white, perfectly cut stones, the pick of the mines, set in 14k solid gold hand-made mounting*. Every one a bargain— and it requires only a small payment of one-fifth down for you to poaseas it. Wnto today— now — before you forget. THEWALKER-EDMUNDCO. Diamond Importers K 81 STATE STREET, CHICAGO No. 82. Tiffany Solitaire Diamond Bing, $5Q00 No. 83. Tiffany Hoop King, 1 Baby or Emerald. 2 Diamonds, $2750 No. 84. Diamond 05500 No. 85. Fancy Engraved Tiffany Mounting Solitaire Diamond Bing. $3250 No. 80. Diagonal Bing, set with three Diamonds, 072°* No. 87. Tiffany Belcher Diamond Bing. $8250

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Help Save One Mother’s Girl V Whose Girls go Wrong? ' Some mother's — perhaps living, perhaps dead — but always her's. Why do Girls go Wrong? Sometimes through ignorance, often through ambition, oftenest through deception. How Many Girls go Wrong? Thousands every year. Today there are fully six thousand in the seventy-one Florence Crittenton Mission Homes trying to gain courage to face a frown- ing world (fallen women usually get a chilling reception), and to learn some occupation which will help them to be self-supporting. This is about the average number always within the Mission's walls, and yet the faces change almost daily. The pages of the Florence Crittenton Magazine tell of these unfortunate women and girls, their needs and what you can do to kelp their helpers. Mot all can be Mission Workers, but all can help those who are. Though no one whom you know, or for whom you are responsible, has thus fallen by the wayside, let us urge you to open your hearts to the desperate needs of these strangers who are so needy. Please send One Dollar for a year's subscription to The Florence Crittenton Magazine Address A. W . ELLIOTT, Care National Florence Crittenton Mission, 218 Third St., N. W., Washington, D. C. Cert. 1129 Grand Div. Digitized by Google

Page 1244

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. from Washington & One of My Watches | are Constant Companions One of the most Important factors In railroadingtoday Is a good watch. I sell the best that skill and science can produce. Not the kind that Is bumped over the country In travel- ing salesmens trunks and ruined before they reach you. But the fine new bright kind direct to me from the Factory. No Watch passes through my hands without a criti- cal examination. Close rating, and a thorough test for precision. . . . . In my new Catalogue I lay before you the highest grades of all the movements manufactured In Amer- ica, with a detailed description and fine Illustration of each and every one that will pass Inspection on any R. R. Also a big assortment of cases adapted for R. R. usage. Along with a fine selection of chains and R. R. order emblems. This catalogue free. And on any article you buy from me. I’ll save you money. Write today and see how quick It will reach you. J. D. ROWLAND, 214 Summit St. TOLEDO. OHIO $20 Watch for $5.45 Th«te tores toll exactly what we are doing— aelllnf a *90.00 watch for #5.45. We don’t claim that this is a 940.00 watch or a 950.00 watch, but it is a #80.00 watch. A leading watch being hard pressed for ready cash, recently sold us 100,000 watches— watches actually built to retail at 920.00. ifl? UL ' that w® eonld wholesale these to dealers for 912.00 or 913.00, but this would involve a great amount of labor, time and expense. In the end our profit would be little more ••Uing the watch direct to the consumer at 96.45. JhUCiaceffci Watch, "hich we offer at #5.45 isarabled Jeweled, finely balanced and perfectly adjusted movement. It has spec ally selected jewels, dust band, patent regulator, enameled dial, jeweled compensation balance, doable haat- Isg case, aeaulne gold-laid and handsomely engraved. Each watch Is thoroughly timed, tested and regulated before leaving the factory and both the case and movement are aaar- antced far 80 year*. Send us your name, poet-office address, and nearest exprssa office and name of this paper. Tell us whether you want a ladies or gents watch and wa will send the watch to your express office at once. If It Ballades you, after a careful examination, pay the express agent 95.45 and express charges and the watch is yours, but if It doesn’t please you return it to us at oar expense. A 80- Year guarantee will be placed In the front case of the watch we send you and to the first 10,000 customers we will sends beautiful gold-laid watch chain. Free. We refer to the First National Bank of Chicago, Capital 910,000,000. NATIONAL C'ONrtOLIlPATKD WATfSu OO. Dept. Tie, CHICAGO. STRANGE INVENTION HAPPENED* NEW PECULIAR APPARATUS SSSST"1 i Wonderful but true, no more farm, town or city homes without a bathroom and somethin* more. THE ALLEN PORTABLE BATH APPARATUS operates with one gallon of water, yet does more than a tub fall. Used everywhere that water exists. Everybody has water, hence everybody can now have their own bathroom. Cost but S3.75 ready to u se— cost nothin* to operate. Makes a bathroom of any room at home, or when traveling— even better, does more than bathrooms costing $100.09. bounds strange, even impos- sible, yet it’s being done. Sec how simple, easy, convenient : To use— place Metallic non-corrosive fountain on wallorshelf-fill with water— turn screw-that’snll— thereafter it works automatically. A hath, hot or cold, in one operation, 5 minutes’ time, your skin constantly flushed with clear running water, pores opened, cleansed, invigorated by hundreds of little soft jelf-cleansln* teeth working gently, thoroughly. Only clear, running water touches the body— a delightful, tingling, sparkling spray that refreshes while it cleanses. Cleansio*, friction, massage, shower bath oil in .ne— same time. What a pleasure-Couki anything be more perfect! Just think— -Nt tubs to I clean, bowls or buckets to ttll-No wash ra*s or sponges- No dirt, splashing or muss. No plumbing, V tools, valves— not even a screw to set. Move it about at will, bim pie, durable, handsome. “ sanitary. Saves time, expense, labor, space. The ideal bathroom for town and country homes, travelers, roomers. No experiment— USED AND PRAISED BY THOUSANDS. Insures cleanliness without drudgery, inconvenience, annoyance — promotes health, beauty, happiness^ sound Sanitary| Foun- tain K\NS., writes: ‘^A God send to any family.” W.W. DRURY, 0., writes: “Exceeded my expectations. Mechanically perfect, attractive. Can bathe in one-fourth the time of ordinary methods.” Guaranteed by an old, reliable house, capitalized for $50,000.00. Price complete, ready to use, only $3.75 and op. Sent to any address. Order now— you’ll he satisfied. Sad card anyhow for full description, valuable book, catalogue, testimonials — all free. BIG MONEY FOR AGENTS, SALESMEN, MANAGERS — at home or traveling, all or spare time. Here’s proof: M. G. Stoneman, Mont., writes : “My sales run over $1200 per month. Best sel- ler on market. Enclose order for $6187.00.” W. A. Macoobrlc, Kans., writes: "Made $50 00 In 4 hours.” Hundreds making big money. You can, it’s easy. This invention new. Millions everywhere eager to buy. Write today for EXCLUSIVE Agency proposition, stories of saccess. All free. *3 THE ALLEN MANUFACTURING CO, 12M Adams SW Toledo, 0.

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When Addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. r: t vvi jaoysi H your townspeople oontomptato putting In on exohange, or tho farmers in your vloinity build 0 s rural parly lino, wrlto uo about It and wa will * tell you bow you oan mako a lot of monoyon tbooidoe Government exports pronounoo our tslophonoo bottor than all others* SWEDISH -AMERICAN TELEPHONE CO. CHICAGO, ILL. Die. IS. The Marcel Wave Bed Spring la perfectly sanitary, noiseless, vermin and dust proof; made of steel tub- ing sides, gold bronzed, steel angle ends, gold bronzed, and laced with No. 13 gauge spring steel wire, finely coppered. The wire is crimped or waved as shown in cut. each crimp or wave is a spring unto itself, evenly distributed the full length of the bed. The Spring needs no cumbersome supports, is light, strong ana durable; will last a lifetime; makes a welcome Christ- mas present, especially to the old folks at home. Send us the size of your bed andU.OO, either express or P. O. money order, and we will ship to any Rail- road Station in the United States, freight prepaid, one of these handsome Bed Springs, having box spring effect. Write for O. B. T. (Club £ates. THE COMMERCIAL MAMUFACTURIN6 CO. (incorporated) 114 East Herth five., CHICAGO. ILL. SAVE 25°/0 AND USB WHILE PAYING. We sell only the beaj watches and jewelry, and guarantee satisfaction or money back. No publicity. Write to-day for catalog. BERLIN GO. Box DIB. Birmingham. Ala. iifiiiiSTRONQ FOUNTAIN PENS At manufacturers’ prices. Satisfaction Guaranteed or money refunded and no Questions asked. Write us. CHICAGO SPECIALTY SALiS COMPANY Ctrl. 219. 01*. 91. - - - CHICAGO, ILL. PATENTS SEE SEND FOB FREE BOOKLET. Milo B.Stevens & Co., 907 14th St, Washington, D. C. Branches at Chicago, Cleveland and Detroit. Established 1864. No Patent, no fee for our ssrvless. you eat, add flesh, build you up. give you strength, vigor and vitality every day; they restore complete mantKxvd and womanhood, after all tried remedies and doctors failed— let us prove It to you by sending testi- monials from many grateful men and women who will write you of their wonderful cures by Vitaline Tablets. You have never had anything like Vitaline Tablets— they are guar- anteed under U. S. Pure Food and Drugs Act Serial No. 3877, to contain absolutely nothing poisonous or In- jurious; harmless and pleasant to take. DR. RAINEY WRITES TOO AND ALL MAIL IS PLAIN AND SEALED. Plainly write name and address below. Dr. Rainey Medldns Co.. Dipt. B31, Dexter Bldg., Chicago:— Send at onc« $1 00 bottle of Vitaline Tab- let*, without charge, absolutely free on trial, and if I get satisfactory benefits I will send you fl-00.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. BROTHERS ThU Fln«* Leather Card Ca«*e wtlhO. R T. monogram or your name on case, and 100 superfine cards for ladies or gentlemen, script or old Inglisb. with any one or two of the following devices; O. R. T. monogram, wreath and sounder, telegraph kcv, re- lay. semaphore emblem. Brotherhood of Railway Clerks emblem. All for 76c. Just right for a Christ man Present. 100 cards without case. 40c. Cards printed in two colors witout extTa charge. Wedding Inflation* «r Announcement*, the finest kind. with two sets of envelopes, M.50 for 100. $-.50 for 50, express prepaid. Patronize the fraternity. E. J. WILKINS, Friendship, N. T. Cert. 45, Dit. 42. LIGHT YOUR HOME your store, factory or business place Better than your neighbors and save 50 to 75 per cent by using this our Brilliant Gas Lamp at $5.00 EACH or our ClimaxLigtitingSystem The best lighted stores use them and they are more in use than all other kinds put together. If you want the brightest store in town or the best reading lump, send your order at once or write for our Catalogue. R.R.T. BRILLIANT GAS LAMP CO. EiclttsivsmxnafMt’rs of above goods. 42 State St., Chicago, III. From the Wire to a Smith Premier Typewriter /That is the surest and safest manner of hand- ling messages. The Smith Premier writes accurately, easily and quietly, and is always / equal to the amount and kind of work demanded by a busy rail- A* road office. The favorite “mill” of the operators of America. The Smith Premier Typewriter Co. Syracuse, N. Y. TYPEWRITERS, All. . HAKES. At 14 to )&auaafecturw*«pf1cM Ail thn Standard Hachlatt. Indndiad LATEST MODELS. == SOLD OR RENTED ANYWHERE — Pfnbl applied on price. * Write for Iflugtrated Catalogue. TYPEWRITER EMPORIUM. 23, Fifth Anm*. C2TC*M Digitized by Google

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When addressing onr advertiser*, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. .^TYPEWRITERS ARE BETTER THAN NEW MACHINES. To prove ltv ask any of our Customers. Our prices are 60 to 76 per cent less than makers' prices and we give you terms that no other dealer duplicates. W rite for them. We are also general agents for The Transmitter you must eventually buy. II you need an AUTO-DOT or a TYPEWRITER write to ut— Write to ue anyway. W. F. MCDONALD AND COMPANY • 263 LaSalle Street, Chicago w. f. McDonald, manager. O. R. T. DIV. 01. member O. t u a> LOOAL NO. I. DO YOU WANT TO MAKE, MONEY? Agents wanted to tell our 8TYLOORAPHIC and FOUNTAIN PENS. Write for Catalogue and Agents9 Discount. J. T. ULLRICH A CO.. 27 Thames St.. New York. N. Y PATENTS CD A P|/CD Attorney at Law and Solicitor of Patents I Ld I HniXLll 158 Dietz Building, Washington, a C. Patents secured promptly. Reports rendered as to patentability, validity and infringement. Hand Book for inventors sent upoD request A Search the four corners of the earth and you will not find as y M good watches for Railway Service as 3Winoifi» ^atefieg. First-class jewelers everywhere sell and fully guarantee them. Look for the names and numbers of the Railway Move- j 1 ments as shown in the corners. Our Digitized by Google

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. Are Ton Up-To-Date? It yon are a user of the ordinary steel pens, wouldn't you welcome a pen point that wfll write twenty times longer with one alp in the ink well ? A pen point of line quality that won't blot, clog or corrode? If yon wish writing to be a pleasure, try our patent pens. 25o per dosen, or 13c for six, post-paid. J. T. FUREY & CO. 6022 Fifth Ave. Brooklyn, N. Y. Yc?hVe .Draftsman making 8150 monthly when taking individual instrue- Chief draftsman who will in few months' home study equip you fully with complete technical and practical knowledge snab> ling you to start at WO-S30 weekly salary and rapidly ad- vancing. Furnish tools free of charge and steady posi- tion when completed. Reasonable terms and success guaranteed Best trade with best future. Address Chief Draftsman. Ohr 8 Eng’s Equip’! Co.llnc.) Chicago Learn Watch Repairing Bs • w* to h maker — you ana learn thl» profitable tr*d« by .orr*. pond.no. la a Be weeks In your own bom# by the DoSelme Chart System. After you eompWts **■ 1 you will knew a watoh from A to S. Too just what the matter Is and how to repair one Whoa you paduato von will be a pmetieal watohmakor and repairer and eampotoat to All any poaldea. Positions for oar (taduatos. Ask for ear Free Berk. ‘ THE DeSELMS WATCH SCHOOL 10 Ferry »«. ATTICA, IMPIAMA $1.00 Each. 2 for $1.80. A Gold Pin that is neat and tasty is what you waut, isn’t it! Here it is. A gold wreath surrounding a body of black and white enamel, set with a ruby doublet. A swelllooker anywhere you pin it, and gives an added attractive- ness to any garment. It’s a “31 tine f°rlt L. B. FUNK, Oert. 673, Dlv. 14. Iron ton, Ohio. Some case, 18 size only, with " 21 Jewel high-grade corse a Deuber - Hampden $ 4 down and one dollar a week. Or, this beautiful white perfect dia- mond set In 14-kt solid STQOO . , gold ring, (any style) AiCIltS Id down and $1 a week, or double the ■ amount every other week. ndlUCU You may send first payment with order or ask us to ship C. O. D. 1st payment for examination. Illustrated Booklet No. 0-5 FREE. Send today. Addrc OUSEH EbANH Diamond Importers— Watch Jobbers SOU (M-5 ) Slate St., Chicago J UNU3UAL OPPORTUNITY For all AGENTS and OPERATORS tolearn the Stock and Grain Brokerage Business FREE and llilis a Big Income on the Side and not Interfere with your present position. Write THE STANDARD GRAIN CO. 033 to 034 Sckoftold Bid*.. Cl.v.lud, Okto. Bmkm Mtotok tam a4 1»t CMwiaM SM tictoti. OPERATORS fart's your opportunity to sake $ ft O PER MONTH ON THB S1DB selling the best, nicest and cheapest Pocket Knlvei in theUnlted States. All goods fully warranted, name and address on one side of the knife, and lc anion emblem or Photo on the other side. Write today for liberal terms. GOLDEN RULE CUTLERY CO. IftD Wendell Bt. CHICAGO. _ Yonr lodge er J1IT51ADCI« for Organisations or Club# yon are interested in, write for onr catalogue and discounts. g- n Steiner engraving a badge Co. • NORTH *TH ST., ST. LOUIS, MO. i SHORTHAND ev. I N 50 DAYS I f We absolutely guarantee to teach shorthand complete ioN only thirty day*. You can learn in spare time in your own home, no matter where you live. No need to spend months as with old systems. Boyd's Syllabic System is easy tolearn —easy to write— easy to read. Simple. Practical. Speedy SUre. No ruled lines — no positions— no shading as In other systems. No long lists of word signs to confuse. Only nine cnaractersto learn and you have the entire English lan- guage at your absolute command. The best system for stenographers, private secretaries, newspaper reporters and railroadmen. Lawyers, ministers, teachers, physicians, literary folk and business men and women may now learn shorthandfor their own use. Does not take continual daily practice as with other systems. Our graduates hold high-grade positions everywhere- Send to- day for booklets, testimonials, etc. CHICAGO CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS 1010 Chicago Opera House Block, Chicago, 111. HOLIDAY GIFTS 8BND FOR OUR JEWELRY CATALOGUE, FREE W. F. MCDONALD & COMPANY 263 LaSalle St, CHICAGO W. F. MCDONALD, Manager Member 0. R. T., Dlv. 91 . THE MAIL ORDER BUSINESS Is open to ell telegraphers no matter where located or how little capital they possess. And a great number of them should take advantage of the opportunity It offer*. Yon can earn more on the side than jour salary without any one knowing you are in the business. It won't be long until yonr business will grow and you will quit K.R.work and help to make Operators scarce In the country. "A word to the wine is sufficient.” Write for full particulars today. Don't put it off. BOND MAIL ORDER BUREAU, Smtthboro, III. Digitized by Google

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When addressing oar advertiser*, please mention Hie Railroad Telegrapher. Description —Made of btn quality corded or ribbed silk; heavy patent leather visor, green underneath to •hade the eye*, and ailk strap cord. I Mailed on receipt of price, 85 CENTS, Stamps, Money Order or Express Order, i Money refunded if not satisfied. Mention correct size. REGULATION UNIFORM CAP Black ribbed silk (best quality): heavy patent leather visor; gold embroidered letters; two rows gold tape. Mention correct size. PRICES i Agents, Conductor*, Trainmaster or Superintendent Stamps, money order or express order; express prepaid. Prompt shipments. Lightweight. UNION MADE M GOETTLER HAT CO. 1 260 S. Broadway ST. LOUIS, MO. FROM MANUFACTUR- ER TO C'ONSt'M EB Don’t Woar a Trass Brooks* Appliance is a new scientific discovery with auto- matic air cushion* that draws the broken parte together and binds them as you would a broken limb. It absolutely holds firmly and comfortably and never slips, always light and cool and conform* to every movetuentof the body without chafing or hurting. I make It to your measure and *end it to you on a strict guarantee of satisfaction or money refund- ed and I have put mty price no low that any body, rich or poor, can buy it. Re»ienil*er I make It to your order— aend it to you -eon wear It— and If It doesn't satisfy you, you send It back to me and I will refund your money The banka or any responsi- ble citizen in Marshall will tell you that is the way I do busi- ness—always absolutely on the square and I am selling thou- sands of people this way for the post five years. Remember I use no salves, no harness, no lies, no fakes. I just give you a straight business dee* »t a reasonable price. U. K. Brook* 6924 Brook* Bldg., Marshall. Mich. Invitation To Railroad Telegraphers, Executive Officials, Electrical Experts and Operators of the IVestern Union and Postal Telegraph Com- panies, U. S. and Canada , and to Electrical Engineers, and Scientists generally: You are Invited to call at the office of the and see one thonannd words per minute transmitted and plainly recorded in Morse char- acteas over a circuit of 1100 ohms resistance and three microfarads Electrostatic capacity, or the equivalent of a No. 6 Copper wire. New York to Buffalo, with 110 \ olts. With 300 volts 1000 words a minute can be recorded New York to Chicago. Those who accept this Invitation will be con- vinced that the Telepoat can and will send 26 words for 26 cents between any two points In the United States. Those unable to visit the Telepost offices will, npon application by mail, be sent Illustrated booklet No. 43, givingfull particulars. I TELEPOST COMPANY ■ 225 Filth Avenue, ... New York I Union Trust Co. Bldg., Washington I THE Railroad Telegrapher IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS Its offices ere located on the seventh floor •f the Star Building, corner Twelfth and Olive streets, 8L Louis, Mo. BLOOD POISON v we have a Remedy unknown lo the pro* fosalon. We refund money If we do not eure. Yon can be treated at home for the sameprioe as if you came to our offloe. We will give you a guaranty to cure or return money * •* eurlng world. We have a Remedy unknown to the pro* refund “ “ ca as money. For many years" we ~hare*Wbeen curing patients In every country In the world. Our treatment is In every sense a home treatment. If you have exhausted the old methods of treatment and still have aches and pains, mucous patches In mouth, sore throat, pimples, copper-colored spots, ulcers on any parts of the body, hair or eyebrows falling out. It is this secondary blood poison we guarantee to cure. We solicit the most obstinate cases. This dis- ease has always baffled the skill of the most eminent physicians. For many years we have made a specialty of treating this dis- ease with our Magic Cura, and ws have 1800.000 capital behind our unoondltlonal guaranty. WE OURE OUIGKLY AMD PERMANENTLY Our patient* cored year* ago by our great Dta- nor try , unknown to the profession, are today sound and well, and hare healthy shihlrsa ws cured them. DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME AND MONEY saswtssMitlBS'. Absolute and positive Mat sealed on application. 199-page book IE] Me braaeb effloea. Id 4 rase fully t* follow* i oook ncmcar oomnurr * 1«V* Muonic Tempi*, Chicago, *J. a A. COOK REMEDY CO. Digitized by Google

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THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS. PETITION FOR MEMBERSHIP Officers and Members, Division No. * The Subscriber by occupation a of years experience, born in voluntarily offers himself as a candidate for initiation into THE ORDER OF RAILROAD TELEGRAPHERS, and agrees, if admitted, that he will cheerfully conform to all the laws, rules, mandates and edicts of the Order. I have not been rejected for membership in the Order within the past year. Fee enclosed, $ Signature of Petitioner Dated at this day of 190 — *My Postoffice address is — Employed by Railroad. This Is to Certify: That we the subscribers, are personally acquainted with Mr and, from a confidence in his integrity and the uprightness of his intention, do cheerfully recommend and propose him as a proper candidate for member- ship in this Order. *Be careful and fill in your postoffice address. R ECO M MENDERS. Digitized by ^.ooQle

Page 1251

When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. ELGIN Comrades that make an engineer happy, That’s what you call good’ railroad- ing. The VERITAS Model Elgin is the watch specially designed to meet all conditions of railroading. ■ Four other ■ railroad ^ Elgins in- ^ JJ? terestingly 4| described jj for railroad men in a 3 SIP booklet, ■ ^ / “Timemakers ® and Timekeepers ” — the history of the locomotive and the watch. Tree on request. ELGIN NATIONAL WATCH CO, Elgin, 111.

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When addressing our advertisers, please mention The Railroad Telegrapher. PERMANENT VICTORY 1 F-ROM ' TEMPORARY DEFEAT No. 5. IN the first round of litigation over patents on the mechanical trans- mitter, the lower court has held that the MECOGRAPH transmitters No. 3 are infringements of Martin’s patent. We have appealed from that decision, and confidently expect to “land on top” when the appellate court renders its decision. The Coffe Mecograph was the first mechanical transmitter placed on the market. (By mechanical transmitter, is meant one not requiring a battery. ) The Mecograph was received with such marked favor and worked such a revolution in telegraphy that, naturally, various other mechanical transmitters sprang into existence. Our temporary defeat brought on a violent brain storm, resulting in MECOGBAPH No. 5, one in no way affected by the litigations above referred to. It eclipses everything else in the line of transmitters, even MECOGRAPH No. 3. It is the simplest, best made, most delightful transmitter an operator ever touched. BRAINS, SKILL AND TOOLS CAN PRODUCE NO BETTER Try it and you will be satisfied with no other. If to be sent C. O. D., the order must be accompanied by a remittance large enough to pay express charges both ways on a four-pound package, which remittance we will deduct from our C. O. D. bill. SEND FOR CIRCULAR PRICE $10 CASH; IN NEAT CARRYING CASE $1 EXTRA MECOGRAPH COMPANY 74 Frankfort St.. CLEVELAND, OHIO, U. S. A. Digitized by t^ooQle

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BAKER’S COCOA FIRST in Years! FIRST in Honors! FIRST on the Breakfast Tables of the World! JO HIGHEST AWARDS IN 40 EUROPE AND AMERICA WALTER BAKER & CO., Ltd. [Established 1780] DORCHESTER, MASS. vose PIANOS Established tn Eighteen Hundred and Fifty-One “Comparison with- othcr instruments only serves to empha- size the quality that makes the vose DISTINCTIVE and PREEMINENT and to increase the favorable comment? ~ on vose By our easy payment plan, every family in mod- erate arcumstan.es can own a VO SC piano We allow a li.xral price for old instruments in exchange, and deliver the piano in your house free of expense . . . You can deal with us at a distant point the same as in Boston. Send for .catalogue and full information. vose ca, sons piano co. 161 BOYLSTON STREET, BOSTON MENNEN'S BORATE D TALCUM TOILET POWDER and insist that vour JK \ barber use it also. It is Antiseptic, and will •. prevent any of the jHViL skin diseases often contracted. A positive relief for Chapped Hands. Chut . fng,and all afflictions of the skin. Removes all odor of per* spirat ion. Get Mennen's — the original, rut up in non refillable boxes, ‘ the Box that Lox.'* Sold everywhere or mailed for 35 cents. A' mp/e />,*. (juaranteed under the Food and Drugs Act. June 30, 1906. Serial No. 154a Try Mennen's Violet (Borated) Talcum Gerhard Mennen Co., Nev

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