Sister Akers' mother was called to her eternal home. The untimely death of Sister Wiltse of Pittsburg, Pa., was reported here. We sincerely sympathize with the bereaved ones.

This is the time of the year when we think most of those who are needy. Let us help some worthy brother or sister, remembering our motto, charity, truth and friendship.

We have had election of officers, and hope the incoming officers will serve faithfully during the ensuing year.

MRS. L. R. GREINER.

Shawnee, Okla.

When Oklahoma Division 181 held its election November 15, and had tagged all its resident members with an office, they began on the visitors, and I drew the office of correspondent. Of course, I'm a member, but have been side-tracked over at Geary so long I felt I was exempt. However, the idea seems to be that it isn't the Division's fault, and I ought to come back often enough to keep in touch.

The past year has been one of many changes in our Division. Some sisters have moved away, but there are enough members left-twelve, I think-to make a real live Division, if only everybody could be persuaded to come out regularly. Persuaded, did I say? I ought not to have used that word, and yet that is what so many presidents have to do every meeting day. I myself have stood at the 'phone for an hour on the morning of a meeting day to persuade, coax, cajole,— actually tease enough members to come out to make a quorum.

I am supposed to write something of interest to the whole Order and I know of nothing more important than the item "Attendance." Why do not our members come out and take more interest? This is applicable to the men as well as the women. There are Divisions of the O. R. C. that have to almost send a sheriff after their members when they want a quorum to transact important business. Why? Maybe a Solomon could answer and hit everybody; I'll not try. Think it over and see if a small word "self" hasn't a lot to do with it.

I suppose there is no other class of women who have more right to be clannish than we railroad women. Our lives are so much alike. My neighbor's troubles are the same as mine. If she's alone and frightened almost to death one night, I am the next. If her husband's train is late and there's news of a wreck, I'm there to declare I don't believe a word of it and bolster up her courage-and she'd do the same for me. Why, in our blockall railroaders but two, and one of them is a traveling man-if a burglar should

break in, there would not be a bit of use calling for a man to help the chances are they'd all be on the road.

It's much that way from Maine to California, and from the North of Canada to the Gulf. If the women in Maine barricade their doors by putting a chair under the knob with a pair of scissors perched where they'll fall at the slightest move of an intruder-the women in California or Oklahoma may turn a chair upside down in the open window, with another braced from that to the foot of the bed, all for the same reason-the good man's on the road.

If then we have the same trials, why not work together for our good timesthe social and intellectual improvement? The world-woman's world-is advancing with giant strides, and to live, not exist, we must advance with it. Organization broadens us, rubs off the corners, helps us to see not only Me and Mine, but Thee and Thine; and, above all, fits us to take our place in the ranks of the "things worth while."

Sisters, let me ask you to make a pledge of regular attendance the coming year; give as well as take; strengthen the hands of your president instead of keeping her in the position of trying to work with one hand tied behind her back.

Oklahoma Division is planning a number of things to arouse a social as well as financial spirit among its members; there are one or two candidates in sight, and altogether I hope to have a lot of interesting things to tell you before the year closes. For fear I haven't been emphatic enough, let me say in closing, come out and get busy, everybody, and this isn't scolding, either.

MRS. M. E. STANSBURY.

Michigan City, Ind.

Myrtle Jewett Division 282 greets all Divisions of the L. A. with best wishes for a prosperous new year. We have been silent for a year, trying to see if we could not outdo some of our sister Divisions which are not heard from very often, but you know the sisters' failing, they must talk, so you will hear from us again during the year 1914. Although we have not been heard from, it was not because there was nothing to write about, as the past year has been one of our best. We added several new members to our Auxiliary and kept our treasury in a very satisfactory condition.

Several of our ladies attended the convention in Detroit, besides one delegate, who brought back good reports.

Early in the year 1913 sorrow came to Sister Isbey's home; her husband lost his life while on duty, but the separation will

not be long, as this present life is just a beginning for the life hereafter.

We have lost two of our most active members, our past president, Sister Rozean, and our past senior sister, Sister Ludlum, they having moved to Detroit, but they have promised to visit us often. May our best wishes go with them, for what will be our loss will be Detroit Auxiliary's gain, for they will be willing workers wherever they go.

November 23 we held joint installation with Barker Division 213, which was well attended. There were several visitors present, who were called on for talks, but few responded. After the meeting our ladies served a fine spread, to which all did justice. Sister Ludlum in behalf of the Auxiliary presented our retiring president, Sister Rozean, with a silver sugar tray, also a pin, an emblem of our Order, as a token of appreciation of her services during the past three years. Sister Rozean responded with a few well chosen words. The remainder of the evening was spent in a social good time.

We are slowly adding new members to our Order, have a candidate for next meeting, and there are a few more eligible ladies in our city whom we hope to gather in during the coming year and thus gain strength to boost our good work along. MRS. LOUIS JOHNSON.

sented with a bouquet of flowers, given by the sisters of her Auxiliary. After the installation Mr. Collins gave us a talk, complimenting the good work of our Auxiliary. A luncheon marked the closing program, given by Division 107 (0. R. C.), which was thoroughly enjoyed by all present.

Sister Crawford entertained the ladies at her new home at Middletown.

Now, let us try and make our president happy; try and make an effort to attend each meeting, for she had a very trying year. Let us try and see what we can do for the new year.

We extend a cordial welcome to all visiting sisters. MRS. A. GINDER.

New London, Conn.

Harbor Division 250 is still on earth and doing very nicely. This past year has been very successful in many ways, but on the other hand we have had sickness among our members and the angel of death has taken away some of the dear ones belonging to our members; others have moved away, while new ones have been added to our membership.

We have had only a fair attendance at our meetings during the warm weather, as so many were away on their vacations.

We are sorry to lose Sister Jackson by removal to another city. She was a willing worker and one of the best correspondents the Division ever had, and will be greatly missed.

Harbor Division was greatly shocked to learn of the death of Sister Massey's beloved husband, and our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her, as well as to Sister Scanlon, who recently lost a little daughter. Sister Massey will be missed by us all if she moves away to another state, as she was a good member and always had the best interests of the Division at heart.

If everything goes as well as the election of officers that was held November 11, we certainly ought to have a prosperous year in 1914, for it was a pleasure to see how well the sisters pledged their help and support to our newly elected president, and we know they will "make good." And let us remember that we cannot have a successful Division unless we all work in harmony, as we all need one another.

Much pleasure is derived from the whists that have been and are being held at the homes of the sisters, afternoons and evenings. These enjoyable gatherings all bespeak the esteem of the hostesses. Hope we may continue to hold these whists next year.

Our sisters are planning to give the dinner at the joint installation to be held

on December 14, with Sister Blake as chairman. A good time may be expected

by all.

With the new year close at hand, let us try and attend the meetings, and help our president.

Best wishes to all and a hearty welcome to all visiting sisters.

MRS. WALTER N. PHILLIPS.

Los Angeles, Cal.

Division 84 is still in existence, if it has not been heard from for several months, but the good work has been going on in our Division just the same. Our delegate came back from the Grand Division with a good and pleasing report; she was gladly welcomed home, as she was missed very much; all were pleased to hear she had an enjoyable time while in Detroit.

There has been some sickness in our midst, but all are now improving.

Our sewing society met the third Thursday in November; plenty of good work was accomplished, followed by a sumptuous luncheon and plenty of good chatter, and the day was one well spent.

The "circle" was postponed until after the holidays; then the good work will again be taken up.

We have been having a series of committees on entertainments for the purpose of raising the money to reimburse our delegate, who used her own money attending the convention; the next one is planned to take place at Sister George's in the near future.

Our election is over elected are efficient ones. should prosper in 1914.

and all officers Our Division

Echo Mountain Division has extended invitations to all Divisions to its installation of officers and banquet December 3.

Our newly elected president, Sister Seaman, has been invited to assist Mission Bells Division in the installation ceremonies, which was highly appreciated by Sister Seaman.

MRS. ROSE B. SNELL.

Weehawken, N. J.

Franklin Division 245 is still active. Early in the season it gave a successful euchre, followed in October by an excellent sauer kraut dinner at Sister Franklin's home. Those of you who appreciate that kind of dinner would envy the partakers if you could only have an accurate description of the toothsome viands, but space forbids such a description.

Sister Delamater gave a very successful euchre at her home for the benefit of the Division.

At the election of officers Sister Hanna

was pleasantly surprised by a unanimous election as president. This was in appreciation of a sweet and conscientious character.

Joint installation of officers with Defender Division 312 (O. R. C.) was held November 23. Sister Marshall, our new district deputy, installed for the first time. She did it beautifully and the Auxiliary was very proud of her. Sister Delamater was a very efficient marshal. At the close of the installation, Sister Marshall presented a gold Auxiliary emblem to Sister Delamater as a token of gratitude for Sister Delamater's successful and popular years of presidency. Huge bunches of chrysanthemums and other flowers were presented to officers from husbands and friends.

A happy and prosperous new year to all members of the O. R. C. and L. A. MRS. C. E. ROBINSON.

"Sunny South"

I can smell the snowy blossoms
Of the tall magnolia trees;
Hear the mocking-bird's sweet warble,
Wafted on the balmy breeze-
Lulled to sleep, by dainty perfume,
Of the orange blossoms white,
And the golden, yellow jasmine,
Breathing in the soft moonlight.

Far away I see the waters

Of the river, calm and clear;
See the hills rise in the distance,
Seemingly to me, so near;
Hear the little birds a-singing
In the "Sunny South" so grand;
Waken to the sound of music,

Softly playing, "Dixie Land."

I can live and die forever,
In this cherished "Land of Flowers;"
Frolicking with the laughing sunbeams,
Or playing in the garden bowers;

I can live, content and happy-
Where the ocean breezes fare,
Where the winter days are balmy,
In my own dear "Dixie Land."

MRS. E. M. LITTLE.

Oakland, Cal.

City of Oaks Division has lived through 1913 and prospered. Like the stars in the firmament, one lodge differs from another in glory. Some lodges are alert to their calling, and their existence and good works are a blessing to their community. The lodge that merely exists, like a dead fish on its back floating with the current, does little to justify its existence beyond the per capita tax it contributes to the support of the grand lodge. Then, in the name of humanity, do not be content to drift. The thought

center

of the lodge as the educational along broad lines always appealed to us. Somewhere I have heard it said, "The world is upheld by the intelligence and the exalting spirit of good women; they make the earth wholesome." To us this does not mean the women of only highest intelligence the learned-but all true women whose intelligence, of whatever degree, is coupled with a womanly fraternal spirit. "Act well your part, there all the honor lies."

We have labored under difficulties, yet we have not been merely drifting. Our president, Sister Spicer, resigned her office owing to her serious illness, and the many good things she had in store for us could not all be realized. However, Sister Carrie Chapple, our vice-president, was advanced to the president's chair, and has faithfully carried on the work of our Order.

Sister Calenberger has again proven herself a charming hostess, and our best love and wishes go with her to her new home.

The school of instruction held at Salt Lake City November 4, 5 and 6 under the direction of our beloved grand president, Sister Moore, was attended by our district deputy, Sister Whitney; also Sisters McCarthy and Ackerman.

November 6 our Division held the regular meeting in Woodman's hall, Sixteenth and Jefferson streets. We bid farewell to Pythian Castle, where we have met for three years, and take with us sweet memories of the many pleasant hours we have spent together. We feel assured we will add to our welfare in the new hall.

December 4 has closed a contest in our Division, known as "The red and the green." Our aim is to encourage regular attendance. The losing side to banquet

Death has visited our beloved Sister Lauchland, who is bowed in grief over the loss of her husband in an accident on the road. While sisterly love and sympathy have been extended to our dear sister, we know the great Comforter has not forgotten His promise to care for the widows and orphans.

July 1 our Order held its annual picnic at Moss Wood Park, an event ever looked forward to with pleasure, and we hope to have many of our sisters with us from the several states at our picnic in 1915.

Sister Calenberger entertained our members in her beautiful home, just previous to leaving the city for the winter. The tables, which attracted much attention, were elaborately decorated and loaded down with good things to eat.

the winners. Your correspondent being on the losing side, cannot becomingly "boost" the banquet given the winners; however, I venture to say that Sister Spicer, being captain and chairman of the affair, proved her side a most cheerful loser. The sentiments heard from some of the sisters on the winning side recalled these words: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." However, we hope to be on the winning side next year.

December 27 occurs the installation of a new corps of officers. Golden Gate Division 364 (O. R. C.) having extended to City of Oaks Division an invitation to install with them, will add much to the interest of the occasion. We know the pleasure of meeting with our brothers, as this is an old custom of our Division.

Then let us stand as a stone wall together now and forever and be known by these signs

"Our Order teaches lessons we'd all do well to heed.

It surely will protect us in the darkest hours of need.

So, help a worthy brother, you cannot go amiss,

For don't you know you both are bound by this and this and this?

"We all do know what to expect from Friendship's helping hand,

Wherever we may go or be, in many a distant land;

For when the sign is given we answer it with this,

And then we feel that we are bound by this and this and this.

"Our brother's love we all should have, to know most perfect bliss,

And prove each one in this degree by always giving this.

And Truth, a virtue surely is betrayed not by a kiss,

We think before we speak and then give this and this and this.

"We warn a brother thus; and then we know where danger lies,

If help is wanted, to the spot each worthy brother flies.

To make ourselves acquainted, we use this and this and this,

And then we know that we are bound by this and this and this."

May this year so well on its way be closed with richest blessings to our past officers and may the new year bring gladness to every member and a renewed spirit of activity and health to our incoming president, Sister Edwards, who is now recovered from a serious illness. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

ALLIE A. BROWN.

Hannibal, Mc.

Once more before I pass the mighty pen over to my successor I will try to chronicle the happenings of our Division since my last letter. Sisters Kenning, Hunt and Tessmer entertained at the "birthday social" in October. On November 17 the members presented a play entitled “A Parliament of Servants," which was a decided success and from which we realized a goodly sum.

. At our first meeting in December we entertained the ladies of the G. I. A. This makes our second of a series of entertainments of the different Auxiliaries;

the Auxiliary of the B. of R. T. will be our next guest. On December 12 we were royally entertained at a return given by the ladies of the firemen.

Our election has passed and we have certainly selected a good corps of officers, and we are looking forward to a prosperous year; but remember, sisters, you must all come out to meetings, we need every one of you. Our officers can do nothing without the co-operation of the members, for we would be like an army with all officers and no soldiers.

Thanks, Sister Mudd, for your nice letter; such letters make a correspondent feel as though her efforts were appreciated. I think I have mentioned all of the social events of the year.

Of course, our Division has not passed such a pleasant year, as death has handicapped us in many ways. Several families of our Division have been visited by the dark-winged angel and Brothers Arnold, Heitman and Smith were called home within the short period of three months, but we must bow our heads in humble submission to Him who doeth all things well.

And now to all Auxiliaries and especially Carnation Division 108, which was my initiative Division, best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. MRS. FRANK FRANCIS.

Indianapolis, Ind.

Division 103 is now focusing all its thought and interest on the coming school of instruction, which is to be in the near future, the date yet to be decided. We fully realize the inspiration the presence of grand president, Sister Moore gives and also the benefit and pleasure to be derived from the visiting Divisions. Our greatest wish is for its ultimate success.

We held joint installation with our brother Division on November 16, and I am sure it was pleasing and beneficial to all. We are all installed into our new duties (and old ones as well), and the next thing is to make good our avowals and resolutions. The time for making these avowals is very opportune and fitting, as this is the proper season (or I should say the accustomed season, as every season should be) for making good resolutions, and we at least make a good starting if a bad ending, though it is to be hoped we may make our good resolves more flexible that they may reach from the "Alpha" to the "Omega," even including summer months, the usual accepted time for relaxation from responsibility and duty.

As the cloud and sunshine mingle, so is our Auxiliary overshadowed by the recent visit of the death angel in the midst