letic games, and for these latter, as also for fancy dancing, prizes were awarded. Shortly after the noon hour there was a short time devoted to oratory. Speeches were delivered by E. L. Bair, vice-chairman of the adjustment committee with the Southern Pacific, also the legislative representative of the organization at the state legislature, General Frederick Funston, and Sheriff Frank Barnett, of Alameda county, all of whose remarks were short and to the point. In leaving the pleasure grounds, the boat made the trips at 3:30 and 5:30 o'clock, and one and all voted the day a most enjoyable one. We also celebrated our anniversary during the year, opened and closed our meeting, practiced our floor work, and then adjourned to the banquet hall, which had been previously decorated for the occasion in the colors of our Order, and about thirty members sat down to enjoy the banquet. Sister Rose Hughes was toastmistress. She gave us a good talk on the merits of the Order. Speeches were also made by Sisters Ackerman, Burns and Allen, quite a number of charter members being present. After eating, talking and having a general good time, we still had loads of beatuiful cakes left uncut. A birthday cake, made by Sister Johnson, not being cut, and not knowing what to do with it, Sister Whitney conceived the idea of auctioning it off, and climbing on a bench (just think how silly it must have looked to some of our members, but still it made lots of fun) the cake was sold to Sister Whitney for a dollar and a half. Three or four other cakes were also sold, the amount of money taken in being more than enough to pay for the turkey at our banquet. I could go on telling you of our enjoyments, but I am afraid that it would not be of interest to anybody except ourselves.

Oakland, Cal., MRS. OSCAR WHITNEY.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR :.

As election of officers takes place at our next meeting, I present myself for the last time as correspondent of Binghamton Division 164, L. A. to O. R. C. We have had a pleasant and profitable year, having added seven or eight to our membership. We have held our little thimble parties around at the different homes, and all have enjoyed them very much.

I wish there might be some means devised to create more of an interest in the auxiliary work. The faithful few attend each meeting, and sometimes we get discouraged and wonder if it is worth while; then there will be a large attendance and we take new courage. There seems to be a lack of sympathy here between the O. R. C. Division and its auxiliary. Perhaps it is so everywhere, but it seems to me that much more could be accomplished for both if they worked more in unison, for, as I

served lunch, each taking turns, which helped to stimulate interest in our meetings.

I forgot to mention that ten of our members, including all the officers except one, attended the School of Instruction at Green Bay September 8, presided over by our Grand President, Sister Moore. We feel that we have profited much by the corrections and it has renewed our interest in the work. While there, we were entertained at a banquet by members of Green Bay Division 114. We would be glad to see any of the Sisters should they visit our city, and would try and return the favor which we owe them.

We were entertained at a banquet by the L. A. to the B. of L. E., held in their hall, after which a social hour was spent, and all left for their various homes feeling that they had spent a most enjoyable evening.

We have had a fairly good attendance at our meetings, but it might be better, Sisters, so all try and come out on meeting days, for we miss the absent ones. We have taken in one new member this year and hope to take in several the coming year.

There have been both joy and sorrow come to many of our members the past year, and we all look forward to a happy and prosperous New Year.

Fond du Lac, Wis. MRS. B. M. SIAS.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

Detroit Division 44 elected officers December 3, and with the exception of two or three, the stations for 1909 will be filled by new officers. It can be truly said of Mrs. J. N. Lovell, retiring President, that she has been able to command the respect and support due her from the Division the last two years in a commendable manner. Our new President, Mrs. George Lockard, though new in the office, has been a member of the Division for a long time, and with the love and hearty co-operation of the Sisters there is no reason why the interest and good fellowship should not continue.

The annual President and Past President's day and banquet took place October I, it being one of the most successful in its history. Vice-President Mrs. Lillie B. Stephens opened the meeting with a graceful address of welcome, and complimented the members on the warm interest they have shown in the work in the past year. An excellent programme, made up of addresses, readings, recitations and speeches, was greatly enjoyed. The Fraternal Beneficiary Association was not forgotten by Mrs. Jossie Pattison, who gave an entertaining report and awakened in her hearers a warm interest in the subject. The afternoon came to a close all too soon, and as we departed for our homes the one great wish was that we meet one year hence with our circle unbroken.

On October 18, Mrs. John Fording entertained at her home our Grand President, Mrs. J. H. Moore, and in the evening treated her to a surprise by the members of Division 44 at the home of your humble scribe.

Let

My sincere desire is that we enter upon another year's service and glorious opportunity to make it a record-breaker. each member try to secure a new member. Just think what it will mean to us. Give socials and get better acquainted with each other, for it is gatherings like these that loosen the heartstrings and unite us more closely in the bonds of sisterly love and affection. Let us cherish kindly feelings towards each other, and ever remember our motto, Charity, Truth and Friendship. Detroit, Mich. MRS. FRANK HART.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR :

Well, Sisters, I don't think this will be in the December Journal, but I will be tickled to death if they see fit to publish it at all.

We had our School of Instruction, and were very much pleased to have so many conductors' wives visit us from other parts and Divisions, and glad to have some who did not belong to the Ladies Auxiliary, but hope they may be members before long. We also gave our annual "at home," and cleared a small sum for our treasury.

We are not getting any new members just at present, as every person is first thinking of Christmas and what they are going to get to eat that day, but I think we must get busy after New Years and do something.

Since writing my last letter, I am very sorry to say that death has visited one of our dear Sister's homes and called home one of her loved sons after a short illness. We all feel for her, and our sympathy goes out to her in her sorrow.

Now we will try to do better during the coming year, so with all good wishes for the New Year, I will close. Toronto, Canada.

CORRESPONDENT.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

It has been so long since you heard from Tinsman Division 206, I feel that you must give us a hearing. We are progressing nicely, meeting regularly and enjoying each meeting. Last month we had a little social affair that was greatly enjoyed by all attending. Our good President thought it would be a good idea to invite the locomotive firemen's wives to cur hall for a social afternoon. They are a new auxiliary, meet in a hall just across the street from our hall, and upon the same afternoon, so a committee was appointed to take an invitation to them. They read the invitation, accepted, and the following meeting day,

November 11, they responded seventeen strong. The afternoon was spent in happy conversation and a guessing contest.

During the month of October we thought we would make a little money, so arranged for a bakery. All the Sisters gave liberally, and we had good pies, cakes, bread, etc., galore, and after a few hours' work we found we had made eleven dollars.

We expect a good attendance next meeting, as it is election of officers. We are always glad to see a goodly number out, as it swells our penny bank. We have a small iron bank, and each regular meeting we have a penny march, and each Sister deposits a penny or more, then when we have a sick member we rob our penny bank and send a bunch of flowers.

I hope our new correspondent will tell you oftener how well and happy Division 206 is. LUCY NESTLEBUSH BRONSON.

Trenton, Mo.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

It has been some time since Division 36 has been represented in THE RAILWAY CONDUCTOR, and I feel it my duty to let other Divisions know what we are doing.

was

On May 10 we attended our School of Instruction in New York, there being five Divisions represented. The School held under the auspices of Division 200 and was a success in every way. Mrs. J. H. Moore, our Grand President, was present, and conducted the School in a most pleasing and creditable manner, much to the satisfaction of those who were fortunate enough to attend. Sister Hutchinson, of Division 200, our District Deputy, was also present to assist our Grand President.

Our Division held a rummage sale, with most of our Sisters acting as salesladies. They all enjoyed it and it was a success. Albany, N. Y. MRS. W. J. RANDALL.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

At our last meeting I was reminded that I owed one more letter before my term of office expires. Next meeting we have election of officers, and I hope they will put a more competent person in my place, as I am no Journal writer. I see by the November number we have some critics who read the Journal for what errors they may find and not for the good in it, but I am glad we have such a generous editor. Surely the one who signs cannot be a member of our Order.

"Who are to others' faults a little blind, And to their virtues ever kind."

In the past year we have taken in a few members, and hope to make a more prosperous one of the next.

Our Division was well represented at the School of Instruction, given in Salt Lake City in July, and I think none came away

sorry that they went, as our Grand President is such an artist at her work.

In October, one of our Sisters passed to the great beyond. The Lord has surely been good to us, as it is the first time our charter has been draped since it was placed on the wall thirteen years ago.

Sister Walker and daughter, of Division 150, came up to attend the funeral.

We were pleased to have with us at our last meeting a former member, Sister Parr, now of Division 84.

Not long since I saw a letter from Brother Munn, of Division 128, but it has been many a moon since I saw one from Division 31. Let us hear from you, Sisters.

We are all wondering what has become of Sister A. White, who moved to eastern Nebraska. We hear it on all sides, "Isn't it strange she does not write?" Send a few cards, Sister White. Ogden, Utah. MRS. A. RINCKER.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR :

Better late than never, so here I am again for Prospect Division 30. Our Division is doing fine. On October 6, we went to the School of Instruction at Chicago, and we received great help from it, for our Grand President makes everything so plain. On November 17, we went to Chicago Junction, Ohio, to visit Myrtle Division 25. We were royally entertained, and we may want to go again, but not to do their work, for we would have liked to see them go through the work.

We have two sick members, Sisters Lightner and Heffner, but we hope for their speedy recovery.

Next meeting we have election, so I will say good-bye for 1908, and I know Prospect Division is glad, for then they will get a new correspondent. God be with you all until we meet in that other world. Garrett, Ind. MRS. J. WM. BROWN.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

At our first regular meeting in December we elected our officers for the coming year, and as "I lost my job," I must hurry to get one more letter in the dear old Journal. Some of the old officers were reelected and a few new ones will replace the old. Sister Mary Rainsford was elected President, to succeed Sister Owens, who has been sick the greater part of the year, but at present is gaining, and we hope she will be with us again soon, for we miss her cheerful looks and words so much. From Sister Rainsford we expect great things, as she has been tried and found "not wanting." We are having a good attendance and have hopes for some new members, as we have one candidate ready for initiation and some applications out.

We were greatly disappointed in not

having District Deputy Sister Ody with us in October, but hope to have the pleasure of meeting with her some time this winter. We have had several nickel teas, which were very enjoyable as well as profitable.

The Division went in a body to call on Senior Sister Ida Cray not long ago, and surprised her so that for a little while she hardly knew what to say or do, but she soon regained her usual good, natural serenity and gave us all a hearty welcome and a grand good time was had by all. A beautiful salad dish was left as a remembrance of the visit.

At the instigation of Sister Hendricks, we are making a rag carpet for the benefit of the Division, which we are going to raffle off later on, and we expect to realize a nice little sum besides having lots of fun getting the rags ready.

Business is getting a little better on the several roads coming into Erie, so we are all planning a "Merry Christmas," which we unite in wishing all Brothers and Sisters, also the kind editor of the Journal, and adding to that a happy, thrice happy New Year to all. MRS. JAMES COMERFORD.

Erie, Pa.

They have "studied the problems of slum-life,"

(A venture which brought them renown), Though the blood and the sweat

And the smells that they met,

Drove them back to their homes uptown.

They were seized with a fainting sensation
As they passed us in filth without name,
But they thought that they knew
What "the masses" pass through,

In keeping the rules of the game.

But the Great Referee of the Contest,

Whose judgments ne'er come with a snap

For He knows the whole game,

And He knows why we're lame

He'll give us a big handicap.

EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR:

The election of officers in most of the Divisions of the Order of Railway Conductors will, no doubt, have been held before this letter reaches you. Bower City Division 113 made some changes in its roster of officials. Let us hope the Division will advance the same as it has in the past by the members that have been placed in charge. In order to do this they will have to attend meetings more regularly than they have been doing in the past, and we hope the incentive of placing them in their respective offices will have the desired effect, and with the regulars that always attend the meetings, we can figure on a large attendance which, in my contention, is the life of any Division.

Some of the Brothers who attended our meeting on November 24, said that they would not have missed that meeting under any consideration, and that they never knew that any Brother could get interested enough to lose sleep to attend the meetings. But will they, in the future, attend with the faithful few who have in the past kept together an organization built up by honest and sincere efforts, always on the firing line to take every opportunity possible to advance the membership and the organization with the times? Just look back on the happenings of the last year. How many Brothers have lost out when invested capital found that dividends were not forthcoming and as never before, those very same Brothers who never thought it necessary to attend meetings of the Order, were found looking for meeting places where they could make requests upon an organization that had protected them in the past. They were relying upon their own ability to pass safely through without help from the membership of this organization. How many have succeeded in their efforts?

If the matter was looked into carefully, the decision of the ordinary conductor would be that their efforts were as far from success as their attendance at Division meetings were. Good and verified authority backed up by facts and figures can be had of the same if requested, from either the chairman of the Council or the treasurer.

Brother Editor, I want to thank you for your write-up and honest remarks in the November issue of the CONDUCTOR for the Conductors' Council. I will say that every honest recommendation for the Council. through the columns of the CONDUCTOR will be highly appreciated; also that we have procured positions for members of the Order in different parts of the country and have been just as successful as we have been in and around the vicinity of Chicago, which, you know, is somewhat of a railroad center. Since the organization of the Council in March, 1907, we have procured eightysix positions for members of the Order, and several members of kindred organizations that some worthy member of our organization would recommend to us. We have looked after all the needy that came under our notice and relieved many a distressed member's family, and will say that I am in possession of many letters of thanks and appreciation from Brothers, their wives, their families, and different Divisions, whose members were looked after and taken care of by the Council. These efforts are what we obligated ourselves to do upon entering the Order. We procured transportation for members of the Order on all trunk lines entering Chicago, and I find, while looking over my records, there were just one hundred and forty-two requests made for same, for every one of which we received either free transportation or the customary half rate. We issued seventy