SUMMARY. O. R. C. Divisions... B. R. T. Lodges. B. L. E. Divisions. B. L. F. & E. Lodges. L. A. C. Divisions.. L. A. T. Lodges. G. I. A. Divisions. L. S. to F. Lodges. .$ 259.31 758.75 504.70 207.00 126.50 186.25 224.95 27.00 1.00 1.00 James Costello, No. 270, O. R. C... Alfred S. Lunt, No. 456, B. R. T... A. I. Kauffman, No. 381, B. L. F. & E. 1.00 1.00 3.40 5.00 Gel F. LaChance, No. 10, B. L. E...... ton Angus Menish, No. 33, B. L. E.... From members of No. 726, B. R. T. E. J. Mahoney, No. 197, B. R. T..... W. N. Doak, No. 533, B. R. T.... H. J. Wathall, No. 65, B. R. T... 1.00 1.50 2.00 145.00 63.50 1.00 MISCELLANEOUS. 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 5.50 $2,544.91 One box of canned goods from No. 50, L. A. T. One quilt from No. 382, G. I. A. Two quilts from No. 367, L. A. T. One box of canned goods from No. 128, L. A. T. One quilt from No. 149, G. I. A. Box of cigars from A. E. King, G. S. & T. Box of cigars from W. C. Hately, Highland Park, Ill. Two boxes of cigars and two gallons of home-made wine from C. & N. W. conductors, brakemen, engineers and firemen. Two boxes of cigars from M. J. Condon, No. 83, O. R. C. One quilt from No. 152, L. S. to F. Highland Park, Ill. JOHN O'KEEFE, Sec. & Treas. EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR: I failed to land the plum of a paid expense recreation trip to Beantown as delegate, though the boys did give me the "booby," sometimes called consolation prize, of alternate. As I was designated as one of the Division's correspondents, my_confrere being Brother F. H. (Klondike) Cronkrite, you are the only medium left me through which to be heard, therefore prepare both yourself and the good members who read for the consequences; that is, if you allow my vaporings to appear at all, and by the way, us fellows at some distance are rather at a disadvantage on account of your rule of the arriving_time of the 15th, as we do not get our CONDUCTOR until about the 18th, and by the time we answer the other fellow he has forgotten all about it, or we have forgotten to remember his side of the situation, but I suppose this is one of "the ills than cannot be cured, etc." Now to my present purpose: I have no idea that it will be at all popular, or stand a ghost of a show of getting into effect, but as there is apparently a well defined and generally admitted thought that our Grand Division meetings cost too much, and various ways and means have been proposed to remedy the matter, and thus far nothing proposed has met with any considerable de6.55 gree of support or even unanimity of opin1.00 ion, I would like the membership at large, and the delegates in particular, as well as the officers and committees of our Grand 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 Division, to carefully consider if it would not be wise to go back to our former plan of each Division paying its own representative, and if any Division is too small or in any way unable to send a delegate (and I think a number of them would be), the desired end would at least be greatly assisted and no one the loser, for it goes without saying that if there was any real reason for any Division sending a representative, they would do so and not count the cost; besides, if there were reason for it, several of these weak Divisions could club together and apportion the cost pro rata, of course, to be legally provided for. Not at all wishing to criticise, it has always seemed to me that tenable argument was wanting for the present plan. It is conceded that extra expense and an unwieldy body is the result of it, besides time consumed with no adequate betterment, so why continue to send not only an unnecessary number of delegates, but so many as to actually obstruct the transaction of business simply to gratify one man from each Division? And further, why force the larger Divisions to pay for votes that possibly would be cast against their own interests? It is not just or right. This may be argued as retrograde movement, but I say in all kindness, that this is an argument against an experiment that has proven faulty, and if no other, no better, or more practical and satisfactory plan is presented, why not go back? I thoroughly believe, and there are many others who believe it, too, that the plan that spends what it now costs us to get the results obtained, even if it does give a biennial excursion trip to five hundred sixty odd members, is too much of a good thing, and it is high time that this money was put to another and a better use and except some more feasible and practical business plan can be put in operation, by all means let us try the old way again and see whether it would not reduce expenses, as well as give really better results. Just stop and think for a minute; on the basis of cost of the last Grand Division and the added new Divisions, the Boston clam and bean bake will cost approximately $80,000. And why? Simply to follow an old rut and give an excursion to some "good fellows." Now all howl at once, please. The truth hurts, does it not? One other small item: A law that is impractical ought not to exist. Section 79, or at least a part of it, ought to be "cut out." Who of you ever heard of its enforcement? And why should it be? A member is a member, and should always be entitled to all assistance possible if deserving, and that old saying about watering horses is here applicable. You can not force attendance in that any more than in any other way. If a man has not his own EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR: I am not feeling any too good this evening, but feel as though I must write a few words to the CONDUCTOR in accordance with the promise that I have made to my Brothers as to keeping Division 180 before the people. They all feel as I do that all good. prosperous Divisions should be represented in our valuable Journal. We have just ended the old year, and it has been one of many ups and downs. While we might say it was prosperous, we could have done more for the good of the Order and for our good members than we have, and we expect to put our shoulder to the wheel and push the good work foremost this new year, to where every one shall feel proud of the fact that he belongs to a band of Brothers who expect to lift him up morally and socially as well as religiously. We are fast gaining the good will and respect of the better classes of people than that which was once put before us, "You are just a railroad man, that's all." Some of the best people we have now are railroad people, stand in the best society, and move among the best citizens of the community. We feel proud to tell you that we are building up. Now I want to say something about the joint installation of officers which occurred at our hall December 27. This meeting has been the whole topic of conversation among our members and friends for the past two or three weeks. This joint installation consisted of Divisions 180, 457, and Golden Rod Division 43, Ladies Auxiliary. I don't know just what the attendance was, but at any rate, the hall was full of conductors, their families and friends. The meeting was called to order by the chairman and opened with prayer by Brother C. W. Mangum. Then followed the installation of officers of the two Divisions, 180 and 457. presided over by Brother D. M. Vining, installing officer, which was done with credit to himself as well as to Division 180. Brother Vining has a clear and distinct voice and was listened to with pleasure and praise. After our installation, the ladies proceeded to install their officers, with Sister J. G. Garwood as installing officer. This was the first opportunity some of our members ever had to witness the installation ceremony of the Ladies Auxiliary. And I want to say that they stand at the head of their class when it comes to performing solemn ceremonies of this kind. The arrangements they had were carried out to the letter, and they captured the crowd completely. Sister Stephens acted as marshal and she certainly knows just how to march those ladies around to their respective places. No question but that this meeting was one of the best and most pleasant installation ceremonies that the Atlanta Divisions have ever had, and the officers in all of the respective Divisions expect to do all in their power to make this new year one of prosperity and happiness to all members and their families. Division 180 rejoices over the fact that Brother Patten, our Chief Conductor, was re-elected and installed for another year. He is a congenial, fine looking gentleman, and has an appearance more like that of a United States senator than that of a conductor. Several visiting Brothers from other Divisions were noticed among us at this meeting. Among them was Brother W. T. Capeheart, of Division 148, Chattanooga, who made a very interesting address. He is general yardmaster for the N. C. & St. L. Ry. at Chattanooga. Before closing, I must say a word of praise to the committee of arrangement for the manner in which they so beautifully arranged the program, and especially the eating end of it. After all the work was finished, a committee composed of twentyfive gentlemen and a similar number of ladies donned their aprons and armed each with a waiter, proceeded to feed the crowd. I only hope that other Divisions all over the country enjoyed their installations equally as well as did the conductors, their families and friends, of Atlanta. It shall long be remembered by all the good railroad people of Atlanta and vicinity. Atlanta, Ga. H. C. WILLIAMS. EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR: The President of our Order, in his wisdom (?), deputized me to organize two new members of the family in Mexico, Division 526 at Torreon, Mexico, and Division 540 at Guadalajara, the first named on November 8, and the other on November 12. I left here on the evening of the 6th and arrived in Torreon on the evening of the 7th. A delegation met me at the train and caught me before I could escape (and I did not want to escape); there were Brothers C. F. Murray, J. H. Thompson, J. McCarty and several more, and they assured me that this was not an unusual thing for them to do; that they always met their Brothers when they knew they were to visit Torreon on any Order business, if they were informed of their coming in advance, as they had been regarding me. Brother Murray told me later they had concluded to tell me that for fear I would get it in my head that I was of too much importance; also so my head would not do any of the swelling which might have been the case had too much honor been shown me. That is all right, Brothers, I assure you I consider it an honor to have had the pleasure of organizing your new Division. I organized Torreon Division 526 November 8, with twenty-seven charter members, and I know no better set of Order men than there is in Torreon; but then, all of our Brothers in Mexico are old-timers and thoroughbreds, and you will see the new Division in our directory from this time on; may it always stay in there and continue to shed its light far, far away on the rail. Brother Pairis, Secretary and Treasurer of Division 436, Chihuahua, and Brother Gleason, of Division 428, Monclova, Mexico, were visitors, and gave us good help, for which we thank these Brothers and their Divisions. I left Torreon on the morning of the 9th for Guadalajara, to organize Division 540 in that beautiful city. My wife had been up in one corner of "God's country" on a short visit (I mean Texas, but I wish you all to know that is the biggest corner of any one corner in "God's country"), so I had company on the long journey to Guadalajara. I had notified these Brothers I would arrive there the 11th, but I got in a day ahead and surprised them. Brother Scott Wallace was the only one who knew I was on earth (in Guadalajara) till I had been in town for twenty-four hours and we had enjoyed ourselves riding on electric street cars all over the surrounding country (great things, those electric cars; we don't know what they are in San Luis Potosi), but the next morning it just seemed as though every conductor on the Guadalajara division was in, and they all got busy at once and kept us busy for the remainder of the time we were in the city. Brother Cart and his estimable wife took us into their arms (house for dinner, same thing), renewed old friendships with Brother Cornforth and our old-time friends, all of them; also Mr. R. March, now of the Jalisco Times, an old-time dispatcher and railroad man, and a very warm old friend; we had a very pleasant visit with him. I organized Division 540 on the evening of the 12th with twenty-seven charter members. After organizing the Division and installing the officers, a fine banquet was served in the rooms of Brother A. W. Earnest. All enjoyed themselves hugely and wanted to dance after the banquet, but they overlooked the one thing necessary for a ball, the ladies, so we had to be content with what we could eat. But I was told they would have the ball later and I am to receive invitation No. I. We had one of the best and happiest times of our experience in both Torreon and Guadalajara with these old-time Brothers and friends. Both of these new Divisions are starting out with brilliant prospects of making good in all things, and I am sure they will all be proud of their places in our great family of Divisions always, and I am also sure we will all welcome them with open arms, warm hearts and helping hands. In conclusion, I promised the Brothers of both Divisions, Torreon 526 and Guadalajara, I would write up this visit in the fraternal columns of the CONDUCTOR and tell how I found them. There aren't enough words in the English language (that I am familiar with) to tell all the good things I would like to tell about them both. I do not care to write for publication, but I have done my best to keep my promise to you. You will have a hard struggle for the first year, but just keep traveling along, remembering always our grand motto, Fidelity, Justice and Charity in Perpetual Friendship, and you will pull through with them all right (if all pay their dues and assessments promptly). Now, Brothers, I will bid you adios, and when you come my way, call on me and shake hands, if nothing EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR: It has been some time since Division 504 has been heard from through the CoNDUCTOR, and as I have been elected correspondent for the ensuing year, I will endeavor, in my humble way, to fulfill my promise. On November 22, Monroe Division 504 held its annual election of officers. Too much praise cannot be given to the officers for the efficient manner in which the business of this Division has been transacted during the year 1908. As I do not wish to take up the room in our columns, will say that we have nearly the same officers as in 1908. The report required from Secretaries at this meeting showed our Division in good shape in every respect. After the election of officers, there was a rush to the Gloster hotel where all the good things to eat were partaken of by all. Our superintendent, Mr. W. A. Gore, joined with us at this point and gave us a very interesting talk. Our Chief Conductor and several members also made some very interesting remarks. Brothers, let us all look to the supreme. guide during the year 1909 that we may be kept from the snares of our enemy; give no false signals, run into no fatal slides or washouts, keep a bright light in the dark tunnels, inspect the emergency brakes, and be on the lookout for any fatal obstruction which may wreck our train. MACK. Chester, S. C. EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR : At the last meeting of Division 184, I was elected correspondent for the ensuing year. Why this was done, I cannot tell. I am a great dreamer of good things, but in my fondest dreams I have never dreamed that I would make a correspondent. Possibly some of our Brothers, who are close observers of human nature, think they have discovered a spark of good in their humble servant. I have always felt that there was some good somewhere in this old lump of clay and have many a time tried to bring it to the surface, but have utterly failed. But now, since my good Brothers have discovered that there really is a little bit of good in me, I will keep pounding away and try, in my humble way, to bring the good more to the surface where it may be more visible in the future than it has been in the past. Brothers, I am just learning to walk (write), and if I make a mistake, come at me slowly, for that is the road I travel on. It makes no difference down here how slow you are, or if you come in late, just so you make it in two times eight. I say our road is slow, yet permit me to say that it is sure; long trains, sixty cars or more, good engines, and if the thermometer points north it is sixty and if it points south it is more. Our chief dispatcher eats, drinks, and sleeps by the thermometer down here, and any change in it is likely to make a change in our tonnage, so you see we always have our tonnage (all we can pull), and never ask how many cars we get, for that is an insult to the general yardmasterjust couple on and dig out. Our business has picked up considerable and several crews have been added, giving work and smiles to many of the boys who have been laid off through the depression of business. We have several good O. R. C. men carrying the wrench now, but if business continues to pick up it won't be long before they will be conning the bills again. We can see the boys gathering around in groups, discussing the outlook of business, hoping in a few days to get a call to arms. We have a good lot of sober and industrious men on the old C. & O., one of the most reliable roads in the country, men who are always ready when called, men who were made right here on this road, and they have no roaming disposition, not even enough to roam around to their Division on meeting days. Brothers, we like to see you devoted to your families and your contented disposition, but don't forget from whence all your protections come (the Division room), and come around and let us see if that face of yours is not all aglow with smiles at the prospects of four more years of prosperity. Come! We would be DELIGHTED to see you and will give you a hearty hand-shake and the best seats in the hall; we will tell you what has been going on during the year, now rapidly slipping away. Don't stand around and tell your troubles to the (sand house committee) world; come and tell them in your Division, let them be good or bad, and we will help you out-not out of the Division, but out of your troubles. Did you ever feel just like you were down and out and did not have a friend on earth, and about that time fall into some good old-time gospel meeting where everyone felt good and happy? You would come out feeling like a new man with new life, new resolutions, your heart would be filled with love, and you would then see how it is possible for a man to love his neighbor as himself. Well, this is just the way you will feel if you will come around on meeting days and join us in our devotion to our noble Order. Come; we need you, we need your presence, we need your advice, we need you in many other ways; we need you with us that we may sit down and spend a few hours adjusting our business matters, and then we will go over our past life and see if we can't help one another to a higher life -a life that will be commendable to the world. Brothers, if things don't go to suit me, I get my calendar and see what date my Division meets, and I am there to make an effort to adjust my troubles. We should not stay away and tell our troubles and how we have been treated to the world. No, that weakens your cause. Come and be one in our midst, and we will help you and see that you get what is coming to you. I will say, for the benefit of some of our members who never attend our Division, unless they have an ax to grind or some personal matters to adjust, that Division 184 is still numbered among the living, and in most cases have a quorum on meeting days. Last meeting day was election of officers for the ensuing year, and some of you boys whom we hardly ever see in the Division room were elected to office. Now come out and fill your office and help us fight the battle of life. The time is rapidly approaching when we all will be getting down the old record book of what has happened and how much good we have done during the past year, brushing the dust off and turning over a new leaf for a new year's record-a new leaf, spotless and pure, not a mark on it. Brothers, what shall the headlines be? May God help us all to say this right at the top of the page and keep it before us for three hundred and sixty-five days. God help me to be a better man, a better father, a better husband, a better neighbor, a better O. R. C. man, and help us that our light may not cease to shine forth among railroad men during the life of the coming year. Put it down and, if in good faith, God will help you to be a better man and cast all those old wretched feelings of discontent far from you. Our business has been very irregular during the past year, necessitating the cutting of crews at times, then it would pick up and a few crews be put back on. This kept our worthy chairman busy looking after the interests of the men to see that there were not too many crews added so that the men could not make their limit per month. Of course we have some good O. R. C. men who would be cut out for the time being, and, strange to say, these men became somewhat offended because they were cut off and said real hard things about the chairman, not thinking for a moment that it was their own fault that they did not commence railroading a little sooner. chairman is a good one, dealing justice to all and showing partiality to none, hewing to the line and letting the chips fall where they belong. Keep shouting, Brother Penn, no harm shall befall you so long as you are in the right. H. A. CALLAHAN. Clifton Forge, Va. EDITOR RAILWAY CONDUCTOR : Our Nothing has been heard from Mt. Tacoma Division 249 within my memory, and while myself as well as others have made unkind remarks about the ability or industry of our correspondent, my remarks were confined to that time previous to the election of the present incumbent, an honor entirely unsought. My regime as scribe commenced at our last annual meeting, November 22, a meeting I try to never miss or let my wife miss, either. While the Division was closing up the business of the past year and preparing for the coming one, the ladies were preparing a royal banquet where we gathered after the new officers were elected, and did justice to the results of their labors. Or may be it was an injustice, for the way we went for those good things looked as if each one of us had just come over the mountain with a drag, sixteen hours on duty and nothing to eat between terminals. Brother Ed. Hughes, chairman of our general grievance committee, was present, and he had a drag appetite, too, or may be he had to come to Tacoma to get filled up. Brother Tieman, Chief Conductor of Seattle Division 350, was also with us and gave us all a cordial invitation to visit Division 350 and bring our wives. From present indications, it seems that Tacoma will be quite important as a railroad center in the near future. The C. M. & St. P. has completed its line as far as |